[My] Life in Wisconsin

*AMEN* ~~Catholics and Muslims~~

http://www.reuters.com/articlePrint?articleId=USTRE49T54420081106
Catholics and Muslims to fight terror and defend faith.
Thu Nov 6, 2008 3:31pm By Tom Heneghan, Religion Editor

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Catholic and Muslim leaders at unprecedented Vatican meetings vowed on Thursday to jointly combat violence committed in God's name, to defend religious freedom and to foster equal rights for minority faith groups.

After three days of meetings, the 58 scholars and leaders -- 29 from each faith -- issued a joint declaration that also appealed for respect for religious figures and symbols.

The meetings came two years after the pope gave a speech hinting Islam was violent and irrational, sparking angry protests in the Middle East. The Muslim participants formed a group to challenge that and seek better mutual understanding.

The joint manifesto, A Common Word, called for dialogue based on shared principles of love of God and neighbor.

"We profess that Catholics and Muslims are called to be instruments of love and harmony among believers, and for humanity as a whole, renouncing any oppression, aggressive violence and terrorism, especially that committed in the name of religion, and upholding the principle of justice for all," said the statement describing the talks as "warm and convivial."

Religious minorities were "entitled to their own places of worship, and their founding figures and symbols they consider sacred should not be subjected to any form of mockery or ridicule," it said.

The Vatican has long defended minority Christians in places such as Saudi Arabia, where they cannot worship publicly, and urged safety for Iraqi Christians. Muslims in western countries say they face discrimination and suspicion by the majority.

The declaration's words about avoiding mockery or ridicule reflected continued Muslim concern about the 2005 publication in a Danish newspaper of caricatures of the Prophet Mohammad that sparked violent protests in the Islamic world.

VAST FIELD FOR COOPERATION

Earlier in the day, Pope Benedict received the delegations at the Vatican and said the faiths should cooperate much more.

"There is a great and vast field in which we can act together in defending and promoting the moral values which are part of our common heritage," the German-born pope said.

"Let us resolve to overcome past prejudices and to correct the often distorted images of the other which even today can create difficulties in our relations," he added.

The Abu Dhabi-based Bishop of Arabia Paul Hinder said he discussed with Muslim delegates the Vatican wish's to build churches in Saudi Arabia for Catholic migrant workers there.

"I don't think we'll get any right away, but things are changing," he told journalists.

The Vatican has also participated in interfaith talks launched this year by Saudi Arabian King Abdullah, who will meet at the United Nations in New York next week with other heads of state to further promote his initiative.

These and other dialogues reflect a new urgency Muslim leaders have felt after the September 11 attacks, the "clash of civilizations" theory and the pope's 2006 speech in Regensburg showed a widening gap between the world's two largest faiths.

Benedict said the Catholic-Muslim Forum, the official name for this dialogue now set to take place every two years, was "now confidently taking its first steps."

The Catholic delegation included Vatican officials, Catholic scholars of Islam and bishops leading minority communities in Iraq, Syria, Pakistan and the Gulf states. Three were women.

The Common Word group, an independent union of Islamic thinkers from across the Muslim word, sent Sunni and Shi'ite religious leaders and scholars from the Middle East, Africa, Asia and western countries, including two women.

Ingrid Mattson, a convert who heads the largest Muslim organization in North America, said the Common Word represented "the broad mainstream of the Muslim world ... Those who oppose us, their voices will become increasingly marginalized."

___

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___

Isn't it about time?

PEACE!

XOXO
Anne


If You Don't Like to Read, You Shouldn't Be Here.

Ahead? Behind?


  magnify
High~Bush Cranberries

.
.
Good Evening!
I am not sure if I am ahead of the game with this entry- or severely behind (most probably), but am going to post my ten thoughts today.
After all, SOMEWHERE it is already Tuesday...


1.

A bit of a complaint with the weatherman today, but otherwise no huge news.
He says we were only to get to 32° today, tomorrow too.
(But hey, the sun was shining so at least it looked nice out there).
To get down to about 17
° tonight.

A good time for something spicy,
(and just a little hot)!
.
.
Chili by you.

Chili?
Smells good enough to eat!


(OK, so I cheated and used an old photo.
But "Mmm" anyway)!
.
.

2.

I slept nearly until 11 this morning. (Forget the fact that I didn't actually fall asleep until after 4AM).
.
.
04-29-06 Asleep in Mamas House by you.

Punk, quite young, in Mama Milly's house
Yeah, my sleeping was kind of like that!

And I wonder if I'll sleep tonight?

.
.
3.

Dogs?
.
.
Mr. Miller did not come over today...
.
.
Cnv0911 by you.
He is very sad about that...
.
.
Miss Milly is in the entrance.
.
.
Cnv0855 by you.

Yeah. Not so sad!


And I didn't even have to fight with her (overmuch).
She piddled, and came straight in!
It is just So breezy out there, and I worry too much.

.
.
4.

Oh I said "Breezie"
.
.
Cnv0907 by you.
May on the left- Breeze on the right.
.
.
The teaser last week, about what had happened to her. (I am almost positive you may remember this photo.)?
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Cnv0883 by you.
.
.
Seems Kelli's horse "Breezie" was a bit under the weather.

.
.
And after seeing her sick, Kelli decided to call the vet...
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Cnv0866 by you.
.
.
After checking Breeze over, front to back and top to bottom,
the vet mentioned some "high colonic"

OK, so that is not what she called it;
it's only
my own loose interpretation.
hehehe
.
.
The teaser photo above (with the nasal gastric tube)
was to be able to put warm water,
down the poor horses throat.

.
.
Let's not forget that GALLON of Mineral Oil
That Casey and Kelli prepared.

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.
Cnv0888 by you.

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.
MineralOil

OOF!
..
(I don't think I would have drank it willingly either).


.Time to pump...
.
Cnv0890 by you.

While Miss May (and everybody else) looks on...
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Cnv0893 by you.
Miss Breezie was NOT impressed though...
.
.
But all was well once again...
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Cnv0900 by you.
Incidentally, I took this picture a mere millisecond
before Breeze bit Miss May HARD
...and sent her scampering.

.
.
Casey and Kelli...
(Both of them sicker than Breeze too)-
.
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Cnv0897 by you.
A "job" well done Girls!
.
.
5.

Speaking of a job well done,
we now have our (Flintville Version) of The Bridge to Nowhere.
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This was a lot of hard work for a Saturday too.
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Cnv0928 by you.
And we had just the right amount of help.
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"Oh for Heavens sake boys,
A little to the south please?"
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.
Cnv0929 by you.
.
.
Cnv0931 by you.

There always has to be some damn fool taking pictures too.
(What's up with that, I wonder)???
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.
Cnv0943 by you.
But Miss Punk likes it...
And that's all that matters.
.

.
6.

Following Photo borrowed from the Anne Geddes collection.
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Cnv2028

I am sure you all remember Baby Mariah?
.
Her mama Micki posted an update on her CaringBridge website a few days ago. In that posting, she shared that she had seen a medium to contact Mariah. Mariah came through loud and clear.
She has taken a bit of chastisement for it.
Please CLICK HERE to visit Baby Mariah's site, (keeping in mind that if you haven't anything good to say, then please don't write anything).


7.

If you are new here there are a few things you might need to know about me regarding the paranormal.
Please CLICK HERE to read of my own beliefs and experiences. (Yes, there are a few pictures).


8.

Also if you are new, and do not know me very well; please take a moment or two to CLICK HERE to try to understand where I come from, and what is in my heart and soul. (I have transferred all comments from my original posting on my Y! 360).
.
.
9.

Another thought crossed my mind today... All of the times that Casey has been hospitalized in Green bay, the hospital has ALWAYS asked what parish/congregation she belongs to, and if she would like a visit from them. She always tell them it is Celebration. (I thought it was called Bayside, but she has corrected me on that).
Anyway, NOT ONCE has anyone from that church ever even contacted her while she was hospitalized, let alone visited her or administered to her. That's plain weird, especially around here.

10.

It is chilly and I believe I would rather be in Alabama.

~~~~~~

Hope all is well with everyone!
I must go eat my chili now!

My love to all.

XOXO
Anne


Originally posted to my Y! 360, Monday November 17, 2008 - 07:34pm (CST)

Islet Cell




The islet cells within the pancreas are those that are responsible for producing insulin.
These are the cells they are hoping to find happy and healthy within Caseys diseased pancreas, and to remove them. Transplanting them into her liver.

(Photo courtesy of T.C. Brelje and R.L. Sorenson).

Roping A Deer-

Rating:★★★★★
Category:Other

This, from my email...

"Roping A Deer"
(Names have been removed to protect the UNEDUCATED!) --

*****

Rope

*

I had this idea that I was going to rope a deer, put it in a stall, feed it up on corn for a couple of weeks, then kill it and eat it.

The first step in this adventure obviously was getting a deer.

I figured since they congregate at my cattle feeder and do not seem to have much fear of me when we are there (a bold one will sometimes come right up and sniff at the bags of feed while I am in the back of the truck not 4 feet away), that it should not be difficult to rope one; get up to it and toss a bag over its head. (to calm it down).
Then I would hog tie it; and transport it home.


I filled the cattle feeder then hid down at the end with my rope.


(The cattle, having seen the roping thing before, stayed well back. They were not having any of it).


After about 20 minutes, my deer showed up -- 3 of them.
I picked out a likely looking one, stepped out from the end of the feeder, and threw my rope.

That darn deer just stood there and stared at me.

I wrapped the rope around my waist and twisted the end so I would have a good hold.

The deer still just stood and stared at me.
(But you could tell that it was mildly concerned about the whole rope situation).


I took a step towards it...
...It took a step away.

I put a little tension on the rope; and then received quite an education.


The first thing that I learned is that while a deer may just stand there looking at you funny while you rope it, they are spurred to action when you start pulling on that rope.


That deer freakin' EXPLODED.


The second thing I learned is that pound for pound, a deer is a LOT stronger than a cow or a colt.
A cow or a colt in that weight range I could fight down with a rope and with some dignity.
A deer? Not a chance.

That damn thing ran and bucked and twisted and pulled.

There was no controlling it and certainly no getting close to it.

(As it jerked me off my feet and started dragging me across the ground, it occurred to me that having a deer on a rope was not nearly as good an idea as I had originally imagined).


The only up side is that they do not have as much stamina as many other animals.

A brief 10 minutes later, the deer was finally tired and not nearly as quick to jerk me off my feet and drag me when I managed to get up. (It took me a few minutes to realize this, since I was mostly blinded by the blood flowing out of the huge gashes in my head).

At that point, I had completely and utterly lost my taste for corn-fed venison.
I just wanted to get that devil creature off the end of that rope.

I figured if I just let it go with the rope hanging around its neck, it would likely die slowly and painfully somewhere.

There was no love at all between me and that deer.
And at that moment, I hated the thing.
(I would venture a guess that the feeling was mutual).


Despite the gashes about my head and face, (and the several large knots where I had cleverly arrested the deer's momentum by violently bracing my head against various large rocks as it dragged me across the ground), I could still think clearly enough to recognize that there was a small chance that I shared some tiny amount of responsibility for the situation we were in.
I didn't want the deer to have to suffer a slow death, so I managed to get it lined back up in between my truck and the feeder.
...This was a little trap I had set beforehand, (very much like a squeeze chute).


I got it to back in there; and I started moving up so I could get my rope back...

What I got was even MORE "education"

Did you know that deer bite?
They do!

Never in a million years would I have thought that a deer would bite somebody, so I was very surprised when I reached up to grab that rope and the deer grabbed hold of my wrist.


Now, when a deer bites you, it is not like being bit by a horse where they just bite you and then let go.
A deer bites you and shakes its head, (very much like a pit bull).

They bite HARD (and it hurts).

The proper thing to do when a deer bites you is probably to freeze and draw back slowly.
I tried screaming and shaking instead.

My method was ineffective.

While it seemed that the devil deer was biting and shaking for several minutes, it was likely only several seconds.


Being smarter than a deer, (you may be questioning that claim by now?), I tricked it.


While I kept it busy with tearing the tendons out of my right arm, I reached up with my left hand and finally pulled that rope loose.

That was when I got my final education in "Deer Behavior" for the day.

Deer will strike at you with their front feet.

They rear right up on their back feet and strike right about your head and shoulder area. (Their hooves are surprisingly sharp).

I learned a long time ago that, when an animal -- like a horse -- strikes at you with their hooves and you can't get away easily, the best thing to do is try to make a loud noise and make an aggressive move towards the animal. This will usually cause them to back down a bit so you can escape.


This was not a horse.

This was a deer. Such trickery would not work.

In the course of a millisecond, I devised a different strategy.
I screamed like a woman, and tried to turn and run.


The reason I had always been told NOT to try to turn and run from a horse that it paws at you and there is a good chance that it will hit you in the back of the head.

Deer may not be so different from horses after all, (besides being twice as strong and 3 times as evil).
The very second I turned to run, it hit me right in the back of the head and knocked me down.

When a deer paws at you and knocks you down, it does not immediately leave.
(I suspect that it does not recognize that the danger to it has passed).

What they do instead is paw your back and jump up and down on you. (This, while you are laying there crying like a little girl, and covering your head).

I finally managed to crawl under the truck.
The deer went away.

I think now I know why, when people go deer hunting, they bring a rifle with a scope.
(It's just to try to even the odds).

Fear

Good Evening All;
1st of all, please do not share  this with Casey. She has enough on her plate as it is.

This next month of waiting to go to Mpls is going to kill me.

I know that I make it seem almost like no big deal; this whole thing about Casey's transplant. In reality, I assure you that could not be further from the truth.

I cry. (Been having a real hard time today with that).
Not even sure if it is because of everything that could go wrong; or if I am so relieved that maybe something will go right.

I am so freakin' afraid for her.
This is not a magical transplant.
It can bring with it years more of surgeries to correct other things. Her spleen may have to be taken out down the road.
The AIT could fail, and she would then need an ICT transplant (which is using a cadaver islet cells).
And yes, she knows all of this; and wants to go through with it.

I quit that pancreas group already-
So (too) many stories of continued pain and everything else too.
But if I wouldn't have joined, I wouldn't have found Dr. Sutherland.

Therein, (selfishly) lies my greatest fear.

All of her other referrals and recommendations have come from herself, or her doctors, or the hospital. Her personal, and God Given, strength has brought it all together, no matter where these referrals come from.

Still. if anything goes wrong, I have no one to blame but myself.
What an godawful feeling that is. And I am not even sure if it is selfishness or fear. Maybe a little of both?

So bear with me. I still am having one hell of a time trying to concentrate on your own blogs.
What the heck is that all about anyway??? Must be old age.
Know that I try.

For now I am going to go put my feet up-
Too much playing with the dogs, and I am ever so tired-
So is Punk (tired)... She lays at my feet, bless her furry soul.

My love to all.
:-)
Well, as long as you don't tell me that God only gives you what you can handle. (I truly disagree with that sentiment).
Forgive me if that angers you.

Have a good weekend.

XOXO
Anne

Casey's 22nd Birthday!

Start:     Jan 26, '09 12:00a
End:     Jan 27, '09 12:00a
Location:     (Unknown at time of posting)...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY CASEY~FACE!

Complete with a trip to The Olive Garden!
(And if you cannot get there yet, then I shall either postpone the celebration; or bring you a noodle with a candle, and a wee sip of wine)!
hehehe

Love to you!
ForeverLonger

XOXO
Mama D.

Hmm...
Is it just me, or does January seem SO far away at this point?

~

Casey's TP/AIT (Transplant) Edited 01-05-09

Start:     Dec 18, '08 05:30a
End:     Jan 10, '09
Location:     University of Minnesota
Transplant Surgery all day.
These surgeries generally take approximately 10-13 hours.
Please keep her in your thoughts, your hearts, and your prayers, during this most Holy Season.

Sign Your Donor Card, License

Merry Christmas Casey!

XOXO
Anne

~
diit-head
(Above islet photo courtesy of T.C. Brelje and R.L. Sorenson)

For more info...
http://www.surg.umn.edu/diabinst/treatmentspancreatitis/pancreatectomy.html


XOXO
And Forevermorelonger...

***
Casey's surgery went well. (Both of them)...
Her first, taking over 13 hours.
The 2nd (to remove 2+ liters of blood and fluid from her abdomen) also went well. During this surgery the doctors also removed a blood clot (larger than a golf ball) from her duodenum.
As of 1/5/09, she is also possibly facing a diagnosis of C-DIFF.

As always, your prayers and comments are deeply appreciated.
From your hearts to God's Ears.

University of Minnesota... TP/AIT Procedure

Subtitled: "The Trouble With Casey's Referral."

Good Thursday Morning.

OK, Later than I'd anticipated...
Deep breath...
"Start over, Anna"...

Good Afternoon Everyone!

Yesterday found Casey here early.
Sick. Tired. And in obvious pain.
But it was time to contact the University of Minnesota; and yes, I wanted to be in on those calls.

After placing her call to Dr. Sutherlands assistant, (and to the Finance Director), she was told that her doctor here had not returned a single call to them.
They had been trying to contact him since the 5th of November.

They had heard nothing back.
(As if Casey wasn't feeling poorly enough).

She then called to her doctors office here, and was put through to his nurse.
FYI. She was told she was on speakerphone; with myself and Casey.
(It might be important later).

At first this nurse 'claimed' she had received no phone calls from them.

When given the names of the people that had called and had requested for Dr "X" to call them back, she admitted that in fact she had received those calls.

BUT, she said she did not know of this procedure, and that she would not give it to the doctor until she knew about it. We answered her questions; but she had a hard time with ours...

Casey asked what the hold up was. Nurse then said she had nothing in writing.
We then got the fax number from her.
This finally, after she had 1st given us her mothers number in Upper Michigan.
¿WTfH?

I asked again why Dr "X" had not called MN back, she answered, "nothing gets to him unless it comes through me first." end~quote

Nurse needed to know the co$t as well.
Casey told her.

To say I was aghast at what this nurse said to her next is NOTHING when compared to how it left Casey feeling...

Nurse: "Do you realize this is our entire budget?"

Casey started crying, (can you blame her?)...
But crying only made her own words quite unintelligible.
I sweetly took over the phone at that point, (kissed a little backside), and ended the conversation almost as quickly as I had taken it over.

"Never let 'em see ya sweat"... (or however it goes).


As soon as Casey was able to talk, we called Minnesota back; speaking once again to Dr. Sutherlands assistant.
While she seemed to take it all in stride, she was more than a bit upset.
She said she would send all that this "nurse" required; along with the entire description of the whole procedure.
Kind of made it sound like she might flood their fax machine.
(Personally, I hope she did).

Casey has pneumonia, and all the coughing makes her pancreas hurt much more.
She has posted a blog about this... CLICK HERE.

(Rock ~Casey~ Hard Place)

Anyway, after that conversation, Casey had to go pick up a prescription. I told her to "wait a minute," ~and quickly penned a note to Dr. "X".

In the note, I asked him WHY he had not returned any of those phone calls, and gave him the dates etc of these calls.
After watching Casey for these past moments, trying to calm her while I was pissed beyond measure, that note might have been a bit scathing; (after all, I did write what his nurse had said about the co$t) of the procedure.
I enclosed ALL of our phone numbers, and asked that he get back to us.
I sealed the envelope, dated the outside of that too, wrote his name on it, marked it "Personal and Confidential".

I told Casey who to give the envelope to at the clinic, and to make sure that they gave it directly to Dr. "X". No problem.
(Sometimes it's not what you know, but who you know).

While Casey waited for the prescription, she stopped by the "Contract Health" office. (This is where all of the insurance referrals go through). She filled them in on what had transpired.

THEY called the Administrator for her to talk to. Thank God someone is paying attention. He spoke to them all.
She left with her referral. (Budget be damned)!

Apparently Dr. "X" only works ½ day on Wednesdays. (The truth according to his nurse. When we had asked to speak with him earlier, she said he had patients all morning, and was gone in the PM).

So, not surprisingly, when my cell rang this morning it was Dr."X".
Sad that he had only called to tell me that he was upset and "took exception" to my note.
In laymen terms that translates to OMG was he pissed AT ME. (Oh well).
Said I made him feel stupid and a jerk.
I reminded him that I did not write those two words, and that I had a copy of that note.

He said that this was the 1st he knew of ANY of this all, and that a phone call would have done it.
"Not possible Doctor, see
your 'nurse' runs interference, and told me that unless we go through her first NOTHING goes to you."

He told me to make an appointment with him then. (Yeah, right).

He said he was there on Wednesday afternoons, but didn't take patients at that time. (Gee, and we were told he was gone)?

No, I didn't say those things, but I sure was thinking them. My attitude must have conveyed itself to him, and he told me I didn't have to get upset about this all.
I then asked him what HE would think if someone put a pricetag on his daughters head?
He also said he had no idea that she had even been seen in MN. I asked him who had written THAT referral? He said he didn't know, but that he would find out...

.~I am thinking that MORE than one head got rolled this morning. First by the Administrator; and then by the good doctor himself.

.


Cnv0857
A girl can only hope...

.

AT ANY RATE, CASEYS SURGERY IS A "GO"
And will be completely covered.
Praise God.
(And how very unChristian of me to wish it would come out of that nurses pocket).
Sorry.

sigh

Love to all.

XOXO
Anne

Counter
Counter

Originally posted to my Y! 360, Thursday November 13, 2008 - 01:01pm (CST)

Eyeballs. Animals. Cars. Weather...

  magnify
Sunrise, through the pines...
.
.
Good Morning All;
Something really F~U~N~K~Y with my computer lately. Running and (reacting) quite choppy.  So if I am not "on" you know why.

I apologize for not blogging, having been spending lots of my time doing research on Casey's TP/AIT procedure; and finding people that have gone through this all.
We have not heard back yet; although Casey is to call Dr. Sutherland's office today.
Keep your fingers crossed please.

***Important note to Splat,
Please do not forget to UN~cross
those appendages.
.
.
.

pancreas by you.


.
.
As promised to my restless dogs, and myself,
we did take that walk back to the woods.
.
.
Cnv0827.....Cnv0825
You do not see Miss Milly because she was on a leash.
Too many hunters around;
(bow, and bunny, and squirrel hunters)
to be taking any chances on her wandering off.

.
.
Notice too, that we came home to disked fields.
(WTH ever happened to plowing a field,
like is suppose to be done)?

At any rate, this proved to be the last walk before the snow came.
.
.
Cnv0838 by you.
.
.
Cnv0837 by you.
Don't let ANYONE fool you.
These are the only acceptable snowfall amounts.
hehehe

.
.Cnv0841......Cnv0842
.
.
I wrote a message for you all
on the back windshield of the old Buick...

And just to give you a little idea how much "Snow" we got...

.
Cnv0839
hehehe
.
.
The "Snow" was all gone within an hour or 2.
(Yup. These ARE truly the snowfalls I love)!
.
.
Did I mention my old reliable 1992 Buick Roadmaster?

Stay with me here for a minute...

Know that I haven't gone for "Chinese" in a while; but if I had, this is the fortune that would have been in my cookie.
.
.
pee by you.

Stolen from here. CLICK
.
.
Been fighting the ahem 'urge' to not fly off the toilet and go through the ceiling when I pee. And yes you know me, it's been going on since before we went to Minnesota.
And yes too, I did agree to take the antibiotics for three days.
(Are you proud of me now)?
It is some sulfa (and a HUGE horse) pill. I also take some prescription that turns my pee a very nasty red~orange~rust color. (If I didn't think I was dying before, this surely makes me wonder)?

Back to Monday...
I had that doctor appointment, and afterward had arranged to go pick up my boys.
As I got in the Rendezvous, throwing my winter jacket (and Punk) in the backseat, I turned the key...
...It clicked and the entire panel went black.

NO !!  WAIT, dammit, I'm late already...

Not being one to trust that these cars really mean it, I turned the key a few more times. (Just to give it more chances to start).

No go. No way. Just black.

There was also no way that I was forfeiting either the doctor appointment, or the boys. So I did what any other normal (read "desperate") human being would do.
I came back inside, grabbed the keys to the
Roadmaster;
(Unlicensed for 3 years, uninsured, & in dire need of shocks).
SO?
So hang on, cuz I gotta "go".

Got Punk in there.
She loves this car, and much prefers the velour seat covers to the leather anyway, (no slippage of dog with braking or cornering).

I turned the key, and it fired right up.

I made the call that I would be late for the Dr., and realized I needed some air in the tires too.
Late. It will have to keep til after.

It did.
And I did not take the boys.  Too darned unsafe in that car...
But I did go visit anyway. (Heck I'd gotten to the clinic without being pulled over, what's a few more miles)?
.
.
Cnv0862 by you.
Master Gabriel!
.
.

.
Cnv0861 by you.
And Baby Sam!
Where on earth did those blue eyes come from?!


And which is the dominant gene, blue or brown?
(9th grade biology escapes me right now).


Hmmm...
.
.
Here's Miss Milly showing a bit of blue...
hehehe
.
.
Cnv0853 by you.
Casey thought Milly was cold outside.
It was 42° that day, so... NOT.


.
.
Even Mr Sputty shows off a blue~green cast from his eye.
.
.
Cnv0860 by you.
So he is kinda fat...
Must have been the meeces.
.
Of which I have seen NONE for the past weeks.
YAY Sputnik!

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Normally, I would tell you what this is all about...
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Cnv0883 by you.
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But THAT'S a whole 'nother blog (tomorrows); and I'd better close for now.

I do promise to try to keep you updated better...

Love to all.

XOXO
Anne


PS
The BLUE in today's counter (below) is as close to real on Baby Sam's eyes as I could find...



Originally posted to my Y! 360, Wednesday November 12, 2008 - 07:53am (CST)

RECALL- Aluminum Fragments in NESTLE Strawberry QUIK

http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/nestle11_08.html
Nestlé USA is voluntarily recalling two (2) production codes of Nestlé Nesquik Strawberry Powder 21.8 ounce that may contain small fragments of aluminum.

The recall only includes two (2) production codes of 21.8-ounce containers of Nestlé Nesquik Strawberry Powder. Printed on the bottom of each plastic container is a production code of "82255880" or "82265880" with a best by date of "August 2010."

No other Nestlé Nesquik products or production codes of Nestlé Nesquik Strawberry Powder are affected by this recall.

The products were produced on August 12 and 13 and were distributed in the U.S. and in Puerto Rico.
Consumers who have this product at home can return it to the store where it was purchased for a refund.

Consumers with questions about the recall should call Nestlé Consumer Services Center at 888-637-4345.

Nestlé apologizes for any inconvenience experienced by our valued consumers and retail customers.

Contact (Media):
Pam Krebs
Nestlé USA
818-551-3362

RECALLED- Nestle, PESTICIDE IN CEREAL.

http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/nestle211_08.html


Nestlé Withdraws Nestlé Farinha Lactea Cereal in the United States
Contact:
Nestlé USA Corporate
(818) 551-3284

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- November 3, 2008 -- Nestlé is withdrawing Nestlé Farinha Lactea cereal in the United States. Nestlé is taking this action as we have learned that the product may contain residual traces of a pesticide not currently approved for use on wheat in the U.S. While the pesticide is approved for use in Brazil and the noted levels are well below Brazilian standards, it is not used on wheat products in the United States and therefore there is no set standard for its presence in cereal. The pesticide is permitted in the United States on grain crops other than wheat.

Nestlé Farinha Lactea cereal is manufactured in Brazil by Nestlé Brazil and sold primarily in Portuguese language communities in the United States. The withdrawal applies to all sizes, varieties and production codes of the product. No other Nestlé products are affected.

Nestlé USA is assisting with the withdrawal of this product from the U.S. market to ensure the continued quality and safety of Nestlé products. Nestlé has not received any illness reports or consumer complaints.

Consumers who have purchased Nestlé Farinha Lactea cereal should not consume the product, and should return it to the store where they purchased it for a full refund.

We encourage consumers with questions about the withdrawal to contact Nestlé Consumer Services at (800) 628-7679. Media should contact Edie Burge at Nestlé USA Corporate & Brand Affairs at (818) 551-3284.

RECALLED- BABY Gas Relief Drops

http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/johnsonjohnson11_08.html
Johnson and Johnson--Merck Consumer Pharmaceuticals Company Announces Urgent Voluntary Nationwide Recall Of Infants' Mylicon Gas Relief Dye Free Drops (Simethicone-Antigas) Non-Staining Due To Possible Metal Fragments

www.mylicon.com

Johnson and Johnson--Merck Consumer Pharmaceuticals Company Announces Urgent Voluntary Nationwide Recall Of Infants' Mylicon Gas Relief Dye Free Drops (Simethicone-Antigas) Non-Staining Due To Possible Metal Fragments

Media Contact:
Marc Boston
215-273-7649 (office)
215-429-7034 (mobile)
Bonnie Jacobs
215-273-8994 (office)
856-912-9965 (mobile)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Fort Washington, PA (November 7, 2008) – Johnson & Johnson • Merck Consumer Pharmaceuticals Company (JJMCP) is voluntarily recalling approximately 12,000 units of Infants' MYLICON® GAS RELIEF DYE FREE drops (simethicone-antigas) non-staining sold in 1 oz. plastic bottles that were distributed after October 5, 2008 nationwide. The company is taking this action in consultation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Although the potential for serious medical events is low, the company is implementing this recall to the consumer level as a precaution after determining that some bottles could include metal fragments that were generated during the manufacturing process. If any medical events were to occur, most are expected to be temporary and resolve without medical treatment. Parents who have given the product to their infant and are concerned should contact their health care provider immediately.

The two lots of Infants' MYLICON® GAS RELIEF DYE FREE drops non-staining 1 oz. bottles included in the recall are:

Product
Code #
Lot #
Exp
Product

71683791111-1
SMF007
09/10
Infants' Mylicon® Gas Relief Dye Free Non-Staining Drops 1 oz.

71683791111-1
SMF008
09/10
Infants' Mylicon® Gas Relief Dye Free Non-Staining Drops 1 oz.


Consumers can find the lot numbers on the bottom of the box containing the product and also on the lower left side of the sticker on the product bottle.

Consumers who purchased Infants' MYLICON® GAS RELIEF DYE FREE drops non-staining included in this recall should immediately stop using the product and contact the company at 1-800-222-9435 (Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. EST) or via the internet at www.mylicon.com for instructions regarding how to dispose of the product and request a replacement or refund.

Infants' MYLICON® drops are sold over-the counter, in retail stores and pharmacies, as an anti-gas medicine to relieve the discomfort of infant gas frequently caused by air swallowing or by certain formulas or foods.

The recall does not affect any Original Infants' MYLICON® GAS RELIEF products (1/2 oz. or 1 oz. size) or Infants' MYLICON® GAS RELIEF DYE FREE drops non-staining (1/2 oz. size).

The manufacturer has instructed retailers and wholesalers to return their inventories.

Round Up!

Rating:★★★★★
Category:Other
Polly sent this to me.
I tried to upload it, and only could see the first few seconds.
What I saw was quite cute.
'Course I'm an old farmgirl too.

XOXO
Me

~



~
Please let me know...

CaseyFace Update. And The Witches Hat.

  magnify
Casey, at the University of Minnesota.
11-04-08

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Good Morning Everyone;
I have been trying to get around to blogs-
Most times I can, and at others my goofy dial~up quits on me and I have to reconnect.
Yadda. Yadda. Yadda.


We got home Wednesday afternoon, late- and gosh I have been so tired! So I have just taken it easy for the most part. But I did get unpacked. (Always a bonus)!

A few of you have written, emailed, and commented about Casey.
I have waited to update you, thinking she might do it on her blog.
She has not felt up to it, so here goes...

They have 'tentatively' scheduled Casey's transplant for Dec. 18th.


Dr. Sutherland feels that the TP/AIT will definitely stop her attacks.
(I sure as heck hope so).

TP = "Total Pancreatotemy"
AIT = "Auto Islet Transplant"

They remove the pancreas, do the biopsies.
Then isolate and remove the Islet Cells from it. (The Islet cells are the ones that produce insulin).
They then transplant the Islet Cells into her liver.

The liver is a regenerative organ. These cells actually grow and work within the liver then, instead of the pancreas.
The hope here is that she will not need to be insulin-dependent after her pancreas comes out.

They need to do all the financial BS, and get that guarantee... AND they have to finish with all of her records. (She has Tupperware storage boxes full).
I know they took all the discs of her surgeries etc.
We have to get there 2 days in advance of everything for tests; and to get her body ready.
The surgery is SO long...
And I'll be a basket case. (Yes, worse than I am now).
I am happy that my kids are all grown; because in true Dr. Suess fashion, Christmas will be canceled this year if she does have it on the 18th.

She will probably be in intensive care until at least Christmas... Some people have gone home 3 weeks out, some have gone home after 2 months. I have a feeling it could be a long winter...
BUT, one kid went home after only 2 weeks!
He was 17, and had not been sick this long; so they didn't have a problem transplanting his islet cells to his liver.

That is all I know for now...
We wait to hear back from them.



As we waited to be called in, the doctor got called away for emergency surgery.
So we went for a stroll (and a roll)!
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Cnv0776 by you.
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One very nice man took a picture of the 2 of us too.
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Cnv0780 by you.
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I had asked another man if he would take our picture.
(What, all of 4 seconds)?
To which he looked at me with my camera, and Casey in her chair, and said,
"No. I have to eat lunch."

hehehe
TRUE!    (And I immediately felt like a leper)!

As he walked away I muttered to him that he didn't need it.
(See, I don't like being made to feel like a leper).

The guy that did take it heard the exchange and stepped right up..
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After the Dr., we drove around for a while.
Off in the distance to see a remarkable water tower.
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Cnv0787 by you.


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Cnv0789 by you.
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It is a park now.
At the bottom of the hill were 2 young men playing tennis.
(Punk was simply enthralled).
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And so far up for Casey!
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Cnv0801 by you.
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Cnv0792 by you.
But she made it all the way!
Downtown Minneapolis in the background
The weird building on the far right is the hospital
at U of M
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Another man  came up while we were taking pictures
He took another of us.

(Must have already had his lunch)...
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Cnv0798 by you.
Punk seemed to want to know what the heck he was doing with my camera?
hehehe

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A long trek back down, but it's always easier going downhill


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Cnv0803 by you.
She uses that cane with such aplomb!

And hey, I haven't gotten thwacked with it!
...Yet!

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I'd better close for now...
My dogs are getting restless and so am I.
A little fresh air will do us all a fair amount of good.

Love to all!

XOXO
Anne

Counters

Originally posted to my Y! 360, Friday November 7, 2008 - 10:13am (CST)