Welp,it's been way too long since I posted,but better to post with a happy occasion!!!  
I went to my cousin Stefanie wedding yesterday in NJ and had a great time.  I saw family from NC that I hadn't seen in years and people who I knew that I hadn't seen for even longer years!!!  
First time I had used a walker with that many people around that I knew,too.  My sister who is my biggest cheerleader and helper was superior as usual.
Everyone loved my salwar kameez!  It is a peach silk 4 piece outfit with lots of sequince and beading on the pants and the kameez.  For an Italian wedding,many people truly appreciated and admired an outfit from another culture.
I wore my hair up in a bun with a Geisha Hairstix that I finally got to use!!!  I bought it over a year ago,it is peach and went perfectly with my outfit.  My hairstix got as many compliments as my outfit did!!!!
I will post pics as soon as I get some.  Surprising that I didn't get a pic alone of myself,all pics were taken with family.  
There is going to be another wedding type reception at my grandmother's house today,too!!!  Since she is 95 we all believed it would be a major hardship for her to try to make the trip from Bklyn. to NJ.  So my cousin wants to have something at her house today.  She and her new husban will come all dressed in wedding attair.  
Since I got home and in bed around 1:30am this morning,don't even ask what I'm doing up this early!!!It's probaly because my oldest cockatiel let me know the sun was up.  Like I needed reminding of that by a 14 year old!!!! ::)
I think I'll wear a baby blue salwar kameez today and definately get single pics of the outfit and the hairsticks I'll wear with it.  
I'll have one day(part of today) before I'm back to puppy training and puppy sitting of my brother'sboxer puppy!  That is a whole other entry of antics and histerical humor!!!  Stay tuned!!!!

Hey Curly,

It sounds like you enjoyed yourself at the wedding and I am dying to see some pics of your hair (and your outfit for that matter).

You must be very tired after all the socializing and lack of sleep.  Birds are bad for waking one up with the sun.  

I hope you have a great day today and that we get to see pics soon.

JD

Starting the relax and recooperation time after the wedding on Sat. and the garden wedding party on Sunday!  So glad my brother decided to ask my aunt and uncle to watch Champ the puppy today!  Gives me a chance to wash my hair with Babbasu shampoo bar and acv rinse.  I've been using fresh sage and dried rosemary in my acv rinse for a while and like it.  Prep time is ok.
Got another order for my whipped body butter!  Yay!  The girls in the dentist office that I go to really like it!  I'm glad it's selling,too.  Tweeking and getting the recipes "just right" was worth the time,patience and experimenting!!
I think today I will either write up a deep conditioning treatment recipe to use later in the week or just suf the web for some oils and shea butter to use in a new recipe either for hair or lotion.  Maybe I'll have to sew up a lab coat for myself!!!

You sure are industrious.  I can tell you are a person that can fill their time quite well and never get bored!

Hey JD,"birds of a feather flock together"  lol!  I believe you are pretty industrious there yourself! ;)

ok,let's see if a pic from Sunday's garden wedding party shows up!  The pics I have from the wedding on Sat. are of everyone else!  Hoping someone sends me pics that I'm in from Sat.  I'll post as soon as I get them! http://i17.tinypic.com/4m1zvvm.jpg
This is less than 1/2 of the family.  Everyone was not ready for this pic,but that's what came out!  

Yippee!!!! A beautiful picture!  I love your outfit!

That is a beautiful outfit! I love the setting too... very green and lovely.  And, I for one, request puppy training "antics and histerical humor" :D  

I wish I had a puppy to work on! Can't have one yet, though. Mostly 'cause Paul says I can't... meh.

Thanks,Ladies!
Kiraela,we'll work on your guy so you can get a puppy!!!!
There's nothing like a boxer puppy with a sense of humor!!!
 The pic is rather large,but hey we do everything large here in Bklyn,lol ;D  The setting is in Grandma's backyard near the fig trees and the grapevines.  My favorite thing to do as a kid was to go in the garden,when my grandfather was alive it was all garden,no grass,I would love to pick and eat figs!  Forget about eating lunch or dinner,I was too full from the figs,peaches and apricots!!!  
I'm still in "shout out mode" to my family for a pic from the actual wedding on Sat. with a pic of me in the outfit with Susan's  hairstick!  Have patience and faith and someone will send me a pic!!!

Ok, maybe this one will come out.....smaller,lol!  These are the grandchildren,some are missing,my sister,3 from down in NC,1 from here and the five no one talks to anymore.  Hey,every family has those that they don't talk to anymore!!! http://i18.tinypic.com/4po79dv.jpg I just finished telling the picture taker,it's 95 degrees out here and if you don't snap that pic.......don't make me come over there!!!!!!! :o  so he says bring it on!!!!!  and that's why my face is not relaxed for the pic!  don't make me tell you the details of what happened next.....it's not pretty and let''s just say I'm very glad my grandmother doesn't hear so well anymore!!!! :-[ and I was out of her eyesight for the "bring it on" festivities!!!!!! ;D

I hate to say it, CurlGirl... you kinda look like you're about to rip off the camera guy's face with your teeth. And as for figs... I love fresh figs... I had a horse that preferred to wait until they fermented before eating them off the ground.. yes. Luna the Alcoholic Arabian. (she was also senile, and would have flashbacks of her younger years, when she was a race horse. Yep, fun times... clinging desperately to a madly galloping, completely drunk horse with no concept of whoa). Oh yes.. sorry. (/end tangent) It's great that the area has such good memories for you :) *hug*

I can sort of understand his reasoning behind "no dogs yet"... we don't know if we're staying here past another six months... and it'll be hard enough, if we have to rent somewhere, with two cats. Landlords don't tend to like cats, I've noticed. Also, we don't have much of anywhere to walk ( large, unfenced, UNFRIENDLY dogs down the street in all three directions) so we'd need either a fence, or an in ground shock collar type fence. (my theory is we should just put in a regular electric fence.. not so much to keep future doggeh in, as neighborhood kids OUT!) I still miss having a dog around. I've always had very good luck with German shepherds and shepherd-chow mixes, Although I had a boxer-mastiff-great dane mix once... Big puppy. The parents got rid of her when I was in school one day... too big for the house. and yard. leapt tall fences with barely a bound.  

I totally relate!  We had an Irish Wolfhound when I was about 4 and my father thought it would be just fine for Mom to take care of a huge puppy and a 4 year old and a 3 year old.  My sister and I are 1 year apart born the same month!!!  My brother is 10 years younger than me.  Me being the oldest.  Needless to say Old English Sheepdogs(which I love to death to this day),I have a small bichon,4 cockatiels and a canary and my brother has the huge black boxer pup!!!  Sister went the way of having a cat!
(((Hugz)))) to you,you'll get that pup when all is ready and then you'll truly enjoy him or her!!!!

What great photos, Curlgirl   :)  Grandma looks to be blessed with a fantastic family (not the least of which is you!).  

What awesome pictures! What handsome guys! http://smilies.sofrayt.com/aiw/kiss.gif Oooh the fig bushes!  I love ripe figs 8-)

Thanks,Ladies!  Hugs,Trisha!!  I wish you could  taste those figs,Lisabelle!  Grandpa(when he was alive) was doing organic in his garden 60 years ago.  The figs come out the size of golf balls,the peaches came out the size of navel oranges,the apricots the size of; I don't what to compare them to!!!  The tomatoes were always 2 pounders!!  There is such a difference when you can get organic or buy organic!    

Organic is definately good! When I was about 7, I had a neighbor with a huge garden (the entire one acre lot behind both of our houses!), and she was organic all the way... She even had a tomato plant specifically for me that used to produce some of the biggest tomatoes I've ever seen. One was a full 4 pounds.

Hehe, CurlGirl... it sounds like you and your siblings pretty much have all the bases covered when it comes to pets, eh?  Yeah, my mom made the descicion to take care of a 5 year old, a newborn, and a shepherd-chow mix puppy all on her own! Actually the puppy was born the same day I was.

What a great birthday surprise by having a puppy born on your birthday!
4 pound tomato?! :o Man oh man,that must have made one heck of a tomato salad!!!

heh, it was a weeks worth of tomato sandwiches :D

And oddly enough, it's not the only time I've had puppies born on my birthday. A few years ago, two of our dogs managed to get pregnant before we could get them spayed (lazy parents, really, but that's another story).. Mine, a border collie mix, had 7 puppies on my birthday:D Of course, they were caught in a house fire 7 days later (we were out of state at a funeral). The other had her puppies under the house, either during or hours after the fire. We used to joke that ginger's puppies were fireproof! (unfortunately, cassie's apparently weren't :'()

I almost forgot to mention,got a hair compliment from a guy who lives up the block this morning!!! 8-) :-[  After he told me he thought my hair looked great either in a bun with sticks or down and curly,I told him about this site and shampoo bars and oiling.  Also all the great members we have here!  He wants the address so next time I see him I can give it to him and maybe we'll have a new male member join our ranks! 8-)

:'( :'( so sad about the pups!!!! I'm sorry!  

Curlgirl64 wrote on Jul 10^th, 2007 at 10:14pm:

:'( :'( so sad about the pups!!!! I'm sorry!

Oh the poor things!  I'm sorry. :'(

Aww, poor puppies.  :'(

Aww, that's tragic about the puppies.  :(

But woohoo Curlgirl, getting a hair compliment and promoting us here at LL!  ;)

I agree with all that Angelspun wrote, so I will just say 'ditto".

JD

Thank you, ladies!!  Yes, things looks rather good.....a hair compliment,a sale of a Satin Sox and a sale of Whipped Body Butter!!!  Pretty good for a day,no?

hey, congrats on the sales, CurlGirl! And from the recent pictures, even with the hair up, I can tell you definately deserve the compliments!

thank you,my dear!!!  

Today has been nothing short of a miracle so far!!! ::) :o  I managed to take a shower and wash my hair with this over grown boxer puppy staying out of the shower!!!! ;D  Along with shower chair,bowl of acv rinse,a stern talking to about the dire consequences of joining me in the shower....I was able to finally feel like I had washed away all the sweat and work of yesterday!!!!
My disadvantage of being disabled and trying to keep seperated a bichon who does not want to "play boxing match" with this pup,3 cockatiels who can't understand why they can't come out to play and a canary who finds the antics and shenanagins very amusing is nothing short of a skit Abbott and Costello would want in their routine!!!
I am counting down the hours to when "Champ" goes home with my brother!!  8 1/2 more hours out of 26!!!  Woo Hoo!  I get to sleep after this!!!!!  I did manage to sleep at the kitchen table for a couple of hours though.  Champ seems to think that it is necessary for me to not sleep in my futon and always keep him company to amuse him. ::)
Since he outgrew the crate I gave my brother,I know there is a major sale on crates with Dr. Foster and Smith.   That boy is going to have his own little condo in that crate when he comes to stay with me!!!!  The toothpicks are not going to do the job of keep my eyes open!  Too much sleep depervation!!!!!
Aside from the puppy stuff.....I did wash my hair with CV shampoo bar,not sure which one it was though.  I made an infusion of fresh sage and dried rosemary for my vinegar rinse a few nights ago.  After this I sprayed all my hair with the aloe vera liquid and vegetable glycerin mix and oiled with camellia oil.  Ahhhhh,feels so much better since the heat and humiditiy make my hair feel like 10 pounds on my head!!  Don't get me wrong,I love the curls not  the weight from the humidity.  I usually keep it down in the house and let it air dry enough so I can put it all up in a bun.  The coolness does feel good on my neck and back though! :)  One of the benefits of having long hair is letting the coolness of freshly washed hair cool your neck and back!!! ;D
On to more puppy antics!!!!

Now that the cyclone puppy is either at my aunt and uncle's house or coming back to me,I have alittle time to recooperate and straighten up the disaster at my mother's house! ::)  I find it quite amusing that when Champ jumps on the coach and I yell off he thinks that he can try to hide in the cushions( with his butt up in the air) and I won't find him!!!  He has a great sense of humor and I find it hard to keep a straight face when I have to correct his mischievious ways!!!!
I hope he is as sweet and affectionate when he is full grown as he is now!  I have a feeling he's going to be close to 70-75 pounds when full grown.  He's at least 35 pounds now at almost 5 months old!!!!  
When he's not here I miss him trying to sit on my lap when I'm at the computer.  It's a great balance exercise for me since I use a Giam Balance Ball Chair for the computer!  Lord help me if he catches me off guard!!!  We'll both be on the floor!
I think today I'll take advantage of the beautiful weather and sit outside with my pup!  I think I'll also make pineapple orange fruit smoothies for lunch and salmon brown rice burgers for dinner!  That should hit the spot!  I'll have enough time to digest and be on the Pilates Performer way before bed time!
For the hair news,still shiny and under control in a braid.  The weather has been very cooperative,staying less humid for a few days has helped!  I wonder how long before the humidity is back and I feel like I have the frizzies back weighing 10 pounds again?????? I do love my aloe vera liquid and glycerin!!

Another day begins with the Champ!!!!!  I'm so glad my aunt and uncle had him for Sat. and Sun.  The weather played havoc with my symptoms!!  :(  I was just relaxed and took it easy.  He's back for another day!  Thank God it's not a 26 hour thing!  More training today with Champ depending on his attention span ::)
Not much happpening in hair news though.  I'm going to try to wash Tues. morning and maybe whip up some deep conditioner treatment.
The weather seems to be cooler this morning and less humid so I'm hoping it stays that way for today.
I bought some Japanese incense,(coils and sticks) and another Japanese bowl for coil burning.  I tried to find an incense burner made out of porcelain or ceramic that was a little square plate without a hole so I could use it for coils.  I searched and googled for it,but no one had it!!!  :(  I figured if the mountain can't come to you then go to the mountain!!! ;D  I think I willhave to find a pottery or ceramic place near me so I can throw my own clay!!!  I'll make it myself to the specs. I want and the color I want.  I'll also make a little stand for the coils to rest on.  I figure I could use my Arita bowl with ash in the meantime as an alternate for the coils.  I think that would be fun to try to make!!!  I haven't been to a ceramic class since I was 4 years old!  I think it will be alot of fun and a good thing for me to do!  Now off to find a place........where's my Sherlock Holme's hat and pipe when I need it??????  I betcha Champ has something to do with it missing!! ;D

Not poor little Champ!!!  He could not have done it!!!

I know friends at work who did pottery after work a couple of years ago.  They really enjoyed it.  I would love to have tried it (oh so unartistic me) but the dogs told me that being left for almost 12 hours a day was all they could handle...Can't blame them.  I guess in life we have to make choices...and since pottery was not offered within 40 km of me...I knew I would not go out after the taking care of my dogs...who need more than food and to go out...but also to be loved, walked and told they are as important to me as I am to them.

I love my little dogs  ;D.  I will miss them when they are gone :'(.  That wont be long I am afraid.

JD

I called a place for ceramic classes not too far from me and the initial cost is $8 plus the cost of the bisque that you choose.  A pretty fair price because it includes the usage of tools,paints,stay as long as you want or need and the firing of the piece you choose.  This place has only bisque and no pottery classes.  Their other store has that and is further from me.  I'd rather not rely on Stress-A-Ride(oops,I mean Access-A-Ride!) if I'm further away from home and they stand me up or don't show up to pick me up to take me home.  Boy I tell ya,a service that is supposed to be for disabled people making it supposedly easier on them is extremely stressful because of the good chance they are either very late to pick you up or don't show at all or drive right by you!!!
Any way,I did find a cone and coil incense set on e-bay for $7 with a ceramic holder.  I got that because it has a dual purpose.  I can burn cones and coils on the holder.
Oh btw,I asked Champ about the mysterious disappearance and he claims no responsibility and he insinuates that the birds know something!!!  Talk about " a little birdie told me"!!!  This puppy is going to be a worthy chess player with all his stragedy thoughts!!

I've had a lot of mixed emotions that past few days,most of them depressing :-[  My mother bought a vacation home in South Carolina in a new development and is quite excited about eventually moving down there for good once my grandmother is no longer alive.  Yes everything is cleaner,brand new and the craziness of city living is non-existent there.  All well and good.  I've been told that if I live down there with her I will have my own bedroom and that's it.  All the things I have here,my bookcases,futon furniture,pots and pans etc will have to be sold.  There is nothing of my personality to come down there.  At all.  She bought a bedroom set for my bedroom,a mattress and grab bars for the bathroom that will be used by me and anyone visiting the house.  I'm surprised that she doesn't want the walk in closet that is in the bedroom for me.  She complains that it is bigger than the one in her master bedroom and the bathroom in her bedroom will not have a tub.  I feel like I'm going to be serving a prison sentence.  I asked if I can put shelves up on the walls and was told if they won't make the room look cluttered and will be able to be supportive on the wall.  Whatever that means. ::)  My choice I was told was that either I can move down there with her in a few years or find somewhere else to live. >:( :o  I'm between a rock and a hard place because I rely on SSDI and am disabled so it's not like I can say screw it I'll find somewhere else to live..  I have my own apt. now in her 2 family house.  I do pay rent.  Not the going rate that it is going for,but the bathroom is tiny and nothing has been done to it in the 27 years that she owns the house.  Who knows when any work was done to it!!!  
Either I can marry the guy that I'm seeing now,but that is not in my plan although it may be in his.  I'm not "head over heels" in love with him.  He is far more disabled than I am and who is going to take care of him as our diseases progress???  I can't do it.  I don't mean to sound cold,but if I am disabled;how am I supposed to take care of me and him?????
I was told my bird cages are going in my bedroom.  Fine,I want my birds and dog with me anyway.  I said I needed my Poing chair in there so I can crochet.  I can't sit in a regular chair to crochet because it reeks havoc on my neck and back.  I again was told it won't fit and told to either live somewhere else or deal with it!  I think you talk to a child under 18 that way,not a 42 year old.  My mother has never spoken to her children as adults.  She has always either been condesending or expressed doubt in anything we do or say.
Example being is my mother is driving and I'm in the front passenger seat and my siser is in the back seat;my mother will ask my siser,"Theresa,should I make a left or right turn up here?"  She'll respond and my mother will either doubt her answer or claim she doesn't know if she should go straight. :-? >:(  Mind you,I'm holding the directions in my hand!!!!  I conclude that her mentality is if I'm disabled then I'm either mentally retarded,stupid or not capable to knowing which direction to go. This woman is college educated and has a masters degree.
So my quandry will be to either sell most of all I have,marry someone and stay here or try to find my own place that is not in a bad neighborhood..............
I do believe this is a time for serious meditation!

oh, geez, Curlgirl, that is horrible! I can't tell you what to do, but I can offer a shoulder if you need one, and a hug.

Curlgirl...Do NOT marry someone that you're not absolutely 100% head over heels crazy in love with.

Your mother sounds quite a bit like my own in her "my way or the highway" attitude and personal biases. If you can possibly avoid it, honey, please don't force yourself into an environment where you will have to conform to these things. She has only her best interests in mind - not yours.

Look for a place that you can afford on your own. And as for the guy, I'd suggest setting him free if you're not completely crazy about him. Otherwise, you're just leading him on. You wouldn't want someone doing that to you. Hearts are not toys.

I hope everything works out.

Oh my goodness.  First, let me say you have my deepest sympathy.   :'(  While I am very lucky in my mother (though not in the man she married) my husband experiences similar things with his mother, and also with his father when he was alive.  They hurt.  They hurt more deeply than I ever want to understand, and you are justified in whatever you are feeling.

I agree with Angel, marriage, with this man at least, is NOT the answer.  I think even if you were "crazy in love" you would still need to consider the very real practicalities of your conditions.  

What about a roommate?  Whether your mother is attempting to be selfish, controlling, or has decided she has had enough of your sponging (I understand you are not.  I wasn't either.  I also was in a very real situation where I had a very real need, and I was treated like my need was a choice) doesn't matter.  She has decided for whatever reason that her house is more important than her daughter.  

Leave her to that choice if you can.

Thank you all ,ladies for your caring thoughts!  Bigs hugz to you all.  
Kiraela,thanks for the shoulder,hon!!

Yes,Angel hearts are not to be played with.  I totally agree.  I think this guy and I have been friends first and then a couple.  It's ok,but nothing that I'm  gagga about.  Knowing me, I would not get married just to avoid another situation and settle for something I'm not thrilled with.  I know when the time comes I would have weighed all my options,made a pros and cons list and then make the best decision for me.  I so appreciate your feelings,sista!!!
Texian Traveler,I am so there with your thoughts!  Thank you so much for sharing those with me and your sympathies!  You too I appreciate!  I'm not so sure about the room mate thing though.  I have a dog and 4 birds.  So it might be rather difficult to find someone who can handle that and me whatever they bring to the table.  Time will tell.
As for now,I think it is a wake up call of sorts for me to either downside or start getting rid of things that I don't need.  Believe it or not I went through all my jeans and came up with 9 pairs that are too big and either need to be given to the consignment shop,e-bay or the church collection!  One small step!  I don't even want to think about my yarn stash to go through! ::) :-/

Curlgirl,

I dunno where I have been. I only just saw your posts about your problems.  I am soooo sorry you are having such a tough time.  I would love to say more but because of a thunderstorm that has been going on for 2 hours, I cannot get one of my dogs to go out (and she wont last 20 hours from last night to tonight), she disconnected me by lying down on the phone cord AND she lay down in the honey and baking soda I have out for the ants to eat (no idea how she got herself into such a tiny corner but what a mess it made of her for me to clean up).  This doesn't even include what the other 4 are up to!!!  I have to get to work here animals!!!  I will think on about your situation and touch base tonight, although I know I will have no solutionw.  Hang in there.  Oh, and don't go get married!!! ;)

JD

JD

Thanks,JD!  Don't worry I won't go and get married!  I think my mother has left her poison seeds on that subject! >:(  Makes it damn hard to try to dream of a nice good marriage anyway..........

You have my sympathies.  :'(  It is always tough when major life changes need to be made and even tougher when you can't control significant aspects of those changes.

Living on SSDI is not easy - I had many clients who were living on it - or should I say, subsisting.  Is there any Section 8 housing you might qualify for?  Subsidized rent could help.  A roommate is also a consideration.  

Hang in there... a solution will present itself; you just have to be open to it.

Hi Curly,

I sent you a message from work today...sorry to say I have no further ideas...but I think you should tell people what we both know about housing for the disabled...people need to know!!!

JD

Thank you ,BB!  I am checking into section 8 in homes rather than apt. buildings.  I've never lived in an apt. building,nothing against them,but I've always lived in a house either my parents owned or grandparents owned or now that my mother owns.  I think an apt. building would be too much for me to handle both mentally and emotionally.  I've got time so it will eventually sink in and maybe I won't be so emotional about it.  Funny thing is Sat. night my sister,BIL,brother,mother and myself are supposed to go out and celebrate my mother's upcoming birthday and buyitng this new townhouse! ::)  Like I really want to celebrate.......
On a happier note,I've decided that since I've been crocheting since I was a kid,it's time to "bite the bullet" and learn how to knit. :o 8-)  I found a great "learn how to knit kit" with a few extra goody essentials thrown in.  So I'll add another craft to the list and maybe have some gifts for Christmas and to give to nursing homes or charity ;) :)

Section 8 is code talk to me...can you explain?

JD

It's either a nightmare living condition or it can be ok for low income people.  Depends on the area.  It is actually a government subsidy.

Ugh..as I said in my email, understand how bad it can be...but no pearls of wisdom.  Tell us if we can do anything for you Curl.

JD

Thanks,JD!  I'm just trying to either accept what's going to happen or trying to figure out what to keep and what to get rid of and it will be because I want to get rid of it and then move into a place of my own.
Most of my childhood memories are gone because my mother threw them out because we kids either didn't have a place to put them when we were adults or she just felt like throwing them out!  There is a big cardboard drum canaster on her porch that has teaching papers in it from I think 1980!  Do you think that was to be thrown out!  It's a European double standard,plain and simple.  It's the "I can do it,but you can't " thing.  I think that was one of the reasons why I decided not to have children.  I will not allow something that I hate to be allowed to be passed down to my kids.  They see and absorb so much,I didn't want that ugly thinking to be passed down to them.  My thoughts are, if you don't like something,change it or don't partake in it.  I don't want that way of thinking to continue so she can't instill it in my children if I don't have any to instill it in.

:'(.  So sad.  Poor Curly.  I believe the saying is (and I heard it a lot as a kid) "Do as I say, not as I do".

JD

Quote:

I think that was one of the reasons why I decided not to have children.  I will not allow something that I hate to be allowed to be passed down to my kids.  They see and absorb so much,I didn't want that ugly thinking to be passed down to them.  My thoughts are, if you don't like something,change it or don't partake in it.  I don't want that way of thinking to continue so she can't instill it in my children if I don't have any to instill it in.

That's a huge part of why I decided not to have children either. *hugs* Try not to let her get to you, Curlgirl. You'll manage just fine on your own.

Angel, I will be interested to see if you feel the same way in 10 years.  You have not heard the biological clock yet...and believe me...it can get pretty loud and demanding!!!!

JD

group hug,girls!!!  Thanks,I'll be ok as long as I keep my emotions in check and do what I feel is right for me!

Curlgirl64 wrote on Jul 22^nd, 2007 at 8:15am:

I'm just trying to either accept what's going to happen or trying to figure out what to keep and what to get rid of and it will be because I want to get rid of it and then move into a place of my own.

I really do sympathise with your position Curlgirl64 ! I'm really sorry but it comes across as utterly unfair, cruel, selfish and hopelessly one-sided.

I don't know if my example is going to be of any help but it's worth a try. Although male and an only kid, I had very similar problems with my hateful dictatorial mother too. A permanent contest of wills from about 8 to 18 or so, however I knew that one day I would have the final say !

And when it finally did arrive I got a lot of (very satisfying !) mileage from about aged 35 onwards when visiting her ( as rarely as possible !) by deliberately denying her the things I knew she wanted. Attention for one plus other things I knew always irritated her, because the moment I got any lip (revenge was sweet !) I would say some or all of the following before I got up and walked out the door.... It almost became routine !!

"Look you can't have it both ways either you're a mother full time or not. You've had years to make up your mind. Being a mother is not a question of when it suits you or on the days you happen to feel like it, so don't expect any sympathy from me when you can't get around any more. You made your bed so go lie on it."  Door slammed really hard !! Then nothing for a good few months thank goodness as it always took me ages and ages to simmer down !

In other words forcing in her case to face up to her old age which she kept pushing aside and I think denying to herself would ever happen. She always ignored what I said for a long time but I knew the moment when it started to bite as she suddenly became for the first time ever a little whiney and looking for sympathy, which she never got because her underlying self-centred brick wall attitude never changed. Yet all she had to do at any time was break down and apologise genuinely etc. and we'd have been inseparable.  They always say that kids can tell when an adult is not being trustworthy and open and in my case it was true. Despite it being years and years later.... You just do not forget.

Yet she never did break down and became a lonely miserable old woman, especially when father died as she then had no-one to boss around any more. So our whole family lost....sadly.

Definitely not a nice thing to have to relate in public I know but at least I'd found my mental freedom. And that's what counted.

Ouch Cadie!  You know, I do remember to appreciate both my parents each day...but things like this remind me how much I should appreciate them.   I cannot imagine life without them (although in the not to distant future I will have to) for they are the one and only sure and safe thing in my life as long as they live.  To imagine that day brings me to tears...but to imagine the many who have never known that safety and security.... :'(

JD

I was very young when my parents got divorced and my mother was adamant about being a stay at home mother which was a decision that I'm very grateful for.  Anyway, without two incomes, she couldn't afford her own home so she applied for section 8.  Our home was very modest but it was located in a clean, quiet, safe neighborhood so it worked out fine.  Hopefully you can find section 8 housing in a nice area as well.  From what I understand this program often has a waiting list.  Even if in the end you decide to go in another direction, maybe you could look into getting on the list just so that option is available to you.

Have you thought about maybe just cohabitating with the man you're seeing?  I think marriage is a huge step and a whole other issue if you aren't in love, but maybe just living as roomates and splitting the expenses could be beneficial to you both.  It may prove tricky but I think if the two of you are honest with each other going into it so there aren't any expectations, it might be doable. :-/

Good luck with whatever you decide. :)

Quote:

I'll be ok as long as I keep my emotions in check and do what I feel is right for me!

That's right, sweetie. Don't let anybody else tell you what's right for you...the answers are already there.

Man, we need to start a cantankerous, control freak mothers club here. lol  ;D

Arcadian,

For me it is my father.  Right now he is sitting in the locked ward of a nursing home, believing that God is going to restore the eyesight lost due to retinal bleeding from the diabetes he neglected, the rotting stumps of teeth he didn't brush that will have to be cut from his mouth, the money he wasted on get-rich-quick schemes, the wife he neglected who left him to preserve her own sanity (and life, becuase if she had stayed with him she believes she would have killed herself) and the son who got so fed up with his denial of reality that he left him to his illusions.  Those who have successfullly ignored reality for 25 years become VERY good at it.  

I guess what I am trying to say is that sometimes parents NEVER face their circumstances.  When that happens, your priority becomes protecting others, yourself included.  While my father has dementia, he really has enough coherence and self-sufficiency to be in a less restrictive environment.  But I keep him locked up because otherwise he tries to go home, where he drives a motorcycle he can't see, and tries to cook on burners he forgets to turn off.  I can't protect him, because he doesn't care enough to protect himself.  So I protect the child he might hit while on that motorcycle, or the neighbor whose house is endangered when his burns.  

I told him if he would agree to selling his house I would find a less restrictive place.  He would rather sit in that home and cling to those illusions.  

(((((Hugs Curlygirl))))) Oh my lord! I understand as I moved out when I was 19 as my parents demands became unbearable. I had been saving for a year to move out on my own.  My parents had the money in there account and when I asked for the money to do a down payment on a place I found they had gambled away my $2,000 I worked two jobs for at the casino! >:( >:( I then had to move in with my boyfriend at the time ( he nearly killed me, but that's another story)  Your parents sound like mine were and I really feel for you. Hang in there love! http://smilies.sofrayt.com/1/950/bouquet.gif

Thank you all!!  I'm hanging in there!!  Section 8 is totally foreign to me because I grew up in the suberbs in a very nice home,fireplace,pool,own bedroom,get the pic????  When my parents got divorced when I was12 or 13,we(Mom,sister,brother and me) moved back to my mother's parents house in the city.  Very different life,crowded,noisier,worse school system,just very very different.  So this section 8 thing is morethan shell shock if I go with it and will require lots of research and homework.  Nothing I would shy away from!  It is different when you work and make less money than when you're in my boat and disabled and only get a certain amount on SSDI.  Doesn't stop me though from looking outside the box and try to do something other than sit and do nothing but collect a check.  I can't stand that when people do that! >:(  So all in all I'll hang in!
Funny though,my mom stayed at home when my sister and I were little in the 60's because she was married and you tried to stay at home and raise your family.  My brother was raised by my grandparents because he was 2 when my parents were getting ready for divorce.  If he could have been raised by anyone,I'd pick those 2!!  Nothing could be finer than the morals,ethics and the way to treat people that those grandparents instilled in all three of us.  I don't know what happened when they raised her with some of her totally ridiculous ways!!!  I think my grandmother dropped her on her head a few times! :P ::)
Anyway,it's just a time for a challenge and see what I can do!

Government programs are typically nightmares - as I am sure you already know.  SSDI is no easy program to get onto!  But Section 8 is out there to help people like you, so it should be worth a little investigation.  The idea is to provide affordable housing to people with fixed or limited income.  I wish I knew more about it to help you out more - I worked in the vocational areas and did not have to deal with the housing issues of my clients (but I certainly knew they were dealing with challenges!).  I would think that with your physical limitations, you might be on a different list (with better priorities) than those who are just welfare recipients that might qualify.  Naturally, you would want to make sure the housing is appropriately accessible for a wheelchair.  

Thank you,BB!  Yes I think wheelchair accessible is something to think about down the road.  I may always use a cane and occasionally a scooter,but you never know what the future holds!!!  It's a shame that alot of section 8 is typically in bad neighborhoods or poorly equipted buildings.  I might have better luck looking for section 8 that is in a private home.  People do have 2 or 3 family homes and rent out their apts to section 8 because they get a subsidy from the government to do so.    Just another option,thank god,to put on the list to think about!!!!

Went to Linens  and Things yesterday with my mother.  Why I don't know,I can't buy anything;not that I need anything,but what's the point????  Anyway,it was good to get outside and relax!  I'm starting to see a decline in their quality of merchandise.  The bath towels looked like something the "cat dragged in"!  Maybe Bed,Bath and Beyond is farring much better.
Went for a manicure and pedicure yesterday.  Always nice to pamper yourself when you can.  I usually do my own french manicure and it comes out quite well,but yesterday I just wanted someone else to do a mani and pedi for me.
Today maybe I'll do some more laundry.  Did a superlarge load yesterday. Sheets and towels today??  Supposed to rain today,Sat., and Sun.  Oh well:(  I don't have the pup until Sat.4pm so I'll take advantage of the downtime ;)
Hair today is in a braid.  It's humid,I can't be bothered fussing!  Yesterday was a bun with ketylo sticks.  Humid also,but sunny,too so I need to get my hair up and feel cooler.
It worked.
Off to breakfast now!  Birds are still sleeping,thank God!!  I did my Pilates early this morning,showered,dressed and ready for coffee with soymilk,juice,oatmeal with cinnamon and craisins!!! ;D

The good thing about the situation with your mother and the move is you have plenty of time to consider alternatives and find a logical solution.

(that sounds a little Vuncanish, even to my ears!)   :)

lol!,Thanks,Trisha!  btw,I forgot to tell you the sunscreen in the Southern Magnolia Minerals is all natural!  How could I forget to mention that since I constantly use or am on the look out for all natural things??!!! :o

I made salmon for dinner last night and had tomato salad,pasta with red sauce,wine and veggies.  With the salmon I used olive oil,onions,capers,wine,lemon juice,parsley,dill,onion powder,garlic powder,paprika,chili powder(don't ask!) It was good.
This morning was so hot and humid and disgusting!!  My hair looked like something the "cat dragged in"!  I don't even own a cat and it resembled something that a cat would drop at the feet of its owner!!! :P :o  I had to wash my hair,there was no way I could live with the frizz!  I had braided it the night before so at least it wasn't totally unmanagable!  I used a shampoo bar that was vegan(something I got off e-bay a few months ago),had all the good oils and lavendar in it!  Skipped the ACV and just used Pantene conditioner for curly hair.  Don't know exactly which one,but it gave me the right amount of slip and I was able to manage my hair alot easier!!  Up in a bun and then I braided it hours later.  All is well on the hair saga side,lol!!
I put some yarn lots on e-bay last night.  I put 2 auctions up for 7 days and starting bids at 99cents each.  No watchers,but about 30 people looked at it since last night.  Not too bad;since they're on less than 24 hours.  It would be great if there were some bids!!!  I'm hopeful ::)
My "teach yourself to knit kit arrived today!!!  Hooray!!!!  I don't like the reading instructions part though.  I think I do much better when there is a visual or someone gives verbal instructions.  Because what the book say and what the diagrams show are two totally different things!  It figures!
I already know I hate purl.  I like knit.  I don't hold the yarn as they instruct you to do.  It looks and feels retarded.  That is the best way I can describe it.  I also am the first to admit that I cast on retarded.  I don't think I have ever seen anyone cast on the way I do.  I'm comfortable with the technique and it's probably the way I do it because I've been crocheting for a while.  My chemise is almost done.  I'll post a pic when it's finished.  The straps are the only thing left and once again the instructions are not what the picture looks like.
Champ is here and sleeping.  So I'll take advantage of that and practice knitting.  I'm also making a crocheted tunic.  I think it's the side-to-side tunic pattern on Lion Brand's website.  I wanted something simple,easy and a no- brainer.  This is it!  As for the knitting,I know I have to crawl,walk and then run,but I'm anxious to have the click of the knitting needles sound smooth and feel the flow!!!  Right now,allyou hear is me curse when I drop a stitch or get pissed when I follow the directions and the end result looks so horrible,it's embarrassing to admit I knit that garbage!!!!  I know patience,patience!!!!  I hear the needles calling me!!! Later!

We're getting down to the wire on my 4 auctions on ebay!  I put them up for 7 days and I've got 3 days left.  No bids,but 7 watchers.  All yarn lots.  I have way too much yarn,I mean way too much :o!  I think I could open a small store!  Now I've got over 50 sets of knitting needles from an auction that I won last week.  There's newones coming though ::)  I'm gonna learn how to knit and be good at it,if it takes me a year and a day to do it!!!  I love crocheting though.  I'm making a cowl neck tunic right now and hopefully it will be done withing 2 weeks,if I keep at it everyday.
The dog crate came today for Champ!!  I put it together and let my own pup go in and check it out.  It is HUGE!!!!  I almost had to send in a search party for my pup!!! :P  I think it got the seal of approval from her because she rolled around and scratched at the padding!  A good sign.
Anyway,my brother is off to Chicago after doing a 24 hour tour Wed. into Thurs.  He's going to catch a ball game with my unlce and cousin.  So I'll have Champ for  5 or more days!!!  If this doesn't kill me I don't know what will ::)!
More later!

AUGUST????? Blah,it's too sticky,hot,humid ::) let me know when Fall is finally coming.  Today starts a heatwave here on the eastcoast in my neck of the woods.  90 and better for the week.  I'd rather drink straight lemon juice!!!!!!  This heat today has been to say the least oppressive!!!!!!!!!!!  Glad I'm inside with a/c.  My electric bill will look like a phone bill,but it's too hot!!!!!!!!!!  
One thing that does keep me occupied is this crazy puppy's always getting into trouble!!!!!!!!!!  I swear he is a 2 year old human child in dog's clothing!!!!!!!!!!

Another hot humid one today!!  The thought of a cold tub sounds pretty good even at 5am!!!  I hope the heat breaks soon so I can atleast open the windows and let the fresh air in!  That's if I don't get that putrid smoke coming in from next door! >:(  The old man is a peach,but his smoking habit is....I can't even have words for it!!!
I've been lighting alot of Japanese incense lately.  Whooping Crane by Nippon Kodo is absolutely wonderful!!  Coconut Sky,Vanilla,Cafe,White Plum and Aqua have been smelling great!!!  I think once you try Japanese incense you won't want to burn anything else!
On the crochet and knitting front..........I'm working on the sleeves of the sweater right now.  The body is together,but it's hard to do a sweater when it's the dead of summer!!
New knitters usually "drop" stitches,not me!!  I've been adding on!  Don't know where they come from,but I'll stick with it and continue to practice!!!
3 out of 4 auctions have sold on e-bay!!  yippee!!!  The 4 th one is over in 4 hours.  2 lookers,no bidders.  Oh well!  I did win an auction for this pretty rose color yarn that's sport weight(light) and it''s merino wool and alpacka. That's nice and not itchy!  I'm going to crochet a pretty lacy deep v-neck cardigan after the sweater and finishing that camisole!!  Those straps on the camisole are horrid!!  I've got to figure out how to change that pattern and make them look nice.
Gotta run!

It's true about japanese incense!  I use to burn one called Koyto Autumn and when I went back to Indian incense I had to get use to it again ( cough, wheeze).  Your knitting too!  I'm making some legwamers for dancing. ;) adding on stiches eh? Your picking up to much wool -- what you can do is count how many stiches you should have then knit two together till you have the right amount!  Good luck! 8-)

thank you!  I still can't get the holding of my yarn right though :-[  it is definately not like crochet yarn holding!!  Leg warmers,arm warmers and fingerless gloves are on my list.  I'd love to see a pic of yours when you're done*wishing* :)

Knitting!!  My favorite relaxation therapy!  Do you hold your yarn with your right or left hand?  As a crocheter - you might find it easiest to carry it with your left hand and "pick" it with the right hand needle instead of throwing the yarn with your right hand.  That's how I knit.  While on vacation I worked on my mystery lace shawl, finished a pair of socks, and knit 2 beanie hats.

Keep practicing, I'm sure you will become proficient quickly.

Thanks,BB!  I hold the yarn with my left hand while I hold the crochet hook with my right.  Holding the yarn with my left hand while I try to knit is not only fustrating,i either have to wrap it under or over my index finger depending on whether I'm knitting or pearling!!! ::)  It feels very foreign and difficult so I'll try your suggestion and see how it feels.  I'm still adding on stitches instead of dropping them,like a lot of new knitters do though.  Go figure!!! ::)
You've been busy,too!  Wonderful you finished the socks and beanies!  Hopefully my chemisole/chemise and the sweater I've been working on will be done within a week.  I frogged one of the sleeves because I didn't like the way it looked.  So back to sleeves!!

The most common reasons for adding stitches is that you are either splitting the yarn to create two new stitches or you are picking up a stitch from the row below (this would typically happen on the wrong side when purling).  One way to check for this is to have a contrasting colored string that you weave between the stitches every 5 or 10 stitches.  On the next row, make sure that you still have that same number of stitches when you come to the spot where the string is between the stitches again.  I use this technique with my lace knitting - it makes it easier to count my stitches and verify that I have not dropped or added a stitch in the wrong place.  

If you can take a picture of your knitting in an area where you think you added a stitch, I might be able to better identify what you are doing.

Keep practicing!

It looks so horrific that I'd be afraid you'd scream and hide!!!  I've been practicing and ripping everything out. Re-doing it,too.  
All the weird stuff happens to me,not other people though!  I've been adding on a stitch on the first row right after casting on.  If I cast on 10 or 20 stitches,I knit all to the right needle and count.  Viola!!!  I've got either 11 or 21!  Too bad they're not $100 bills!!  lol!!  Hopefully when it is alittle more presentable; and you can make heads or tails out of it,I will send you a pic.  Hopefully later this afternoon or tonight.  Thanks for wanting to take a look!

I'd never run and hide!  ;D  What kind of cast on method are you using.  Is it possible that you are not counting the first stitch - the slip knot - and you are really casting on one too many?  (I've been known to do that way too many tmes!).  That first row is always a tough one to knit.  I usually use a needle that is one or two sizes larger than I will be knitting with.  

send me your pic and Ill see if I can identify anything for you.

lol!!I'd run and hide from my knitting at this point!!  I count the slip knot as a first stitch.  I cast on by wrapping the yarn around my index finger and slip the needle under and through the loop on my finger.  It's unconventional to do it this way,but I found out my mother does it this way and the lady at Boye I talked to about the "I taught myself to knit booklet" that I have;she also does it that way.  It's just easier for me.  Possibly what's happening is that when I get to the last cast on stich to knit,I'm somehow sepeating the slip knot into two seperate stitches to knit.  Crazy,I know,but this is me we are talking about,so anything is possible!  lol  I will send a pic or pics to you to show you and see if you can figure this out!!!  Since it's about 2 a.m.(hey,what am I doing out of bed so late?)I'll  take some later when the pup is either sleeping or playing.  I am so tired from having him for 5 days and trying to take care of all my other pets,that it is no wonder I can type straight!!!

Somebody please have a serious talk with the weather gods!!!  There was a tornado in Bayridge last night,about a 10 minute car drive from me.  We never ever get tornados up here!!! :o  Lots of trees down,roofs blown off people's houses,power out.  This weather seems to get crazier and crazier!  
Hair up in a bun today with SugarStix.  It's 96 degrees outside and my mother decides to take a car trip to Costco's!! ::)  The car's a/c decided it was not a good idea and said so on the way home when the gauge read 200!!!  I told her either Freeon(?) or water.  So much for a VW!!!  Ice water on my wrists,carotid arteries and ankles was needed as soon as I got home!  This heatwave is no joke!  My MS symptoms really get out of hand with this heat.  I'm staying in until the Fall!!!!

Yuk.  Weather sounds uncomfortable.

I have to tell you though, I am hating all this talk about fall.  I am not fond of fall.  While the leaves are beautiful, is signifies the coming of winter, freezing temperatures, freezing rain, snow and 8 hours of sunlight in a day.  Depression time for JD.  Sigh.  Not to mention I am sure my dogs will not survive the winter.  Sigh.

JD

oh JD!  I didn't mean to give you sad thoughts :(!  Maybe this Fall will be happy for you!  I'm hoping that for you ;)

;D Don't worry.  I still have another few weeks of fun and maybe this year will be better.  One can only hope!!

JD

:)

Boy,time is flying!  Have had the past 2 days to myself without puppysitting!!  I miss him,but not the messes!!  In that time I managed to do 4 loads of laundry,clean the floors and then microfiber clean them(3),make more carpet freshner,crochet,knit and just finished making warm brown sugar whipped body butter!!  Man oh man my apartment smells soooooooo  goooood!!! ;D    All that's left to do with that is put the shrink wrap on the jars and shrink away!!!!  One of the girls from the dentist office stopped by to buy 2 more jars of whipped body butter.  I wasn't outside more than 10 minutes  when these evil truck size mosquitos went on an eating frenzy,on me!!!  Ouch!!!!  I got bit about 7 or 8 times.  Not little bumps either.  It looks like I've got golf balls on my arms,hands,legs,jeez they were hungry!!!! >:(  I'm not going outside for a looooooong time!!!!
I think tomorrow will be a shampoo and conditioner day.  Champ is here at 4pm and leaves Wed. at maybe 6pm.  Oh well,the mini-vacation is coming to a close soon! :(

Pls explain microfiber cleaning the floors.  And I would love to hear about your carpet deodorizer.  I just use baking soda.

Sorry your holiday is coming to an end.  Poor you.

JD

Microfiber pads are used with water.  Wet the pad with water,wring it out,use the special mop for it and starting cleaning!!!  Clean without chemicals.  Everything comes out clean and no worries of chemicals left behind that your pets or toddlers can get on themselves!  I swear by them!
I use washing soda and a few drops of peppermint e/o,put in a zip lock bag and mix it up.  Sprinkle on the rugs,leave it for about 15 minutes to 1/2 hours,vacuum it up.  Smells good!!!!
Baking soda can be used also,if you want instead of the washing soda.  They are processed differently but both  absorb odors.

Hair:  washed with shampoo bar,twice.  Conditioned with Pantene conditioner for curls and oiled with camelia oil and used aloe vera gel.  Let it air dry and had wonderful spiral curls!!!!!!  Too hot though so I had to put it up in a ponytail by 3pm:(oh well!
Puppy is here at 4pm until 6pm tomorrow........I'm already burnt out!  It's only 6pm.  
Almost done with the second sleeve on the crocheted sweater!  Hooray!!!  It takes so long!!!  If it comes out nice,I'll make it using Lion Brand Wool-Ease.  It takes about 7 skeins at $4.99 each so I'll budget for that in a month or two.
I'm knitting a scarf with Plymouth Encore Worsted weight and really like the bamboo needles I'm using for it.  Also working on the lacy cardigan with silk/angora/mohair yarn.  Too time consuming because the yarn keeps splitting.    
House still smells nice with warm vanilla sugar fragrance oil I used that night to make the whipped body butter.  Don't want to think about what the house will smell like after the pup leaves though!!! :o

I finished the crocheted tunic sweater yesterday!!!  Finally! Man it took awhile!  I'll post a pic later today of it.
Still working on the crocheted lacy cardigan.  That will take forever I think! :-/ ::)  There are 4 pages of instructions for it! :o  It was too nice looking to pass up though.  I'm making an extra small for myself.  The pattern goes up to a I think a 2x.  Imagine if I was making that size,it would really take me forever to make!!  I think if it comes out well, I will make that size and either sell it or make it as a gift for someone.
Went to the doctor's yesterday for blood work.  Had to put the pup in his "condo" pet crate while I went,that's another story!!
In my family you have all these horrific digusting diseases and live to be older than dirt!!!  
I'm what you would call a Pescatarian.  I have to eat fish for the Omega 3's and 6's for the MS otherwise I'd be a vegan.  I pretty much consider myself a vegan and eat that way except for the fish,which is for medical reasons.  Anywho,had blood work done because my papertrail in bloodwork shows that my total cholesterol is high,my LDL is high and my HDL is low!!!  I expect this nonsense because that's just my luck and the way things go for me.  I have the opposite reaction to things and events that the regular person would have.  I have eaten my special oatmeal 6 out of 7 days a week for many many years,before the hype came about of eating oatmeal to lower your cholesterol.  It has absolutely no effect on me.  I still have a total of 204.  That was 6 months ago.  I'm expecting the same or near the same number with yesterday's bloodwork.  It's one of the things inherited in my family.  Another reason,maybe small and way down on the list of not having kids to pass this problem onto!  Migraines,varicose veins,high blood pressure,low blood pressure,the list goes on and on!!!!!!  Both my parents have or had migraines and it is a condition passed on to your children.  If I knew that the pain and suffering of that could and would be passed onto to my kids,knowing me,I would not have kids!  Anyone suffering wih sinus or migraine headaches knows what pain I'm talking about!!  I think I stopped getting migraines when I gave up dairy,meat and processed foods about 20 yers ago.  I used to get them every 2 or 3 months,like clockwork.  Now a sinus headache maybe every 4 or  5 months!  Still close to a migraine,but the only differnce is with a migraine I would think if I threw myself down the stairs and hit my head,the pain would be different.  With a sinus headache,I'm more likely to do nadi sudi and work it out of my system!
Enough babble!!!!  Coffee and oatmeal are waiting to be made!!! More later and a pic of the sweater!

let's see how this came out.   http://i11.tinypic.com/54058ac.jpg

Whelp,didn't I say my pics are larger than life??? ;D  Ya have to scroll around abit,but the sweater is there......in there......somewhere,lol!  I can't seem to make these pics small,so the site called tinypic is ridiculous!!!  That's another thing to work on! ::)

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x306/Arcadiana/54058ac.jpg

:-*thank you Arcadian!

Such a lovely sweater, dear.  Well done!!   :)

Thank you,Trisha! ;)

Awesome Sweater!  I love the neck, so cuddlie!!

:-*thanks,hon!  It took it seems like forever,but it's done!  Can't wait to make it in another color though.  I think either a,um I don't know,a deep plum,wine or a deep coral or salmon......I've got time before winter sets in!!  I do have to make a poncho for my mother's friend though.  They belong to a group in the Red Hat Society,so it will be deep purple and red.  I'll post a pic of that when it's done.
So I've got the lacey cardigan going,the never ending camisole and for knitting I'm doing a scarf.  Just started a pair of arm warmers in a pattern I saw that I liked.  Not crazy for the yarn,but it they come out nice I'll get the yarn that I want for them.

I made a swater and coat in the same way!  The coat took eons to complete and sadly did not fit me so I donated it. http://smilies.sofrayt.com/1/b/shades.gif.  There is a book author I met years ago in New York who has some really neat knitting and crochet books.  His name is Kaffe Fassett and does awsome things with wool. He even had a TV show at one point.  I had one of his crochet books and loved it.  Can't remember the name but it was all crochet and was really neat! ;)

Thanks for the info.  I will look up his name and see if I can find one of his books on Amazon,Barnes and Noble or Walden Books!  Can't have too many books on crochet or knitting,can you? ;)

Love the sweater!  :D  But I think we need to see a picture of it on YOU!   ;D  Great job.  :: mutter mutter....must get back to work on my mystery stole... mutter.. mutter...mutter::

thanks,BB!  I did try on the sweater and was disappointed that it didn't fit right across the upper front chest and shoulders :(  I'll work on someone taking a pic and show you though(I might be hiding my face because it actually looks better off than on! ;D

Ok,shock among all shocks to me,I got the blood work back and the total cholesterol is 179!!!  Woo Hoo(happy dance while dog and birds look at me like I've lost my mind!)
The HDL is good and the LDL is alittle high,109(below 100 is good)  the white cell count is very low,2.9.  I expected that because of the meds.  What I'm wondering is if I'm at the lowest dose and am supposed to take the normal higher dose soon,does it knock me out of the pic because of the low white cell count????hmmmm.  I went on the lower dose because of that in the first place.
All other stuff,sugar,thyroid and liver panel are just fine.  Blood pressure was I think 100 over 70.  When I was running it was 90 over 60.  I liked that.
All in all everything is ok.  Got a reprieve from the pup for a few days.  He'll be back for a little while on Thurs. and Fri. while my brother goes to 2 firefighter's funeral's.  (two lost their lives while battling a fire at Deutsch Bank in lower Manhattan)
Started crocheting arm warmers as Christmas gifts for the ladies in the family.  All other projects are going along as planned.  Been using the fun fur on some of the cuffs and it looks nice.  Pic to come soon!!!!

The arm warmers with the fun fur sounds cute - you must post pics!  I used some fun fur on a tote that I felted.  I was surprised at how nice it turned out.  The wool felted up great and the fur stayed fuzzy and cute.

I heard about the fire in the Deutsch Bank - what a shame that anyone had to lose their life in a building that is being demolished.

I would like to see them too! 8-)  I wanted to give them a try as well.  Do you do them on four needles?

I crocheted the arm warmers.  Haven't tried to knit them yet,but I will eventually!! ::)  Still practicing my knit and purl stitches ::)  I really like the bamboo knitting needles I'm using to make a scarf,but the four needles and circular and double pointed are making me sweat!!!  When I'm comfortable with single needles,I'll be buggin BB for some tips!!!
I'll take pics right now of the warmers and post tonight!!

http://i18.tinypic.com/6bkn6v4.jpg
there are three sets,but try as I might I can not make this pic smaller.  My theory is correct,"follow instructions or a recipe and you will screw it up!"  

Those are so cute!  Love the furry ends. 8-)

thanks!  I put red fun fur on the red ones,too!

I was wondering if you could post the instructions for the arm warmers?  I would love to give them a try! ;)

Love them!  :D  Here's a smaller version of the picture you can use:

http://pic16.picturetrail.com/VOL638/4882395/12393877/273773266.jpg

thanks,BB!  How'd you do that????
Lisabelle,which one do you want?  One has an opening for the thumb and one doesn't.  I could post the two for you if you'd like.  Let me know!

Curlgirl64 wrote on Aug 23^rd, 2007 at 3:21pm:

thanks,BB!  How'd you do that????

I use PictureTrail to store photos online.  It is a free service and it automatically resizes pictures.  And as an extra bonus, they give you the URL with the image tags!

Curlgirl64 wrote on Aug 23^rd, 2007 at 3:21pm:

thanks,BB!  How'd you do that???? Lisabelle,which one do you want?  One has an opening for the thumb and one doesn't.  I could post the two for you if you'd like.  Let me know!

I'll take both!  Thanks so much! 8-)

Ok!  I'll PM you tomorrow with the patterns(I added the fun fur myself to the pattern,but will include how to do that also) ;)

Curlgirl64 wrote on Aug 23^rd, 2007 at 9:36pm:

Ok!  I'll PM you tomorrow with the patterns(I added the fun fur myself to the pattern,but will include how to do that also) ;)

Awesome! ;)

Time is just flying by!  Just when you think you have a second to breathe,someone shows up!  Aunt Flo decided to show up 2x this month!!! Oy!  First in the beginning of the month and now at the end of the month!  Is there a break in sight?!
Onto hair stuff!
Last night I decided to do a deep conditioner with Pantene Pro V Moisture Replenishing Mask on dry hair.  My soaked it right up!  I then used Babbasu oil on the lenght and especially the ends.  Quick douse of water,wide toothed combed slowly and carefully,all goes in a microfiber twisty towel.  I slept with that on from about 10pm-5:30am.  I rinsed it out in the shower and then shampooed 2x with a shampoo bar.  I decided to use Pantene Pro-V daily moisture renewal hydration coditioner on the length and ends.  I used alittle too on my head.  Didn't wait more than 1 minute to rinse.I let my hair air dry(which it's still doing).  So far it's very curly and soft.  I'll do a S&D later.
Think I'll have to measure early next week since I washed today and didn't have a chance to measure due to the puppy coming.
I think I'll be moving to South Carolina quicker than anticipated.  My mom came back from a week down to say she doesn't think she can handle another winter up here.  She's always sad to come home because the people are soooo nice down there and it's cleaner and a better quality of life.  I already knew southern hospitality was exceptional,but I think she's really getting a taste of it!  I have a lot of mixed emotions with this.  I'm going down next month for 5 days,after my sister's birthday and before mine.  I think I found a pet sitter for my dog and birds.  That's another story!  I don't go on vacations because I made that choice when I got my dog and birds.  I knew that was a sacrifice to be made and I gladly made it.  No kennels.  So a pet sitter is needed.
I wrote enough.  Later I'll hit on the yard sale that is supposed to happen for who knows howmany weekends!!!

I went today to my grandmother's home attendant's home for a prayer service.  The lady is Indian and she was the one who told me where to go to get a salwar kameez for my cousin's wedding last month.  My mother and I caught the last 1/2 hour of the Hindu mass at her home.  I wish I would gotten there sooner(traffic,grrrrrr)because the incense,flowers and saris were all so beautiful.  I remember some of the words from my yoga teacher training and felt very comfortable and curious about this prayer service.
The food was mostly vegetarian and spicy.  Fine by me!!  I was able to eat things there without milk,dairy,meat,honey,butter....a vegan's dream!!!  Most of the ladies have long hair so it was a long hair sighting of many long hairs for me!  I had my hair down except for a small portion of it in a bun.  I got a lot of compliments on my hair,made me feel good!
Thought I'd have a free day without the pup,but my brother called and said the firehouse needed guys to work,so he was pulling an extra 15 hours.  So as I type the pup is sleeping by me and my dog is sleeping under my Poing chair where I sit to crochet or knit.  
The weather was very cooperative today regarding low humidity.  Let's see about tomorrow and whether I wear a braid or keep my hair up in a bun.  After that deep conditioning my hair is very full and curly,so it's hard to get it in a bun.  
Still need to try to set up some time for S&D.  I did not see many splits though,good thing.
More later.

My theory stands true!!!  Follow a recipe or directions and it won't come out right!  I'll probably just get rid of the ticker because there really isn't anything I like there anyway.  I'm pretty much at tailbone length anyway,depending on how my hair is measured.  So give or take 1 or 2 months I surpass that or just right past it.  

I hear ya bout the ticker.  Mine is for weight loss....ok, ok...I have been very undisciplined and it is my fault as I did not set times...just to lose it.  LOL, I notice it isn't really showing up though.  Maybe the ticker place gave up on me...okay, wanted to laugh but for me it is not so funny!!

JD

Got it fixed with the suggestion of "one little birdie" who sent me a message!  Thanks! ;)
JD,you're gonna be fine,goals set or not.  It's all in your actions!  You can say anything,but doing is a different story.  I know you'll do what you set out to do!  You just go girl!!

Hey Curly, tell your birdy friend I would love the same help...although I am shaming myself as I am not disciplined enough.  BUT...I am starting running with a buddy next week and biking and I know this buddy is reliable since I originally trained them  Hopefully the tables will turn as you suggested.  In the meantime, at least I am back at work full time and running my house.  This girl HAS come a long way since I signed up with LL.   Thanx to you all!!  And thank you Curly for your vote of confidence!!!

JD

My pleasure,sista!!

Hey Curly, I am going to back track a few weeks to when you said about doing your carpets with baking soda and essential oils.  I had heard of it before but always been unsure.  I thought the essential oils would only cause lumps in the baking soda...as opposed to diffusing.  I tried it to tonight and I am thrilled!!!!  I used peppermint in the main part of the house (to stimulate me and keep me moving) and lavender down the hall and in my bedroom.  It smells GREAT!!!  Thank you sooooooo much for your idea!!!  I used plain baking soda once a week for years around here.  Now I am in love with your idea!!!  I am even going to start a thread about it!!

JD

You're welcome,JD!  I use peppermint in my little carpet area before going up the stairs to my apt. and I use mandarin orange in one of my mother's rooms(rarity that it has carpet,parque everwhere else)  I love,love,love the smell,too!!

ok,so maybe it wasn't such a good idea to wash today since it is kinda humid outside.....but I did it anyway.  For about an hour my hair looked fine while air drying,but then the frizz started to set in.  No aloe vera gel is gonna calm this down unless I deep condition it tonight and hope for the best.  Where is the fall weather when I need it???????
On a brighter note,last night I had a guy come over that lives on my block for coffee.  He actually grew up with the brother of one of my closest girlfriends so I knew already that he was gonna be a gentleman.  Not only did he bring soy milk,he brought me a big beautiful bouquet of flowers and organic wine.  I find that sooooo nice and thoughtful.  I had been talking to him whenever I was sitting on my stoop with my dog and he was always friendly and polite.  Last night was no different.  He even washed the dishes and cups!!!!  Talk about over the top!  
He's growing his hair long again so that's a plus too for us long hairs! :)  He said the longest he had his hair was just past his tailbone.  I've got to see a pic so I'll ask if he has any.  The only reason he cut it was because his infant son at the time kept pulling on it and it turned into a hassle.  That was 19 years ago,so time to grow it again!!!!
Anyway,here's the hair part.  I had to check the LL site while he was here just to show him around abit and he asked to see my hair down.  He usually sees me either in a bun or single braid.  So I took it out of the bun and I got the best head massage ever!!!!  That was so cool!!!  All innocent,mind you :)I filled him in on oils and combs and brushes and a whole lot of hair info.  All in all the evening was very nice to share with a fellow lover of long hair! ;)

Whoooaaa, Curlgirl! Woohoo! lol

That sounds like a dream. All I can say is you go, girl! It's got to be great to have a real live friend who shares your passion for long hair in addition to your long-haired family here.  :)

:-*I'm proud of my long haired family on LL,Angel!  Gotta really try to help this one do things right!  You see so many with long hair that just don't either take care of it or don't know how.

Ok, not only is this guy going to cook vegan for me on Saturday,I am going over to his place tomorrow to help him make marinara sauce and can it!  Pasta Dinner(whole wheat pasta) is the thank you he'd like to make me.  The menu is probably pasta,salad,a dessert wine,coffee and soy milk.  I have a sneaky suspicion that Purely Decadent(soy ice cream) is also on the menu!  Hmmmmm,sounds pretty good!  I wonder what he has planned for Saturday's dinner!  Stayed tuned!!!!!

Mama mia...  ;)

ok,here's an update!!!  "C"(as I will call him)came by to pick me up at alittle before 1 and we walked over to his place.  We didn't make the sauce,however,we did make pasta together after the tour of his apartment.  I was touched that he went through so much trouble to make it "presentable"as he refers to it.  I could tell he really wanted things to go well and smoothly.  They did,but I didn't want him to think that things were so easy and he could just not care about being proper and such!  I was really touched that he made such an effort as making a good first impression.  All the shopping he did was buying all things fresh and organic and he really wanted to make sue I was comfortable.  We watched CSI Miami and Crssoing Jordan and things were very relaxed and layed back.  It really went nicely.  He walked me home and called a couple of hours later to say he had a really nice time and was looking forward to Saturday.  Not to sound abrupt,but,guys will almost bust a gut to,let's say,"why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free"! lol  I enjoy the effort emensly and do like the attentiveness though!!  lol  Not to say I "wanna see him sweat",but I will!!!  Anything worth getting is worth waiting for,so he's going to have to "wine and dine" me if he wants to see where this possible relationship is going!  All of this aside,it was nice to get out for a few hours and enjoy someone's company that was the four legged kind!!!  He was a gentleman and I did appreciate that!  Let's see about Saturday!  I hear that Japanese is on the menu if he doesn't  make sauce,but either way it sounds like a good date is in store.  Possibly one of his closest friends and his wife may come by.  
More of the twists and curls of a Curlgirl are to come!!! ;)

Kudos to him for behaving as a proper gentleman should, and for you (too) expecting gentlemanly behavior from him!   [smiley=thumbup.gif]

Thanks,sweetie! ;)  You know the saying,"when it rains,it pours"....well,this is not a bad thing,but I was getting dressed getting ready for my brother to pick me up so I could stream clean his carpets.  (Ya know better than to lend anything to your brother because you'll either never get it back or get it back broken!! :-X )  any who,the phone is ringing,the doorbell is ringing,the dog barking,the birds screaming....get the picture???  I throw on a bathrobe and make my way downstairs to open the door to this huge,I mean huge baske of flowers!!!  There are legs beneath it and it starts talking!!!!  It was so huge that the delivery person was hidden by its enormity!!!!!  I was so shocked,pleased and speechless,all at the same time!!!!  This is from the girl who is never at a loss for words!  I gotta post a pic of these so you can see this!  These flowers were because he had such a nice time yesterday(that's what the card said.)  Can't wait to see what happens tomorrow on our "official date
http://i6.tinypic.com/4um9v7b.jpg

Beautiful flowers, I love it!  I love the fact that he is such a gentleman and treats you so sweetly!  Men like that are quite rare these days, enjoy every moment!!!!  (((hugs)))

WOAH, those are some awesome flowers !!  :o  

You are one lucky woman, Curlgirl! ;D

thanks you ,Juri!  The fun is now in the "chase" and the "courting".  He has my attention( :o,like flowers don't deserve some recognition?)let's see his "style" on courting a woman!!!

lol, I think those flowers would get anyone's attention. I look forward to seeing how things progress. Good luck!!

me,too!lol  Stay tuned ;)

ok,hair first.  I washed with Prairieland Herbs shampoo bar,Pinion Leaf for dry hair and then used my recipe for ACV.  It has sage and rosemary in it.  My hair likes!!!  Less shedding,more curls and no frizz!!  Hooray!  I then oiled the ends and alittle of the length with Camellia Oil(I'm going to be so sad when I run out of that!! :() used a little Aloe Vera Gel and air dried.  I'm liking this end result very much.  I used a hairfork that I picked up on Ebay months ago,it's made out of wood from Bethlehem.  Works well for me.
On that positive note.....last night's date went very well.  He was a gentleman and a perfect host.  He came by my mother's house and had flowers and chocolate for her(nice brownie points,although she is not swayed by this!)(Good for her,too)She dropped him off at the Japanese Restaurant to pick up dinner for us walked back to pick me up.  THe evening was very very enjoyable and we both are anxious for the next date!  So, all in all this turned out very nice and we both are anticipating a very nice start to whatever and wherever this relationship can go!!

Today was such a whirlwind!  I did manage to oil my hair though with camillia oil.  I had done a little S&D the day before,but didn't get a chance to today.  Between a cleaning lady coming to my mother's house( I always seem to have to baby sit any cleaner that comes and not even get any cleaning done myself!)  I don't appreciate it or like it that my mother tries to work it that I have to be there to supervise everytime her house is cleaned while she runs around.  I can't sit there and waste time because I work against the clock and have to take advantage of when I do feel good enough to clean my own place,I've gotta strike while the iron is hot!!!  Anyway,lost an hour there,but it didn't set me back too far from cleaning up after Champ had left.  Sometimes people don't understand that when he leaves,I've got about an hour and half of cleaning up after him.  I have to,bare minimum,microfiber my bathroom,kitchen and living room.  Boxer's shed and I need to just feel the floor is clean when he goes.  My bichone doesn't shed and the cleaning up aspect of it for her is different.  
I put my hair up in a bun and was going over to C's place to relax and just share some time with him.  
The day before he had gone shopping with his son and wanted me to meet him outside when he was on his way home.  I did and he had bought me something while he was out!  He had a Sephora bag for me and said he thought he got something I would really like.  He was right!!  He had gotten me a bottle of Amazing Grace cologne!  I either wear Amazing Grace or Heart by Garden Botanika.  I also wear oils,too.  I thought that was so thoughtful and sweet!!
I wanted to do something for him so I ordered Japanese incense and found watermelon scented soy tealights that I hope he'll love.  So when they come in the mail I'll wrap everything up and surprise him.  I had gotten incense holders and various kinds of incense so I'm hoping he'll reall like it!!

Curlgirl64 wrote on Sep 18^th, 2007 at 2:39am:

The day before he had gone shopping with his son and wanted me to meet him outside when he was on his way home.  I did and he had bought me something while he was out!  He had a Sephora bag for me and said he thought he got something I would really like.  He was right!!...

Wow, that was really nice of him! I don't know how much Amazing Grace costs, but since it's from Sephora, I can imagine. Flowers and perfume?! Whatta guy.  :)

Man, this is so cool...it's like our own little storybook romance or something!   ;D  I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you!   :)

WOW Curlgirl - you've got a real romancer on your hands!  You deserve every bit of it.  Enjoy!

thanks,BB!  I am ;)  Today we started blanching tomatoes for marinara sauce(which he's still slaving over)  It's a fun time and we are just enjoying it! :)

Thank you LaDiosa,Juri and Trisha!!!  This is fun!  It'll be interesting to see how it plays out!

I had my first experience with the original remixed Dawn of the Dead.  I think that was it.  There were so many tapes being popped in and out last night,who knows what I saw!! :-[ :-/ Anyway,went to a couples place last night that were friends of C's.  This is the couple that came over last week to "hang out with us" at C's place.  The other close couple of C's was there,too.  So with a bunch of their kids,home made Chai tea(with Soy Milk) we all watched this movie!  The night was really nice.  I was flattered that C wants me to get to know his friends and be part of the group.  Things are going really well  I'm glad.  I'm just so tired!!  Got home early enough(10pm),but C stayed to talk and relax.  Before you know it,it was midnight!
I'm back to bed!  Before I go though....some hair stuff!
I washed twice with PrairielandHerbs shampoo bar( I really like this bar!)my hair does,too!  Rinsed with a vinegar rinse infused with rosemay and sage,oiled with camellia oil and aloe vera gel.  I know,boring!!!!  What can I say,most of the time I have "wash and go hair"!  I think today I need to make more ACV.

The backyard brunch on Sunday at my friend's house went well.  C made 3 pounds of whole wheat organic pasta to go with the sauce we worked on a few days before.  I made my apple crisp and had doubled the recipe.  It all went!  I was glad.  I think C and I will make that for the Halloween Spooktacular for the kids.  I'm getting together vegan dish ideas for that,trying to keep my apartment presentable for possible buyers that come to see the house and put things together for my trip next month.  It's been busy and hectic!
Got the pet sitter taken care of.  I really need someone 3 times a day,but I think my friend(backyard brunch guy) can come by or his sister(my best girlfriend).
Last night C and I watched another Dawn of the Dead or Night of the Living Dead movies,had dinner and I needed to call it an early night so I was in by 9:30pm.  This new relationship is working out so nicely!  I am so blessed and happy right now :)

Glad to hear that things are going so well for you, Curlgirl. Good luck on your trip.  :)

Thanks,Angel! :)

Man,it's been a whirlwind around here!!  Between people coming to see the house,offers being made on the house,trying to pack bags of clothes and things I don't want or need to get them ready for the church to pick and dinner on Thurs. night at C's place with my mom.  
That went over very well!  I went over early to make a chocolate vegan cake and try to help him set the table and prepare non-animal food things.  He was making chicken and dumplings for my mother and him(I heard from Mom that it was very good and he shouldn't change a thing with it!)  The cake came out good,but about 4:30pm I started to feel like garbage!!  Sure enough "Aunt Flo" decided to pay a visit a week early!!  I was so upset!!!  Between the major cramps and not beign able to cook my fish,things looked dismal.  Mom was met by C up the block(he likes to walk her in his home to show her around).  Mom wound up cooking my fish for me!  I felt alittle better after I ate,but things were cut short because the house was being shown at 8pm.  The lady brought some of her family and made a bid.  So we'll see now.
Didn't tell C because nothing is in writing yet anyway.  No point in getting stressed,right?  Friday night was spent just watching TV and relaxing with C.  All's going well.
Hair is behaving well,the weather is the cause!  Got new hairsticks today.  They are 9 inches long and stainless steel.  I'll give them a try to see how I like them.  Just put them in,me likes!!!
More later!!

The new hairsticks are also chopsticks so I had a choice of how I wanted to use them.  I was taught at 5 how to use chopsticks by a wonderful Chinese waiter.  The memory of his patience with a child wanting to learn and the wonder of another culture has given me a pleasant childhood memory.  With the dexterity issue with MS and thank God being ambidextrous(I know spelling is so wrong!) I've taught myself to use chopsticks left handed when the need arises.  Thank God for small favors!!!
I decided to take advantage of not having people come to see my apartment and I did a deep condtioning treatment.
I used coconut milk,Pantene deep conditioning mask(I think one for curls),1/2 Tbps. of hemp oil,coconut oil,jojoba oil,babbasu oil,shea oil and sweet almond oil.  Mixed it all up,soaked my hair with it,put on a shower cap,twistie towel and sat under a bonnet hairdryer for about 20 minutes.  Rinsed this out,washed with shampoo bar,conditioned with Pantene(alittle),rinsed and air dried till damp.  Single braided and went to bed.  Hair feels very good and soft.  Wish I could do this 2x a week.  I'm aiming for 1x a week.  Don't know if I want to take the braid out or just leave it for a day.  We'll see.
People are coming at 11am to see the house  :(  I'll go to C's place after they leave for lunch,crochet a bit while he straightens up and then we'll just relax abit.
I'm leaving in few days to go to SC to check things out,so mixed emotions there.  I think I have the petsitter ready.  C had keys made for me 2x and 2x they didn't work so that is another thing to straighten out before I go.  My friend Tommy and his sister Anna Marie(my best girlfriend) will take chance a peice and check and feed the dog midday when the pet sitter can't come.  Works out nice since Tommy is also a close friend of C's.  We all live on the same block.  I hung out with Tommy when I was about 16,so we go back along way!
Ok,tired and will catch up later!

Quote:

thank God being ambidextrous (I know spelling is so wrong!)

Actually, you spelled it correctly.  ;)

And wow, another skilled chop - um, -sticker? You folks are giving me a chopstick inferiority complex.  :-[ ;D  lol

lol,once you try em,you're hooked!!!

Quote:

lol,once you try em,you're hooked!!!

Oh man, I wish that were the case! I've tried so many times it's not funny and have never been able to master it. Once, I think I got it right...but I've since forgotten how.  :-[  ;D

Welp, because my right hand works whenever it feels like,I've been using my left hand to use chopsticks and it is not as difficult as I thought.  You concentrate, go slow and viola, "practice makes perfect"! ;)
You'll get it,I know you will!  I see the perserverance in you!

Hmm.. using coconut milk sounds like something I might be interested in trying but have no clue as to how to go about it.  Do you just pour it on and let it soak?

I always thought using chopsticks looked difficult as well but it is easier than it looks.  I can only use them right handed though, none of that ambidextrous shtuff. ;D  I didn't learn until I was in my teens and haven't been able to eat asian food without them since. ::)  

Well, in my recipe I pour the coconut milk into the condtioner with the oils that I'm using.  For this last time I deep condtioned,I eye balled the coconut milk and the conditioner.  I only measured the oils.
I would suppose that you could just pour the coconut milk on and let it soak,but it's so liquidy I like to incorporate it with thick conditioner.
Let us know how you like it if you try some and how you used it!

Ooo, I've really wanted to try a coconut milk rinse of some sort, but I've heard that some canned brands don't smell all too lovely.  What brand do you use?

Don't laugh,but it's Goya.  That's what I've found in the supermarket because the Healthfood store only stocks coconut water.  Has to be Coconut milk.  If you can get one that has 90% coconut milk,wonderful.  Juri has some info. on her journal about one that she uses also.  Good luck and let me know what you think and if you try something else that is good!:)

I'm back!!!  My trip to S.C. was very surreal!  The people are wonderful,friendly,helpful and kindhearted.  Nice to know southern hospitality is "alive and kicking"!  Got 2 hair compliments,too!!!!
Everything is sooooo clean!!!  I almost feel like I could have white socks on,go outside and come back in with white socks!!!
The weather was hot!  High 80's,low 90's.  Unusual for Oct. down there!
My new beau missed me tons!!! :)  We've been talking buying a condo down there,wedding plans,engagement stuff!!  All very very exciting!!!!  Infact, a jewelry guy is going to call me today to set up an appointment to view diamonds either this week or next.  I am so excited about this man,it all happened so fast!!!  Funny how when you are not looking or think no one is out there for you,WHAM!!!  Someone,the right one,comes along!!!
If anything would be bought,it will probably be in a year or two.  He can't move down there until he retires at 55 anyway. 9 years!!!!!   :( :(  Talk about a long term relationship challenge!!!
Well,back to hair!!!  I haven't even had time to measure!!!  I need to do an S&D badly so maybe an inch is off :(  Can't be helped,gotta do it!  I'll work on that today.
Got home from airport and immediately had to go the vet with the dog!  She chewed her back leg so badly,it looked like a bad scene from a horror movie :'(!  She has 5 meds,all bandaged up and it ran me $355.  Very expensive!!!  She's worth it though.  She also had a growth or cyst on her head that either fell off,she rubbed it raw or it exploded!  Shaved head and leg!  She is definately not going to a beauty show pageant!!!  
Birds did well with the pet sitter though.  After this dog situation though her phone # is in the garbage!!!  She would not take the dog to my vet because she is a vet tech for someone else!!! >:(  I'm paying you,take my pup to who I want!!!  I could go on and on with this!!!!!  I won't though.  

Ahhhh...southern hospitally :D  I went to virginia once and people were sooo nice.  
Wedding bells in the air!  Woooo! :D
Eeeek!  Your poor dog!  (((hugs)))  I would sue that women!!! >:(

I will have to try the Goya, then!  

Sorry to hear about your dog.. a friend of mine travels quite a bit and she hates taking her dog to the kennel.  She finally had to adopt her dog out; I tried to dog-sit as much as I could, but the sweetie and I are definitely cat people.. lol.   Still, you should give that dog-sitter the business!  If you paid for her to watch your dog, she should take that pup wherever you tell her to!

I'm so glad you enjoyed your southern hospitality!  I lived in Louisiana, just recently moved to GA, and yes, hospitality is in the genes down here.  ;)

Y'all come visit GA, and I'll fix ya some real southern food.. hehehe!

Thank you so much!!!  We're going to be kinda neighbors!  I have noticed though that I can't find a vegan restaurant down there!!!  Earth Fare,Trader Joe's,Lowe's,etc.  they all carry great stuff,but no vegan restaurant!!! :(  Maybe if I visit y'all in GA,I'll have better luck ;)

I'm a real southern girl too, born and raised for ten years in Alabama, lived in both North and South Carolina, Virginia, Arkansas, and now Louisiana, and for the most part, southern hospitality is the rule, although, in most of the places I've lived, it's fading into the exception.  :-/ If I may ask, what part of SC was it?

As for the relationship, I'm happy it's going so well, so fast! You deserve it.  :D *bighug*

Last time my parents went for a short vacation, they got a relative(I won't say who, but it rhymes with shmister in law...) to take care of the dogs.. while they were gone, she left the dogs inside for two days so that even their well mannered dog finally had to give up and use the floor, (the little floofball puppy didn't care so much)  and then left them outside over night, in the rain... they were afraid they were going to have to put Maxx down, He's had hip problems for years and couldn't walk for several days after that. So I understand about crappy pet sitters... (I hope the pup is doing okay now)

Thanks,K!  I go tomorrow  morning to the vet to have the bandgage changed and check to see the leg progress.
It's Tega Cay,S.C.,not far from Charlotte,N.C.
Sorry to hear that you know about the pet sitter horror situation,too! :(  I won't be doing that ever again!  First and last time!

Been on the phone for most of the morning and afternoon with either my bank or Citibank!  Seems I found a check for $100 in a box that I never unpacked from years ago!  Yay for found money!!!  Only problem is the check is 10 years old!!!! :o  I've got to go through the unclaimed properties dept. of my state and of course the bank that issued the check does not have a # to call....... >:(
Pup is still on 5 meds and has her leg bandaged up.  She seems to be resting comfortably so I took the E collar off for a while to give her a break.
C is at work and either has a cold or the flu. :(  Not happy about that!!  I feel bad he feels miserable.  I think he is also going to MA tomorrow for his job.  Not fun traveling and working when you don't feel good!
I did order Amish hair pins today!  Can't wait to get them and try them out.  I had gotten a pair of 9 inch stainless steel chopsticks/hairsticks a couple of weeks ago and love,love,love them!!!  Wish I could have taken them down to SC with me,but airline regulations and etc. dictated better!!
In fact I was searched,patted down at the airport going to SC and searched on my way back,too!!! :-[ :o  Guess the airport personnell had to show non-discrimanatory action to people using wheelchairs!!!!  That was an experience I don't want to repeat either!  You feel kind of violated and made an exaple of even though you know you've done nothing wrong and have nothing to hide!
Made a deep hair condish last night with Pantene Pro-V deep conditioner,coconut milk,sweet almond oil,shea oil,coco oil,jojoba oil and babassu oil.  Don't remember what kind of Pantene I used,same one as before that I used though.  Finished it up last night.  Mixed all together,saturated whole head,especially the ends,wrapped cotton coil around my head,all in a bun with a clip,put on a plastic shower cap and sat under the bonnet dryer for a half hour.
I rinsed this out after my head cooled off,washed with PrairieLand Herb shampoo bar 2X,light condish over everything with Pantene Pro-V(again,not sure which one :-[)  This time I put my hair up in a microfiber twistie turban for 20 minutes and then took my hair out and wide toothed combed,oiled ends with camillia oil and aloe vera gel. Braided and went to bed!
Hair today is smooth and intact in the braid.  May take it out later.  Hair feels so much better!!!!

I get the pat down frequently when I travel.  It isn't fun, but it is a small price to pay for security.  People in wheelchairs pose a special problem since they can't go thru the metal detectors.  All you can do it plan on more time to get thru security and be prepared for the worst.

I wonder if I walked through with my cane if I'd get the same?  I was asked,even in a wheelchair,if I could walk through or stand up?  I had the wheelchair because it was such a long walk to the plane from the check in point.  Hmmmmm,yes,security is very important,I agree.  I would do it again to ensure safety and if necessary be the example to show that no one is excluded to being searched.  My mother did say security showed a special interest in my carry on that contained a pair of hairsticks and crochet hook!!

If you offer to walk thru the airport screening, it would probably eliminate some of the hassles.  They will look over your chair and your cane, but at least they would not have to wand and/or pat you down.

As for your hairsticks and crochet hooks - don't worry about them.  I travel with several pair of hairsticks, a couple of crochet hooks and about a dozen pair of circular knitting needles.  They may pause to look at them and on rare occasion they open the bag to look at them, but I have never been told I can't take them on.  As for the sticks in my hair - they've never given them a second glance (and probably not even a first glance!).

Good luck with your long-lost check.  I've recovered money from the past - they are right - you have to go thru the state.  You might check out http://www.naupa.com/  They have all the databases of unclaimed property and how to recover it.

Thanks for the link!!  I'll check it out.  I didn't wear sticks on the plane for fear that they would take them.  I packed a pair of inexpensive good ones though.
Next time I'll know that I can take a few more and take more crochet and knitting projects with me.  I had not been on a plane since 1999!!!!  Alot had changed with security and my mother had requested wheelchair assistance at the airport so it was not even my rollator!!!  I found it interesting that they alcohol swabbed my palms and around the ankles of my sneakers!!!  Put the pads through a machine and then let me go!!  Weird,but necessary for them I guess!!

The wipes are used to detect explosives.  My computer and computer bag gets swabbed quite often.  The times I traveled with the metal still in my ankle, they would swab it as well.  Now that I don't have that metal any more I've not had that done.   I have seen them swab the ankles and palms of other travelers who were using wheelchairs or walkers.  I guess that is to check to make sure the appliances they are using are not explosive themselves.

It's all rather interesting,but serious none the less!

Got my Amish hairpins in the mail today!!! :)  I love getting packages in the mail(big or small),can't wait to try them.  Delivery was so fast,too!!!
I'll let you ladies know later how they are.

cool! I have a few packages coming soon too... I completely agree...  *bouncy bouncy bouncy*

sorry.

*deepbreath*

For me, the it's often the more serious subjects that are the  fascinating. I'm the kind of gal who wants to know why it works, how it works, what else would work, ect.

 

ok,love,love,love these hairpins!!!!!  I used 3 to put up a bun and it stayed with no problems!!!  I decided to sleep with them instead of doing my usual braid for bed.  Again,no problem!!  Me really likes them!! ;D

Been doing alot of crocheting since C is away in Mass. working on a Electrolux show.  He left Tues.morning and was supposed to be back Wed.,but change of plans with the job :(  He is supposed to leave Friday late afternoon,be dropped off in the city and then train ride it home.  He'll probably be home around 2am.  We'll probably get together Sat.morn.  (It's great that he lives about 8 houses down from me!!!)  
We had also been shopping for engagement rings on the web before he left!!!!  I found the perfect stone and setting that I wanted.  Simple,but elegant setting for a solitaire.  When he called,I told him about it and he ordered it :o  It is supposed to be delivered by Tues. morning!!!!!!  Day after my birthday though :(  Can't wait to see it!!!!!!!!  I'll give the "scoop" when I see it!!
So back to crocheting!  I did a Tam cap,DC Scully cap and a beret.  Started on Wed.and finished today,Thurs.  I needed a break from doing the cardigans.  I'm working on the second sleeve on one of them.  When that's complete I'll put it together and do the edging and it's done!!!
The other one is going to be a long project!  It requires 1400 yards of ric rak yarn!! :o  Got the yarn last month on ebay and started the back,but left it alone.  I'll get back to it soon ::)
Still no buyers for the house here yet.  A few serious inquires,but nothing.  So the plans of being down south before the cold sets in here are looking pretty dim........I figure spring or summer is when things will happen.  Anyway,it just means more time together for C and me!!!  Provided his job doesn't have him working crazy long hours!! >:( :(

Quote:

shopping for engagement rings

Whoa!   :o  That was fast   ;D
Not that speed is always a bad thing.  Hubby and I had only known each other 2 months when we got hitched, and we've been married now 21 years.  I wish you the best of luck, sweetie.  *hugs*   :)

Thanks my long haired sista!!!  I guess when it's right,it's right!!!  This is a gut feeling for me so.......here we go!!!!!!!!!
That long term marriage is a major plus in my book!  That's wonderfull you've been together so long!  You inspire me!!!!!! ;)

WOW!  A ring already!  What a birthday present!  You MUST take a picture when you get it so you can share it with us.

I sure will!  Don't know when he will officially ask,but he says he wants me to wear the ring right away!!  I'm excited,happy,nervous and all the things that I think you feel on a happy occasion!!

Congrats, Curlgirl!! Who knows, maybe it will arrive a day early?

As another short courtship story, my stepdad met mom in early summer, maybe june... proposed after about a month, they were married in october of the same year, and as of halloween, it will be (i think, memory's failing me right now) 7 years.

Congrats Sweetie! http://smilies.sofrayt.com/1/950/bouquet.gif

Thanks,Ladies!!!
My mom and dad had started dating in June 61,engaged July 61 and then married June 62!!!  The marriage ended in Nov. 79:(  no biggie).
Glad your parents marriage K is still going!! :)  I wish the ring would get here for my birthday,but they told C it would come Tues.Fed-Ex between 8:30am-10am.  Would have been perfect for my Monday birthday!!!  Oh well,good things come to those who wait,no? :)

Let me be the first to wish you a http://www.freesmileys.org/emo/greet002.gif.

Here's a little cake to help the celebration. http://www.freesmileys.org/emo/greet003.gif

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
http://smilies.sofrayt.com/fdm/baloons.gif

Thank you Ladies!! :)  You'll make my day tomorrow very special!!  I did find out about my birthday gift from C though!  Sometimes men can't keep secrets!! ::)  It is a Ranger Hockey jersey!!  I've wanted either a hockey or football jersey for a long time.....so now I've got it!  I think C is going to have his last name put on it,too!  Prelude to my future last name :D!!  stay tuned for the saga(in a good way) continues!!!! ;D

Oooooo - a jersey!  How very cool.  You MUST have a picture taken with you wearing it!  

Absolutely will!!

Cool!!!! :D

Sorry I'm late, Congratulations!!!  Its so exciting!!

Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy birthday!!!!!!

Thank you thank you, ladies!! :-*

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!  

Happy Birthday!!!!   I'm so glad everything is going well for you! :D

::tapping toes impatiently::  OK - it's Tuesday AFTERNOON!  Where's the RING??   ;)  :-*

it's coming!!!!  I can't get a good shot :-[  I'm still trying!!!  It's beautiful and I'm sooooooooo  happy!!!!!!!!!!! :)

Man, where have I been? Happy belated birthday! I hope it was awesome. And congrats (I think) on the unofficial engagement.

thanks,Angel!! ((((((hugs))))))  here is the pic,don't know if it clear enough,but there is alot of fire and sparkle in the sun!!!!  I helped pick it out so I can tell ya it is color D (colorless) VVS2,74 points,cushion cut. http://i23.tinypic.com/1zdrp8g.jpg         http://i21.tinypic.com/xppi4j.jpg

ok,the digital pics are not coming out clear enough,but I did get engaged this morning!!!!!!!!!!!!We are both very happy and excited and still on "cloud 9"!  Yesterday's birthday was great and today's engagement was unbelievable!!!!  I can't take much more excitement!!!! ;D

Happy belated birthday and congratulations on the engagement ;)


Jerry

Congratulations!  I hope the two of you will be very happy.

Congratulations, CG! Many blessings upon you both!

thanks everyone! :-*

Oh what a pretty ring!!  Congratulations!!!! http://smilies.sofrayt.com/fdm/clap2.gif

thanks,sweetie!  I wish the pics came out better so you could see the sparkle :)  

hee... If you're not careful showing that thing around, I'm going to end up wanting one too.... *raises eyebrow at Paul* Seriously, though, blurry photos or not it's gorgeous. I'm glad you found somebody who makes you so happy. *hug*

:-*thanks,K!

Beautiful ring!  Congratulations.   :D   Do you have a wedding date yet?

Better late than never... :-[ :) CONGRATULATIONS!
Your ring is beautiful! In my country, engagement rings are usually plain gold bands and one has to wait for diamonds until wedding.

Congratulations, my dear!  
Ring = NIIIIICE!!!

thanks,ladies!  
BB,no date set yet,but we're thinking either in a year or 2 years.  Preferably cooler weather.  Thinking maybe October or November.  With the leaves changing colors in October,we're leaning towards that.  
So many things to decide,plan,small or medium size guest list,thinking of having it up here in NY...........the list goes on!!! ::) 8-) :)
obtw,Jerry!!!thanks!!
BB,I didn't forget about the jersey,will try on the medium,but I think I really need an extra-small or small!!  Pic to come soon!

You are very welcome ;)

Jerry

Wowee! Congratulations, Curlgirl!!!!

thank you,Juri!! ;)

Well,Halloween came and went.  I went to a Halloween lunch and dressed up as a witch.  Had my hair down and was all in black.  The pictures my mother took of me did not come out.  I don't think she really cared whether they did or not,but I wanted to post them here.  I'm hoping that the pictures that the hostess of the luncheon took did come out and I will try to post them if I get them.  All in all it was a beautiful day here in the eastern part of the U.S.  Unseasonably warm though.  How was it elsewhere for everyone else?
Nov. 1st still find all the leaves on the trees here and I'm bummed that the changing of leaves either has totally missed us or may come later.....

Ooh, Curlgirl what a beautiful ring, congratulations! :D  I love princess cuts, that's what mine is too.

I'm glad you had a happy Haloween, I hope the other pictures turn out fine.  We'd love to see them.

I can't imagine that the changing of the leaves would skip you entirely, it's most likely just a bit delayed this year.  It'll come. ;)

Thanks,LaDiosa!  I actually got a cushion cut,although the princess cut was a temptation!!  The princess is a beautiful cut!  
I'm hoping that the leaves will change to beautiful colors before coming down,but past years of seeing this type of delay is that we get a cold snap,a big wind, and everything is off the trees and winter sets in!! :(

Man,time is flying by!!!  Can't believe I haven't posted since 11/2. :o
Been busy packing some boxes of summer clothes and lingerie that I can use down in S.C.  Really don't want to go and am not sure if I will go or if I do "C" and I think it won't be for more than a year.  He's been great with helping pack some stuff,getting me packing tape,boxes and bubble wrap.  It's nice to be engaged to a carpenter!!!!  I'm getting the much needed help and suppllies to pack! 8-)
I've been speding alot of time at C's place with him and we are truly enjoying the time together!!  We've been cooking alot together;which is always a good thing!
Today I made brown rice and beans before we went to the city for a birthday party for one of his friend's cousin.  Turned out to be nice.  I tend not to want to go out to crowded places because it's a little hard to manuver with a cane or scooter.  People are always in a hurry or are pre-occupied and sometimes don't either see my cane or that I'm walking with a brace.  All in all it was a nice time out! I did miss the Ranger hockey game,which I wasn't happy about! :(
Tomorrow before the football game,we'll either take down the twin bed that I never used or I'll cook pasta and sauce.  Probably do both before the football game!  Then I'll make salmon, Italian style potato salad and a regular salad for dinner.
I did wash my hair with Olive Oil & Babbasu Oil shampoo bar and did an acv  this morning.  I left it down and curly for the party.  I also trimmed off about 1 1/2 inches yesterday to clean up the ends.  I'll have to measure the next time I wash to see where I'm at.
More tomorrow,it's late and I'm beat!!

Seems you have a lot going on lately, we missed you around here but it's good to know that things are going well. :)  

A year doesn't sound too bad, and a change of scenery could possibly be nice.  

I hope you get everything you need done accomplished tomorrow, the dinner you're making sounds yummy! :D

Thanks!  Dinner turned out well.  The salmon was yummy,if I do say so myself! ;)  I made the salmon,Italian style potato salad with oil,balsamic vinegar,garlic powder,onion powder,parsley flakes,sea salt and a pinch of paprika!  "C" made the salad,which we never got to eat because we were so full!! :o
We are sitting watching the Cowboys/Giants game now.  Coffee is on so gotta go!!

ok,hopefully my Rangers jersey will be ready this week!!! :-X  It's about time!!!  How long does it take to put a name and number on a shirt????
Ordered some camellia oil on ebay tonight!  "C" wanted to get some for me and it was a good price!  Got some Opi and Essie nailpolish today from ebay and a pair of black jeans!  Always good to get packages in the mail!!! ;D  C also bought me a red cashmere sweater that I had my eye on.  Ah, he spoils me!!!
I'm waiting for the porcelain ring holder and am hoping the guy mailed it out.  
Cooked tonight at "C"'s place.  I made Jasmati rice,peas and onions and salmon.  All turned out well.  C said it was delicious.  That's all that matters.  If he likes it,I'm happy!! 8-)
Rangers game is on and there's an intermission after the first period so I'm taking advantage of it.
Not much on the hair frontier though.  Washed yesterday with Olive Oil Babbassu shampoo bar and conditioned with Pantene conditioner.  Since the Moreno Cafe shampoo bar is cured and ready for use,I'll use that the next time I wash.  I either need to change shampoo bars and conditioner or make my own conditioner.  Not happy lately with anything I use.  Maybe I'll try Jason's or Nature Gate.  Possibly a really good deep conditioner.  Decisions,decisions,decisions..............

Finally!!!!!!!  My jersey is ready!!!!!!!  C picked it up yesterday and I'll take a pic of it when I put it on.  One of my cardigan's is coming along,I'm working on the second sleeve.  When that's done I can piece it all together,do the finishing stiches and viola!  Finito!!One down and another one to complete!
I've got my Thanksgiving Day menu ready:  C and his son are having BBQ ribs because they don't want to make a huge turkey for 2 and I'll be making a Tofukey with vegan gravy,carrots and potatoes with onions.  Butternut Squash soup,vegan cornbread and a veggie.  For dessert I'll make vegan pumpkin pie,vegan upsidedown pineapple dump cake and vegan brownies.  I might see if chestnuts and a salad can fit on the table ;)  Chestnuts are $4 a pound,but I really want to make them.  It's not Thanksgiving without them,sweet potatoes and cranberry sauce!
Tonight I've got to myself while C works on a friend's kitchen marble and tile.  I'm ready for a Ranger's game!  

I think I can breathe again,normally!!!  After Thanksgiving I don't think I ate anything until the next night!  My tofurkey came out really good with carrots,onions,potatoes and vegan gravy!  Glad about that because it was the first time I made it.  C helped me out by making the cornbread,which turned out well.  I made broccoli rabe sauted with olive oil and garlic.  That was good.  C's bbq ribs turned out well,so he said.  I have to trust his opinion on that since I wouldn't know cause I don't eat(vegan thing,ya know :P)  The vegan pumpkin pie didn't make it,mystery fairies ate it all!!  The pineapple blueberry upside down dump cake was good for dessert.  So all in all with the new recipes I tried they all turned out well.  The brownies were garbage though.  C made them and followed the recipe so I know it was the recipe and not him.  
He's working since Friday,12 hours,today 12 hours and maybe tomorrow either 4 or 12 hours!!!!  No rest for the weary!! ::)
As for the pink alpaca cardigan.......I have to attach the sleeves and I think the adult small is really for a child.  It doesn't fit me so I might put it on ebay.  As for the other cardigan,I'll finish that and finish the scarf for mom.
So now here we go for prep time for Chirstmas!!!  Got some ideas for my Secret Santa,too!!!!  No hints,nothing,you just have to wait!!!

I made broccoli rabe sauted with olive oil and garlic

Oh my lord I haven't has that in ages! http://smilies.sofrayt.com/aiw/delicious.gif I wish I could have come over you place for Thanksgiving!  I make broccoli rabe that way too, then I put it on Italian bread and make hero sandwiches! Heavenly!  This x-mass I'm making hubby struffoli covered in farm fresh honey. http://smilies.sofrayt.com/aiw/delicious.gif

Wish you here here,too ;)  I think you and I could really work that broccoli rabe!!   I'd put mine on whole wheat italian bread and get a glass of wine to go with it!!  Sounds good???

Curlgirl64 wrote on Nov 25^th, 2007 at 3:29am:

Wish you here here,too ;)  I think you and I could really wrok that broccoli rabe!!   I'd put mine on whole wheat italian bread and get a glass of wine to go with it!!  Sounds good???

Yum!!!  Now I got the craving!  I'm going out today and getting some broccoli rabe!   :D

Sounds good!  Let me know how it comes out.

Curlgirl64 wrote on Nov 24^th, 2007 at 7:16pm:

My tofurkey came out really good with carrots,onions,potatoes and vegan gravy!  Glad about that because it was the first time I made it.

That sounds really good and I'm glad to know your take on tofurkey.  I've wanted to try tofurkey but never got around to it, although I do like their franks and deli slices.  Maybe I'll try making the tofurkey turkey for Christmas, or perhaps sooner! :D

OOOhh,try it!  I think you'll be pleased with it!  It's relatively easy to make and it's good with the onions,potatoes,garlic,carrots and I think next time I'll add sweet potatoes,too!!

Had a trim today that was unexpected!  It seems that the lady who does my grandmother's hair offered to trim my hair also.  So Mom called me up and said she'd take me over there and I could get the ends trimmed.  Hey,it saved me from doing it and it was no charge.  She probably took less than 1/2 inch off,but I won't know until I either re-measure or wait until January to measue again.  

Happy New Year,All!!!  I hope everyone's new year was healthy and happy.  
Not much to report on the house selling issue.  Still not packed,but C and I are trying to make plans for his place a few houses down from mine.  He's thinking that the apt. we are taking is going to ba available before my mother's house gets sold.  That would be a very good thing since it is much bigger and there are no stairs to deal with.
No snow here yet:(  I wanted at least a dusting for either Christmas or New Year's.
More later.....it's time to make the rice and beans!!!

happy new year, Curly!!

Happy New Year! ;)

Happy New Year to you too, Curlgirl!  :)

Happy (late) New Year, sistah!!   :D

Hey my sista!!!  Hope you had a great New Year's!

Hey Curly,

How are you doing?  Sorry I haven't been in touch lately....just been so darned busy.  Want to catch up on what is up with you.  Email me!!

JD

Finally!!  I got to henna and indigo my hair again!! ::) 8-)  Haven't done it since the end of June! :-[  I started at 10am this morning and finally finished at about 3pmish.  Here's what I did......
Took 100 grams of henna from Yemen(Catherine's,from the Mehandi Shop)added about 16 oz. distilled white vinegar.  Next time I'll use orange juice or apple juice.  Covered that with Saran Wrap and put it in the oven for 12 hours.  In a seperate bowl I took 300 grams of indigo and mixed that with about 24 to 30 oz. hot water.  Let it sit for a minute.  Both are the consistency of mashed potatoes.  Got to yogurt consistency though.  Added a heaping TBsp. of Amla to the henna and mixed that up.  Combined the henna and indigo together(wished I terped it because the hay smell is overbearing! :o)  Sectioned my hair into quarters and applied the mix.  It was too thick,should have thinned it out more,but I didn't want drips.  I had papered the floor in the bathroom,wore an old tee-shirt,paper towels around my neck,a cape over that and the fiasco began!!!!!!!!  It's always a long hard process to do this when you have very long hair,but the end result to so worth it!!!
After getting all of it in my hair,I almost didn't have enough,too;I put Saran Wrap around my head,cotton coil around the hairline,put a twisty towel on and left it on for 3 hours.  I had also put vaseline around my hairline before I began to keep it from staining my face.
It took 16 oz. of conditioner and 45 minutes to get all the mix out.  I am pooped!!!  Standing to do this with a torn meniscus in my right knee is a challenge to say the least!!!
If the ratio is correct for my hair,I should have near black hair with the greys covered.  It looks good so far,but needs to settle in in about 2 or 3 days.  I think I will do this next time with damp hair because there was a "rat's nest" when I started to rinse.  
Now I can relax!!!! 8-)

:o  God, what an ordeal. I will never use henna!

I'm sure that there is an easier way than the way I do it.  Please don't let my method deter you from trying it!  You're probably going to find an easier way to apply it than the way I do.  I just have really long hair that can be overwhelming at times to get the mix all in my hair!

I have to agree with Angel--that almost sounds like a full time job!   :D  I'll bet the results are gorgeous though.

Sounds cool!  I would love to try it some day :)

thanks,ladies!  I think the color settles in tomorrow,right now it's black and shiny(yippee!!)  I'll take a pic and post it.

Curlgirl64 wrote on Jan 29^th, 2008 at 9:40pm:

I'm sure that there is an easier way than the way I do it.  Please don't let my method deter you from trying it!  You're probably going to find an easier way to apply it than the way I do.  I just have really long hair that can be overwhelming at times to get the mix all in my hair!

lol @ "full time job"  ;D  Yeah, I'm with Trisha.

All of the mixing and mess, the time, the mud-like consistency...bleh.  :P  Not for me. If I ever decide to color my hair, I'll use either a semi- or demi-permanent. But I'm glad that you feel the results are worth the hassle.  ;)

I only feel that way when all is cleaned up and all is said and done!  There's alot of "choice words" when I have to rinse this cement like stuff out of my hair,but once I get it to loosen up and use lots of conditioner to help get it out,all the time is worth it!

The color has settled in and it is a very dark rich brown.  I'm happy with it.  I'm still trying to grab someone to take a pic.  

Woo Hoo!!!!!!! The Giants win!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I've been a Giants fan for such a long time and it was a great game,too!!!  C made our SuperBowl party was special and nice for me.  He was up at 2am making his vegan baked beans for me and preparing his beef stew for himself.  I had made vegan apple crisp and a dessert that came out pretty good called Vegan chocolate peanut butter whip.  It was made with silken extra firm tofu and since I had never made it before;it wasn't bad.
We had veggies and other healthy things for munch on.  It actually was a very nice relaxing day.
So today is PT and the start of 1 month of it 3 times a week.  Hopefully it will help,but I doubt it.  Time will tell.
I'm almost done with the apron I'm sewing.  It's strange to work with patterns again.  I haven't worked with one since Junior High School!!!  The fleece jacket I made didn't turn out bad,but I'm not happy with the way the bias came out on the cuffs.  Oh well,it's a slow go to learning and re-learning the sewing world!!  After the apron,I'll work on the long vest pattern.  
Got to pick out one of my early Valentine's Day gifts.  I'm getting a new sewing machine!!!  It's very cool.  A Brother C6000i.  My serger will have company,lol!   Many features on this machine and can make buttonholes!  I really worked over my Singer machine though.  It's still a good machine,but very basic,no buttonhole and no presser feet.  I think they were thrown out years ago by accident. :(  
I just need the space to lay out patterns.  The futon is fine for now,but I need a sewing room!!!!  Between the packing and getting rid of so much stuff,I'm hoping that a sewing room/crochet room will be able to be a reality instead of on my future wishlist!

Congrats on the early Valentine's day present!   :)  Ahh, sewing...I used to enjoy sewing when I had the money for fabric.  Unfortunately it's been quite a while since I've been able to indulge in that hobby.  Have fun!   ;)

thanks!  Tell me about cost of fabric!!!!  I usually get all my fabric on e-bay(1) there's no fabric store near me,except NYC) and (2)it's difficult to get out sometimes.  Even on e-bay between the cost of shipping and/or the cost of the fabric itself,you have to pick and choose your projects carefully otherwise it'll cost a fortune!!! ::)

I grew up in fabric stores.  My mother made most of our clothes, until we could make our own.  I started using the sewing machine at 7.  By age 12 I was making all my own clothes.  This made me a very aware of fabric and its makeup.  I would have a very difficult time purchasing fabric without touching it.  It is unfortunate that the influx of cheap, imported clothing has caused the closing of most fabric departments and stores.  I am fortunate to still have a few fabric outlets in my area, but even those have limited fabric for basic clothing.  (Wool for a suit/jacket??!!  Ha!  good luck finding anything like that!)  My sewing machine is used primarily for repairs and non-clothing now.  I miss sitting down to my machine and creating a blouse, or a skirt, or a jacket from a few yards of fabric.

My mom used to make my sister's and my clothes ,too!  I think that's when I was intigued and in awe that a paper pattern,some fabric and a sewing machine would turn out flannel pj's,bathrobes and clothes!!!
I,thank God,have found really good fabric......so far.  I really would like to touch and feel though before I buy.  On my "wish list" is to go to a fabric store and be left alone for a few hours,no interruptions!!!!!

I decided that I needed or my hair needed some serious Ojon!  C had bought jumbo sizes of the  Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment,Shampoo and Conditioner a few weeks ago...........so he offered to let me use it and I jumped all over that offer!!  lol ;D
I took home all the products and deep conditioned over night.  I'll rinse it out this morning,shampoo and condition.  I always like to leave deep conditioners in over night to get real saturation.  My hair loves Ojon so I'm hoping that after the henna and indigo I'll have super soft hair........more after rinsing!
Well,mixed emotions with this deep conditioning session this time.  Yes,my hair is soft,but no where near as curly as usual.  I decided to just single braid it and forget it.  I'll have waves tomorrow from the braid,but I'll put my hair up in a bun with Amish Hair Pins.  I love these pins!!!  Sleeping in them with a satin sleep cap is no problem!  Even just on a satin pillowcase is ok.

Snow,Snow,Snow!!!!!  Finally we got our snow storm!!!  So far it's coming down steady and there's about 4 inches on the ground.  It always looks so pretty,pristine white;until the cars and snow plows make everything a grey slushy mess! :( >:(
The snow doesn't stay pretty here for long in the city so I'm going to sit by the window alittle longer this morning and enjoy it!

I'm so envious of your snow!  :(  We have not had much snow since December.  Cold we have had plenty of!  Today it is "warm" - we are in the double digits ABOVE zero!  Whoo hoo!  We may even see some 20's this weekend.  Heat wave!  All of the storms have gone well south of us.  So, enjoy your snow while you have it.  I will think of you by your window watching the pretty flakes collect and create that lovely white blanket.

(By the way - don't you owe us a picture of you in a certain jersey??? ;D )

:-[oops!  Yes, you are so right!  I owe you a pic or two!!  C is coming over tonight and I'll ask him to take a pic!!
As for your heatwave....grab the sun tan lotion and a bottle of wine, I'll meet cha by the cabana!!   ;)

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1266/4428415/9834791/305819603.jpg
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1266/4428415/9834791/305819615.jpg
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1266/4428415/9834791/305819620.jpg
pics as promised!! ;)

Edited by bikerbraid to change the size.  Full size pictures can be seen here:

http://i28.tinypic.com/x6edk4.jpg
http://i29.tinypic.com/nf63dc.jpg
http://i31.tinypic.com/21bw6ls.jpg

Great pics of you in your jersey!  If I have a chance later - I'll resize them for ya (I'm working right now, but had to a peak at your pics!)

Nice pics Curlgirl, very pretty!

thank you ladies!

I didn't realize how young you look!

Yeah, I didn't realize how young you looked (are) either.  Because of the long dark hair, in my head I always pictured you as looking like Cher.  I always thought Cher was pretty, but you're much younger.  It's so nice to be able to put a face with a name. :)

Aw,(blush)thanks.  I guess clean living has paid off!(A glass of wine once in a while doesn't hurt,though,lol!)

I don't know how long I can keep looking younger after yesterday's nightmare!!!!!
I did an MS research survey in NYC for $200 plus reinbursement of transportation.  Stress-A-Ride picked me up at my home and dropped me off at the place.  All is fine,did survey with a lovely woman,had lunch(on them!) and went downstairs to wait for my ride home.  I'm waiting and waiting,my leg is killing me,I call Stress-A-Ride to find out where the hell they are.......I'm waiting 45 minutes in the mean time and dispatch tells me they were there and I was a no show.  My temper is in full stride now!  These people love to lie and try to blame you for their short comings.  I told dispatch the driver is lying and I've been out here 45 minutes waiting for his sorry &*(&&(&.!!
No ride home,stranded in the city and disabled to boot!!!!!
I hobble to Grand Central Station,tons of people and organized chaos,find a suttle train,take that to Times Square and transfer to a train to take me close to home.  Thank God C's son picked me up at the train station to take me home instead of me taking a bus home.
This is the time I wish I practiced dark majic to curse these people that claim they're transporation for the disabled!!!!!  I got nothing but aggravation,major stress(MS's worst enemy) and total disgust for mass transit!!!!!  ok,major hissy fit and ranting are done.
I think today is a day for total relaxation and de-stressing!!!

((((hugs))) Oh my god!  What a horriable thing to happen to you!  I am so sorry (((hugs))) :-[  Yes relax and take it easy today. :-*

Argh!  What a horrible thing to happen.   :(  A plague upon their house!!  --Sending stress-relieving mojo your way, sistah...   :)

Just dropping in to say hi, it's been ages  :)

I agree that that was a terrible thing to happen to you, curse them for such a lie!!!!!  Thank God you are a strong and determined woman!

Your hair has gotten SO long, it's absolutely beautiful.....and so are you by the way!  So nice to see your face  :).  You are beautiful inside and out, some things are evident.

I can't believe that you are on your way to thigh length, that's amazing!  Best of luck!

Thank you all,my sistas!! :-*  Hugz back 'atcha!
I am relaxing with C and am feeling much better.
You ladies are the best!  Thanks for making me feel better!

Glad to hear you're feeling better, Curlgirl.

Guess you proved that even though you're disabled, you're perfectly capable of fending for yourself when others disappoint you. WTG   :)

I guess when ya gotta depend on yourself...ya do!  You know only too well about that,my sista!!

Curlgirl64 wrote on Mar 6^th, 2008 at 4:29pm:

I guess when ya gotta depend on yourself...ya do!  You know only too well about that,my sista!!

Yup yup.  ;)

Man,has it been busy!  I miss not writing here often(makes mental note to make a conscious effort to write often!)  
Picked up my new glasses today,thanks to C!  A really nice pair of burgunday Versace's!  Talk about expensive!! $700 for this pair!! :o >:(  This is why Versace,Prada,Gucci etc. don't live in stick houses!!! :P
Still trying to pack alittle(maybe not!)and get rid of stuff.  It's harder than I thought.  Leaving a home I swore when I was a kid that I couldn't leave fast enough,now it's like dragging my feet through mud......I guess it is true about the older you get you get set in your ways,don't like change etc.  Well,onto bigger and better(I hope!)
Haven't done any S&D's for a while.  Gotta take advantage of the sunny days to do that in.  Have had to oil with camelia oil morning and night.  I still feel that my hair is dry though.  I think it's time either for an Ojon oil treatment or maybe I will mix something up of my own.
C is getting over a bout of flu and bronchitis.  It was hard not being with him for about a week.  He was so afraid of getting me sick and me either having an exaserbation from it(MS thing) or me being really sick.  I'm just battling hayfever and allergies ::)
It's late,more later!

Quote:

I guess it is true about the older you get you get set in your ways,don't like change etc.

Yup, yup, yup.  I'm 46 and a terrible creature of habit.  I have to constantly challenge myself to keep my brain active and thinking.  Sometimes it's as easy as taking a different route to work.  But I often have to fight the instinct to just sit on my arse and veg.  

Who said there is anything wrong with vegging???? ;)

LOL

Ok,so here I go with trying to journal more often ::)  Today was busy.......C and I took my wheelchair out to go to the post office and wait in line 30 minutes so I could mail back a tank dress for an exchange.  Got it on e-bay,but it was missing a tie in the back. :( >:(  The dress is long and perfect for the summer,too!  The seller is nice enough to work with me and exchange it.  She actually should,her fault for sending out that way in the first place!
Then it is off to the bank(that was first) to see about reversing some overdraft charges.  My fault that I miswrote a figure in my checkbook and it caused a problem. :-[ >:(  I'm mad at myself for that because I'm always careful and proove my checkbook to the penny.  Anywho,got the bank to dismiss one o/d fee.  It was an expensive mistake and lesson!  At $33 a pop it's no joke when they refused to waive the other 2 fees. :-X :o  So I'm out $66.........never again though.  I'll triple check each transaction if I have to.
C and I have been trying to ready his son to go into the US Army.  The kid is a nightmare and seriously needs severe disciple and a career!  You know the saying,"If you don't have anything nice to say,don't say it at all"? Well,........... :-X
I swear this kid has aged C 20 years since he's been here 1 year!!!  C says he's got to leave or go into the Army.  I can't blame him,the kid is 20 going on 2!!!I can't talk about it....it upsets me to no end.  I was raised to show respect to my elders.  The things that come out of this kid's mouth....had I ever even uttered some of those things when I was his age,my face would have been on the other side of my head and my teeth would have been down my throat!
I digress,sorry!  So then we are off to buy some corn on the cobb and grapes.  
Got back to his place and had fish tofu and steamed shumai for lunch.  Relaxed a bit and since it's medicine shot night,had to eat an early dinner.  I told C how to prepare the corn and he shucked it and cooked it.  MMMMMmmmm good!!  Alittle Earth Balance and kosher salt,it was on the money!
Coffee with soy milk and I was good to go!
Tomorrow is P/T and bills to write out! ::)
C's son is also supposed to be picked up to take his exam for the Army and take a physical on Friday.  He was supposed to be home at 7:05pm,he promised his sergeant......It is 10:03pm and as far as I know he is still not home......... >:( :(
somebody has some serious explaining to do to his sergeant!

Ya know, I'm typically verrry anti-military, but in some cases, when kids are totally out of control and are willing to join up, I think it's a very wise option.

My paternal grandfather had earned himself an extensive criminal record by the time he was 17. And when he was caught, he was given the option of joining the military or going to prison. He joined the Navy and learned the trade from which he eventually retired. It was probably the best decision he could have made - it straightened him out on both a professional and personal level.

Not saying that the Army will make a man out of C's son, but it will probably help whip him into shape a bit. Hope all goes well.

Ugh...I've had that happen to me with nsf fee's.  They suck! :P

I hate it when kids mouth off to adults, it's so disrespectful.  I don't know what it is, but it seems to me that every new generation is worse than the ones prior. Perhaps they're spoiled. :-?   Hopefully, something as severe as the military will straighten him out.  

I'm keeping my fingers crossed on that one!  I'm hoping either the military or God or some higher power will knock some sense into that boy!
Yes, I couldn't agrree more about the generations just seems to be more spoiled,less productive and so anti-caring about anyone but themselves. :-[ >:(  The eighties are so over the me me me thing.  They're behind with that one!

Angel,I'm keeping my fingers crossed on this kid!  He 's been saying for the past 3 years(so I'm told) that he's going into the army.  He's full of hot air!  He's a procrastinator and bump on a log!  I like the kid,don't get me wrong!  I just can't stand to see someone waste away and do nothing with his life.  You're only here for an undetermined amount of time and you only have one go around,too!

Amen, sistah.

And hey, if the Army is what he wants to do, I say by all means go for it! Obviously, it has been on his mind for a long time - it's time to put those thoughts to action.

Let's just hope he scores at least a 50 on the test!  It would give him more options for more job opportunities,but the talk he talks and the walk he walks don't match.  He scored a 28 last year when he took the test and he's not studying the way someone should study that wants something better for themselves.  Either which way he is on a plane next Sat.(so C keeps telling me)out of here.  C will not survive his son's garbage this summer.  I can not and will not have a vegetable for a husband because some kid can't "get it together".
It has been a year from hell ever since he got here last April.  I can into the scene in Sept. and I'm surprised that all the stuff (that I know so far) that has gone on and I've been witness to has not caused an exaserbation and landed me in the hospital!!! :o
So far C is not only paying for his plane ticket,giving him pocket money,paying for his car insurance for when he gets down there,money to get his car started......I swear he's nothing short of a vampire and ungrateful too! >:( >:(
All I can say is the phone better not ring when he's there and keep bleeding C of money!  He definately has very short arms and very deep pockets!!!  He must have gotten that from his mother because C is one of the most generous people I know!!!
Ok enough soap box stuff!!!  
I made stuffed artichokes yesterday for C,J(his sone) and myself,brownies that were for the garbage pail though!  I'm throwing out the egg replacer(ener-Gee)  everytime I makevegan brownies with it they come out bad.  I'm going to use tofu as an egg replacer from now on.
The artichokes were good though.  The Jerolemon ones are huge.  I like to make them in a pressure cooker,but C and I haven't bought one yet so I put them on the stove and winged the time that they needed to cook.  C made chestnuts,but they were too dry and not worth the time!  I'll make them the next time.
All in all Saturday was a relaxing day,which I needed.  My meds. from the day before left me exausted and with flu like symptoms.  Probably because I didn't eat enough that Friday night when I had to take my meds. :( ::)
It's just before 5 a.m. Sunday morning and I still don't feel good.
I think just going back to bed and then getting up to wash my hair will help me feel better.  At least I hope it will!
I think if I'm ok later,I'll make sauce at C's house and we'll have pasta for dinner.
I promised him I'd make vegan french toast for him with the whole wheat rolls we bought at the bakery on Thurs.  So maybe he'll cover lunch.  I'm sure he will.  
I just want to help him and help myself get through this week.  I have a strong feeling his sone is going to pull some kind of stunt before he goes.  I'm dreading this!!!!  I wish he was gone already.
Let's not forget I still have to pack up my apt. and move!!!!
God give me strength!  My mind is there 100%,but the effects of MS on my body don't let me "go like a bull"!
More later!

Gawd. This is why I never date guys with kids.  :P

Hang in there, Curlgirl! I'll pray for ya.

thanks,my sista! :)

Hmm...  Are you SURE you're not talking about my stepson?!   ;D  

Trisha wrote on Apr 28^th, 2008 at 11:21am:

Hmm...  Are you SURE you're not talking about my stepson?!   ;D

;D ;D

lol!  I think we ladies should down either over coffee,tea or wine and share our "war stories"!!!!

The saga continues!!!!!
I thought last night would be a relaxing night after physical therapy!(smacking myself on the forehead)What was I thinking?!
Between C's son trying to hold his temper in,C's ex-wife being the usual low life and being a pain in the &*(((& and her husband,most likely trying to be a gentleman........ask me if I haven't injested a full pot of coffee!!!!
First the son was welcome in his mother's house,then she played her usual evil controlling sub human self and said he wasn't,then her husband was told a different story by her.  Oy!!!!!!! when does it stop?  It stops when Ms. Curlgirl moves in and screens the calls and makes sure C stands by his word and doesn't allow her phone calls!!!  Since we can't have her munber blocked,the son and her have been told do not call this house once the son is gone(which is hopefully on Sat.)  I'll believe it when I see it!
I'm seriously considering having the phone number changed and unlisted.  C's worry was that if his son was hurt there was no way to know.  They can reach C on his cell if that's the case.
Problem solved.
I hate drama and unnecessary stress/problems.  Most of it will be gone when his son leaves.  I'm counting the days.
Onto another happier nots!
I've been crocheting a new pattern for bun covers and actually like the way the few I've done came out.  I didn't write down the pattern since I was just brainstorming,but the design is nice and I worked it to cover my bun.  I measured it and it was about 5 1/2 to 6 inches.  I had to make my own because the extra-large I've seen on e-bay isn't large enough :(  
I guess this is one way of not packing and getting ready for the move.  June 1st is the target date.  I'll make myself ready for that.
More later.  The leg brace man is coming over at 11am with one of my AFO's.  The new leg brace I've been wearing is ok,but my right leg is becoming more useless and it's been awhile(year or two) that I can't bend my knee when I walk so I walk like I've had a stroke. >:( :(  P/T doesn't really help.  If there's a scar on the brain that controls movement in my leg,it doesn't matter how much p/t I get.  The brain message doesn't go through to make the leg bend.  Could be worse.....

*waving hand*  
Someone here who had to deal with an insane ex-wife...  

And I am not exaggerating when I say insane.  Hubby's ex has not one lick of logic or common sense in her body.  You ask anyone who knows her and they'll say, "Yep, she's nuts"...even her kids.  Anyway...  C's son is 20?  Then the phone calls should have already stopped.  There's no reason for her to call C's household.  Period.  Does C have an answering machine?  Let the machine pick up.  Does the son have a cell phone (as does 99% of that generation)?  If so there's especially no reason for the ex to be calling C's house.  He, that is C, needs to let the ex know in no uncertain terms that she is NOT to call his house, and if she does he will hang up on her.  (But then C needs to follow through with that mandate each and every time.)  An unlisted telephone number works like a charm (we had one for many years), but only if those involved swear not to divulge the number (not only to the ex, but to anyone who would give her the #).  

Unfortunately I have all kinds of experience in the world of crazy ex-wives.  So let me know if I can help.  *hugs*  Oh, and it DOES get better/easier/quieter with time.  Hang in there.   ;)

Thanks!  (((hugs))))))  There are 2 :o ex-wives!!  The second hoepfully will not bother us at all.  I've stated my strong opinions on this one and the second!  C has also told his son to relay to the ex-wife not to call the house as soon as he leaves,(hopefully Sat) Yes he (the son) has a cell that "daddy" pays for(smacking myself in the head)  the kid needs to pay for his own stuff!!!!!  Anywho when the ex-wife can't reach him on his cell,she calls the house!!!!!!!!!  That,my sista is permanately going to stop!!!!!!  Curlgirl has spoken and will get results!!!!!!  I don't care if the kid cuts his finger and has a paper cut,she is not to call.........period............  I will make sure C is not wishy washy on this either.  
I've named the kid's mother "phscho twit" too nice for her.  I'm not going to refer to her by the other "colorful names" I have for her though!
I think you get to a point in your life when you don't want to be bothered and are quite expressive about it,too!
Anyway as the saga continues,it looks like I'll move over to C's place ( a mere 8 houses down) on June 1st.  There is lots to do.  For the both of us.  We talked to his landlord and landlady last night.  Not a problem since they guy's mother was friends with my grandmother for over 50 years!!  She passed a cuple of years ago,but all in all everthing is good for us.  As soon as the kid leaves,work will start cleaning up and fixing the back room for my birds.
More later,I'm off to P/T and the vet to pick up heartworm/flea and tick for the pup!!

Quote:

I think you get to a point in your life when you don't want to be bothered and are quite expressive about,too!

We sure do...  And there's nothing wrong with that!  *hugs*   8-)

Hold on ,kiddies!!!  The )*#@#*#$*&#$&**#$(& hits the fan tomorrow morning!!  His flight is in the a.m.  I'm holding my breath for this one!!  I'll fill ya in tomorrow!
Major packing for me tomorrow though.  I'm planning to be out Memorial Day week-end.  Wish me luck!!!!

The update.......the kid went to Florida on the 8:40 am flight!  Guess he made it there ok.  C is doing just fine.  Thank God.  He and his friends are preparing the bird room for me.  That entails getting a sliding screen door or retactable door to keep the cat out.  There's a solid door there already that we will use when we're not home to keep the kitty out.  
So there's new sheet rock and insulation happening over the week-end.
As for me....I loaded up 4 rubbermaid containers with my yarn,fabric,crochet projects,knitting needles and crochet magazines.  Got a huge black garbage bag filled with unwanted yarn,projects I'd never finish because I don't know where the patterns are and canvas bags that held partial skeins of yarn.  Man, I'm pooped!!!!
Tomorrow I'll tackle the 2 bookcases.  Pack books I want to go into storage and keep the ones I need to go with me.  I figure if I pack a room a week I can be out by Memorial Day week-end.  I really hope so!!!!  Time is ticking!
I didn't realize I could part with some much stuff.  I guess when you set your mind to it,it's a go!
More tomorrow :)

I'm so happy that the kid is out of your hair! (and safe) :)


Quote:

I didn't realize I could part with some much stuff.  I guess when you set your mind to it,it's a go!

Yep, it's amazing the things we can accomplish when we set our minds to things!  Good luck with the packing!

Thanks!  I think I'm going to need or grow 10 hands though!!

Congrats on your move-I hope everything goes smoothly.  Is your mom still moving out of state?

Thanks,Sakina!  Yes,Mom is still moving out of state(thank God!)  She's under the impression that her kids are not happy that she's leaving and we are giving her stress and nonsense.  All three of us can't wait for her to go!!!!lol  I think things will be better in terms of  a better relationship with her when she's further away.  
On a more positive note.......I emptied the two book cases I have and packed the stuff up for storage,box for things I don't want and disassembled the bookcases for trash pick up.  Tomorrow I'll tackle the linen closet and pack up things I need and get rid of the things I don't need.  All in all this is a good feeling of getting rid of stuff that I've held on to for years(don't know why).  I figure that if I really concentrate on just one room at a time;then I should be able to move out by the deadline of Memorial Day week-end.
C and his friends were busy this week-end doing a major cleaning on the bedroom,buying a new bed-in-a bag set and just getting it ready for me when I come there to live.  C was very pleased and is excited about me getting there!!! ;)  The bird room set up went well also,as I am told.  There is a screen door that slides and a solid door (to keep kitty out of there!)  The birds won't feel seperated and cut off so the screen door should keep the cat out.  She was de-clawed years ago(not something I don't  particularly like or condone).  Anyone have any suggestions about anything else to keep the cat away from the birds?  My dog is great with the birds so I don't have any worries there.  She was raised up by me with the birds and when I had ferrets so no problems there.
Well,it's late and I've got lots to do tomorrow!!!!  Ciao!

Quote:

The update.......the kid went to Florida on the 8:40 am flight!  Guess he made it there ok.  C is doing just fine

Yay rah for you and C!!  *happy dance*


Quote:

Anyone have any suggestions about anything else to keep the cat away from the birds?

If the cat and the bird were not raised together then I don't think there's anything you can do at this point.  The cat's natural instinct will always kick in and the bird will be fair game.   :o

:(yeah,just as I feared about the cat.   When I had ferrets they were not interested in the birds at all.  Strange because ferrets want to drag everything and anything they can under the futon,bed or special hiding place!!! ::)  
Happy Dance is still going on for me!!!  Thanks for taking part in that :-*  

Quote:

Happy Dance is still going on for me!!!  Thanks for taking part in that   :-*

My pleasure, my sistah!!   :-*

Tonight I was able to empty out a dresser that will be going on the curb Wed. night.  I've got a 3 drawer dresser to empty and a nightstand to empty by tomorrow night so C and his friend Mike can take them downstairs for me. :P  I can't believe how much clothing I still have and want to give to the Salvation Army and/or church.  There's so much left to do,but I figure that I should meet the deadline if I do alittle each day.
I did empty out the linen closet last night.  Got rid of sheets,towels,bird toys and various other things that were just in there.
in the morning,C and I were out to the post office,bank,Petland,Rite-Aid and the Chinese SuperMarket to pick up a watermelon.
After a late lunch and relaxing abit,C and I went back to my place so he could take a box of pots,pans and baking sheets that I don't want to go to storage.  At least that is one box out of here!!!!  Mainly we'd be using his Le Crueset(?) pots and sauce pans,but I need by stuff to bake in.
Tomorrow is another day.  At least today I got to wash and condition my hair!  I did a trim yesterday,I figure I took off between 2- 2 1/2 inches.  The ends were so dry and I think they looked ratty.  Feels and looks better.  Let's see what the measurement is next month.
More tomorrow!!! ;)

Ahhhhh,mission accomplished!!!!  I emptied out the tall dresser,the 3 drawer dresser and the night stand!!  Wooo Hooo!  They are now waiting for C and his friend Michael to come and take them to the curb for trash pick up tomorrow.  I think I packed 6 or 7 Rubber-Maids,filled a black trach bag with clothes and boots and what not.  That'll either go tomorrow for the church to pick up or C and Michael will bring it to one of those clothes bins.
I think once the dressers are out I'll be able to move the Rubber Maids close to the walls and then see how it looks from there.
Gotta go!  Got a phone from C that he and Thomas(mutual friend) are coming over now.

Sounds as if you're "moving" right along--get it, huh?!   ;D  Ahem...  

lol!! :D  I'm glad we have a sense of humor through this mess!!!  I know there is a light (however near or far) that this mess will all be over with and C and I can kick back and enjoy the wine!!! ;)

Yesterday I cleaned out the bathroom cabinet so it will be easier to put everything in a small box for moving over to C's place,(uh,I mean out place :P).  Today I finished packing up the back room where the Pilates machine,tv and Ab Lounge are.  I didn't realize I had so much paper work that was for the recycle bin!!!  I've got 3 bags that I have to shred!! ::) :o
I've got three big black garbage bags full of clothes ready for the Good Will.  There's boxes of stuff for them,too that are not clothes.  So pretty much all that is left are odds and ends to pack up and to do the kitchen.  My pots and pans are over at C's,but I have stem ware and a dinner ware set that needs to be packed for storage.
The challenge will be to move the bird cages,tv(that shouldn't be too bad),the stair lift,futon and many many RubberMaid storage containers!!!  I still might try to go through some of the clothes to see if I can get rid of anything else.
It's alittle after 7pm and I still haven't eaten dinner so I'm going to see what to make.  Maybe crochet alittle and then call it a night!
Happy Mother's Day to all you mom's!! :)

Me thinks me see a light at the end of the tunnel!!! :D
Even though Aunt Flo paid a visit this morning(exactly to the day from last month when she dropped by!),I packed some more things,emptied a big white cabinet that holds my bonnet hairdryer(for deep conditioning treatments only,mind you!)an old sewing machine,etc.  All in all I packed 4 big cardboard boxes.  Even did the bottom of the closet that had alot of shoes that I don't wear anymore.  Got another box for the Good Will.  I'm sure as I continue to pack I'll discover more things to donate.  
Mother's Day was nice.  I did get over to Grandmas's house to see her when my mother had gone over there.
C had bought flowers for my mom and Grandma.  He's sooooo sweet that way!  I even got flowers from him and I'm just a dog and bird mom!!!! :P
I did find a cardigan that I started to crochet last year.  Nice thing is that it is almost done!!  I just have to attach a sleeve and block the whole thing and it's done!  I'll post a pic when it's finished.  I like the way it came out,too!
It has been a long day and I think it's time to rest,kick back and relax!!

C sounds like such a wonderful guy.   :)

Thanks! ;)  Yes, I am truly blessed!

I wish I could crochet something like a cradigan!! I can knit, and even then it's only scarves.

Good to see you're getting along with the moving :) That's probably tough

It's busy,to say the least!!!  I won alot of knitting needles on e-bay for a steal,but am still at the knit and pearl stage! :-[  I've been sewing when I can,missed that alot!  I've got a Brother Serger and sewing machine that I got for Christmas that I can't get enough of!!!!  I thought of selling my Singer,but can't find a buyer. :(  Might have to hold onto it for a while as a back up.
I think you could sew a cardigan if you find a pattern that is not overwhelming.  I find that I have to read and re-read patterns sometimes,depending on how detailed it is.  Hang in there!!  If you find one and make one,I'd love to see a pic of your work!

Curlgirl64 wrote on May 15^th, 2008 at 7:54am:

I won alot of knitting needles on e-bay for a steal,but am still at the knit and pearl stage!

You do realize that there really are only 2 stitches to knitting - knit and purl??!!  ;D  You already know all the stitches you need!!!!

:-[oops,I should say all the cables and and circular needles!!  I'll eventually get to do something with the circular and double pointed needles.  Hey,if I hit a snag can I contact the "knitting queen"? ;) :)

Haha, a pattern? I've seen those and are WAY over my head. Maybe this summer I'll have time to learn how to read them!

And I love sewing too! I don't have a machine and can't really make my own clothes, but mending holes in shirts and things is so much fun! And I just got one of thos embroidery rings and can make letters. So...how much IS the Singer? My birthday is coming up... ;)

If you p/m me we can talk :)
I know Siner is supposedly the "benchmark" in sewing machines,but there are so many different ones out there,depending on what you want to do.

Curlgirl64 wrote on May 16^th, 2008 at 7:42am:

:-[oops,I should say all the cables and and circular needles!!  I'll eventually get to do something with the circular and double pointed needles.  Hey,if I hit a snag can I contact the "knitting queen"? ;) :)

Of course you can.  I love to help people develop their talents!  Have you checked out www.ravelry.com yet?  It is an awsome site for knitters, crocheters, spinners, etc.  You have to wait for your invite after you sign up, but it is well worth the wait.

No,I haven't seen the site yet,but I will  ;)!  Thanks for the info. and for the help if I need it!

Moving Day is Friday!  My computer tower was taken away yesterday so I won't have access to the web until Friday or Sat.  (I'm on Mom's computer ::))
So I'll "see" everyone after the move! :-*

Good luck, Curlgirl!  :)

I hope everything goes perfectly for you, Curlgirl64!!

Hope the move and the change in living situation works out great for you.

Oh, good luck--I hope it's a painless move!!   :)

Good luck with the move! :D

Thank you everybody!!  It's close to 10 pm here and C and our friend Thomas are still cleaning.  The birds are in the bird room,but Shasta my dog is still at my place.  IT's safer for her to be there tonight.  My stuff is still at my place,took stuff that I'd need for the birds and me tomorrow though.   I think everything should be ok by Monday,the latest.
I will be on and off until Monday,as things get settled.
See ya all then! ;) :)

Where does the time go???  It's Friday already and I'm no where near unpacked!! :-[  I have managed to wash 8 loads of clothes though since last Friday! ;D  Things are shaping up though.  I did empty one box (out of maybe 20!)  Alittle at a time though!  It'll all work out.  
My mother's house sold.  She went to closing yesterday and the guy is a real loser as far as I;m concerned.  He wanted a 2 hour wfinal inspection and walk-through.  He wasn't getting that.  It just is not done.  He wanted even more money taken off the final price.  He already made out like a bandit!  When he started puuling his nonsense at the closing,my mother said that's it she wasn't going to close and she would go into litigation.  The broker said let's just close this deal and she would take the loss out of her commission!!!  I heard this was a real winner of a closing.  Thank God I wasn't there,I would have put him in his place and reminded him that he had more to loose than to gain.  I don't even want to walk past the house anymore.
On the brighter side,my mother leaves this morning(6am) with my sister to go to her new home!  I didn't get a chance to see her before she left because she was seeing all the relatives.  I'll see her next month when she comes in for a family birthday party though.  It's surreal this whole moving thing....for me and knowing that she's in S.C. and not down the block anymore.  Oh well,life goes on!
On to hair news! C's got some great shampoos and conditioners.  I tried the Peter Coppola shampoo and conditioner and my hair curled nicely.  It's very soft though.  It wouldn't stay in a bun when I went to bed.  
The Ojon line I had turned him onto a few months ago so it was nice to use that again.
All my shampoo bars are in the freezer so I'll eventually get to them!
Since it's 5:15am I'm going to call it a night!!  More later!

Good to hear from you, dear!  Sounds as if you're settling in nicely.  Don't wear yourself out with all of the rearranging and moving stuff!   ;)

Thanks,Trisha!  I'm trying to take it slow and easy,but when you see these boxes you can't help but say,"Oh,I'll just unpack one box......."  Never ends there!  Then I see something else that can go somewhere else!!!
All in all I think I'm settling in really nicely.  C has been nothing short of a God Send!  He's really been great though all of this!  Even as we unpack everything he wants to set a wedding date!  I think when I catch my breath we'll be visiting a few restaurants that can accomodate us.
We have a birthday/graduation party tomorrow afternoon.  I'm not ready,but maybe I need a diversion from the boxes!!

Your unpacking is inspiring me to try cleaning my room! Maybe I'll actually give it a shot!

And I have a question, are shampoo bars better for your hair that regular shampoo in bottles? Or do you use them with bottled shampoo?

For me it's personal preference.  Most shampoo bars are without chemicals and more natural ingredients are used.  I do use Ojon shampoo and conditioner for a change of pace though!  I recently tried Peter Coppola's shampoo and conditioner(because that is what C has in his shower and my bars are in the freezer!)  My hair liked the soy in it and the change.
If you'd like to see what Ida has at Chagrin Valley you should visit her site for all the different ones she makes.  She lists all ingredients for all of them and tells you what type of hair they are good for or possible hair problems/scalp  that they are good for.  I think the site is www.chagrinvalleysoapandcraft.com If that's not it,please get back to me and I'll try to find the correct one!
Also to your question,use either one,but not together(shampoo bar or bottled shampoo)  I also find that I must use a conditioner after shampooing.  Whether it's the bar or bottle.
HTH :)

Unpacked another big box today.  I don't even know how many more there are!  I don't want to count them,just want them to disappear!!   :)
It was busy today  though!  I took Shasta to the groomer's.  C went to his friend Rob's Deli and did some work there.
He met me at home and we put up another grab bar for me in the living room,tried to fix my inversion chair (it's headed for the garbage!)  Too bad because it is only 2 years old and the arm mechanism didn't work right from out of the box.  I should have tried to return it,but the box was thrown out and I couldn't be bothered.  HSN was no help either!  I bought it from them,too!  
C actually broke it when he tried to tighten a bolt. :(  I'll save and get another one or just invest in a Teeter Inversion Table.  I really like the Tony Little inversion chari though.  It had heat,inversion and massage!  Oh well...........
Anyway,tomorrow is another day!  Maybe I'll tackle another box or just finish the doily I am crocheting.  I don't think I will work with a tiny steel hook again though.  I can say I tried it and didn't care for it much.
Mom's unpacking too in South Carolina.  Hopefully all will go well.  I'll see her at the end of June at a family birthday party.
More later!

Do you realize what you wrote here?


Quote:

He met me at home

awwwwww!!!!!   ::)

;) :)

This is the fourth day of the heat wave here!  I was stuck in the house until this afternoon wen C came home.  We were out on the avenue to go to the post office when on the way back I saw a sign in the ravioli store that said Vegan Ravioli!!!! :o :o :)  We immediately went in and stocked up!!!  Found A really delicious Caponata,too!  The lady in the store recommended this one and she was on the money!
So tonight we are having Vegan Ravioli!!!  The sauce is alreay made,thanks to C making it last week and freezing it!
So with all this heat and humidity,we are praying for a break tomorrow.  I think it's been about 97,so tomorrow is supposed to be in the eighties!!  Woo Hoo!!  Summer hasn't even officially started yet.  I don't even want to think about July or August!

If you could send about 10 -15 degrees of that heat over here to Minnesota, we'd really appreciate it!  ;D

Curlgirl - did you get my PM?  If not, please check the Employee Lounge for an important message.  I need to know you've seen it.

I just got it!  I replied!  I'm working on sending that 10 or 15 degrees your way!  The Man upstairs is rather busy,so I'm waiting to get a sit down with him!!  lol  Maybe I should try Mother Nature instead!!  She might have more free time for me!

C and I have been doing alot of talking about the wedding and decided to get married in October!!  We have an appt. at a place to see on Wed. night.  We both agreed not to have a traditional wedding.  I never wanted that anyway.  Being disabled doesn't help matters either with everything from what to wear to how to be able to either walk with a cane or use a wheelchair or rolator.  Decisions decisions!!!!
I think we're going to print out the invitations on my printer and there is so much to do and think about and oh brother!  I'm tired already!!!!
One step at a time,I guess.

Congratulations on setting a wedding date (sort of) 8-)


I can remember when Barb and I set a date and all the things we needed to do to get ready.  
We pretty much did all the planning and pretty much everything ourselves and the one thing which made me the most nervous was finding a caterer because we did have a traditional wedding.

Well, it turned out that Barb's work did all the catering as a wedding gift to us because she works in food service and sometimes helps with the catering 8-)


And when the big day came everything turned out pretty good 8-)   Barb was about half an hour late but her dad was more worried about that than I was.


Good luck and I hope everything works out for you ;)

Jerry

Congratulations, I wish you all the best my dear! :)

October is a great month (my daughter was born in October)!   :)  Yay-rah for weddings!  I'm so happy for you   :D

Me,too!!  I'm the 22nd.  My sister is the 3rd.  We are born a year apart,same month!!  She even got married on my birthday!!  
So much to do!  I'm not even sure where to begin!!
Thanks all for the well wishes!! :-*

congrats, curl girl! try to relax and enjoy your planning and make it unique to you, as i'm sure you will.

Oy, I know what a pain in the neck planning a wedding can be. Good luck with that, hon.  ::)

Congrats, Curlgirl!!!  I'm sure your wedding will turn out beautiful! :D

A wedding does not need to be complicated!!!  I recommend that you visualize it with as much detail as you can and the Universe will help you right out!  I am speaking from personal experience!

If you need some info or ideas on supplies and decorations, let me know!

Happy times!

Thanks for the well wishes ladies!!
Sakina, oh absolutely!  Thanks for the offer!  I'll take any suggestions!

I tried something new yesterday.....I used John Frieda's Brilliant Brunette moisturizine shampoo and conditioner.  I don't think my hair has been so curly in a long time!  I also did a CWC,something new for a change.  My hair is very curly and feels very moisturized.  That's something curlies need so much of,MOISTURE!!!!
My hair usually gets alittle more curlier when I switch shampoo and conditioner,but this I really like.  Too bad I use so much conditioner though.  I don't think it's very cost effective.  Nice while it lasts though.  Maybe I consider this a splurge and use it for a while.  I was surprised that C had it in the bathroom,but he says he likes the shine he gets from them.  Who knew!!!
Tonight we go to a place that does weddings,occasions and events.  Almost like a catering hall,but not quite.  C is very excited about it.  I feed off of his excitement!  I'm glad he's so into this,as well he should be!
I think we are going to keep the list very short,about 50.  
My sister is going to be my Matron of Honor.  We'll have a fall garden party in her backyard.  I'm not one for the spotlight,so this is something I shy away from.
C and I really don't need or want anything so I don't even know what or where the bridal registry will have on it or where it will be.    I keep saying," One step at a time!"  Breathing helps!!

Since you and C have pretty much everything you need, you could always do the thing of "in lieu of gifts please consider giving a donation to XXX".  

You must have been reading my  mind!!  I was going to suggest to C that we print up flyers and suggest donations to the NY MS Society in lieu of gifts.

Great minds   ;)

Quote:

I was going to suggest to C that we print up flyers and suggest donations to the NY MS Society in lieu of gifts.

I think that's a fabulous idea.  :)

Will people actually do it? Eh, probably not. But I like the concept and the sentiment behind it.

well,the date is set!!!  October 24,2008!!  2 days after my birthday(and my sister's wedding anniversary!) We saw the hall and agreed on a price!  The father and son were very nice people!  There's an elevator for me,too!  I think that cinched it!
Yes,people would donate because we are only having 50 people and it's just family.
And Trisha, ;)

Congratulations on setting a date ;)   That gives you almost a full 4 months to get everything taken care of that you need to get done.


Our 14th. wedding anniversary is this coming Thursday (June 26th.) and also my wife's 39th. birthday (that is how she wanted it).    Her niece has a birthday the day after so she will be turning 14.


My first marriage was 3 days after my birthday (which is August 30th.) but since that did not even last a whole year we did not celebrate my birthday or a first wedding anniversary :P

Jerry

Thanks,Jerry!  4 months is going to fly by,I just know it!!! Oh, early Happy Anniversary!!!
Funny and coincidental how things are,right?!
I think the number is rising though!  I forgot a few family members :-[ (cousins I really couldn't leave off the list!)so it's up to 56!  I really don't want it any larger!!!!  I wanted a small, family type atmosphere setting....................

You are very welcome and thank you for the early Happy Anniversary ;)


Our wedding was under 100 people and we even had a few wedding crashers.  You know what they say about weddings and funerals:  you know who your true friends are if they show up at your wedding or your funeral :o

Jerry

gotcha! ;)

I'm starting to have nightmares and panic about time running out!!!  The only thing that is in place is the hall!! :o
The florist is calling me Tues. morning to hear what I want and hopefully I can get the order in for the invitations and won't wait too long for them to come back.
My mother is coming in Thurs.for a family party on Sat.  We're going to hit a couple of bridal stores here in Bklyn. and then go to David's Bridal on Sat. in Queens.  If I can accomplish getting the invites,my dress,wedding favors,flowers and justice of the peace,I'll be sooooo relieved!  C has been in NJ more than he's been here though.  Doing some side jobs to get extra money for things.  It's a vicious cycle though!!!  I need him here to help,but we need the money to make things work!  
October will be here before I know it!!! ::)

I remember worrying about things and if we were going to get them done or not :o

I got so desperate for an usher I offered to pay for his tuxedo rental which I did ::)

Other than that, our wedding was pretty good and went well.


Looking back, if things could be changed I would have asked the video camera person to run the camera longer and also video tape our reception (Barb is still unhappy about that).
I don't even remember who was doing the video taping though :-/


But, what we do have I took the video tape and copied it to DVD and it looks pretty good :)   I did a copy for Barb and also a few copies and I put one of them in our fire safe box.


I am sure everything for you will turn out and it might not seem like it right now but it seems like they usually do ;)

Jerry

Everything will turn out fine, honey, stop fretting!   ;)

I can pretty much only reiterate what's already been said. All of these little details will work themselves out. It's easy to get caught up in them, I know. But you must remember that they really are just that: little details. Not at all worth freaking out about.

Just coast, honey. Just coast.  8-)

Thank you ,all!  I'm sure alittle zinfindel would helpp,too! ;)
I'll coast and just chill!!!

It's been busy around here to say the least!!!  Wed. the Reverend came over( we decided not to go Roman Catholic for a wedding)She's an interfaith minister and C and I both liked her so we'll hire her for our wedding.  We were out in the morning looking for invitations.  Found them and ordered them.
Last night B that has an MS session group that I used to go to like 8 years ago came over for a visit with C and me.  That went very well. Before that my aunt came over from NJ to visit with me.
Today,my mother and I are going to some appt. at bridal shops to look for a gown for me.  Then C and I have dinner here with my mother,sister and BIL!!!
Saturday my mother and I are headed out to Queens to meet up with my sister to go to David's Bridal.  Then the finale is a daul birthday party for an aunt and uncle later that night!!! :o :o
I'll let ya know if I am still functioning during and after this!! LOL

Sheesh!  I'm dizzy just reading about what's happening...   :P

Trisha wrote on Jun 27^th, 2008 at 11:26am:

Sheesh!  I'm dizzy just reading about what's happening...   :P

I know,right? :o

Just remember to take deep breaths whenever you need to, you'll get through it okay! ;)

Hang in there girl!! :)

I'm breathing!!!  Thanks ladies,I'm hanging in!
I won't make the party tonight:(,but I did find a gown!!!  Woo Hoooo!  Check that off the list!!
It's white,I was looking for Ivory.  It is something I would have never looked at to try on,but my sister saw it and picked it up for me to try.  It's a go!
Yesterday I went with Mom to Macys to put a few more things on my registry.  Then we hit 2 bridal stores.  Dinner went well here with my sister and BIL and mom.
Today we did the David's Bridal store.
So now I have registeries at Linens and Things,Macys,Advantage Bridal.com,Bloomingdales and Victoria's Secret.
Now I need to take a nap!!!

Curlygirl, I just got home last night and am catching up on journals today, sorry I couldn't respond sooner.

Go to www.orientaltrading.com and sign up for the email list.  They have wedding favors in quantity and the email will send you coupons for free shipping or a discount.  These emails are once a week, I think.

Also, go to www.save-on-crafts.com.  They have awesome decorative stuff!!!

If you're looking for something special or specific, PM me and I'll look into it.

What are your colors?  Are you going to do balloons?  Last I heard there was a helium shortage so it could be difficult to rent a tank.  Do you want christmas lights?  I have a source for them in quantity, too.

I'm glad you've found your dress.  For me, that was the most challenging.  For my first wedding I found a vintage reproduction dress off the rack and my second wedding I had a dress made that was inspired by an Indonesian fashion dress.  I married the same man twice!!

Thanks!  I do get the Orietnal Trading Magazine,but haven't gotten one yet since I'm looking for favors.  It figures!!  Since it's a fall theme,I'm sticking with fall colors.  I did find a white wedding cake candle for a favor that C really liked.  Let's see how they'll ship in either July or Sept.  Sept. might be cutting it close though!
The dress for your second wedding sounds lovely!  
My mother had a Chinese Dragon custom made dress for her wedding.  My sister used her wedding dress for her wedding.
My mother met my father in a Chinese restaurant so she had the dress made.  The dress lasted beautifully over the 40 some odd years.  Too bad the marriage didn't!!! ::)

If you're getting the paper catalog, I don't think the special offers are in it.  I think they're only from the email list.

Have we talked about how you're going to do your hair?  Are you going to post a pic of your wedding dress??

The second dress was really cool.  Since the second "wedding" was really a blessing ceremony for friends and his parents, I went totally non traditional.  It was held at the Meijer Botanical Gardens in the Victorian Garden and I had very little flowers to actually buy.  Also, all of our guests had free admission to the whole of the gardens.  On top of that, it was cheaper to rent than any other halls in the area!!!

So, are your colors orange and black??   :-X

Quote:

Posted by: Sakina Posted on: Today at 12:26pm So, are your colors orange and black??   :-X

;D

;D No,my colors are not orange and black!  Although I don't think C would mind if they were!!  I think the table linens are going to be salmon,coral and either terra cotta or a pale orange color.  Fall colors are the key though that I want.
As far as my hair,I have no clue what to do with it. :-[  My uncle's friend's wife is going to do my hair though.  I'm going to insist no teasing whats so ever!!!!  Either it will all be up or a part up do.
My dress is a brand new gown from David's Bridal.  It is white(I was looking for ivory and lace and pearls!)  It has straps and a slight v neck line.  There is a zig zag type of gathering across the waist.  There is alittle train which I'll have 3 (I don't know what they're called,but the train will be pciked up in the back in three places!)  I'm also wearing a satin bolero with it.  It is elegant and simple.  I'm not overly thrilled,but happy with it.  My sister actually picked it out.  I would have never looked at it.
I'm trying to find wedding sneakers that are extra wide to accomodate the leg brace.  I'll have to buy sneakers that are extra wide and send them out to have them decorated with lace,pearls and tiny satin roses.
I'm going to have my digital camera with me the next time I go out to have it fitted so I can post a pic!!  The only alterations to be done are the shoulder straps lifted alittle and the hem brought up and those three things in the back for the train.  I'll have a finger tip length train that has little pearls in it and I'll wear a comb with lots of pearls in it and I think swarovsky(spelling?) crystals.

Quote:

(I don't know what they're called,but the train will be pciked up in the back in three places!)

Those are called bustle points, honey. When a skirt/train is gathered up in the back, it's called bustling.  ;)

Thanks!  I thought the seamstress called them bustles.  Welp, I'll need three bustle points,hopefully to keep me from falling!

Quote:

I'm going to have my digital camera with me the next time I go out to have it fitted so I can post a pic!!

Yay! :D

;)

Ooo, it sounds so pretty!!   :)

Even though it's not the dress I really wanted;it s elegant and simple.  Hope ya like it when I post the pic.  
I'll know it's a success when I see the look on C's face when he sees me in it for the first time :)

Been doing alot so I'l update ya!  Put a down payment on the photographer and the DJ.
Got someone to do the flowers.  C put a downpayment on my wedding ring.  Picked up the wedding invitations last week.   Put a downpayment on the wedding favors.  Had two make up applications done at Estee Lauder and MAC.  Loed the MAC one,so much so that C bought me a 15 piece brush set and case today!!! :D :)  

Went on Sunday to a Mall in Long Island and got some make up at MAC and Estee Lauder.  Got sneakers there  only to find they are too tight when I got home >:(  Have to go back soon and exchange them.
Starting to get into a regular routine with my Pilates Performer now that I have all the replacement parts done. :)
After the Mall on,my sister and I went to a Korean Restaurant in NYC to see if that was where my Bridal Shower would be.  We both felt my mother would have too much trouble trying to sit on the floor.  The food was excellent and was vegan!!  My sis and I decided that that place would be our new place to go to eat!!
Still using the MixedChiks hair trio and loving it!!!  Did an Ojon restorative treatment 2 nights ago and my hair is still thanking me!!  lol
Got the Faux fur coat and the Faux Fur cape in the mail.  Love the coat,not crazy about the cape though.  I think I'm going to have a bolero made by Bbeauty when my swatches arrive.
We're having a heatwave here in the eastern part of the US so I'm basically a hermit until it blows over.
To night I need to get all the names and addresses together for mailing out the wedding invitations............ there's 60 guests including C and me.  
I found out also that my cousin Jessica is getting married in Sept., another aunt and Uncle are getting a surprise 25th wedding anniversary party,my bridal shower and then my wedding in October!!!! :o  Man,it's going to get busy around here!!!!

WOw! Sounds like you are a busy woman lately! Congrats on the wedding coming up, I know I am a little slow!

Thanks!!

Ah,today's another day!!  I got my faux fur swatch samples(it's about friggin time!!!) I ordered them almost 3 weeks ago!  I'm mad about the beaver swatches.  The co. didn't send me one swatch so I called up and asked that they send me the white beaver swatch.  I then will have them make me a bolero for my wedding!  I'll wear it when we leave the reception hall.  It might be chilly that late at night!
I started to prepare the wedding invitations in their envelopes.  I just need the best man to print up address labels and then they can go out!!
C has been in NJ since Sunday doing a side job.  I've been crocheting a bolero and it's almost done.  Just have to put on the finishing border and it's done!
C was home late last night only to get up early this morning and go to a company luncheon in NJ! ::)  Just when I thought we'd relax today;he's gone again.  The job sent him to lower Manhattan to take down a show and wait for freight to come and pick it up.  He may be home tonight at 11pm.  Maybe I'll get a glimpse of him and get to hold on to him!!!  Plans for the wedding are going well.  We just have to tie in the photographer and limo.
My sister and I are meeting with the girl who's going to do the flowers sometime after the 8th of August.
All the little loose ends need to be handled.  Make up artist,hairdresser,dress fitting,bridal sneakers,wedding band for C,gifts for the matron of honor and best man,the list goes on and on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hope my leg will hold out until the wedding!  I just want to be able to walk in the reception hall without falling on my face! ::)
Fall and winter are soooo much better for me symptom wise.  Let's see what October brings!

Today I'm off to the lab to get some blood work done.  My nuerologist's nurse called and said it's been a year and it's dangerous not to have you rwhite cell count done due to the medicine you're taking so go and have it done or we can't give you more meds!!!
Actually,I don't do well when someone says,"Jump!"  I either ignore them and do nothing or say whatever!!  
The lab by me closed down a year ago and there's nothing been to replace it either.  So instead of every 3 months to get blood work done,I've been busy once in a while to try to find another lab who takes the insurance I've got. ::)
C is gone again!  This time to sleep over the best man's house to help him with some furniture moving. :( :o  Eventually I'll get to spend some time with him!!!  He comes home this afternoon only to go to work for an overnight job with his company.  Maybe we can catch up with eachother on Sunday!!!
Not all is bad though!  I do get a chance to do alot of crocheting without being interupted!
All else is going smoothly.  
I did find out my cousin is getting married on 9/21/08 in New Hope,PA!!  She lives in NJ and it will be a shlep for me to try to get there!  C will have to stay behind and take care of the dog,cat and the birds.  I have no idea why she's getting married so far away either :-/  I'll have to get the scoop from her though!

It's been super busy!   C has been working to 11 or 12 days straight.  I lost count.  He's away from home and I miss him terribly :(  He's not been away from home for the full time he's working,but 2 or 3 days at a time.  He'll be home tomorrow night! :)
I've got my appt. for the gown alterations set for next week.  I'll remember to take my digital camera with me for pics!
This past week we got a photographer!  Now all we have to do is get a limo.  We decided to come home after the wedding instead of going to a hotel for the night.  Since we'll both be gone all day and night,it's better for the pets if we just come home.  It'll be very late anyway.  C says we'll book a week-end in NYC for a get-a-way soon.
My shower is on the 7th,surprise 20th Anniversary party on the 14th and my cousin's wedding on the 21 or 23.  I get a little breather until my weedding in Oct.  Don't know yet how much of a breather,probably not much!
More later!

It must be getting more exciting with each day as your wedding date gets closer and closer. :)

Yes and alittle nervous,too!lol ;D

Welp,I'm back from wedding gown alterations!!  Finally,thank God!!  It took like 2 hours!
When all is done,I'll have 3 bustle points in the back,the shoulder straps lifted alittle,the hem lifted alot and the bolero taken in alittle!  Pics are coming either later today or tomorrow!!  My sister was nice enough to take some with my digital camera.  Just have to download them.  We also got her gown there.
Went back to her house and had wine and sushi!  Not a bad day spent.
Now,just the little things to do......get a music list together,touch up the vows,get a unitycandle,tapers and memorial candles.  I found a girl on Etsy.com that will make a wristlet for me.  I need to find a nice money chest,too.  I just don't have the time to pull out my sewing machine or serger to make a wristlet.  So when you can't do it yourself,find someone to help!!

Sounds like it's all coming together, dear!   :)

Girl, you are giving me flashbacks.  ;D  I remember making the same sort of arrangements for my first wedding.  ::)

Ah,then you probably remember kinda loosing your mind with the appts.picking and choosing favors,flowers,etc! ;)
I wonder if any other bride felt like they can't wait for all the planning to be over with!!

If you have a Michael's near you, they have a medium size wooden treasure chest for about $20.  The Sunday paper had a 40% off coupon for one regular priced item.

JoAnn Fabrics also has a chest, its a bit smaller but fancier.  They also have a 40% off coupon in the paper.

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Ah,then you probably remember kinda loosing your mind with the appts.picking and choosing favors,flowers,etc!   I wonder if any other bride felt like they can't wait for all the planning to be over with!!

The planning? Hunnay, I couldn't wait for the marriage to be over with!  ;D  ;D

But seriously...the planning was pretty easy, considering that the hotel where I was married took care of most of the arrangements. I talked about it with a coordinator over the phone - they put it all together and made it happen.

I had to worry about all of the "local" stuff, of course.

I hear ya!

I'm still trying to download these pics!  Have patience,please.

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FINALLY!!!!! I was able to download some pics!


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Oh what a lovley dress!!! You look soo good!! ;)

Thanks!!

Very pretty! My firend wants me to go shopping for her gown Wednesday, any suggestions? I was one of the lucky ones that found my dress and it was the first and only one I tried on!

Definately have a plan of action!  Find out if you need an appt. before you go to whichever store,boutique or bridal shop. I had my mother and sister with me,which turned out to be a good thing.  Honest opinions count!  I went early to a few places on Friday and then on Saturday to David'd Bridal.  My situation is alot different though because I had a rollator and a leg brace to deal with.  Tell her don't settle,keep looking for that "this is it" gown.  May not happen on the first try,but she'll know when she puts it on!!

Thanks! We are actually going tonight to a place in our mall. I am going to tell her she should find a David's Bridal. I have seen their commercials on the tele for the $99 gown sale. My only fear is that I am going to be stuck in a dress as well, but I don't know her wedding plans. I'm not sure if she is going to stay here and get married or wait until her finance gets back from his tour overseas and get married when they move to NY.

You're welcome!  Just be sure neither one of you stresses out!  Half the battle is won when you don't stress and have fun with whatever you're doing! :)

Your dress is gorgeous!!!  You're going to make a beautiful bride.  How are you going to wear your hair, will it be up or down?  Ooh, I could really see a half up half down with white flowers in it. :)  My husband and I decided to renew our vows in 2 years and thats what I'm thinking about doing.

Oh, your dress is simply marvelous, dear!  It suits you well.   :)

wrote on Sep 3^rd, 2008 at 10:48pm:

My husband and I decided to renew our vows in 2 years

My ten year anniversary is June 2010, my husband and I want to renew as well!

We def. had fun looking for dresses last night!

Thanks Ladies!  LD,I'm kinda stuck with wanting to go all with abraided bun or half up ? :-/  Just don't know!
I'm glad yo ladies aere going to re-new your vows!  Can't wait for pics and the stories!!
Trisha and LD,thank you so much!  I hope my nervousness won't show too much and my happiness will shine through!

I had my bridal shower this past Sunday and am still writing thank you cards,putting gifts away and recuperating!!
My sister did a great job and it was very nice. :)  I got to meet C's sister and one of her daughters.  They are very nice.  They came all the way from Albany!!  That along way to where I am.  We went to London Lenny's in Queens. My favorite seafood restaurant.  Everyone had a good time and I was so touched that so many came!!  I have my pics on Kodak,I'll try to download them here.
I think I have all the thank you notes done.  Tomorrow is C and my 1st year anniversary so we're going out to lunch and dinner!  Neither one of us can remember the exact date we had our first date so tomorrow is as good as any!!

Well,another event is done!  My uncle and aunt's 25th surprise wedding anniversary pary was a smash on Sunday!!  About 94 or 96 people came.  It was at a catering hall and all had a great time!  My uncle and aunt was totally surprised and shocked!!!  The look on my uncle's face was priceless!!!  He has a very dry sense of humor and is seldom if ever caught off guard.  I was fortunate enough to catch him off guard when I was 16 and then I saw his face when I'm 43!  It's a long time,but so worth the wait!!!  With all the hush hush,I forgot my camera!! :-[ I managed to get a few pics on my cell phone.  I'll figure how to download them to my e-mail address and then try to post them here.

Sounds like a wonderful event!  I hope everything at your wedding is as wonderful!!!

Thanks,Sakina! :)

Well I'm back from my cousin's wedding in PA.  So glad to be home!!  The winery where it was held was not disable friendly at all !!  Had a great time though!  All the food was vegan so I was in heaven ;)  Had a killer headache from last night until this morning though.  Probably due to worrying about my pets,the noise in the hotel room,the lousy sofa bed etc!!!  Just glad to be back home to rest!!

My wedding dress is ready to be picked up from alerations!!!  I pick it up Sunday and leave it at my sister's house.  I will come out of my grandmother's house 2 blocks away,but can't keep it there until the wedding cuz there are too many prying eyes!!! ::) I'm also going to get my hair trimmed on Monday.  I'm afraid that at least 3 inches will have to go because with the wedding plans and stuff I've neglected my S&D's for too long! >:( :(  I'll measure before the trim and then after to see how many inches I've got to take off!
Went to the Food Coop yesterday with Stress-A-Ride and C.  It was fun!  It's small so we went early to avoid the crowds.  It's right next to a firehouse that had a wooden sculpture of firemen in honor of those who lost their lives at that "house' on 9/11.  
Got alot of stuff there from chemical free floor cleaner,earth friendly laundry detergent,vegan burgers,Aubrey sahampoo and conditioner and other vegan foods.  Had passed by my Chinese Hair Salon that I used to go to many moons ago to get trims and I picked up some Vitamin C Hair Mask as a deep conditioner.  Expensive thoug,$30 dollars for a tub!!!  I was ultra curly after that!!  Hair feels good,but I know I need a good trim.
Still need to go to mall to return a pressure cooker set that I got at the bridal shower that is a duplicate gift.  I might get a cannister vacuum in replacement of that or a hair steamer that I saw on the internet.  C and I can use either one.  The vacuum he bought is just too heavy and a pain in the neck to use in the bird room.  I think a canaster would be better for me and easier to manuver.
I've been working on crocheting another poncho for either a Christmas gift or myself.  I will have to stop though and make a baby blanket because our bestman's wife is going to have her baby today!  This is baby #3.  I think it's a boy,will tell you all later!
Well,back to wedding vows writing and wedding stuff!

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! I wish you many years of happiness. Your hair will be your best accessory!

Thanks!!!
Well if it sounds too good to be true,it usually is!!!  I went to pick up my gown today with my sister and the lady who did the pinning did not do the sewing!  Bottom line is the pinning lady will re-do the mess someone made of the bustle points and fix the bolero  I have to go back again with Stress-A-Ride during the week! >:(
On a happy note, I did a henna treatment on C's hair last night!!  He loved it!  My henna and indigo should be here tomorrow.  The lady who do my hair for my wedding is coming by Tuesday to give me a much needed trim.  This time I'll measure before the trim and then again after.
After today's fiasco;I'm mentally tired so off to bed I go!!!

Got that long awaited trim or cut that I desperately needed!  I'll measure when it's wet to get an accurate measurement.  Dry it was 36 1/2 inches and after the cut it was 32 1/2. :o :o  It was needed and feels much better!  I don't think the measurements were as accurate as when it's wet though.  I figure I'll re measure when I do my henna and indigo on Thurs.

Oops!  It's a huge pic,but ya'll know me!  I don't do anything small!! lol ;D                      



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All the better to see the beauty!  Love the picture!  You are a lucky woman.  Congratulations.

YAY, Curlgirl!  You look sooo happy!  I don't think you told us your man has long hair!  How'd you get all that length up into such a do?

May you two have many happy, healthy years together!!!

Love the pic!  ;)

Aww.  ;)

I know, Sakina, that's what I thought, too!  #1 was "Oh, how pretty and happy CG looks" and #2 was "*gasp* C has long hair!!"   ;D  
Great photo, Mrs. C, thanks for posting it!  *hugs*

Thanks,all!  I am very happy!  
Sakina,to tell you the truth all my "do" was a twisted bun held up by the amish hairpins,a scunci hair safe holder and I bought a hair comb with pearls and crystals for decoration!  That's all!
I thought I had mentioned C had long hair! :-/  Oops if I didn't,my bad. :-[  He keeps saying that he wants to layer it or have long layers,but I am hoping I can deter him from that!  I just think his hair will look nicer and better without any layers!  
I can't wait to see the pics from the wedding though!  Man there is going to be alot to go through ::)
I'm still crocheting my neck warmers that are going to be Christmas presents for the ladies in my family.  I bought (through E-bay,no doubt!) a pasta machine maker to help rollout the fimo clay I bought.  I'm going to make my own buttons for the neck warmers.
I'm also learning how to use the crochet loom I bought.  The scarf I made with that is almost done.
I'm waiting for 2 tunisian crochet hooks that I had made so I can make a poncho with that.  Size Q!  It's going to be a big long hook!!
I'm busy!!!

WooHoo Curlgirl! :D  I love your picture and I didn't know that C was long hair either.  You both look very nice and happy.  Thanks for sharing your pic, congrats again! :D

Thanks! ;)

Super busy these past few days!  
My brother met us at our door to see if I had voted yet.  He was going to drive me to the polling place(aka elementary school) That boy does some nice things!
I bought about $40 in yarn to continue making Mobius scarves.  What fun and super fast!!  
I'm still waiting for my pretty crochet stitch markers(bought off Etsy),the tourmaline ring and 2 tunisian crochet hooks!  Ya know when you're a kid and have all the excitement of getting something in the mail or at a particular store?  I'm waiting and waiting and the excitement has worn off >:(  The mail is so slow and it isn't even around the holiday busy time yet!!
Knowing me,when everything comes I won't even want to open it.  The thrill is gone!!
I did have a thrill winning $10 on one of those scratch off lottery games today though.
More yarn?  Save it?  More scratch off tickets?  Decisions,decisions,decisions!!!! ;D

Definitely save it. I've never won anything with those #$%& scratcher cards. ;D

Sounds like a good plan! ;)

Today I decided to wash all the floors.  That went well.  I then decided since my crochet stitch holders,ring and tunisian hooks did not show up,I'd make my buttons.
I bought Fimo clay and a pasta machine maker a while ago and thought I'd make buttons to go on my neck warmers that I'm making for Chirstmas gifts.  I've never worked with Fimo clay but I turned out the clay,used some cutters that C bought me and baked the blasted little terrors in the oven!!! :o  I think I would be better off using a rolling pin!  They look like buttons,but they might be too thin.  I'm letting them cool.  We will see...... I just could be buying 60 2 inch buttons!  That's too much money!  At $2.99  a button  I might as well buy the sheep and shear them myself!! Spin the wool and then try the button making task again!! ::)  I'm sure they'll be good,but making 4 little holes in each button can eat at your nerves!!!
I think I need gloss for them though.  I'm off to search E-bay!

FINALLY!!!  2 tunisian hooks came yesterday!  Now I'm just waiting for the stitch markers and the tourmaline ring.
I found an unfinished "Selena Shawl" that I started 2 years ago with Alpaca yarn.  Almost finished I decided to pick it up and finish it off.  I've got 2 more rows and the fringe and then it's done.  I think that'll be for Mom for Christmas.  I think it will be perfect for her in her new home in S.C.  Not heavy at all.  I'll try to post a pic when it's done.

Busy,busy,busy!!!  I gave the shawl to my  mother before she left for S.C.  She liked it,so I'm glad.
My little canary died last week so things have been rather quiet without her.  :'( Needless to say I was very upset.  She will be sorely missed by me and the cockatiels.
On a different note,I'm almost finished with the super long mobius scarf I started a few days ago.  It's coming out nice.  I'll be finished with it tonight.
Got another yarn delivery today,but I can't remember for which pattern the yarn is for! ::)  Got more yarn coming too in the next few days.
Got my Secret Santa gift out today.  Hope she likes it!
Off to crocheting!

Aw, sorry to hear of your canary passing.  My sympathies, dear.  *hugs*

thanks,Trisha.

I think I have all the neck warmers crocheted,buttons made and the fleece scarves serged and sewn.  I am beat!!!  I think I made a total of close to 30 items.  Now I just have to drop each of them in a gift bag and it's off to Grandma's Christmas Eve.
Some of C's gifts arrived and he went right into them!!!  lol  Fruit Cake from Figi's,because he always wanted to try it.  I couldn't tell him anything about it because it is made with eggs.  I'm a pescatarian,borderline vegan so I never tried it before.
The Riviera pears came from Harry and David,they need to ripen up a bit though.
I think there's pistachios,nut clusters and something else I can't remember.
C told me to make a list and order things!  I really just wanted to enjoy the holidays with him!  A few things came though!  I always wanted to make bread so Emil's bread maker came.  A Dennis Basso faux fur coat came,a hair steamer is eventually coming!  A Malibou Pilates chair came since my Performer is a hassle to take out and set up due to my MS challenges!
I've been very blessed to have C!  He's unbelievable with his generousity!  
I really just want a dusting of snow for Christmas Eve........
Time will tell.  We had alittle of a mess yesterday with the ice,rain and snow.  Of course the weatherpeople always claim it's going to be worse than it actually is!  We got nothing!  I don't listen to them anymore anyway.  I go by what my leg tells me!!  I had sugery when I was 16 and it never fails to hurt a few days before the rain or snow.  Even after all these years!!!  I'd also listen to people with arthritis,too.  They know when bad weather is coming!
Anyway,even after my little canary passed away a few weeks ago,the holidays will be bright because I know she's in a place of peace,white light and worry free.  I miss her though.  The cockatiels are pretty much back to normal.  They were very quiet for a few days after she passed.  
On a happier note, I think C and I are going to make clam sauce for dinner.
I made vegan snickerdoodles and cranberry whole wheat bread the other day.  All came out ok,I'll perfect both recipes though.
Ciao for now!!

Sounds like you're having a wonderful Christmas! :)

Thank you,I am very blessed to have C and a wonderful family.  I never forget that and am grateful  :).

I did a deep conditioning treatment today with my new hair steamer.  I liked it very much and think I'll be doing this every week.  My hair is very curly and soft.  I'll oil tonight with Jojoba.

Can't believe it's Christmas morning already!  C and I were at my grandmother's last night with most of the family.  It was very nice and everyone had a nice time!
My gifts as scarves and neckwarmers went over big!  I was so glad everyone liked them.
My faux fur coat was a big hit also!  Even C said I had nice taste and class for picking it out! 8-)
We celebrate Chirstmas Eve and Christmas day is a recooperate and relax day for most of the family.  They either go to their inlaws,,stay home and cook or hang out with friends.
C made me crab legs yesterday for lunch.  They were good.  For the night meal we had broiled salmon,pasta with marinara,grilled veggies and there were lots of things for the non-vegans and vegetarians,too!  I was just glad I found something that I could eat there.  This year it was catered again,because there are so many of us.  My two youngest aunts were in the kitchen though making pasta with clam sauce and heating and preparing things.  They were like the energer bunnies!!
I had made vegan Snickerdoodles the day before and everyone liked them.  Usually there is coffee and Italian pastries for dessert.  I don't eat dairy so I just look and watch everyone else enjoy.  this year there was fresh fruit,nuts,chocolate covered pretzels and lots of home made cookies.  I still stuck with fresh fruit,nuts and a few snickerdoodles!
I hope everyone enjoys the holidays!!

I used Mane and Tail and Body shampoo and conditioner for the second time today.  I like it very much and so does my hair!  The next time I wash I will use the steamer again.  That seems to work well for me,too.
C ordered alot of Ojon from QVC this morning so we'll be stocked with that for a while.  I think he got the Restorative Treatment,the big jammie though,16 oz. tub,the hydrating shampoo and conditioner,the big ones,a leave-in spray and we're good to go!
I'm going to have to henna and indigo my hair very soon,in fact I'm over due :-[ :(   the greys start showing after a week!! :o  Sooner or later they are going to beat me!!
I've been crocheting a wrap and it is taking forever to finish the trim!  I think if it turns out ok I'll put it on Etsy.  Pic to follow when it's done!

Started an Ojon deep conditioning treamtent last night to sleep in.  Washed and conditioned with Ojon Hydrating shampoo and conditioner.  Instead of the jojoba oil on the length and ends;I used the Ojon leave-in condtioning spray.  My hair feels hydrated and softer.  Lots of curls!
Just watching the Dolphins football game and relaxing.  C is taking a nap.  He has to work tomorrow night at 8pm.  Don't know if it's 4 hours or 12 hours yet.  
Yesterday we went to our jeweler to place the order for the design we came up with for the double heart ring I wanted for Valentine's Day.  It should come out nice.  It'll have about 1/2 carat in diamonds covering both hearts and diamond pave on both sides.  We were happy with the draft.  
Tomorrow C and I are going to order my foldable travel scooter.  It comes with a lot of free add ons that I can surely use.  A safety flag,extra battery,cup holder,a wagon that goes in the back with safety lock,etc.  It'll be good to take on the plane when I travel to see my mom in S.C.  The scooter I have now is a Golden Companion 1 and is too big,bulky and a pain to take a part.  At least this one is light and foldable.
Well,I'm off to finish watching the game and try to find a pattern for a sweater that I started way last year!

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my foldable travel scooter.  It comes with a lot of free add ons that I can surely use.  A safety flag,extra battery,cup holder,a wagon that goes in the back with safety lock,etc.

Say, I wouldn't mind having one of those!!   ;D

Hey,since you're always so nice,come on down I'll give ya a ride!! ;)
I can't wait to see if this is all the hype the testamonials say it is.  We'll see.......

Alot has been happening over the past week.  The foldable scooter finally came after numerous phone calls the C made.  We got the co-owner's cell number from him and called and finally got thtings squared away.   Although the underseat basket came broken the scooter coach that attaches to the back had a broken lock,most everything was ok.  The new basket came today along with the metal lock for the coach.  It actually the the plastice part that held the lock that was broken,but C says he can try to fix it and we'll see what's what with that. :-/
I re-charged the battery yesterday and took it for a little test run in the apt.  On the lowest speed this scooter can move.  I think on the fastest speed it can go almost 4 mph.  C and I are going to take it out tomorrow for a test run outside.  We're having a heatwave at 40 degrees!! 8-)
I also am in the process of opening an Etsy store for my crochet stuff!  I didn't realize how many cardigans I had crocheted over the past 2 years!  As soon as I weave in all the little yarn ends and take pics,I'll put the pics up on my store.  I called it Curlgirl64's Crochet Shop.  
I'm also going to go to my mother's for a 3 day visit.  I'll take the scooter on the plane to see how it is.  She's comin up in the beginning of Feb. for my Grandmother's 97th birthday.  I'll fly back with her and then fly home.
So things are alittle hectic,but not crazy.
I'm due for a trim and henna and indigo desperately!!  Brfore I go to Mom's I'll do that.

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... took it for a little test run in the apt.  On the lowest speed this scooter can move.  I think on the fastest speed it can go almost 4 mph.

--As if she wasn't dangerous before...watch out, gang!!   ;D

Ah,my long haired sista!!!  You are right there on the back of the scooter! :o

Between C's gout attack and my mother coming in today from S.C,the impending snow storm, I figured why not get ready to open my Etsy store!!!! ::)  
Today I'll take lots of pics and out them up and hopefully open shop today or tonight.  I've got boleros,cardigans,hats,neck warmers,fingerless gloves and will be adding more.  I can't believe I crocheted so much in a 2 year period!  Hoping the store will do well.  I decided to open it under Curlgirl64's Crochet Shop.   Let's see how it does.

Good luck with the store!   ;)

Thanks! :)

I'm back!  The 3 day trip to S.C. to visit my mom went well.  I relaxed with some friends,went out to different stores and most of all de-stressed!  
I didn't get to bring the foldable scooter though >:( :(.  My mother gave me stress about it being too heavy for her to lift and it was going to be a hassle,blah blah blah!  Just to keep her quiet I said ok,I wo't take the scooter.  I'd use the rollator I had at her house.  It did limit me from exploring the different stores and kept me somewhat dependent on her and where she wanted to go.  What else is new!! ::)  All in all it was a pleasant trip.  The weather was great.  It was about 70 compared to 30's here in NY.  I'm freezing more than usual and I'm home only since yesterday!!!
C and I went out this morning to get some food supplies.  I saw my brother on the firetruck going on a run and that was nice.
C bought me beautiful flowers for Valentine's Day.  I will be getting my double heart ring that we designed this coming Thursday.  I wanted him to see it before Thursday just incase he doesn't like it.  I saw it when I went with my brother to pick out earrings for his girlfriend. My brother said it was flashy.  I'm not a flashy person,more classic and subdued.  So I don't know if I'm overly thrilled with it.
The ring is ok,but I'm not thrilled with it.  It is encrusted with diamonds all over the hearts,sides and the guy had made a mistake by putting diamonds all around the band.  He said he wouldn't charge for the mistake,but I'm not sure I like diamonds all the way around like an enternity band.  It's special because we designed it together,but diamonds all around is not what we designed.
As for my Etsy store,well no sales,but I plan on putting other things up and maybe I'll have some sales.
So today will be a relaxing day!  
Happy Valentine's Day to one and all!! :)

I put two items on my Etsy store.  We'll see how they do.  Before I signed off 10 minutes after putting them on, I had 3 views!  At least people are looking!  I added another pair of fingerless gloves and a shawl.  I think it took me 3 days to complete the shawl.  Not bad considering.  I'm now working on a long vest.  Hopefully I can complete that within a week.
Not much else happening so I'm tired and I'll sign off ::)

I've been crocheting like a mad woman and the back of the vest is done,finally!!  I'm working on the right front now.  It's taking alot longer than expected,too.  All this while my dog is recooperating from last Thursday fiasco!!  It all started when she and I were relaxing on the futon and then someone was knocking at my front door.  I got up to answer it and she was right behind me,down her doggy stairs.  I then noticed bloody pawprints and then alot more blood on the floor! :o  Not a peep out of her to let me know she was in pain or shock either.  I picked her up and thought it was her paw pad,but it was one of her back toenails pointing crooked.  We were just at the groomer's the week before so I was surprised that maybe her nail either got caught on something or broke.   I woke my husband up and said I think we have to go to the vet's office.  So off we were in car service to the vet's.  We hit every red light in Brooklyn!!!!!
We waited and waited to see the vet,but finally we got him to see her.  Not a peep out of her,she was so good.  The vet tech had taken the nail off after cleaning the area.  It came off relatively easily,too.  She got a shot for any pain and meds to be taken orally.  She's bandaged up pretty well.  We go back in 5-7 days.  The bandage has to stay 100% dry.  So I'm always behind her when she drinks or uses the bathroom.  The plastic bag the vat tech gave us is a pain to use so my husband and I decided to use a plastic bag with one of my short socks over it.  It's working out well.
And we have a major snow storm!!!!  We've got about 7 inches so far.  When all is done the over inflamatory weather people say we'll get 12-14 inches.  I don't see it though.  They usually wrong anyway. :-?
So I'm back to crocheting and sewing today.  I'm trying to make eye masks to try to sell in my Esty store.  Hope to get some done soon!

Poor dog! :(

Thanks!   Shasta sends kisses and says she's a trooper and is ok! :)

:D Good to hear it.

We'll see what happens on Sunday when she goes back to the vet to change bandages!

Aw, poor Shasta (good name)   :(  I'm glad she didn't seem to be in pain!

Thanks.  I think C was more of a basket case than anything!  Poor guy!  I seem to get calmer if things are an emergency. When llittle things that happen I'm more likely to growl and get cranky.  Go figure!! ::)

Awwwwww! I hope she's better soon.

:-* thanks!

Who knew how involved this pup's torn nail was going to be?! :o  D and I went to the vet yesterday to have her bandage removed and see what the prognosis was.  
All my effort and attentiveness to keep the bandage clean and dry paid off.  The vet was pleased that it was very clean and dry.  That dog didn't move without me putting a plastice bag and little sock on her foot!!!!!
After cleaning it and leaving a bandage off,there's more to be done!!!
I have to soak her foot in a solution for 5-10 minutes 2x a day,let it dry,then put ointment on it,let that dry,keep an E collar on her to prevent her from licking the paw,meds. 2x a day!  I think the E collar is a smidge too short because she can still reach and lick the paw >:(.  I had two E collars that fit,but can't find them.  Either I threw them out because I was moving or they went into storage,  Either possibility doesn't sound like me though so I can't figure where they are :-?  Anyway,she goes back to the vet in a week.  Still don't know if the nail will grow back or not :-/
During this time I made a jeans bag and thought I would put it up for sale in my Etsy store,but I'm not overly thrilled with the outcome of it.  I may keep it and use it for myself and make more to see how they come out.   Different styles and colors.  I think the straps are alittle too short though. I wanted a cross over bag and this turned out to be a should bag.   Oh well,practice makes perfect!!!!

Had a computer vius,but I'm back!  Was down for a few days.but I'll catch up.

Hi, I have tried to send you messages a couple of times, but they won't go thru, so will contact you this way.  hope you get it.  

Hi!
That's strange,but I'll see where the problem is/was.  

Hi, tried to send you a message again and it still won't go.

I crochet and knit and sew and make jewelry, so have been interested in what you do.  I taught all but sewing for Michael's for about a couple of years and it was fun, while it lasted.  The jewelry classes were frustrating because I saw so many people making things that were really ugly.  No color coodination or sense of proportion or style.  Bleah!  :P  I have also done needlepoint and counted cross stitch.  Almost every framed item on my walls is something I or my mom or my sister made.

Isn't following your creative urge fun?

Absolutely!!  Folllowing your creative side is so important,especially during these stressful times!  I will try again to find out what the problem is and why your p/m's aren't coming through.

I got note from Sakina that she couldn't send PMs to me a couple of days ago.  Maybe we've got a gremlin in the system and need some FM  :)  

The "Reply" feature in PM's rarely ever works. It's better to just start a new PM to that person.
Every time I send a PM, I'll attempt the "Reply" feature first (just in case it does go through on the first try). But before I hit "Send," I'll copy everything I just typed, just in case it doesn't go through. If it does, great. If not, I'll start a new PM and just paste the message that I copied earlier and send it that way. It always goes through as a new PM.
Weird, huh? :-?

Hi, haven't heard from you in a few days, so wondered if you were okay.  

Ah,my long haired friend!  Just fine.  Busy sewing and crocheting away!!  Finished 2 tunics on the sewing machine!  Will post pics soon.  Am working on a crocheted shawl and the wheels are turning as to what else is up my sleeve!  Have fun in St. Louis!

I have several sewing and crochet projects that need completing, but between teaching summer classes and being out of town every weekend, it doesn't look like I will get to them for at least 2 weeks.  ::)

That's ok! When you do get to those projects,enjoy! :)

C and I are busy apartment hunting!  It's taken up all of our free time to go to different realtors and go through the same paperwork with each of them. ::)  I can't wait to go!  I'm so stressed by everything here that goes on above us.  You name it,it's probably either happened or is happening up there now.  I'm just stressed and am finding it hard to deal with the hypocracies and un fairness of the people upstairs. >:( :(  Anyway,got alot to do and plan and prepare for!  Hopefully all will go well and it'll have a positive ending! :)

Hi, Curlgirl, apartment living always has problems.  I remember vividly.  I wish you lots of luck and hope you find a top floor with elevator.  

Good luck love! :)

Thanks,Ladies! :-*  All is going well.  Since C is working today;I went to the R/E place to meet with the owner of the house.  She came in from Jersey and is very nice.  I signed the lease and we're moving!!!!  Thank God!!!  Not only is there more room, we can do whatever it takes to make it safe for me!!!
So along with the railings outside to get in, we can put safety bars in the bathroom.celing fans,etc.  
The fun begins with the packing and getting rid of stuff!!  Atleast we can now eliminate the storage facility.  That's extra money we can use.
So off I go with idea planning,paint color schemes and everything else that goes with moving!!

Though I'm quite against the idea of renting anything, I know you're stoked to get the new place...so congrats. :)

Painting apartments is basically illegal where I live, so it always intrigues me to see people doing this on other parts of the world. Foreign concept. So have fun with that for me, k? ;)

Thanks!!  I'm not pro-reting either.  My parents have always owned,even after they were divorsed my mother bought her own house here.  When I began working in H.S. I was able to rent the apt. above her.  She luckily bought a 2 family house so I learned how to be more independent,but still have family very close by!!!
So C is over there as I type to tape,prime and then paint.  He's hoping to have all of this done by Sunday.  
I've begun packing,getting clothes ready for the Good Will and trying to stay relaxed through it all!! ::)  I will not e looking back when I'm gone!!!!
Mom came in from S.C. yesterday so I was at Grandma's yesterday evening.  She really looks happy and I'm glad she's found a better quality of life.  Hopefully like mother,like daughter!  My fingers are crossed!!
I sewed a little pillow for the cat yesterday morning because she's been sleeping at the top of the futon and C thought it would be nice to have a little pillow for her.  So off I went to sew one up!  She is currently sleeping with it under her head!!  Glad she likes it!
I'm off to clear out the microwave cart and make dinner.  I might even have time to finish crocheting the beret I started 2 days ago.  I've done 3 already since last week and either they will be part of my stash for Christmas gifts or I'll put them up for sale on Etsy in my shop.
Later!!

Moving day is fast approaching!  Hubby and I got a lot packed,but there's still way more to go! :-[ :(   A few more days until I'm in the place with windows,light and peace and quiet!!!!!!!  At least I think anything will be more quiet than here.  I won't be looking or be back on this block!  No regrets about that either!
I just have to make sure the dog,birds and cat make a smooth move.  Hope all goes smoothly!

Good luck sweetie!!! :)

Thanks!!

Good luck with the move.  I hate packing down knowing that it all has to be unpacked again.  

Thanks,Drear!  The good thing is that when you're packing you can throw out stuff you don't need and not have to bring it with you.  I also have stuff in storage! :o  So another good thing is I can throw out some more stuff when I'm unpacking it! ::)  I just can't wait for the whole moving thing to be over...........it hasn't even started yet!!  Tomorrow will be the beginning of it and hopefully by tomorrow night;we'll be in our new place!!

Good luck, and enjoy your new digs.  Try not to have a fight  :).  Moving is stressful.

Thank you, my sista!!!  So far we've been pretty good!  If it gets alittle hairy(pardon the pun) hubby just says,Whataver you want dear!"  I gotta say it's going pretty good,so far though!

Wow!  I am surprised you got on-line so quickly.  Unless you haven't moved the computer yet or are using a laptop.   :-?  I have never had a moving experience that took so short a time.  The last time we lived in a hotel for 2 wks. waiting for the house to be ready.  That was horrible.  I have never been so bored.  It was during semester break, and I think I went to a movie or shopping every day.  There was nothing else to do.  Everything was in storage.  I will tell you, the intense togetherness was almost too much.  Of course, we were not newlyweds.

I'm back on line now!!  I'll be on longer later tonight.  Hope you and everyone else is fine!

Welcome back.  How is the settling in going?  What important thing have you lost?   ;D

Well,I coulda lost my sanity if I stayed there any longer!  lol  You should have seen my dog's face when I let down into the new place to explore!  I have never seen such a smile on a dog's face before!!!!!!!!!
The settling in is going ok.  Haven't upacked any boxes yet.  I want to steam clean all the cabinets in the kitchen before I put anything in.  I'm just that way,want it clean and sanitized.
We're off to do some grocery shopping this morning.  Sushi for lunch and dinner for 3 days straight is just about enough for me!

I am soo happy for you! :)  ;D  Basement apartments sux!  

Thanks!  Yes,I could not agree more about basement living!!!

Drear wrote on Jun 21^st, 2009 at 1:46pm:

Good luck with the move.  I hate packing down knowing that it all has to be unpacked again.

Amen!!


Curlgirl64 wrote on Jun 21^st, 2009 at 3:10pm:

The good thing is that when you're packing you can throw out stuff you don't need and not have to bring it with you.

This is the one nice thing.  Well, that and this...


Curlgirl64 wrote on Jun 25^th, 2009 at 7:00am:

Haven't upacked any boxes yet.  I want to steam clean all the cabinets in the kitchen before I put anything in.  I'm just that way,want it clean and sanitized.

You get to start all fresh and new!

Ah,yes!  

Glad all is going well for you.  I like sushi, but 3 days in a row is a little much.  :)

When we moved into our house, it was the worst house on the block.  We had a contractor doing major stuff for 2 wks before we moved in.  I walked into the kitchen with him, looked at the cabinets and said, "Someone has to clean those filthy cabinets, and it isn't going to be me."   I don't which of the guys did it, but they were clean when I came back a couple of days later.   ;D

Somebody knew that if they weren't clean there was going to be a very unhappy woman who just might "let go some furry!!!"  ;)
The cabinets are pretty decent but I want them spotless and sanitized.  I'd rather do the cabinets than something else ::),I'm not sayin what that is!

I've never tried sushi.  I always make sure a house is spotless before I move out for the new owner.  I thought that was the standard.

You and I are together on that!  When I moved out to my first apt. and then left it 3 years later,it looked better when I left than when I came in!
Thank God it's not ultra filthy,but the guy is getting a divorce and I guess his spouse left before him.  I gotta give him a thumbs up though,there was a big hole where his plasma was and he patched the hole so well that even C was impressed.(C is a union carpenter by trade.)

Drear wrote on Jun 27^th, 2009 at 5:42am:

I've never tried sushi.

Wow then your in for a treat!  I am a diehard sushi fan myself. It tastes best served with hot sake.  My favoirte is tako octopus.  ;) I've made it at home with just veggis and eggs! Yum!

Sorry for the highjack Curly!

I agree, I always leave a place spick and span when I leave.  Like you, I thought that was the norm.  I was really surprised, and furious.   >:(  On the final walkthru the day before we signed the papers, I told the seller's realtor that if the place wasn't cleaned to suit me by 8am the next morning, I would sign no papers and no money would change hands, and while he was at it, he could clean the gutters.  He told me the next morning that the sellers had stayed up all nite cleaning.   ;D

You go,Sista!  You were buying a new home and the seller's are to at least have cleaned it before you moved in!

Isabeau,you and I are truly lovers of sushi!  No harm taken in you jumpin in on it!! ;)

So how is the unpacking going?  Are you finding everything?  We still have boxes that I haven't unpacked since we moved in 6 yrs. ago.  I know mostly what is in them, collections, mainly, and some games, it's just that we don't have room to display them right now.  Maybe in the next house.

Hope all is going well.  

Believe or not,only 4 small boxes were unpacked so far!! ::) :o  Hubby went back to the old apt. to collect the wire shelves and to clean.  When he puts up the shelving in all the closets then I can put my clothes away,stuff in the pantry,etc.
I steam cleaned the silverware draw and lower drawer.  I need to get a draw organizer though so then the silverware can go into it!  Some of the Le Creuset pots are in the lower cabinet,the crock pot etc.  So much to do and it seems that if ya unpack one box there are 10 more to replace it!!!  One at a time!

I love La Creuset!

I've never heard of La Creuset before so I googled it.   I love the color ranges they're available in.  It's almost a shame to put them away.

Those pots and pans are soo heavy!  You don't have to worry about getting a seperate work out,just lift these pots,pans,dutch ovens etc. and you've done your weights!

I think this weather in the northeast better get better soon or I'm going to let go some Bklyn. attitude on Mother Nature!!! >:(  This is the third bad headache in a week I've experienced :(  This morning's was a whopper!  I didn't feel better until I finally had alittle coffee,lunch and slept some more.
Picked up some Cherry Blossom shampoo and conditioner by Suave this morning with hubby.  So when I woke up I took a shower,washed,ACV and conditioned my hair.  I'll let ya know how I like it.  With this weather my hair has been down right digusting!!  I used Ojon deep treatment on my hair and the day after I used coconut oil and nothing helped the feeling of dryness and just plain nastiness.I have my hair down now air drying,hoping that makes a difference.  I used alittle coconut oil on the length and alittle on the top......time will tell.  The deep conditioning I did on Tuesday didn't help much :(  oh well.
I'm just going to relax this afternoon and see how it goes!

You have all my sympathy.  I have been watching TWC and can see all the rain that you are getting.  Hope it gets better soon for you.  I think the weekend is supposed to be a little clearer.

I know what you mean about headaches.  I have had some doozies.  It usually takes a combo of decongestant and aspirin to get rid of them.  Hope you feel better.

:-*Thanks!  I'm much better today!
The ACV and new shampoo and conditioner worked out well.  My curls feel better!

Ohh the Cherry Blossom shampoo and conditioner by Suave sounds relly nice!  I am happy your feeling better.http://freesmileyface.net/smiley/Love/love-115.gif

Thanks!  Yes,it smells light and nice.  If you ever have a chance to pick them up,I recommend them!

I hope everyone had a nice 4th of July!  There were alot of loud fireworks out this way,but all in all it was quieter than previous years.  In all  though I was living elsewhere and most of the people were crazy with fireworks.  They are illegal here,but alot of kids and adults are not paying attention to the law. ::)  So our first 4th of July here in our new place was quieter and pretty good in general.
I made salmon for us last night,mixed veggies and C made corn on the cob.  Too hot in the kitchen for me so I couldn't finish the corn.  All came out delish though!  Our first sit down dinner in our place after we located some of the pots and pans!!
I went for a manicure on the 2nd and had all my nails cut down :( cuz I knew there would be dishes to do and shelves to put up and unpacking stuff.  So today we did install,or I should say C installed shelves in one closet in the dining area,put together shelves in my closet in my sewing/bird room and shelves in another closet that I'll use for my clothes and coats.  I donned my rubber gloves and washed pots and dishes and silverware.  It was very busy today.
Tomorrow we'll take a trip to a store that C found to see if we can get a Down Under Wonder Shower head,Space Bags and a weedwacker.  More boxes to unpack.  My sewing chair came day before yesterday so I'll put it together tomorrow.  The sewing table is due to come on the 8th.  I'll put my dress form together,too.
Slowly,but surely we're getting some normalcy and routine here.  I think I'll need an other dresser or Armoir for clothes and sewing supplies.  Got the ok for a washer,so we'll be planning for that!  Front loader is what I need and want.
I miss sewing and crocheting!!  Can't wait to get my stuff organize.  I'm expecting a new Indygo Junction pattern,too!
Ciao for now!

You have been busy.  Isnt' unpacking in a clean new place fun?

Sure is nice!  Can get confusing with all the boxes,what to keep,what to toss and possibly what to sell!!

Busy busy busy is not the wrod here!  Last night C and I put together one of my scooters.  I unpacked a big box that has some of my sewing notions,fabric and yarn.  Will be unpacking another box or boxes today.  C installed a grab bar in the shower for me until my other stuff comes from the MS Society.  I'll need threshold ramps(6 of them!),a transfer shower bench,more grab bars,etc.
Hopefully we will put together my sewing chair today.  I really like putting things together by myself,but C wants to help so that's what we'll do....................the sewing table comes either today or tomorrow.  Shower caddies,shower head,etc.  Least not I forget A pair of LL hairsticks!!!!!  Can't wait to see them!

Lost the whole day to a killer headache! :(  This one was a whopper.  Just starting to feel "human" after 12 hours of this headache.  Will write more later when I'm much better.

I am sorry to hear that you had such a bad headache.  Is it migraine, sinus, or tension?  I get sinus and tension headaches, these days they are mostly sinus.

I hope you have a quick recovery.  I get them occassionally too but mine are weather related so I know what causes them.  

Thanks,ladies!  I think it's sinus and I have a feeling after 7 years or so of being migraine free,they're trying to come back! :( >:(  They run (migraines) on both sides of the family,so there is no escaping it!  
When I was teaching and practicing yoga,they were gone.  I now give myself Reiki and it helps.  I'm going to get back into my Pilates soon.  I was practicing 10 years before my MS affected my right leg bad enough to cause me to stop.  The Pilates Performer and The Malibou Pilates Chair I have will get me right back where I need to be though!

Ah,the weather has been really nice ,well since yesterday! ::)  Hubby and I went out early yesterday morning on a long trip to the hardware store in the next section of the city here.  It's about a 2 mile to 2 1/2 mile walk each way.  He's so good,we take the wheelchair and go!  Along the way there and coming back we would stop at different newsstands that had Lotto.  I was playing the scratch offs and either kept winning $4 here,$12 dollars there and so on.  Final result last night was a $8 win.  So we're not big winners,but had alot of fun!!!
We picked up a manual weed wacker of sorts for the front and sides of the house.  An over the door hook for my bathrobes and satin bathrobes.  It didn't fit my closet quite right,but it fit the bedroom door.  So guess whose jeans are hanging from it? :P ::)  Well I'll keep trying to find space organizers for my closet!
We then went to the sotre that I buy yarn and sewing notions from.  I got the brackets and tie back holders that I need to the curtains in the sewing room/bird room.  Since the room is a pale pink and there is burgundy in the curtains,I'm going to paint the brackets either pink or a beige to match the trim in the room.  Can't wait to get them up and hopefully my chirpy birds will be quiet until 8am!  They're covered at night,but the covers are not black and opaque so if they hear either me or my hubby get up,they're up!
I found my shoulder pads and foot bar to my Pilates machine yesterday!  Hooray!  I'll be setting that up today,either this afternoon or before dinner.  It's been over a year since I practiced Pilates.  Funny,I had been using my machine for about 10 years,5 or 6 times a week,religiously; now I've lost alot of muscle mass in that short of time. :( >:(  Hopefully my MS won't keep me from getting back to where I was.  This right leg is more trouble than it's worth!!  It has gotten so much worse,I don't know how well I do on the machine. :-/  I'll give it a try though!
Well,off to uncover the birds and make breakfast!  I think oatmeal with craisins is in order!!

Last night I opened my e-mails and was thrilled to see my first sale on Etsy!  Somebody liked my cap enough to buy it! :)  I was excited!  Now my spirits are lifted about my stuff for sale on Etsy.
Still unpacking and putting things away.  Does it ever end? :P  This morning I cleaned more kitchen cabinets,put some stuff away in them.  Now I'm off to unpack more clothes and put them away.
C and I finished the sewing table last night.  It's alot bigger than I thought!  The Pilates machine has to go in the bedroom and hopefully things won't be too crowded in the sewing room or the bedroom.  I do need another dresser or amoire.  I've gotten rid of so many clothes already,but another dresser would help.

More later!

*sigh* You remind me of how much packing I still have to do.  

There is light at the end of the tunnel!  You,like me will get through it.  One of the good things is that you get to throw out stuff you don't need or want or can donate it to the Good Will if you want to!

Actually, I am envious of you both.  I would like to move.  The water quality here isn't very good, I am not sure whether the neighborhood is improving or going downhill, and we are running out of room.   :)

:o running out of room!  Sounds like New york and the rest of the country!

I don't know how I came to marry 2 packrats, but I surely did.  Of course, my craft/dressing room is overflowing onto the dining room table, which I use for a cutting table and there is all the paperwork from the classes I teach.  I usually keep everything thru the following semester.  I bought hanging folders and file folders and a crate intending to get everthing sorted out, but that was almost a year ago and they are all still in the boxes.  I think what I really need is a filing cabinet, but I don't have room for one!  We actually have 3 2-drawer units, but my husband is using all of them.  The only way I am going to get one of my own is to put it in my room, but there is no room.

It really is scarry as to how many similarities we have!!!   I used to use the table in our old apartment,before then the kitchen floor or my queen size futon for laying out patternsand fabric and then cutting!
We have a two drawer small file cabinet,which to no choice of my own was put in charge of it to get some kind of order to husband's mess!!! ::)
My sewing room/bird room is slowly being bombarded with alot of stuff that needs either to be on a shelf or in some kind of container to keep organized!
I've pretty much banned him from going in there aside to help with feeding the birds on occasion.  We'll see if that lasts!
I think I need a room solely for sewing and a room just for the birds.  Do ya think maybe there's a genie with a bottle I can rub to get my wish?!  lol

I hope there is, and if I find him/her, I'll put a good word in for you.  If you find him/her, put a word in for me.  :)

I did straighten up a little bit today in the process of looking for things, like my amethyst bead necklace, which I couldn't find this morning when I wanted to wear it.  I was re-organizing my Faire jewelry, trying to decide what I wanted to wear this weekend when I found it in a bag with the other jewelry.  I remembered that I wore it last Fri when I drove up and put it in the bag because I didn't have my jewelry roll, which I couldn't find then.  I have since found the necklace and the jewelry roll, also the big plastic needle I use to thread elastic into snoods.  (I make crocheted snoods and sell them at Bristol.)  Also found the pearl and emerald silver pendant I had been looking for all over the place.  It was in a bag with the blue jewelry.  So now I have all the jewelry sorted into 3 big plastic bags by color: red, blue and green.  And the pieces are individually bagged because they are silver.

Now I just have to do the rest of the room.  I have a bookshelf for fabric and an armoire for jewelry, but think I need bigger storage pieces.

Thanks!  I sure will pu in a good word for ya!
I also crocheted some snoods,but didn't like the pattern so I haven't gotten around to finding another one or making up my own.
Glad you found the things you were looking for!  
I have a closet with a RubberMaid  5 shelving system,(it's not enough for the fabric!) :P ::)there's also a duplicate system next to the sewing table for sewing notions,thread and crochet stuff.  I think I need an amoire to keep it all in for real!!  I need to get rid of or use all the yarn. :-[  Sold some of it on E-bay a few years ago,but that stash seems to keep growing!!!!!!!  Argh!
There is light at the end of the tunnel!!!(looking dreamily towards the sky!)

Today I am prewashing all the homespun I bought for skirts.  Also a hoopskirt that I am re-boning for a friend.  Delivered snoods to the shop that sells them.  Sold 2 last weekend; sales will pick up, I am sure.  Have to make a couple in different colors and see how they sell.

I seem to have become the go-to seamstress for all the people in my shop.  Have 2 more repair jobs on hand that I need to do before next weekend.

For snood patterns, I use old doily patterns, then just do a mesh surround until it is the right size.  People really like them.

Sounds good on the sales picking up!  Always a great idea to alter a doily pattern!  I'll have to try to find a pattern and mess with it!
Speaking of sales picking up......that means money and makes me think of my dear husband going out in the rain this morning to cash in my scratch off lottery tickets........I usually win $10 here,maybe the most $20 there..........until this morning!!!!!!!!!!!  I scratched off a Cruisin' Cash ticket and won $500!!!!!!  Wooo Hooo :D!!!!!! That money is going right into savings!  I was so excited!  He thought I didn't win,but I kept telling him one of my numbers matched a winning number and I scratched off the prize to reveal $500!!!!!!!!On went his sneakers again and he went to the store he bought the ticket from and then called me and said,You're right,we're winners!!!!!!!!  I'm stoked for the day!!!! ;)

Wow, Curlgirl. Congrats. :)

Thanks!

Good for you--way to go!!   8-)

:)

I am thrilled for you!  I just don't have blind, dumb luck, and think it's lovely when someone I know does.  I can't think of anyone more deserving.

Congrats on your lottery win, so exciting! :D

Woot! :D Way to go! ;)

Thank you,ladies!!  I've never won anything that big before on scratch offs!  Here's hoping that some more blind dumb luck finds me!

Now I truly believe God works in mysterious ways...........today while I had my back turned to the kitchen sink for a second,Shasta,my pup decided to take a nibble at her paw.  She's 13 1/2 years old so as dogs get older they sometimes gets bumps or growths.  She has had this grown on the top of her paw for a few months and I've been keeping an eye on it.  Had the e- collar on her just about 24/7 for a month,too.  Took it off for her to eat and drink and BAM! The second my back was turned she grabbed it!!!!!!!!!  It wasn't pretty..........blood all over! :-X :o  So off we went to the vet,a shot and a clean up and a bandage job was $188!  So on Tuesday,she goes in to have it removed.  Meds,procedure,stay in the hospital,biopsy to test for cancer,ect. The bill will be between $475-$550!!!!  So my lottery win will come in most handy at the right time!!!!
Now all I have to hope for is to I possibily get another scratch off win to cover the difference! :D  Hey,ya never know............God works in mysterious ways................

Boy, do I know how expensive visits to the vet can be.  It's so great that you had your lottery win to cover the bulk of the expenses.  Hopefully, the universe will look out for you and bring the rest of the money your way. :)    

Poor puppy!  I hope she'll be just fine and the cost no issue.

Thanks,LD & Sakina!  She's an old gal,but spunky and a fighter so I have faith she'll do just fine.

Awwwww poor Doggie!  I hope she gets better soon.

Thanks,Lisa!

Sorry about your doggie.  And the vet bill.  I know how awful those can be.  We spend at least $500 on Kelly before she died.

As for snoods, I look for small doily patterns (6" to 10") then finish them with ch-5 mesh.  You need 56 - 60 ch-5 loops to get it the proper circumference.  Second-to-last round is ch-3 loops; last round is: ch4, ** dc in middle chain of ch-3, ch1, dc in next dc, ch1, repeat from ** around, finish with sl st in 3rd ch of original ch-4. Then run your ribbon or elastic thru the ch-1 spaces of the last round.

Thanks for that info!  I'll give it a try when I finish the cardigan I'm doing.  Can't wait to try it!
As for the pups.......my brother picked me up at 9:30am this morning,got to the vet,was seen at 10am,left at 10:30,was told to call them at 2pm,got a call from them at 12pm and the girl said Shasta ws ready to go home!!!  Hooray!  She looked good when I got there,too!  The doctor said she was so good,no flinching or anything!  She's got 5 stitches and is bandaged up.  We go back in a week to check on it.  Has to be kept dry so every time she goes for water I watch her like a hawk and wipe up her spills and her mouth.  She is definatley not dainty when she drinks!! :-[  All in all,glad it's pretty much over.  Now the recovery begins.  She did have lots of little bumps on the same paw though.  Hoepfully they will not get big like the other one.
Man though,that was some $$ to go through.  First the $188 and then today it was $600! ::)  Anything for this pup though! 8-)

Oops, I forgot to say that I use size 10 thread and a 1.65mm steel hook.

Glad to know that Shasta is doing well.  

Thanks! :)