Dazzling December

[Snoopy56]

Re: Dazzling December

Good morning...

Still moving slowly, I cannot believe I am so sick again, darn it. I am staying home from exercise and resting, just grocery shopping and making dinner tonight, I have to build myself up.

Lav, I am going to look for Ester C today, I need something, I have never been so sick in my life. Seriously. Sorry you are not sleeping well, that makes it difficult.

Cyn, saw your pictures on FB, NYC looks like a place where anything is possible. Wow, how fun to have all those experiences in one day. Take care.

Pauly, you sound busy, getting ready for Christmas? How is Kell doing? Have a good one.

Skendall, nice to see your granddaughter and decorate for Christmas. Nice she believes in Santa, she probably wants to and good for her.

Have a good one.

[paulywogg]

Re: Dazzling December

Morning friends,Star feel betterCyn,I need to check out the fb pics too,Lav,sorry about the crud sleep,that feeling is awful! SK,there's something up with that car sheesh,I think its cute your granddaughter still believes in Santa and I'd let her believe for as long as she wants,we all need to believe in some kind of magic of for a coffee and Advil I think the heater on overnight is giving me a headache,wishes for a happy AF Tuesday

[SKendall]

Re: Dazzling December

MAE. Yes, I am surprised re Vivian's belief because after last Christmas she told me there was no way Santa could visit all the children on Christmas eve.

Yep, the car is a Honda CRV with only 74K miles so it should be more trustworthy.

Well our cold weather arrived and took away the humidity. Peggy was prancing and running like a new born lamb, do you think the humidity is bad for her joints? We went on a very long walk and I felt less pain than usual.

I can't remember, but do you have to take calcium in order to absorb Vit D?

I told you about the electric fireplace and I've added two of those Himalayan salt lamps and they throw such a nice warm coral glow that it looks very cozy in here.

[Lavande]

Re: Dazzling December

Good evening folks!

SK, I keep my Himalayan salt lamp on 24 hrs/day, love that thing
I take my vitamin D & calcium supplements together along with a meal (with fat) for the best possible absorption. We have to be sure we get enough magnesium too since it helps calcium absorption. Everything is synergistic.
The majority of my shopping is done thru Amazon so I am getting deliveries nearly every day - love that!

Star, I'm taking 2 Ester C caps with my other dinnertime supplements, no stomach issues, yay. In addition to the immune boost I've been reading a lot lately about the need for vitamin C in bone building - so I am also doing this for my poor creaky old bones.
I hope tomorrow is better for you & you feel more like yourself!

Pauly, I woke up fewer times last night but I did notice most times I was awake there was a hot flash going on, ugh. You would think dealing with hot flashes for 22+ years is enough, geez. I just can't catch a break with those things. I hope your day was good.

I met my friends for lunch & we had a great visit. One of them is leaving next week to go to Florida for the winter but I will continue dragging the other three out monthly when I can. It's a good thing for all of us, really
Have a nice night everyone!

Lav

[Snoopy56]

Re: Dazzling December

Good morning...

I did end up going to exercise yesterday morning, struggled to make it through, but need to build up my strength. I napped again and slept hard, today woke up feeling almost totally without cold symptoms, so yay, hope I am back to normal. My daughter called and asked me to babysit on Saturday night, I told her I couldn't, I have to get Christmas stuff done this weekend and also today. I think I need to spend a little time on Christmas tasks, including sending out some cards, wondering if that is even done anymore. I plan on exercising today too, so getting back to normal.

Lav, enjoying some coffee, it is really cold here, in the 20s, brrrrrrr. I need to look for the Ester C today, I will take supplements to stay healthy. Nice to have lunch with friends. I plan on buying a few things on Amazon myself. We are having problems with thieves stealing packages from peoples front porches, so grateful I will be home more this year.

Pauly, hope your headache disappeared. The drier, colder weather dries us out too. Where are you in your Christmas shopping? I am starting today, including buying wrapping paper and tags. I want that stuff in the house and some presents under the tree.

Skendall, nice that you had a good walk with your dog. I notice that when I exercise I have left pain too, it gets the blood flowing I guess. The sald lamp sounds cozy, I may ask for one for Christmas. I have been liking my electric fireplace too, we are lucky to have them, so easy.

Hello to Cyn.

Have a good one.

[treegirl]

Re: Dazzling December

Hi all -

Long work day for me yesterday, as I am back in the train to NYC today; business lunch with a major donor to the summer organization. Then will stay over and start to organize HB to get packed up and come back home next week! It's been a long haul since last September.

Lav, so sorry about the hot flashes - me too, but I'm 'm staying on 1/2 of the lowest dose, I don't care what anyone says - though no doc has told me to stop. Have fun with your shopping - are you busy with your business?

SK - good luck with all the details of life! Yes, humidity really affects my dogs too, and humans I think. Your salt lamps sound great. I have one small one in my office/meditation room. I hear more and more about the need to counteract 'blue light' in our lives. Apparently the salt lamp spectrum is really good for that.

Star - so glad you are feeling better - that was fast. I feel like I have never really totally kicked my old bug out ... will try Lav's ester-c idea. It sounds like a terrible flu season afoot...

Pauly - I bet you could do with adding a little humidity to your sleeping room? I get headaches when it's too dry. How are your holiday plans? How is Louie doing? Kell? You? I hope all is well ---

Must run to get on the early train - wishing all a great hump-day --

[paulywogg]

Re: Dazzling December

Morning friends,Star,great to hear you're feeling better I'm in the middle of Christmas shopping bought a lot for Lou of course and just odds and ends so far for hubs and kids,I'm wondering if I should just stop and give them some money,,to me that's boring though and I like to watch them open stuff they like up,I told a customer yesterday that I do it more for me than them,SK,I got a nice Himalayan salt lamp last year from hubs,its supposed to balance the ions in the air too but I always forget to turn it on,Cyn everyone's fine thanks for asking,Kell's progressing nicely and the baby's measuring at about 4 lbs so far,Lou's doing good too except he keeps mixing the play doh colors and for some reason I get mental over it haha,that's one of his favorite activities though,yesterday I had him after work and he wanted to play with the dough and I just wanted him to go on the phone for a bit so I could unwind,that's not good I know but I was tired,Lav,glad you are sleeping a bit better,very happy to read granddaughter is all healed up wishing us all a happy AF Wednesday

[Lavande]

Re: Dazzling December

Good evening friends,

Hump day is almost over already, ha ha! Time is flying!!!

Star, glad to hear you are feeling better.
I am pulling out all the stops trying to stay healthy this winter. Something tells me that I won't be sorry either.
Now, if I could just sleep for a few hours without interruption.....

Pauly, I am at a loss as to gifts for the adults in my life except for my daughter. I've never had a problem finding things for her, ha ha!
Glad to hear your grandbaby to be is growing well, sounds like he/she is going to be a big one.
Next time you are in Walmart pick up a humidifier for your bedroom, really helps.

Cyn, you're still on the run, huh? I hope this trip is easy for you.
No one insisted that I get off the HRT but they have reminded me yearly that we should only take it as long as necessary. Exactly how long is that anyway? I was forced to go on it at a very young age because my symptoms were so severe & now 20 years later my symptoms are returning after being off 1 week - GEEZ. I can't help but feel like I am being punished for something
I am running seriously low on hope - that's all I can say, LOL

SK, hope you are doing well!

I hope everyone has a peaceful night!

Lav

[SKendall]

Re: Dazzling December

Lav, don't get low on hope. I understand the discomfort you are going through however. Is there a time limit to this torture?

Pauly, I'm glad you're Christmas shopping with and For Louie. I often wonder about the gift card vs gifts. My daughter and SIL are getting gift cards and Vivian is getting barbie stuff and elf on a shelf which I will give her this weekend. I've decided she likes mysteries and using her imagination, i.e. fairies, elf on a shelf and the Christmas spirit. This is probably the last Christmas of believing. My SIL was overly nice on the w/end and took my garbage out. I may have already mentioned that he was confused about her animation when he picked her up - she's always like that with me. My daughter has overplayed her hand and she wants perfection in every way.

Star, glad you got over the cold quickly.

Cyn, I'll bet you are ready to get home and hubby. Make soup and rest while you can.

I went to Macy's and Old Navy looking for red gingham tights for Viv. I'll try Dillards tomorrow. I had a shrimp taco, loaded with shrimp and mango salsa, very enjoyable. I've been going to Whole Foods for their soups lately. They have lobster soup on Mondays and I also like their brisket chili and brisket veg soup with their homemade cornbread.

I'veen reflecting on past Christmases when hubby and I were really happy.

Taking my car to the honda dealer tomorrow. I think it's a lemon and already have my eye on something else - if they fix it. Honda's have a great reputation, but joining some forums they have had a history of battery problems. Apparently they are very small batteries and a larger one overcrowds it. We'll see.

[Snoopy56]

Re: Dazzling December

Good morning...

Nice to see everyone was able to participate on the thread! Makes for good reading.

Pauly, so glad Kell and baby are doing well, so much to look forward too. Lou is so cute, lucky to have him so often. I was out shopping yesterday and found matching Christmas outfits for the boys-got the OK from their mom and will deliver them next week. We were looking for something that matched that was in both their sizes. Success! I am giving money and presents to the grown-up kids this year, since I am have the resources. Still taking my son clothes shopping and will get Starbucks giftcards and other odds and ends too. We are blessed to have lots to give! Do the wildfires in California affect your weather/air? They are so scary this year. I was really moved by the thread you bumped that shared memories of a drunken Christmas, ruined by booze, with all the GSR and humiliation that alcohol always brings. Thanks for being so thoughtful and helping so many. I appreciate your efforts so much.

Skendall, your gifts sound so perfect for your granddaughter. Wonderful she can have so much fun with you. Love that you were remembering your memories of past good Christmas with you husband. I love to remember the past memories too. All the good stuff at Whole Foods, lucky you. I don't live close to any. Hope you get your car issues resolved, what a hassle for you.

Cyn, it will be nice for you to have your husband home and maybe a little less traveling. I bought some of the Ester C Lav recommended and will start taking it today, building up my immune system, getting lots of rest, want to be healthy from now on. This cold I used the Neti Pot, quit taking the otc meds after two days and let myself sleep more and take naps which seemed to be what I needed.

Lav, we are supposed to get our first snow this Saturday, I am looking forward to this, it can snow till Jan 1, then I start to moan and groan. So glad I do not live up north, they are having lots of snow, every day almost. Crazy and I don't have to be part of it. Made a list yesterday with my husband and went out shopping, got the grandkids done, and also ordered stuff online, got my stuff, and bought my husband his big gift too, so now wrapping paper and tape are in my future, before my grandson comes over. He is so nosy, it will be hard to keep him out of stuff. Hey,thanks for the suggestion for the Ester C vitamins, anxious to start them today, any other suggestions for me? I have been having mild hot flashes on and off too. I find exercise helps to lessen their intensity a little. Maybe. Sometimes. Focusing on the positive things in life, staying hopeful and AF for the best holiday season I can create for myself and my loved ones. Can you believe crazy 45? Creating chaos and making the US the laughing stock of the world. Very very upsetting.

Have a great AF Thursday.

[paulywogg]

Re: Dazzling December

Morning friends,SK,yep that Honda is a lemon,time to trade it in i think cuz you need something reliable,I'm jealous I didn't get a granddaughter cuz I would love to have someone to play Barbie's with,I must admit tho when Lou was younger I bought us a guy and a girl Barbie and told him they were action figures,,,he wanted nothing to do with it the soups at Whole Foods sound great! Lav,do you think you'll end up on HRT again? Or just power through? I always thought wild yam,vitex and some other supplement were supposed to be good for us hormonal wrecks haha Cyn,you're probably between home and NYC right now,hope your day is a good one,Star,the matching Christmas outfits sound adorable! I used to dress Michelle and Kell alike a lot and I plan on doing the same with Lou and his new brother,omg I hafta get out to Babies R US tomorrow cuz we were there a few weeks ago and their was an infant pair of jammies with dinosaurs on it and on the feet their were toenails sticking out,I hope they still have some just too cute,I need to get the bulk of my shopping done this weekend plus it's hubs' birthday Saturday and were gonna treat him to a Mexican place he likes,Kell said if they know it's your birthday they put a huge sombrero o you and sing! I love it wishing us all a peaceful AF Thursday

[treegirl]

Re: Dazzling December

Hello all -

Home, and sitting on a heating pad just reading through all the sweet and honest thoughts; thanks to everyone.

Lav, have you tried any of the yam creams? I know that Dr Lee and others recommended it, and I used it for a time for perimenopause. It has lots of the master progesterone hormone in it. I would like to try it again, but like you, I would have to do an orderly back-off of the hormones, and I haven't managed it so far. I think that the environment nowadays and all the estrogen-disrupters in the food, water and air have so much to do with how we are dealing with this issue. I have to sleep - that's the main reason that I continue - I still have some hot flashes at this dose, but I can mostly sleep through them. I know that coffee is an eatrogen disruptor, and that sugar is a big contributor as well, but I doubt that you have much of either of those things... good luck! Also, so glad to hear about granddaughter and her healing!

Star, all sounds sweet in your neck of the woods - can't wait to see the matching outfits, what fun. Yours will be a magical Xmas. Re: staying well. I read recently that the flu shots will protect you against only 10% of the viruses that are out there this year... and that (based on Australia!) the flu season will be bad here. HB wa so sick last winter - he is immune-suppressed - I told him that we are going to go on a big anti-inflammatory food kick when he gets back home so that we can both weather this season with health intact. Hydrate, leave bread and dairy in the dust; and mostly plants plants plants to eat! I think working on our health ahead of time is the only way to escape! Good luck at keeping your good health going; I seem to have the ends of this cold just hanging on- unless it is some kind of allergy. Either way, I need to strengthen!

Pauly, such good news about Kell and Louie and the baby-to-come. your holiday plans and this weekend's birthday all sound good -- I have to laugh at you getting upset about the play dough, ha, that sounds like me! Sorry Louie didn't get into the man and woman Barbie thing, ha- no dolls for him!

SK, good luck with the car - at least you are making progress in understanding the problem. So glad you have your eyes peeled for a replacement. Funny how excited Viv is when she has been with you - it sounds like you open the door of her imagination... she's a lucky girl, and I guess you are lucky too to share that magical place with her. Hope you are feeling better during all thiis time - how's the pup?

Well, all these trips really take away my focus for what needs to be done... trying to get up the energy to use my brain a little tonight to organize and pay bills, etc. we'll see! Just sittting quietly with my sweet boy dog in his basket next to the chair is enough for me now. Thank goodness for fur to stroke! Gotta love it.

Wishing all a good evening and happy healthy Friday tomorrow.

May we be well...

[Lavande]

Re: Dazzling December

Greetings friends,

Well, I was jolted awake at 4:17 am with a major hot flash but refused to stay up. I did manage to get back to sleep for a while after I cooled down. This is so ridiculous!
I tried every OTC remedy & nothing worked for me, hence being put on HRT at age 43 after being sleepless for 18 months. That was an awful time
I don't really think there is an end to this for me except death, haha! I will not go back on HRT, too risky. It still irritates me that the majority of my friends have barely ever had a hot flash - I think I have had them for all of us!!!!!

SK, good luck with the car & if you have to trade it in then trade it in. I don't have the patience to deal with that stuff. Where we live the closest grocery store is 8 miles away & there is no public transportation so I depend heavily on my car. I love that your granddaughter can be her happy self when spending time with you - that's something special & to be cherished

Star, glad you are better!
I did get a flu shot, hope everyone does. I have too many memories of the hospital filling up with pneumonia cases during flu season. Eating healthy is something we all seem to understand, that's good. The vitamin & probiotic supplements can't hurt. And of course - a good night's sleep is essential for staying healthy. I may fall a bit short there, LOL
Good that you have your shopping under control. Gift cards are the way to go for the grownups so they can get what they like.

Cyn, I am pretty much a zero sugar girl at this point in my life. Sure, I enjoy a cookie once in a while but I avoid using sugar or any sweeteners in coffee, tea, etc. I stopped using things like ketchup & most processed foods years ago to stay away from sugar. I do know what sugar does for hot flashes, yuck.
One of the main reasons I reduced my meat consumption was due to the hormones in our foods. I'm happier with my vegan dishes anyway.
Snow is supposed to arrive overnight tomorrow night into Saturday - we shall see! I hope you can stay put at home for a while.

Pauly, I remember the Mexican chain restaurant Chi Chi's used to do the happy birthday with the sombrero thing too, ha ha! Lucky your husband has a birthday this month, mine is coming up too, oh boy! I ended up getting a kid sized keyboard for my 6 year old grandson for Christmas. They all seem to go thru the wanting to play music stage. Maybe Louie would be interested in something musical

Have a nice night everyone.
Lav

[SKendall]

Re: Dazzling December

Evening.

I woke up to 25 deg. quite a difference from Monday's 80. My bulbs need it to cool down anyway they are on the verge of blooming. After more i/net research I discovered the same model car 2 yrs later was recalled for this problem. I took it to a Honda dealership today and they new exactly what I was talking about. Cost 173.00 to update the software (yep, software.). They still have it. So after spending $800.00 on this issue, why wouldn't they fix it for free? Honda is about to get a letter from me. The thing that really bothers me is getting stranded in the dark - that is negligence in my mind. Anyway, I am visiting the other car this weekend.

Lav, you have had all the advice you need. The only supplement I heard was decent was the Black Cohosh. This is truly disrupting your life. Maybe time you saw a specialist and I know you said no more, but could you take a small dose, say 3 times a week. I still haven't forgiven big pharma for prescribing it as a wonder drug only to reverse everything. My mother suffered terribly and would climb into the deep freeze (lid open) to get some relief, lol.

Domino's had pizza at 50% off, so that was my dinner.

Pauly, the upcoming days sound full of festivity and fun and you are sounding great!

Cyn, did you hurt your back and sitting on a heating pad? b Or just sitting on a heating pad? I use mine every day and it's a lifesaver for pinched sciatic nerve issues. I have pain running down my leg to the knees, so I put my leg up on a pillow for that. Sometimes my bed looks like a MASH unit, lol.

My Christmas shopping is done and I simply cannot buy Viv any more. My neighbor has invited me to her daughters for Xmas dinner so I have a hostess gift and 3 Old Navy giftcards (triplets aged 14).

See you tomorrow.

[Snoopy56]

Re: Dazzling December

Good morning...

Really cold today and snow expected. It will look Christmassy and melt by next week.

Lav, so sorry you are suffering with hot flashes. Not sleeping really is difficult. Good you have your shopping under control. I am making mushroom soup and salad for dinner tonight, doesn't that sound good? Getting wrapping paper and will start the process tonight. I so enjoy this time of December, up to Christmas. So nice to not be working outside the house, plenty of time to enjoy myself. Getting over this cold has improved my mood, can you tell? I went to a book club meeting last night, wine was offered, I turned it down of course, then had brownies. They made me feel sick later, but much better than wine. I think this might be our last meeting, only two of us showed up and I was the only one who read the book. Very annoying, I want to be with people who read the darn book. I understand everyone does not like to read like I do though.

Pauly, the grandson outfits are so cute! I hope they fit, I want to get together with my daughter on Monday and try them on. Everything is getting picked over and time is of the essence right now. The weekend plans sound fun!

SK, just saw a video on TV of snow in Texas! Hope you get some if you want it. Nice you have plans for Christmas. My mom used to host my family a week before Christmas as they often went out of town for the holidays to visit one of my brothers. Just a thought. She always ordered food and made it as easy on herself as possible. It was fun. Maybe now your car is on the mend. Hope so.

Cyn, so nice you had a little time to relax with you dog. My kitty loves sitting on our laps in this cold weather. I am telling you, I need lots of rest, I noticed this when I was working. I really needed an hour or so to nap or rest in the afternoon, then I was OK. I agree with you on the plant food, I feel best when I eat WFPB. Even a little sugar messes me up. I am reading a new book, The Alice Network, about women spies in WWI and WWII. Reading anything right now?

Exercise, cleaning, and cooking today, plus reading and focusing on the positives. Let's make this season a good one.

Peace.