The Sound and the Blurry (photos) . . .

July 1st, 2008 at 07:39pm BCB

CBBarandGrill.jpg. . . a tale told by Lori, translated into coherence by BCB.

Okay, I think I’ve managed to break the code and translate the majority of this so it will make sense to everyone. It wasn’t easy. My translations are in [brackets]. You will see soon enough that it was necessary. I removed the reference to herding cats and the “just because BCB couldn’t make it work” comment. It’s better that way. Hey, no need to thank me. Anything to convince you not to do this make it easier to share photos. Really.

~BCB

Private Photo Sharing Options:

From what I understand, the group in Portland decided they want to be able to share pictures with the rest of the CBs without putting them out there for the world to see (like using the blog would). [Translation: Had she been in Portland, she could have put a stop to this then and there.]

There are a couple photo sharing websites that have options that would enable us to do just that. [Tr: But she’s going to tell you about some others instead.]

Option 1: Create a private group on a photo sharing website.
 (Like www.flickr.com or www.keepandshare.com)

I am leery having one account and giving everyone the sign in and password information, [Tr: You all are crazy and not to be trusted.] but if we want all the pictures in one location, we can use something called a “Group” on the Flickr website. Everyone would need to sign up for a Flickr account, which is a part of the Yahoo family (making it easier for people with Yahoo emails). [Tr: You would have to do something and then remember what you did so you could do it again later.] It would be considered a private group, so the only way to become a member of the group is to be invited by a person who is already a member. Groups can also set up administrators and moderators that have the power to enforce any rules that govern the group. [Tr: Yeah, right.] The administrators can also temporarily remove or ban members. [Tr: With any luck, all of them.] Flickr would never allow the group content to go public. [Tr: Though it has never dealt with this group before.]

Individuals who wanted to share pictures with the group would upload their pictures to their individual Flickr account using the “private” setting. They would then choose to “share” those pictures with the group. [Tr: All this is gibberish, just ignore it.] This is pretty simple and standard stuff, [Tr: This is extremely difficult and should only be attempted by a professional.] but if people have questions, there is help available (from both flickr and myself). [Tr: If this is not confusing enough, she can make it worse.] Once pictures are shared with the group, the individual could put a link to the pictures at the Bar & Grill. People who followed the link would be prompted to sign into their Flickr account in order to see the pictures. There is also a space for people to comment on pictures in Flickr. [Tr: As long as you don’t use the letter “e” which is banned from the site.]

Members of the group are allowed to view and comment on any photos that are “shared” with the group. They can also add tags (keywords) and other various things along those lines. [Tr: Various things like more code words that will need translation.] There is also a spot for “Group Discussion.” As of right now, I’m not sure it would necessary to use the discussion area, but it is there regardless. [Tr: This is MN humour, meaning: “Not sure why you all feel the need to talk all the damn time.”]

The only other photo sharing website I came across with a “Group” option is called Keep and Share. I have not explored this site much yet, [Tr: She is incredibly busy.] but I will if y’all decide you like it. [Tr: You bother her with this, she will hurt you.] If you know of another photo sharing site that supports groups, and you think it has potential for us, please let us know!

Option 2: Use your choice of photo sharing website and send a link to private photos or albums by email.
(Like www.picasa.com, www.snapfish.com, www.shutterfly.com, www.flickr.com, and more.) [Tr: More MN humour, meaning: “If you thought that was too complicated, try doing this at home.”]

On most photo sharing websites, it is possible to upload photos with a “private” setting and share a link to those photos by email. Only the people who get the email have access to those photos. [Tr: You all will be sending a lot of email invitations.] If the CBs choose this route, people could upload their pictures to whichever photo sharing website they prefer then send an email invitation to view those photos to all the CBs. [Tr: As well as Thank You notes.]

You would not need an account to view the photos because you would be able to view them just by following the link sent to you in the email. [Tr: This doesn’t really work, but it sounds good in theory and provides hours of entertainment for admin types.] Most of these sights also have areas for people to comment on pictures.

If we did this option, we would probably need to compile an email list of those people who want to receive links to pictures (and put the list in a safe place?). [Tr: Are you kidding me? There is no safe place.] Or we could put one person in charge of the list and have that person receive email with the link and forward it to the rest of the CBs. [Tr: She just volunteered to be in charge.]

Okay, almost done: [Tr: Obviously, more MN humour.]

I actually have some concerns with either option. [Tr: Mostly that you all think you need to share pictures in the first place.] However, I have not come across anything better, so now it’s your turn. What are you thinking? [Tr: She really doesn’t want to know.] What looks good, bad, and ugly? Are there other options? [Tr: No, there are not.] Did anything I just said make any sense?

[Editor’s note: It does now that I translated everything. So, you see? Lori’s educated and highly professional opinion is that this won’t work. No need to discuss. No need for decisions. Move on to the next post.]

Entry Filed under: Useless Fun, On-topic Only

124 Comments Add your own

  • 1. Louisal  |  July 1st, 2008 at 8:18 pm

    I would love to see the photos, but my eyes are glazed over. My finger has unlocked, though, at least for the moment, so, I’m taking that as a positive.
    When my family wants to share photos with me, they email them to me, or we post them on our private family blog. Downside to the blog idea is that the photos are not clickable. However, I don’t think I should even put in my two cents worth on this.

    But I certainly do appreciate the knowledge and effort that went into this post.

    Hugs to all who need them.

  • 2. GatorPerson  |  July 1st, 2008 at 8:24 pm

    DId you simply throw away the glass and put a nipple on that wine bottle?

    And, besides that, Wapak, I didn’t know there were girl parts to view on an ultrasound, only 1 boy part.

    BCB, have you started a new career writing technical manuals? Sure reads like it. Now you can start doing flow charts with sparkly thingies glue-gunned to it.

    Can’t we do a blog on Blogger for photos? [You asked if there was another option.]I think I remember it can be locked to THE CHOSEN PEOPLE only. Maybe that’s what the above post is about, just not Blogger.

  • 3. Wapakwoman  |  July 1st, 2008 at 9:12 pm

    My 10 cents.
    DDILWIP1 takes pictures of MAX!. She sends them to me through e-mail in a batch. The email asks if I want to view them and I answer, ” For the Love of Bob, Yes!” And then I look at them.

    I can’t get there unless she sends me to me by e-mail. Done

    GP- I think it may have been the Absence of Boy Part that indicated that we were dealing with Girl Parts

  • 4. Mary  |  July 1st, 2008 at 9:16 pm

    If there are a large number of photos, it might not make it into the inbox. Some email applications have a limit of 10MB. If an email attachment is too large, it doesn’t go through.

    It’s really not difficult to get a gmail account and upload a whole album of photos (using Picasa) onto your own photo album spot. The photos don’t have to be blurry.

    (Yeah, rather a pointed remark there, Ms. BCB. Oh, wait a moment. I should blame Lori for the title. Yeah, that sounds right.)

  • 5. Wapakwoman  |  July 1st, 2008 at 9:16 pm

    BCB- By the way, the explanation was priceless! You have a future in technical translation.

    We tried to help Mary do that in Portland, but she declined all offers. I can see why after the masterpiece you just presented.

    Did I mention that I am going to have a GrandDAUGHTER????

  • 6. Mary  |  July 1st, 2008 at 9:19 pm

    Did anyone notice that right now as she’s walking around there are several inches of air between Wapak’s feet and the ground? :)

  • 7. Mary  |  July 1st, 2008 at 9:20 pm

    I could never compete with BCB when it comes to technical documentation. I only wish that I could put little Minnesotan remarks into my manuals. They would be Greatly Improved by the addition.

  • 8. BCB  |  July 1st, 2008 at 9:32 pm

    Mary, we try never to make remarks about little Minnesotans.

    I’m glad you all found my translation helpful. Because I’m all about helping with this project. Really. Team player, that’s me.

    GP, I couldn’t find any wine so I had to face the technicalities braced with just tap water. Yes, I’m very brave.

    Someone tie an anchor to Wapak before we lose her.

    Louisa why is your finger locked? That sounds painful and just — wrong.

  • 9. Lo  |  July 1st, 2008 at 9:36 pm

    GP: Yes, you can create a blog (using Blogger) that is only visible to people that have been granted permission (THE CHOSEN PEOPLE). You would have to be established as one of the blog authors would be able to post, and you need a blogger/google account to be a blog author.

    To view the blog you would need to be invited by email. The people who are invited can sign in and view the blog using a blogger/google account or view the blog as a guest for 30 day.

    Blogs seem to be what this group is most comfortable using, so it is definitely an option. Blogs have come a long way when it comes to uploading pictures (just don’t ask Me about it), but there are still a lot of kinks in the system.

    I’ve never used Word Press, so I don’t know if they have the same settings and options.

    The websites I mentioned above are primarily used for sharing pictures, so they are more formated with photos in mind. You are able to organize photos and view pictures in multiple sizes. You can even see them as a full screen slideshow… with captions! I personally find that easier when I’m viewing a lot of photos, but if y’all are thinking you want to create posts with words and a few pictures… just not in a public setting, a blog should totally work!

  • 10. BCB  |  July 1st, 2008 at 9:38 pm

    And just so we’re clear, Lori wrote all the geeky instruction parts. I just added the extremely lucid translation parts.

  • 11. ri  |  July 1st, 2008 at 9:47 pm

    This is not the first time BCB had made reference to my geekdom. I wonder if this has anything to do with the pocket protector that I insisted on wearing every day while I was there… no that would have shown my nerdiosity. Must ponder my signs of geekiness further…

    Long Live Little Minnesotans!
    (don’t know where that remark came from, but it’s out now)

  • 12. Irol  |  July 1st, 2008 at 9:51 pm

    My tenses aren’t matching up. The only logical explanation is that Andi has the time machine working.

    I hope she posts pictures! (See. I’m on topic.)

  • 13. LtL  |  July 1st, 2008 at 9:59 pm

    Wapak! Yippee! I mean, I love MAX! and I wish my bundle of great joy had included a boy, but you are going to love have both flavors of perfection in your life. Honey, granddaughters will do crafts with you. Probably, so will grandsons, I just don’t have that info. And, yes, there are girl parts that show up in the sonogram. Jenny had some of them on her blog a week or so ago in her bodyparts soup illustrations.

    I blog on blogger, myspace and wordpress. I don’t like myspace much at all. Never tried to put photos on wordpress. Jenny is fuming about troubles with them, though. I think that’s right. And yes, blogger does have controls that allow for up to 100 authors and I don’t know how many authorized viewers.

    If anyone is on dotmac, they have a great blog/website system. I played with it a little bit and it was so great! Totally manageable. Some of my happiest days of my long ago youth were spent making up newspapers, and working with iWeb was a lot like that. Sigh.

    DD uses Flickr or photobucket or something, and I’m guessing that google has some kind of system that’s comparable. I can’t seem to work Flickr, so that is why I get photos via email from DD.

    Oh, Google has a reader system. I subscribe to some photographers’ work, and they send large photos through that. Anyway.

    As for the finger, well, tempus fugit, I guess. And I’ve spent a whole lot of time typing. Even when my job title was “reader” I spent hours per day typing. Sometimes one or the other of my middle fingers will lock in either the closed (fist) position or worse, the open position. Sometimes takes days to unlock. And you can guess what shape my mouse finger is in! Modern Life! BooHoo, Poor Little Louisa.

    I better shut up and hit send before the damn phone rings and blows me off.

  • 14. BCB  |  July 1st, 2008 at 10:04 pm

    Some of us mock that which we have no hope of emulating. Or something. The boundaries of my knowledge have no chance of ever expanding into geekdom.

    And I forgot about the effing on topic thing. Oh well. Someone had to do it. Best if it’s done by someone with experience. And no fear of reprisal.

    DECREE: Henceforth, feel free to ignore the topic.

  • 15. !JO7  |  July 1st, 2008 at 10:15 pm

    LtL: Blogger allows 100 authorized viewers. (Also: I like dotmac, but it cost money… so I don’t have it.)

    BCB: Sure it wasn’t, “No desire to emulate?” If I’m ignoring the topic I feel compelled to ask: Book done yet?

  • 16. Mary  |  July 1st, 2008 at 10:16 pm

    I’m afraid the time machine got lost in translation or something like that.

    Perhaps (yes this is on topic, I mean honestly, tell me to ignore the topic? That just makes me focus on it all the more, really these whilom minnie-sotans ;) ) we should have one volunteer from the audience **irol** to set up a Flickr account or whatever?

  • 17. BCB  |  July 1st, 2008 at 10:20 pm

    Ooops. I must have “accidentally” deleted the part where Lo-lo, lo-lo-lori said she had already set up a sample CB account on Flickr. My bad.

    Book is actually progressing nicely — slowly but surely.

  • 18. IJO7  |  July 1st, 2008 at 10:21 pm

    I have two Flickr accounts and have created to CB groups to test how they work.

  • 19. IJO7  |  July 1st, 2008 at 10:22 pm

    Right. TWO CB groups.

  • 20. IJO7  |  July 1st, 2008 at 10:24 pm

    Holy Smokes I’m out of whack lately. I can’t control anything coming out of my fingers. Grammar… spelling… sentence structure (wait, that’s a part of grammar, right?)… all out the window!

  • 21. BCB  |  July 1st, 2008 at 10:26 pm

    See? This is why I felt the need to translate.

  • 22. BCB  |  July 1st, 2008 at 10:31 pm

    IJ07 would feel so much better about all this if I had let her add pictures to the post. Poor baby. Hang on a few more weeks, winter is almost over and soon you can come outside to play again without bundling up first.

  • 23. IJO7  |  July 1st, 2008 at 10:42 pm

    *sigh* It would be nice to go outside and play for a while. It’s really too bad the whole job thing keeps getting in the way.

    *wanders away dreaming about laying in the cool grass with the warm sun on her face*

  • 24. IJO7  |  July 1st, 2008 at 10:52 pm

    You do realize the name is my super-duper helpful way to encourage your unique translating skills, right?

  • 25. Yram  |  July 1st, 2008 at 11:02 pm

    I thought you were in Mennysota. Isn’t Chyna the place where everyone walks around upside down?

    Probably someone could write a dissertation on the effect that teh Lolcats iz havin’ on spellun.

  • 26. IJO7  |  July 2nd, 2008 at 12:59 am

    But where do they walk backwards?

  • 27. theresa  |  July 2nd, 2008 at 4:47 am

    He, he, he! You all started my morning right!

    I vote we give flikr a try, since Lori, Irol, and IJ07 all seem to know what they’re they’re doing there. And so more instructions can be written that BcB would have to translate. :+)

    I guess one question would be whether anyone would refuse to have a picture posted of them on Flikr in a password protected account? If it’s one or two people, then I say we go with it, but if it’s a lot of people, then that’s a problem.

    Also, I don’t see a private blog as being any safer for posting pictures than a password protected group on Flikr. Plus I really hate loading pictures into Blogger. Ok, hate’s probably too strong a word. It’s just annoying and takes too long, and if one wants to share lots of pictures. Argh.

  • 28. GatorPerson  |  July 2nd, 2008 at 7:07 am

    My (2) pittchers of the day. Mr. Darcy and I play frisbee w/ 2 frisbees, both gnawed on. One is yellow, parts missing. The other is blue with massive numbers of tooth marks, came with a hole in the middle. Sooo, when he decides it’s time to go in, he gets the blue one over his nose, picks up the yellow one, and goes to the front door. Maybe I’ll post them. Oops, gotta read the manual again.

  • 29. McB  |  July 2nd, 2008 at 7:21 am

    I like the idea of invitation only. And it would be a good idea to limit photos to maybe each poster’s top 5 or 10. Otherwise it would get overwhelming.

    So Wapak, heard any news lately about the new GK?

  • 30. GatorPerson  |  July 2nd, 2008 at 7:21 am

    Okey dokey. It’s over on Math, Etc.

  • 31. BCB  |  July 2nd, 2008 at 7:57 am

    IJO7 at #24: Heck, I’m so used to turning your communications upside down and backwards, I didn’t even notice.

    Maybe we should have Theresa write a complicated computer program that would translate future instructions for us? Because this just flat wore me out.

    Very cute pic, GP! Did you teach him to do that or did he come up with it on his own? Smart dog. [I tried to comment over there but Blogger didn’t want to believe me about my ID and password. Told me I don’t exist. Does that mean I can go back to bed?]

    Two more days of work and then three days off!!

  • 32. me  |  July 2nd, 2008 at 8:15 am

    Someone mentioned the possibility of just e-mailing the photos. I cannot. Wimpy dial-up because I am poor (cheap) does not allow it. On the rare times it does allow me to e-mail pictures, I can only do one at a time. And it takes 10 minutes. Each. Also, I fear I’d have the same issues with using a private blogger site as I did with trying to post here (i.e. long, drawn-out, miserable failure).

    So I vote for one of the sites to link to. I have viewed photos on both snapfish and picasa, but never downloaded (uploaded? put stuff on?) to them. I’m willing to try. Let’s hope my dial-up is, too.

    From previous post:
    Hi btuda!
    Wapak: YAY! I have in fact seen pink cammo. Good for making midnight raids on a cotton candy factory.

  • 33. jenb  |  July 2nd, 2008 at 8:42 am

    Thank you all for such a priceless morning wakeup read. Words cannot express the sanity check I receive after reading such prose.
    BCB, I have missed your voice here!
    Lori, please come on back South again. We need you here.

    Silly question I know but when will we see the rest of the photos–
    maybe by Labor Day? It does give us something to look forward to.

    We are off to the coast…DH wants to get his golf game in shape for his yearly outing with the guys.
    Sure wish you all could come and play while he does his thing.

  • 34. Wapakwoman  |  July 2nd, 2008 at 9:39 am

    I got into Flickr and then didn’t know where to go. I think since Lori already knows how to get here, then she could send smoke signals to BCB to interpret so the rest of us can get there. But then the smoke in CA (not Canada) might confuse the issue further.

    Jenb- have fun…wish we could play too!

    McB- I still don’t know why they call you McBossy. Inquiring minds and all that. And why yes I have, thank you. SHE’S a GIRL!

    Pink camo sleeper ordered last night in several sizes. Need to ask if tye dye is on the list. Oh so many ruffles……

    me- I understand your pain on dial up. That’s what my family gets at the Lake (Michigan) in Michigan. Flickr would be a big help!

  • 35. Yram  |  July 2nd, 2008 at 9:40 am

    IJO7 at 26
    Well, there are places where people read
    from right
    to left.

    Topic tie-in:
    What I like about Picasa is that it can upload whole albums in one relatively fell swoop. I hate having to upload photos one… at…a… time… must… stay… awake… to… upload…photozzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz…

  • 36. IJO7  |  July 2nd, 2008 at 11:10 am

    `/\ J V W (Dang, I just can’t quite get there…)

    So Yram: So you’re saying if I moved to V |V I H ) , I might make more sense?

    BCB @ #31: Fair enough.

    JenB: Name a southern location and a time, and I’ll do my best to show up.

    Me: I used to deal with dial up, and uploading photos is just always going to be a chore. I’m not sure which photo sharing websites are more adept to dealing with dial up. That might be trial and error. Sorry!

    Wapak: I’m lighting up my cigar so… If you already have a Flickr account, it’s pretty easy to invite you to the group. However, part of being private means you can’t find me until I want you to :)

    As far as Picasa goes, I’m totally with Yram… I love my Picasa (I can upload straight from iPhoto to Picasa… and removing an extra step is fantastic), and will keep using it for personal stuff. However, they don’t have “Groups” so all the pictures would just be hanging out on individual accounts… which works. Depending on what y’all want.

    Which I think is the point. Explore options now… figure out what we really want… put plan in action.

    Back to work: I think I can… I think I can… I think I can… I think I can…

  • 37. GatorPerson  |  July 2nd, 2008 at 11:17 am

    Sob! Go check out Math, Etc. again. Darcy is just fine. My mock orange ain’t.

  • 38. Lou  |  July 2nd, 2008 at 12:10 pm

    JenB - Playing in the south sounds like so much fun!! Wish I could be there, but my boss insists I get work accomplished (narrow-minded of him I think). Have a relaxing good time!!

    I’m good to go with whatever the Whack decides regarding photos. Just be sure to include detailed instructions, as I get lost easily.

    Woo hoo, Wapak. No girl babies in 75 years?? And you are going to get one to play with?? How cool is that?

    GP - Mr. Darcy is way too cute for words. What a special puppy!!

  • 39. Andi  |  July 2nd, 2008 at 12:32 pm

    Whatever must be done for me to see pictures, abso-ma-tootly must be done. So geeky or nerdy or whatever… just do it!

    All baseball all the time around here, oh and some tennis. I have even played(and lost) twice.

    Today the Juan turns 40! All he wanted was for the cleaning lady to come. Now if she was anywhere in the “Hot” vicinity I might have balked at this, but as she is not, this really feels like a present for me! Yippee!

    Hope everyone is doing well! Yippee for the granddaughter Wapa! Cute doggie GP.

  • 40. McB  |  July 2nd, 2008 at 1:50 pm

    Hiya, Andi!

    I like the group idea re photos. Having them in one spot for viewing just sounds easier. Well, maybe easy isn’t the exactly the right word for it.

    Wapak - I’m saving details on the new nickname for my post weekend after this one. I started drafting it, but the post, much like the event, is all over the place. A lot like !701 wrote it without BCB’s interpretative narrative.

    I’m sorry, Mary, but your new CB name is now Hyram. Can’t help it.

  • 41. glamour-geek  |  July 2nd, 2008 at 1:55 pm

    Ok, everyone focus now. I know that’s asking a lot of CBs. :)

    So I had an interview last week. Liked all the people. Can I do the job? Damned straight. Do I have ALL the experience they might want? Maybe not quite, but I learn fast. They were supposed to have their other candidate in this week, but she was in an accident (ack! Poor thing!) so her’s has been pushed to next week (when the person who the winning candidate will be working with most will be back from vacation, so just as well). Anyway, I would LIKE to be employed. The commute sucks for this one, but could be a really great opportunity to expand my skills and learn stuff and work with nice people. Did I mention the commute sucks?

    Please send positive vibes in my direction. I am getting QUITE worried about the eternal job search. Some days it feels like I’ll be interviewing forever and never actually have a job.

    Meanwhile, the interview that was supposed to be yesterday got postponed. Don’t know why, he said he had to cancel and would be in touch later this week to reschedule. *shrug*

    I miss OH. When is she due back? Or do we need to send bail money?

    Diane: Congratulations! I know you wanted to move and if it’s interesting and gets you more skills for your next job, then temporary low pay is an investment in your future.

    cbpen: how’s your search going?

    Wapa: YAY!!!!!! You’re going to have so much fun!

    Photos: yeah, whatever. Pick something, I’ll cope, even if I hate signing up for more things. :)

  • 42. Diane (TT)  |  July 2nd, 2008 at 2:27 pm

    OK, that was well beyond my ability to concentrate!

    GG- definitely, good vibes for your job search! All this build-up will soon have a happy resolution, I’m sure.

    As far as λJVW is concerned, how about a lambda? if you prefix it with the & symbol and end it with the ;, html should draw you one.

    Because I’m a useful person! Really. ♥

  • 43. Diane (TT)  |  July 2nd, 2008 at 2:34 pm

    Oh, and Wapak - definitely congratulations on the granddaughter! I don’t know exactly how you feel, but there was a 31 year drought of girls in my family. I was the last until my niece, with 8 boys in between. When a friend had a little girl, I went VERY pink and fluffy, which my sister was glad I had gotten out of my system (mostly) by the time her daughter came along.

    GP - I was putting in some dahlias and dianthus and some tulip bulbs came up. Can I carry them with me to OH, or should I put them back in the ground here? They’re sitting in my kitchen at the moment - should I put ‘em in the fridge?

  • 44. CMS  |  July 2nd, 2008 at 2:47 pm

    Diane - how did you make the heart? I’ve been trying for months but wordpress didn’t feel the love apparently.

    G-G great vibes for your job prospects. CBPEN as well. Any day now ladies. And you’ll love your new jobs.

  • 45. Diane (TT)  |  July 2nd, 2008 at 3:23 pm

    CMS - I found it when I looked up the lambda - same basic deal - & hearts ; with no spaces. We’ll see if it works to write it like that or whether I have to be more oblique!

    Yes, CBPen, good luck on that job search, too! I may not be going to make much money, but the confidence of a steady paycheck will be great. Now all I need is a home. Some “no longer available” replies have been coming through, making me a bit nervous!

    This spending the day at the computer is tiring! I know I usually do, but this feels like more than I’m used to.

  • 46. GatorPerson  |  July 2nd, 2008 at 3:26 pm

    I guess the tulip bulbs coming up means the bulbs themselves were basically without leaves, and you dug into the ground to plant the dahlias and dianthus. In that case, take them along. Even if there were leaves. If the leaves were green, you may not get flowers next year. If they were brown, you will.

  • 47. The Easily Offended  |  July 2nd, 2008 at 3:33 pm

    You can upload to Picassa directly from iPhoto? Why does no one tell me these things?

    ***Off Topic

    I’m having trouble keeping up my new mantra of “let go”. As in, when there is nothing you can do to change the situation, let go. Don’t worry, don’t get angry, don’t whine or cry.

    Dad is going to be 73 this year and just retired at the start of this year.

    I don’t know how much I’ve mentioned previously, but Dad was diagnosed about a year ago with myelofibrosis, a basically incurable form of blood cancer. Typical life expectancy is 3-5 years from diagnosis, with lucky ones able to go 10. (Odd thought from last night: Combine Jenny Crusie, who produces too much blood with Dad who produces too little, they’d balance each other out.) Dad’s blood counts have been improving, so we’ve kinda settled down with this one.

    Most of Dad’s patrilineal has/had Parkinsons and Alzheimers, so Dad’s long been worried this would be coming. He freaks out every time he forgets something. We don’t worry too much about this one, ‘cuz given family history, he still has about 8-10 more years.

    A few months ago, Dad went in to see the doctor about these wierd patches of skin on his arms. Three doctors later, it was skin lupus. The specialist is apparently lacking in communicative skill, so we still don’t know what is up with this one. So I try not to worry about it so much. (Dad has none of the other symptoms - or if he does, they’re masked by the myelofibrosis.)

    Dad went for his regular check-up with his primary physician a couple weeks ago. They got freaked out by his blood test results, but not for the usual reasons. Now Dad is skinny - has been most of his life. He inherited his mother’s small frame and build, and except for a time near the end of his first marriage, he’s mostly weighed less than 170 at 5′9″. A few years ago, at the end of his second marriage, he started some goofy diet, which thank heavens, he’s recovered from, and he now hovers at 145. He has always had low blood pressure (even when he didn’t exercise) and good cholestrol numbers (despite being a meat & potatoes guy).

    But his time his cholestrol was bad, his blood sugar was terrible. So now they’ve diagnosed diabetes and are making him test his blood several times a day to monitor his sugar levels. He hates this, because Dad loves his chocolate (of course, Dad has “will power” - his idea of indulging in cholate is a small candy bar once or twice a week) and Dad loves his bread (doesn’t matter what you cook, if it doesn’t include a side of bread or tortillas, it isn’t dinner). So he was already struggling when I found out about this yesterday.

    Today I learn that he is extremely freaked out about a call from his blood cancer specialist. Apparently, after talking to Dad’s primary physician, she wants to see him before his next scheduled appointment. Dad was in the middle of something else when he got the call, and only realized after hanging up that they didn’t say why they were so concerned. His primary care doc didn’t mention anything in discussing the blood test results that raised any concerns with the myelofibrosis. So now he’s freaked, and I’m sitting here trying not to cry. And repeating “let it go, let it go” eight hundred times.

    I keep trying to tell myself that there is nothing I can do but help Dad with the information he’s got. I can’t make a doctor explain him/herself, I can’t go back in time and go to the doctor’s with him and ask questions. Dad is an adult - I can’t mother him or tell him what to do.

    I guess the good news is I did get Dad to agree to come down for the 4th. So I guess I’ll look up the dietary recommendations for diabetes and teach him how to cook stuff he can eat that he might actually like.

    But I’m confused. I thought that you were supposed to limit starches when you had diabetes, since those convert directly to sugar. But the diabetes pyramid on the American Diabetes Assoc. website is built on starches and grains. Is it just that those particular starches are complex (whole-grains and such) and break down slower?

    Argh. We now return you to your regularly scheduled photo discussion.

  • 48. Diane (TT)  |  July 2nd, 2008 at 3:34 pm

    GP - yep, the tulips were WAY past done, and I was digging around. Thanks! I’ll put ‘em in the ground in Ohio, for a few of my favorite Monsellas (I think it was they, and not the Greenlands - I’ve already forgotten, since it was more than a week ago, and I planted in both places).

    I bought chocolate late this morning, just as it was getting really hot. I was a bit worried about it melting in transit, but I am, instead, just eating it all.

    That’s one solution!

  • 49. Marcia in OK  |  July 2nd, 2008 at 3:36 pm

    FWIW - I also have a flickr account and would like to be included in the group.

    Thinking about all of you. {{{HUGS}}}} x 10000 - so plenty available to all that need or want them. Just grab a few.

    DD10 came home from camp coughing like crazy last Friday. Her dad kept her in for the weekend, but it didn’t clear up, and a fever was added to the mix. After a two hour DR visit complete with X-rays, it was decided that she has Pneumonia. YUCK!

    She’s on an adult dosage of antibiotics, and an inhaler with breathing junk attached. After she’s better, we have to take her in for a pulmonary function test and determine if maintenance inhaler is necessary.

    We’re OK, she’s coughing and agitated from meds, but no fever in 24 hrs. I’m must tired. I’d sort of gotten past the stage of listening for them breathing 24/7.

    Back when I catch up.

  • 50. McB  |  July 2nd, 2008 at 3:55 pm

    TEO - we need to get RSS in here because she did dietary stuff in a former life and would know all of this. If you don’t have her email I can get a message to her. In the meantime, (((many))).

    Marcia - hope DD is feeling and doing better really soon.

  • 51. Diane (TT)  |  July 2nd, 2008 at 4:00 pm

    Cary - yes, whole grains, because they contain fat and protein, are digested more slowly than refined sugars and starches (starch, while technically a complex carbohydrate, is broken down very rapidly to glucose, as you realize, unless it is still “tied up” with other plant molecules). I’m so terribly sorry that your dad is having so much trouble - from so many directions. No, there’s not much you can do except love him and help him to deal with whatever goes on with his health and his freaked-out-ness. Peace and strength to both of you!

    Marcia - scary! I hope that all goes well with DD10 and that she makes a quick recovery.

    I can’t remember all the various things I’m supposed to be doing, and don’t feel like doing them anyway, so I may eat a little more chocolate then go home. Possibly stopping for more ice cream and soda on the way…

    Because it’s THAT hot outside!

  • 52. Theresa  |  July 2nd, 2008 at 4:05 pm

    Oh Cary. (((HUGS))) to you and your dad. If you can’t make yourself let it go, at least give yourself a mental break by self-medicating with a stack of books. When I can’t make my brain stop, that’s the only thing that works.

    Here is some info that I found by googling: http://www.diabetes.ca/Section_About/glycemic.asp

    Marcia - Poor baby for your daughter!

    GG - Sending positive vibes your way as requested!

  • 53. Map  |  July 2nd, 2008 at 4:45 pm

    Wapak-Congrats on the baby girl…well almost. :) You still have to wait a bit to get your hands on her.

    GG-Good vibes for the job search-likewise to Cbpen and Diane.

    (((Cary)))-Hang in there

    Marcia-I hope she starts feeling better soon.

    IJO7 and Yram-interesting. (I’ll join in on the fun)

    GP-going to check out Darcy photos as soon as I’m done here.

    As to the on topic portion of the program. I’m flexible. Where ever you all decide to put the pics, just let me know.

  • 54. K.L.  |  July 2nd, 2008 at 5:23 pm

    Good Christ People! I don’t get a chance to check in until now and I am hopelessly behind. I am happy to go along with whatever you all want, as I am sure I will find a way to get there somehow. Just tell me where to go (not like that) and I will be happy. Sheesh.

  • 55. Wapakwoman  |  July 2nd, 2008 at 5:53 pm

    Cary- if you can at all, go with him to the next appointment. I found with Mom and Dad that many times they hear something and get stuck there and don’t listen to the rest. Or they plain just don’t understand.

    The part about not telling him what to do…..well you ARE his daughter and that IS our job in life. If you tell him you would like to go with him so you can know and if he has questions you two can make a list and the two of you can team up to get the answers from the doctor. And YES, you CAN make a doctor explain himself….I have asked a lot of questions. The waiting and not knowing the answers is just agony.

    My sisters and I used to kid that Dad couldn’t hear and Mom couldn’t remember so SOMEONE had to go with them.

    Much Love to all of you….I am short on time tonight. MWah!

    Marcia- (((HUGS))))) for you and DD10 sick in summer is not fun AT ALL.

  • 56. Louisal  |  July 2nd, 2008 at 6:16 pm

    I don’t know where to start.

    Easily–
    Except for the exotic cancer, we’ve dealt with all these things, though not all at once and all in one person. I kept thinking, as I was reading your post, there ought to be some kind of uberdoktor you could hire to keep the others in line. If you’re willing to engage, you actually can make them communicate. You may have to get some kind of power of attorney to do it, but so be it.

    You’re right. He’s not a child. He is your father and you’ve looked to him for advice and protection all these years. Now he needs you and you’re afraid to offer. Maybe he will refuse. My dad used to say, “Don’t hover, Lou.” So, I’d back off a bit and hover from a distance. Dad had had a brain stem stroke (also heart attacks and a big honking ulcer–management disease?) so he wasn’t in total control of his swallowing. That was the scariest: when things went to his lungs instead of to his stomach. Happened a dozen times a day. TMI.

    Were I in your position, I’d have both hands on the lapels of each physician and I wouldn’t let go till I understood and could explain it to Dad. And if these docs won’t conform, there are other docs. And one of them ought to be in control of the others.

    My BIL was diagnosed with diabetes a few years ago. No surprise to him as three of his grandparents had it. He eats several times a day (you don’t want to get between him and his food, and you sure don’t want to be around him when he’s got the low blood sugar) and pays attention to “slow” carbs. He wasn’t fat before, but he’s thin now, due to the dietary restrictions, but he’s been able to back off his insulin. He’s still a big jerk, but he’s a healthy big jerk.

    My brother was diagnosed with lupus about 15 years ago. He’s still kicking, but I don’t see him much, so can’t say how he handles it. He originally went to the doctor because he thought he had carpal tunnel syndrome. Doc gave him some meds, but the meds gave DB chest pains, so he turned them down. But it’s 15 years later and he’s still kicking. Still at work, in fact.

    I keep reminding myself that Mom took care of me when I was a baby and unable to care for myself, and that she took care of me when I was in bed for months with the machines on my legs, and she was no spring chicken even then. That keeps me in line and patient with her. And I know that someday I’ll have to let her go–but for now I watch her when she sleeps too hard or too long, and I try to pre-empt her (which is hard. She’s a self-starter and much accustomed to doing housework. But we are getting low on dishes.) and I have made up my mind to accede to her wishes vis-a-vis health care. Your dad obviously wants medical interventions. All you can do is to make sure it’s the best available.

    If you’re ever in doubt, or feeling shy around the white-coated authority figures, feel free to channel my inner drill sergeant. She’s fearless under fire, and there’s more than enough to go around.

    And we’re all of us here. We all of us care about you. And we’re all of us keeping you in our invisible arms. Well, we are hovering from a distance.

  • 57. Louisal  |  July 2nd, 2008 at 6:39 pm

    Homes and jobs.

    Seems like there’s some kind of sustained attack on our concepts of home and work. Even here, where we are dealing with blending Mom and her stuff into our already full house. And the fires and the floods destroying houses. Seems cosmic. Feels personal when it’s your house under water, or when you can’t find a good place to live.

    Around here, the place is so overbuilt that some new homes are being offered with little bonuses: buy a new home and get a car for free. One place was, I swear, having a two-for-one sale on houses. Of course, we bought our house two years ago, at the top of the bubble. But we do have a home, even if it takes everything we’ve got to pay the taxes on it.

    I think home is something that is more inside of you than you are inside of it. Still, a person needs a place to put up pictures and plant petunias and play with the pooches. I will hold a good thought for the idea of home and for homes specifically for the Whack.

    Ditto for work. Some say, “Do what you love and the money will follow.” Not sure how that works, but it sounds wonderful. I see how smart you guys are and how creative and gracious and grammatically correct, and it’s beyond me to think of you as unemployed or underemployed or needy in any way. You are beautiful and needed. That’s another good thought to keep.

    Here’s a thing: of all the jobs I’ve ever had, none existed before I showed up. There’s nothing special about me, so this should happen to everyone.

    Well, to be honest, the Marine Corps was already there before I came along, but they didn’t know they needed somebody to re-write the lesson plans for the radio repair school. Employers are not the big authority. They’re just people who need people. If they’re lucky, they’ll get you guys.

    And I’m okay with Picasa. It’s entirely new to me, but I love signing up for new things!

  • 58. GatorPerson  |  July 2nd, 2008 at 6:46 pm

    Cary, Wapak’s #55. I started going w/MIL. Now I have to. She’s thankful. The doctors are also thankful, really, I was surprised. I expected a lot of resistance. They seem to expect a concerned relative to sit in on almost all of the exams and discussions. Probably because it covers their sitdowns if it came to a lawsuit.

    Also Louisa’s #56 idea of an overseer. There’s too much going on that meds could fight each other and your DD. Somebody medical needs to coordinate the whole thing.

    Next door neighbor made the mistake of being out in her yard. DH asked both of us or just him to see her? I said scorched earth if I talked to her, but I did anyway since he wasn’t here when the tree got dozed. She didn’t take the killed tree or the loader on my property or her junk hidden behind her shed for me to look at very seriously. So it was scorched earth. DH observed from the sidelines, probably good for him to watch the accuracy in my flame throwing. And, no, I don’t feel any better. I hate having to do that. Not my style.

    And a killed tree is INSIGNIFICANT when compared to a sick father.

  • 59. CMS  |  July 2nd, 2008 at 6:56 pm

    How did the neighbour react to the scorched earth?
    Lots of good advice Cary.
    Yay! Wapak gets a new baby girl in 5 months. We have plenty of pink cammo around here.
    (((Marcia in OK))) I had pneumonia in the summer when I was a kid. It’s just wrong on so many levels. I hope she continues to improve every day.
    Picassa, flicr, whatever. So long as we’re not limited to how many pics we post because I want to see everything everyone took. Unless they don’t want to be seen.
    I’m editing my wip and trying to put myself back into my routine. Man, a whack really changes your perspective of things. I just want to hang with friends and family. And hug my dog who is actually tired of the constant adoration. Go figure. His friend is home from her vacation with her humans. Once she gets her strength back from all that swimming we’re going over there to play. Because those friends keep both of us grounded and remind us how wonderful we all are. We missed them.

  • 60. cbpen  |  July 2nd, 2008 at 7:39 pm

    I told you that my mom had to have more surgery. She had it yesterday morning. 6am. So for some reason on Monday (actually, I think it was because someone called me) I woke up about 9am or so. Then I didn’t get any sleep that night. My brother and his girlfriend came in right after they took my mom to recovery. The people at the little airport brought them to the hospital. She’d been in an air race for the past two weeks and they ended up in Niagara Falls. So they dropped in on the way back to OKC. After we got to see and talk to Mom for a little while (she was much more coherent than the last surgery) we went to eat lunch. I was so tired I couldn’t eat (and you KNOW that doesn’t happen with moi :) ) So I went back to the house to take a nap. It didn’t happen. My brother came back about 3:30 so I could drive the car back from the airport. I literally didn’t remember getting gas on the way back until I saw the receipt later. Also, DS had borrowed my van and said he waved at me as he was headed to school and I didn’t even see him. I should not have been on the road. Word (or two) of advice, if you’ve been awake so long your legs are shaking, you are getting a headache and you can’t eat, DON’T DRIVE!!! :)
    The kids all made somet cards (even the 14 year old) for mom. Then by the time they brought the van back, it was too late to go to the hospital. E! was VERY upset. “you said we could see her.” So he got a promise from his mom to go and see her tomorrow (She has to work at her SECOND job tonight…I can’t even get one job) and take her flowers…because he knows flowers are her favorite. :)
    So, needless to say, I haven’t done a lot of job hunting. I did two today online one took two hours and the other one and a half. It’s ridiculous all the stuff they put into an online app when you know they wouldn’t do that if you were there in person because they wouldn’t want you hanging around that long. And the length of time was only partially because of my dial up.
    Pic thingy? Whatever we can do as a group that dial up will condone. ;)
    Well, for Pete’s sake, I just got on and now there’s a thundering herd in the distance. Sheesh. And NOT in the forecast tonight.

  • 61. glamour-geek  |  July 2nd, 2008 at 7:48 pm

    I went with beau to his second (of 3) trips to the emergency room in 2 weeks back in March when he had the mystery virus. This proved extremely useful. I also typed out a calendar of when symptoms started, what meds he took for it, pain level, etc. The nurses were VERY grateful and said they wished they had that history for every patient. Nurses, especially, are used to pulling information out of people and THEN sifting through to see what’s useful. Having documentation in simple language as you go along helps everyone a lot.

    Every patient needs an advocate: friend, family or otherwise. Doctors are looking at the sick body. They need another person to grill them about every last detail until all useful knowledge has been transmitted. These days, they expect patients to be knowledgeable and do research. The web is also helpful for looking up medical details.

    Also, start keeping a list of medications, dosages, times of day, etc. In an emergency, grab the list and take it with you. A friend & former co-worker I had lunch with today says she keeps a list of her aunt’s medications on her clipboard so she can grab and go if she has to. Both the aunt and the emergency medical staff have been extremely grateful for this on the two occasions 911 has been called.

    Just remember that doctors are people. They know some things, you know other things. It’s not that they know definitively what is right or wrong, just that they have information and training you don’t. So sic ‘em til they give up the goods. :)

  • 62. Scope Dope CherryBomb  |  July 2nd, 2008 at 8:00 pm

    McBoss: correct me if I’m wrong but it seems to me (in my faulty memory) that the name slipped out when I went to address you Mcb. I think it was due to you telling us how you were in charge and to listen. Like good kids we did…when we wanted to. ;-) We love you. Don’t wave that wand at me. I’m being good.

    CMS has quite often gone to the doctors with me as I forget what I am told or as someone suggested I focus on the first thing said and don’t hear the rest. Since she is with me the most it is important that she know what is going on. Thanks to the Whack for giving her a break in Portland.

    Good luck with your job hunting/house hunting ladies. I am sure you will find something that suits you.

    Marcia in OK-hope all goes well with sick little one. That is a hard time to have pneumonia as CMS said. She wasn’t much older when she had it.

    Cary-you’ve been given good information. Do what you are most comfortable with but help DF with doctors if you can.

    Wapak-I have the feeling you are going to be inundated with pink camo. :-D

  • 63. Scope Dope CherryBomb  |  July 2nd, 2008 at 8:03 pm

    cbpen-hope mom continues to recover well. Take care of you too. Glad you made it home safely.

  • 64. Lou  |  July 2nd, 2008 at 8:32 pm

    ((((Major HUGS for everyone who needs them!!!))))

    Marcia - pneumonia - ICK - poor daughter baby!!

    Cary - I’ve always acted as an advocate for DH. (I also acted as an advocate for my Mom when she lived with us.) I go to the hospital, doctor’s appointments, everything. When he was in the hospital trying to die from a kidney infection (a while back), I made certain that I spoke with everyone to let them know his needs. And I made certain that all my questions were answered… I always went prepared with questions written down so that I’d remember. I also take notes. I was pushy but not abrasive or loud (believe it or not). You can definitely collar a doctor and make him explain, describe history, and explain in detail what’s going on. You just have to insist until the doctor gives in!!

    NOW, is your father close enough to actually attend appointments with him?? And do you have the time?? Of course, you can tell him what to do - he is now at the age where he needs someone. He might not listen, but part of what you say will sink in.

    I have a friend at work who has diabetes II and she knows a lot of websites. I’ll find out some links from her. Meanwhile, know that at some point in life, children become the parents of their parents. Your Dad’s a guy and he will get stubborn - lecture him anyway. some of it will stick.

    Hey map - hope everything’s good with you and your family!!

    gg - I swear woman, you are SUCH a talented woman you would be invaluable to an organization. I’ve read that’s those who get new jobs are the ones who are persistent. Must be dam* tough!! Hang in there…

  • 65. GatorPerson  |  July 2nd, 2008 at 8:42 pm

    To end the day on a humorous note,.. Mr. D. has learned to pick blueberries. He admitted somewhat reluctantly a couple of days ago that he enjoyed them when I picked for him. Then this evening he ever so gently plucked one for himself. Then another. Then another. Looked up at me to make sure he wasn’t doing bad things. Then another.

    Night all. Zzzzzz.

  • 66. CMS  |  July 2nd, 2008 at 8:55 pm

    GP - Ky is the same way with raspberries. He ever so gently plucks one from the bush. My niece showed him where they were. Mom’s dog pulls the tomatoes off the vine. I put a fortress around that bed this year but we’ve yet to actually plant anything. Been kinda busy.

    Hey Map, how’s it going these days? Is your DH feeling better?

    cbpen - glad you made it home safely and finely got some sleep. I think I saw your brother and his girlfriend fly over our house. Small world. Course I didn’t know it was them or I would have held up a sign. Wouldn’t that have been a pip? :D

  • 67. cbpen  |  July 2nd, 2008 at 9:17 pm

    CMS: It’s probably a good thing you didn’t. They might’ve taken a nose dive from the shock. :)
    Well, heck. The thunder is back. YIKES! Only this time it sounds like jets are dive bombing ME*

  • 68. Lou  |  July 2nd, 2008 at 9:34 pm

    Uh, Cary. I forgot about stuff about your family. IIRC, there are other fierce people involved. Sometimes, if family matters involve fierce people, it’s better to try to let things go - not that it’s easy. My best wishes are headed your way. Life shouldn’t have to be so damn hard, but sometimes it just is… Personally, I think that sucks, but it is what it is…

  • 69. Lou  |  July 2nd, 2008 at 9:35 pm

    McBee - we need your magic wand!!

  • 70. glamour-geek  |  July 2nd, 2008 at 10:19 pm

    Whatever all of you are doing re: my job hunting, keep up the good work! The folks I met with last week want me to come in again and meet some more people. Even though they haven’t seen their other candidate and I already talked to SIX of them when I was there. So this is good news. The staffing guy there said “everyone liked you” so now they want me to meet some of the sales team. I did remind him that I met the VP Sales for North America and the hiring manager should check in with him, but that I’d be happy to come in again. So, some progress. Still no promises, but having you come in again when they haven’t even seen the other candidate is a good thing, I think.

    The next interview will probably be Tuesday, because of the short week in the States (Canada got Tuesday off, we get Friday off). I’ll keep you posted. :)

    Thank you ALL so much for being my cheering squad. Yes, Lou, it is hard to keep up the enthusiasm and I was so bummed yesterday and this morning. It’s been an emotional roller coaster ride and now it’s an optimistic moment. You all help by sending good wishes my way and stroking my ego.

    But that’s what CBs do and why CBs ROCK!!!

  • 71. Yram  |  July 2nd, 2008 at 10:26 pm

    Never underestimate the Power of the Wand!

    Go GG!

    Hugs to all, except Mr. D., who gets a blueberry, and Ky, who gets the raspberry :)

  • 72. BCB  |  July 3rd, 2008 at 7:59 am

    I can’t even wrap my head around all this info. (that’s an odd saying, isn’t it?) Lots of good advice from everyone. Hope today is better for all of us. Between the people my boss has laid off or cut back on hours, the people who are on vacation, the people who are deathly ill and had to be sent home, by noon yesterday our two-man delivery crew and I were the only ones left at the office. What followed was an interesting six hours. To say the least. I didn’t protest when the kids wanted me to watch the original Star Wars movie with them last night.

    Really hope today is better. For everyone.

  • 73. Cary  |  July 3rd, 2008 at 10:24 am

    Okay, I already said it in an e-mail this morning, but it bears repeating. I love you guys. I can’t imagine facing my life without this horde there to back me up. You’re like my own personal Verizon team from those wireless commercials.

    GG - that is really great news. I hope it pans out for you!

    And yes, Lou, this is all bundled up with the larger family dynamic in play. I live 200 miles from home, so I can’t go with Dad to the doctors. Especially since Dad sometimes forgets to tell me stuff. (Ask me someday about how I found out I was getting a step-mom I’d never met WHILE I STILL LIVED 5 MILES AWAY AND SAW HIM EVERY WEEK.)

    And I can’t move home, since one thing I am certain of is that I can’t live anywhere near my mother for any length of time greater than 48 hours, for my own health and sanity. (Okay, that sounds absolutely horrible. Let me state for the record that I love my mom and I know she loves me. There is just this “disease” between us.)

    What I can do is focus on things I can do. I already thought that maybe I would suggest that he keep a food journal. That would help him pin down out what he can and can’t eat and when. And the American Diabetes Assoc. has a free booklet he can order about diet, so I’ll give him that number. And I’ll show him the reputable websites, so he can find them on his own and study.

    Someone mentioned (or someones) medications. I’ve been worried about the larger medication picture for him. (I realized a couple years ago that doctors have long since lost the ability to keep track of medications available. I asked about a medication on my insurer’s approved list, and she went, “huh?” It was a GENERIC been around forever drug. She only knew about the drugs that were new with reps that came around to talk about them.) And sometimes skin lupus can arise from a drug reaction. So I think since Dad will be here with all his drugs for the weekend, I might sit down with him and draft up a drugs, why & dosage list for him to take to the doctors. And maybe I should buy him a thumb drive so he can take the file home with him and edit it when he needs to. And I’ll talk to him again about writing down questions for the doctor and having that list ready when he’s at their office.

    Thank you guys. Really. I appreciate everything you guys offer me. I love you all. (And I’m not generally a sentimental gal…)

  • 74. Wapakwoman  |  July 3rd, 2008 at 11:30 am

    Cary- I list all of my dad’s medicine in an excel file. He just yells when he has to change something…..I pretty much quiz him when he has an appointment if there are any changes. And yes, the nurses do appreciate it, as most people cannot remember everything.

    Then you know what he is taking and can check the Internet!

    AND in between these 2 sentences came the mailman.

    Thank you CB’s from Portland Whack. What a great surprise! What would I ever do without you?
    I am framing it.!

  • 75. Lou  |  July 3rd, 2008 at 11:37 am

    All good ideas, Cary. Especially the list of drugs. Try to see if he will get all his prescriptions at one pharmacy, because the pharmacist there would be an even better “go to” than the doctor so far as drug interactions. Also include on the list any vitamin pills, herbal remedies, etc. that he might be taking. Some of those interact badly with medications (especially the herbal remedy stuff). Hopefully, he will continue to edit the list on the thumb drive when he gets home. Meanwhile, big hugs for you.

  • 76. Lou  |  July 3rd, 2008 at 11:39 am

    BCB darlin’ - you must be one tough woman!! Go you…

  • 77. McB  |  July 3rd, 2008 at 1:03 pm

    Cary, so much good advice has already been given. Especially keeping a list of his medicines. and coordinating under one pharmacist. If it hasn’t been mentioned yet, it would also be a good idea to keep a calendar of his dr visits - who and when and re what. You can check backwards through insurance/medicare paperwork if he keeps it. They always send notices of claims labelled “this is not a bill.” Of course as with the medicines it requries a little cooperation from him, but you would have some idea then of what was happening.

  • 78. GatorPerson  |  July 3rd, 2008 at 1:37 pm

    My MIL has a couple of pill boxes given to her by the nurse I have come in twice a week. The boxes are for a week’s worth of pills. One box is AM; the other is for PM. The nurse fills them every week, and discusses reasons why any day’s cube still has pills in it.

    My MIL also is supplied by my SIL with a BIG calendar that she keeps by her recliner so that she can see what she’s supposed to do (dr appt, hair do, etc.) each day. The day is big enough to hold sticky notes.

    Now, there’s another possibility, having a nurse visit an hour a week or more. It sure gives me piece of mind.

    Oh! Don’t forget to put ibuprofen and acetaminaphen and aspirin on the list. So easy to overlook OTC pain meds.

    Hmmm. Have you done this? I have all her mail come to me. Then funnel church bulletins, etc. to her. That way all bills get paid and incoming checks deposited. 200 miles may prevent this one for you.

  • 79. McB  |  July 3rd, 2008 at 1:53 pm

    And never forget that you are only one person and can only do what he and the limitations of time and space will allow.

  • 80. eidlhe  |  July 3rd, 2008 at 1:56 pm

    CMS-Thanks for asking :) Dh went back to doc for follow up appt today. Called and let me know it went fine. Was pretty depressed on Weds. Had a bad day hurting…but did he take pain meds noooooo. I won’t have any other details until I get home and nag him in person. I should just go with him….LOL

    GG-Great news.

    Lou-how’s the smoke in your area?

  • 81. eidlhe  |  July 3rd, 2008 at 1:59 pm

    Who was it that was telling me about the restaurant in Witchita? I can’t remember anymore. Feel free to email me off list. Thanks!

  • 82. BCB  |  July 3rd, 2008 at 2:02 pm

    No so strong, Lou. I was just the only one left standing. But I had to SMILE and BE NICE to people all day and try to SELL STUFF. I’m not good at any of those things. It was exhausting.

    Cary, I wanted to say this earlier this morning, but didn’t have time. I remember when you came down from the attic. You were Queen of the Lurkers and you and I negotiated terms. I think at some point, in a weak moment, I might have agreed to be nice. Must have had something to do with JenT pinching me and telling me I had to. And then you made your entrance, wearing your fancy party dress, and tripped on the stairs coming down from the attic and fell ass over teakettle into the room. Then one of us reprimanded another one of us for leaving that darn teakettle on the stairs. You were so funny and clever (and very brave) and I was glad then and even more glad now that you decided to join us. Anyway, we love you too. I know you’ll handle the situation with your dad with strength and compassion and wisdom and humour, because that’s who you are. No matter what your mom thinks.

    Now I have to go back to doing all the work that didn’t get done yesterday because I was busy doing everyone else’s job. I am NOT going to work this weekend. So there.

  • 83. Cary  |  July 3rd, 2008 at 2:29 pm

    BCB, are you trying to make me cry? Thank you.

  • 84. BCB  |  July 3rd, 2008 at 2:43 pm

    Nope. Just reminding you that one of those voices in your head is mine. It’s telling you that you’re way more capable than you sometimes believe. So pay attention and don’t make me repeat myself.

    That goes for the rest of you too.

  • 85. Marcia in OK  |  July 3rd, 2008 at 2:57 pm

    g-g is right - CBs ROCK! and that includes Cary and BCB and the wand waver and the math lady, and the choir lady and the porch man and . . . well, you get the gist.

    Cary - I’m sending good thoughts your way, and back the other way to your dad.

    Wapak. . . . LOTS of girl stuff available even without the princess thing. But, it has been my experience that each kid is so unique that as soon as you say “they won’t be a princess”, she’ll only wear pink and sparkles and tiaras. (I bet I know where we could get her some wand waving lessons.)

    Happy 4th all. Stay safe and rest up.

    BCB - give yourself a gold star and a long lunch.

  • 86. Lou  |  July 3rd, 2008 at 3:59 pm

    Hey eidlhe - still some smoke, but no where near as thick as it was before, thank Bob. Still thick enough to warn folks who already have respiratory problems to be careful. We still have around 1100 fires burning in CA. The fire in Big Sur just jumped the fire lines and the whole town had to be evacuated. Some business owners are staying behind to protect their businesses if they can. They stated that Katrina was a warning, and that they really only have themselves and their neighbors to count on in an emergency.

    Re your DH. You might have the doctor explain to him (or you can tell him yourself) that the reason for pain medication is that the body can’t heal itself properly unless the pain is controlled. I used to not take pain meds until it was pointed out to me by someone who was yelling at the time that I was doing myself more harm than good. You might try that phrase on him if you think it will work. Sure sorry to hear that he’s still hurting!

  • 87. Louisal  |  July 3rd, 2008 at 4:17 pm

    200 miles. Oy. (((Cary))) (((Cary’s Dad)))

    Yes, I have six invisible arms.

    How is Marcia’s little one? Getting better quickly, I hope.

    And more hugs to the moms and dads and spouses who are facing challenges. I really do understand about not taking pain meds. That’s usually when I’d re-injure myself, because the pain meds gave me the false impression that it was all better. But I have no scientific knowledge of this. And a blown whatsis (that little cushion between the vertibrae) hurts something awful, and for a pretty long time. Swimming is the only thing I found (besides huge amounts of what is now called Aleeve) that helped. Just be careful not to get too warm. Like, the Hot Tub is a really bad idea.

    So, in the absence of knowledge or wisdom, I offer more and more hugs. Hugs all around. And something icy cold to drink.

  • 88. Louisal  |  July 3rd, 2008 at 4:19 pm

    Oh, and The Sister From Hell is due in this weekend. If you don’t hear from me after about a week, send bail money.

  • 89. glamour-geek  |  July 3rd, 2008 at 4:52 pm

    The job that wants to see me again next week just asked for references. I consider this a good sign. They generally don’t ask if they’re just poking around and I know my references are stellar (two of the 3 have been references for me before when I got the jobs).

    Hopefully income soon, since I just blew a bundle on clothes day before yesterday. Of course, I got 4 pairs of trousers that FIT and aren’t wearing out, and now beau doesn’t have to listen to me gripe about how I have no casual trousers to wear on the weekend. I’ve been trying things on for months trying to find trousers that fit. And, ta-da, two of the 4 pairs were on sale, one of them for $19.99 down from $69. My kind of sale. I also bought tops, but so much of my clothing is getting threadbare that it was time…And I don’t think there was any purchase I won’t wear to death, which is excellent.

    Yay! They asked for references! *fingers crossed that there is a job offer next week*

  • 90. Diane (TT)  |  July 3rd, 2008 at 5:12 pm

    OK, I definitely want to offer prayers and good wishes for all those having troubles! It sounds as if it’s just about everyone.

    I’ve spent the day going through ONE of my email folders, letting people know about my change of address (you all have my personal one, which is OK) , and saying, no, I don’t have a home, but I DO have a job, so keep in touch! More Saturday and Tuesday - not tomorrow, because there’s no way to get into a hooked up computer tomorrow! It’s saved me $100 a month to be offline (phone, cable and internet) at home, and it has, occasionally been inconvenient, but not too bad. One of the funny things about my current email situation is that one functional system is on EDT and the other is on PDT, so my CDT mind gets a little confused occasionally by the time stamps!

    I’m heading off to Ohio Sunday for a VERY brief visit (so I can get back to work on the darned email notifications!), and will be looking for a place to stay there, from the (I hope!) comfort of The White Garden Inn. I was nearly in despair (unable to locate more than the one initial property), until craigslist pointed me towards a rental agency that seems to have a number of places available. Phew.

    But I’m going to accept some of Louisa’s wisdom (though she deprecates it) and head off towards some icy drinks! I think I’m otherwise OK for my Independence Day - which I plan to spend walking (will they send a Walk Across Illinois certificate to Ohio if I don’t finish it before I move? ) and packing and making potato salad, but will probably spend reading and eating ice cream and peanut butter. I am SUCH a lazy slob.

    Good luck with relatives of all sorts - ill or just nasty or otherwise demanding patience, and neighbors (who have appeared here before as sources of stress, although of a completely different kind) and other loved ones!

    Happy Independence Day, everyone!

  • 91. LtL  |  July 3rd, 2008 at 5:12 pm

    XX(((GG)))XX

  • 92. Lou  |  July 3rd, 2008 at 6:37 pm

    gg - pants that fit (something that’s damn difficult to find-and on sale too!!!) > it must be an omen (a good one). Positive thoughts flowing your way!!

    Diane - smart woman - looked on Craig’s list. A lot of people who own rentals these days have them listed with a property management company, because of damage done by prior tenants. It makes it difficult for the rest of us that some people have no respect for other people’s property!!

    Happy 4th of July to everyone!!

  • 93. Scope Dope CherryBomb  |  July 3rd, 2008 at 9:26 pm

    Happy Fourth of July to all.

    I am praying that July will be a much better month for everyone than June seemed to be. Those who had holidays to the PNW or Disneyland or Disney World or Chesapeake Bay or Bcb’s have something to crow about though or anywhere else that was pleasant.

    You can all have wonderful fireworks for me as I can’t have any with dear Tara around. I love to watch them though. It is just that the noise
    bothers her. I love to watch the Fourth with the Boston Pops. I have watched that for years. It is beautiful.

    May not get to see it this year as tomorrow is Date Night with DH. That means dinner and a movie or something. I look forward to those.

    Monday is DH’s birthday. Planning surprises. Got any ideas? You are all so full of great ideas for everything.

  • 94. Yram  |  July 3rd, 2008 at 9:45 pm

    GG, I am visualizing you getting the best job possible. Exactly what you need at this stage in your life.

    No lie, I do believe there’s something in this visualization stuff. When I first moved up to Portland, I had a job so miserable I had to fight not to cry on the Max! ride home each night. Instead, I would fiercely concentrate on visualizing and writing down what I wanted in my next job. Over and over again I concentrated on the fact that I wanted a job that was a)an easy commute b)with congenial people and c)had a decent salary.

    At the time all three seemed completely out of my reach, as fantastical as buying a house. Three months after I was most gratefully laid off from the job-from-hell (I was too damn stubborn to quit), I landed a job that fulfilled all three requirements. I only wish now that I’d been more specific. The job was deadly dull and I was a “permanent temp” rather than a human-being-with-benefits. Be specific!

    I don’t know about The Secret — the idea that visualizing exactly what you want calls it forth from a beneficent universe. It could be that knowing exactly what you want enables you to leap upon an opportunity when it crosses your path. Whichever way, it works.

    Went to a farewell lunch for a colleague who’s moving to Kauai. His new job is two blocks from the beach. He said that his new boss invited him to go boogie-boarding with him at lunch. That sounds pretty good to me.

    Granted, visualizing a job like this might be a stretch in the case of CBPen, but I’m going to visualize something equally nice for her. And I’m picturing TwinkleToes getting a gorgeous house, nicely sized for her needs.

    p.s. GG? Trousers that fit? This from the woman who shocked everyone in Slaughterhouse Bay with her ingenious wrap-around trousers?

  • 95. Scope Dope CherryBomb  |  July 3rd, 2008 at 10:55 pm

    I just decided. I think we should all have a virtual picnic tomorrow in celebration of Canada Day (July 1) and July 4th. Hands over the river sort of thing. After all you all are only over the Niagara River from us. There used to be a Friendship Festival on this side with both countries participating. I don’t know if there still is.

    I will bring the potato salad. Anyone else in?

  • 96. Scope Dope CherryBomb  |  July 3rd, 2008 at 10:58 pm

    I just remembered. It seems to me that when everyone was blaming the Canadians for things (Lori was working) I agreed to take responsibility if you all sang one verse of O Canada. So far only Mary has obliged and that was just two words. I love your anthem so I know all the words. :-)

  • 97. glamour-geek  |  July 4th, 2008 at 12:01 am

    Scope: I know O Canada, but not the American anthem. I was in Toronto from 7 months to 10 years, so that’s what I learned! :)

    Also Scope: Monday is your DH’s birthday? It’s my parents’ anniversary (41 years) on Monday! Must be a good day.

    Thank you all so much for all the support. I’m like Cary, I’m going to go cry cuz you’re all so wonderful.

    Definitely a party tomorrow! How about fried chicken? It’s something I pretty much never have in real life but the good stuff is SOOOO super yummy.

    Beau is away camping with friends this weekend. I’m not really a camping girl, I’m more of a bed and breakfast girl, so I’m getting together with one girlfriend on Saturday and another on Sunday. And tonight I repainted my toenails. Girly weekend! Tomorrow I plan to clean and sort. We’ll see how well I do with that.

    Yes, pants that fit! No woman I’ve ever known of any size ever finds things that fit easily. That’s because patterns are made on averages and *news flash!* we’re not average. Nor would we want to be! ;)

    One pair of pants had little button tabs to synch in the waist, but no extra buttons, so they were just “decorative”. I fixed the “slightly big in the waist” problem I acquired by going a size up so the thighs fit by moving each button over about 3/8 of an inch. And if you watch anything like “What not to Wear” they are totally right about tailoring. Go the size bigger and alter the waist down if you have to. I did that with my suit pants recently and they look SO much better. I hate doing alterations, but they really do make things better. Anything that fits my legs is too big in the waist, and anything that would fit the waist won’t get over my thighs and hips. I’m curvier than the clothing is. Beau, at least, does not complain about that. LOL! :) Still don’t fit into my jeans again (which were big when I saw Mary in Hawaii!), but working on it.

  • 98. theresa  |  July 4th, 2008 at 2:40 am

    Why yes, Monday is an excellent day! I know that my mom was certainly ready to celebrate not having to carrying me around all the time. :+)

    GG - Trousers that fit and are on sale! Excellent! As Lou said, definitely a good omen.

    I’ve got the black bean dip, chips and salsa covered for the picnic!

  • 99. GatorPerson  |  July 4th, 2008 at 6:56 am

    Oh, Canada. One of my more embarrassing moments. We, approx 700 people (about 2 females and 698 males), were at a conference. Hamilton, I think. The mayor (always invite a local official) had told some pretty lame jokes, but we all laughed. Then he invited us to join in on racket racket, the mike wasn’t working well. So up starts Oh, Canada. English and French. The guys thought he was still telling jokes. So everybody except me* laughed and laughed at his new joke. I was close up enough to see the bewildered and hurt expression on the mayor’s face.

    Lessons learned: Don’t tell jokes and immediately move to a topic your audience isn’t familiar with. Don’t have a foreign audience sing your national anthem, particularly in a language they’re ignorant of. Don’t trust those ignorant Americans.

    Hmmm. This makes #99. I’ll post tomorrow unless everybody gets talky and I need to post today.

  • 100. BCB  |  July 4th, 2008 at 9:19 am

    Sounds like a great menu so far. I’ll add fresh blueberry sour cream pie (YUM!). I’ll leave it in the frigde for later, then I’ve got to run.

    DD tells me we’re going to “hang out” together today [Tr: She still has a long list of things to buy before she leaves in less than two weeks, today is her only day off from work before then, and she’s feeling just a bit clingy all of a sudden.]. So we’re going to shop and have lunch and shop some more and maybe go see a movie.

    The rest of the weekend she’ll be working, my DS is at the beach, and I am going to take a break from house stuff and write. I’m really excited about that.

    Happy Birthday & Anniversary a couple days early to Mr. Scope and Theresa and G-G’s parents!

    Hope the rest of you can set aside the drudginess of the week and go out and enjoy this beautiful summer weekend. Do something fun with someone you like and that you’ll remember for a long time.

  • 101. McB  |  July 4th, 2008 at 10:08 am

    I’ve got the baked beans. And I know for a fact that CBs are excellent hamburger makers.

  • 102. Yram  |  July 4th, 2008 at 10:35 am

    Ditto what McB said. (No, not about the baked beans)
    I was going to grill suspects, but probably hamburgers would be nicer.

  • 103. cbpen  |  July 4th, 2008 at 11:02 am

    Grilling suspects sounds fun. :)
    How about a nice red, white and blue cheesecake?? mmmm. With cherries and blueberries on top. Also, I’ll add my mom’s no bake plain cheesecake…she’s not allowed at a reunion without it!! And Aunt Ev’s chocolate frosts-itself cake.
    Dessert first, it’s a holiday. 8)
    Yram: Thanks for the visualization. I’ve never figured out how that is supposed to work.
    I can’t tell how my mom is doing because she has been so loopy on the meds. Yesterday she told me she had been out on the hospital lawn by the waterfall playing T-ball with the kids. She said when the kids got there a nurse came in and said A! needed a permit and luckily mom happened to have one. WTH??? I don’t know if the kids were there at all. They were supposed to go last nite. She asked my aunt where my aunt was using her nickname, she of course was right there and my mom said “no, you know who I mean” and used her real name. My aunt said that’s me. Then two minutes later, mom said there you are where have you been? The nurse said it’s probably a combo of the pain meds and the anti-nausea stuff. The nurse said the same thing happened to her when she had an op. But how can the drs and nurses tell how she doing if she’s off playing T-ball????

  • 104. Louis  |  July 4th, 2008 at 11:37 am

    Fingers crossed for you GG.

    Here’s to success!

    I have several pills that I take daily. My routine is to take them right after I eat breakfast. This seems to work for me*.

    (((HUGS))) to those that need one!

    Been watching the fauna this morning…crows, rabbits, small birds, and the resident road runner wandered by.

  • 105. cbpen  |  July 4th, 2008 at 11:43 am

    Oh, you guys, now after reading all the food stuff, I have to go and forage for food…after I go watch my mom play T-ball. ;)

  • 106. LtL  |  July 4th, 2008 at 12:04 pm

    Oh, cbpen, some of those post-op meds are quite fun!

    Hi, Louis!

    Back of my truck is full of ice, with sodas and big orange watermelons. Also the regulation pinks and some seedless for the squeamish. Spitting contest later, after the yodeling!

    Also, jugs of sweet and unsweet tea.

    Buttermilk ice cream just before the fireworks over the lake. Boat is hooked up to back of truck.

  • 107. glamour-geek  |  July 4th, 2008 at 12:20 pm

    Oooh! When did we get a lake? Yay! I hope it’s warm enough for swimming because I brought the inflatable donuts that Mary and I had in Hawaii… And some bubbles for blowing by the shore, for those who don’t want to swim.

  • 108. CMS  |  July 4th, 2008 at 12:24 pm

    I’ve got a big bowl of fresh picked raspberries. There would be more but you know who helped pick. Now worries, no dog hair in this bowl :D
    —Rant warning—
    One of my co-workers is driving me insane. She has the most seniority of all the staff and is a union steward but comes to me to bitch about several incidents with other staff. I reminded her that the precedent was set several years ago and that SHE is the only one who can do anything as she’s the union steward. Instead she slows down my work by whining all day. I’m the lowest woman on the totem pole here. It’s not like I can do anything. There is a direct correlation between her whining and my chocolate consumption. I’m out. :( Hand me a margarita.

  • 109. LtL  |  July 4th, 2008 at 12:39 pm

    Yes, GG, the lake is perfect for swimming. Got buoys around the swimming hole. No stump, snags or wrecks on the bottom. The kids and I picked all the mussels out of the sand, too. You can go barefoot. The Snark is tied up at the end of the dock, should anyone feel the need for peaceful solitude.

    Speaking of High Snark–have you heard the letter that PETA wrote to Sharon Stone? Ouch!

    CMS–have you tried putting on your makeout face with this gal? Should run her off for good. Did not know libraries were unionized. Seems very odd to me, but there’s a lot I don’t know.

  • 110. McB  |  July 4th, 2008 at 1:12 pm

    Pitcher of margaritas coming right up.

    Visualization is basically making your own luck, good or bad. Send out positive vibes and you find the good in life. Send out negative vibes and you find only the bad. And yes, I believe in it too. It’s the old “you reap what you sow” addage.

  • 111. Mary  |  July 4th, 2008 at 2:13 pm

    Hear, CMS, you can have some virtual chocolate too.
    I had a much nicer morning than that — well, I did after I stopped picking weeds and walked down a block to the big parade. Amazingly popular this neighborhood was, apparently people come from miles around to see this parade. What’s the big deal? I wondered. So I went to see. And yes, this was a parade to see. It had… wait for it…

    Men in kilts!

    Granted, they were playing the bagpipes, but you can’t have everything. I gave them directions to the lake; they should be arriving shortly :)

  • 112. Scope Dope CherryBomb  |  July 4th, 2008 at 3:06 pm

    Oooh men in kilts. How could I forget. My favorite uncle was a man in a kilt. He led a bagpipe band which appeared in the rose bowl parade for several years. It was from Winnipeg, Manitoba. How could I forget something so important.

    I’ll call up the men from there. Mary, pass on the directions to the lake for them too. I am horrible with directions. That’s why I just watched the scenery from the big Whackmobile.

    Hey Jenni how are you doing? Feeling better? Do you remember any of the conversations with the Whack in Portland or are you like cbPen’s mother and out playing T-Ball? ;-)

    cbpen-sounds like your mom is feeling better. I hope so.

    Having a great picnic. Who is bringing the hot dogs and buns?
    Thanks for the margaritas McB.

    Hey Lou can you bring some of that great California Chardonnay you had at Mary’s? It was wonderful.

  • 113. Scope Dope CherryBomb  |  July 4th, 2008 at 3:09 pm

    Ltl-what is a makeout face and I have never heard of orange watermelons? What do they taste like? I Looove watermelon.

  • 114. theresa  |  July 4th, 2008 at 3:14 pm

    There are boys by the lake? Oh, buoys. Well, I guess I’ll settle for a man in a kilt.

    Guess what I get to babysit the next two weeks? Kittens!!! And mamma kitty as well. I’m so psyched! The kittens are two weeks old and their eyes are open. Mamma is settling in after the upset of the move, exploring my flat, but kittens are fast asleep in a kitten pile. Too cute!!

  • 115. Louisal  |  July 4th, 2008 at 3:16 pm

    Hi, Scope! Love the sunbonnet.

    A makeout face is the face you make just as you’re leaning in to kiss someone. It should brush back anyone who is not a good friend. Brush back is a baseball term meaning for the pitcher to throw a ball so close to the batter that the batter feels compelled to back off from the base.

    http://www.burpee.com/product/vegetables/watermelon/watermelon+orange+sunshine+hybrid+-+1+pkt.+(12+seeds).do

    Wow that is a very long URL. Hope it works. If not, I’ll put the picture & info on my website. Thanks for visiting me, Scope!

  • 116. glamour-geek  |  July 4th, 2008 at 3:33 pm

    OOOOOOH! Kittens!

    Both of beau’s roommates have been out of town the past week, so orange cat at his place has been lonely and needy. Gray cat is much more independent, but likes it when you talk to her and is very vocal in response. Also, when you talk to her and ask her opinion, she often starts purring. Very cute.

    Orange cat was so lonely that we let him come in to sleep with us Weds night. Usually he is too active, coming in and out and waking us up, to let him in the room, but he curled up against me and slept, then when I rolled over he curled up between us and slept. Very sweet. I guess that means he’ll be in Hyde mode later, to make up for it. :)

    They’ll be very needy when beau gets back from camping on Sunday night, because someone’s just coming in to check on them and feed them while everyone’s away this weekend and they’ll have no company for 3 days. They like having their peoples around (and gray cat demands that humans be around to open doors for her so she can go outside and then come back in after she’s been on patrol).

    Please bring the kittens to the picnic so we can ooh and aah over them! :) Or post pictures. One of those things.

    Kittens!

  • 117. Lou  |  July 4th, 2008 at 3:42 pm

    Scope - I will bring a case!! That should keep us going for a while. I’d also be happy to bring hot dogs and buns, plus mustard. Sounds like our day is taking shape. Now we just need those fireworks to shoot off over the lake for this evening!!

    Happy Anniversary to Scope and her GAM and gg’s parents. And a VERY, VERY Happy Birthday to Theresa!!

    Yram - I knew there was a reason I loved the Portland area. I also loved your town because there was so much open space around it. NOW I learn that it also has men in kilts to entertain the residents from time to time - what more could a person ask??

  • 118. cbpen  |  July 4th, 2008 at 3:43 pm

    Ltl: That orange watermelon looks wonderful.
    I got orange sherbet and chicken and potato salad and cheesecake and chocolate. And none of it is virtual. ;)
    My mom was lucid when I got there so (of course) I was there two minutes and they brought in the pain meds and she was soon off again. :)
    Boys on the lake, men in kilts, food, chocolate, alcoholic beverages…sounds like the perfect lazy 4th of July to moi.
    You know if I talked about what goes on here (because we do talk as if it weren’t imaginary), people MIGHT think I was joining my mom on the T-ball field. 8)

  • 119. GatorPerson  |  July 4th, 2008 at 3:48 pm

    Kittens: Here’s a website for a kitty fix: http://icanhascheezburger.com/
    Don’t want to leave the puppies out: http://ihasahotdog.com/

    Must be careful babysitting kittens. Anyone want to offer bets on Theresa getting one of them in a few weeks?

    Misc: In the newspaper today was an article on an aspect of watermelon I truly didn’t know about. Both the flesh and the rind have a chemical that does the same thing as, well you know, the V word that has um droopy men um standing up. Hope that doesn’t trigger a spam hit.

  • 120. McB  |  July 4th, 2008 at 4:03 pm

    I had a lovely lovely nap this afternoon. And Kelly joined me and behaved just like the perfect stuffed toy and let me cuddle as I snoozed.

    Righty ho, who’s in charge of the grill? Where’s K.L.?

  • 121. Louisal  |  July 4th, 2008 at 4:18 pm

    I’m kind of full now, and feeling sleepy, so I’ve spread some quilts on the yard under the chinaberry trees. Don’t bother the bees–they’re tame and we need them for the garden. Enjoy the butterflies, too.

    And I love the kittens. Our cat Brigid, who is small and has only a nub of a tail, is happy to see the kittens, too. Like your gray cat, she is vocal and friendly.

    I’d really like a beagle to play with now. Anybody? After the nap, it’s down to the innertubes for a trip around the island. Just enough time for that before we settle in for the band and the firewoks.

    And I love bagpipes! Very Phil Spector, wall-of-sound. How they wail across the water.

  • 122. Mary says "anything but beagles"  |  July 4th, 2008 at 4:20 pm

    Nooooooooooooo….. not beagles!

  • 123. Lou  |  July 4th, 2008 at 4:31 pm

    GP - Loved those doggie pics. Now I know where people get those pictures they send around the internet. I saw some familiar ones! I managed to waste a half-hour scrolling through them - sooo cute!!

  • 124. Pam  |  July 5th, 2008 at 12:18 am

    Happy 4th!!!

    *leaving the leftover chocolate cake, lemon cake, and peanut butter pie from the family bbq/birthday celebration*

    Speaking of Men in Kilts….I’ll be seeing some in September when I go to the Longs Peak Festival in Estes Park with my sil. Will be sure to take pics for you all. I must disagree with Mary about the bagpipes though I LOVE bagpipes.

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