What's on your plate...........
 

Mr.Alffe gets to have a colonoscopy this morning and I'm taking a couple of books that I'm in the middle of....A Virtuous Woman by Kaye Gibbons and
The Echo Maker by Richard Powers..I don't know why I try to read more than one book at a time...:confused:

And I get to ride along in Wrens pocket for her intown apt. and am asking for traveling mercies. :cool:

I find myself missing KathyM and hoping she has stopped "vibrating" :hug:
And hope that Doody feels a little less depressed today. It's nice to find the poet in David....ty for sharing your heart with us.

I'm also getting excited for Addy on her new quest. And I'm ready for Lara to come down from her "walk about". *grin

Praying for pain relief and healing for Aunt Jo. (((Goofy)))

I'm thankful for Mrs.D and her contributions here and Doc John and the mods.
(expecially for da monkey!) Hugs for the room. :grouphug:

They say we're going to have an ice storm this weekend... guess i'll go to walmart and get a few non perishable items just in case of a power outage.

gotta give our poochie another flea bath.... when his previous owner gave him to us he had fleas, and we just cant get rid of them... doesn't the vet have something you can give them to get rid of fleas???

i guess i'll start to drag out my christmas stuff... i'm having a hard time getting into it this year... and go to the post office for stamps.... gotta have those for the cards i'm going to get today... :rolleyes:

I think I'll call Uncle Dean too and check on Aunt Jo... They're in the middle of an ice storm right now so i know he wont be at the hospital unless he stayed the night... which i dont think he did.

I am trying to get myself out of the door to mail packages. I'm finally out of a few staples which forces me out there. I wish it weren't so difficult to move when I am in this phase of "what makes me who I am".

I know once I get into the sunshine - and beside that ocean, I'll be thanking God. Maybe I'll bring my camera and post some pics later. :) that thought makes me smile.

I am in the midst of chaos as I attempt to organize the chaos of my apartment. I believe that I should start keeping track of how many times I rearrange my little place - each time I think I've done a better job... only to rip it all apart and reorganize another way....

Last night I posted a video to UTUBE! I wrote about the video in the "cheer" thread so I will post a link there for you all to see.

I cannot believe I did it and am quite impressed with how easy it is! I have made a ton of videos over the years (with still photos and music) and may post more over time.

OMG... I have to get moving.... but first, more reading here

how cool addy. i can't wait to see it.

i finally loaded the software to my webcam on this computer. but the dang thing desn't have a microphone. :( so it really doesn't do any good.

:grouphug:

Help
 

Addy.

Maybe you could hep me?

I want to take photos and put them to music on a video

if you know how to do this could you send instructions, maybe on a pm, so not to clog up the board yet i'm sure others would be interested in how to do this as well

Thanks David.

My plate today is COLD - half rain and half ice - but I still have electricity ... that's the important part. I hope it continues all day.... I mean the electricity, not the ice :p

I hope everyone is warm and safe.

same her Wren. The trees are covered with ice... its really pretty. our pine tree limbs is hanging down over our sidewalk... you have to dodge the branches to get out of the house LOL... The streets are clear so far. of course the kids are praying for no school tomorrow :rolleyes:

I just got back from visiting our Pastor Emeritus in the hospital..he's 86 today, recovering from back surgery and now has the staph infection. ~sigh
did a little fish tailing in the parking lot as we are having freezing rain. :eek:

:hug:sending healing prayers that the staph clears up fast.

and you know you were doing donuts. :p

I'm going to meet my sister for lunch if she can scrape three days of ice off her car. I'm grateful to have a garage and snow tires on my car. And I'm toying with trying yet again, to make garlic paste! :rolleyes: I gave up on the flatbread. :p Finally finished A Virtuous Woman (liked it alot!) and am still reading The Echo Maker.

Cooper is just crazy about the neighbors new black lab...especially when she gets loose and comes running over to play. Makes me nervous because of the busy road...

Thinking about Wren and the weather...also Goofy. :grouphug:
wondering when Addy is leaving for Sparkles.....

What's on your plate?............

Edit to add.....I have garlic paste on my plate!!! :D

Chocolate Truffles ..... my daughter and I were up late last night rolling the chocolate mixture in coloured sugar, chocolate sprinkles, ground almonds, ground pecans, and Bernard Callebaut coca powder. They really look lovely in the Christmas paper cups, lined up in the Christmas tin for my neighbours. (very professional .... if I do say so myself!)

Today after work I'll be buying white chocolate and cream cheese ... to make dark chocolate candy cane cookies with a white chocolate drizzle and crushed candy cane crumbs on top.

Last night I was also cutting up bits of printed Christmas fabric for the kindergarten class. (Being a quilter, I have lots of printed fabric ... :rolleyes:)

I still have to finish my secret knitting project ... and get the rest of my photo cards with our Christmas letter in the mail ....

At least I got all of my parcels to my friends in the States all packaged and 'air mailed' ! (I wonder if Alffe will guess what is in the Q Tip box?!)

Eeeks! :eek: Just 10 days 'til we leave on a jet plane to spend Christmas with my folks. :D

I wonder if scrabble would share her truffles recipe...opppsss wrong thread:D

bizi... you're funny... ya made me laugh!

~scrabble ... your kiddos are going to have these wonderful memories for the rest of their lives! I was/am a crafty mommy, too... always doing projects and included my kids in so many fun things... of course, I loved doing it as much as them.... :)

Goofy ... I love keeping up with your kiddos, too- treasure these days!

Ok... my plate...
last chorus rehearsal before our break for christmas is tonight....

organizing my apartment for the friend who will be watching my cats while I'm away at Sparkles

packing to leave for Sparkles - this Saturday, weather allowing... I'll be keeping in touch here in the forum because while sis is at work, I'll be doing my selling on eBay (I sell knitting mags so its easy to transport). I'll also be applying for "real" jobs - both in sisters area and here where I live....

Sparkle is a special needs teacher - she'll be off work thru the break and we plan to walk a lot. We both could use a few pounds... and I know we'll have fun doing it! (or procrasinating about it!... lol... I can't tell you how many times we tell each other - "Ok, lets not talk about it anymore"... ha ha... )

Its been such a crazy day!!!! They just canceled school for the rest of the week. Apparently big tree branch fell through the roof of one of the middle schools, and several of the schools are still without power... They postponed Scotts Christmas choir concert. I'm just thankful they didn't cancel it... According to the weathermen we're suppose to get at least 4 inches of snow friday night and saturday. There are still ALOT of people without power. They opened up the COX center downtown today for those who need a place to stay. They say they can sleep and feed up to 750 people for as long as necessary.
The timer just went off.... i hope my carmelized butternut squash is done...
Before i go i have to share that i got an email from Aunt Jo... The one who went in for cancer surgery.... The results came back from the biopsy and it came back negative for cancer :Excited: I truly believe in the power of prayer.... I hope you guys are staying warm, :hug: :hug: :hug:

Vickey the tv pictures of the ice continue to amaze me! You be careful out there.

Can't tell you how happy I am about Aunt Jo! :hug:

Glad you are all hanging in through the ice storms. We had some but sent most of it to Chicago! I didn't fall off the face of the earth, just feel like I did. Major back problems, elevated liver enzymes, and my good friend MRSA have managed to keep me busy. Can't sit to long. So take care all!

SSD

The best thing on my plate today is hearing from Sunnyside!! :)
Sunnyside, I wish you were feeling better but it's sure nice that you checked in :hug:

Wren,

Thank you. I don't deal well with this level of pain (back) so have been isolating. I did fix the fudge and my MIL and husband loved it -so did I.

It's actually not just the back pain. I feel like I just sound depressed all the time so it's better not to talk. I guess it will pass one day or I will - I'll snap out of it one way or another.

Hope all are staying warm and ice/snow free - well at least warm!!

Sunnysidedown

Nope! the exact opposite my friend..you need to talk about your feelings That's why this forum is here. I understand about isolating yourself, I just don't think that's the antidote for depression. :hug:

I'm sorry your back is hurting...lots of that going around. Curious & doody to name a couple. :grouphug:

add my name to those whose back is hurting...i was lifting tables at work to set up for bingo and i guess i lifted one wrong...I went to the dr today and he gave me some muscle relaxers... those muscle spasms knock you to the ground... literally :(

Alffe said "you need to talk about your feelings That's why this forum is here"
I don't know what to say or how to say it. I'm just very tired and very down. I keep trying to make changes and be stronger - just tiny steps and then fall down. It's hard to get up and keep going.
I don't make much sense, do I? I don't have much.

Srorry Wren, my intent was not to make you feel worse - although i seemed to. It wont happen again.

SSd

my sweet wren...

i wish i was there to give you the hug you need. i want you to know how much i value our friendship.

you have endured so much and come through a winner. so much more than i think i could have.

when you stumble, i will be there. as will your others friends here. we love you wren. :hug:

:hug: Wren you know a "little" about what's going on with me right now, my doubts, my fears, my insecurities, my feeling of worthlessness, my feelings of why am I even here anymore. I keep watching this movie over and over again trying to convince myself that there will be a day when I can hold my head high again. In time. I hope you watch this and realize you do have something, you are important. :hug:

http://www.inspiringthots.net/movie/heads-high.php

Sunnyside, Sunnyside -- :hug:
I hope you're here. You don't have anything to do with how wretched I'm feeling - really. I'm so sorry I created that impression :(
I understand how that happens when you're feeling wretched too.
I talked -- now you have to too. OK?

What's on my plate??? hmmm... it's pretty full today...

Right now there are about 11 people in the house all trying to take showers...

It's snowing...

My brother is getting married today... family trying to get here with the worst snow storm in years heading our way...

I have to drive myself today... no one has any room left in their cars.

This should be an interesting day.... all the slip sliding around... hope i don't fall...

Hugs to all...
hope everyone is safe and warm!!

Abbie

Be careful ((Abbie))

((Sunnyside))

((Wren)) I completely understand what you are saying. 1 step forward and 2 back gets old really fast. My health right now is my biggest stumbling block.

I spent the morning with daughter doody and granddoody. He was so adorable in his footie pajamas. I especially like the way he likes to decorate his Christmas tree. You see, the ornaments must be placed in groups. LOL hope the tree doesn't fall over from the weight of his groupings. :D

I intend to soak awhile in a hot epsom salt bath and rest the remainder of the day.

Hope everyone has a good weekend.

LOL at Sunnyside and Wren for thinking they are "wretched" for having feelings. :hug:

BJ - Um, I don't think this is the holiday for dodging for apples. :rolleyes: Hope you can pick your head up soon. :hug:

Abbie - Perhaps instead of tin cans, your brother can tie some tiny shovels to his wedding vehicle, and the guests can throw salt. :D

Aw, Doody - I LOVE those footie pajamas, and I'll bet your little guy is ADORABLE in them.

I can still picture my son at that age in his little red footie pajamas. He liked to lay under the Christmas tree and look up at the lights. One night the tree fell over, and all I could see were little red legs with white padded feet sticking out from underneath. It really scared me for a moment but when I lifted up the tree, he was completely unharmed and gazing happily at the lights. :D

I'm concerned about your health too. :( Please continue to take care of yourself, and don't take on any burdens you don't have to carry. :hug:

As usual, my plate is empty - but my husband's plate is overflowing. :(

Our home looks like a disaster area, and our son will be home on Wednesday. My husband was planning to spend the day yesterday cleaning up the house and preparing our son's room. But we got 9 inches of snow yesterday. He spent the entire day shoveling - snowblower broke. He came into the house huffing and puffing, only to find our dishwasher is broken too. I worry about his heart.

The cherry on top for him was a call from my MIL. His favorite Aunt passed away yesterday in Arizona. She broke her shoulder, but the hospital had trouble setting it - so they sent her HOME (she lived alone). :mad: Her daughter flew in to stay with her, managed to get her settled into bed, but she never woke up. She was like a mom to my husband, so he needs to go to the funeral. We're not sure when it is because an autopsy has to be performed first. It will be my first Christmas in 17 years without my husband at my side - but I understand why he needs to be there.

It's going to be a little scary around here without him because I'm not good a fending for myself these days - most I can do is sit up. :o Our son will be here, but his schedule is full - a lot of friends want to see him too. I don't want him spending his leave caring for me because I don't want him to know how bad it is. He's already too worried about me, and I need him to stay focused on his work. Plus, he has a 50/50 chance of inheriting this disease. I need to be strong for him to show him he can handle living with this disease too, just in case.

(((Kathy))) You're a strong woman and I know everything will be okay. :hug:

:o There's nothing on my plate today ..... nothing. Maybe I can force myself to do something constructive? Clean a closet? Sort some old clothes? Scrub a shower?
TAKE A NAP ?

my vote is for the nap :rolleyes:

Hey everyone... :grouphug: massive hugs and support are here!

Doody, I'm so sorry about your pain... and thank God that you have Grandoody! Enjoy experiencing the new memories and bringing back the old! Each time you tell us about that little guy, my heart warms so I want to thank you for that! I feel blessed to have you share with us!

KathyM... your son should be home today? I am happy about that and in the same breath, so sorry to hear of your other troubles and the loss of your husband's aunt. I'm also sorry that he has to give up precious time with your son. A difficult time for you guys for sure :( :hug:

Abbie, I hope you enjoyed the wedding unscathed!

:hug:Wren and sunnyside - I hope you guys can get through each day knowing that you have touched the lives of others here - namely, ME. I may not always talk directly to you .... because others have already said what I felt ... or because you've already hit the nail on the head... or whatever reason... my own depression, etc...
me BP - thanks for saying what we all feel!

To everyone :)... Thank you for being a part of us. I'm sorry for what brought you here in the first place... and on the other hand, grateful that you found us.
Thank you for making a difference :hug:

OK, I know this is the plate thread.... so, on my plate is some cheese toast! ...

I'm safely at my sister's in the Kootenays .... lots of snow around us. I don't hear sirens, honking horns, beeping garbage pickup trucks, airplanes, ... just silence and lovely music. Life is so much calmer here compared to the city.

While the family is working, I'll catch up with my online work but first I had to visit here :)

Addy

Yes. It feels SO GOOD to have him home for Christmas - nothing beats a real live hug. He's been bombarded with calls from people who want to see him while he's home. My husband will be leaving tomorrow and returning Monday night. It's the first time in 17 years that he'll travel to AZ without me, and I think he's long overdue. I've been wanting him to spend a little private time with his mom, sister and brother (along with extended family) without me hanging around. I'd really love to see everyone again, but he can give them all a hug and kiss from me.

Enjoy your time with your sister. Mine called yesterday all excited. She belongs to a "band" (she and her co-workers), and they perform at special events over the holidays. She sings two solos, one holiday and one non-holiday - "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and "Let's Give Them Something to Talk About" (Bonnie Raitt). Last night, she changed her Christmas song and performed "O Holy Night." It was the first time in over 40 years performing this song for an audience, and she said it felt GREAT. Afterwards, a man from the audience told her she has a beautiful voice and really enjoyed her performance. I was so happy for her. :)

Update on that mark on my face. It's just a "battle scar" - benign tumor called seborrheic keratosis caused by aging, and it doesn't have to be removed. :cool: Pffft, doesn't seem right to have to pay someone to tell me I'm getting old. :rolleyes:

I'm so glad you bumped this up KathyM...I'm a little behind :D (an oxymoron) in my reading here. Great news on all counts for you...we call those liver spots...LOL..but yep, they are harmless. Hug your young man for me and tell him what a great mom he has. Glad hubby will be back for Christmas.

Addy...are you anywhere near this?...http://www.kootenays-bc.com/photos.html

Beautiful country! :hug:

KathyM - I'm so glad you can turn a bad thing into a good thing - yes, it will be nice for your husband to have this time with his family. :hug: super duper about the face update!
I love hearing about your sister - she's blessed with voice and I'm happy she's found the time to do it again - and in such a giving way!

Yep, Alffe - I've been to all those places - they are all within a few hours from here.

I just came in from a walk - I tromped through crusty snow to climb a hill, through a big field, at the base of a mountain ... the sky is crystal blue and if I can figure out how to upload pictures while I'm here I'll post some in a different thread. Its amazing how sunshine improves below zero weather!

What's on my plate???

TOO MUCH!!!

First off... Thank you all so much for caring about me. I wanted to let you all I made it through the wedding unscathed.

We ended up with 11.5 inches of snow. It's almost gone now---maybe an inch left on the ground. Will be gone by Sunday...it's supposed to be 58 degrees here...:eek:


Let's see... I can't afford much for Christmas this year so I am TRYING to bake cookies... so far I think I've backed about 20 dozen and I'm still going... well taking a break will bake some more after dinner.

Plus I have been driving my mom to do whatever errands she needs done. And then there's the daily trips to my doc so I can keep my pain levels under control.

I need an nap...but that's not going to happen. I finally slept this last Monday night after 10 days with NO sleep.... but only slept a couple of hours total since then.

Addy... sure sounds BEAUTIFUL where you are!!! I so love the mountains!!

KathyM...enjoy your time with your son!!! I'm so happy for you that he's home!!!

I have more I want to write but it's going to have to wait.... lack of sleep is messing with me!!!!

HUGS TO ALL!!!!
:hug:
Abbie