Lots of flu in California

Southern California $2.20-ish. [2008-11-22]
x

Granny Smith with lots of butter, sugar and cinnamon and a dash of cloves&nutmeg. [2008-11-11]
xx

I am in California but I remember 15 years ago sm [2008-11-01]
requesting to be placed in a non smoking area of the apartment complex. I guess I am naive - I thought they pretty much had to work with you on this as it is a disability - your asthma? It sounds like a chronic health problem. I am not really saying actual physical disability enough for the ADA but saying it is a health issue and your apartment management should be more cooperative. I do not agree with below posters who say nothing can be done.

I have a feeling there are lots of us out here - sm [2008-10-24]
I have to say I think I may have it better than most. I've been working home almost twenty years and now both kids, 17 and 19, are on the brink of leaving, probably next year. My husband started his own business working at home four years ago, and we're literally (almost) joined at the hip. We share a 10 x 10 office. Yet, we almost never talk. When we do it's business or kid related. Right now I'm making more money than he is, and his business hasn't grown as fast as he had hoped, and now with the economy . . We started bickering about everything and about once a month have a big blow-up. I went to see a marriage counselor starting a year ago - he absolutely, positively will not go! So I'm going, mostly to find a way to survive another year or two until the kids are gone. I believe it will go one way or the other after that. I hope we stay together. We've both been divorced before and I wouldn't wish that on anybody. And I know the man I married is still in there somewhere. I'm going to do all I can to find him again so we can share the good stuff that we've worked so hard for - not to mention grandchildren when the time comes! Good luck to you. I've got no advice for you, but you are definitely NOT alone!

Not to mention all the postnatal problems lots of those [2008-10-24]
I type that stuff all day long. They're comin' over the border every day with their multimillion-dollar pregnancies, having them here, and then our hospital and social services system has to pick up the tab. I guess those people who think it's 'humane' to reproduce like rabbits haven't thought it through to what will be the result when our already-overpopulated planet gets even MORE overpopulated. They say they're 'doing it for the children' - yet look at the kind of world they're going to leave them with. Those people are sure a buncha head-cases, with nothing more useful or productive to do with their lives than try to regulate other peoples' reproduction. What a crock.

I thought about it too. Michaels has lots of beads. Just wondered if my mature [2008-10-20]
xxxxxxxxx

Coffee, cereal with lots of sugar on it, and [2008-09-07]
nm

But obesity IS life-threatening. I type lots of that stuff - [2008-08-23]
and for the most part the psych. evaluation is more to be sure the person has not only the desire for the operation, but the support in place to help them through the difficult time afterward. It's not a walk in the park, not only is it major surgery, but there are lots of eating problems afterward. Too much food, or too much fatty or other hard-to-digest food, and they can become quite ill. They also have to begin a diet and lose a certain percentage of their weight before they get okayed for surgery. I think in part to make them safer to operate on, but also to begin to change their eating habits. After the gastric bypass, one still has to watch what they eat so as not to regain weight. But of course the bypass helps with how much they eat - because the stomach is a lot smaller. Still, if all the requirements are in place, I think for many people GP is much preferable to dying of other diseases caused by obesity. It also can make it possible for them to exercise and build up their cardiovascular system, further improving their health.

Try Florida. Lots of foreclosures there, and unfortunately the price of housing is way down. [2008-06-28]
you should be able to afford something there. Always warm. My sister just moved there, on the gulf side.

Patience, Lots and Lots of Patience [2008-06-24]
First off, she is TOO CUTE! Oh how I miss those days. I have a 2.5 year old Basset boy. He is my third Basset. He was the easiest to potty train, I highly recommend a doggie door. My two prior Bassets weren't trained with a doggie door and I had accidents galore! Once I trained them on a doggie door, no more accidents (they were 4 and 5, so you can teach an old dog a new trick). Crate training is good too, it just takes patience. Basset Hounds are stubborn, but don't give in! I have loved these guys for a long time, they have the best personality.

My grandparents swore by it for LOTS of things [2008-06-10]
xx

Don't drink coffee, but lots of tea, but [2008-05-20]
am quitting the tea. Thank you kindly

they have truckloads of that stuff in Big Lots [2008-05-06]
packages, never bought it. I sure won't now because you said it was nasty, tia

Go for a walk someplace where there are lots of people (sm) [2008-04-14]
Sometimes I appreciate my alone time and other times I am sick of it. Maybe you could volunteer a couple of hours someplace once a week or so, or find other things to do where there are people around. I know with working at home, sometimes I have to put myself out there to remind people that I still want to socialize!

Seen movie lots and scene only recently deleted. [2008-04-13]
X

Last visited lots of retirees. Ft. Myers beach [2008-04-07]
nm

My parents live in N. Ft. Myers, lots of retirees, sm [2008-04-07]
Lots of people and traffic, but I love going to visit. Good beach and pier. If you're not staying at the beach and want to go, there is a trolly where you can park your car (We usually do this at Summerlin mall) and ride the trolly to the beach, to avoid finding a place to park. Also, Sanibel and Captiva islands are close by, which are neat. There are a few major league teams that have spring training in the area, which is fun. Make sure you get a street map to make it easier to get around there. If you are going to live, Cape Coral is nearby and that is a nice place to live. There is just about any type of living arrangement - apartments, condos, manufactured homes, regular homes. It is a great place. Golf course communities.

you mean stomach bugs? Lots of sick folks [2008-02-23]
x

Lots of flu in California [2008-02-23]
Flu vaccine only covered 40% of flu bugs so I hear.

I'm sure there are lots of stories [2008-01-24]
about angels, too. I have never seenangels, but I have often seen them at work. I thank the Lord for providing protection through them. Whenever I have a near-miss I thank the Lord. My husband told me once when he was trying to change lanes, the steering wheel pulled itself right back so he couldn There was a car in his blind spot! I remember once one of my kids running down the sidewalk and fell. From where I stood it looked like he cracked his head on the step in front of him. I cringed, but when I got to him he was fine. I just know an angel put his hand between the step and his precious head. My mom was driving one day and didn She tried to stop but started sliding. She slid into the path of an oncoming car. She closed her eyes and braced for impact but...nothing. She opened her eyes and the car waspast her. She said there was no way hecould have missed her. These are angel stories. Demons are fallen angels. They chose to worship Satan. They exist to torment and cause people anguish. Angels exist to praise God and they also provide divine intervention and protection for people.

Get her lots of bottled H2O. nm [2008-01-23]
x

There are lots of things [2008-01-23]
Chocolate, greens, and by the way, for fiber sprinkle flaxseed over food- no taste, mix in, you never know its there and I second the recommendation about prunes- cooked, dry, very good source.

Been to lots of places [2008-01-18]
My favorite all-time place for me has to be Salzburg Austria (birthplace of Mozart), if you want sunny beaches the best time my hsbnd beach vacation spot is Greece. Was there for a week. Lots and lots and lots to do there. Beaches, sightseeing, shopping. Mind you these were the mid 1980s when Reagan was president (and our country was a little well more liked than now), so not sure about safety in other countries. Hands down though I say Ibiza has to be the best if you want a relaxing beach vacation.

Try drinking lots of water today, bet you feel at least nm [2008-01-17]
x

It has lots of caffeine. [2008-01-17]
I think less than coffee but I can pull an all nighter with it.

Whatever sale item is most important to you [2008-11-21]
start there...early. Sale ads from Wednesday night's or Thursday morning's newspapers should tell you the store hours and sale hours. Many end at 11am. My dd and I like to go about an hour after stores open, though it's still dark outside. The crowds that were waiting in line overnight for the big ticket items are gone by then, and most everyone else avoids the stores until the afternoon hours, thinking they will be less crowded. Wrong they are though. There are more employees on duty early rather than later, so things move more quickly in the morning hours. We've also found the earlier crowds to be friendlier. DD starts singing Christmas carols while standing in line and soon lots of others join in. She's a blast to shop with. Then we go to a late breakfast and go home before the unfriendly crowds show up. Hope your experience is an enjoyable one.

This may sound a little weird [2008-11-21]
But I live in a really big city and I would put him in a retirement complex. That is a really good place for people with lots of money who don't feel like cooking for themselves or being alone. I hope you live in a big city too. Good Luck!

Please know you are definitely NOT alone! [2008-11-20]
Lots of us are struggling these days. Times are touch all over. Can you look into getting a second job to help with expenses? That's what I do, just to make ends meet. I'm alone too but don't mind that - I have pets to keep me company. The best thing you can do is not sit around doing nothing. Make a plan, set yourself some goals and KNOW you can get through this. Just take it one day at a time and/or knock off one goal at a time and you'll persevere.

chicken soup [2008-11-18]
Good olJewish penicillin - chicken soup. Use leftover chicken or steamed chicken thighs or breasts if no leftovers are available. Use Swansons natural chicken broth (nosodium) but can use bullion, but it contains a lot of sodium. Use about a quart or moreof natural chicken broth. I like to usebaby carrots whole,but can certainly usesliced carrots. Season with lots ofminced garlic and a little dill weed (maybea teaspoon).I slice in a couple of things ofcelery or sliced celeryhearts with leaves. I sometimes add noodles, or rice, sometimes I use a package of frozen mixed vegetables which are really terrific, depending on what I have available and what type of soupmy family wants.Add some white pepper, not black pepper. Simmer until carrots and celeryare soft. If using pasta or rice, add that last, otherwise it soaks up too much broth and gets soggy. My family would eat this even if they were sick and nothing else appealed to them, that is why I call it Jewish penicillin. This is a Jewish mama Enjoy - it is so simple and so delicious not to mention nutritious and healthy. Note: Never let your chicken leftovers go to waste - make a pot of chicken soup!

chicken soup [2008-11-18]
Good olJewish penicillin - chicken soup. Use leftover chicken or steamed chicken thighs or breasts if no leftovers are available. Use Swansons natural chicken broth (nosodium) but can use bullion, but it contains a lot of sodium. Use about a quart or moreof natural chicken broth. I like to usebaby carrots whole,but can certainly usesliced carrots. Season with lots ofminced garlic and a little dill weed (maybea teaspoon).I slice in a couple of things ofcelery or sliced celeryhearts with leaves. I sometimes add noodles, or rice, sometimes I use a package of frozen mixed vegetables which are really terrific, depending on what I have available and what type of soupmy family wants.Add some white pepper, not black pepper. Simmer until carrots and celeryare soft. If using pasta or rice, add that last, otherwise it soaks up too much broth and gets soggy. My family would eat this even if they were sick and nothing else appealed to them, that is why I call it Jewish penicillin. This is a Jewish mama Enjoy - it is so simple and so delicious not to mention nutritious and healthy. Note: Never let your chicken leftovers go to waste - make a pot of chicken soup!

I really appreciate this. [2008-11-18]
Notice I'm the only one who didn't post an answer? I have totally lost track & think I need to go back to the drawing board. I haven't done an actual tally in quite awhile (I think I'm afraid of what I'm going to find out). This can happen when you live alone. I live in a very small mountain community in southern California & things can be expensive up here at the regular markets. I do a Costco run about once a month & try to keep my sanity when I'm there. I make things ahead & freeze, that sort of thing. & I try not to be hungry when I go there. I make my own bread & yogurt, things I eat a lot of. I'm not a vegetarian but eat very little meat. Anyway, you all seem to be doing an incredible job, & this gives me something to aim for when I do get up the nerve to look at my spending habits. Wish me luck. Thanks!

I can't imagine affording all those meals out, but I have some suggestions sm [2008-11-18]
I usually cook from scratch. My idea of fast food is a can of lentil soup, and I have that about once a month, occasionally twice. I make crockpot soups a lot because I am busy. I will tell you, there is a place that is sort of between a restaurant meal and home cooking. I used to have kids at home, lots of them, and I would get too tired to cook. My answer was to hybrid the dinner, so to speak. You can get Stouffer's lasagne which is good. You can pickup some ready-made stuff in your grocery store deli or freezer case. We liked the frozen Banquet chicken back in the day. I might get that, a box of flavored instant potatoes, potato salad or ready-made mashed to go with it. We might get a bag of salad too. Fresh fruit cups were nice if they were on special. You know, make a nice meal you don't have to 100% cook, but isn't going out. These days, I see that you can get beef tips in gravy, or sliced beef in gravy and other prepared stuff at the store. It just takes looking. It is more expensive than doing it all yourself, but it is much cheaper than going out. You can try another thing that is NOT everyone's cup of tea, and that is OAMC or Once A Month Cooking. This is my favorite website: http://snider.mardox.com/plans.htm I donmini plans using what is on special in a given week. They have breakfast plans, muffin plans, potato plans, chicken, beef, pork plans, ground meat plans, even some dessert plans. With planning, you can do this in bits and pieces. From people who have done far more of this than I have, they tell me that with soup already made, no chopping or messing, they are more likely to make fresh rolls, salad and even a quick dessert...round out any meal because the work is done. Obviously, it saves money.

Great dogs at shelters [2008-11-15]
There are so many wonderful dogs at shelters. I always say, the only bad thing about a shelter dog is its previous owner! There are lots of mixed breeds but plenty of purebred dogs, too. Shelters are overflowing these days (more than usual) because of the number of people who are losing their homes. I've heard stories of people moving out of their foreclosed house & just leaving the dogs behind...terrible. Especially for older dogs, who are so hard to find homes for.

Survival [2008-11-14]
My first suggestion is if you don't know how to cook from scratch, learn. My stockpile consists of lots of dried beans and blackeyed peas, rice, dry spaghetti, flour and cornmeal along with ingredients for making bread such as baking powder. You can freeze these things of they will last a very long time if stored in air tight containers. Lots of people say they don headed, I expect lots of people will think they're quite tasty when they're hungry. If you have any kind of yard, invest in seeds and grow your own garden. You don If you don Fruit trees take a few years to matureso start planting fruit trees instead of decorative trees. Fruit trees make good decorative trees anyway. Learn how to can like your grandmothers and great grandmothers did. Those who will be hit hardest are those who live in apartments but, again, pinto beans and rice, even if you think you don ike it, will taste very good if you don If anyone is interested, I They can be a delicacy if properly prepared. Everything you need to make plain old beans a delicacy can be stockpiled and will last just about forever.

I always buy generic. [2008-11-14]
I oftentimes laugh when I am shopping at my local store as I know when a meal or baking is done what the problem could be in doing this as doubt anyone can tell or if there is a difference that I made this with generic eggs for say 1.29 a dozen rather than those fancy eggs with a little stick-on at about twice as much. Doubt it. Find a local closest to home discount grocery. Stock up on staples and store them appropriately. If you bake, store brown sugar with a piece of bread in it to keep it soft, replace it if you need to. Lots of items can be stored in freezer bags of the appropriate size, spaghetti, macaroni, etc. Better than the bag it comes in. Get those generic too. I buy all my paper items in bulk - much cheaper to buy a 12-roll of TP on sle definitely than not. Just make sure its not single-ply!!

I know I don't drink enough water...sm [2008-11-14]
I also have interstitial cystitis (chronic bladder inflammation) so I should definitely be drinking more water than I do. When I drink any carbonated drink, my bladder hurts the next day. I had a cystoscopy in September to diagnose this, and my bladder was all red and inflamed with little red pinpoint bleeding in it. When I do pee tests I have chronic white blood cells from the inflammation. So yes I would say I need to drink lots of water.

Gay Marriage Legalized in Connecticut [2008-11-13]
NEW HAVEN, Conn. � Same-sex couples began marrying in Connecticut on Wednesday after a judge cleared the way, a partial rebound for gay-rights activists still enraged over the vote last week that cost them the right to wed in California.Protests spread across the country over the loss in California, but in New Haven, bubbles and white balloons bounced in the chilly autumn air as well-wishers cheered the marriage of Peg Oliveira and Jennifer Vickery. They wed outside City Hall, next to a statue commemorating the Amistad slave ship's struggle for freedom, less than two hours after a judge made gay marriage a reality in Connecticut.

Stocking up [2008-11-13]
I have not lived through a depression and hope we aren't headed that way but think we probably are. As far as saving, I clip coupons but only use them if the item is also on sale or something that I use regularly. I feel coupons just get you to buy the brand name product when you would otherwise save more buying generic without a coupon. I look for 2 for $ sales. A good one is cereal. When it is on sale I buy about 10 boxes. Same for oatmeal. Anything that I can buy more than one and get it on sale, I do. I add to my normal grocery shopping so its not like I am spending a lot. One time I buy my meat and higher cost items, the next I stock up on whatever I can. As far as meats and vegetables, the bulk of my list, I buy what is on sale. Lots of soups and stews now that winter is here because it seems to stretch things farther and the meat is a lot cheaper to buy. I do not take anyone to the store with me, cuts down on impulse buying. I plan all of my shopping for one day. I find that cut down on impulse buying too. If I know I bought a special shampoo or something for me at wal-mart, I will be less inclined to buy something special the same day at the grocery store. I have an area in the basement where I can keep extra stuff, especially toilet paper, canned goods, and a deep freeze.

My best one was the Christmas I [2008-11-12]
After everything was open and my brothers and I were so excited to be playing, my Mom asked me to get something from the kitchen. Of course it was dark because we There it was my Barbie Dreamhouse in the kitchen! I loved that Christmas and it got lots of play... Fav foods are cookies, cookies, and more cookies that my sister-in-law makes. I have an aunt that makes Walnut cookies to die for! Every year she On a lighter note, I love seeing our kids opening their stuff! It brings back great memories!

Holidays - Bah humbug! [2008-11-11]
I have nice holiday memories. My mom was not the Martha Stewart type but they were filled with lots of food, friends, and family. Very happy times. This will be the first year that I cannot go home for the holidays. We will still spend it with my husband's family but it is not the same for me. I am also stressing about the holidays because his family is all about the presents and I grew up differently. His family says they are cutting back this year but I wonder what that means. To them, it is probably only $500 per person. I know its the thought that counts and you should only do what you can but I still feel bad and guilty if we cannot do for everyone else. I have suggested putting a limit or drawing names or making gifts to exchange but they look at me like I speak a foreign language. This is the first year my husband and I will not exchange gifts for each other and our son won't get much either. To top off the financial crisis facing the entire nation, we are also expecting a child in the very early spring so that has added to our expenses and dipping into our savings. For me this winter came very quickly as well which does not help. I haven't had time to ease into my least favorite season. It's been so gloomy the last few weeks I am glad that I don't have to leave the house to work but know I should leave the house occasionally to feel better. I just want to be a scrooge right now. Soon enough I'll have to put on the happy thanksgiving face to spend the afternoon with my in-laws while missing my family.

I don't think it is a requirement in Georgia - [2008-11-11]
However, my concern is that this is an effective preventative measure and people are not getting it for their daughters. You do not have to be promiscious to get it and believe me it causes lots of problems later. I only had sex with one man - my husband - before being diagnosed with HPV - and he had only had sex with one other person. I now have constant female problems and the doctor says it is because of the HPV. My paps come back bad and I have to have the LEEP procedures done routinely, or have biopsies done, I have to have paps every 3 months instead of yearly. I have constant bacterial infections and vaginitis. Goodness knows, I wish I had had the option of having a vaccine to prevent this stuff before I became sexually active with my husband.

Know the feeling, have a cat and 2 dogs - sm [2008-11-09]
luckily no health problems for the most part, though one dog had a bad sore on his foot, think he was bitten by Copperhead as we had one hanging about (dead now), cost $150 or so for the visit and antibiotics and bitter spray so he wouldn't mess with it. Got the cat off her yearly leukemia shot, asked about that thought it nuts that she had to have it every year.....she is 5, they agreed and said once every 3 is fine....wish they'd told me that 4 years ago. I also get Lyme disease shot which was not recommended around here until this year....apparently lots of it is showing up now, so with Lyme, distemper, parvo and rabies it gets a bit pricey for the 2 dogs and 1 cat. Our vet is very reasonable though, but her costs have gone up with her new addition onto her office and a new partner in the practice too.....we are rural though so that helps keep the costs down quite a bit....only one other vet here (2 miles from her), the next closest vet is 20+ miles away.

Rattlesnake vaccine [2008-11-09]
I live in the San Bernardino Mountains in southern California. We have a lot of Western Diamondbacks here. There is a company called Red Rock Biologic that makes a rattlesnake vaccine. They get 2 shots a month apart the first time no antivenin required. I have read on Red Rock's website that they have different formulations for different parts of the country, depending on what kind of snakes are prevalent. You might want to ask your vet about this.

All they do around here for Copperhead bites - sm [2008-11-09]
is antibiotics, people included. We have lots of Copperhead here though they seem to keep to themselves for the most part, have only seen 3 in our yard in 10 years, but I know they are out there. But their poison is not poisonous enough to require antivenin luckily. It basically does nothing to dogs neurologic wise (neighbors dog has been bit by copperheads numerous times, dog is fine, only treated with antibiotics), though it can cause neuro problems in people, it cetainly won't kill you, not like your rattlesnakes there. Used to watch that show Venom ER, nasty around there, you really have to be on your toes in that area. I have almost stepped on 2 copperhead just while walking on our road, since they like to come out and lie on the rocks of the gravel road we live on, I never look down at the road while walking.....not good. I can spot the black snakes a ways off as they obviously stand out, see lots of them, just go around them and they usually sliter off when they hear someone coming close, the copperhead don't unfortunately, stand their ground, so have to be careful when walking, luckily it is getting colder now though so they should be going into boroughs for the winter.

All they do around here for Copperhead bites - sm [2008-11-09]
is antibiotics, people included. We have lots of Copperhead here though they seem to keep to themselves for the most part, have only seen 3 in our yard in 10 years, but I know they are out there. But their poison is not poisonous enough to require antivenin luckily. It basically does nothing to dogs neurologic wise (neighbors dog has been bit by copperheads numerous times, dog is fine, only treated with antibiotics), though it can cause neuro problems in people, it cetainly won't kill you, not like your rattlesnakes there. Used to watch that show Venom ER, nasty around there, you really have to be on your toes in that area. I have almost stepped on 2 copperhead just while walking on our road, since they like to come out and lie on the rocks of the gravel road we live on, I never look down at the road while walking.....not good. I can spot the black snakes a ways off as they obviously stand out, see lots of them, just go around them and they usually sliter off when they hear someone coming close, the copperhead don't unfortunately, stand their ground, so have to be careful when walking, luckily it is getting colder now though so they should be going into burrows for the winter.

I have had the pleasure... [2008-11-09]
....of working in several nursing homes as a CNA and nurse before coming to medical transcription. It's hard work and usually staffing is sometimes paltry, even in the good homes, but we really do care. Really. Every place has bad eggs, the hospitals, home care, etc., but everyone usually has to have some sort of heart to work in a nursing home. First things first...I always would check for jobs with this litmus test, and I recommend anyone do this. This is a make or break kind of ordeal. You look for the state inspection report. It HAS to be placed in a prominent place in the facility. If you cannot find it readily, ask where it is. If there is anything going on with hiding these documents, you leave and never come back. The other thing is to smell for stale urine or strong air fresheners. If you smell either of those, leave. (Do not check for BM smell--the smell often radiates and may be new, for lack of a better term.) Look at the residents. Do many of them seem content? Do you see aides with gait belts around their waists? Do the nurses look terribly stressed? Please also do not judge by tones of voices in the direct care staff. Often the staff must talk very directly, succintly, and abruptly--it sometimes comes off as harsh, but it's not--for particular residents to hear and/or understand. If you go in a facility in the evening, often the place is chaotic, particularly if there are demented residents. There is a condition known as sundowning that is very, very real. The ones with dementia who are sundowning may give the impression that care is not being given due to the chaos and behaviors brought by the condition. It's not the case. Usually these residents are kept in common areas until they are calm enough to retire for the night. If you go in the nighttime, often there is one night nurse for about 65ish residents. If you are so inclined to come in at this time and do not see anyone at the nurse's station for some time, know that the nurse may be tending to a medical issue and the CNAs are tending to personal care of the residents. If you ever see nurses eating a sandwich in one hand and writing in another hand while sitting at the nurse's station, this is sometimes the only break he or she gets. It's not out of disrespect that this is done. It is so that nurse can care for the residents as best as he or she can. What you are describing in your original post, unfortunately, is quite common, from what I have seen. Two people who are married a long time will often pass not too far apart. It seems people often do decide when they will go. As a nurse, it's one of the more incredible things I've seen. When I saw it happen, I always had the sense there is an extremely strong bond between the spouses that absolutely nothing could break. I'm not trying to say anything is amiss with your mother. I'm not. It doesn't always happen that way. I hope I don't come off that way. I'm sorry you are going through this, because no one wants to send a loved one to the nursing home, yet caring for an ailing parent is one of the most stressful things anyone can experience. I have never been in your position, so I hope I don't come off as too forward, rude, or presumptuous, but I wanted to tell you a little more about what you may be getting into. If you live in Iowa, I'd recommend you to a great one that has the best nurse I've ever met working there now. He has cooked up oyster soup in our kitchen when a resident stopped eating because the resident loved oyster soup. He has taken residents fishing for the heck of it. He wears a scrub shirt with chickens on it because many of our residents were farmers and like the shirt (and because my husband has a silly sense of humor and a wife with a sewing machine). I've known CNAs who buy (with their own money) residents pop and even steak just because the resident wanted it and could have it. Shoot, lots of us do it, even when we don't have a lot of money to our names. I loved to sing with the residents that had dementia (music seems to be retained) and chat about life with the residents who had their faculties. I promise it's not all doom and gloom. Sure, nursing homes could do better, but if you find the right one, it may just work out. All my best to you and your mother.

I understand that your dog loves you, [2008-11-08]
but your dog is a pit bull and they can attack spontaneously whether they are provoked or not. There is no way to predict it. Why risk someone's life? I don I would never, however,choose a breed that is known to be unpredictable and dangerous and could maim or kill someone I love or a stranger walking down the street were I too slow to close the door or forget to close a gait securelyand an accident occur. There are lots of breeds that demonstrate the kind of dedication and love that you describe. My mom has a mixed dog (Pyrenees/St. Bernard) who is a genuine companion to her. She is obedient and trustworthy and gentle. You can get a dog who genuinely loves you who is not a pit bull. I truly hope you never encounter a time when your dog misconstrues your actions andyou trigger some instinct that tells her she is in danger, or that you are in danger from another person. Tragedy could strike so quickly.

I absolutely love it. We have to drive [2008-11-07]
to the next state to go. I think it is just the excitement of being there. Thank goodness I don't have a lot of extra money, or I could see myself there all the time. We go 1 or 2 times a year. I have met lots of interesting people, players and dealers. When we go we usually spend the night, so it is a little get-away. I don't win very often (Did hit for $150 on a slot once)--I only take an XX amount with me and leave the debit card at home. The only problem I have is not realizing the time--one time I was going back to the room, leaving the BF at the table, and looked at my watch and it was 4:30 a.m.

I am against it... [2008-11-07]
I know people in California with prescriptions who really have nothing wrong with them. I think some doctors prescribe things that are not needed (i.e., oxycodone, etc.) and there is no real way to tax it well because it is so easily grown at home. It is as dangerous as alcohol when people drive while high and they do. I can tell this is an unpopular standpoint, but you did ask...

Oh, yeah, forgot about the wax... [2008-11-07]
get LOTS from the ortho office. My DH went through it like crazy, kept it everywhere and I kept some in both cars and in my purse.