Originally posted by: Margielikestocook on 12/6/2006 7:50:11 PM

Hi everyone,

Lloyd, Such great news about Tommie. Let us know her address for cards please. Hope you're able to sell the trailer. I'm praying for both of you.

Judy, Are you still enjoying your new car? How exciting.

Mike, Sorry you've had a cold. But did you have to share it???!!!! I have one now! Did the doctor give you lots of drugs to make it better? Being in La-La land is better when you feel so bad sometimes. Take care of yourself buddy.

Hi to everyone else.

gotta go, Margie

Originally posted by: cookiequeen on 12/7/2006 5:37:22 AM

Bethany - we got between 5" and 8" of snow, not 5'8" of snow.....I wouldn't be able to see over it either then. lol. Most is gone now with the warm weather we've had lately. But its back to cold today....high of 28F. Burr! If I stay away from my food allergens the cold doesn't bother my RA at all...no pills or shots here either. The polar bear cake sounds interesting. Have to take a pic to share with us.

Originally posted by: lov2cook on 12/7/2006 5:57:46 AM

HRM, sorry about your beagle, hope you can find out what is wrong.
Mike, So many folks have colds now, take care and get well.
Lloyd, Mn. hasn't had the great amount of snow in the last few years, at least not in the northern part. Hardly enough to go snowmobiling. We usually get around from lake to lake tho. Also haven't had the real bitter cold as we did a few years ago up here.Maybe global warming?
It seems tho the older I get the less I like the cold. Texas sounds pretty good this am, it's 12 below here now but warming up this weekend.Glad miss Tommie is better.Merry Christmas everyone.

Originally posted by: lloyd338 on 12/7/2006 6:30:15 AM

Good Morning Family, Well Miss Tommie is in the Rehab Center, and called me last night and let me know she loved it. Annnnd for the time she is the only one in her room and she will be able to set the temp where she wants it. (Wonder if those people will get upset when it start snowing in her room?)
Anyway the address is:
Park Lane West Healthcare Center, Rm 302A
Two Towers Park Lane
San Antonio, TX. 78209
Attn: Tommie Hoffman
A funny thing is the director of the center is the daughter of a class mate of Tommie's from College. Goes to show ya, that Disney was right again. In other words "it is a small world after all."
As most of you who knows my weird sense of humor, I am feeling better now Miss Tommie is doing better, I was real worried there for a bit, but as always left it in the hands of the Lord. He must still be working on our place and wasn't ready for her yet. Sure hope it takes him a long time to get it finish.
Well I got class today so I will sign off and chat later. Luv ya.

Originally posted by: dd11 on 12/7/2006 10:35:02 AM

Lloyd,

Sorry this is late, but I have been really sick with one flu virus or another for the past several weeks. Now I am laid up with a blood clot in my leg. SO glad Miss Tommie is better.

Originally posted by: lloyd338 on 12/7/2006 11:01:14 AM

Dee, so sorry to heard, please be carefull with that Clot, and of course I know you are.
I think more of us have been affected by colds and the flu this year than before.

Originally posted by: HRM on 12/7/2006 2:37:47 PM

Thanks to all for your concern.

Lloyd-glad to get the address for Miss Tommie, and to know that she is happy where she is now staying.

Dee-sorry to hear about your illnesses and now the blood clot. Take care of yourself and hope this finds you soon up and about.

Originally posted by: stephensgirl on 12/7/2006 10:28:45 PM

Hi everyone,

I'm so glad to hear that Miss Tommie is doing better! I know that God answers prayers as we have been flooding him with them.I can so relate to her liking the cold .My husband says I freeze him to death in the winter because I've got to have a fan running in order to sleep (don't know if it's the extra air or that I've gotten so used to the noise...if I didn't have it I could not sleep!)Also thanks for the update on her new address.I've been wanting to send her a card.Hugs and continued prayers sent your way .

Mindy...I am so sorry to hear about your beloved Holly.I am an animal lover myself and to me they are a part of the family.I lost my Chow about 10 yrs. ago and the pain is still real today.She grew up with my children...she WAS my third child! I loved her so much.Saying a prayer for you and Holly.God gave us pets so I know they mean alot to him too.

Mike and Dee...I hope you get to feeling better real soon.Sending out hugs and best wishes for a speedy recovery so you can be at your best during the holidays!

Blessings,
Cathy

Originally posted by: cookiequeen on 12/8/2006 7:24:17 AM

Dee - sorry to hear you've been ill, and now the blood clot. Hope you're taking good care of yourself. Got you in thoughts and prayers too darlin'.

Originally posted by: nell on 12/8/2006 9:09:03 AM

Mindy - I hope this finds Holly doing better. I only have "four-legged" children and they are part of our family and breaks my heart when was is sick or leaves us for a better place.

Lloyd - sounds like you have are having an early Best Christmas ever!

Dee hope this is finding you better -

To All in need - know that your are in my prayers.

Take good care - Nell

Originally posted by: SouChef on 12/8/2006 9:38:47 AM

Wow!

It seems like there is a rift of something going around with CCOA members.

Mindy I am so sorry to hear about your beagle, Holly. I am a mother to a fur child (my kitty D'Ora) and I am so glad she is semi-healthy. She has been with us 2 years, but she is about 5 and frisky as a kitten, but has allergies and sneezes when it is too dry. I hope the vet can find out what is going on with your dog. It is scary to have your pet going through something and they can't tell you.

Mike, better to not have a voice than not being able to type! Hope the doc gives you something to make the throat better. Old gargle with salt water is something I remember. My mom did the honey and warm lemon juice thing when I was a kid as well. Coats the throat, I think.

Lloyd, thanks for the new address for Miss Tommie. I am doing my Christmas cards and will send her one of my special cards I made. I know that whenever my spouse was sick (I am widowed from my first marriage, we won't even discuss the second!), I was in a tizzy. He was diabetic and was hospitalized several times in the seven years we were married. This was in the days when you couldn't stay at the hospital overnight. I was always better when he came home. If you live with someone long enough, you become attached in a way that only the two of you can understand. Unless you have been there. I think I understand your relationship with Miss Tommie and I think it is beautiful you are both that close after all these years.

I have lived in Los Angeles, Phoenix, Dallas, Tulsa and Raleigh. I have seen scorpions, tarantulas, rattle snakes and 22 inches of snow (in Raleigh). I live here because we have four seasons. Today we are freezing ourselves silly. High 30's. For Mike and those north, that is summer! When I was coming into work one of the attorneys said I looked like I was going on a polar expedition with my full length coat, boots and gloves. I don't prefer the cold weather, but we don't have it continuously as they do in the North.

Blessings to one and all.

Mary

Originally posted by: michealjc on 12/8/2006 5:09:59 PM

Dee ... take care of yourself.

Originally posted by: dd11 on 12/9/2006 7:39:07 AM

Thanks to everyone for all the good wishes. The clot hasn't moved-had another ultrasound Friday. Doctor said to use aspirin, which makes me sick so she changed it to advil. It's going to be a long three months until this heals.

Originally posted by: Daffinee-Light on 12/9/2006 10:07:23 AM

Dee You are in my prayers and PLEASE follow all your DR's Instructions, A clot no matter where it is located can be dangerous. Please keep us all up to date. You are very important to all of this family.
Thank you sweetie.
DL

Originally posted by: LisaJ1 on 12/9/2006 4:03:55 PM

Dee prayers are with you for quick healing

Mindy prayers are with you and Holly.

Mike what can I say? Get better soon.

And to everyone else who is not feeling well, please get well soon and know that my prayers are with everyone in my extended family.

LisaJ

Originally posted by: lloyd338 on 12/10/2006 6:50:33 AM

Good Morning Family, I had a great day yesterday with my CHL class, it was about the right size, only 7, but 3 had never shot before. Even though that is always a challege, this group was real good and wanting to learn. As it turned out they had the highest scores and grades of any of my classes. There was a mistake made on the time posted for the starting so it made for a very long day. But an enjoyable one.
well I need to get around so I will say bye for now and chat later.

Originally posted by: lloyd338 on 12/11/2006 6:26:35 AM

Good morning family, I had a lazy day yesterday, Thomas and Jewel had came down to pick up the kids and left real early to get back to SA. So I didn't do anything all day even though I have a lots to do. David and Ellie said it didn't hurt to be lazy every now and then. I did talk with Miss Tommiie and she is doing well, she is suppose to spend most of of this morning in P.T., so I can't check with her until later.
I just wanted to check in since I still got alots to do and need to get going, I will chat later if time permits.

Originally posted by: dd11 on 12/11/2006 6:39:49 AM

My doctor called me last night to ask if I had the second ultrasound. The lab forgot to call her with the results.

I wish this clot would heal. My leg hurts so bad today because I went grocery shopping alone yesterday because dh is out of town and my son was working.

Did anyone else on this board have a clot? What helped you to get rid of it?

My doctor said take 6 advil per day and walk around every hour.

Originally posted by: michealjc on 12/11/2006 6:42:06 AM

Miss Tommie did sound good last night. Bonnie gave her a call just to chat for a bit. Miss Tommie did mention how much she was looking forward to making it to the 2007 gathering. It was sure good to hear her voice again and to hear what good spirits she was in. Glad that you took the day off just to be lazy Lloyd. Most of us need that every once in awhile.

Extended family, still looking for some more recipes for the 2007 gathering. Just PM them to me if you would please.

Originally posted by: HRM on 12/11/2006 6:51:11 PM

Dee, sorry I can't help you out with that one. I do know when I was in and out of the hospital years ago that I tried to walk as often as I could to keep clots from forming, but by the last hospital I was so weak I could hardly stand for a few minutes and stayed in bed most of the time. I did overhear the specialist that saw me there chewing out the nurses because instead of helping me walk a couple of times a day, they left me in bed.

Mike, so very good to hear that Miss Tommie is sounding stronger. Thanks for sharing the news.

My extended family, as always, is in my thoughts and prayers. I'm wishing each of you and yours a wonderful Tuesday.

Originally posted by: lloyd338 on 12/12/2006 5:43:31 AM

Good morning family, I talked with Miss Tommie last night, and she sounded very good, she told me to thank all for the get well cards she is receiving, so for she has got cards from Mike (and of course those beautiful flowers),Mary, and Mindy. Some might still be at the hospital, and she is hoping they will be forwarded, since they know where she was transfer to.
They are doing PT every day with her and she is working hard to get strong where she can go home, but she said she gets tired fast. She has lost some weight, that nothing will fit now. Of course most of it was from the water retenion, but now the hard weight lost needs to take place and it is going to take longer and a lots of hard work, but she is willing to try.
Mike I have several recipes I want to sent, both to you and the ones Bethany has asked for, but will try and do so this week.
All take care, will chat later.

Originally posted by: Daffinee-Light on 12/12/2006 6:59:06 AM

Thanks Lloyd
It is so heartwarming to hear of Miss Tommie's progress. I'll let you know if the card I sent comes back to me.
I'll bet our dear Miss T cannot wait to be home. I am still praying for her and your whole family. Also happy that you sound pleased with the class. Way Cool love.
Dl

Originally posted by: michealjc on 12/12/2006 8:46:47 AM

Lloyd ... I will be waiting here on the couch for those recipes. It's nice to see that you have nothing but good news to share with us about Miss Tommie.

Minnesota weather sure is getting stranger as the years pass by. Here we are into the middle of December where it should be freezing cold and snowy. Today it once again is in the 40's and we are getting rain. Our nightly low should be around 0. Last night the low was 38. If this pattern keeps up we will be able to plan palm trees in a few years.

Originally posted by: dd11 on 12/12/2006 8:51:55 AM

Lloyd,

That is great news about your wife. I wish her a speedy recovery.

Originally posted by: cake lady too on 12/13/2006 6:50:46 AM

Lloyd, So glad to hear Miss Tommie doing much better. I have put another card in the mail for her today. Also glad to see you took a "LAZY DAY". I agree with Mike, we all need them! Looking forward to seeing you and Tommie in MN!!
Mike, We are having the same weather you are. It is strange to be going out to go shopping in mid-December and wearing jeans, sweater and no coat, which is what I did yesterday. Have some things to run by you, but will PM or email. Most likely next week.
We are having a pot luck here Saturday night. The group that is getting together (4 couples) gets together often and we always have a good time. This time it is Turkey Tetrizzini (sp?) as the main course and everyone is bringing something to go with it. I'm doing desserts, of course. Plus salad toppers & dressing. Oh yea, and Margaritas!! The husbands of this group are guys I volunteer with at the Zoo. And seems we've got a reputation for partying, don't know how that is!LOL
Thinking of everyone. THose who are ill and those who have ill furry children. This is the first year out of 4 that I haven't lost a furry kid. I now have "younger" cats. THe oldest is 6 and youngest is about 4. A ragdoll (4), a bengal(5) and a red tabby(6). They are all rescues.
Wishing all speedy recoveries!!
TTFN - Bethany

Originally posted by: michealjc on 12/13/2006 9:28:20 AM

Bethany ... it suprises me that you like to party. I would have never figured that out. You and Deb were so quite duing the 2006 gathering. Must have been that you were being on your best behavior. Hope the two of you loosen up a little at the 2007 gathering.

Originally posted by: cookiequeen on 12/13/2006 3:17:38 PM

Mike - Sounds like you're feeling better. Good. And YES, we are on our best behavior....we could be a whole lot worse.

Lloyd - Glad to hear Miss Tommie is doing better. I'm dropping the card in the mail tomorrow.

Bethany - DOES YOUR HEAD ACHE FROM ALL THOSE MARGARITAS??? lol. Bunch o'lushes, I swear! Absolutely shocking!

Think I'm finally ready to ship everything off for Christmas. I'm probably wrong, but it sure is a Lovely thought. Been busy wrapping the last two days.

I can't find my list of everyone's addresses, so please send them to my regular email. I'd appreciate it and grace your mailbox with a Christmas card from little ol' me.

Originally posted by: Barbarian57 on 12/13/2006 7:35:16 PM

Hi everyone. I know it has been a long time since I have been here. The month of October was particularly hectic (finishing my master's program) and November and December have been pretty hectic also. I should have more time to be here now. I have really missed everyone and have been praying for you all.

My husband James is gone for some evaluations (in Columbia, SC) so I only get to see him on weekends now. He just started last week. They are testing him in pretty much every way, physically, mentally, academically, etc. He said during weight training last week he found out he isn't doing as well with upper body strength as he did in high school (duh! He is 46) and could only bench press 275 pounds. His leg strength was "pretty good" though. With each leg he lifted 1,500 pounds! He told the trainers to see what they could do, and they couldn't even lift that much with both legs. That's my sweetie!

The purpose of the evaluations is to determine what training to put him in. James has been out of work 1 1/2 years. He knows a ton about computers but doesn't have a certificate. Also, he is very overweight and that has kept him from getting some jobs. He is hoping to get the CAD training that they offer. The training won't start until May or June and will last 10 months, but at least he has something to give him hope now. He was terribly depressed without a job or a hope of one. He was actually given two choices of training. He could go to a tech college near here (well, 35 miles) and just drive there every day, but it would take 2 years. This way he will have to stay there and only come home on weekends, but it is only 10 months and they will provide food and his medicines. So we both agree that the 10 month option is the best even if it means only seeing each other on weekends for awhile. I hate that, but if he could put up with me going through my master's program (I was a regular shrew sometimes when I had papers due!) then we can put up with 10 months of this.

Sorry to have written a novel here! Oh, oh, oh! I almost forgot! We have been having some pretty bad financial problems since he has been without work (the store he worked for closed down because that town pretty much dried up). Well, about a year ago James got a letter saying that someone had filed a class-action lawsuit against an insurance company he used to have insurance through years ago (apparently they overcharged people). They said that if he wanted to be a part of it to just sign a paper and send it in. We pretty much forgot about it, but now and then I would think about it. We figured he might get $5 or so, if anything, but hoped it would be more. Yesterday he got a check for almost $573!! It was enough to pull our account out of the hole and give us a little extra. It sure came at the right time, believe me!

Again, sorry for writing a book! It is good to be back here again!

Barbara

Originally posted by: lloyd338 on 12/14/2006 4:41:57 AM

I am glad things are looking up for you all.

Originally posted by: michealjc on 12/14/2006 6:06:29 AM

Barbara ... hope everything works out for the two of you.

Originally posted by: Daffinee-Light on 12/14/2006 9:57:37 AM

Dearest Lloyd
Just wanted to let you know that the last healthcare place the Beautiful Miss Tommie was at does not forward her cards
The one I sent just arrived back. Boy oh Boy what a mess they made to return it LOL
Will resend, to new address, by the time it arrives I hope she will be back home happy and healthy
Much Love
DL

Originally posted by: dd11 on 12/14/2006 2:13:31 PM

I am starting to feel like Bad News Nellie. The results of my ultrasound today were bad, a DVT. I spent 6 hours in the ER waiting for one pill and a shot of a blood thinner. Tommorow I have to go back to the doctors to get more medicine. To say I am tired is an understatement.

I don't know why I have all this bad Karma, but it is getting depressing. The hospital bill today over $200 copay for lousy care and snotty personnel put us even further in the hole. We had already cancelled all family presents. Now I have to cancel Christmas dinner, too.

Originally posted by: cream on 12/14/2006 2:55:38 PM

Wow Dee Dee, I thought I was the only one here that had to cancel the family Christmas gifts!. dinner hasn't even come into mind yet, and travel to the family in the other part of the state has also been canceled....financial worries are of the material sort....the spirit of the holiday is still alive and well, and I wish you the best of health and may the Lord bless and keep you throughout the season and well beyond....So please, keep the faith and put your worries in the Lords hands...

Originally posted by: Barbarian57 on 12/14/2006 3:03:18 PM

Dee,

I'm so sorry that you are going through so much right now. I will keep you in my prayers.

Barbara

Originally posted by: 52heart on 12/14/2006 3:33:05 PM

Hi everyone,
Dee, I am sorry to hear that life is not going well with you right now. I will keep you in my prayer.I know "GOD" hear our prayer. I do wish you the best and bless holiday. The Good Lord will Bless all of us this holiday.
God Bless all

Originally posted by: Daffinee-Light on 12/14/2006 4:06:21 PM

Dee Dear Heart:
I to am sorry that you are in financial hardship and that health issues are involved as well.
Please do not feel as tho you are putting any bad karma out here. Families do listen, and the more people that pray for others needs the louder we get through to the Lord.
So my Dear your needs will be brought before God in an abundance of prayer.
DL

Originally posted by: d.orcaluver on 12/14/2006 5:58:40 PM

Cream and Dee, don't feel bad about cancelling Christmas. My car was pouring oil out (took 6 quarts to get home...163 miles) so Monday we took it in to the shop. All the seals are blown and since it has almost 200,000 miles they said it's time for a rebuild or replacement. So there goes our Christmas too. We are getting the babies stuff (most is bought already) and sending lots of love to everyone else.

Originally posted by: michealjc on 12/14/2006 6:26:20 PM

Dee, Cream, Debby

When it rains in here it seems to pour. I wish there was something that we could do for all of you. My prayers and thoughts are with all of you.

Every year we have the kids and grandkids over for Christmas dinner. Since some of the kids are financally better off then others our rule is no gift exchange. We believe that the best gift is that everyone is able to get together and enjoy the day.

Of course grandma and grandpa break the rule and make sure that everyone has something to open.

Originally posted by: lov2cook on 12/15/2006 4:05:28 AM

Dee,Cream Deb, I know this is easier to say then do but don't worry about gifts and big meals for Christmas. Family is whats important. Family and friends.It seems this time of year, if something is going to go wrong it happens now. When things like this happen to me I try, really try to think it could be worse.Merry Christmas to you all.Dee I hope You get those Drs to get you well. If I were closer I would fix ya a Christmas dinner.

Originally posted by: Tinmouse on 12/16/2006 4:44:38 AM

Dee a special prayer goes out to you. and to all of you. I was raised in a family of 7 kids so we never did much for presents. But you know what? I never knew that is was suppose to be any other way. We tried to raise our 3 children that gifts are not the reason for Christmas. My family gets together and make candy and Cookies while listening to Christmas music act silly and have a blast. We try to get together and have a Christmas dinner and play games ETC. I do buy small gifts for the 7 Grandkids we have and give the Grown Ups a little cash (not much) I would like to think that My children know the true meaning of Christmas and wont forget. Merry Christmas and Love to all. Toni

Originally posted by: HRM on 12/16/2006 5:49:55 AM

Seems like every 4-5 years I find myself needing to get back to the true meaning of Christmas. This is one of those years where I need to skip what the day has come to mean and instead attend a midnight service on what it actually does mean.

I am sick and tired of the commercialization that we have allowed the holiday to become. I actually believe that some of the kids today don't even know their is a meaning behind the day...to them it is "gimme, gimme, gimme...you mean that's all? Where's the $100 game I wanted, where's the ..."?

When I get like this, I let other family know that I am not celebrating. By that I mean the gift-giving among the family which tends to get out of control. I have a family member that doesn't need to be out shopping and spending the kind of money she does, but it seems likes every year she feels the need to spend more and more. In our house there are no decorations going up, there is no Christmas dinner planned.

I purchased and sent my ornament for the exchange because I committed to it, the only other thing I did was purchase and donate 3 childrens gifts to our local fire station for kids in our city. That will be the extent of 'celebrating' material-wise.