Top 10 Urban Legends of 2008

http://urbanlegends.about.com/od/reference/a/2008_top-ten_2.htm
Found this almost unbelievable that there are still those that believe this nonsense.
Go ahead, click above...


By David Emery, About.com

ONE WAY TO take the emotional temperature of a culture is to eavesdrop on its rumor mill. Gossip, legends, and rumors tend to revolve around our passions — the things we fear, the things we hate, the things we yearn for, the people and things that enthrall us. Last year was a case in point.

2008 saw the election of America's first African-American president. It also saw an unprecedented degree of rumormongering about the relatively obscure Illinois senator who earned that distinction, Barack Hussein Obama. The subtext of virtually all of these rumors was fear — fear of change, fear of the unknown. "Who is Barack Obama?" they seemed to demand. Why had most of us never heard of him before he ran for the presidency? What does he believe in? Does he have a secret agenda? Could he (literally) be the Antichrist?

Sentiments of quite a different kind were aroused by Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin, a staunch conservative and gun rights advocate who also happened to be, as some observers crassly put it, "a babe." A forged likeness of Palin sporting an American flag bikini and a rifle was one of the most popular viral images of the year.

Folks were also captivated by images of a dog as tall as a horse; scurrilous, longstanding rumors about actress Jamie Lee Curtis's sexuality; and a decade-old chain email promising frequent forwarders a share of Bill Gates' riches. And it appears that the only thing more terrifying to the average American than the alleged proliferation of a "zombifying" street drug called burundanga — Barack Obama aside, of course — is a nasty, hard-drive-destroying Internet worm masquerading as an e-card from Hallmark. By the way, did you claim your "free laptop" from Ericsson?

Here, in ascending order of popularity as measured by reader interest and overall Web traffic, are the Top 10 Urban Legends of 2008:

10. Burundanga Drug Warning
"In Katy, Texas a man came over and offered his services as a painter to a female putting gas in her car and left his card. She said no, but accepted his card out of kindness and got in the car. The man then got into a car driven by another gentleman. As the lady left the service station she saw the men following her. Almost immediately, she started to feel dizzy and could not catch her breath. She tried to open the window and realized that the odor was on her hand; the same hand which accepted the card from the gentleman at the gas station." Read more...

9. Free Laptop from Ericsson!
"The Ericsson Company is distributing free computer laptops in an attempt to match Nokia that has already done so. Ericsson hopes to increase its popularity this way. For this reason, they are giving away the new WAP laptops. All you need to do to qualify is to send this mail to 8 people you know." Read more...

8. Barack Obama Is the Antichrist
"The Antichrist will be a man, in his 40s, of MUSLIM descent, who will deceive the nations with persuasive language, and have a MASSIVE Christ-like appeal.... the prophecy says that people will flock to him and he will promise false hope and world peace, and when he is in power, will destroy everything. Is it OBAMA??" Read more...

7. Bill Gates Is Sharing His Fortune!
"Microsoft and AOL are running an email beta test. When you forward this email to friends, Microsoft can and will track it (if you are a Microsoft Windows user) for a two week time period. For every person that you forward this email to, Microsoft will pay you $5.00, for every person that you sent it to that forwards it on, Microsoft will pay you $3.00 and for every third person that receives it, you will be paid $1.00." Read more...

6. Jamie Lee Curtis Is a Hermaphrodite
"Dear Guide: I've heard from a few places that Jamie Lee Curtis is genetically male. I know it is genetically possible for something like this to happen — Ms. Curtis is the only famous person I've ever heard linked to this 'problem.' One of my best friends is convinced it's impossible." Read more...10

5. Gun-Totin', Bikini-Wearin' Sarah Palin (Photo)
A much-forwarded viral image purports to show Republican vice-presidential candidate (and gun rights advocate) Sarah Palin posing in an American-flag bikini with a rifle (actually it's a pellet gun, but nevermind that — she's a babe! Read more...12

4. Quick, Add Your Cell Phone to the Do Not Call Registry!13
Circulating for the fourth year running, this urgent message claims a directory of cell phone numbers is about to be published and advises users to add their numbers to the Do Not Call Registry to prevent an influx of telemarketing calls. Read more...

3. Hercules, World's Biggest Dog (Photo)
"Hercules was recently awarded the honorable distinction of Worlds Biggest Dog by Guinness World Records. Hercules is an English Mastiff and has a 38 inch neck and weighs 282 pounds. With 'paws the size of softballs' (reports the Boston Herald), the three-year-old monster is far larger and heavier than his breed's standard 200lb. limit." Read more...16

2. 'Postcard' Virus Warning17
"You should be alert during the next few days. Do not open any message with an attachment entitled 'POSTCARD FROM HALLMARK,' regardless of who sent it to you. It is a virus which opens A POSTCARD IMAGE, which 'burns' the whole hard disc C of your computer. This virus will be received from someone who has your email address in his/her contact list. This is the reason why you need to send this email to all your contacts." Read more...18

1. Barack Obama Is a Muslim19
"Let us all remain alert concerning Obama's expected presidential candidacy. The Muslims have said they plan on destroying the U.S. from the inside out, what better way to start than at the highest level — through the President of the United States, one of their own!!!!" Read more...


Last updated: 12/24/08

Casey. Christmas. And "Severe Weather"...

Good Day After Christmas! And Happy Boxing Day to my Canadian Friends!
Hope your Christmas was 'wunnaful' in every way.

As one of Santa's elves, I had to sneak up to the hospital very early and deliver a few things for the pancreatic kid.
(Or would she be the NON~pancreatic kid now)? Hmmm ?
hehehe

So sneak I did- Even going in the back way to her floor just in case her door was open and she was awake.
She was asleep.
And so her little gifts from Father Christmas were placed under her little tree. This tree, an added little bit of Christmas, sent by Sweet BethieBaby.

(Casey's one nurse -Sean- said she could keep that little tree as long as she had no roomies). Furthermore, the rootball is completely wrapped in plastic, which has been undisturbed since it was delivered. I shall worry about watering it when I get that tree back here. Sorry, but I would rather sacrifice the tree instead of compromising the child...

Not sure if you have seen the pics I had added to my last blog.

If not, here are a few.
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.

First, one does need more 'festive' dressings.
And we each had our Santa hats too;
Although she couldn't wear hers for long- Too hot...
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Then of course, one needs a bushel of presents!
hehehe
.
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.


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And a bunch of cards too!
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(Desperate times calling for desperate measures, and outlets being at a premium, I stole that little table from her invisible roomie)! hehehe

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.

Even Miss Punk got a new pull toy.
.
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.
She LOVED it!
hehehe
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And was very very thankful to Santa Paws
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.

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She still loves her now unstuffed SpongeBob
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.

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& makes it her daily plan to wake me in the "wee~wee~hours" to go outside,
.
As soon as we get back inside,
She steals my nice warm spot in the bed!
.
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Pretending to be SO innocent!
hehehe
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.
.

Speaking of 'spots';
Casey found a bit of a damp spot near to her central line.
It was leaking.

.
.

.
.
The nurse had never seen any central lines that did this- She changed the dressing, and inspected Casey's sutures. All seemed well enough, but she needed to check with her doctor  too. He said it was really not a problem, that sometimes the central line will be a bit sluggish etc etc etc. And not to worry about it.

I came back to the hotel a little after noon to catch up on some sleep. (I had been awake since 9:30pm on Christmas Eve). But couldn't even rest.
At about 3, I had the worst feeling that something wasn't right. knowing that my intuition has never failed me, I took Punk outside, and went straight back up to the hospital. The cardio lab had just finished putting a PICC Line in Caseys arn. So now, instead of the central line (which cardiology was not able to remove), she will be using the PICC Line. Her nurse was going to remove the central line in short order then. Certainly this was not catastrophic, but still I just knew something hadn't been "right" either.
Casey's blood won't thin down- Since her TP/AIT Transplant, she is on a 24 hour bag of Heparin, plus gets Coumadin every day too. She is now also on aspirin therapy as well. Darn stubborn blood...

Her nurse never did come back. And since I haven't heard anything to the contrary, I am thinking that the central line did get removed last night after I had left.

Casey has tummy pains- and hasn't really eaten much since her surgery; yet she is very nauseated most of the time. One of her 24/7 drips is the Protonics for the heartburn etc. And she gets Zofran? and/or Phenergan for breakthrough nausea. Another bag was added, Compazine to help with the nausea too.

She has just called- Awake now, and in awful pain. I am headed over there right now.

Love to all.

XOXO
Anne

PS... Not sure why I found this so funny earlier.

My Saved Locations

Green Bay, WI 

Mostly Cloudy , 32ºF
Hi: 32 Lo: 32
Severe Weather Alert

View: extended forecast and map


______________

Now THAT'S a really boring forecast!

The severe weather alert?
Seems as though every day brings yet another severe weather alert.

• For snow and ice-
• or ice and snow.
• Or for ice on the roads,
• or for snow on the roads,
• sometimes there is ice under the snow on the roads...
• Add a bit of a breeze and there is blowing and drifting too.

Ya think?

It's WINTER you fools! Learn how to drive or stay off the roads.

My proposal is this.
How about ixnaying ALL of the severe weather bulletins?
(They have all read the very same for Minneapolis too).

And how about, instead, just post a GREAT WEATHER Bulletin???

Have a good one!

FDA Warns Consumers About Tainted Weight Loss Pills

http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01933.html
FDA News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 22, 2008


Media Inquiries:
Rita Chappelle, 240-753-8603
Consumer Inquiries:
888-INFO-FDA

FDA Warns Consumers About Tainted Weight Loss Pills
Agency seeks recall of products that pose serious health risks

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is alerting consumers nationwide not to purchase or consume more than 25 different products marketed for weight loss because they contain undeclared, active pharmaceutical ingredients that may put consumers’ health at risk.

The tainted weight loss products are:

Fatloss Slimming


2 Day Diet


3x Slimming Power

Japan Lingzhi 24 Hours Diet


5x Imelda Perfect Slimming


3 Day Diet

7 Day Herbal Slim


8 Factor Diet


7 Diet Day/Night Formula

999 Fitness Essence


Extrim Plus


GMP

Imelda Perfect Slim


Lida DaiDaihua


Miaozi Slim Capsules

Perfect Slim


Perfect Slim 5x


Phyto Shape

ProSlim Plus


Royal Slimming Formula


Slim 3 in 1

Slim Express 360


Slimtech


Somotrim

Superslim


TripleSlim


Zhen de Shou

Venom Hyperdrive 3.0







An FDA analysis found that the undeclared active pharmaceutical ingredients in some of these products include sibutramine (a controlled substance), rimonabant (a drug not approved for marketing in the United States), phenytoin (an anti-seizure medication), and phenolphthalein (a solution used in chemical experiments and a suspected cancer causing agent). Some of the amounts of active pharmaceutical ingredients far exceeded the FDA-recommended levels, putting consumers' health at risk.

These weight loss products, some of which are marketed as “dietary supplements,” are promoted and sold on various Web sites and in some retail stores. Some of the products claim to be “natural” or to contain only “herbal” ingredients, but actually contain potentially harmful ingredients not listed on the product labels or in promotional advertisements. These products have not been approved by the FDA, are illegal and may be potentially harmful to unsuspecting consumers.

The FDA advises consumers who have used any of these products to stop taking them and consult their healthcare professional immediately. The FDA encourages consumers to seek guidance from a healthcare professional before purchasing weight loss products.

“These tainted weight loss products pose a great risk to public health because they contain undeclared ingredients and, in some cases, contain prescription drugs in amounts that greatly exceed their maximum recommended dosages,” said Janet Woodcock, M.D., director, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, FDA. “Consumers have no way of knowing that these products contain powerful drugs that could cause serious health consequences. Therefore FDA is taking this action to protect the health of the American public.”

The FDA has inspected a number of companies associated with the sale of these illegal products, and is currently seeking product recalls. Based on the FDA’s inspections and the companies’ inadequate responses to recall requests, the FDA may take additional enforcement steps, such as issuing warning letters or initiating seizures, injunctions, or criminal charges.

The health risks posed by these products can be serious; for example, sibutramine, which was found in many of the products, can cause high blood pressure, seizures, tachycardia, palpitations, heart attack or stroke. This drug can also interact with other medications that patients may be taking and increase their risk of adverse drug events. The safety of sibutramine has also not been established in pregnant and lactating women, or in children younger than 16 years of age.

Rimonabant, another ingredient found in these products, was evaluated, but not approved by the FDA for marketing in the United States. The drug, which is approved in Europe, has been associated with increased risk of depression and suicidal thoughts and has been linked to five deaths and 720 adverse reactions in Europe over the last two years.

Health care professionals and consumers should report serious adverse events (side effects) or product quality problems to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail, fax or phone.

* Online: www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm

* Regular Mail: use postage-paid FDA form 3500 available at:

www.fda.gov/MedWatch/getforms.htm and mail to
MedWatch, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852-9787
* Fax: (800) FDA-0178
* Phone: (800) FDA-1088

Information for consumers can be found at:

http://www.fda.gov/cder/consumerinfo/weight_loss_products.htm

Consumer Directed Questions and Answers about FDA’s Initiative Against Contaminated Weight Loss Products

FDA has developed these questions and answers (Q & A’s) to help consumers, health care practitioners, and the general public understand FDA’s actions regarding weight loss products contaminated with various prescription drugs and chemicals. Many of these products are marketed as dietary supplements. Unfortunately, FDA cannot test and identify all weight loss products on the market that have potentially harmful contaminants in order to assure their safety. Enforcement actions and consumer advisories for unapproved products only cover a small fraction of the potentially hazardous weight loss products marketed to consumers on the internet and at some retail establishments.

1. What undeclared drugs and/or chemicals are contained in the weight loss products associated with this action?

Laboratory tests revealed the presence of sibutramine, rimonabant, phenytoin, and phenolphthalein. A summary of our findings are below:

Undeclared Drug Product(s) Name>

Sibutramine


2 Day Diet
3 Day Diet
3x Slimming Power
5x Imelda Perfect Slimming
7 Diet Day/Night Formula
7 Day Herbal Slim
8 Factor Diet
24 Hours Diet
999 Fitness Essence
Extrim Plus
Fatloss Slimming
GMP
Imelda Perfect Slim
Lida DaiDaihua
Miaozi Slim Capsules
Perfect Slim
Perfect Slim 5x
ProSlim Plus
Royal Slimming Formula
Slim 3 in 1
Slim Express 360
Slim Tech
Somotrim
Superslim
Triple Slim
Venom Hyperdrive 3.0
Zhen de Shou

Rimonabant


Phyto Shape

Phenytoin (trace)


3x Slimming Power
Extrim Plus

Phenolphthalein


8 Factor Diet
24 Hours Diet
Fatloss Slimming
Imelda Perfect Slim
Perfect Slim 5x
Royal Slimming Formula
Superslim
Zhen de Shou



2. What action is FDA taking regarding these tainted weight loss products?

FDA is taking action to help ensure that these products and other products containing undeclared prescription ingredients are removed from the marketplace. FDA has inspected a number of firms associated with the sale of these products and is currently seeking recalls of the products. Based on these inspections and the firms’ responses to recall requests, FDA may take additional enforcement steps to include warning letters, seizure, injunction, or criminal charges.

3. What is sibutramine and what are the associated risks?

Sibutramine is a Schedule IV controlled substance and the active pharmaceutical ingredient in Meridia, an approved prescription drug to treat obesity.

Some of the identified products recommend taking more than 3 times the recommended daily dosage of sibutramine. Because of this, even consumers without a history of health problems that take these high doses of sibutramine may suffer serious adverse effects if they take these products, such as increased blood pressure, tachycardia, palpitations, and seizure.

Populations who would be at increased risk of serious adverse health effects from consuming a standard dose of sibutramine include:

* Patients with a history of hypertension, especially those with uncontrolled or poorly controlled hypertension.
* Patients with a history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, or stroke.
* Patients with narrow angle glaucoma.
* Patients with a history of seizure.
* Patients predisposed to bleeding events and those taking concomitant medications known to affect hemostasis or platelet function.
* Patients with severe hepatic dysfunction.
* Patients concurrently taking the following medications:
o Sumatriptan
o Dihydroergotamine
o Dextromethorphan
o Meperidine,
o Pentazocine
o Fentanyl
o Lithium
o Tryptophan
o MAO inhibitors

4. What is rimonabant and what are the associated risks?

Rimonabant is the active pharmaceutical ingredient in Zimulti which has not been approved in the United States. In Europe the drug is known as Acomplia.

In June 2007, the FDA Endocrinologic and Metabolic Drugs Advisory Committee unanimously voted not to recommend approval of the drug because of increased risk of neurological and psychiatric side effects—seizures, depression, anxiety, insomnia, aggressiveness, and suicidal thoughts among patients. In June of 2008, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency of the United Kingdom linked rimonabant to 5 deaths and 720 adverse reactions over the past two years. In October, the European Medicines Agency recommended that marketing and sales of Accomplia be suspended due to safety concerns.

5. What is phenolphthalein and what are the associated risks?

Phenolphthalein was an ingredient in some Over-the-Counter laxative products until 1999 when the FDA reclassified the drug as “not generally recognized as safe and effective” after studies indicated that phenolphthalein presented a potential carcinogenic risk. Phenolphthalein has also been found to be genotoxic in that it can damage or cause mutations to DNA.

6. What is phenytoin and what are the associated risks?

Phenytoin is the active pharmaceutical ingredient in Dilantin, an approved anti-seizure medication. Because there were trace amounts of this drug in some of these products, the risk was not assessed. However, these products could pose a risk to consumers who are allergic or hypersensitive to phenytoin.

7. Who are the manufacturers of these products?

Many of these products do not list the manufacturer on the label or in the advertisements. However, most of the products appear to have been manufactured in China.

8. Does FDA regulate these products?

Although some of the identified products are marketed as “dietary supplements”, all of these products should have been submitted to the FDA for approval prior to marketing. Regulatory requirements for dietary supplements differ from those covering "conventional" foods and drug products (prescription and Over-the-Counter). Under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA), the dietary supplement manufacturer is responsible for ensuring that its products are safe before they are marketed. Generally, manufacturers do not need to register their products with FDA nor get FDA approval before producing or selling dietary supplements.

Manufacturers must make sure that product label information is truthful and not misleading. However, products which contain an ingredient that has been approved as a new drug such as sibutramine or an ingredient that does not supplement the diet are not considered to be dietary supplements. Consequently these products should also have been submitted to FDA for approval prior to their marketing.

9. Will there be recalls?

It is anticipated that several of these products will be recalled. Recalls and instructions for returns can be found at: http://www.fda.gov/opacom/7alerts.html.

10. Are there more contaminated products like these on the market?

More and more products tainted with prescription drugs, including drugs for erectile dysfunction, diabetes, and obesity, are finding their way into the U.S. marketplace. Many are labeled as dietary supplements or supplements. FDA takes this escalating issue very seriously, and is committed to doing all that it can to identify and remove these dangerous products from the market. However, unfortunately, it is not possible for FDA to test and identify all tainted products.

11. What can consumers do to help protect themselves from harm?

Consult with your health care professional before taking dietary supplements to treat obesity or other diseases. All consumers should be familiar with the following signs of health fraud:

* Promises of an "easy" fix for problems like excess weight, hair loss, or impotency.
* Claims such as "scientific breakthrough," "miraculous cure," "secret ingredient," and "ancient remedy."
* Impressive-sounding terms, such as "hunger stimulation point" and "thermogenesis" for a weight loss product.
* Claims that the product is safe because it is "natural."
* Undocumented case histories or personal testimonials by consumers or doctors claiming amazing results.
* Promises of no-risk, money-back guarantees.


To learn more about FDA’s initiative against unapproved drugs read FDA’s Compliance Policy Guide here:

http://www.fda.gov/cder/Guidance/6911fnl.htm.

For drug safety information, read: FDA's Drug Safety Initiative

#
MEDICAL RECALLS:

http://www.fda.gov/cber/recalls.htm

Melamine and CYANURIC ACID Contamination ~ China

http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/melamine.html
Melamine Contamination in China
(Updated: December 22, 2008)

BUYER BEWARE!

Would someone tell me WHY we are dumb enough to continue buying crap from China in the first place???



The FDA is advising consumers not to consume the following products because of possible melamine contamination:

* G&J Hot Cocoa Stuffer Item 120144
* G&J His and Hers Hot Cocoa Set Item 120129
* G&J Cocoa item 120126, sold in 2 flavors: French Vanilla Cocoa and Double Chocolate Cocoa
* Wonderfarm "Successful" Assorted Biscuits New!
* Wonderfarm "Royal Flavour" Assorted Biscuits
* Wonderfarm "Lovely Melody" Assorted Biscuits
* Wonderfarm "Daily Life" Assorted Biscuits



* Topaz Hazelnut Wafer Rolls with Hazelnut Chocolate Flavored Creme Filling (photo page)

* Sweet Time Christmas Dressy Bear with Chocolate Bar
* Fresh and Crispy Jacobina Biscuits
* Koala’s March Crème filled Cookies
* YILI Brand Sour Milk Drink
* YILI Brand Pure Milk Drink
* Blue Cat Flavored Drinks
* White Rabbit Candies
* Mr. Brown Mandehling Blend Instant Coffee (3-in-1)
* Mr. Brown Arabica Instant Coffee (3-in-1)
* Mr. Brown Blue Mountain Blend Instant Coffee (3-in-1)
* Mr. Brown Caramel Macchiato Instant Coffee (3-in-1)
* Mr. Brown French Vanilla Instant Coffee (3-in-1)
* Mr. Brown Mandheling Blend instant Coffee (2-in-1)
* Mr. Brown Milk Tea (3-in-1)
* Infant formula manufactured in China


Topics on this Page
* Introduction
* Update on FDA’s Investigation
* FDA's Warnings/Advisories
* News Updates
* List of Company Recalls
* Information for Consumers
* Information for Industry
* FDA's Testing Methods
* Other Resources

Introduction

On September 12, 2008, in light of reports from China of infant formula contaminated with melamine, the FDA issued a Health Information Advisory to proactively reassure the American public that there is no known threat of contamination in infant formula manufactured by companies that have met the requirements to sell such products in the United States. That advisory also warned members of Asian communities in the United States that infant formula manufactured in China, possibly available for purchase at Asian markets, could pose a risk to infants.

**** No Chinese manufacturers of infant formula have fulfilled the requirements to sell infant formula in the United States.

The FDA contacted the companies that manufacture infant formula for distribution in the United States and received information from the companies that they are not importing formula and do not source milk-based ingredients from China.

In addition, the FDA -– in conjunction with state and local officials – continues to check Asian markets for food items that are imported from China and that could contain a significant amount of milk or milk proteins.

The FDA has broadened its domestic and import sampling and testing of milk-derived ingredients and finished food products containing milk or milk-derived ingredients from Chinese sources. FDA has recommended that consumers not consume certain products because of possible contamination with melamine. A list of those products is below.
Update on FDA’s Investigation



November 28, 2008: FDA’s ongoing investigation continues to show that the domestic supply of infant formula is safe and that consumers can continue using U.S. manufactured infant formulas. FDA has concluded that levels of melamine alone or cyanuric acid alone, at or below 1 part per million (ppm) in infant formula do not raise public health concerns. FDA has updated its interim risk assessment, issued in early October, with this information:

http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/melamra4.html.

The FDA has been collecting and analyzing samples of domestically manufactured infant formula for the presence of melamine and melamine-related compounds. To date, FDA tests have found extremely low levels of melamine in one infant formula sample and extremely low levels of cyanuric acid in another. The levels were so low (well below 1 ppm) that they do not pose a health risk to infants:

http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/melamine/testresults.html.

Melamine is not naturally occurring and is not approved to be directly added to food in the United States. However, melamine is approved for use as part of certain food contact substances. Low levels of melamine are present in the environment and trace amounts may occur in certain food commodities as a result of approved uses.
Parents using infant formula should continue using U.S. manufactured infant formula. Switching away from using one of these infant formulas to alternate diets or home-made formulas could result in infants not receiving the complete nutrition required for proper growth and development.

Transcript for FDA’s Media Briefing: FDA’s Updated Interim Safety and Risk Assessment of Melamine and its Analogues in Food for Humans
November 28, 2008
FDA’s Warnings/Advisories

News Updates

November 13, 2008: As part of its ongoing strategy to address the present problem with melamine contamination of consumer products exported from the People’s Republic of China, FDA has expanded its import controls on Chinese dairy products, and food and feed products manufactured in China that contain dairy ingredients. Since Oct. 10, 2008, FDA has had an import alert in place for specific products found contaminated with melamine and melamine-related compounds. FDA has collected additional information on the scope of the melamine contamination problem in China, and determined a countrywide import alert is warranted.

This action will help ensure that only Chinese dairy products and food and feed products manufactured in China that contain dairy ingredients are not contaminated with melamine and melamine-related compounds reach U.S. consumers. No adverse health effects have been reported in the United States from contamination with melamine of dairy products or dairy containing products. But melamine is not approved for direct addition to human or animal foods and no manufacturer is allowed to deliberately add it to any food for U.S. consumers.

As part of ongoing activities, FDA will also examine a range of protein-containing products beyond just dairy and dairy-containing products for contamination with melamine and melamine-related compounds. FDA will continue to take appropriate regulatory action if these efforts uncover additional contamination.

* FDA Detects Melamine Contamination in Flavored Drink (October 6, 2008)
* FDA Updates Health Information Advisory on Melamine Contamination (Sept 26, 2008)
* FDA Updates Health Information Advisory on Melamine Contamination (Sept 23, 2008)
* FDA Updates Health Information Advisory on Melamine Contamination (Sept.20, 2008)
* FDA Issues Health Information Advisory on Infant Formula (Sept. 12, 2008)

Company Recalls

* Dorsey Marketing Inc. Voluntarily Recalls Three G&J Gourmet Market Cocoa Products: 120126, 120129, 120144 (Dec. 19, 2008) New!
* Interfood Shareholding Company Issues a Nationwide recall of Wonderfarm Brand Biscuits Because of Possible Health Risk (Dec. 9, 2008)
* Walgreens Recalls 173 Teddy Bears With Chocolate Bars Sold Since Late September 2008 (Dec. 5, 2008)
* Everlasting Distributors Inc. Issues a Nationwide Recall of Fresh and Crispy Jacobina Biscuits Because of Possible Health Risks (Oct. 29, 2008)
* Lotte USA, Inc. Initiates Nationwide Recall of Koala's March Crème filled Cookies (Oct. 17, 2008)
* HUA XIA Food Trade USA, Inc. Recalls YILI Brand Sour Milk Drink and YILI Brand Pure Milk Drink, Because of Possible Health Risk (Oct. 10, 2008)
* Tristar Food Wholesale, Inc. Issues a Nationwide Recall of Blue Cat Flavored Drink Because of Possible Health Risk (Oct. 3, 2008)
* Mr. Brown 3-In-1 & and 2-In-1 Powdered Packets in Bag Coffee Mixes Due To Health Risk (Oct. 1, 2008)
* QFCO, Inc. Recalls White Rabbit Candy Because of Possible Health Risk (Sept. 26, 2008)

Information for Consumers

* Frequently Asked Questions and Answers on Melamine and Melamine Contamination

Information for Industry

* Letter to the United States Food Manufacturing Industry Regarding Melamine

FDA's Testing Methods

The FDA Field laboratories are using LC-MS/MS methods that are capable of determining melamine and cyanuric acid at levels of 0.25 ppm in powdered infant formula and other dairy-containing food products or ingredients. These and a GC/MS method for melamine and its analogues are:

* Melamine Methodology

o Determination of Melamine and Cyanuric Acid Residues in Infant Formula using LC-MS/MS
o Interim Method for Determination of Melamine and Cyanuric Acid Residues in Foods using LC-MS/MS
o GC/MS method for melamine and analogues

Other Resources

* WHO web site on melamine

http://www.who.int/foodsafety/fs_management/infosan_events/en/index.html


* CDC web site on melamine

http://emergency.cdc.gov/agent/melamine/chinafood.asp

Christmas Eve Travel Woes ~(The Whole Country).

http://www.weather.com/newscenter/nationalforecast/index.html?from=sixten_headline
For everyone staying at home, I wish you little snow to shovel, a full tummy and all the joys that Christmas may bring.

But this story is about and for those of you who may find yourselves traveling today...
~and especially by car....

Vaya con Dios.
Be safe and be prepared for anything.
You mean the world to me!

XOXO
Anne

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National Weather Forecast - weather.com

Tom Moore, Lead Meteorologist, The Weather Channel
Dec. 23, 2008 8:23 pm ET
Midwest | View Regional Video

A storm system will be moving up through the Great Lakes.

As it does, a mixed bag of precipitation will continue into Wednesday.

It appears that a swath of significant snow will fall from central Iowa northeast through southern Wisconsin to northern Michigan.

Most locations in those areas will see at least 6 inches of snow while parts of northern Michigan could see up to a foot.

A messy combination of snow, sleet and rain will continue through Tuesday morning across southern Michigan, northern Indiana, northern Illinois and northern Missouri.

As slightly colder air moves in behind the storm, mixed precipitation will likely change to snow possibly accumulating 1 to 3 inches before ending Tuesday.

Elsewhere, look for some rain and thunderstorms from the Ohio Valley to the lower Mississippi Valley with one to two inches of rain possible through Wednesday.

The weather will be mainly quiet on Christmas day with chilly, but not bitterly cold, temperatures.

Thursday night and Friday will feature another storm system with rain and mixed precipitation.
Northeast | View Regional Video

Snow will move rapidly across interior sections of the northeast overnight.

By Tuesday morning, snow will mix with or change to sleet and freezing rain over many locations.

The ice may linger into the late morning hours, but should change to all rain by early afternoon.

The most vulnerable areas will be across the Mohawk Valley, the upper Hudson Valley and the upper Connecticut Valley.

Much of northern New York and New England will see snow mixing with sleet or freezing rain.

Most other areas will see mainly rain from Wednesday into Wednesday night.

The mountains and northern Maine may hold on to all snow with 4 to 8 inches possible.

Low clouds accompanying the rain should cause delays at the airports from Boston to Washington, D.C. adding to the travel woes nationwide.

Christmas Day should be much quieter with most locations having a sunny, cool and blustery day.

A few snow showers are possible in western New York and northwest Pennsylvania primarily during the morning.
West | View Regional Video

A couple of weather systems will produce more wintry weather conditions across the Northwest on Wednesday.

The more potent system will sweep into northern California.

This system will feature heavy rain and mountain snow over California.

A few thunderstorms are possible along coastal sections during the afternoon and evening hours.

Low cloudiness associated with the rain could hamper air travel from San Francisco south to Los Angeles.

The rain in the Los Angeles and San Diego areas could produce some mudslides especially in the burn zones.

Snowfall in the mountains could measure one to two feet, especially in the Sierra-Nevada south of the Tahoe area.

Moisture from this storm spreads inland to Nevada, Utah, western Colorado and northern Arizona by early evening.

Rain should fall in the deserts with snow expected everywhere else.

Meanwhile low pressure, and an associated front, will slide down from the Gulf of Alaska to the Pacific Northwest where more snow is expected.

The snow should change to rain along the Oregon coast and in southwest Oregon during the afternoon.

In Portland and the Willamette Valley the snow may mix with or briefly change to rain during the mid to late afternoon, but should go back to all snow at night.

Portland needs slightly more than 1 inch to record its snowiest December on record.

The snow should linger into Christmas Day before tapering off Thursday evening in the Northwest.

Christmas Day should be a snowy and windy one across the Intermountain West as the California storm moves inland.
South | View Regional Video

Compared to the other regions of the country, the South will have the least problems, but the picture is not all rosy.

A line of showers and thunderstorms will be moving eastward across Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and southeast Texas.

A few storms may turn severe with small hail and gusty winds.

This activity will move into the western Carolinas, Georgia and the Florida Panhandle Wednesday night and early Thursday.

Christmas Day could feature a few showers from the coastal Carolinas to the Gulf Coast.

The rest of the region will be dry and mild.

Florida will be balmy temperatures well into the 70s and lower 80s Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

A more serious severe weather threat will exist from the southern plains to the Mississippi valley from late Friday to Saturday as a new storm gathers strength.

Christmas for CaseyAnne!

Good Evening Everyone!

PUT YOUR "THINKING~CAPS" ON...  hehehe

I don't know why some of you get my blogs as I post them, and some do not. I have 'backed up' the posting time here...

I am ever so tired, and will be keeping this quite short.
Know too that I am going to post this as "network" as I know that many of your own family and friends have been praying for and thinking of Casey daily.

And a big OOPS on me... 

*** If you are planning on sending flowers or candy, there are no live plants, or cut flowers etc, allowed on the transplant floor/wing.
And of course candy is out of the question with her blood sugars being so wild.
(She does NOT tolerate the chemical/fake sweeteners either).
My apologies for not posting about this sooner, I found out myself (the hard way). 
~The tree below being the one I tried to bring to her room 2 days ago...

Caseys Address:

CaseyAnne L. DeGrave 
University of Minnesota, FAIRVIEW Hospital
Room 238, Unit 6B, Organ Transplant
500 Harvard St. S.E.
Minneapolis, MN 55455

I will also be posting a photo album from here in Minnesota.
(I might do that tomorrow).
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But here's the thought for this blog- 

? If you were here, and if $$$ wasn't an option,
what would you put under the tree for Casey this year?

I am SO looking forward to see your comments below & what ideas everyone has.

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Merry Christmas to ALL!

XOXO
Me

PS:
Understand that she has no energy to be on her computer yet- And her eyes are being funky from all the meds...
But I will bring my laptop up with me on Christmas Day to read her all your thoughts.

More About Our Pin Cushion

Good Afternoon Everyone;
I imagine you are all so busy with everything- The last minute preparations for your own Holly Jolly Christmases and all.

I wish I could say that I will keep this short, (but you know me).
Besides, I have a gazillion pictures. hehehe

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This is the look that Miss Punk gets on her face if I say "Casey" aloud.

And YES!,
There IS a possibility that Punk will be able to visit the hospital too.
Although we have been asking for 2 days now and have heard nothing.

Casey has just called-
She is going to call down herself to get the paperwork started.

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Greg left a bit earlier this morning to return home-
Driving into a bit of "weather" in Wisconsin, but all in all a better day to travel today than yesterday was.
(Know that it is still below zero as I write).
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Casey received her transfusion yesterday.
She had no bad reactions to it either.
(That is always a possibility- and a scary one at that).

She may need another
but for now we are doing the 'wait and see' thing.

She also needed still another ultrasound this morning.
All came back well and good.

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Her urine output continues to be fine, so I am hoping that was another hurdle that has been crossed.
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That blood transfusion surely added to the confusion of all her lines.

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Casey's tangled webs of lines...
On 2 portable pole wheelie thingies.

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And her many, many, MANY pumps that are running 24/7...
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(There are three additional ones that wouldn't even fit in the picture).
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Running? ..
Did I say running?
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Yes.  Even all those lines must be kept open and running somehow-
She has a bag of heparin running 24/7, but the lines still need to be flushed out.
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Looking great if you ask me!

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And she is even proud of her little scar!
(As well she should be).
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Methinks it looks like a fishhook of sorts...

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She needs insulin at this point, and she is gradually learning how to do this properly.

This is required in 100% of TP/AIT Transplant patients until...

We will know if her Islet Cells have transplanted successfully within 6 months to a year.

*Patience is absolutely required. It takes that long for them to grow and flourish.

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A whole ton of information is being tossed at her every day.
Some of the nurses contradicting other nurses,
(not to mention contradicting the doctors)!

You can imagine this does NOT go over too well with her doctors.
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Giving herself insulin.

Her readings have been between 105 and 167.
And her fingertips are extremely painful now also.
Talk about a "Pin Cushion"...
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But wait..
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The very best is yet to come...

(Please do NOT scroll down unless you are seated).
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Yeah, Baby!!!

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Un~freakin'~believable, isn't it?!?!?!
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And I do love the way her hair makes it look like she is wearing a halo.
Personally I cannot think of a better human being to have one of those.
(Well, beside myself that is)!
hehehe

Once again, that is all I know for today.

I know many of you will be traveling and will not be able to be stopping by.
Christmas promises be a lonely day for me with no one on... Know that I will be thinking of you all.

Know too that I will be missing my little Christmas Brunch the most.

May you all have a safe, a joyous, and a most blessed Christmas.

Love to all.

XOXO
Anne

PS
Don't forget the batteries!
hehehe
(er, I mean HOHOHO of course).
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UPDATE in comments... Say "YAY!"

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Good Afternoon Everyone!
Guess what?? It's snowing!
hehehe

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This was taken on our way driving in last Sunday.
No, it is not a crooked picture,
just the snow that was so wind~driven.

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And the roads were like this...
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And like this...

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And like this...

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Oh, I sure did hate those last 90 miles! Worse too, when there is a sheet of ice and freezing rain under the snow.

Oh wait, the roads are STILL like that...

I hear that Flintville got about a foot of snow, between Thirsday night and yesterday afternoon; with lots more coming tonight and tomorrow...
Poor Kelli beside herself, shoveling, taking care of the horses, and my place too. (Tim had recent back surgery otherwise could be out there too).

She even said she would try to dig out Casey's car (looking much like a Chevrolet Igloo now), and move it in the garage.

Her Tim is a truck driver- He drove yesterday through the whole snowstorm.
When he called Kelli to tell her to try to leave work early and how bad the roads were, he also told her that his trailer tried to pass him 4 times!
(I laughed myself silly over that one).  
She said it took her an hour and a half just to get to work yesterday.
But they are both home, and safe, (and 'off' for the weekend); and that's what counts.

I am sure you are all wondering about Casey...
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She is MUCHO better today!!!

Her urine began flowing quite well last night too. And what a worry that had been for us all.

But I will let you judge for yourself how she is doing...

Just check these out!

I shall do a "before and after" here for you...
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BEFORE...
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And AFTER!!!
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Oh wait... me too!
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Such a huge difference without her NG Tube!
And she will be on liquid diet.
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One of you (PeachieBaby, I think), had asked about the leg circulation.

No worries there;
these have been on her,
working 24/7,
since before her surgery.

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That nurse was SO fun and funny too.
We have had too many that do not have a sense of humor, let alone a bedside manner.
This man had it all.
You could tell he loved his work, and his patients also.

Credit where credit is due, everyone has been so nice, so far.

Of course I miss home.
Kelli assures me that Miss Milly is just fine, and will now be (another) inside dog.
Ruh~Roh. (Didn't bargain for that one). hehehe
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I took this last Christmas...
Mama Milly and her (little) Punkin...
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And this was from last year also...

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Yes, Lady Valerie did get her two front teeth!
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I hope ALL of my grandbabies are all set for Santa Claus.

I'd better close for now and head back up to the hospital. But I want to give Casey and Greg a lot of time together too, as he will have to be heading home tomorrow. Duty calls.

I imagine you are all busy with last minute details with your own preparations for Christmas.
I hope you aren't too busy to be reading this all.
Sorry, I do have a tendency to get a bit long winded at times. Hope you're not too busy to let me know you were here. hehehe

Know that Casey is doing remarkably well- Greg has just called; and Casey is now sitting in her chair!
If it is possible, she is 1000% better than yesterday.

Know too that Punk has been an absolute angel being left alone in this hotel room many times, and for many hours at a time.
Off her feed yesterday- probably feeding off my own emotions. But has eaten today; AND of course we have already played in the snow. Twice.
I did go to WalMart and get some winter skivvies, and some warmer socks too. Should be all set now.
Hope you are too! Be warm and safe. Know you are loved.

My love to all. And again, our most heartfelt thanks for everyone's thoughts and prayers. They have worked wonders for Casey- and for myself too. Knowing there are people out there that care everso much means the world to us.

XOXO
Anne

Address and Pics Added 12-19-08 Pray. (Harder).

After a very long and painful night, Casey's kidneys are not functioning too well; leaving her swollen like a very beautiful Pillsbury Doughboy.
Her temp is at 101.4.
Blood pressure in the 130's.
Heart rate in the 130's and 140's.
She is in/out of it. Maybe due to her pain meds.
Much earlier this morning she was taken down for an emergency ultrasound of her liver, duct system, and her kidneys. (Not knowing what to look for/at I have no idea what I was seeing on the screen there, or how it all turned out). They have yet to tell us.
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Greg is with her now. Punk and I are waiting to hear something. Anything.

Having spoken to my sister Barbara- who in turn spoke to Dr. Rodney (her husband).
Of major importance is the fact that he was not too shocked by any of this- Thank you Barbara and Rodney.
He did say that her kidneys must begin working normally in the next two days.

That is all I know for now.
Please keep those prayers coming.    

XOXO
Anne


No longer correct!

University of Minnesota, FAIRVIEW Hospital
Organ Transplant
500 Harvard St. S.E.
Minneapolis, MN 55455

~

Casey-
Before her surgery,
12-18-2008

~

Pray. (Update 7:16 PM in comments).

Good Morning Everyone;
Being lazy, not to mention short of time I shall just redirect you a bit.
I could not have said this any better.
Please click here and visit Peachie's site.

http://peachie2007.multiply.com/journal/item/196/Prayers_for_Casey_Ann_please

Thank you Peachie- (and for the offered shoulder too).

And to EVERYONE who has sent their love and Faith to us both (all) in this time of such overwhelming, conflicting, and raw emotion.
Your friendships mean the world to me.

PRAY.

Time for me to fly.

All my love.

XOXO
Anne

Deal With It.

Rating:	★★★★★
Category:	Other

This is really right on the mark!!

WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL?



1) Pick your favorite number between 1-9

2) Multiply by 3 then

3) Add 3, then again Multiply by 3 (I'll wait while you get the calculator....)

4) You'll get a 2 or 3 digit number....

5) Add the digits together

Now Scroll down ..............

























Now with that number see who your ROLE MODEL
is from the list below :



1. Hillary Clinton



2. Nelson Mandela



3. James Brown



4. Audrey Hepburn



5. Bill Gates



6. Gandhi



7. Brad Pitt



8. Hitler



9. Anna~Anna (That's me, Anne)!!!



10. Barack Obama




I know...
I just have that effect on people....one day maybe you can be just like me!


PS:
Stop picking different numbers. I AM YOUR ROLE MODEL!

Fuh-Reezin' in Minnesota

Good Morning Everyone;
If you have read the comment I left for you in my prior blog, (or Casey's newest blog), you know that we arrived safe and sound with Jesus at the wheel.
It was that crappy, those last 90 miles.  Temps went from 44 to 16 in a matter of minutes; and when the front came through, wouldn't you know we were on this big bridge- and what wind!

But we are here. Thanking God that (even though I whined about it), my car was all fixed prior to leaving.  I started it last night; letting it run for about 20 minutes before taking it twice around the block. But it started, and that is all that matters.

It is currently 9 degrees BELOW ZERO. (Suffice to say I don't like it).
The windchill factor is is the minus 30's.
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And no, we are not responsible for bringing it with us.  I firmly believe Canada hates me.

Having brought Punk out earlier, she poo'ed and pee'd just great- We weren't outside but two minutes and she shook her paws when we got back inside. Too cold for man or beast.

As most of you know by now, I am Native. 
Knowing this, and knowing how so many lived (and died), 'way back when, it amazes me that anyone survived; pelts or not. A much deeper respect goes through me as I dress ever so warmly for a minute or two outside in this dangerous weather.

We are not alone- Many of you will be living through ice storms today. May God keep you all warm and safe.
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I can't believe how far south that freezing rain might go...

Casey's pre~surgical appointment is rescheduled for tomorrow. And of course her surgery is on Thursday.

When we got to the hotel late on Sunday evening, we were met by a man whose own TP/AIT Transplant surgery was yesterday. He came to our room to visit for a while (I promptly fell asleep on him). But Casey and he had much to talk about and to share.
His surgery was quite successful, his brother calling Casey yesterday to update her- AND he wasn't even sent to ICU afterward. (I am thinking this is because everything went so very well)!

Kelli has just called- It is 5 below at home, (this because maybe Canada isn't sure where I am exactly)?
Miss Milly is warm and 'wunnaful'. And Mr Miller is sad because he can't play at my house. Kelli is at work safe and sound too.
I'm just happy that all is secure.

Michelle wrote to say hello this morning too- Her own horses probably freezing their manes off. Kelli had told me that Breeze's eyelashes were full of ice! (Bad enough when mascara clumps, I can only imagine what ice does).

As for me, my joints are aching from the cold. Yes, we do have the heat on in the room- Just that once I am cold, I am very cold throughout, and it takes a while to warm up.

I'd better close for now- have a load of laundry to do. The laundry is on the 6th floor. and a nice warm room!  Looking forward to that!

Love to all.

XOXO
Anne