This seems to be a question that is not asked enough or we think what we are feeling is not as important as what our loved one is going through. This job we have taken on is a tough one and there are days when I think my "stress rope" cannot be pulled any tighter. Then there are other times that make those bad days just a memory. Do you feel like banging your head against a wall one day? And then the next day your loved one is attentive and loving and comprehends whatever you say? There are some who keep those feelings bottled up within themselves; others take the time for outside resources and others who look at sites such as this for some understanding. I do better when I have someone else to bounce my feelings off of. Let's face it....we aren't superhuman and besides ourselves and perhaps a family to take care of we now have taken on the responsibility of another human who is incapable of taking care of themselves. Do you breeze through the care giving without a problem? If so, I would like to know how you do it, maybe you can offer some new ideas; do you have feelings of frustration and need to talk about those? Come and talk and know that you can speak freely and without judgement and without finger pointing.
I am caring for my mother-in-law and have been for about 1 1/2 years. She has moderate dementia and incontinence. Other than that she is very healthy. Sometimes that short amount of time feels like 10 years and I wonder how long I will be able to do this job. I get so very tired of hearing the same thing day in and day out, but I have to remind myself that to her, each time she sees me, she is offering new information. At times I have no problems communicating with her, but it seems like more and more she cannot retain a thought longer than 5 minutes. We have had to make signs for her so she will know what she can and cannot do. So far it's working, but for how long? Maybe I will have to end up making her a "Book of Do Nots". She is on memory drugs, which don't seem to make a difference. So why do I continue to dole them out to her? I guess I'm afraid of what might happen or how she might act without them. I might have to rent a boat or buy a helmet! Sometimes I see something in her that leads me to believe that she could get aggressive and what would be my reaction to that? At the end of each and every day, after she is tucked into bed, I breathe such a sigh of relief. The "inner beast" is quiet at last, or at least for a few hours.
Pull up a chair and visit........I would like to know how you are coping everyday..be it good or with handfuls of stress.
Yesterday afternoon, I was MIA because I slammed face first into depression, came on out of no where and is still hanging around... head hurts, still crying off and on... so will probably be out of action for today... hope everyone has a wonderful day.
Vic- thank you for the prayers we sure need them right now. I think for our sanity too. So what is your father and mothers health problems. Does your father have cancer too? Me and sis just can't believe that all of this is going on. We have no idea about what questions to ask dads dr on tues. If you or anybody else here have any suggestions on questions to ask please let me know and i will write them down. If it is bad news how do we ask questions while dad is in there. If one of us leaves out of the room after the dr i think it will be too obvious to dad what we are doing? So we feel like we can't do that really. I wish there was a way you could talk to a dr on the phone. No chance of that happening!!!!! They would have to charge you for the phone call. It would be better if dad asked the questions but his breath is so short. It's hard for him to carry on a long conversation. He speaks a few words at a time then has to catch his breath.
John- are you cmagnum?
Nana Emjo- that's cute (nana) thank you for the talk yesterday. It helped talking about mom. Boy what i would give to hold her again. To just feel her arms around me. OK got to quit that or I will start crying.
Seemie where u at?
Ladee-COME BACKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Shawna-good luck with selling your merchandise.
Ros- get some rest, glad nicky is back to normal and eating good.
Well if i forgot anyone I'm sorry my prayers are with all of you and I'm sending love and hugs your way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Stormyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
Woke up this morning to hubby making homemade doughnuts. How does one lose weight when presented with that? Will power you say? Mine is won't power I think.....:)
Vic...very romantic and funny story! I bet your parents about fainted to see hubby ride up on a Harley, but how wonderful for you that they kept open minds. We have a Honda Goldwing and I had a trike put on last year for hubby's birthday. So much nicer with both of us on it. We also have a Piaggio with the 2 front wheels, but it's not as comfortable for me to ride.
starri......I understand the rotten feelings. Maybe today can be a "starri day" and help you climb out of that hole. How about a pedicure? I always feel better after I pamper myself a little. There is a product from Bath and Body Works, True Blue Spa line, it's crystals that you put in water and they fizz and make your feet so soft and it smells heavenly. So do your feet when you're finished....:)
seeme............I sent that item directly that we talked about in email yesterday. Hope you're having a good weekend. And no more veggie soup for momma....:)
stormy......tell us all about your birthday! Hope Dad is feeling good today. Give him a hug.
ASG........how's Auntie and the Hover round? At least you're far enough away from the lake that she can't drive into it! How's the driving lessons?
emjo......hope you're feeling okay today. You have been quiet!
rossella......I bet you're working hard......any chance your brother is giving you a break this weekend? Kisses for our Nicky and her continued recovery. I love hearing about her. My heart belongs to the puppies!
YR, Shawna, just holler at me because I know I have missed someone very important........I have doughnuts on the brain....:)
Everyone is either still sleeping or perhaps getting ready to go to church, so I will check back in later. I am about to be served breakfast in bed.....wouldn't pass that up for anything.
Love and Hugz to all,
Jam
Stormy, ask your dad if he wants to know everything. What I have discovered with family/friends is that the diagnosis of cancer is usually so powerful that the patient's ears close up, they have to digest it, so it is always advisable that someone else be there to "hear" what is being said. Were you with him when he heard it? That may give you an idea of how to approach this visit.
Vic.....loved the story. When hubby and I first started dating, I remember telling a cousin of mine that he was the one I was going to marry. His parents weren't too fond of the idea at the time. We got married suddenly when he came to see me on leave, but we had been engaged for over a year. His folks figured I HAD to be pregnant. LOL So much for THAT ever happening.....lol
Jam...we have given up on our garden. Never did plant a second crop of anything. Even the marigolds have given it up. Everything comes out tomorrow when hubby is off. But the rabbits!!! They don't even move when they see us. One just got off the driveway when he saw hubby and laid down in the grass waiting for hubby to leave. Then he went back to eating the tomatoes that hubby threw on the ground because of rot. I mean BOLD !!
Going to get moving now. Mom is cleaned up and fed. Now have some picking up tp do. And the age old "what's for dinner" to be answered. Later..........
Love ya girl!
Jam
where am I
well not far from the bathroom
got the runs this morning - my own poop story and I get to clean it up as well - the walls, the toilets seat hinges etc etc etc- may have to take it off to get in there, - when i am feeling better
mother once was indignant that she had to clean up after herself having had a barium enema -what am I supposed to do Ma? call the poop fairies - or maybe fly down to edmonton and do it myself
woke up feeling not great - stomach and so on - the withdrawal is worse in the am - and it has progressed - not sure what this is due to though but don't want to add immodium to the mixture
picture this - I am sitting in bed with the laptop and a heating pad on my pulled muscle and i get the urge - throw the laptop to the side, unwrap the heating pad step out of bed - into the bucket i had put there in case I upchucked - stumble to the bathroom - no wonder my aim wasn't so good
have a better one for you - they say laughter is good for the health - G and i were out in the winter checking fences and rounding up lost horses -I went prepared with tights and a pad - no outhouses near the pastures and this was when the gut candida was worse and I was less predictable
we found the horses and he said wait here and I will chase them towards you and when they come running at you wave your arms ( it was twilight) and be sure they see you and they will know to turn in the gate - O - kay
well i had to pee - it was twilight and he was a ways down the road so I went in the ditch and squatted - only - it wasn't just a pee - no TP no kleenex either. OK did the best I could - thought better to get that out of me now because with 10 horses running at me I might have cra*pped myself anyway - he put the horses in another gate and went to check fences leaving me in the truck. At this point I thought I had better clean myself up -so there was me in the front seat on a 3/4 ton wriggling out of my jeans, out of my tights, out of my panties and peeling off this pad which stuck to everything except what it was supposed OUCH!!!/ Got that done and no friendly farmers stopped by for a chat - they do that - then had to wriggle back into the tights - ladies that is harder than wriggling out - especially in the front seat of a truck - finally got myself together just as Gary appeared out of the bush. -"Everything OK?" " Yes dear, just had to go in the ditch." "Better stop at the garage for the restroom then to clean up " Me - "Yes dear" thinks -You have NO idea!!!
Now if anyone thinks I am a dignified senior you have just learned the truth!!! LOL
Try to say that it will turn out fine but noooo I can't keep my mouth shut!
They end up fine and then she says that it is soo much trouble for me! Damn!
Can't win for losing s...!!
Well, Dad complained that his back hurt when I got him up yesterday morn. I think he must have pulled something one of the times he got up to use the bedside commode. He is still in pain today. Am doing what I can for him. Will call his dr. tomorrow.
Hope you all are doing good. Have a blessed day. P & P
I hope everyone has had a great day!
Heidi how was the trip to the Botanical Garden? I so hope you all had a good time.
emjo.....I sure hope you feel better. Do you think it might have been something you ate? I'm sorry you feel bad, but I'm telling you I was rolling around on the floor with the potty story......:) We're going to have a blast traveling around the country taking everyone back home in the rv........you're going to keep us well entertained.
Must do some online shopping tonight for the col. Bless her heart, she is really putting on the weight. Her size medium doesn't quite fit anymore. She looks great with a few extra pounds on her. I tease her about her "spare tire" and she says "I'm going to look just like Pedee" that's her dog. We took a short walk around the garden and looks like we have more zucchini coming, tomatoes are about finished.
Hope everyone checks in and let us know how you are...................
Love and Hugz to all,
Jam
OK since - made myself some home made rasp ice cream with coconut milk - felt right somehow, - didn't feel like eating much but that was good
bathroom pretty well cleaned up-- usually give it one more going over to be sure
Heidi hope the mil and fil and YOU had fun
stormy, know we are thinking of you and what you may be facing
vic loved ur story of how u met hubby
motorcycles are great - my godson took me for a long ride through the city a couple of summers ago - he said I was a natural - couldn't even feel I was there - now can call myself biker nan lol - hadn't been on one in years
YR -glad u checked in and busy is not always bad - i guess. With 4 kids there were days when I spent 4 hours at a stretch chauffering kids to and from games, jobs etc. - hope the diet is still working - i hit plateaus which last what seems like forever
seeme wondering how mum is and if u decided to take her to the ER for dehydration
jam -between a new hairdo and a few lbs on col will be a new woman - just bury the hot rollers. - zucchini loaf coming, choc zucchini muffins ??? I still love that electrified Q tip LOL
ASG - sounds like aunt is getting some pleasure from the hover - great!!!
Shawna - hope you had a great selling day
ros - maybe u r getting some sleep????
starri - hope u r holding up (((((hugs)))))
john - did u hear back from the pastor? hope the man cave and diet are still on track
so wondering how 54 and hubby are doing
prob forgot someone - keeping up with everyone is a good brain exercise - use it or lose it!!! lol
take care all -
love, hugs and prayers ♥♥♥
jo
Did get some things done yesterday, Baby Brother had to go into town and our friend was pretty much out of it, he's off his meds for bipolar and has been running manic for the past two weeks, you can't slow his butt down when he is like this, you just try and stay out of the way so you don't get ran over..
While with Brother at the grocery store, I picked up a bunch of stuff (food stuffs) for the camper, found good deals on a lot of stuff, most of the stuff we bring has to be shelf stable, basically no refrigeration in that thing, fresh meats and veggies will have to be picked up on the road as we go..(that is if we are not eating out, lol... ; )
Jo, hope you are doing better, Ros, hope you didn't work that hard today. Shawna, I am sorry to hear about your friend, she might not have wanted to tell you she was ill, Cmag? maybe I ought to call our bedroom my "woman" cave, sounds a lot better than the "Bat" cave that my hubby and brother call it..rofl.. they've been told if the curtain is up, it's safe to come in, if it is down, do yourself a favor and walk no closer than the bathroom....unless you have a really really good reason for it..
Our "house" (picture single wide trailer here) the only room in the house that has a door is the bathroom. Otherwise it is what is now called a open floor plan, lol, {my ain't we fancy} I had to put a curtain (sheet) up a couple of years ago while Hubby was in CA, it was summer, miserable to say the least and the damned a/c in the livingroom quit, so I'd come home from work, and have to go hide in the bedroom to hope to have a cool place, with no door, there was no way to keep the cool air in there, so I took a heavy duty winter sheet and tacked up over the opening.. I can hear Jeff Foxworthy adding "you might be a redneck if you have a sheet as a door." me I call it making do with what you got. It worked, hubby got home from CA, we replaced the a/c in the front with one that has a remote, yippee, and then replaced the one in the bedroom with one with a remote. The one in the bedroom had been leaking water in the house, to try and protect the floors and stuff I tacked foil up long the wall to act as a guide into a pail..lol, growing up more than dirt poor, I've had to learn to be inventive.. I'm amazed our electric bill isn't over 500.00 per month with the way I run the things.
Jam? COL still feeding the dog her food? my two think they are suppose to get human food, but they know the rules, no begging, go lay down and be good while we are eating you might get a treat, sit there and stare at me? you are not getting a snack.. We have rules as well about them getting into each others bowls in the morning, even the cat knows it.. you have to wait till the other person (animal) eats their fill and walks away, it's funny watching the cat, I put the dogs bowls on the opposite ends of the kitchen, and the cat will sit there between the two of them waiting patiently while they eat..so that she can get in there after their done.
She's a good one for coming and pestering me to feed the dogs so she can eat their food.. I keep dry food out at all times so they can snack all day.. along with the doggie treats, they get for doing their duty outside, even the cat expects her treats when she comes in the house, God forbid you forget to give her, her treats. She'll drive you nuts.
Stormy, keep us posted, everyone else keep us posted as to how you are doing..big hugs..
And that brother of mine is going with us. Not really sure I want him to go. He has not been down to see dad since last week. Until yesterday he popped in and spoke to dad for a minute and then he was gone. Things are still very awkward with that SIL and some with brother. Me and sis just kinda wanted it to be us and dad going. But once bro found out we were going to the appt to find out the results. He wants to go. Hell, I feel like i am on a emotional roller coaster and there's no way to get off!!!!! Well, I guess I better go I got to start getting ready to carry red to daycare and then go to dads. I will chat back at ya'll some when i get over there to his house. Love and((((((((((((((((((((Hugs))))))))))))))))))))))))Stormyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!
Hubby pulled the plug on the computer after supper last night as it started lightning and we finally got hours of rain !!! So excited !!! We have not been as bad as Texas, but we were in 'extreme drought', and last night we got 2"-3". A couple of roads in town were closed for flooding. Where we live used to be a field, so it is very flat and I think we actually absorbed the rain. Hubby just finished mowing the grass, too.
Kathy was here last night and I feel like a new woman today. I'm curious to see how long that lasts. I did not take mom to the ER - yet. She didn't have the sweats last night, so am crossing my fingers. She sleeps with cotton pj's, capri length, just sheet and electric blanket that may or may not be on, depending. She can't get to the controls since she blistered herself with a heating pad.
Shawna....so sorry about your friend and how brave of her. Design an ovarian cancer water bottle in her honor using the color for that cancer.
Emjo.....no longer Queen of the Porcelain Throne, I hope.
Jam.....will col go shoppy shoppy with you?
YR....Wish you had more time for us, but I know your hands are full.....sending you some of my energy today.
Stormy, we will be trying to wait patiently for you tomorrow, but let us know as soon as you can what happened. Going to Duke in Durham or Raleigh?
Ladee !!!!!!! Hope you can be up and running by the weekend and that your move was accomplished in one day. Has the heat let up at all?
Starri.....you will have your days and nights mixed up before long, although I love to be up at that time, right by myself. So peaceful and quiet. Hope hubby got something done for you yesterday.....
Vic.....another motorcycle momma......bikes are such a part of lives, aren't they...
Heidi, hope you got to the botanical gardens. St. Louis, right? Love them. Went to the zoo last time I was there 2 yrs ago. Always loved Forest Park.....
Gonna watch the news.....get caught up on what is happening.....lost satellite during the storm last night....praying for those in Indianna.........later
bathroom smells of bleach this morning - that's good!
seeme - glad no sweats for mum and u got some rain and some sleep - isn't it refreshing - we had a hail storm here last night so the flowers are battered but the air is awesome this morning - moist and cool - resigned from being queen lol to scullery maid
shawna sweetie (((((((hugs))))) what a terrible shock for u - know my cyber arms are wrapped around u - u may find that u get pretty tired from the grief - give urself time and look after u the best u can -take care of that asthma
you too stormy - ((((((hugs)))))) make sure u take ur antid's regularly - they don't take away the pain but help u to cope with it - I know ur anxiety is high - maybe the doc can give u some thing for it or 1/2 a pill of sis's would be enough to help - don't want to be sleepy at the doc's- such a hard time - work it out with bro the best u can - think u can expect those unexpected tears around this time and u r on an emotional roller coaster and will be for a while - u 2 shawna -
john - sounding good - glad the diet is working - hope u get an apology from the pastor - u will be back in ur man cave soon!
ros (((((hugs)))) u gotta get some sleep woman!!!
starri - glad to see u back - sometimes retreat is all u can do - love the pics on fb and putting a face to the names . u guys who r 3rd time lucky r giving me hope - I told gary that marry is a 4 letter word in my vocab - the "m" word - couldn't even say it for a while - I like your ingenuity - I have central air now but used to have the window type - one up and one down - bought at garage sales cheap and frankly they kept the house cooler than the central -but it was such a hassle installing and removing them each year spring and fall - the central is good enough to cool the bedrooms so u can sleep - and yes we do get heat but y'all would probably not recognize it as that - anything over 73 and I start to gasp lol - took a few years but I have acclimatized to this place - however I will never get used to 40 below! and that's a promise - u sure have trained ur pets well - what's the secret???
cats!!!! - toonie cuddles up to the air outlet on the laptop - nice and warm - and drools on my keyboard -sometimes he wants to lie on it and from 4 pm onwards he bugs me till he gets his canned catfood. I leave dry food out all day too for him to nibble on
jam did u go shopping yet? want pics of the col dolled up in her new outfits!!!
vic - hi - thinking of u 2 - hope the sinus recipe is working - a literal life saver for me
YR - if u can make it here every weekend that is great!! - if more often -even better
down to 1/2 dose of cetirizine from 3/4 - forgot to take a dose yesterday pm in all the excitement and was ok till this am -so looking good!!! - or will be once I have a bath and do my hair lol
getting another thyroid blood test today -since Gordie died it has been bouncng around so I check it regularly - dd has to too. see doc on Thursday for any adjustments etc, pulled muscle seems to have benefitted from - YEAY!!!!
well that's all she wrote folks - for now
Ciao baby - I'll be back ♥♥♥
jo
We're having a nice gentle rain, started a few minutes ago. Target running around trying to get the dogs outside, even took the blind one outside!!!!!!!!!!! Someone asked one day about her age, she turned 15 in May. She sleeps a lot, but there are days when she gets out in the yard and hops around like a bunny....it's funny to watch. The other two, the chihuahua and jack/chi think they can ask to go out, step out the door and come right back in and they will get a treat...hah! I'm onto their little game. They all do very well sharing a food bowl and will allow each other to finish before taking their turn.
With the rain I won't take the col out, so I will take my computer down later and we will cybershop. She had so much fun the last time we did that. She loved seeing all the different things she could pick out and all the color choices, even though pink and purple are her favorites. She looks fantastic in blue, but nope, wants pink. And yes, she is still feeding the dog.....he rather resembles a round balloon.
emjo and starri.....glad you are feeling better.
stormy.....Try to take a little time today for yourself and see if you can get your mind in a calmer place. Remember the main character right now is Dad and he will need your support. You and sis will support each other, but you all will need to give love and hugs to Dad. And I know, brother acts like an ass, but maybe he is also a little scared and doesn't know how to show it. I think it's commendable that he wishes to be there with you all. Remind him beforehand that this will not be the time for tempers or for acting like the south end of a mule. In most physician's offices they have a conference room. Why not ask if they do and that is where you would all like to be while you talk about the test results. Give each other a little elbow and breathing room....a place where everyone can sit, especially Dad so he can be comfortable. And don't allow the doctor to give you a glossed over, quick medical diagnosis and leave. Have your questions ready so you won't forget anything. And don't take any meds other than what you are supposed to take before.....you need to be clear-headed so that you understand what the doctor will tell you. Don't want you nodding off in the middle of a conversation......you wouldn't like it when your forehead bounced off the table....:) We are all supporting you and will be thinking of you tomorrow.
Shawna....I'm so sorry to hear about your friend, ovarian cancer is such an insidious disease. And how brave and loving your friend was to cope with it and not say anything to you.
ASG......I'm sure you're busy getting the kids ready to start school and avoiding the HR as Auntie goes zipping from room to room.....how many door frames has she wiped out?
ladee......hopefully you will be at the library tonight checking in. And I bet it's too much to hope you might get some of this rain. I think it's moving southeast and will completely miss Texas.
seeme......I am so glad you have rested. You have a clean house and mom slept and some rain....what more could a girl ask for?
Vic, YR...we'll have to wait until the weekend to hear from you, Heidi, John...keep up the good work on the diet and the man-cave, Rossella is probably asleep standing up somewhere.....take care of yourself! Yell at me if I have missed anyone!
Love and Hugz to all of you,
Jam
Still kinda out of it, Glenn is really chomping at the bit, he wants out of here and wants out of here now...lol... soon enough.
Hope that everyones days have settled down..
First, I am truely sorry to hear of everyones struggles, ailments, challenges and losses. Life on life's terms I guess. Still rough.
The botanical garden was fabulous. Once we could get MIL and FIL in the groove of looking at the surroundings, enjoying the day, the beautiful breeze, the sun, they seemed to finally settled down and enjoy themselves. I thought it was wonderful and pushing them in a wheelchair around the gardens certainly got me my exercise for the day.
But.....Monday hits. Not a good nights sleep at all. Me and the dog, Magnolia, were both restless. PT this morning here at the house (actually a God Send), then lunch out (Pasta House - ugh) and finally picking up their new glasses. what a fiasco. Neither can remember picking out the frames they did (which took an hour+ visit), and were both worried they did not match their hair, skin tone etc. well enough. What is this a beauty contest at 84? How about changing our clothes, showering, brushing teeth for starters...... add to that both wanted new cases but did not want to get rid of their old cases (especially FIL - Mr. Hoarder himself) then MIL proceeded to forget her new reading glasses there. Sent hubby to go get them, got FIL & MIL settled with the tv and needless to say I am hiding out in my room upstairs. Too much exposure somedays is more than I can handle! I guess I will figure out dinner then go to the store in a while. How does roasted red pepper soup with seared sea scallops and a spinach salad sound? Need to make up for the unhealthy lunch today LOL.
Thinking positive thoughts for all of you.
xo - Heidi
I love my pasta, so cheating isn't going to hurt every once in a while, think it is the 80/20 rule, good 80% of the time, you can be bad the other 20%..lol.. hope your night goes well.
We are going to leave about 8:30 this morning to head to Duke. I am so nervous........................ I feel like I'm about to jump outta my skin. I woke up this morning and it was like someone wound me up in speed mode. Trying to calm down some but it's not workinggggggggggggggg. I bet I didn't sleep 3 hours last nite. Got in the bed and couldn't go to sleep and then when I fell asleep red woke up calling mama. That was at 3 this morning and then i woke up at 5:30. 1 minute before my alarm clock was suppose to go off. Well wish us luck got to get on the road to the daycare and then to dads. Love and (((((((((((((((((((hugs))))))))))))))))))) Stormyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy...............
Take care and let us know how things are going.
love and prayers with you today
you can do it!!!!
we will be here when you get back and can tell us what is going on
deep breaths...
♥♥♥
Let us know how u r doing
Heidi - glad u had a good time and that supper sounds amazing - and healthy!!! thumbs up!!!
starri - glad to see u back in form
ladeeeeeeee - where r u????? we r all suffering from ladee withdrawal lol
cut back on the Zyrtec again and doing well - think i will be finished weaning in a few days -
wrapped the heating pad around my thigh again last night and going out yesterday seems to have not made it worse so maybe that is the answer for the next few weeks till it heals
need to do laundry
need to communicate with the ladies in the basement - found a roll of carpet in the garage that one of them brought here - whoa - this is my house - I chose the carpet that is in the basement and don't want it changed or fiddled with and while you are at it please put the metal bed frame back under the bed - if any moisture gets onto the floor the bed will be ruined. One of these dear ladies is a pack rat and works at the dollar store so you can imagine the junk (that the dollar store cannot sell and throws out) that is accumulating down there - also she buys stuff here - made in the orient and at great cost mails it back to her homeland - they could buy it there at much less cost!!! so I have my own cols only they are cyls lol - but sweet people and I love them - just don't understand how they function sometimes and i am sure it is mutual
hi all the rest of you out there - looking forward to hearing how u r doing
((((((hugs))))
jo