Ch-ch-changes
September 10th, 2008 at 01:14pm Cherry Magic Sheryl
As you know we’ve been busy installing new awnings, windows, 
screen doors
and fences 
as well as scraping and painting the porches. 
But by far the biggest change as been this addition to the family.
His name is Whitney but for some reason we all want to call him Casey. We’re fostering him while the Ky-ropractor attempts to save his leg. He was scheduled to have it amputated this morning. He loves Ky and Tara.
She’s getting used to him.
Whitney was hit by a car three weeks ago. The owner called the police(this was a small town in the Far North) to shoot him. They didn’t have the heart to do so. Instead they found a rescue organization to take him in. He was flown down then treated by a vet. The original injury was to his shoulder but his paw curled in and they waited for the nerves to heal. About a week ago, it was determined that the bones had fused right above his paw and that the best course of action was to amputate. Scope read that and called me*. I spoke with the Ky-ropractor and she asked several key qustions about the paw. I called the rescue organization and together we came up with a plan. We are fostering him while we take him for alternative treatment. He had his first consult last night and while initially it seemed the vet up north was on the right track, after some treatment there was a deep nerve response. The foot is not dead. We’re in the process of having that paw x-rayed and consulting on options. I will be doing hydrotherapy with him this weekend in my brother’s pool. I’m researching how to keep myself warm as the temperature has really dropped up here. I haven’t been able to find wetsuit rentals 
I’ll keep you all posted.
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99 Comments Add your own
1. CMS | September 10th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
Sorry the pictures are blurry. I had the camera on the wrong setting and didn’t realize it. Yes I should have looked down at the screen but was happily snapping away instead. Apparently double-checking things is a skill I need to get much better at.
2. McB | September 10th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
The pictures look fine to me. Probably my eyes are blurry and the double negative equals a good picture.
Your house looks lovely. Wanna come work on mine next?
3. CMS | September 10th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
No thank you very much. I didn’t actually do most of that work and I’m sick of renovations.
4. Lou | September 10th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
CMS - your house looks fabuloso!!! And Whitney/Casey is adorable. Let us know how the leg thing goes.
BTW - what happened to him and what’s with the leg?
5. RSS | September 10th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
The house and fence do look great.
Sorry to hear about Whitney’s leg. Glad the critters are getting used to each other.
You look good too Scope.
The pictures are fine when they are small. It’s only when you click to blow them up that they get a bit blurry.
6. RSS | September 10th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
JenB–regarding comment on last post. That happened with my mom’s family too. Her mom had a box of old photos and left it to my aunt. When she died, my cousin brought it to my mom too see if she knew any of the people. She couldn’t identify any of the very old ones. My aunt was the keeper of the family memory but didn’t ever write any of it down. Really sad when that happens. I see old family photos all the time in thrift stores and antique malls and it makes me sad that people don’t keep that tie to the past. Then again I’m a pack rat. I need to check the backs of my photos. All hundred thousand of them.
Well, maybe not tonight.
7. K.L. | September 10th, 2008 at 4:10 pm
The house looks great. Glad the dogs are doing well together. Animal socialization is always a tricky touchy situation.
Well, we have set the date for DD10’s cochlear implant surgery for November 12th. I wanted the break after Christmas, but the doctor only does surgery at Children’s Hospital once a month. And the December date was smack dab on my birthday. So since I couldn’t get Christmas break, I saw no reason to wait until December. So we set it for November. Now we just need to get insurance approval. Pins and needles here.
8. CMS | September 10th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
Lou- I put the abbreviated version of Whitney’s life up after the last picture. I meant to write it when I posted. Oops. Lots going on today
K.L. If the insurance company is smart they’ll approve that immediately. They do not want us to come there. I’d be happy to visit for other reasons.
It’s been awhile since Eidleweiss woke me up or I watched a video of the marvelous Darcy, or petted the best German Shepherd in the whole world. I don’t know what I’d do without Me to give me a CB fix in person every once in awhile.
9. CMS | September 10th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
Oops I did it wrong
10. theresa | September 10th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
Wow - your house looks great! Excellent job to everyone who worked on it! It must have been fun coming home to that, Scope!
Aww, poor puppy. Glad the dogs are more or less getting along. I do hope that foster puppy makes a full recovery, but if not, they do learn to get along amazingly well with three legs. We had a three legged dog growing up (foot caught in a hunting trap - grrrrr). He could run circles around us.
Diane - I went through an obsessed with Robert Jordan Wheel of Time stage. Even went to a couple “meets” with fellow fans when I lived in Texas. I drifted away in grad school — not sure which book I stopped with. It was just too much of a mental committment. I definitely turned to reading much lighter stuff then as I needed the mental break at least as much as I needed the distraction of fiction. Books with good story telling can always draw me in, but even so, some of it is just too heavy and serious sometimes and don’t let my mind rest!!
Oh, and I glommed Lady of Light and Shadows too. The 3rd one is one of the books I’m planning to have my sister bring me when she comes in October!
11. eidlhe | September 10th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
Hark, when the night is falling
Hear, hear the pipes are calling…oh wait, I’m not at the games anymore
I had a blast-lots of bagpipes, lots of men in kilts, Highland Dancers, music (I have a new band from up Canada way) Hadrian’s Wall. My sil had fun too. I was completely beat by the time I got home.
Diane-yes they have a writer for it. I haven’t read any of his stuff but I’ll check it out before the book comes out. Going to be called Memory of the Light according to his blog that I read some time ago if my memory hasn’t failed me.
GP-HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! Belated I know but anyway.
We always got to pick what mom made for dinner and what flavor of cake we ate. Presents after dinner.
For my boys, we’ve done parties a few times. We don’t make a big deal about mine or DH’s birthday.
CMS-wow! the house looks great. Hope Whitney is getting better. I still have your number so I’ll call you this weekend. EARLY.
K.L.-Woot!!! Keep us posted about insurance.
Dr. T-that is really cool
Hope I didn’t miss anybody.
12. Andi | September 10th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
KL - good luck with the insurance! Did I miss why your daughter is having the surgery? or am I remembering she is getting another “ear”? I’m being so nosey because one of my DS10’s best friends is a cochlear implant kiddo. I’m sure his parents know about the option for 2, but I’ll be anxious to get lots of info from you to pass on to them. She won’t be without hearing at all for any time, correct?
CMS - Wow! Your house is so dang cute! not to mention those dogs!
I’m going to a Bunco thing in my neighborhood tonight. ugh. I’m not much for that junk with a bunch of other women. I’m not the best with that kinda stuff. Mostly, I either talk waaaaaaay too much, or not at all. Stupid social situations. blech. Well, I guess I better go - even though the Braves are on.
Oooo has anyone watched TrueBlood on HBO yet? I’ve got a girlfriend coming over tomorrow to watch it with me… I’m a little wigged by it, but LOVE Alan Ball so feel I must watch it!
13. CMS | September 10th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
Eidelweiss - what’s the name of the Canadian band? I used to be involved with a drummer in a pipe band and went to several Highland Games. The beer tent always had phenomonal (no matter how I spell that it doesn’t look right) bands.
Hi Andi - we do like our house. thanks.
14. Lou | September 10th, 2008 at 6:22 pm
Good luck with Whitney, CMS. However, if the Ky-ropractor isn’t able to fix him, dogs do get along quite nicely on three legs. Poor baby puppy… hit by a car… that just sucks!!
Hey edelweiss - had fun at the games, did you?? I work with a woman who is Scot, and she and her DH go to the Highland Games - I think - in North Carolina (or someplace like that) in July. She also is editor of the local Scots newsletter in this area. She described the games for us and it sounds like much fun!!
K.L. - I have a question. On that gladiator game on TV - which DH loves - there was a participant who was deaf, and he had what I thought were cochlear implants. But I noticed that the implants had a rather large piece that was in his scalp above his ear (with a piece that ran down into his ear). Is that an implant? If so, what happens to the hair on the part of the scalp the implant covers? (He had shaved his head.) Or was that some other device?
15. K.L. | September 10th, 2008 at 6:25 pm
Hi Andi,
Yes, this will be her second, which would officially be called bilateral implants. Having two implants makes it much easier to locate where sound is coming from, makes it easier to hear speech in noisy environments, makes it less tiring to listen in any environments, and gives back up sound in case one of the implants or exterinal processors goes down for any reason.
Tell your friend hi for me*. I’ve been on this road for almost 10 years now (since she turned one) so I can answer lots of questions.
16. K.L. | September 10th, 2008 at 6:36 pm
Hi Lou,
Very observant. Yes he has a cochlear implant. There are two parts to an implant. The internal part which consists of a receiver plate attached to a wire that threads into the cochlea. That wire contains electrodes which are basically little transmitters. That is what ultimately transmits the sound to the auditory nerve.
The external part has a processor that looks like a behind-the-ear hearing aid, connected to a wire. That wire goes to a transmitter coil. That coil has a magnet in it. There is also a magnet in the internal receiver plate. The processor turns sound into electronic digital signals. The signals go to the transmitter coil. It broadcasts the signals similar to radio waves across the skin and hair to the receiver plate. From there the signals go to the electrode array.
There are usually 22 electrodes in the array, and the signals are arranged according to pitch, with the lowest pitch sounds going into the most internal electrode. The auditory nerve picks up the signals the same way it would pick up the signals from a working cochlea, and takes the sound to the auditory center in the brain. From there the brain has to figure out what those signals are.
The ultimate “success” of the implant rests on how well the brain can interpret sound. This is why some people do well and some don’t do so well. Generally, if you had hearing and lost it, you will do well because your brain already understands sound. And babies and toddlers do well because their brains are still very “plastic” and can make lots of the necessary synaptic connections needed to make sense of sound. Those who don’t do so well are older kids and adults who never received much access to sound when they were little.
In answer to the “what to do with hair question”, unless it is like a thick afro, you don’t need to do anything. The magnet is adjustable, and the signal can simply transmit right through the hair and skin.
17. K.L. | September 10th, 2008 at 6:43 pm
If you want to see a picture of the external and internal parts, look here:
http://www.cochlearamericas.com/Products/16.asp
Scroll down to the box titled “What Is Nucleus Freedom” The sound processor is the external part and the Freedom Cochler Implant is the internal part.
18. CMS | September 10th, 2008 at 6:46 pm
Wow K.L. that is so fascinating. It’s amazing to me* what we can do these days to assist the body. Speaking of which, how is your mom’s pacemaker?
I know three legged dogs do very well. Once the useless appendage is removed they are active as hell. Whitney is now with the paw in his way. Because the paw isn’t dead we wanted to try and save it. He’s only five months old at most so there’s a lot of opportunity for his body to heal either way. If we had access to a heated pool it would go much easier. For me* anyway.
19. K.L. | September 10th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
Mom is slowly starting to feel better and get more energy. As they lower her beats-per-minute back down to where they should be, she will hopefully keep feeling better. But it will take a couple of months to get her there.
20. McB | September 10th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
I’m needing a CB fix, too, CMS. I’m hoping the Bay weekend is still on, yes, RSS? A CB get together is different from any other.
K.L. - I do get that problem with noisy rooms and distinguising sound directions. They didn’t have all this stuff when I lost the hearing in my right ear, and at eight I don’t know if it would have worked for me anyhow. I’ve adapted but there’s no arguing that there are obstacles. Really hope this goes through for her.
CMS - I’ll keep my fingers crossed for Whitney.
21. BCB | September 10th, 2008 at 8:14 pm
Brain is fried. Just have a random quote to pass on:
“Besides the noble art of getting things done,
there is a nobler art of leaving things undone . . .
The wisdom of life consists in the elimination of nonessentials.”
Lin Yutang (1895-1976)
Chinese-American writer
22. GatorPerson | September 10th, 2008 at 8:46 pm
Highland Games, Grandfather Mountain, NC. Diana Gabaldon was there while I was in San Antonio. She actually went around that area and has declared that Fraser’s Ridge is about 10 miles from Blowing Rock. Interestingly enough, DH and I had a farm a little bit farther than 10 miles. I wonder ….
CMS, your updated house looks great! Nerve damage… It took about 20 years for my optic nerve damage to heal itself. It wasn’t ever supposed to heal, but it did.
Pics, Edleweiss, pics.
23. BCB | September 10th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
Oh just hell. I’ve now skimmed the post and comments. That quote was not meant as an opinion about CMS’ renovation efforts, but I realize it may have come across that way. CMS, the house looks great and I know how much effort went into it. I’ve had a summer full of home renovations and can completely empathize — the entire process sucks. I was complaining to someone earlier tonight about how much I’ve done and how much I have yet to do and how it feels like it will never all get done and how I’ve exhausted all my reserves doing it and yet there’s still more and . . . she sent me that quote and it just seemed such a perfect expression of what I was feeling and . . . it was not intended as a response to the post. At all. Hell.
Taking my fried brain and going back to my corner now.
24. glamour-geek | September 10th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
BCB: today, the quote helps me*. It’s been a bear at work, 75% of which problems would be solved if we were doing this project in 3 months (when the module we need is supposed to be available) instead of Right Now. Of course, we’re supposed to have it Right Now. Promises made by executives to executives without any heed for how long things actually take.
No, I’m not in trouble or anything, I think everyone recognizes that none of us is familiar with this particular kind of solution and that I’ve been working very quickly on things, but there are lots of moving parts to this.
Having complained to a wonderful (non-CB) friend, I got a very amazing and inspiring response from her this morning:
“Visualizing you with Jedi powers aligning the universe to get project done. The hum you hear is your light saber turning on, not the printer. ”
Made me laugh AND gave me hope that this bear of a project will go my way.
I’m sharing the Jedi powers with whichever CBs need them.
Where’s OH been? I don’t think I’ve seen comments from here in a long while… YoooooHooooooo! OH!!!!! Howzit, girl?
25. Lou | September 10th, 2008 at 10:24 pm
ANNOUNCEMENT: cc’s cousin - the one who is on “The Greatest American Dog” contest with his dog, Presley - JUST WON THE COMPETITION!!! He won $250,000 and a trophy!!! Way cool!!!
OK K.L. - what is shown on that website is not what he had. He had this huge thing that looked like a wing that covered what looked like about 2-3 inches wide by about 6 inches tall piece of (?) that covered the side of his head on each side (it looked like it was growing into his scalp. It was LARGE. That was why I was so puzzled. Also, he went in the water several times with no problem. I wish I could explain it better than I am so you could visualize what I’m talking about.
26. McB | September 10th, 2008 at 10:25 pm
BCB I love that quote. Jenny was talking about change in the air and all I could think was “h&// no.”. But I have been trying to simplify life. And once I acidve it … Well I may be communicating from the other side by then but I’m planning to spread the word.
GG would we be allowed to whack people with the light sabers?
27. Lou | September 10th, 2008 at 10:28 pm
Since we all need a CB fix, maybe we should just all move in with Merry. Just saying…
28. CMS | September 10th, 2008 at 10:30 pm
No wurries BCB. I didn’t for a second think you were discussing my house. I actually thought it was a summation of your work life. It’s a great quote. It reminds me of something I was told in art school many many years ago. “Sometimes the most important thing is knowing when to stop.” Seems appropriate for many situations.
Even though I’m not the one doing the actual labour, the constant chaos of renovating is hard to take. I don’t know how or why people do this for fun. OTOH, the house looks amazing. Between the attic, the windows, doors and awnings, we should actually save money on heating this winter, except those costs went up for everyone. We’re still ahead.
I twisted and contorted to not fall on Tara this morning. She was right behind me and didn’t appreciate me stepping backwards. I think I wouldn’t be as sore if I’d landed on her. She would feel much worse. I’m off to bed. Long work day tomorrow. Sweet dreams all!
29. theresa | September 11th, 2008 at 3:15 am
A heated pool…hmm, I see you forgot to include a large hot tub in your renovations! ;+)
CMS - Do you know anyone who does triathalons? A friend of a friend of even? He or she might have a wetsuit.
K.L. - That is great news! The insurance company better get in gear if they don’t want to see shovels on their horizon.
30. cbpen | September 11th, 2008 at 4:43 am
Yes, photos should be labeled, but please do it the right way…no ink on the back, it can bleed thru and/or transfer to another photo if you don’t have them in books yet. The best way, is to make printed labels, because if you use pencil it can rub/fade away. And don’t write on the actual pic…I had an aunt who did that. Sure now you know this is Joe, Anthony, Marie, John, Jean, Glory, Hannah…but you can’t see all of their faces because if it’s a tiny pic…. Well, I think you get the idea. All that being said, NO, I do not have all of my own pics labeled. And since I literally have several hundred, I doubt I ever will. And I know better. Who is it that digs thru all the old pics and makes copies for the reunion and says who is this? Who sometimes sends a pic like that in the newsletter so those who can’t come might be able to id them.
Mom is a tiny bit better today. The nurse at the drs said she’s seen people like this before and once they get back on track, they go back for smaller doses of the chemo and are just fine. She gave me a list of things for mom to eat and drink…that’s the thing, mostly she was getting dehydrated from being sick and not drinking, I think.
I went to a class tonite ..My sis came and sat with Mom. It is nothing to do with improving my chances of getting a job like the others. This one is a history class about old documents. It’s really interesting. I wish I could take a class now and then when strikes me. This one was free to students and alumnae. And I think you also had to be on the email list ’cause a friend who also graduated from the same place didn’t know about it. So, it’s every two weeks and only three more classes. Hopefully, I’ll get to finish even if…when I get a job.
31. RSS | September 11th, 2008 at 6:54 am
When CBPen. Definitely when. Sounds like a neat class. I’m glad your mom is doing a little better. You may already know this but when people feel sick from chemo, sometimes sticking to bland food with little smell helps.
BCB–Good quote. Unfortunately, everyone doesn’t agree with what I see as nonessentials:)
K.L. Hope the insurance approval comes through quickly. Glad your mom is improving.
eidehe–the games sound like they were a blast
Whoo Hoo for CC’s cousin and his dog. That’s great.
GG–I can so see you as a Jedi knight welding your light saber. May the force be with you at work today.
Yes, the Bay weekend is still on as long as they unboard the cottage by then. Cross your fingers. Of course, we could always get close and personal in our cottage. We’ve got that as a back-up.
32. CMS | September 11th, 2008 at 7:16 am
WooHoo CC’s cousin. Was this a vote in thing? Did the CBs push him over the top?
Nope Theresa I don’t know anyone with a wetsuit I could wear. We won’t be in there more than ten minutes so no concern about hypothermia. Heated towels will be awaiting us both (I’m hoping for Baileys as well)
I’m still bitter about missing the Bay weekend.
Pen - I seem to recall Lou mentioning vitamin water as a bland effective way to keep hydrated.
Thanks G-G I’m going to imagine my computer hum as a light saber all day. I wonder if they’ll get upset at the library if I use The Force. I could get everyone to return their items and pay their fines
I think we need to purchase that old school property someone posted some time ago. Talk about writer retreats. Wasn’t it in Ohio or the Mid West?
33. GatorPerson | September 11th, 2008 at 9:17 am
I must be missing something here. Is Theresa really suggesting that CMS wear a wetsuit when taking a bath?
34. Marcia in OK | September 11th, 2008 at 10:02 am
In hobby stores, (thankfully I live in the land of Hobby Lobby) craft stores, or scrapbooking stores, you can buy special pencils that are acid free and won’t harm pictures. They are usually blue or black (but, for some reason, I have a white one too). The lead is supposed to resist fading also.
I too get very sad when I see boxes of old family photos at estate sales and flea markets. I know i keep too much stuff, but getting rid of everything, that just can’t be right.
I moved everything I owned from one end of my home to other over the course of 2 years and a total renovation. It has take me almost 10 years to recover, and ya know what? There are things that need to be done over. Paint/wall-paper/window seals/ceiling patch. AAAAAHHHHH! I won’t even think about the flooring issue - remodel was done pre-kids, they are now DD10 and DD8. Just use your imagination.
I am NOT going to think of this right now. Back to work for me.
35. Diane (TT) | September 11th, 2008 at 10:30 am
CMS - nice work on the house! Very handsome. Much good luck with the injured puppy - I hope that his foot can get straightened out, but it sounds as if he’s happy as he is - no doubt because he gets to stay with the BEST folks!
Congrats to CC’s cousin. Fame! Fortune! A trophy….
Peace and tranquility on the work and remodeling fronts to all who need them. Do what must be done, but no worrying about what can’t be done. And strength for dealing with family medical and the attendant insurance garbage. One of my new choir colleagues is having surgery today - gall bladder. She apparently had a stroke in childbirth in her 20s, has considerable mobility impairment and her husband left her - but she’s a joyful person, so it just goes to show … something.
I think my phone just shut down due to no battery. I haven’t used it in days, so I guess I haven’t checked to see if it needs a charge, either! Oops.
I have SO much to do. I should quit dithering and DO it!
36. me | September 11th, 2008 at 11:15 am
Nice job on the house. I don’t think you had finished the painting when I saw it last. Poor puppy. I hope the leg’s OK. Otherwise he seems fine and happy and cute.
Yay CC’s cousin!
Good luck K.L.’s DD, and maybe to the poor hapless insurance agents who are about to be whacked.
So when’s the next meet up? I’ve just been told to come up with a schedule now for my remaining 13 vacation days for the rest of the year. Maybe I’ll take a week off to sleep.
37. Lori | September 11th, 2008 at 11:17 am
Would now be a good time to mention that 28 days from today I’m going to be in Portland?
38. Lou | September 11th, 2008 at 11:29 am
Yes, Lori, now would be a good time!!
Old pics - About a year before my aunt passed away (my Mom’s sister), she sent me a manila envelope. Inside the envelope were at least a hundred head shots (not pictures - cut out head shots) of people that apparently were my family. No labels, no names, just a short note stating that she wanted me to know that I had family. Now I’m certain that all these folks had gone to their reward by the time I received the pics - but who were they and how were they related to me?? I’ll never know. Huh…
39. McB | September 11th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Lori! You’re late. The solstice was in June.
I have so much extended family that if I did have a rich relative, by the time my turn came there wouldn’t be anything left. I have two aunts and two uncles left, but skads and oodles of cousins. I like all the cousins well enough, but I’m only close to one of the younger ones. No blame to anyone, we just grew up in different worlds. But I know who they all are and roughly where everyone lives. Their kids, however, would give me pause.
40. Lori | September 11th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
McB: Nope. In my world, y’all were too early.
41. Diane (TT) | September 11th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
In 28 days, you’ll have also missed the equinox, but there are, undoubtedly, other celestial events occurring. I hope you enjoy them (and whatever other thing you might be up to) in Portland, Lori!
I’m having trouble choosing things today - nothing’s just right for the job. Rats.
42. Mary | September 11th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
If there isn’t something happening, I figure we can always start something.
Quick — somebody check the bail fund…
43. Mary | September 11th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
If there isn’t something happening, I figure we can always start something.
Quick — somebody check the bail fund…
44. Mary | September 11th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Well, I didn’t stutter. Must’ve been the computer.
grumble, grumble, dang machines, when I was young we didn’t have computers… didn’t miss ‘em…
45. K.L. | September 11th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
Lou,
I didn’t get to see what he was wearing on his head, but I do know that he does have a cochlear implant. It could be that what you saw was what he had to protect the processor from water and impact.
46. Lou | September 11th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
K.L. - weird… whatever it was looked like it was buried in the skin on his scalp, was set above his ear, went 2/3 of the way to the top of his head, and was wider than his ear. Had them on both sides. Couldn’t tell if it was plastic and metal. ‘Tis a mystery!!
So Lori, what are you going to be doing in Portland, pray tell? This is Portland, Oregon not Portland, Maine???
47. Lou | September 11th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
That’s plastic “or” metal. Darn computers, never get it right!
48. me | September 11th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
Maybe Portland, Michigan? Not much to see there.
49. Lori | September 11th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
I’m sure Portland, Michigan is fascinating, and I do have Maine on my lists of places to see in the fall. However, I will be crashing on Mary’s futon and checking out the sites, sounds, and smells of Oregon’s Portland.
For fun.
Because I can. (And I couldn’t before.)
That about cover it?
50. eidlhe | September 11th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
CMS-Hadrian’s Wall. Any other suggestions as you check your cds?
GP-the only pics I have are in my head. I took my camera, but I forgot that the batteries were dead.
Yay CC’s cousin!!!
I have an album of family pics from my DH’s side. His grandma and aunt put it together. There are dates and names. I have my own album and there are also dates and names. My grandma and mom put it together for me.
I suppose I should pull out my boxes of pics and start labeling them….eventually.
51. RSS | September 11th, 2008 at 5:02 pm
Good for you Lori. Have fun.
Hey Me! Can you come to Va the first week in October? Some of us are getting together at the beach. I’ll pick you up at the airport.
Tomorrow, I’m going to spend the day with my folks and take them out to lunch because it is their 55th anniversary.
I’ve written 6761 words so far this week. So far so good on the deadline.
52. K.L. | September 11th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
Lou, the funny thing is, I understood that he removed his processor during the actual contests, so you only saw him wearing it during interviews and such. The guy’s name was Brick Reilly. It was pretty big news in cochlear implant forums.
53. K.L. | September 11th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
Lori,
Make sure you try out that BBQ when you get to Mary’s house. We want to make sure she is using it as much as possible.
54. orangehands | September 11th, 2008 at 6:07 pm
HAPPY BIRTHDAY GP!!!!!!!! AND JD (mcb’s mom)!!!!
YAY JENT AND CC’s COUSIN
Dr.T: course you’re respected in your field, genius girl
KL: *crossing fingers*
oh poor Whitney. sending a lot of healing thought.
I just read Creation in Death (I got a little behind in the series). I really, really enjoyed it.
55. Mary | September 11th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
Oooh, does that mean I get to grill Lori?
56. btuda | September 11th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
Hi all. Checking in again after a much too long absence.
CMS: The house looks so lovely. And your big fuzzy heart for Whitney is making mine all fuzzy too.
Last night the power went out for no apparent reason. Then it didn’t come back on until five minutes before the alarm in my cell phone was due to go off. I’m suspicious. I think the squirrels are up to something and it isn’t good.
DH has suddenly decided we need to house hunt. (*ACK!!*) It’s taking me a few day, but I’m getting up to speed. And I’m gradually easing up on the hyperventilating part too. This has really come out of left field, but he’s already started on pre-approving the financing (my biggest worry). I’m actually less worried about finding our first house.
Well, gotta get some rest so I can be bright eyed and bushy tailed at the candle store tomorrow. And no, there are no cat pee scented candles this season.
57. GatorPerson | September 11th, 2008 at 8:32 pm
Lori, definitely get Mary to use the grill to cook something. K. L. and I got the thing together with only one teensy backtrack. Oh, and the use of A Woman’s Primary Tool When Assembling Anything: A hammer. The directions were all pics, no words.
And a good time was had by all.
Lori, do definitely ride the mass transit thingie from the airport for a slow thrill of a lifetime. And it’s the BLUE line. Ah, the stories I could tell.
58. Mary | September 11th, 2008 at 9:07 pm
GP — is that a yes?
59. Mary | September 11th, 2008 at 9:52 pm
Btuda, may the house of your dreams be within your price range.
60. Mary | September 11th, 2008 at 9:52 pm
P.S. Buying a house does mean you’ll have to prepare for the possibility of a CB invasion
61. McB | September 11th, 2008 at 10:27 pm
no cat pee candles? Now I have to start all over with my Xmas shopping list
Lori - double check the patio table while you’re there too.
I thing lori should do the grilling since she’s the one with the diner.
62. cbpen | September 12th, 2008 at 12:01 am
CMS: I forgot to say…redo looks good. Save a spot on the porch for moi.
Today mom ate scrambled eggs. Things are looking up, I think.
Lori: have fun in Portland. One of the people I’ve kept in touch with from my old job is headed there this Saturday. One of her best friends from HS lives there. They are going to Powell’s for me*. Fine, but I would really like to go there for myself one day.
btuda: Good luck with the house hunting
RSS: Hooray!! That’s a LOT of words. And I do know this from experience. Mine has slowed down again. I get these jags where I go like sixty (as my Granny used to say) and then times when …each…word…is…a…struggle…
Today, as I was doing letters and resumes, I thought, this is like playing office. Typing, filing, stuffing envelopes…. The only thing I don’t have is people to talk to and office politics….
63. RSS | September 12th, 2008 at 7:19 am
I’d say no office politics is a check on the positive sides. I have days when each word is a struggle too but I’m pushing on this now. (like I should have been all along.)
Btuda, this is a great time to buy a house because the market is slow and so many are sitting there for months without a nibble. Keep us posted.
Hope everyone has a fun and safe weekend.
64. GatorPerson | September 12th, 2008 at 7:27 am
Yes, Mary? What do you want me to say yes to? I guess a topic for CBs is how many of us say yes too often when we want to say no.
RSS, I can write a lot of words, too. Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country. Now is the time for all good men.. Oh! That’s not what you meant? OK. Once upon a time…. That’s it for me*. Somebody else will have to fill in the dots.
That reminds me of a type of coloring book I loved when I was a kid. You needed a paintbrush, a glass of water, and the book. You “painted” with water, and the stuff turned different colors. Oooh, I loved those. I hated finger painting. I loved regular coloring books with a fresh 100+ box of Crayolas. White. That was a waste of a good crayon. I loved staying inside the lines. I still love expressionistic paintings. ‘Course the Dutch school is my favorite. I ramble. Duh!
65. me | September 12th, 2008 at 7:40 am
RSS I’d love to, but unfortunately my co-worker is also trying to use up her vacation time and has picked that very week to escape herself. Thanks for the invite though!
btuda, have fun! It is scary, yes, but it’s fun, too. Good luck! If no cat pee candles, what kind of pee this time? Ferrets?
I remember those painting books, GP!
66. Jenni | September 12th, 2008 at 8:15 am
Hi Everyone - here is the buy link for IN HIS SLEEP by Hollie Brooks (AKA woman with five heads)
http://www.thewildrosepress.com/wilderroses/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=642&zenid=ae8e16658ba9eb2415ac3aaa33e546cd
67. me | September 12th, 2008 at 9:21 am
WOOHOO! I’m getting it as soon as I get home (something tells me this is not something I should be downloading at work, LOL).
68. glamour-geek | September 12th, 2008 at 10:01 am
McB: I believe that the actual implementation and use of the light saber is up to the actual wielder.
Jedi powers today and every day. I have been trying to get “WHAT REPORTS DO YOU NEED FOR MONDAY?” out of my boss since Weds afternoon. I do NOT want to do these over the weekend, I want to do them today. Oy.
Had a lovely dinner with an old friend of the family who I hadn’t seen in about 15 years, a friend of hers and beau last night. Very expensive but a lot of fun and very yummy. It was like getting a mini-weekend in on a Thursday evening.
69. Lori | September 12th, 2008 at 10:06 am
Wait a minute! Is this the kind of grilling that requires the hot beam of a single light bulb and some handcuffs or that leaves charred lines across my face?
I mean, y’all know that I usually prefer the handcuffs, but it will really depend who else will be involved in the grilling process.
And yea Jenni/Hollie/JenT! Out of curiosity, what are you planning on naming your other two heads?
70. theresa | September 12th, 2008 at 11:02 am
cbpen (and anyone else who may have extra time and wants to earn a few pennies) - There is something you might be interested in (or not, I figure you can decide for yourself
Go check out Mechanical Turk
(http://www.mturk.com/mturk/welcome). It’s something started by Amazon, with the idea that companies/researchers can farm out various human intelligence tasks, and folks interested in earning extra money can complete these tasks. (FYI, I’m pretty sure you’d have to do a LOT to earn even a moderate amount of money. Most tasks are only worth pennies, but most are also very short.) I know of some researchers who have used this service to get cheap data annotations to use in their work.
Anywho, I figured it might be something to tide you over (or at least help you earn book money) until your dream job comes through. (Any day now! We’re all still sending those good job vibes your way.
71. Lou | September 12th, 2008 at 11:47 am
btuda - good luck with your house hunting!! And remember the cardinal rule - home inspection!! Be sure you have it inspected by an inspector that does not have any connections with the real estate broker or the owner. It’s well worth the extra money - a good inspector will find stuff that you wouldn’t even think about.
The houses around our neighborhood that have been deserted are slowly filling up again, thank Bob. The last one, which is one house over from ours, is going up on the auction block. It’s been deserted for a couple of years since the last renters moved out, and it’s in bad shape. I’m hoping someone will think it’s worth buying and fixing it up because it’s becoming something of a blight on our street. Poor little house - it needs someone to love it…
72. jenb | September 12th, 2008 at 11:51 am
Hope everyone is enjoying a good Friday afternoon.
Today I feel as if my brains are dribbling out of my ears or whatever the saying is.
Note - when mowing the lawn make sure not to hit stumps. You may bend the frame and then you have to go to the store and buy a new lawn mower. Just saying…
GP, thanks again for the link to Diana Gabldon’s blog. Fun to read the happenings as she writes them.
CMS, everthing you all have done and are doing looks great. And please keep us up to date on Whitney. You are so good to do all that you do for so many!
RSS, great job on the word count. Please keep up the good work and I can’t wait to read it.
Eidlhe, you and the boys doing well? How is the class online?
Jenni, must go and do the ordering of your book.
73. K.L. | September 12th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
Book downloaded. With this Sony reader, I usually have to download the HTML version, copy it to word, then print it to our virtual PDF printer, in a specific size (which I saved as a master doc). Yes, hoops to jump through, but it usually works pretty well. I do occasionally have problems with text that was printed in italic, as it sometimes doesn’t show up on the reader, but otherwise works well. Wish I had known about all these hoops when I bought the stupid thing. Apparently, Sony wants us to just buy whatever they sell in their e-book store. Needless to say, I don’t appreciate their attempt to corner the market on where I can buy e-books.
Uh, I guess the rant is over now. I’ll just go over there to the bar and get a nice cold margurita now. Strawberry please.
74. orangehands | September 12th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
I’ll download it tonight because if I do it now I’ll sit here and read it and that is not going to help me* get my ass in gear at all.
My brain (in this case my thinking ability- why yes, I usually have that ability lori) is slushy. Went to dinner with a friend last night and during it I tried to make some points that frankly, I’m not sure I even followed. Points I have made a million times before (ex: why romance books are good). This better snap out soon cause I’m going to have to go to class (AH!!!!!) very soon.
BTW: LTL says hi and sends her love.
75. Jenni | September 12th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
Lori - to answer your question
Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dumb!
76. Lou | September 12th, 2008 at 3:09 pm
Hummm… I wrote a nice comment earlier today… and… it disappeared into the ether. So I’m going to try again. Now - what was it I said?? Ya know you go shopping on your lunch hour, find a really cute purse for this winter, and all rational thought flies off (at least it does for me*).
Wait… I remember… sort of…
btuda - good luck with your house hunting. Before making a purchase - go find an independent home inspector (one that is not getting kick-backs from real estate brokers - and have the home inspected. Very important step!!
Happy Friday, everyone!!
77. Lou | September 12th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
See what I mean about rational thought?? I can’t even remember to close my parenthesis!
Hi JenB - mowing the lawn? It’s good exercise, especially when you let it get looong between cuttings ’cause you’re lazy (like me*).
78. McB | September 12th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
Hey, Lou, I found you wandering aimlessly in the spam file and have set you free.
There is one townhouse across the street which has been up for sale for several months now, and for the second time in approx 5 years, the house next door will be going up for sale. In both cases a job was lost, necessitating a move. And these are small townhouses, starter homes. Don’t try to tell me the economy is just fine.
79. Ooh, I coulda been LORI! | September 12th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
So, if I whine about my computer, you’ll figure out who this actually is, right?
I spent a bunch of time trying to make an internet application do something it SAID it was supposed to be able to do, talked to several colleagues (none of whom had wasted THEIR time trying to make it work, due to grim past experiences) and then two different IT people. The first one made me clear out my cookies, making it possible for me to be LORI, if only for one brief, shining moment.
No luck. I asked about the browser, but he said,no. And since I use Firefox, I figured it was probably fine (I’ve used Firefox with this application for years, and it’s never been a problem, but this is a new function, or new version of a function that I’m sure I used to be able to do an easier way, or something). Then the second person called me back, and we went through the steps AGAIN, and then she suggested trying it all in Internet Explorer, and, lo and behold! It worked.
With a brief moment to freak out, because Explorer isn’t under Office, but its own self, so I couldn’t find it (and a moment to grouse, while I told the stupid browser I didn’t care if it had new anything and no, I did NOT want to customize it). Look, I wrote a run-on sentence fragment!
All of this while people were WAITING (well, in theory, anyway, they were probably really having beers) for me to get this up! And I was worrying about a totally different thing that needed to be done,which is now done, but just the beginning of a project that will take up much of my weekend (so I can’t get JenT’s book yet), when I could’ve been picking raspberries (hint!) except it’s probably going to rain, and one can’t pick raspberries in the rain, not because one is a wimp, but because they get moldy if one tries. I think that was a WHOLE run-on sentence. Tiara?
So, since the not-useful IT guy told me to clean out my cookies, nothing knows who I am. So, I’d better remember my usernames and passwords…
But maybe I can still pretend to be Lori. For a little while. But not if I am to be grilled.
80. theresa | September 12th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
JenT - I just finished your story and I loved it! I admit that I’ve only read a bit of erotica. But compared to what I’ve read, yours was definitely the best story and the one I most enjoyed reading. It was hot (yeah baby), but so much more than that. It was a believable story and a believable romance even within the short number of pages. Well done!
81. theresa | September 12th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
Oh my, Twinkletoes, stop and take a deep, calming, breath. Yes, you have won the tiara.
82. GatorPerson | September 12th, 2008 at 4:10 pm
The economy is SO not fine. I could rail on for hours about whoever let the home mortgage mess get started with lowering requirements on loans to people who were not able to make the payments. And let it go on unchecked for several years.
And here’s another glitch. There are lines here for people getting gas before the hurricane knocks out the oil wells in the Gulf. DH had to get gas for the truck, since it was on fumes anyway. While he was there the prices went up!
DD#2’s DH (they weren’t married yet) bought a house 2-3 years ago in CA. They didn’t ask me squat about the purchase, because I’d have told them to wait until the bubble broke and slowly healed. DD#2 said she wished someone had warned them, since the houses around them have lost many thousands of $ in price. (She said value, but I wouldn’t, since value is strictly in the eyes of the purchaser.) Again, I stayed quiet, since there’s no need to rub salt into a wound.
Sigh! What a mess. And it’s world-wide.
OH, we need a joke!
83. RSS | September 12th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
(((TT))) Sorry about your work computer woes. Learning to navigate a new computer/system is a b&*^%.
WARNING: RANT WARNING: RANT WARNING: RANT
A ^*(%$%^&()&^%$$&()) insurance agent sold my folks what they thought was a policy to provide 100K for the grand kids when they started college–at 18. What he actually sold them was a life insurance policy payable when the kids are 98. I am so angry that he took advantage of them that way. Anyone who has any idea what I can do to get this man screwed to the wall please let me know. If my folks had paid into a bank accout what they have been paying in yearly premiums the kids would have more money now than they do. This policy is absolutely worthless as something to provide for their grandkids. I am so, so, so angry that someone took advantage of them in this way.
Today my folks signed the paperwork turning ownership of the policy to my DB and I for our respective kids. The agent had been telling them not to do this. Guess why. He also arranged not to be available to take the paperwork today because my mom said I was coming in with her. I had never seen the policies until today. I’ve called the company, complained, gotten addresses for customer relations and the President. Of course until he turns in the paperwork, they are the owners of record and no one will pay any attention to me.
Please. I want to stop this man from taking advantage of people in this way.
End RANT
84. Lou | September 12th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
RSS - Go straight to the Insurance Commissioner of your state. Call that office (will be listed in your phone book), then follow up with a written letter organizing all the facts. Send that letter to the Insurance Commissioner with copies to all the head honchos you can think of at the insurance company. Be sure that all the letters are sent registered mail, receipt requested so that you have a record that they were received. Be sure you keep copies of all letters that go out, any complaints to the Better Business Bureau, and a log of phone calls and what was said. Then, go to the Better Business Bureau and register a complaint!! Then, see if any of your local media people will pick up the story. Newspapers will often run stories of fraud.
I had to sic the Insurance Commissioner of California on an automobile insurance company once. It worked.
85. Lou | September 12th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
McB - Thank you so much for assisting me in finding my way out of the maze. I was beginning to get hungry!
GP - What really burns me are the loan brokers who changed the paperwork after the clients signed, lied about their income and net worth, and got the clients a loan they couldn’t possibly afford. Crooked bas***ds.
86. Lou | September 12th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
Assisting me* (and possibly her too).
87. me | September 12th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
Yikes, sorry about the nasty jerks, RSS. Lou is smart, do what she says. And TV news stations LOVE stories about the elderly getting screwed. Make that insurance company look BAD.
In better news, I’ve got the download. Off to read it. After I find a fan and some ice…
88. Jenni | September 12th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
RSS - That sucks. Im so sorry.
Theresa - OMG! Thank you, thank you, thank you. I have to say, that was my first attempt at erotic and I really didn’t want it to be just erotica. I wanted strong characters, a good plot, and the HEA, so I’m so glad you liked it. I’ve honestly been worried about what people will think. It’s very different from anything I’ve ever written. It’s not dark. It’s actually kind of light and funny. I’m so not funny. : )
89. RSS | September 12th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
Thanks Lou. Unfortunately, I can’t go to the media because my folks are still alive and would be mortified. I will follow the suggestions you gave me. This is so hard. I know my parents wouldn’t have signed the contract if they had realized how little money the kids would be able to get. Once they had, pride probably came in. No one likes to admit they’ve been scammed. Especially,not my dad ,who was the local equivalent of a DA for 30 years. That’s what upsets me. Not the money. My folks can do whatever they want with their money. They earned it, it’s theirs to spend however, whenever, they want. But he lied to them. We can never prove it. It was 12 years ago. My dad’s mental condition is deteriorating rapidly. My mom says she knows what she thought they said but can’t swear to it. I know what they told us at the time so know what they thought they were getting. Today when my mom was trying to get him to sign the paperwork to turn over ownership, he asked if she was having him sign a new will. And that breaks her heart that he would think she’d lie to him. And he couldn’t remember what he was doing long enough to sign the papers. She used a stamp of his signature, I’m hoping they accept it.
Seeing your parents lose mental acuity is so hard as many of you know.
90. Lou | September 12th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
Oh RSS, sweetie, I’m so sorry. By all means, go to the Insurance Commissioner and file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau.
I know how hard it must be for you; I know how difficult it was for me when my Mom’s mind became clouded and she would ask the same question over and over and couldn’t remember what had been said 5 minutes ago (this was a woman who got straight A’s at USC with a history major). And I completely understand that you are not upset about the money - that came through in your rant - you are upset because an unscrupulous person scammed your beloved parents (and has probably scammed others).
If it hasn’t already been done, you might think about getting Power of Attorney and Power of Health Care documents giving you the authority to act in their behalf - just in case. I had both for my Mom. It helped…
91. K.L. | September 12th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
(((((RSS))))) That all sucks on just so many levels. I have not had that for my parents yet, but have watched several grandparents slip down that long slow slope.
Shovels are too good for that piece of slime.
92. Lou | September 12th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
I got lost in spam again for some reason.
RSS - I’m so sorry!! At least try the Insurance Commissioner and file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau.
Of course you are not concerned about the money - that came through loud and clear. It’s the scam against your beloved parents that has you furious!
93. theresa | September 12th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
RSS - Yeah, what K.L. said!!! Rat bastard.
(I know, I’m so helpful. I’d say that Lou sounds like she knows what’s of she speaks.)
94. theresa | September 12th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
JenT - That was actually my biggest complaint about most of the erotica I’ve read. Hello, story? Where are you? As fun as steamy romps can be, without a strong story and characters, well, meh. I know people’s mileage can vary, but that’s my personal preferance.
You wove a very nice story with engaging characters! And I believed the HEA. As I said before, well done!
95. GatorPerson | September 12th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
I do all of my MIL’s financial stuff now. I have signing authority on checks.
I also have POA for DD#1’s checking account. That was required so that I could sign checks and get at her accounting info at the bank. In neither case does this prohibit them from writing checks, using ATM’s, etc.
I may have POA on MIL’s accounts. I just don’t remember. I know DH does. Also, his and her names appears on the checks.
DH has the REAL POA for his DM via attourney’s stuff. All these POAs seem somewhat strange.
Lou has the real stuff. Also, seems like you could talk to the newspaper to see if they are interested in an article and so would go with it leaving out your folks’ names.
Here in NC we can email the hmm, head honcho of Finance for the state to say what’s been going on. He jumps on bones big time. Maybe he’s the Attourney General. Don’t remember.
96. me | September 12th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
I agree with Theresa. Great plot, great characters and whoa that was hot. And yes, you are funny.
RSS: I hope he rots in hell.
97. McB | September 12th, 2008 at 6:46 pm
(((RSS))) What everyone else has already said.
98. Wapakwoman | September 12th, 2008 at 11:57 pm
RSS- Don’t forget to contact the Attorney General’s office of your state. The AG is in charge of prosecuting scammers and price gougers and whatnot.
THat is just so very awful. I agree with me*- he should rot in Hell. Or face an angry group of CB’s with Shovels.
Jenni on the block. I have 3 projects to do and when they are done, your story is my treat!
jenb- ok- WHO left the stump there for you to run over?
99. cbpen | September 13th, 2008 at 2:01 am
In Indiana, the Attorney General has had ads running to say they want to know about this kind of thing. So your state would probably want to also. So yeah, I’d say atty gen and insurance commissioner and BBB and head honchos and anyone else who come to mind.
I went to A!’s Grandparents day program this morning. It was pretty much the same as last year. And she said she knew I was coming. I’m so glad my mom was okay enough so A! wasn’t disappointed.
DDIL stopped yesterday with E!, A! and AL! while the other two boys were doing their football practice. She said A! is in a routine and expects to see Gramsey on Thursdays.
My sis called at 1:30am to say that her DD went to get gas and two stations were out and then her DS came home and said when he stopped people from Angola were there saying it was 5.26 a gallon there and from Fort Wayne said it was 5.50 a gallon there. I told her by the time I got dressed and got out there, they’d either ALL be run out or changed to whatever the highest is. I got gas the other day so I’m not that low. Unless my van gulped when I wasn’t looking. It does that once in awhile.
DrT: I will check out the Turk thing.
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