Well, here we are in day one of post operative chalazion surgery. Mr. kenju handled it well, considering that he has a dire aversion to all things medical.  Note: the photo is not Mr. kenju, but it approximates how his cyst appeared.

The appointment was originally set for Thursday of last week, but the doctor's office called to change it. (Grrrrr..)We were told to be there at 10:45, and we arrived ten minutes early. They didn't call him until after 11:35. I imagined his blood pressure steadily rising during the waiting period, especially since he was told to stay off some of his medications for one week prior to the surgery, (the meds that could prevent clotting.) If the blood pressure didn't rise, the hunger did - for both of us.

After several needle sticks, he didn't feel a thing. He says now it feels as if there is a grain of sand under the eyelid. I asked if there was a stitch taken, but he said no. I think that "grain of sand" could be a scab forming at the incision site. If it doesn't go away, we will call the doctor about it.

As soon as the doctor was finished, we high-tailed it to Brig's, the best breakfast restaurant around here. After scrambled eggs, sausage, grits, English muffins and cantaloupe - plus excellent decaf coffee - we both felt human again. He continues to recover and as a silver lining, the doctor gave him a sample bottle of the very high-priced antibiotic he put him on two weeks ago. Sometimes it pays to complain about the cost!!

***

Have you heard about dengue fever?  I think it is worth a pound of prevention! Apparently, some authorities think it could be on the rise. I don't think I want to go anywhere it is possible to catch! It is sort of like I felt about the bot fly, which I researched before my daughter and I went to Costa Rica a few years ago. It gives you pause, when you see the symptoms and the outcome. EW!

Artistry & Chalazions

The artist brings something into the world that didn't exist before, and he does it without destroying something else.

John Updike, writer (1932-2009

***

The aim of every artist is to arrest motion, which is life, by artificial means and hold it fixed so that a hundred years later, when a stranger looks at it, it moves again since it is life.

William Faulkner

***

To send light into the darkness of men's hearts - such is the duty of the artist.

Schumann

***

Mr. kenju has a chalazion. For over a week, we have thought it was a sty. I have never had either one, so I was guessing, but the eye doctor confirmed this afternoon that it is a chalazion. The patient wouldn't let me take a photo of it - but imagine a large pea sitting on your eyelid just under the skin above the lashes.

We had a script for antibiotic eye drops filled on the way home from the doctor's office. Even with our insurance, the really tiny 5ml bottle was $80. Isn't it appalling how much such tiny amounts of medicines can cost? I was once given a script for salve to be used in my mouth, and the tube was half the size of my little finger and cost $90. I know those amounts are piddling compared to the cost of some medications - and frankly - I don't ever want to become acquainted with them!!

We go back to the doctor next week to have it removed. Mr. kenju is leery of the very smallest thing a doctor may have to do, so you can imagine how wrought up he is over this. Please wish me well over the next 9 days because I will need it in spades!!

EDIT: It is considerably smaller now, after 2 drops in the eye, than it was yesterday. We're hoping it disappears before it has to be lanced!

I'm Mad As Hell and I'm Not Going to Take It Anymore

Do you get constant requests for donations to charities? We do, and it's getting ridiculous. One came yesterday that said "a gentle reminder......" as though it was an overdue bill.

It read " Since we never heard back from you (last month) I'm sending a gentle reminder that your financial support is greatly needed."

The religious group that sent this letter often sends another request the very same day they receive your donation.

As of now, I'm putting them on notice: we will NOT give you any more money. I repeat: NO more!

The very nerve of suggesting that we forgot to send our donation last month. Plus, they not so subtly ask....." Are you enjoying the grocery list pad and recipe cards that I sent with last month's letter? As you use these springtime gifts, let them be a reminder that [we] keep you in our thoughts and prayers every day. " It is their attempt to put you on a guilt trip since you have not "paid" for your"gifts". They end by telling us we can donate online at their secure website. Yeah, right.

So......NO, we are not enjoying the grocery list pad or recipe cards, since we tossed your letter in the recycling bin without opening it because you ask for donations too often.

Okay, rant over.

*****

Have you ever heard of BOOP?

I had not, but in the Mayo Clinic Newsletter online, it was mentioned in this week's offering. It pays to keep abreast of all the new illnesses, you know.....lol

Brush and Floss Your Teeth!

Plenty of evidence now shows that the state of your teeth and gums
have a serious impact on your overall health, writes DR MERVYN DRUIAN.
Gum disease, for example, is linked to a raised risk of heart disease, stroke
and premature birth. Here's why you should make sure you are up-to-date with
your dental appointments.

HEART DISEASE

It sounds unlikely, but bad teeth, bleeding gums and poor dental hygiene
can end up causing heart disease.

Several studies confirm a link between gum disease and atherosclerosis,
a narrowing of the blood vessels that can lead to heart attack.

The problem is that bleeding gums provide an entry into the blood for up to
700 different types of bacteria found in the mouth. Microbiologists at the
University of Bristol have discovered that when bacteria get into the bloodstream,
they stick to tiny fragments called platelets, causing them to clot. This can lead to
partial blockages of blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart disease and heart
attack.

So it does not matter how fit, slim or healthy you are, your chances of getting heart
disease are increased by having bad teeth.

STROKE

Brush your teeth well and floss regularly to protect your brain. Poor tooth brushing
and bleeding, infected gums raises your risk of stroke in the same way as it does
heart disease - by allowing bacteria into the bloodstream.

A study published in the journal Stroke found that stroke risk increases with the
severity of gum disease. Astonishingly, those with severe gum disease had more
than four times the risk of suffering a stroke than those with mild gum disease.

ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

Research has long associated oral health with a raised risk of dementia, although
studies have not made it clear how the state of the teeth affect mental function.
Last year, researchers found a link between mild memory loss and gum disease.
A major health grant, welcomed by the British Dental Health Foundation, has
recently been given to help scientists study this link.

OBESITY

Bacteria in our mouths could play a direct part in causing obesity.

A study in the Journal of Dental Research found that one species of bacteria -
selenomona noxia - was present at above-average levels in all overweight
women. Whether or not this bacteria helps to cause obesity or hinders weight
loss is being researched.

DIABETES

Last month, research published from a study at New York University showed
that the overwhelming majority of gumdisease sufferers were also found to be
at high risk of developing diabetes. The link was so strong and significant that
researchers concluded that dentists should offer diabetes screenings in their
practices.

PREMATURE BIRTH

Pregnant women with high levels of oral bacteria linked to tooth decay and
cavities are at risk of giving birth to lowweight or premature babies.

The study, in the Journal of Periodontology, adds to a growing body of research
which shows a link between a pregnant woman's oral health and the health of
her newborn. Dr Dasanayake, professor of Dentistry at New York University, who
conducted the research, hypothesizes that caries causing bacteria can travel to the
uterus in the blood, where they trigger a reaction that leads to contractions and early
birth.The good news is that research at Columbia University College found that
dental care before or during pregnancy can significantly lower the risk of premature
birth.

TIPS FOR HEALTHY GUMS...

Research indicates that inflammation of the gums and bleeding - which allows
oral bacteria to spread around the body in the blood - is linked to a raised risk
of serious health problems.Unfortunately, gum disease is common, yet unless
severe, it often goes unnoticed. In mild gum disease, you may have inflamed
gums but little bleeding. Only once it gets worse do people tend to take notice.
At this stage, your risk of health problems elsewhere is already higher.
Meanwhile, the infection in your gums will be causing gum recession and bone
loss, increasing the risk of cavities and tooth loss.

Good gum health is maintained through regular tooth brushing - twice daily -
and tooth flossing, ideally after every meal to remove food trapped between your
teeth. Crucially, you should see a dental hygienist every six months. Professional
tooth cleaning removes plaque, calcified deposits that build up on teeth and beneath
the gums. Preventing the build- up of this plaque is vital as bacteria thrive on it.
Left in place, even thorough tooth brushing and flossing is unlikely to keep your
gums healthy.

High blood pressure linked to dementia!

If the cardiologist's warnings do not scare you,

consider this: Controlling blood pressure just might be the best

protection yet known against dementia.

READ THIS Article!

So... Today we went to the audiologist for two reasons.

One, my hearing aids needed to be adjusted. About six weeks ago, they were turned up in response to my newly-discovered additional hearing loss, and it turned out to be way too much. I got beeping (and bleeping @#$%@#$) feedback every time I turned around, or passed close to a solid object - such as when someone hugged me. How annoying was that? Need I say very? I sounded like a garbage truck backing up....beep....beep...beep.

Two: mr. kenju thought he had "wax in his ears" and was blaming wax for the fact that he "sometimes" has trouble hearing. Guess what? There was very little wax, and he has now officially been shown to have hearing loss (commensurate with his age) and has been advised to consider the use of hearing aids before too much more time passes. He was advised that the longer one goes without being able to hear well, the harder it is for that person's brain to adjust when hearing aids are applied.

***

Afterward, we had another chiropractor's appointment. He remembered how much I liked his electric massage machine, and used it for an even longer time today. I felt joy and serenity and complete relaxation during that time - and I really could take it for about 3-4 hours at a stretch, I think. Although it might prove to be annoying after that length of time. It's probably one of those "be careful what you wish for" things. I'm pleased to report that I see improvement in my back and neck, even though there is still soreness. The tunnel is getting lighter and lighter.

***

On Tuesday morning, I take my van to the body shop, and the rental agent will meet me there with my "new" van, for the duration of the body shop repairs. We have discovered that my car is out of alignment, so hopefully that will be repaired as well. Wish me luck while I drive the rental van. All I need is to have an issue in that one, whether my fault or not.

***

What would you think if you just happened to be awake at 2:20 am and saw a car driving ever so slowly on your street - and it then came around the cul-de-sac a second time? Our neighborhood is enclosed; meaning there is only one way in and one way out. If someone is driving through here at 2:30 am, it cannot be for a good reason. Too bad I couldn't see his license plate or tell what kind of car it was.

An Update on the Accident +

On Friday morning, I went to our favorite body shop for an estimate. They are favored because they were recommended to us by a former insurance agent, and have proven to be fair, impartial and honest. They also do good work, so what more could you ask for? We don't have a whole lot of experience with body work, mind you, but we have each been in a few accidents over the past 30 years.

The tailgate is dented in two places; one of which has a 2" chip of paint missing, and the bumper is angling downward a bit. The repairs are estimated to cost $1,515, but he cautioned me that was not 100% certain until he has the car up on the rack to determine if there are more problems he can't see yet.

I called a chiropractor's office after that and was told to come right over for evaluation. X-rays show that I have no broken bones - or as the doc put it - all your bones are there. But I do have noticeable sprains and some swelling to my neck and back ligaments/tendons/muscles. I knew that already, of course. From my upper neck to my tailbone, I feel as though I've been whacked with a two by four too many times. I thought that sitting in the hot tub yesterday afternoon would help remove soreness, but I forgot that new injuries ought to be iced down off and on for a period of 24-48 hours, not heated in 104* water. I've been told that many times before, but somehow I always forget and run to the nearest hot water. So, tonight, I will hold an ice pack to my neck and hope I can sleep without the use of muscle relaxers or tranquilizers. I hate taking either of those.

The woman who holds the insurance policy on the car that hit me wanted us to "take care of it" without involving the insurance company, and I wanted to be able to accommodate her - but it became obvious very soon that it wouldn't be prudent. I have to be certain that all my needs (both physical and automotive) will be met and taken care of financially. Neither will be inexpensive, so I called her and said I simply had to go through her insurance. She said she understood. I received a call later from the insurance company. Their representative told me not to worry; they would make sure I got taken care of - completely. Meanwhile, the chiropractor's office gave me the business cards of three attorneys, since in their words....."You may have trouble collecting from the insurance without a lawyer."

Mr. Kenju and I are lucky in that we have an insurance sales agent, a student R.N. and an attorney among our children; though they don't ordinarily have anything to do with this kind of problem. Still, they are good for informed advice and commiseration when needed.

And now, the plus.......

Calling all ladies of a certain age!!

Read this doctor's advice about products for staying or looking young.

The anti-aging products on the shelves at the pharmacy have always intrigued me, but two things kept me from trying them: their high price tags and the fact that I have rosacea. I once tried a product with a high concentration of alpha-hydroxy in it and my skin didn't react well to it.

"No antioxidant cream, low glycemic diet, sunscreen, or cosmetic procedure will stop you from aging. Anti-aging, aging backwards, age-defying, and age reversal are unreal concepts and false promises made up in board rooms on Madison Avenue." Dr Benabio, on The Dermatology Blog (emphasis mine)

Is There Such A Thing As Adult-Onset Dyslexia?

A repost from my old blog, Just Ask Judy on July 16, 2005

What is happening to me?

Lately I cannot type the word "that"; I leave out the "a" every time. I have also noticed that I am transposing letters and numbers; for example, I type the phone number 555-1586, when it really should be 555-1856. Or I type the words "beautiful dreamer", for example, and it comes out "baeutiful draemer".

I am spending more time correcting typing errors than I am in actual post writing. Do any of you have that problem? I hope I am not the only one!

There was an article recently floating around the web purporting that it doesn't really matter if some of the letters in a word are scrambled, since we tend to read the word as a whole and process the meaning anyway. Though it may be true, I spend so much time trying to correct my errors in consideration of my readers. God forbid I should tax your brains any more than absolutely necessary!

Numbers are an entirely different story, however. If I am typing a phone number - or some such important numerical info - it behooves me to type it correctly. Short of proof-reading again and again, I don't know how to cure the problem. Any advice?

Edit: This post has received more on-going comments (40) than any other post on either of my blogs. Apparently, I am not alone with this problem.

A Question to Humana: WHY?

On 11-25-09 we spoke to Felicia.

On 12-3-09 we spoke with Dawn.

On 12-14-09 we spoke to Michelle.

On 12-21-09 we talked to Chastity. (Addendum below!!)

And today, I spoke with Francisco, who assured me that contrary to all the evidence, the payment coupons for my health care provider (Humana) will arrive within 10-14 days!!

You see, we have now ordered the coupon book five, count 'em, five times - to no avail!! Each time we call, we have to trudge through a voice mail hell like none other - and after punching many, many buttons, you get a prompt to press #4 for a real, live person who may be able to help you. Yeah, right. I'm not reassured.


They know I am a subscriber. They sent me the new card for 2010 back in November (I think) and each time I call and give my personal info, it pops up on their computer screen - so there's no issue with my information not being in the system.

So, knowing that, why has it taken almost two months and a minimum of five phone calls - and yet there are NO coupons in my possession!!!???

When I first started this post, I used an asterisk in the name Humana, but I have decided that it is good for the name of the company to be intact. Perhaps someone from there who might be surfing the net looking for references to the company will happen on this one and solve my problem, plus keep that from happening to others. That is my motive. That, plus obtaining the coupons.


Addendum: as of 10:40 this morning, I heard from the Operations Manager at Humana, who promised to look into the problem immediately.My deepest thanks to the "very nice person" who passed on the information to the Operations Manager!!! Stay tuned, and I will update as needed.

Yo Tengo.....

"Yo tengo un dolor de estomago" is one of the first phrases I learned in tenth grade Spanish class and one that has stuck with me all these years. I had reason to remember it on Sunday; waking up with a stomach ache is no fun and something I don't experience often. Jumpy, nervous stomach....yes. Pain....no. But this time was different. I ate some breakfast anyway and settled in my chair to read the newspaper and watch cbs Sunday Morning. I promptly fell asleep again and napped for over three hours! I awoke and was immediately aware of hunger, but being afraid to eat anything, I drank a C*ke to settle my stomach. That cured me for the time being.

My daughter and I went to see "It's Complicated", during which I ate popcorn with no trouble. I heartily recommend the movie; a light, funny romantic comedy with excellent performances by Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin.

Afterward, mr. kenju and I went to our favorite Mexican place for dinner. After having that sentence run through my consciousness all day, I had to carry it to completion. The chicken chimichanga (no crema, no guacamole) was excellent, as usual, and put the capper on what turned out to be a pretty good day. And so far? No repercussions, stomach-wise. Maybe it was a virus.

Fabulous Electron Microscope Photography

Erythrocytes, otherwise known as red blood cells. They remind me of Cheerios!


A human egg with 2 coronal cells attached (color enhanced). The egg is coated with the zona pellucida.


Nasal cavity cilia. That looks like Q-Tips to me....LOL


A blood clot with a leukocyte or white blood cell.


A six-day-old human embryo, attaching to the wall of the uterus.


Human lung tissue, showing normal alveoli.


A lung cancer cell. It reminds me of seashells with barnacles attached.


A human egg with sperm (color enhanced) looking for a way in through the zona pellucida!


Have regular haircuts - or you'll have split ends like this!!


Taste buds on the tongue.


Tooth plaque.....EW. This is the best reason to brush and floss I've ever seen!

Know the Difference between A Cold & Swine Flu Symptoms Symptom Cold Swine Flu Fever Fever is rare with a cold. Fever is usually present with the flu in up to 80% of all flu cases. A temperature of 100°F or higher for 3 to 4 days is associated with the flu. Coughing A hacking, productive (mucus- producing) cough is often present with a cold. A nonproductive (non-mucus producing) cough is usually present with the flu (sometimes referred to as dry cough). Aches Slight body aches and pains can be part of a cold. Severe aches and pains are common with the flu. Stuffy Nose Stuffy nose is commonly present with a cold and typically resolves spontaneously within a week. Stuffy nose is not commonly present with the flu. Chills Chills are uncommon with a cold. 60% of people who have the flu experience chills. Tiredness Tiredness is fairly mild with a cold. Tiredness is moderate to severe with the flu. Sneezing Sneezing is commonly present with a cold. Sneezing is not common with the flu. Sudden Symptoms Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days. The flu has a rapid onset within 3-6 hours. The flu hits hard and includes sudden symptoms like high fever, aches and pains. Headache A headache is fairly uncommon with a cold. A headache is very common with the flu, present in 80% of flu cases. Sore Throat Sore throat is commonly present with a cold. Sore throat is not commonly present with the flu. ChestDiscomfort Chest discomfort is mild to moderate with a cold. Chest discomfort is often severe with the flu.

Take the Test!

Click to enlarge & and tell the truth - otherwise it won't be right!
Found in an old Newsweek Magazine.

It's Just One Thing After Another, Isn't It?

Having had to do and deliver wedding flowers last weekend, followed by a 3 day trip to the beach, and then keeping my granddaughter for 3 more days - I neglected to check and see which bills were coming due soon, until Saturday. Imagine my despair, when I discovered that the car insurance was due earlier in the week. I wrote a check immediately, and drove to the P.O., which had already closed for the weekend. I can ill afford to have a late payment on my record, so I'm mentally slapping myself upside the head. Going out of town always upsets my schedule for paying bills, etc. Too bad I don't have a personal manager to do that for me. In my next life..... maybe.

*******

My sleep cycles are all messed up. Lately, I don't go to sleep until 1 or 2:00 am, then I sleep until 9:00 am if I let myself. Today I set the alarm for 7:30, hoping to slowly inch back to an earlier bed time. I work with Mel for three days later this week, and I have to have more sleep for that! I'm looking forward to getting back to work on a regular basis; I need it physically, mentally and financially!

*******

Tomorrow morning I go to the lab for fasting blood work - part of my every three-month cycle - prior to seeing the doctor. Since I am in fairly good health, I don't know why I have to go four times per year. If I had some dire illness or a condition that needed watching I could understand having to go so often. Part of the dread I feel before this visit is that I know she will scold me for gaining weight and not exercising. And she should. Exercise has been on the back burner here since early February, when I hurt my back. Sciatic hip and leg pain is not at all conducive to exercising, but I will admit to putting it off longer than I should. I keep telling myself to start walking, and to set a plan for going to the health club more often (and doing more than sitting in the hot tub). But somehow I get lured away, either to stay at home and clean (blog) and organize (Facebook) and cook (piddle around), or to run errands (sit in the car and read). Do you use those excuses too?

Edit: We went to the health club today and I did 10 minutes on the treadmill at a good clip. It's not enough, but it's a start! We ran into some Chinese friends and that made me want Chinese food - so we went to the Asian Buffet, where I overate (as usual, but the General Tso's chicken was SO good!!)

*******

Putting off the taxes until late in the year is a pain in the neck. We always do it, and I'm once again stuck in the process, which I am managing to put off as easily as I am blowing off exercise. I'd prefer to do the taxes in January, when everything is fresh in my mind and the receipts would be easier to collate. But we don't, so I do a little of it in January and leave the rest until mr. kenju gets his act in gear - then we sit down to compare notes and combine information before filling in the forms that we take to the CPA. I thought that whole process might get easier once we were both retired, and even though I still work a little, the tax preparation for that is not difficult. But I see it as a brick wall, about 6' deep and 30' high and I just can't seem to get through it or climb over. As the weeks wear on, however, I'm going to have to find a ladder or maybe a trampoline - something - to help me over that wall!

Alzheimer's Disease

On Monday, I watched about an hour of the first episode of The Alzheimer's Project on HBO. My daughter recommended it. I was interested, but increasingly saddened by the people who were being shown; the loss of memory and indeed, the self, is appalling. EDIT: if you don't get HBO, you can watch the episodes on your computer; just click the link above.

A man named Joe Potocny writes a blog about his experiences with AD. You may find it interesting; especially if you have someone with AD who is close to you. He chronicles his downward progression.

I lost it at the point they showed a man named Woody Geist; a once handsome man who is still very nice looking. He has no short-term memory at all and has to be told often where he is going and why. His wife and daughter were taking him to a gathering of his old singing group. They took him up on stage, and as the other men started singing the background lyrics, he chimed right in with the words to the song, doing very well as the soloist. That's when it hit me how much he (and his family) had lost and I cried like a baby. Woody seems always to be cheerful, however. He repeatedly says "It's so nice we could be together", even though it is obvious he has no idea who the people are. He has a "wife" at the assisted living; a woman who follows him around and pets his face and kisses him. I don't blame her - I think I might too. His daughter and wife and very gracious to the other lady, who doesn't seem to complain when they take him away from her.

This documentary is good at showing the stages of AD, I believe, and we should be familiar enough with them to recognize when someone is showing symptoms. I recommend it!

A Cautionary Tale

This story is about the mother of my daughter's friend.

In early January, she began to experience abdominal pain while carrying a light fever. She went to one of those quickie medical centers, and was told that she had a bladder infection. They gave her antibiotics and sent her home with instructions about downing fluids, etc. Bear in mind that all my information is second-hand, and I may not have it exactly right - but close enough.

Twice more she went back to those quickie centers, and twice more they gave her antibiotics and the same diagnosis - bladder infection.

Fast forward to early this week, when she lay in bed unable to move without severe pain. Her husband gave an ultimatum; she was going to the hospital whether she liked it or not. The ER docs took x-rays and did other tests, and the final diagnosis was a ruptured colon precipitated by rampant diverticulitis and of course, the infection was severe. They told her if she had not come to the hospital when she did, she'd have died by Saturday. She went into surgery that night and after 5+ hours and the loss of 10-12" of her colon, she will live. The surgery necessitated the installation of a colostomy bag, which she will have to have for at least 4 months. I think it may be reversed later on.

All this could have been avoided - or at least modified - if she had gone to her regular doctor for an examination when the first wave of pain and fever hit her. I am hoping that someone is saved a similar fate by reading this.

We really must get into the habit of taking good care of ourselves. This woman has very good health insurance and money or the saving of it is not an issue with her. So why didn't she make an appointment with her usual doctor and get a proper diagnosis? Who knows. I hope that anyone who reads this will take my advice: get good care - and don't settle for a cursory exam by someone who may not have all the facts.

#@!$%^&*()_+!%$ Yellow Jackets!!

Written Monday: (New update below)

On the deck this morning around eleven a.m., cleaning up and trying to de-cobweb the back side of the house, I jiggled a light fixture with the broom. As the top portion of it fell, I reached for it and was stung on the fourth finger of the right hand by a yellow jacket. It hurt like a $#^%$!@#&*+# and I immediately made a paste of meat tenderizer and water and applied it to my finger. The pain eased off a bit, but it kept coming back. I noticed that every time I washed my hands, the cool water made it hurt more, and I wondered why.

I looked for a stinger, but the point of entry was not evident. Now and then it hurt, but didn't itch. I kept re-applying the paste of meat tenderizer and that helped a bit. Later in the afternoon, mr. kenju and I went to our health club to work out, and afterward, we went into the hot tub. I noticed immediately that the hot water did not make the hand hurt more (as cold water had), and I wondered why.

Now it is twelve hours later, and I am hurting like all hell has broken loose. The swelling, which had subsided earlier in the day, has puffed up again and now a part of my hand is also swollen. It hurts to move it or to try and flex it and the skin itches terribly. A friend told me to apply Ben*dryl cream, but I didn't have any, so I used the gel form.

I finally read a medical book to check out what to do and it said to ice the injured part. Fully realizing it is really late in the process to be doing that, I am alternately typing this and holding an ice pack on my hand, which really does hurt like hell. I took a Tylen*l and drank beer (which I know I should not do) and it still hurts.

UPDATE: It is now 6 am Tuesday morning. My itching hand woke me up an hour ago. Topical Benadryl has allowed it to ease off a little, and the application of another ice pack has helped a little, but not much.

Second Update: It is now 12:43pm. I took 2 Dr*mmam*ine about 6 am and slept until noon. It still hurts and itches! I just called my doctor's office and they are closed for the remainder of the day. What to do? What to do?!

Third Update: It is 10:17 pm. My hand is still swollen and it still hurts. Tomorrow morning I am going to call my doctor's office and see what she says to do. I'll keep you posted. For now, all I can say is keep away from the darn little buggers!

Click to embiggen. Didn't we bloggers already know this?

The Triangle Goes Red

This is part of the ticket to the Inaugural luncheon event called Triangle Goes Red for Women, held yesterday, by the American Heart Association. One of our neighbors bought a table and offered tickets to the first nine women who would agree to attend if she gave them a ticket. I am so glad that I decided to take a play-day and go! It's not often I get the opportunity to attend a $100 per plate event!

This is the inside of the ticket. Our Governor's wife was the Honorary Chair for the event; she attended and spoke for a bit. After the luncheon, my group and I were standing in the hall of the Marriott and Mrs. Easley walked by; stopping to say hello. I knew she didn't remember me, so I said ......"When I see you, it is usually December and I am decorating the Mansion for the Holidays, with Mel Day." She replied...."You surely do clean up well! I'd never have recognized you without jeans and a sweatshirt."

Here I am behind the "red dress". They took almost everyone's photo. Too bad that it didn't hide my skirt.

I learned CPR! They had a 30 minute class, and we got to bring home a CPR dummy (head to chest) so we could practice. I had always wanted to learn CPR, but never had the time to sign up for a long class. Now that they can teach the basics in a short time, they do so wherever possible. If you get that opportunity, I hope you'll take it. You can now do CPR without having to do mouth-to-mouth rescusitation, unless you want to.

They also taught some easy ways to exercise, especially if you only have a few minutes, and they gave us a "resistance band" with which to do the exercises. I got my blood sugar and BP checked (both were fine).

The luncheon was very good and unexpectedly so. I knew it would be "heart-healthy", but I didn't think it would be so tasty. The salad was mixed baby greens with strawberries, blueberries and black berries. The two boneless chicken breasts had a very good sauce, and the asparagus was perfectly steamed, and served in a bundle wrapped by a slice of yellow squash that had the middle cored out. Dessert was a raspberry mousse served in a heart-shaped cup of dark chocolate (very yummy)!

The keynote speaker was Rhonda Rich; billed as "a best selling Southern author." I had not heard of her books (What Southern Women Know (That Every Woman Should) and My Life in the Pits), but she was really funny and if you get a chance to hear her speak, take it.

I took my camera, but none of the photos was good enough. The table centerpieces were two miniature female body forms (covered in red silk) on wrought-iron bases. Each form had a pocket, into which a few white daisies had been placed. Of course, I would have rather seen some red roses or gerbera daisies, but I am sure the flowers were donated and the donor did it cheaply.

Major sponsors for this event were Macy's and Merck. I found it somewhat ironic that Merck was a sponsor, since their product Vi*xx was responsible for many heart attacks and other troubles before it was taken off the market a few years ago. Maybe sponsorship of events like this is part of their pay-back.

Top 20 Worst Foods In America...YIKES!!!

20: Worst Fast-Food Chicken Meal - Chicken Selects Premium Breast Strips from McDonald's
(5 pieces) with cream ranch sauce. 830 Calories, 55 grams fat (4.5 trans fat), 48 carbs.
Add a large fries and regular soda and this seemingly innocuous chicken meal tops out at
1,710 calories.

19: Worst drink - Jamba Juice Chocolate Moo'd Power Smoothie (30 fl oz). 900 calories, 10 g fat, 183 carbs, 166 g sugar. Jamba Juice calls it a smoothie, MSNBC calls it a milk shake. The beverage contains as much sugar as 8 pints of Ben & Jerry's butter pecan ice cream.

18: Worst supermarket meal - Pepperidge Farm Roasted Chicken Pot Pie (whole pie). 1,020 calories, 64 g fat, 86 g carbs. Label may say this pie serves two, but, who ever divided a small
pot pie in half? Once you crack the crust, there will be no stopping.

17: Worst 'healthy' burger - Ruby Tuesday Bella Turkey Burger. 1,145 calories, 71 g fat, 56 g carbs.

16: Worst Mexican entree - Chipotle Mexican Grill Chicken Burrito. 1,179 calories, 47 g fat,
125 g carbs, 2,656 mg sodium.

15: Worst kids' meal - Macaroni Grill Double Macaroni 'n' Cheese. 1,210 calories, 62 g fat,
3,450 mg sodium. It's like feeding your kid 1-1/2 boxes of Kraft mac 'n' cheese.

14: Worst sandwich - Quiznos Classic Italian (large). 1,528 calories, 92 g fat, 4,604 mg sodium,
110 g carbs. A large homemade sandwich would more likely provided about 500 calories.

13: Worst salad - On the Border Grande Taco Salad with Taco Beef. 1,450 calories, 102 g fat,
78 g carbs, 2,410 mg sodium. This isn't an anomaly: Five different On the Border salads on the menu contain more than 1, 100 calories each.

12: Worst burger - Carl's Jr. (Hardee's on East Coast) Double Six Dollar Burger. 1,520 calories! , 111g fat. Carl's Jr. brags it's home to this enormous sandwich, but the restaurant chain also provides convenient nutrition info on its Web site -- so ignorance is no excuse for eating it.

11: Worst steak - Lonestar 20 oz T-bone. 1,540 calories, 124g fat. Add a baked potato and Lonestar's Signature Lettuce Wedge, and this is a 2,700 calorie blowout.

10: Worst breakfast - Bob Evans Caramel Banana Pecan Cream Stacked and Stuffed hotcakes. 1,540 calories, 77 g fat (9 g trans fat), 198 g carbs, 109 g sugar. Five Egg McMuffins yield the same caloric cost as this stack of sugar-stuffed flapjacks, which is truly a heavy breakfast, weighing in at a hefty pound and a half.

9: Worst dessert - Chili's Chocolate Chip Paradise Pie with Vanilla Ice Cream. 1,600 calories,
78 g fat, 215 g carbs. Would you eat a Big Mac for dessert? How about three? That's the calorie equivalent of this decadent dish. Clearly, Chili's customers get their money's worth.

8: Worst Chinese entree - P.F. Chang's Pork Lo Mein. 1,820 calories, 127 g fat,! 95 g carbs The fat content in this dish alone provides more than 1,100 calories. And you'd have to eat almost five servings of pasta to match the number of carbs it contains. Now, do you really need five servings
of pasta?

7: Worst chicken entree - Chili's Honey Chipotle Crispers with Chipotle Sauce. 2,040 calories,
99 g fat, 240 g carbs. 'Crispers' refers to an extra thick layer of bread crumbs that soak up oil and adds unnecessary calories and carbs to these glorified chicken strips.

6: Worst fish entree - On the Border Dos XX Fish Tacos with Rice and Beans. 2,100 calories,
130 g fat, 169 g carbs, 4,700 mg sodium. Perhaps the most misleadingly named dish in America :
A dozen crunchy tacos from Taco Bell will saddle you with fewer calories.

5: Worst pizza - Uno Chicago Grill Chicago Classic Deep Dish Pizza. 2,310 calories, 162 g fat,
123 g carbs, 4,470 mg sodium. Downing this 'personal' pizza is equivalent to eating 18 slices of Domino's Crunchy Thin Crust cheese pizza.

4: Worst pasta - Macaroni Grill Spaghetti and Meatballs with Meat Sauce. 2,430 calories,
128 g fat, 207 g carbs, 5,290 mg sodium. This meal satisfied your calorie requirements for an
entire day.

3: Worst nachos - On the Border Stacked Border Nachos. 2,740 calories, 166 g fat, 191 g carbs,
5,280 sodium.

2: Worst starter - Chili's Awesome Blossom 2,710 calories, 203 g fat, 194 g carbs, 6,360 mg sodium.

1: The worst food in America - Outback Steakhouse Aussie Cheese Fries with Ranch Dressing. 2,900 calories, 182g fat, 240g carbs. Even if you split these 'starters' with three friends, you'll have downed a dinner's worth of calories before you entree arrives.


This came in an email this morning. I have no idea if it is true, but I also have no reason to question the validity. No wonder we Americans are fat!