Carol--Sounds like you had a great trip.  There's crepes in the "hidey hole".

Vanilla-Jackie--Thanks for explaining PIP.

Hi halkel.

June--Enjoy choir practice.

I am feeling I may quit choir. It wore me out, and it is rather complicated in pattern. It is not just singing a tune.  It would be the difference of Ballet and Ball Room dancing. I came home, lay down, and slept for nearly three hours. Went out for a walk to wake up, now home for the day....perhaps one more walk before bedtime.

Jackie, it would be nice if there were a program here on MS, so you would be able to converse with others about how they are doing. We have programs for other ailments, and it would be a big boost for you to find an MS pal here. I find sharing similar problems a true help, because others with the problem understand perfectly what you are feeling.

JOAN  I sent a few of your stories to the Resident Coordinator here and he used them in his monthly newsletter. As long as there is the authors name he said he can use them, I told him not to use my name and he did the first time so told him I would not share any more. He used a couple more and put from a resident. There are a couple here who love getting their name in that letter, not me.

MARY ANN  safe travels and have a good time.

JOAN  my Dad would take warm water, lemon and some kind of liquor when he felt a cold coming on. Go to bed and pull the covers over his head. He said he sweated the cold right out of him that way.

JACKIE  I got out for a little walking today. Nice and cool so enjoyed that. Glad you used your rollator on your walk.

HAL  I had those cortisone shots in my back several times but they did not help. Last one was 6 years ago. Even back then at 79 the doctor said I was too old for surgery.  Other than my back I am in good health. I would love to find a doctor like him.

JUNE  I think I have read 7 or 8 of Fern Michaels Sisterhood books.  I love the way they have righted an injustice for all of them. My insurance would not cover acupuncture. From what the last orthopedic  doctor said when he looked at the xrays he took I have bone rubbing on bone and that is what is causing the pain. Again I am too old for surgery. Heck they could remove that bottom rib bone and it sure would help. I think they are afraid to be sued if something went wrong.

CAROL  last time my daughter flew here from San Diego he sent a box ahead of her with clothes in it. Was cheaper than paying extra and she had a back pack with her.

Have a good night every one.

Gloria, your daughter is so wise. I wish there were more young women like her in the world.And you are sure no slouch in your wisdom !! You and I would have worked well in that Sisterhood we read of when we were younger, but we were destined to raise our children to be responsible adults, and we can be proud of that, like so many of our buddies here in the S.S.

Gloria, I too have had the shots in the back with negative results.  Told the surgeon that but between the doctor, my wife and daughter (an RN) they reminded me that much improvement has been made in how to place the shots..

I also was told some years back surgery wouldn't help, but I kiddingly ask him if he did the surgery that only required a band-aid and he said you mean the spine commercial, and I reply yes. He said yes, and that they used the same procedures as they did.  One other thing, this is at Brooke Army Medical Center, here in San Antonio where they treat most of the wounded from the Middle East.  They work on some pretty bad cases and know their business.  So I feel pretty competent in them knowing their business.  Also my wife goes to a doctor, not at the same place, and get shots in her knee and they work well for her.   And it is all in the office.

Hal - Regarding back surgery........my husband was 80 when he had his last back surgery. It was more complicated than the others so he had four band-aids! This time they fused part of his spine. He's 82 and it's still doing well. In the past 10 years he had three of the "one band-aid" surgeries, which worked well for awhile. At the time the procedure was new and the only doctor who did it was in DeFuniak Springs, FL, a 5 1/2 hr. drive from here. I hope the shots will work for you. As you said, they've improved things so much over the past few years.

Joan - I was so happy to hear you finally had rain! It rained both yesterday and today here.

Glad to hear those of you further north are cooling off. So far we are still hot and humid but that should change soon.

If all goes well we'll be heading for Vermont next week. The leaves are changing already but because of the dry summer the foliage may not be as colorful as it should be.

Busy day tomorrow so I'm on my way to bed.

A late night stop in to read how EVERYFRIEND is doing. 

Not much new here.  Just waiting to hear from my Endocrinologist to find out what med she is going to suggest I try next.  Yesterday when I left a message I said the wrong drug I was having problems with.  Good grief, I am feeling so inadequate these days.  I think her office is closed tomorrow, so was sad that I did not hear from her this afternoon.  We leave for Chicago on Tuesday, so not sure what I am going to do. 

Welcome home, CAROL.  Glad to read that you and Don enjoyed your time in the NW.  Did you see the beautiful sunset tonight?  Also the nearly full Autum Moon?  Both spectacular. 

AMY, I am sorry to read that DH was unable to continue with the MRI.  I hope there is something else that can be done.  Hugs.

BEVERLY, I had to chuckle when you said that CHAPE had to go to DeFuniac Springs for his surgery.  I think of DeF as a small area with not much going on and yet a latest technique is done there.  DeF is just north of where my Bob grew up in Panama City Beach FL.  I always loved driving along the lake looking at the home along it.

JACKIE, I am sorry the subject matter was not the best for you at your MS support group. 

I can hardly keep my eyes open so will say  GOOD NIGHT to all. 

Jenny

Jenny, Good night to you dear. I am on late tonight, as I took a late shower and shampoo, and waiting for my hair to dry. I wear it straight now, but it has to dry more or I will wake looking like I had an electric shock. I think I must be a very restless sleeper, according to the way my bed and my hair looks in the morning. I some times wonder if all the various drugs they have on the market today, that we might well go back to the old "home" remedies. I remember that baking soda dissolved in a glass of water is what was used for stomach ailments. and salt dissolved in warm water was a gargle for sore throats. Vicks vaporub was a natural in all medicine cabinets, whether you had a cold sore, or a chest ailment.

Those were truly the "good old days".

I am going to prepare for bed, damp hair or not, I am tired. See you all in the morning my friends. Sleep peacefully, and wake happy and rested. Prayers, Love and hugs to all. June

JUNEDRABEK....
......yes, not of course that I would wish any other S & F members to suffer with MS but, I would feel more at home if I was talking to others who knew where I was coming from, understood and shared positive thoughts...I do have a good MS forum but, like most forums some topics - subjects can make one feel worse, not better, be on the depressing side, make one think of what might be to come, as this could be me further down the line, the reality factor....One thing our members do have though, is a good sense of humour, we can laugh over non MS peoples attitudes to us, along with other things.....on that basis they are good listeners, always offer support, buck one up, understand, sympathise, encourage, give some good advise, and of course follow up their day to day living experiences, as they too have other ailments such as cancer to deal with, along with the good things, such as preparing themselves for their daughters wedding...

June, I did post my MS in our medical rooms, but as expected, no one else on our forum has MS, oh yes, there will always be members who knew, or know someone with it, but as you rightly mention...it is not the same as having it and knowing what one is experiencing on a daily basis....

June sleep well, I wish you a good nights sleep...
...................................................................
Ha ha, talking of alcoholic cures of the olden days, do I say that " the olden days?.." anyway I sure remember my gran who I grew up with, having a wee shot of ( not sure whiskey or brandy ) in her cup of tea...told, purely for medicinal purposes...
Gran passed aged 81, when I was 11...

Good Friday morning, Everyfriend.   There's assorted mini muffins to accompany your coffee or tea. Make it a good day!!




Two Boys

Two small boys, not yet old enough to be in school, were overheard talking at the zoo one day.

"My name is Billy. What's yours?" asked the first boy.

"Tommy," replied the second.

"My Daddy's an accountant. What does your Daddy do for a living?" asked Billy.

Tommy replied, "My Daddy's a lawyer."

"Honest?" asked Billy.

"No, just the regular kind," replied Tommy.



His Disciples (Love One Another)
(by Steve Troxel)

One of the last commands Jesus gave was to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19). The making of a disciple is the complete work of the Holy Spirit; but we are told to join in this work by teaching people to believe in the sacrifice of Jesus for the forgiveness of sin, to humbly submit control of their life into His hands, and to "obey everything I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:20).

God's Word contains the complete description of what it means to believe, submit, and obey. Jesus taught extensively on each of these issues. But the single command which will have the greatest impact on the world around us is the command to love.

John 13:34-35:
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another."

The phrase "As I have loved you" ought to rip at our heart. Though there was nothing in us to deserve His love, Jesus gave His life. And long before He gave His physical life, He gave something even greater; He "made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness" (Philippians 2:7). Jesus loved enough to give up who He was for those completely unlovable; and this is the level of love we are called to demonstrate to one another.

We are called to a sacrificial love - a love that gives and considers the needs of others ahead of our own. We are called to give our time, our tears, our understanding, and even our material resources when necessary. We are called to love enough to rejoice when others rejoice, but also to hurt when others hurt, and to forgive simply because Jesus first forgave us. We are called to love!

But notice why we are called to such love. Our love for others is certainly an expression of gratitude to God and a maturing process as we grow into the likeness of Christ, but Jesus also says our love for others is the one sure way of telling the world we are followers of Christ. Our love becomes an act of worship because, through love, we are boldly declaring Jesus is Lord! As we love - even when others may not "deserve" our love - we actively show the world the joy and peace found only in Jesus.

The world is overflowing with people who need love, who have run out of hope, longing for someone to let them know they care. We are those who must care! We must reach out to one another with a love that defies all worldly wisdom and understanding. We must love as Jesus loved us. This love will be used to work miracles; this love will bring glory and honor to our Heavenly Father; this love will show the world that we are truly His disciples.

Have a Christ Centered Day!


"What we love usually manages to get into our conversation. What is down in the well of the heart will come up in the bucket of the speech."

- Vance Havner

Good morning everyone..

Another chilly morning here. Yesterday a fit of energy hit me and I washed both vehicles, pulled out two rows  of raspberry canes and tilled the garden. I iron 3 tops to go to quilting today but now I can't go. The freezer on the bottom of the fridge is acting up and I called a repair man,with hopes that he can come today.

Jenny, I hope you hear from your Dr today.

Beverly ,years ago we went to Vermont, such a beautiful place !!

Hal, only you can decide which way to go and yes they have come a long way in the procedures..just ask lots of questions to set your mind at ease.

Gloria, soon to be apple time here.I need to make some applesauce and put it down for the winter.  I enjoy it as a dessert or with roast pork.

Joan,thank you for breakfast.

Enjoy your day everyone.

good Morning every one. wish you all a great day. well my sil got my high presser washer running and we were making
progress with removal of the plug in the line,when darkness over took and the garden hose feeding water  broke.
have a new hose ready for today wish me luck.

Lloyd

Good Morning Everyfriend!

Good morning on this chilly, cloudy morning.

Sure is beginning to feel like fall.   Not really ready for it.

Nothing special going on today.  I am thinking about going back to bed. I woke up before 4 a.m. and decided to get up.  I have had some breakfast and coffee and feel a nap coming on.  I will read for a little while and then I am sure I will fall asleep.  Seems as soon s I start reading, I get so sleepy.

Joan, the little mini-muffins sound good.  Hope you have a good day.

Joy

Good morning Amy.  You sure did a lot of w--- yesterday.  Too bad you can't go to quilting because your fridge/freezer is acting up.  Hopefully the repairman can come today and fix it without breaking the bank.

Lloyd--Good morning.  Hope that new garden hose does the job.

Good morning, Janie.

Joy--Good morning.  Seems you went from hot weather to chilly weather in the wink of an eye.  If I lie down to read, I fall asleep fast.  If I want to do some serious reading, I have to be sitting up.

I'm the same way about reading and it annoys me.  I finally received the latest book by a favorite author and I was really looking forward to reading it.  I can manage a few pages....very few....and I'm asleep.  I wish my attention span would last a little longer.

Cloudy here this morning but probably won't get any rain.  It is staying mostly out on the Outer Banks or "down East" in the Wilmington (NC) area.

Time for breakfast.  Make it a good day, everyone.

Good Morning Everyone,  from the cool,
clear, rocky coast of Maine.     It is beginning to feel more
like Fall here.    Right now I am just using my
fans  with out the AC on.   In just a couple more
weeks they will be pulling out the Window AC for
the Winter...      (Yikes!) .. 

I am still working closely with Google "Project Fi",
which is my smart phone.     We are trying to get
the Caller ID issue,  which is still in limbo.   
Otherwise I live my phone and sure am learning
a lot about how things work.   

I think that I will hop a bus down to the
Grocery Store today.   Because of inspections,
Kelly and I didn't get our day out this week.   
So I  off  to catch the bus. 

Have a good day,  Everyone.
Sandy

Good morning, Phyllis.  My husband could take a book to bed and read all night.  If I had one, I was asleep in no more than 15 min.

Sandy--Good morning.  Glad you like your new phone.  Hopefully it's not one of those that catch on fire.  My sister has one of those--they have been recalled.

Hi everyone on a beautiful Friday morning.  We have a zero chance of rain today.  I plan on staying home today, the first day all week and I am looking forward to it.  No major cooking will be needed today as we have the beef roast and when I made the salad last night I had a big bowl of it left so won't have to do that.  Pat has the balsamic mushrooms also that I made a couple of days ago that she hasn't eaten yet.  I have some work to do here at my desk and that will be it.

On my last visit to COSTCO I bought two new king size pillows.  We started using them a couple of night ago and we both like them.  So Pat will be ordering some king size pillow cases.  Right now we are using two regular size pillow cases on each one, which works but looks rather strange. 

They are in the process of delivering the Hardy Plank siding for the new house across the street and the crew is already on site to start putting it on.  This house has really gone up quickly. 

Thank you all for your continued expressions of concern for Pat and for your prayers for her.  She is half-way through with the intensive Chiropractic treatments and was told at the beginning at about this point she will have a plateau level and she thinks she has reached it.  Hopefully soon she will see more progress. 

Gloria, Google Chrome has been my browser of choice for several years.  I occasionally try another one but always return to Chrome.  Sure wish you could get your pain under control.  I am one of those people who really don't like milk alone probably due to having grown up on a dairy farm. 

Jackie, glad you felt up to getting out for a walk yesterday but sorry to see your situation didn't last for you.

Hal, I hope the shots will avoid you needing surgery. 

Beverly, will you be flying to Vermont or driving? 

Joan, another really good Food for Thought.  I have copied it and will put it in my file of devotional material for my Sunday School class. 

Amy, I read all you did yesterday and it was exhausting.  I almost had to go take a nap!    Sorry you have to miss your quilting. 

Good morning, Larry.  I am sure it seems good to stay at home and not have to cook today.  I pray it won't be long and Pat will have more pain relief from her treatments.  Good you can use some "stuff" I post.  Hmmm......while I was typing the electricity went off for about 10 seconds--long enough to shut down the TVs and the computer.

Gloria, I didn't forget that you asked about the antenna I bought... Mohu HD TV Antenna (Value 2 pk.)   $49.88 .... just been working non-stop (shhhh, don't gell Joan, no more demerits!)  what I bought at Sam's Club, I'm pretty sure I paid more than that when I bought.  I can't tell the difference between the larger one in the box versus the small one.  I used the little pins that come in the package to attach to the wall as high as possible & had to change directions to see where the best signal came from.  In the end, they attached whatever direction the wall was.  I am perfectly satisfied with my reception but does have problems in some weather.  I get the local stations & all they have to offer plus my favorite of ME TV & MY TV & ION (that has all day & evening of Blue Bloods on Thursday).  Cable is costly here so I broke even the first month (paying for the antennas -cable) & I am completely satisfied.  I see others advertised on TV for $10 but don't know anything about them.  I do get better reception in the RV in my driveway but that antenna is higher than in the house & a different brand. (I don't know what it is).  If you decided to go that route you can go online to Huffpost TV guide for your area and click on "over the air" instead of cable.... and have TV guide for free.  I think I get about 40-50 stations but NOT all the time and not always without problems.  The local stations are fine as well as ME TV & ION for some times of day/evening/night.... when I don't like what's on the rest.  I did need to buy a new digital recorder since my other was about 10 years out of date.... so I can tape & watch when I want.  I like the old Westerns & have enjoyed a lot more than I could get on cable.

Good morning to all.  Have T-storms going on right now & still nice & cool.  Planned to vac the pool but one excuse is as good as another for being lazy.  I over did yesterday & got a lot accomplished so will R & R today.

Good morning everyone, It was quite cool last night, had to get out of bed and get the blanket I neglected to put on the bed. Finally got comfy and slept late this morning. Of course my window was wide open letting all that nice cool air in.

JUNE  my daughter is smarter and wiser than I ever was.

HAL  looks like you have the right doctors to work on your back.

BEVERLY  on the TV here they are saying no beautiful foliage expected here this year because of the drought conditions. A few trees here are starting to show a little color  but RI is later than Vermont for the colors. Have a safe trip and enjoy seeing family.

JOAN  one of those cannot make up my mind what mini muffin I want. Thank you for today's goodies.

AMY  looks like I will not be making applesauce this year. Only made 2 batches of it last year, not much place to put it in the freezer of the fridge here.

JOY  going back to bed sounds good to me this morning, even with bright sun shining.

LARRY  after starting out with IE and using it for so long I had a hard time getting used to Google but getting to like it.

SHIRLEY  thank you for the information. I see the ones on TV and a few in the weekly fliers we get in the mail. Really inexpensive and that alone makes me wonder if they are any good. Will check it out. Only thing with me is attaching anything to the walls. So many things we cannot do according to the rules.

Good Morning Everyone!

Boy I really am "tail end charlie" this morning.  I slept in until 8:30 and wife had beaten me up by a long time and had my coffee and a waffle (frozen) and read over the paper, same old nickels and dimes.  It was certainly nice to take my time and do as I pleased this morning and have nothing special planned.

Amy, Beverly thanks for your comments on the back problems.  I intend to give surgery much thought and weigh things on different factors.  And like the doctor said nothing is going to happen until he gets a complete medical clearance from everyone.

Lloyd nice to hear you are still (still think you should have just dug a new ditch) on cleaning out the conduit. 

Well back for another cup of coffee.

Shirley--You sure gave Gloria lots of info.  All that w--- you've done?   Hmmm......demerits?

Gloria--I know you like the cooler weather, so bet it was nice to use a blanket.  The mini muffins are small so have several.

halkel--Am sure you are happy to be able to stay home today.   

Amy, you truly did get a burst of energy yesterday…I can remember when I could do the same thing..one after another, and it made me feel so good when things were accomplished. Now I watch others here do the work. My housekeeper was in shortly after seven this morning to put fresh linens on my bed and in my bathroom. She will return later to scrub up everything in the bathroom. This is done weekly, and next week it will be what she calls "deep cleaning" where she does the weekly chore, plus vacuuming and dusting the whole apt., even the pictures on the wall. I usually disappear on those days, and let her work. And I always get a weekly hug when she comes into do her work. Plus more hugs if we meet in the hallway. She is a jewel.

Good Morning back attcha Ms. Janie !!!!!!

Bis, Is this brilliant lawyer daughter the mother of the former skaters, or is that the other daughter. ? From what I recall the girls have completely opposite personalities, and you son is the one that was with you during your very serious illness. Bis, reading in bed also puts me to sleep.

Tisie, it is good to take a day off now and then. Life passes us by too quickly, so day of R&R should be essential for us. And you are an exceptionally busy, busy girl.

Gloria, I too didn't want to get started this morning, in fact, I just now finished a bowl of rice krispies with sliced banana, and still in my robe and night gown. And it is after nine o'clock. There is a program downstairs at 10 o'clock that I want to attend, so I had better get off this computer and get dressed !!!

A good Friday morning to EVERYFRIEND. 

MY Bob was out bright and early this AM with hope of buying one of the new iPhones......no luck! He has one on order, but thought just maybe he could get one today. 

Thank you, JOAN, for all the goodies today. 

AMY, so far nary a word from the doctor and sadly, I think her office is closed today. Nothing I can do. My goodness, the way you go at each and everyday I could hardly imagine you could possibly have a burst of energy more than you normally have.  I sure wish you luck with getting the freezer up and running.

LARRY, nice that you can stay home today and that you will not have to cook from scratched. Leftovers are great!  Wow, they really are going to town on the new home across from you. 

HAL, obviously your body needed a bit of catch up rest.  Glad your day is going to be an easy one as well. 

I am definitely part of the fall asleep group when it comes to reading...my hubby is just the opposite.  He can read for hours! 

No big plan for the day......just hoping to get a few needed things done around here. 

Hope your day has gone well, JACKIE.  How blessed this group is to not have any of us effected with MS.....so sorry for you.  I totally understand what you are saying in that we have no first hand knowledge of this awful disease.....and just knowing one that does is not the same...same with individuals going through chemo or radiation....we just know it is AWFUL?  HUGS to you. 

Have a good one....
Jenny

Good morning from a fog-shrouded, misty Interior, I'm hoping everyone is doing well and enjoying their day!

That allergy I was upset about last Friday has turned into a sinus cold, so I am hibernating this week.

Hal, I have had friends who received those shots and some worked and some did not. But, as you say, times and experience change. My daughter was born at Brooke Army Hospital in San Antonio, and my husband was sent there after messing up his back in Vietnam.

That was back in the late sixties and early seventies, so it was a time ago. I think you once mentioned that this was a clinic near the hospital? Or perhaps I do not remember correctly.

I have the opposite problem as I will stay up all night to finish an engrossing book so try to avoid reading or starting one late.
However, listening to an audio book at any time will lull me directly to sleep! We can be so different from one another!

June--Housekeeping there sure takes good care of you and your place.  Yes, Linda that visited is the mother of the skaters.  They don't skate anymore.   Grant is an attorney in Atlanta and Audrey is a Doctor of Pharmacy in Seattle.  My other daughter in NY is totally different than Linda.  And yes, son Joe has been here all three times I was in the hospital.

Jenny--I still have one of the older generation iPhones, and guess that will have to do for now.  Too bad you couldn't get in touch with your doctor.

Angelface--Sorry the allergy turned into a sinus cold.  They are miserable. 

Yep, Patricia, I will stay awake all night and can't think of anything else when I start a book, no reading to go to sleep for me.  I hated to tell the world, thought I was the only one that can't put a book down.  Since I am on my R & R today I'm thinking about going to Taco Bell for carry out.  I love the new spicy tostadas & can eat a couple of them and 2 crunchy tacos without any trouble.  Sure a lot easier than making from scratch~ My last sinus infection I took the "Zpac".... twice, since it was a doozie.

Joan, lazy day today makes up for all that w**k yesterday, right?  I have a niece that is a Doctor of Geriatric Pharmacy that lives in NC.  My daughter originally planned to go to Pharmacy School but the high school counselor told her "she wasn't suited...", even though she had a straight A average, he judged her as a cheerleader & drill team captain.... So she went into engineering & got her BS & Masters in Electrical.  Girls today can be anything they want if they are are given the same opportunity as our sons. 

Shirley, what is a Zpak? I haven't heard of that. I did go out for sinus medication the other day, but a red car ran before the bus driver, causing the driver to stand on her brakes and people fell onto the floor, so I'm hibernating the rest of the sinus duration.

The Dayquil, Night quil," combo is keeping me sleeping more often than not anyway.