Ann

During the hurricanes of 2004, Frances and Jeanne, we were without power for what seemed like forever. During that time, with no A/C, fans or ice, I learned to become a bit creative. Cold showers (we did have water)always seemed to do the trick. I must say that I had a hard time with the cold showers. When the cold water would hit my chest, it would take my breath away. Sitting in a tub of cold water will also cool you off but that's no picnic either. I did find that putting on lots of bath powder, preferably something with cornstarch, after showering helped to keep you cool and dry. Of course, the looser you wear your clothes the cooler you are. When I was lucky enough to have ice, I tried to keep ice in my mouth and just let it melt. So guys...if you take my advice, we'll all be taking cold showers tonight!!!

Oh Andrea...I definitely say "YES" I loved the first cookbook and so did all of my family that got a copy. I am so sorry that I wasn't able to contribute more recipes for the first one. In anticipation for a second cookbook, I have been copying recipes from my mom and grandmothers recipe books and am ready to send them to you at the drop of a hat!!! I will also be more than willing to help type recipes and/or proof them. I think this is such a wonderful gesture on your part! But...only do this if you really feel up to it!

Since most of us seem to be really suffering from the high temperatures right now, maybe we can all help each other out a bit. What so you do to cool off when you're really hot? I'm sure that any tips or secrets you can share with us will really be appreciated!

Mine's a no brainer also. Like me...just plain old Ann.

Good for them!!! Thanks for sharing this, Karen.

Lori..you certainly do have a lot to deal with right now. You know...that towel isn't just a little hand towel...it's a huge beach towel and you can't throw it in!!! That big towel is big enough for all of us to grab on to and help you hang on. Just think, people on this board from all over the globe are holding a little piece of the Lori-towel and are here to help. I know how worried you are about your precious little Liam. Just don't jump to conclusions here and panic. Doctors like to run lots of tests as a precautionary measure. Don't think about what could happen or it will drive you nuts! For now, just know that all these tests are being done to make sure that everything is ALRIGHT...not to find something wrong! It's a beautiful day. Your Mom is in good spirits and able to spend time with her friends. You are such a wonderful daughter and mother and we are keeping you in our prayers! God IS big enough to care for you...your son...and your mom. So...turn those worries over to Him!

Judy, I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. I am also sorry hear that you are disappointed with your experience with Hospice. My husband had in-home Hospice for two weeks prior to his death. I can relate to many of the points you made in your post. Although Hospice cares for the family, their main concern is keeping the patient peaceful, comfortable and as pain free as possible. In my husband's case, all three were accomplished. I'm sure that Hospice felt your husband could recieve better care in a facility until they had all the necessary medication and equipment to care for him in-home. It is often hard for us to accept the fact that Hospice strives to make the patient comfortable and that this is not a group that uses life saving heroic measures to prolong life. When Hospice first came into my life, I was set on the fact that I would call 911 if Dennis ran into difficulty. The Hospice nurse calmly replied..."then maybe you aren't ready for Hospice." I know how very badly you would have loved to have more quality time with your husband, when he was responsive and not drugged. I am so sorry that you are having such a difficult time right now. I know the pain you are feeling. Please don't second guess any decisions you made regarding your husband's care. I am sure you did everything in your power to save him. Anger is a big part of grief. It's alright to be angry. You have lost a very important part of your life and are heartbroken. Please let me know if you would like to talk. I am a good listener and talking to someone that understands does help.

I would love to hear from all of the wonderful caregivers and family members that no longer post to the message board. Please check in with us and let us know how you are doing. We all become family on this board and miss anyone that loses touch.

COUNTRY PREACHER There was a country preacher who had a teenage son, and it was getting time the boy should give some thought along the line of choosing a profession. Like many young men, then and now, the boy didn't really know what he wanted to do - and he didn't seem overly concerned about it. One day while the boy was away at school, his father decided to try an experiment. He went into the boy's room and placed on his study table these three objects: a Bible, a silver dollar, and a bottle of whiskey. "Now then," the preacher said to himself, "I'll just hide behind the door here and when my son comes home from school this afternoon, I'll see which of these three objects he picks up. If he picks up the Bible, he's going to be a preacher like me, and what a blessing that would be! If he picks up the dollar, he's going to be a businessman, and that would be o.k. too. But if he picks up the bottle, he's going to be a drunkard - a no-good drunkard and Lord, what a shame that would be." The preacher anxiously awaited the arrival of his son, and soon he heard his footsteps as he came in the house whistling, and headed back to his room. He deposited his books on the bed as a matter of routine and as he turned around to leave the room he spotted the objects on the table. With a curious set in his eye, he walked over to inspect them. He picked up the silver dollar and dropped it into his pocket. He then picked up the Bible and placed it under his arm. Finally, he uncorked the bottle and took a big drink. "Lord have mercy," the old man whispered, "He's gonna be a politician!"

Thought of an idea for a new game. I love playing the word scramble in the paper. I think it might be fun to do at LCSC. See who can unscramble this word: INTORCDIYA After you unscramble this word...add a scrambled word of your own.

Blonde's year in review January - Took new scarf back to store because it was too tight. February - Fired from pharmacy job for failing to print labels....."duh".....bottles won't fit in typewriter!!! March - Got excited.....finished jigsaw puzzle in 6 months.....box said "2-4 years!" April - Trapped on escalator for hours.....power went out!!! May - Tried to make Kool-Aid.....8 cups of water won't fit into those little packets!!! June - Tried to go water skiing.....couldn't find a lake with a slope. July - Lost breast stroke swimming competition.....learned later, other swimmers cheated, they used their arms!!! August - Got locked out of car in rain storm.....car swamped, because top was down. September - The capital of California is "C".....isn't it??? October - Hate M &M's.....they are so hard to peel. November - Baked turkey for 4 1/2 days.....instructions said 1 hour per pound and I weigh 108!!! December - Couldn't call 911....."duh".....there's no "eleven" button on the phone!!! What a year!!

A minister decided that a visual demonstration would add emphasis to his Sunday sermon. Four worms were placed into four separate jars. The first worm was put into a container of alcohol. The second worm was put into a container of cigarette smoke. The third worm was put into a container of chocolate syrup. The fourth worm was put into a container of good clean soil. At the conclusion of the sermon, the Minister reported the following results: The first worm in alcohol - Dead. The second worm in cigarette smoke - Dead. Third worm in chocolate syrup - Dead. Fourth worm in good clean soil - Alive. So the Minister asked the congregation - What can you learn from this demonstration? A little old woman in the back quickly raised her hand and said, "As long as you drink, smoke and eat chocolate, you won't have worms!" Don't you just love little old ladies???? __________________

A blonde was driving down the street in a sweat because she had an important meeting and couldn't find a parking place. Looking up toward heaven, she said, "Lord, take pity on me. If you find me a parking place I will go to Mass every Sunday for the rest of my life and give up sex and tequila." Miraculously, a parking place appeared. She looked up again and said, "Never mind. I found one." __________________

The pope dies, and natrually, goes to heaven. He is met by the reception commitee and after a wirlwind tour, is told he can enjoy any of the recreations avalable. He decides that he wants to read all of the ancient original text of the Holy Scriptures, and spends the eon or so learning the languages. After becoming a linguistic master, he sits down in the library and begins to pour over every version of the bible, working back form the most recent Easy Reading to the original script. All of the sudden there is a screaming in the library. The angels come running in only to find him curled up in a chair, crying to himself and muttering. "An "R" they left out an "R"." God takes him aside, offering comfort and asks what the problem is. After collecting his wits, the pope sobs again. It's the letter "R".... the word was supposed to be CELEBRATE not CELEBATE! __________________

I will certainly be happy to include both Karen and your husband in my prayers. I think it is wonderful that Karen has you for such good friendship and support. I know how worried you are between your husbands scans. Just try to relax, take some really deep breaths and be glad he doesn't need that wheel chair.

(((((((((((((Melinda)))))))))))))) I'm saying prayers and sending good thoughts for your Mom. You hang in there and let us know if there is anything we can do.

Can't help you with the medical information you need but I will be saying prayers for your Dad and your family.

Just for kicks....what is the temperature where you live today? Here in central Florida, it's supposed to be 94 degrees with very high humidity. Muggy........

So very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with your family during this terrible time.

Good one, Connie. I don't think I have heard this one. I'll have to pass this one on to my friend. Her husband is a cop and they'll love it.

This lady must surely have lived in Florida...lol!

Love it, Ginny! I'll have to remember this one...lol!

I really was excited about finally going to school. I was raised an only child, so the idea of having all those kids to play with was great. Of course, I thought school was all about play...lol! I didn't have the usual parent seperation anxiety that lots of little ones have when they start school, as my mom was a teacher at the school. I remember there was one little girl that cried all day long. I took her on as my personal "project" that day. Since I knew all about the school, I was able to show her all around. I had been going there with my mom during the summer, as she got her classroom ready.

Heidi, I'm saying prayers for great test results on Thursday.

Tina, I will definitely be remembering your Dad in my prayers! Please let us know how he is doing.