Allison. (ARF)!

A big old "ARF!" to you all!
Yeah, it's me, Punk.

I been toad that I hafta be writing my own story of the snowstorm.
So here it is.

It was a dark and chilly day... HAHA

But it was! The day before anyway. 
My "she" wanted to go to the store.
And my Casey met us there too.
'My Casey' is nice to me.   Mostly anyway.

'My Casey' came out to the car to see me, and to kiss me, and to hug me.
I like her kisses and hugs, 'cept for when my 'she' makes us look at the picture thing.
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Me, and My Casey at the store.
My she was kinda upset because they don't have her Wild Cherry Pepsi in bottles anymore.  (I'll share my water from now on).

We came home, and ate some yummy supper. (I always get to lick her plates off, but she cleans them pretty good before I do).

Later we went outside, and after that, me and my she cozied up nice and warm on the couch.

When we woke up, I wanted to eat. But my she always makes me go outside first.  So I went to the back entrance and peeked...

THIS IS WHAT I SAW!!!!

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That's not good.
I could hear the wind howling like me when I get my toe-nee-nails cut.

I knew it meant that it would freezie my toes right up.
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I got really worried... And I tried to tell her, "No!"
(She doesn't listen to me, and went off to turn all the water spouts on to make sure we had not frozen water).

In the meanwhile I really had to go potty!


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So then I waited nice for her.

That door did not want to open, even when my she pushed on it hard!

After a few more pushes, I finally got to 'go'.
And I 'went' really fast too.

Then we ate some yummy breakfast. My 'she' gives me a cup of dried up meat and stuff to eat.
the 'she' gets the good stuff for herself!
NOT FAIR!

She made some taters, and some dead pigstrips, and a couple of yokey things. (I love those yokey things because they stick to her plate really good and I get to lick them off)!

After that she finally turned the big light on outside, (and I had to 'go' again anyway by that time).
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My she wouldn't come outside with me this time though. But she did go all the way up those steps and throw my ball out of her window.

It was even fun to find in the snow!!! I had to keep on digging to find it.
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While I was doing that, I heard that picture thing make its funny noise...

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She always clicks if she thinks I'm cute.
(And I am really cute)!
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But I had to keep looking for my toy too. (It kept getting lost)!
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This was a LOT of fun!
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'Specially when I could see the dang thing!
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My she would hide it on me, and sometimes I just couldn't find it anywhere! 
(I don't know how she did that either)...






I would look all over!

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Some parts were even higher than me!
Mostly I didn't sink too bad. But when I did, I got a little full of snow...

And a little cold too...

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She didn't let me take my Frisbee outside either.

Even when I begged her to...






But then a few days later, 'My Casey' came to visit me again!
She also brought that Greg Man along. I like him too.

Since my she won't do much of the shoveling, 'My Casey' did this for her.







So did that Greg Man...







I had to watch and stay outta the way.







My Casey thought I looked bored so she kept throwing the snow at me!
I would catch it in my mouth!  Cool, huh?!?







The man that came and pushed a lot of snow out of my way had done a really good job.

He even HID MY TOY ON ME!!!

But I found it in a big pile of snow!







Later when we all came back in and my feets got warm, I brought my Frisbee to 'My Casey"...






But My Casey said I couldn't play in the house that way too.

I tried to sit on her lap.  (That's always fun)!







And now that I lost some weight, I even weigh less than she does! (My she says that has been a long time coming)!

Even so, My Casey makes me sit all alone; just next to her.





We like holding paws.
And she likes teasing me about my Frisbee.





I showed My Casey that even though I'm not as fat as she is, I can still tip her over.






And I hold onto it really tight!





She just kept on trying to steal it though...




Then I would bite it hard, just to hold on to it.






I tried to hide it on My Casey, and she tried to push me off the couch!






Then she tried to steal it all over again!




We had LOTS of fun that day!

Well, until My Casey decided it was time for my "pet-i-cure".

I tried to hide my toeneenails on her, so my she helped hold me down.

After I let them "win".
My Casey had to 'finish' my toeneenails.
She filed them!
(I like this part the very best you know)!





My Casey makes me feel so special that I almost fall asleep every time she does this.

Well, it's time for me to be done here today...
My 'she' says she has to call my doctor.  (I like him too).  I haven't been feeling too good, and my she just wants me to be feeling better than I am.
My 'she' thinks its my butt again-  (I ain't tellin').
Said she sees me trying to turn around a lot. (And I can't do that 'cuz I was squished when I was really little).  If ya wanna know 'bout that, just click on the "written by Punk" tag below...

Time for my nap now.

ARF to all!
May your bowls and your bellies always be full!

Love, Punk

United Parcel Service Airlines Info

Rating:	★★★★★
Category:	Other

UPS Airlines

Please go potty before you read this.  If you are not laughing hysterically at at least one of these, please check for a pulse.
(From my email, from my Sweet Sissy KrissiePoo).

Remember it takes a college degree to fly a plane, but only a high school diploma to fix one; a reassurance to those of us who fly routinely in our jobs.
(By the way, UPS Air is the only major airline that has never, ever, had an accident).


After every flight, UPS pilots fill out a form, called a 'gripe sheet,' which tells mechanics about problems with the aircraft. The mechanics corrects the problems, document their repairs on the form, and then pilots review the gripe sheets before the next flight.
(Never let it be said that ground crews lack a sense of humor).

Here are some actual maintenance complaints submitted by UPS pilots (marked with a P); and the solutions recorded by maintenance engineers. (marked with an S).


****  Problem/Solution


P: Left inside main tire almost needs replacement.
S: Almost replaced left inside main tire.

                  *

P: Test flight OK, except auto-land very rough.
S: Auto-land not installed on this aircraft.

                  *

P: Something loose in cockpit
S: Something tightened in cockpit

                 *

P: Noise coming from under instrument panel. Sounds like a midget pounding on something with a hammer.
S: Took hammer away from midget.

                  *

P: Autopilot in altitude-hold mode produces a 200 feet per minute descent
S: Cannot reproduce problem on ground.

                  *

P: Evidence of leak on right main landing gear.
S: Evidence removed.

                  *

P: DME volume unbelievably loud.
S: DME volume set to more believable level.

                  *

P: Friction locks cause throttle levers to stick.
S: That's what friction locks are for.

                  *

P: IFF inoperative in OFF mode.
S: IFF always inoperative in OFF mode.

                  *

P: Suspected crack in windshield.
S: Suspect you're right.

                  *

P: Number 3 engine missing.
S: Engine found on right wing after brief search.

                  *

P: Aircraft handles funny.
S: Aircraft warned to straighten up, fly right, and be serious.

                  *

P: Target radar hums.
S: Reprogrammed target radar with lyrics.

                  *

P: Mouse in cockpit.
S: Cat installed.

                 *
P: Dead bugs on windshield.
S: Live bugs on back-order.

                   *
                

Now, about that pulse of yours???

XOXO
Me


(Photo Googled).

Why God Made Sons in Laws...

Good Evening;
It is once again snowing on top of the ice... The temps will be below zero once more tonight and not above about 10 tomorrow. Yes, I have F
Casey has just called and is home safely from school.
Kelli is still on the road making her way home. (She took the Jeep today so at least has 4 wheel drive if she needs it).
I still worry...
So, as I wait to hear that she has made it home safely I want to share my funny exchange with William today.

As you know, he lives down IN Alabama...

We have taken to chiding each other about our weather opposites, (truth be known, William just rubs his cozy warm temps in my face every chance he gets). hehehe

Here ya go!
________________

Where ARE you Mr. William?
I had a little fun, (at your expense) late last week when we had our blizzard... hehehe
Hope you weren't too upset?

My love to all
XOXO
me
________________

No I am not upset, but I am the one sitting in 60 degree weather! Ha Ha.
How about you?
Love you
________________

Come north and cool off a bit, will ya already?
We are to be getting more snow today- On top of the ice we got last night...
ARGHHHH!

________________

Well we will be getting more rain on top of, oh more water!
You come south and warm up that frozen brain
________________

At least y'all can swim if need be,
I tried the backstroke in the snow once...
________________

And how did that work out for you?
Bet snow down the pants is worst than sand.

________________

Not sure as I like the 'grit' either. 
But I do know for a fact that the snow makes you move a bit faster...

________________

Rotflol!
________________  end


I am still giggling!   Ain't life grand?
All of which begs the question, "Which do YOU prefer?"

Love to all

XOXO
Me

Dead Penguins...

Rating:	★★
Category:	Other

Did you ever wonder why there are no dead penguins on the ice in  Antarctica?
Where do they go?
Wonder no more!

It is a well known fact the penguin is a very ritualistic bird.  It lives an extremely ordered and complex life.
The penguin is committed to its family and will mate for life, as well as maintaining a form of compassionate contact with its offspring throughout its life.

If a penguin is found dead on the ice surface, other members of the family and social circle dig holes in the ice, using their vestigial wings and beaks, until the hole is deep enough for the dead bird to be rolled into and buried.


The male penguins then gather in a circle around the freshly dug grave...
They all sing: "FREEZE a jolly good fellow."

Then, they kick him in THE ICE HOLE.


Sheesh, did you really think I knew anything about penguins?!?


Must fly for now...
Have a wunnaful Monday!

XOXO
Me

Makes Ya Wonder???

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Other

Sheesh Duane, this is really bad...
Worth passing on though...

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY ...

Hmmm...

Have you ever wondered if the one-dollar bills in your wallet were ever in a stripper's ass crack?  
(If not, you're wondering now).  

Have a nice day! hehehe

Blizzard "Allison"

To the west...

Good Evening Everyone;
The storm is over. The yard is plowed.
The sun even poked its face out this afternoon.
We are warm and safe.

As I type, it is 3 measly degrees. But those 3 little degrees are (still) above zero.

When Punk and I went for that last walk, I noticed that on Sunday they had finally put up trail markers for the snowmobiles.
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............
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............

Not a minute too soon if you ask me.

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Knowing that the view could change quickly, I had also taken this shot.
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And then that view DID change...
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There really is birdseed in that feeder...
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I had also put out the Christmas sign
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It wasn't long before THAT view also changed...
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Will have to stand it back up when it warms up a bit...
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And that driveway you could see in the picture of Christmas Corner?
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Completely obliterated. hehehe
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So was my road!
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I should have known how bad it was just by looking out the kitchen window when it began to get light out...
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With its snow and ice packed screens and storms.
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But with a snowfall like this, comes a surreal beauty.

Like the REAL Christmas Trees...
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... decorated by Old Man Winter and Mother Nature
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And when JoAnne and Jim's lights came on, that view was still pretty
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My snowplow came late yesterday afternoon. 
As weather should have predicted, he got stuck. ... 3 times.
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Sorry so blurry
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Darkness comes early now- About 4:30. But even with that, you can see the pretty decorations left behind
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Am giggling at the lawn chair, left of the door... (Whoops)!
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The wind had done its own fierce decorating...
Leaving the side of the house completely covered.
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And leaving my shovels in wait for helping hands. The snowplow man did dig out away from the house so he could pull the snow off the apron to the garage.
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One for Lawrence, and one for William too.   hehehe  Since I haven't heard from him now, I am guessing they MUST be on their way to shovel?!
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And then there's my little flower bed...
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How my seeds come up every year is always a wild and amazing miracle to me!
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Completely chilled, and sweating at the same time (from being wrapped up like a North Pole burrito), it was time to head in and get something hot in my tummy.
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That's more like it!
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Kristen wrote this morning saying she had made chili and fresh baked bread yesterday. (Good as my own stew was, methinks I should have gotten snowed~in over there)! hehehe

They had gone to story time at the library last week.
Clifford the big red dog was there... And Kristen sent this picture on!
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Alexis, Master Gabriel, Clifford and Kayleigh. (Kristens "triplets")!
Thank you Sweet Kristen!.
I am always so happy to get these pictures- They make my heart happy!


Julie, another neighbor, called yesterday morning, early.
Had I seen two of her dogs? I had not.
She also called last night, after the blizzard had let up a bit.  They still had not come home. Too easy, even for dogs, to lose direction in a blizzard.
Another phone call this morning, as the wind chill was estimated at about 20-30 below. No dogs. She now has put up signs she got from her vet.
I feel so badly for her- She has a lot of dogs, but cares for them too.

Sweet Kelli stayed home yesterday. Too far to go to take a chance, and with the Sheriffs department telling everyone to stay off the roads, she was much safer too. Miss May and Miss Breezie got their blankets put on- Kelli said Miss May looked like some weird blue alien in the snowstorm! hehehe
They will be happy to have those blankets on as tonight we may get below zero.

I turned my heat down about 2 hours ago. 15 minutes ago, I turned it right back up.

Casey called earlier- Feeling kind of rough yet from her infection, but getting better too. The fact that at least she CAN sleep is a good thing. There are days that sleep does not come so easily for her.

Greg did go to work yesterday- And he tried planting his car too. After being stuck for a while, his whole crew came along, one by one, and helped him out. I believe his boss took pictures, but I have yet to see them. Too much fun in the snow! (Is that even possible)?

Punk had fun out there too- But she will have to post her own story.

Time to go put my feet up in a little bit- Hope this finds everyone warm and safe.

Love to all

XOXO
Anne

Closed

Good Morning Everyone;
I was online earlier. commenting back at you all... Then the power went out, and all hell broke loose.

I believe I have everything reset... Hopefully. But it seems to have killed my computersaurus too. Probably the modem. Am using my laptop.
Obviously the phone lines are working, or I wouldn't be typing...


"Allison" is still raging. The warnings were upgraded yesterday afternoon to that of "BLIZZARD".
And, as the TV tells me, everything is closed-  Schools, including college campuses, some businesses, even the mall is not opening until one this afternoon. (Not sure if that makes sense because the blizzard warning goes through midnight tonight). The State has closed also- No gov't employees to report to work unless they are "emergency"

I am assuming that the garbage trucks won't be running.  Or my dumpster will  just have to keep til next week.

William, (my dear sweet William, my wonderful son in law William),  emailed me yesterday after reading my post about the shovels. hehehe 
From Prattville, Alabama he wrote, "About those shovels, it has been nasty down here also. It only got up to 61 F, and it has been raining all day.
Brrrrrr its cold! I am ready for the summer to get here."

Sorry to say if he'd been in front of me, even more hell would have broken loose. hehehe
I told him to get their backsides up here and start shoveling.
Didn't work. But he did send an invite to Prattville for the duration of Winter, with the proviso that we not miss the "cold" too much.
(It would be great to take him up on that, no)? And I would promise to never miss the cold.
Here is what the forecast claims,

"...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT CST
TONIGHT...

* SNOW...HEAVY AT TIMES WITH NEAR WHITE OUT CONDITIONS...WILL
CONTINUE UNTIL MID-MORNING...THEN DIMINISH.

* 12 TO 16 INCHES OF ACCUMULATION IS EXPECTED. 
We already have over 10" on the ground, so will count on the 14"

* THE COMBINATION OF SNOW...WINDS GUSTING AS HIGH TO NEAR
50 MPH...AND NEAR-ZERO VISIBILITIES IN SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW WILL LEAD TO BLIZZARD
CONDITIONS AT TIMES AND MAKE THIS A DANGEROUS WINTER STORM."

I don't think I have all my pictures posted to Flickr or I would put them here for you. Now they will have to wait until I can get them transferred to the laptop, or get the old computersaurus fixed again. (Sorry Greg).

I will add pictures to the comments below as I get to them throughout the day.

If the power goes out for any long term, I shall be writing Christmas cards and letters, in the quiet, from the warmth of my waterbed.

Ah well.  Nothing like coming into Winter gradually...

Be safe. This blizzard isn't only falling on my head.
Be warm. Layers, Baby.
And stay home. Temps will be in the low single digits tonight, with windchills to 30 below.

Love to all.  Pics as I get them...
I shall get back to my comments now

XOXO
me

To All Addicts (Part 2).

"I'm right there in the room, and no one even acknowledges me"

Kind of long, but very important...

Good Morning.
How much further away from what I actually wrote do/can these people go?

Rude. Ignorant.
I was called those names...
Not to mention that yesterdays post (CLICK) even brought out one recovering alcoholic and drug abuser, on the pancreas site, who took offense. (Was I horning in on his territory with my own assessment of the drug situation at hand)?
He claimed there is a difference between addict and dependent (upon).

There is.
But his definition was all bass~ackwards. (What the heck do they teach these people in AA/NA groups)?
Or do they even teach them (that)?  Not sure...


I do not mean to be flippant. That was neither my point, nor my opinion.
My point was only to (try to) make others aware that denying their children some pain relief from their intractable pain is a terrible thing to do. (And darn close to abuse in my book).

I chose my wording carefully.
The word "addict", referring even to Casey, was/is more than appropriate.

Would your own opinions of my post have changed if you would have known the difference? 
What if your own child had chronic pain?
Or would you be a parent who denies pain relief to your child on the basis of "what if", or "what will the neighbors think?" ?

Dependence:
Function: noun
1 : the quality or state of being dependent upon or unduly subject to the influence of another
2 a : drug addiction    b : HABITUATION 2b
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.

ADDICTION:
compulsive physiological need for and use of a habit-forming substance characterized by tolerance and by well-defined  physiological symptoms upon withdrawal;
broadly : persistent compulsive use of a substance known by the user to be physically, psychologically, or socially harmful

HABITUATION:

1 : the act or process of making habitual or accustomed
2 a : tolerance to the effects of a drug acquired through continued use,  b : psychological dependence on a drug after a period of use—compare ADDICTION
3 : a form of nonassociative learning characterized by a decrease in responsiveness upon repeated exposure to a stimulus —compare SENSITIZATION 3

____

As you can see, the research within the medical guidelines can/will extend past the words above.

Also of vital importance is this: From http://thesaurus.reference.com
Notes:
"ADDICTION IS MAINLY PHYSICAL WHILE DEPENDENCY IS MOSTLY PSYCHOLOGICAL"

The man in question has since put his tail between his legs (in my opinion) and has stated that he needs to leave the group.
Maybe he does. (though I would never write that either).Perhaps his needs would better be served on an AODA site, which I am sure are plentiful.
I did say those comments did belong on an AODA site though.

Among other, (nicer) things, I wrote the following:
"sadly, your reply only perpetuates all the fears of the people I was addressing. (It also tells me that you have missed the point of my entire posting).
I was most certainly NOT writing about ANYthing illegal or immoral. Those were 'your' choices 25+ years ago.
The parents, children (and adults) I was writing to/of did NOT have a choice to be part/parcel of a painful disease that needs to be treated."

Note that # 2 definition spells out "DRUG ADDICTION".
That's a fact, Sir.
You can choose to 'pretty it up' or try to make some off~the~wall comparison, but respect the fact that it won't fly with me.

So he opts to leave.  ...Um... er... bu-bye...

Then came woman offended, spouting 'rude' and 'ignorant'  (among various other names)- What I would call my "mother image of all things good" -who thought perhaps I did not laud the other guy enough for being clean/sober.
My own beliefs are that it is not up to me (or anyone) to pat him on the back. It is up to himself to remain clean/sober. (I did not write that either).
Through Roberta's own treatment, she has told me numerous times that I should not censor myself just because she is/always will be recovering. That #1., there is nothing anyone can say/do that will turn her away from clean and sober. That #2., it would be her choice to do so, no matter the circumstances. (That's what she was taught in recovery anyway)...

Anyway, 'XXX' also threw in the idea of Casey, and "pitty parties" (her misspelling, not mine).
She further stated "You do NOT know what it is like to suffer day in and day out".  (I had to giggle at that one). hehehe

She went on and on- Her prerogative. 
(I will only copy you on my own reply as I don't think I can copy hers. If you have any questions let me know).
But she did say she was sorry if her words hurt my feelings.

My reply, thus...

Dear XXX;
Do not worry, xxx, of course you didn't hurt my feelings.
I too am an "everyday" person with everyday values and struggles.
(We are ALL that, and much more).

You stated, "You do NOT know what it is like to suffer day in and day out" end quote...
XXX, I am disabled, and assure you that I can well understand what chronic pain is. But again, this/my story simply does NOT belong on a "pancreatitis" website, (wouldn't you agree)?

Furthermore, I never even broached the possibilities of where that man's disease came from! Quite honestly, that never even crossed my mind until I'd read your note.

Do not attempt to read between my lines. I am quite open and direct.

I believe I tried to make people understand that there are not always "negative" associations with the word 'addict'.
I can plainly see you did not interpret our story that way.

My heart goes out to those children (and adults) who will not receive their pain meds because 'someone else' thought they didn't need them, even as prescribed by their doctors!

As I spoke of my own daughter, now 22, (quoted from my original post), "Is she an addict? Yes she is. And in the most humbled definition of the word too." end quote

My words are neither misinformed, nor ignorant.

Nor was I opting for a "pitty party" approach to anything?
I know that my Casey would not have lasted through all of her own stuff had she been of a mind to entertain the "pity~pot" mentality. She is much much stronger and wiser than to even attempt to do so. It is her same strength and wisdom that have given me this insight to her own pain.

My apologies (to those who will have to do without), if my more direct approach didn't help you to understand that.
As I have just written to the previous poster, "grin and bear it" does not work! (Those words are only for those people who are NOT suffering; for we cannot ever even begin to know another's pain).

Please refer back to the Medical definition of 'dependence'. Note that the # 2 definition spells out "DRUG ADDICTION" in its entirety.
I assure you that I did not write that book.

Again, I have tried only to help those who cannot help themselves out of fear (or ignorance) of another.

I believe that through them all (my postings) I have tried to help another out. My apologies (again) if you did not see it that way.

I will close my note to you here exactly as I had closed my first posting [to those parents it applied to]:
"Worry less about the pills than you worry about the pain. When that pain is gone then, (and ONLY then), are you/your child to worry about getting away from the pain medicines.

Know that there are no two ways around it.
Know too that it doesn't happen overnight.
I can only promise that it WILL happen.

Admit that the elephant is in the sitting room. But leave him quietly alone.
He will leave in his own time.

Peace and health to everyone during this holy season, whatever your own beliefs are.

Believe in yourself.  More importantly, believe in your child."
end quote/note

___

One gal wrote that alot of people just don't like the word "ADDICT"
~To whit, (and touché), "a rose by any other name" would apply.

Maybe this will begin to sink in to peoples psyches, and maybe not.
I really did try to help these people out.

I have this image of my own 'what if' here...
It is the image of my own CaseyAnne, had I ever thought to 'ration' her pills out of fear of what the neighbors would say.

And how, exactly, would I have accomplished that?
Would I take her to the doctor, ask for a diagnosis, and then tell him, "Thanks Doc, I'll take it from here." ?

And now, I have images of many kids, much like my Casey, being rationed.
Know that it is very hard to get those images out of my mind.

Have a day.

XOXO
Anne

PS
If you haven't read Part One, please do so. CLICK

To All "Addicts"

"I'm right there in the room, and no one even acknowledges me"

Good Morning All...

I am going to cheat this morning as I have much to do before the dang snow flies.
I have written the following to our pancreatitis group. After reading a few messages that dealt with the parents problems. Their failure to give their own children, who are suffering, the doctors prescribed medications; simply because of the negative implications of 'addiction'.

I know there are many children and adults who will not be getting any relief from their pain due to the ignorance of others.

You know me. I call a spade a spade.
Read on.

XOXO
Anne

**************
There is an elephant in the room.
You know he is here.
Yet we all dance around our replies so very cautiously when we pretend he is not here.

This is my story- Mine, and my daughters.

Having seen CaseyAnne, 22, deal with this illness for 5+ years now, I have also seen her receive massive amounts of drugs to treat it, and the same massive quantities of drugs to keep the pain at bay. (And I learned a very long time ago already that some of the things she has taken would kill a small horse).

It frightened me horribly to see my 4.0 GPA honors student dependent on these dangerous drugs. After all, she is my youngest daughter. She is the one who took the ACT (college aptitude) test at only 11, and received an 18 on it!!!
Even Northwestern and Bryn Mawr wanted her after that. The letters, from all over, just kept coming in!

Then came the dx... "Chronic Pancreatitis"
I think it was there earlier on in her lifetime, just that we never caught it.
Her tummy aches were 'growing pains'.
Or maybe she had a bit of food poisoning.
Perhaps mittelschmerz.

Whatever, it was, it would pass.
Those bouts always did. (Given enough time anyway).

Those tests. The hospitalizations. The flare ups. ALL too numerous to recall offhand. The surgeries that followed, numbering already in the high teens.
All these things brought drugs, and more drugs.

Oh my god, my daughter was an addict!

With that thought process came a very profound sense of failure. How would I explain this?
Yet if you know me, you will respect that the feeling of failure I had didn't last long. There came a profound sense of  compassion, and some very literal understanding.

She NEEDED those drugs to get through an hour, or a day. (And damn what anyone else thought they knew)!
She needed those drugs just to live and breathe.
Always responsible, she did not take more, (always making an appointment, or a trip to the ER), when she felt it wasn't enough-
(Those times she is bent like a question mark, and pain radiates from her features, her sorrowful little body bent, -sad, and twisted).

Casey had her TP/AIT last December. We spent Christmas and January in Minneapolis, so far away from home. Naturally her overwhelming and unrelenting pain was gone.

She recovered from that, only to learn that she had megacolon. In April they removed 70+% of her colon.

She is now facing two more surgeries.

She is still on narcotics, (though she has removed herself from the Fentanyl patch).
She is also attending college, and is still receiving great grades.
All this, not only because she has a great attitude, she also has a wonderful pain doctor.

Is she an addict?
Yes she is. And in the most humbled definition of the word too.

Now about that elephant...

I know there are many parents who are reading this, and who cannot get past the negative images of what an 'addict' is.
Get over yourselves already.
That addict is your child.
That addiction is not negative; it is only the way your childs body has reacted to the only way s/he has to relieve the pain and the suffering.

Keep your priorities in order.
When people ask what your child is taking, remember only that it is nobodys business but your own.
Remember too that, (if negative in the least), your own gestures, sighs, attitudes, and words can/will offer the greater pain to your child. Your son/daughter has enough to worry about already.
Do not put more onto them.

That addict is your son/daughter.

Worry less about the pills than you worry about the pain. When that pain is gone then, (and ONLY then), are you/your child to worry about getting away from the pain medicines.

Know that there are no two ways around it.
Know too that it doesn't happen overnight.
I can only promise that it WILL happen.

Admit that the elephant is in the sitting room. But leave him quietly alone.
He will leave in his own time.

Peace and health to everyone during this holy season, whatever your own beliefs are.

Believe in yourself.
More importantly, believe in your child.

XOXO
Anne

** Comments are briefly closed. Please comment on following post...

A Shovel or Two...

Rating:
Category:	Other

Not sure how to rate this dang "forecast".

Dust off your shovels, and batten the hatches- Here we go!


***
Northeastern Wisconsin's first significant snow of the season is on the way tonight and Monday. (But it's nothing compared to what's coming Tuesday and Wednesday).

Snow is expected to start falling about midnight, then tapering off by midday. Green Bay could see 1 to 3 inches of snow. Areas to the south and east of Green Bay could see more, especially with lake-effect snow along Lake Michigan.

Expect snow-covered and slippery roads throughout the area and perhaps some flight delays in Green Bay and Appleton.

There's more nasty winter weather in the forecast, with a winter storm watch issued for Tuesday night through Wednesday night.

Snow is expected to resume late Tuesday afternoon, with 6 to 10 inches possible by Wednesday night.
***

6-10"? *gulp*
Maybe it's time to get outta Dodge?! hehehe

Laugh, giggle, (and if you must do st00pid snow dances, go ahead), JUST SEND SHOVELERS MY WAY PLEASE...

XOXO
Me

PS ~In related weather news...
Pea, hold onto your hat, you're going to get blown away today! (Better, hold your breath or you'll be a drowned rat).