Healthy Choices, July 11, 2008

Good Morning all.  Another scorcher here today.  Already 81º with a light southerly breeze; predicted highs just above 100º.  It's too darn hot!  Seems worse than last year.

I had a pretty productive day yesterday and hope to continue the same today.  The handyman is due at 8 am to give me an estimate for putting rolls on insulation in the attic over the garage.  Hope he is reasonable, if not cheap!!

Thinking of Marti and Joe and hope they made it through yesterday with no mishaps.

Time to think about a bite of breakfast and to read the paper...then on to bigger and better (?) things.  I'll check in later.

vammie

Good morning Vammie and all to come by today.

Had a busy day yesterday and I did remember to pick up a crock pot at BB&B.  Came home and removed it from the box to wash it and have it ready for use and when I put the top on, it didn't fit.  How could this be????   It's an oval pot and it does have an oval lid, but it doesn't fit securely, it wobbles and has gaps,  and you know the whole idea is not to let the heat escape, so it should be able to seal well around the edges.  This one doesn't, so back it has to go.  On top of it, I bought the one that was a little more expensive, which didn't seem to account for much did it!      :(

Vammie, it really has been hot every single day there.  I think it is hotter than last summer.  You need a break in the temps.  When it reaches 100 here, which isn't very often, we all stay in air conditioning and it's the big topic of conversation.  All you hear is, " 100 degrees!  I'm staying in, or I'm getting my things done early and might not go out all weekend.  LOL"  We northerners just can't handle that kind of heat.    I can remember when Ken and Judy lived in TX and we were visiting. On one occassion, we met a friend of theirs who was an original Texan, and very proud of that.  We were out at a festival, when she said to me,  in her slow southern way of talking, which I loved to listen to, " Why don't y'all come over here and stand by me" .  I thought she wanted to talk quietly, which she wasn't, she was very flamboyant and outgoing. Eveything abouther was big.....big hair, big jewelry and big personality!   But anyway, she said to me, " we Texans never stand in the sun when there's any shade around."  LOL  Her name was Margaret and she had so many stories to tell us, that we could never get enough of listening to her.  She met Prince Charles and had lots  stories about him and how very boring he was.  She and her family knew everyone ......a very interesting lady. 

Did Marti say that Joe had to see a Nephrologist? Isn't that a kidney specialist?   I knew he had heart problems, but not kidney.  I hope everythng went well, yesterday and they can put the whole thing behind them now.  Marti, if you check in, we are all thinking about you and Joe and keeping you in our prayers.

I have to go out to water now, I'm a little late, but just couldn't get moving  this morning. All I've gotten done so far is changing the bed sheets and making breakfast for Frank.  Today is cleaning day for me, so I better get moving.  Hope everyone has a nice day.  God bless. Jo Ann 

Good morning,

Jo Ann:  I have never paid for the more expensive crock pots.  the cheep ones seem to work just fine (for me any way).  I had one last for over 5 years.  Weather that is good or not!!!!!  Maybe when my other cheap once go, I'll invest in a more pricy(sp?) one!!!!!!!!  I don't understand how companies get away with Half A@# products!!!!!!  What ever happened to quality!!!!!!

Today, I'm going to help a friend and then we are taking our kids to the splash park.  It should be lots of fun considering my kids think they are fish!!!!!!  Do they love being in water!!!!!  When I will check in later!!!!!

Good morning all... We had a wind storm (gusts up to 50 mph) yesterday afternoon and evening. Then, a cold front came through and it was 37 when we got up this morning. Our yard is a mess - lots of twigs and pinecones. I need JoAnn's trips to come pick them all up! There was a wildfire in the city (not very farm from where my dm lives) - it burned 1200 acres and destroyed 8 homes. It was in a heavily wooded area with many nice, new homes.

Verna, I hope that the contractor is at least reasonable and get the insulation put in right away. Happy Birthday! I know I told you yesterday, but, I want to tell you again since I won't be online tomorrow. Do you have anything special planned for tomorrow?

JoAnn, Isn't that frustrating when buy something and get it home and find out it is defect or missing something. Now, you have to take it back to the store. GRRR And, for us that means at least a 50 mile trip depending on where we bought it. We have had that happen to us about three times now in the last few months. I'm thinking the next time I buy something in a packed in a box, I'm going to open it right there in the store and make sure all the parts are there and is usable. Have you tried the crockpot liners? You put them right in the crockpot before you put your food in and the clean up is a snap. They are made by Reynolds.

I haven't seen Maureen post since Monday - she must be busy in her yard. Maureen, if you are lurking, please check in. We miss you.

I hope Marti & Joe are doing okay. They continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.

I bet Shirley is one happy camper today since she will (hopefully) be going home.

And, where is NPat? She must be busy working and not had time to check in. Pat, if you are lurking, please check in. We miss you, too.

And FPat is probably busy this time of year. I'm sure if she isn't working, she is working in her yard. I wonder if Dale got left for Lynn's and if he took the motorcyle or the car.

Barb, did you have this wind storm down there to? Now, that I think about it, how would you tell the difference - you always have wind down there.

Well, I better get off here and get something done. I need to get my suitcase packed, go to town and get some groceries, and wait for JoAnn's grandchildren to show up to pick up my lawn! I'll try to check in before I leave; but, if I don't, I'll be back on Wednesday and you all take care while I'm gone....

Jo Lynn

Well...the handyman came...and now his darn pick up won't start...so he's had to get it towed and wait for a friend to bring him a truck to use.  The insulation itself will cost almost $400.  I need 16 rolls of it and it's only 17 ft long...so all in all, will cost about $700-800.  And that's cheaper than replacing the freezer!  So...he can do it today...if he gets his transportation worked out.

Jo Ann, sounds like you have a busy day.  Housecleaning is such an unending chore...sort of like cooking and doing dishes or laundry.  I sometimes wish we could just pop a pill for meals...probably have less obesity that way....and disposable clothes would be nice too!

Jo Lynn...37!  Sounds wonderful!!  It's barely 37º in my freezer!!  When the trips get through in your yard, send them my way...I'm sure I can find something for them to do!  Is it just a long weekend with the kids?

Maureen...check in darlin' or you'll get the dreaded phone call!

I was laughing earlier today telling someone about Barb's and how one of them is Shirley's!  I know Shirley would love to have one to come home to today.  Got a call from Holley, her ODD, who said the plans for her coming home are still in place.  Holley is going to have some outpatient surgery today to remove a pin from a former fracture.  So there will be two recuperating together.  I think Sheryl, YDD, is going to be there for a couple of days to help them and surely the church ladies will help with meals.

OK...got to get busy...feel like I've wasted half the day outside with the repairman.  So far, according to my computer, it's only 80º now...wish it could stay that way for a bit.

Good to see you this morning Jenn.

vammie

Break time and I'm checking back to see if Shirley has posted yet.  I guess not this soon. 

Vammie, I'm glad you will be getting your garage insulated.  Hope the contractor was able to get his truck fixed.  The insulation should help with all of that heat.

Jenn, my last crock pot lasted about 5 years too.  I still have an old small one that I use for some things.  I wanted an oval one this time because JoLynn gave us a good sounding recipe for making a whole chicken in the crock pot.  I thought paying a little extra for the extra space would be a good thing and I think it would have, but this one must be defective.  Now, I do have to take it back to Bed, Bath and Beyond and that will have to wait because none are very near to us and it will have to be a day when we have time for the drive.

JoLynn  and Vammie, the trips would be there in a minute to do the job in your yard that they did in ours.  They just love having jobs to do to earn money. Of course, they know when they work here, they end up with some kind of bonus.  LOL   I think they'll grow up with a good work ethic.  They know the harder and more you work the more money you can earn.  They're doing as much as they can now, to have extra vacation money.  They are really cute, because sometimes they'll spend their extra money at the grocery store.  I asked Adam  why he does it, because Mom would buy what  he wants there,and he said sometimes he likes to be the one who treats.   :)

JoLynn you had really high winds there.  No wonder you need some help with the yard clean up.   Yes, it's frustrating and I agree with you.  When I replace this crock pot, that's exactly what I'm going to do.  Open the box and make sure everything is okay before I leave with it.

Okay, break's over.  Back later.  Jo Ann 

Hi everyone.

It was 46 when I got up this morning but is getting warm now.

Jolynn, I heard about your windstorm but the big thing is all the fires you have up there.  Spokane must be a mess and my nephew lives in Colville and my Dsis said there were 45 burning around there.  

You are probably right.  It takes a pretty big windstorm for us to even notice here in the Gorge. 

Verna, I just gave Shirley's a bath and trimmed her hair.  Rosie is at the Groomers.  Zoe will go when we pick  Rose up and  have her nails clipped.  I got some new  "Foo Foo" for her at Pet Smart the other day so she's smellin' pretty wicked about now.  Perfume to those of you who don't understand my language ....my neice used to call it "Foo Foo" when she was little so that's what we've always called it.

The pups keep us busy for sure.  Zoe, AKA Phyllis Diller, AKA The Escape Artist and Rosie, The Cuddler....also the Greeter.  She has taken on the roll of  Greeting anyone who comes here.  She can give you a High 5 Or even a Handshake but prefers to squat and pe*....preferably on your shoe...as her way of greeting you.

JoAnn, I bought one of those Rival Smart Pots a few years ago and don't like it.  If I was buying one now, I would definately get an oval shaped on but I would get a cheap one.  The Rival heats too hot and isn't Smart at all.  I guess I expected more of it than it does.  It has a built in timer so will automatically shut off but that feature doesn't help me much since I have to keep checking it all that time.

I so glad Shirley is coming home today.  I know she will be so happy to be back in her own place.

Thinking about Marti and Joe.  I hope everything is ok with them.  I worry about Marti.  She just has so much to take care of right now.  I mean,  she is just a dynamo on any given day but lately she has had so many things come up that I don't know how she can handle it all.

Well, I put on a pot of navy beans and they should be done so better go check.  I'm going to make up a big salad to have with them.  I am not cooking at night.  It's too hot then and I'm out of the mood. 

 Hi everyone.  A busy day here, too.   Don't know if I will actually find time to go back to work when the time comes in August!  Nice to have a couple of new people here.  I hope Jenn and Joan will post often.   

Ari's friend from Minnesota came today.  This is actually Ari's RA from last year.  So they know each other, but don't hang out in the same circles.   Ari only knew that he was going to come today by ship from somewhere.   He got an e-mail yesterday saying that he was coming as planned, more or less.   He said he saw our house on his GPS and since it was less than 2km from the train station, he would just walk here.   Ari and Antti were both working today, so I hung around, not really expecting that this young man would make it here on his own.  But at noon the doorbell rang, and this charming young man says, hi you must be Ari's mom.   He is doing an interrail trip on his own for two months.   As he has already been on the road for two weeks and staying in hostels, I suggested that we do his laundry.  He was so happy about that, as he has only one large-ish back pack with him.  I saw that were two loads, and I suggested he separate them into darks and whites.   He just grinned and said "that must be a mom thing".   Don't they all get clean if we just put them in together?"   So I told him just to let me be the mom and do it my way!   Very sweet fellow with impeccable manners.   I'm going to e-mail his parents when he leaves and compliment them!!    Anyway, I should take a lesson from him on packing light!

JoAnn, I wish those triplets were in my class.  They sound like lovely kids!!!  

Thinking of Marti and hoping all is ok with her.   Can't wait for Shirley to get back on the board,too!   

Have a good day!  lusi

Good Afternoon.   Finally checking in.   I was busy with housework for a few days (I had let it get out of hand) and then when I tried to get on, the computer wouldn’t work for me.   So DH looked at it last night and got it to working, then this website wouldn’t pull up for me.   Now today is DH’s Friday off so we worked hard around the yard till noon, decided to eat lunch out, went to Costco for 1 item (salmon) and ended up with a $90 bill.   At least I got lots of fruit and a solar address sign for the front yard.

I also seem to be having an eye problem and this monitor seems to be irritating it.   It has gotten much better and I have an appt to see the eye doctor.   That’s what I’ve been doing, what’s up with most of you?   LOL!   I read the posts from today, but didn’t go back any further.   I’ll have to go back and see how Joe is doing.  I didn’t have to go any further than today to see that Shirley is coming home – that is such good news, I’m so happy for her.

Vammie, you’re not the only one hot, we are too, although we don’t warm up as fast since our hottest time of the day is 4 or 5 pm.   The mornings have been so pleasant, but last night I was weeding in the garden at 7 pm and felt like someone had squirted me.   It was miserable.   Tonight isn’t so bad.   I can’t believe Jolynn would get down to 37 – that seems so odd for July.   Were your veggies in shock?   I have a nephew who lives in Spokane, actually north of it – hope no fire for him

Lusi, that young man must have gotten the biggest kick out of you.   That was cute about the dark and light clothes.   What is an RA?   I want to say roommate, but that doesn’t work.

Barb, is Colville the town in No. CA. or am I thinking of somewhere else?   I know lots of homes burned about 90 miles north of Sacramento.   I have to agree with you on the crockpots – they sure blew a good thing when they made them cook hotter.

Vammie, I hope the insulation does the job.   And on the disposable clothes, sometimes I think the nudists have the right idea.   I hate to say it but bras and undies don’t seem to have a place when it is so sticky out.   Hope I don’t offend anyone.

Hi, Jenn, hope the kids had a good time in the water.

Jo Ann, since you don’t reach 100 degrees often, do you get colder in the winter?   I can’t remember you complaining too much about the snow.  In the west if we are cooler in the summer, we seem to pay for it in the winter.  I know that’s how it is where the B& B is in Idaho.

I read somewhere that Viny was picking green beans – how can his beans grow that fast.   My bush ones are just getting flowers.   I do have tomatoes with good sized green tomatoes.   And I may be a few days away from picking my first yellow zucchini.  I wonder if Sue ever found out what was eating her blossoms???

I’m going to check and see if we can get tickets tomorrow night for a Bees game – that’s triple A ball for the Angels farm team.   Would be perfect weather for a ball game.

I was doing so well on my eating until today – I told DH it was his fault, but he told me that I made the poor choice for lunch.   It was bad – a BLT with fries on the side and we split a root beer float.   But I am having salmon for dinner   I have journaled all week and walked every day but yesterday.   Not so sure anything is doing much good though.   Oh, well, it’s a start.

See you tomorrow – we should be around on the weekend.

I was reading some back posts and just read of the passing of Joe's SM - my condolensces to both of you.   That poor woman suffered so in the last month or 2.   I hope Joe is getting better and that nothing serious is wrong.

I see others walk early too, but I'm nowhere near as early - 7 am is my time now.   DH gets up at 5 and for some reason I hear him and so by 6 or 6:30, I'm up and ready to start the day.

Viny, I love the idea of your patio on the shady side of the Morton building - what a great idea.

We have such a beautiful wood deck (full width of back of house) with patio furniture and a swing and we so seldom use it.   It is such a shame that it takes company to get us out there to relax.   And there is a huge Maple tree and Ash tree shading it all from the afternoon sun.  I think one of the problems is DH seems glued to his lounge chair and tv when he relaxes.   I used to go out and read in the swing but haven't even done that lately.   Course the temps could have something to do with it. 

Someone asked if I heard more from my sister.   I think I told you she is back in her home and the fire has moved west of her and I don't think near any structures now.   She took Monday and Tuesday off from work as she was pretty stressed out living at the shelter.  What good came out of it is that she now knows many of her neighbors.   She's pretty much a loner with her 2 cats, so this is something she needs.   She is the one who developed the overactive thyroid about 3 months ago and is doing so well on medication.   That's what she is doing for right now.

Barb, an underactive thyroid definitely can make you gain weight,   Also you may feel a little lethargic.   I found out about mine when I was about 50.   I know you'll ask for it to be tested.   Mine will be tested again this month, but I bet it isn't the cause of the weight gain

 Guess I better get in there and begin dinner, although I think lunch could have counted for both.

Maureen, Good to see you back and when are you sending pictures of your beautiful yard and garden ?

Colville is North of Spokane your nephew may very well have been in an area of fires.  I understand it was quite widespread.

Jolynn probably knows more about that than I do since she lives closer.

I don't think I have an under active Tyroid but I was reading that article and some of the things sure sound like me....but I'm pretty sure  I just have an Over Active Fork and an Under Active Body.

DH went back to the Dr. for his test results today.  The Dr. told him he is Disgustingly healthy.  She said his Vit. D level is good.  What is that all about all of a sudden ?  Several of my friends are taking large doses of Vit. D.  Did they just discover this is a problem ? The Dr. told DH that as we get older we get low on it.  My neighbor is taking it and the Dr. told her that in the N.W. there is no way we can get enough from being outdoors like the magazines all tell us. 

Another thing, 2 of my friends were diagnosed with Celiac Disease this week.  Is that the new Disease  De Jour?  Have people suffered with this all along and Drs. are just now diagnosing it or are Drs. just diagnosing it because they've run out of alternative diagnosis ?  It's a mystery to me.

The Dr. also asked DH if he had any trouble sleeping.  She said many people do as they get older.  He doesn't have trouble sleeping.  He falls asleep as soon as his head hits the pillow and sleeps 10 hrs. and then takes a short snooze in the afternoon if he gets a chance. 

Well gang, I'm off here for tonight.  Sleep well.

Does anyone have the "getting to know you" thread saved to a favorite so it could be bumped up for our two newbies??

vammie