Ann

I'm sure you didn't step on any toes, Fay! Amie had the idea about the birthday postings and thought we might incorporate it into the GTKY posts. I asked her to please start this and run with it. She did a great job but, like me, is very busy at work and doesn't want to miss anyone. I know she will love your idea. I think this makes things much easier and leaves no one accidentally overlooked!!! Fay...if you ever stepped on any toes...it would be the sweetest steps those toes ever felt!!!

Maryanne, I think you will find that they will charge a co-pay for each visit. My friend just had to pay a co-pay for both shots and she was furious. November 19th does seem a bit into the season. If it were me, I'd spring for the extra $20 and get it over and done with. I would call the doctor and ask about their policy toward the copays.

Too funny, Deb!

I like this one, Frank!

Believe me guys, I've lived long enough to see alot of sitcoms come and go. Looking back, some of them were out and out stupid and not even entertaining but at the time, I seemed to enjoy them. I have three favorites that pop into mind and I don't think I could pick one over the other two. I Love Lucy Night Court Everybody Loves Raymond Everybody Loves Raymond is one show that I can laugh my butt off even watching reruns. I was really sorry to see that show leave the air!

Yes, I agree with Rich and Ginny. This is your moms life and decisions about treatment should be left to her. Do you personally feel that this is really what she wants? Have the two of you discussed this before in any way? I do think she should reconsider about Hospice. They are so much help to both the patient and the family. They will be able to keep your moms pain level under control. I will be saying prayers for your mom. Please let us know how she is doing.

Great story! You know, I feel the same way about the oncologist that treated my husband. He was such a wonderful man. I would so like to do something special in his honor. Thanks for the post!

Well, you will notice there are two posts for October 20th. Snowflake completely bursted my bubble yesterday when she let me know it was only the 19th. See, I thought it was already Thursday and that meant a day closer to TGIF!!! So sorry for the mistake! Question for today..... What is your favorite television sitcom of all times?

Thanks for the heads up on this one. I'll be watching!

Fay, I think this is a wonderful suggestion! Let's run it by Miss Bunny...the official birthday greetings gal!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR GAIL HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!!

What a fun thing to do! I know your mom will have a blast! Elton John and time with her friends all rolled into one! Can't ask for better than that! Oh...almost forgot the limo!!!

I don't have an answer for you but just wanted to let you know that I'm saying a prayer and sending good thoughts for great results your moms way.

Bunny...thanks so much for keeping us posted on Pat & Brian. I am so glad they will be able to make the wedding. I know how much this will mean to their entire family. Does anyone know what part of Florida they are traveling to? After looking at Hurricane Wilma, we're a more than a little concerned here in Florida. Keeping Pat & Brian in our thoughts and prayers.

Eat right! Make sure you get your daily dose of fruits and veggies. Take your vitamins and bump up your vitamin C. Get plenty of exercise because exercise helps build your immune system. Walk for at least an hour a day, go for a swim, take the stairs instead of the elevator, etc. Wash your hands often. If you can't wash them, keep a bottle of antibacterial stuff around. Get lots of fresh air. Open doors & windows whenever possible. Try to eliminate as much stress from your life as you can. Get plenty of rest. OR Take the doctor's approach. Think about it . . When you go for a shot, what do they do first? They Clean your arm with alcohol . . Why? Because Alcohol KILLS GERMS. So . . . I walk to the liquor store. (exercise) I put lime in my Corona. (fruit) I put Celery in my Bloody Mary (veggies) I drink outdoors on the bar patio. (fresh air) Tell jokes, laugh . . . (eliminate stress) Then pass out. (rest) The way I see it . . . If you keep your alcohol levels up, flu germs can't get you! My grandmother always said, "A shot in the glass is better than one in the a**!"

Saw this on another site Ramblings of a Retired Mind - some thoughts. I was thinking about how a status symbol of today is those cell phones that everyone has clipped onto their belt or purse. I can't afford one. So, I'm wearing my garage door opener. You know, I spent a fortune on deodorant before I realized that people didn't like me anyway. I was thinking that women should put pictures of missing husbands on beer cans! I was thinking about old age and decided that old age is "when you still have something on the ball, but you are just too tired to bounce it". I thought about making a fitness movie, for folks my age, and call it "Pumping Rust." I have gotten that dreaded furniture disease. That's when your chest is falling into your drawers! I know, when people see a cat's litter box, they always say, "Oh, have you got a cat?" Just once I want to say, "No, it's for company!" Employment application blanks always ask "who is to be notified in case of an emergency". I think you should write, "A Good Doctor!" Why do they put pictures of criminals up in the Post Office? What are we supposed to do...write to these men? Why don't they just put their pictures on the postage stamps so the mailmen could look for them while they deliver the mail? Or better yet, arrest them while they are taking their pictures! I was thinking about how people seem to read the Bible a whole lot more as they get older. Then, it dawned on me, they were cramming for their finals. As for me, I'm just hoping God grades on the curve.

http://umed.med.utah.edu/phlasher/images.cfm

So very glad to hear this news!!! I have been thinking of you and your mom and wondering how things have been going. I hope the meds for the cold get her all fixed up so the two of you can do some serious celebrating!!!

Karen...I'm really relieved to hear things are stable. That's great! Just slow down and don't take too many steps ahead worrying about what will be next. Too many "what if's" can drive you bananas! For now, just celebrate that things are stable. I'm sure someone can answer your question about the BP. Not a day goes by that you two aren't in my thoughts! Hey...think we're going to see Wilma this weekend???

One Flaw In Women By the time the Lord made woman, He was into his sixth day of working overtime.. An angel appeared and said, "Why are you spending so much time on this one?" And the Lord answered, "Have you seen my spec sheet on her? She has to be completely washable, but not plastic, have over 200 movable parts, all replaceable and able to run on diet coke and leftovers, have a lap that can hold four children at one time, have a kiss that can cure anything from a scraped knee to a broken heart and she will do everything with only two hands." The angel was astounded at the requirements. "Only two hands!? No way! And that's just on the standard model? That's too much work for one day. Wait until tomorrow to finish." But I won't," the Lord protested. "I am so close to finishing this creation that is so close to my own heart. She already heals herself when she is sick AND can work 18 hour days." The angel moved closer and touched the woman. "But you have made her so soft, Lord." "She is soft," the Lord agreed, "but I have also made her tough. You have no idea what she can endure or accomplish." "Will she be able to think?", asked the angel. The Lord replied, "Not only will she be able to think, she will be able to reason and negotiate." The angel then noticed something, and reaching out, touched the woman's cheek. "Oops, it looks like you have a leak in this model. I told you that you were trying to put too much into this one." "That's not a leak," the Lord corrected, "that's a tear!" "What's the tear for?" the angel asked. The Lord said, "The tear is her way of expressing her joy, her sorrow, her pain, her disappointment, her love, her loneliness, her grief and her pride." The angel was impressed. "You are a genius, Lord. You thought of everything! Woman is truly amazing." And she is! Women have strengths that amaze men. They bear hardships and they carry burdens, but they hold happiness, love and joy. They smile when they want to scream. They sing when they want to cry. They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous. They fight for what they believe in. They stand up to injustice. They don't take "no" for an answer when they believe there is a better solution. They go without so their family can have. They go to the doctor with a frightened friend. They love unconditionally. They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards. They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding. Their hearts break when a friend dies. They grieve at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left. They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart. Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors. They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you. The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning. They bring joy, hope and love. They have compassion and ideals. They give moral support to their family and friends. Women have vital things to say and everything to give. HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN, IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

Has your mom seen Meet the Fockers ? I have to tell you that I laughed out loud while watching this movie!

I just love music...most any kind! Being a Tennessee girl, I still have some of that love for country music in my veins. In that genre, I would have to say Alabama is just about the best. As a young woman, I absolutely loved the Beatles and still do to this day! I'll have to vote with dadstimeon and say "In My Life" is my favorite Beatles song. I have to share a little story about that one. Just a few days before Dennis died, he told me, in detail, how that was his very favorite Beatles song and how that is song to me. He told me about being a teenager and saving money to buy that album, then playing it over and over. We played that song at his memorial service, along with a lot of blues and rock that he liked. Dennis loved the blues and that really rubbed off on me! Now, I listen to a hodge podge of music. My favorite gal singer now is Sara Evans. What a voice!

Sorry to repeat the same advice, but I would definitely call the doctor and explain all of this to him/her. Anytime there is pain, it's better to be on the safe side and find out the cause. Saying prayers thet things are better today.

We had a very good experience with Hospice. We had an RN that came twice a week and I had an aide every day that helped with bathing. I also had access to volunteers that could come in and sit with Dennis so I could run errands or rest. I never took advantage of this service, as I never left him after Hospice came on board. They had a wealth of information to share with me, which was very helpful. If I needed to call anyone, they would always return my calls very promptly. The only bad experience I had was with the grief counseling they offer. I desperately needed to talk to someone on the day after Dennis' memorial service and got no help. But...all in all, I would have to say my experience with Hospice was more than satisfactory. Like Ginny said, they are all different. Some are very under staffed. I hope you get some wonderful, positive results. I'm keeping you and your dad in my prayers.

What music do you listen to? Who's your favorite group or individual singer? What's your favorite song?