Latest and Greatest on Mark

Well, ladies and gentlemen, Mark is coming home on Monday, October 1st. He was supposed to be in the hospital 10 days, but today is the 18th day. Believe me, after everything he's gone through, including one of his liver doctors nearly killing him, Mark has had more than enough.

It's just been the last couple of days that he told me about what he learned caused the fluid to build up in his system. For whatever reason, the doctors who are supposed to be caring for Mark and his liver meds, who consistently fail to follow up and take care of him, decided to increase one of his immuno-suppressant medications while he was in ICU. The doctors who haven't actually personally examined him in over 2 years, who didn't check his medication levels before making this decision, who didn't bother to determine IF he needed more meds.

The one thing that EVERYONE who has been treating Mark since his transplant knows is - his body stores Prograf. For years, he has been on the lowest dosage allowed. When this idiot doctor increased the medication, Mark's levels went through the roof and his kidneys stopped working. THAT was why they had to induce the coma and put him on 80 gazillion meds!!

Frankly, right now, I don't know if we need to hire a malpractice attorney or what. I do know that I can count on one hand the times in my life that I have been this angry! But for the SICU staff and the grace of God, Mark would be dead now. Which, as I understand it, would not have been much of an oddity during his stay in the ICU. They lost several patients in the days he was there, including one who refused treatment.

For now, I'm just going to focus on getting my knee healed and taking care of Mark every day. Until I calm down, there is nothing productive I can accomplish.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Dance Crazy

Do you love to dance? Me, too! Can you do all of those amazing dances that they do on the reality TV shows? Me, either! But I'd love to learn.

I don't think I'd be able to get Mark into a studio for dance lessons and I know that I'd be a tad embarrassed by my total lack of grace. (I am on crutches, after all, from taking out the trash!) Now I don't have to worry about expensive, public lessons. Dance Crazy has the videos I need to stumble across my living room floor until I've got the steps down. Before I have to choose where to start, I can read about steps and dance history, and get suggestions.

Though they have line, samba, cha-cha, two-step, merengue, and hip hop dance lessons, I think my first choice would have to be ballroom dance. There is nothing more beautiful than a waltz and, as a die-hard Fred Astaire fan, I just can't resist the chance to learn the Fox Trot. As a bonus, the Rumba, Swing, and Waltz lessons come in two volumes, giving my two left feet an even greater chance to get it right.

If you love to dance and are looking for a great way to learn new steps, check out this site.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM)

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month(NBCAM).

What you may not know is that NBCAM is also the name of an organization, dedicated to increasing awareness of breast cancer issues, especially the importance of early detection. They are focused on encouraging women to take charge of their own breast health, by practicing regular self-breast exams, making sure to schedule an annual mammogram, adhering to prescribed treatment and knowing the facts about recurrence. While many strides have been made in awareness and treatment, more still needs to be accomplished.

Toward that end, one of our favorite Affiliate Partners ~ Limoges Jewelry ~ is donating 5% of the proceeds from their Breast Cancer Awareness Collection to BreastCancer.org.



Their beautiful collection of rings, bracelets, and pendants, all of which are on sale and many of which can be personalized, make it incredibly simple to show your support for this worthwhile cause.

Please stop by and help.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Premium Danner Boots

I have always had a soft spot for boots of all types. From ankle boots with chunky heels to square-toed cowboy boots in butter-soft leather to nubby-soled hiking boots that are equal to any terrain, I just can't resist boots. Because I have long narrow feet, it's not always easy to find boots that fit correctly without making me look like Frankenstein's monster.

Today I stumbled across an interesting site, MetBoots.com, that carries a variety of Danner boots for men and women. The quality of these boots is just what I was looking for and the prices are virtually painless. Amazingly, they even offer free shipping on all orders over $100.00.

We periodically take day trips up into the mountains around the Phoenix-area and I have finally found footwear that will support my ankles, while keeping me from sliding all over the rocks and gravel that are quite common around here. Now I just have to decide on which pair to order. With free shipping, maybe I can even sneak in a couple of pairs, when Mark isn't looking!

Don't miss their sister-site which carries Danner boots for military and police. You're certain to find just what you need.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Feng Shui

I've heard about Feng Shui, in terms of furniture placement to (if I recall correctly) maximize energy flow, but I haven't really read a lot about it. A few days ago, I received a newsletter from Care2 Green Living that offered information about Feng Shui and the use of color. It's really quite interesting.

The gist of the message is that one wants to combine yin and yang (female and male) colors to enhance a particular attribute. For example, use black (yin) and either orange, yellow, or red (yang) to encourage good fortune. If you desire harmony and balance in your room, add accents in blue or green (yin) and brown (yang).

I don't know that this article is exactly a definitive work on the subject. It is, after all, quite brief. But it did give me something to think about and encouraged me to do some further research.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Free Raleigh, NC Getaway

One of the things I miss the most about living in Arizona is the lack of four real seasons. We pretty much have comfortably warm and miserably hot, either of which can occur without warning. If I were looking for a Fall Getaway, I think I'd look to visit somewhere like Raleigh, North Carolina.

Not only does the city have the beautiful fall colors that I've come to miss, Raleigh also offers a wide variety of attractions that will satisfy the most discriminating traveler. There are over 20 free attractions, from museums to parks and lakes to farmer's market to an art center. But that's only the tip of the iceberg. You'll find nine different districts in the city, providing entertainment that ranges from young and hip to old-fashioned cobblestone streets and lampposts to swanky shops and restaurants. Raleigh also offers golf and sport activities, outdoor recreation, and cultural events. Something for everyone.

My personal favorite is the NC Theatre's production of Man of La Mancha. One of my favorite musicals and I can't imagine a better way to spend my vacation time. Conveniently, you can order tickets online, so you get the best seats possible and don't have to take your chances after you get to Raleigh.

Now the best part. You can register now to win an incredible Free Raleigh Getaway that includes:

• One night accommodations for two at the Courtyard by Marriott Raleigh Crabtree Valley
  
• $25 gift certificate to Bloomsbury Bistro
  
• Free VIP admission for two to Rum Runners
  
• 2 tickets to the North Carolina Theatre
  
• 2 tickets to the N.C. Museum of Art's Landscapes from the Age of Impressionism
  
• 2 tickets to Dinosaurs: Ancient Fossils, New Discoveries at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences

Don't wait - stop by and plan your getaway.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Give That Lady A Hand

You know, you never realize just how much you need to have at least one hand free until you're on crutches. I'm going absolutely nuts trying to do simple things - like feed myself - since I hurt my leg. I did have the sense to grab the 12-pack of soda out of the pantry before I landed in the recliner that first afternoon, so I wasn't dying of thirst. But food was a whole different issue.

Admittedly, the first couple of days I wasn't all that hungry. The morphine, and then the pain, pretty much numbed my appetite. But, once I did get hungry, I realized I had a serious problem. Even though I could stand at the counter now and make a sandwich, how was I going to get it into the other room to eat it?

Well, I have gotten seriously creative - and thank heaven for baggy pants and big pockets! The big peanut butter jar tucked into the front of my shorts; soda cans fit just right in the pockets. Two ham and cheese sandwiches on hamburger buns, tucked into sandwich bags, fit nicely into the bottom of the bag from the buns. The oatmeal-raisin cookies slid in on top of the sandwiches, with a roll of paper towels filling the bag. No muss, no fuss - my lunch!

Today, I managed to make myself a couple of frozen burritos for lunch. After nuking them on a paper towel, I rolled them up in the same paper towel and tucked them into recycled bag from the buns which I knew I could carry easily with the crutches. Since burritos are not so good plain, I managed to hobble into the kitchen and tuck a bottle of hot sauce into a pocket.

The only problem now is that I've been up on the crutches a lot today. I managed to make 1/2 a pot of coffee this morning, but couldn't carry the cup to my chair. So, I ended up clomping back and forth, every time I wanted a cup, plus standing there while I drank it. My underarms and the heels of my hands are getting very, very sore from the crutches.

Oh, well. I guess when the knee is healed, I'll be able to appreciate having 2 legs and - most importantly - two free hands!

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Movers

There is nothing, to my mind, that is much worse than moving. All that packing and unpacking; makes me tired just thinking about it. Hefting and toting boxes is just not my idea of a good time. So, one of the last times I moved, I hired a two-man crew to load the heavy furniture on a truck, drive to the new location, and unload the truck. Simple, right? After all, we were just moving from the front of the complex to the back of the complex and we were moving all of the small stuff.

We ended up spending hours with these two guys. If they had moved more slowly, they'd have been going in reverse. All they did was complain - about the heat, about the furniture, about the stairs. It was the first time, in over 15 years, that I'd hired someone to help me move and I couldn't have regretted it more. Or so I thought. I was paying these clowns by the hour and, by the time they finally finished - after virtually demanding a cash bonus - I owed a king's ransom. Never, ever again!

Mark and I are planning to move. The rent here is just prohibitive - even with utilities included. It's not a great neighborhood and the kitchen is beyond tiny. Both of us love to cook, or we did until we tried doing it for 5 years in this closet-sized room. We just have to get out of here and I don't think either of us is going to be able to heft and tote much, this time around. So, this move, which I'm dreading already, is going to require movers.

Luckily, I found a really helpful website: HomeBulletin.net. It's filled with free tips, helpful lists and ideas, and resources to get quotes from moving companies. They cover international moves, long-distance moves, shipping a car, full-service moving companies, or options where you do the packing yourself to save money. With what I learned by doing it wrong, this site gives me the confidence that I can now coordinate our move with a minimum of pain and expense.

And, let me tell you, that says a lot about HomeBulletin.net.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Great Good News!

Just when I think I've managed to bring everyone up to speed on Mark's condition - something changes. For several days, none of the changes were good and we were all worried sick. Then, things started to not-so-slowly turn around - about the time I fractured my knee. Go figure.

I called the ICU a couple of days ago and Mark was out of his bed, sitting in a chair. He'd even been walking around a bit. The last time I'd seen him, he was in a regular bed, but he was still quite sedated and didn't really know that I was there. (In fact, the nurse told me later that he didn't know I'd ever been there.) And, when I called yesterday morning, I even got to talk to him a bit.

When I woke up this morning, I immediately called the ICU again, only to find out that Mark wasn't there anymore. They had moved him to the ward! Yesterday! No more tubes and he's eating real food. He's thrilled to be on the floor, because now he can get some sleep! (I guess he doesn't realize that he's been sleeping most of the last 10 days! lol) If that weren't incredible enough - rumor has it that he'll be coming home in 3-4 days.

I never cease to be amazed at Mark's recuperative powers. Heaven knows, his guardian angel has to be exhausted!

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Mobile Marketing

My website, after 2 years, is ranking pretty well on the Internet. My keywords are working and I'm getting decent traffic, for all that I'm doing all of the marketing myself. However, I don't have anything functional on the mobile net. And, after talking to a friend who was trying to surf my site on her phone, realized that this is something I need to look into. But how? I had no idea.

Then I found golive!mobile, focused on enabling sms marketing projects and other forms of mobile marketing. They have all of the tools I need to develop a mobile presence for my business.

One of the tools that really caught my eye was golive!concierge, a graphical interface for launching mobile campaigns. It includes ringtones, wallpapers, contests, votes, alerts, group chat, reverse auction, info responses, and more. Users can set up marketing campaigns, schedule and send real-time text to mobile subscribers, and integrate web-based opt-in functions with the mobile campaign.

If you need to add mobile functioning to your web business, this is the place to find it all.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Michael Vick Tests Positive for Pot

One would think that, after all of the legal problems he's facing for fighting, abusing, and killing dogs, Michael Vick would be on his best behavior. He pleaded guilty to federal charges and has been indicted by a Virginia grand jury on similar charges. One would think he would toe the line! Unless, apparently, that one was Vick himself.

The fact that he's now tested positive for marijuana tells me that he continues to think that he's above the law. I didn't actually believe his 'heartfelt' apology, especially once I saw his severely incriminating notes. Like my 16 year old stepson, I believe that Vick is only sorry that he got caught, not that he did anything wrong. In fact, like my Michael, he probably feels that he's being unfairly persecuted and never actually does anything wrong.

What struck me as even more stupid than the substance abuse is that "As a result of the positive drug test, probation officer Patricia Locket-Ross asked for Vick to be barred from using or possessing narcotics or other controlled substances." Say What!?

Since when is using or possessing illegal substances an option for anyone, let alone an admitted criminal?

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Your VA Benefits

Home loans have been in the news a lot lately - with the controversy over variable rates and questionable subprime lending practices. I get rather nervous when I think about borrowing for a new-to-us home. But, after reviewing the basics of VA home loans, I noticed that they are much different and much less risky.

The greatest benefit, to both the lender and the buyer, is that loans made by the VA are guaranteed. That means the lender is protected if the veteran becomes unable to repay the loan and the veteran receives the more favorable financing terms that are usually only available when the buyer makes a down payment. As with other mortgage types, the VA uses banks, credit unions, and mortgage companies to find financing.

A VA home loan is much more attractive than a conventional loan for many reasons, including:

• The Interest Rate is negotiable!
  • Get approval with less than perfect credit and still obtain a quality rate
• No Mortgage Insurance Premiums!
  • 100% financing with no mortgage insurance, means the entire interest payment is tax deductible
• Closing costs are often lower than other financing types
  
• An assumable mortgage
  
• No penalty for prepay!
  
• Reduced funding fees with a down-payment of at least 5%
  
• Ability to finance the VA funding fee
  
  
• Refinance a VA loan through a "streamline refinance" which:
  • requires no income, asset, or credit verification,
  • is much cheaper than a conventional refinance, and
  • waives many of the traditional closing costs

While the VA does perform an appraisal of the home being purchased, to confirm that the value equals the amount being financed, they do not inspect the structure. As with any home purchase, it is important for the buyer to obtain a qualified residential inspection in order to ensure that there are no structural or construction problems.

This is just one of the many benefits available to veterans and explained at Your VA Benefits.com. The site is not affiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs, but they offer information about the GI Bill, healthcare eligibility, benefits for homeless veterans, vocational rehab, life insurance, and compensation and pension information.

Stop by and see if they can answer some of your questions.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Good News From the Hospital

I have been sleeping as much as possible over the last few days, trying to ignore the pain in my knee. While I still don't have the Vicodin I was prescribed, I found some Tylenol 3s that are pretty good at knocking me out. Consequently, at 9:16pm, when the nurse called from SICU, I was sound asleep. About 10:22pm, I woke up and noticed a missed call on my phone from the VA. Without even checking voice mail, I called the hospital.

Crossing my fingers, I said a quick prayer that everything was still ok. With all of the medications he's on, I knew Mark would be asleep, and he was. What I didn't know, however - Mark is off the ventilator and doing really well! Hooray!! He's talking to the nurses and, not surprisingly, doesn't remember much of what happened to him in the last 10 days.

Now, I can't wait to talk to him later this morning, and it's driving me crazy that I can't get to the hospital. Just as soon as I talk to him, I'll let everyone know (by email) how he's doing.

Please say a prayer of thanks that he's coming through this! It was so touch and go, up until yesterday, that I didn't dare hope.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

CouponKathy.com

I love to shop online! And when I can find coupons for the stores and products that I love - so much the better. CouponKathy.com covers all the bases - for me at least - Lillian Vernon, Shoes.com, PETsMART, Smart Bargains, NewEgg, and CoutureCandy, to name a few. What a great collection of sites!

However, what caught my eye and pulled me into the website were the Joann Fabrics Coupon Codes. When buying yarn and craft supplies online, the shipping can sometimes be expensive. Not with these codes! I can shop Joann's sales and have all the lovely goodies shipped free of charge, through the end of the year. Once I've placed 3 orders over $25.00, I qualify for membership in the Free Shipping Club, which offers free shipping on all orders over $10.00! Isn't that great!?

To me, this is a godsend. Now that I'm stuck in the house, waiting for my knee to heal, I can try new colors and yarns at my leisure, delivered to my door. In fact, I was so excited about the free shipping that I ordered 2 colors that I've never tried before and can't wait until they get here.

If the coupon codes weren't enough, CouponKathy.com also offers a link to the Joann Fabrics current newsletter, a tutorial for using the coupons codes at Joann.com, information about different products, and a brief history of the company. The tutorial, product information, and company history is available for all of the stores featured on the website.

It's really nice to save money, but it's also nice to learn a little about the places I shop and the lovely goodies I can find there.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Odd News Stories

I just love reading the Odd News section. They prove that truth is very often much stranger than fiction. Now, I don't mean the rags that talk about alien babies and other such nonsense, but the really strange true stories from around the world that amaze, amuse, and sometimes shock.

"Dead" Man Wakes Up Under Autopsy Knife - After a car accident, a man in Venezuela was pronounced dead and taken to the morgue. During the autopsy procedure, as the doctor was cutting into the man's face, he woke up! Can you imagine?!

"God" Gets Attorney In Lawsuit - In an attempt, or so he claims, to prove that anyone can sue anyone for any reason, Nebraska State Senator Ernie Chambers, an admitted agnostic, has filed a lawsuit against God. An attorney from Corpus Christi, Texas, Eric Perkins has actually filed a response. I want to know how, exactly, they plan to serve God with a summons!

Men Break Into Building Full of Police - Two men in Antioch, California broke into a building to steal copper wiring. Little did they know that the police department was holding K-9 training in the building. Talk about "Beware of Dog!"

Have a great week!

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Diabetic Test Strips

There are over 21 million people in the United States suffering from diabetes, many of whom don't have insurance. Being able to regularly test blood sugar levels is critical to the successful treatment of this condition. Without insurance, the basic testing supplies are almost prohibitively expensive.

American Diabetes is a wholesale company that offers 30% to 60% savings to diabetes patients. Just look at the Ascensia Breeze products. The test strips come in discs of 10, so you don't have the hassle of working with tiny individual strips. Unlike many test meters, there is no coding required; simply insert or change discs and you're ready to start testing.

In addition, because the strips require a small sample size and have an automatic filling action, checking your sugar is quick, painless, and incredibly simple. If that weren't enough, the strip release button discards used test strips automatically, while the pull/push tab simultaneously pushes out a new strip and turns on the blood glucose meter. Technologically advanced, the test strip disc automatically codes the blood sugar meter, ensuring accurate testing, every time.

While a box of 10 discs, 50 strips, retails for almost $50.00, at American Diabetes you can get the same box for 44% less. And they offer meters, lancets, carrying cases, and log books. Everything you need in one convenient, inexpensive location.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Do Not Call Lists

Like hundreds of thousands of people, we added our phone numbers to the national do-not-call list a few years ago. Now I find out that our numbers will drop off, starting next year, because the registry was only good for 5 years. How completely ignorant is that?

Initially, the FTC determined that a five-year limit would allow for changes, such as people moving or changing their phone number. This, in fact, is nonsense. The do-not-call list is currently purged every month to clear numbers that have been disconnected or reassigned. Of course, the FTC ( who created the problem ) has a 'perfect' solution:

"It is incredibly quick and easy to do," Lydia Parnes, director of the FTC's bureau of consumer protection, said in an interview with The Associated Press this week. "It was so easy for people to sign up in the first instance. It will be just as easy for them to re-up."

I don't want to have to remember to re-up every five years, no matter how simple it is.

Legislation is pending to make the lists permanent, which they should have been from the beginning. Once again, time and energy is being wasted to correct a situation that should never have occurred.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Small Business Line of Credit

As a small business owner, I understand the importance of having sufficient capital to expand and grow the business. It's one thing to buy office equipment on credit. That's a secured loan, with physical property that serves as collateral. Such loans are not overly difficult to get.

But what if I suddenly decided that I wanted to change the nature of my business by adding an inventory of pre-made items which ship immediately upon receipt of payment? That change would require an influx of cash for buying large quantities of yarn and building some sort of storage area for the finished products, neither of which would serve as collateral for a standard business loan.

EZUnsecured.com has the perfect answers for entrepreneurs like me. They specialize in unsecured small business lines of credit, loans, and credit cards. For me, the line of credit would be perfect. I could draw money - even write checks - as I needed it, for whatever upgrades and changes I decide to make in my business.

What attracted me to this company, first, was the easy process of applying for a line of credit. Just one form to complete - that's it. EZUnsecured.com takes it from there. They contact the appropriate lenders, to maximize your chances of being approved. If you were to do this yourself, unless you know all possible capital sources, it would take forever. Not only that, but applying to lenders that aren't interested in financing a business like yours would result in numerous rejections on your credit report that could actually damage your financial standing.

Secondly, the approval and funding are fast. If you've provided all necessary documents, approval can take as little as 1 to 3 days. There is a NoDoc option that literally requires no documentation to qualify for amounts of up to $350,000. Depending on the lender, expect to have the funds in your account in 3 to 14 days. It doesn't get much simpler than that.

There are no upfront fees for this service. Once you are approved and receive your funds, there is an approval fee that is fully explained in writing. Again, it just doesn't get any easier.

This sounds like a terrific service to me. So, if you have a business that needs to improve cash flow to grow and expand, EZUnsecured.com can help.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Some Days. . .

With everyone out of the house, I've been taking advantage and doing some serious fall cleaning. I actually managed to clear all of the flat spaces in the living room and reorganized the closet. For days, I've been carrying out loads of junk and trash. It's just so wonderful to be able to reclaim the apartment from the crud pile-up. Or it was until yesterday.

I was taking out the last load of 'debris' from the closet, on my way to the hospital to see Mark. It was seriously heavy and I ended up just dragging it through the parking lot to the dumpster. Now, someone with a little sense, would have pulled the heaviest items out of the bundle and thrown them in, one at a time. Not me!

Swinging the ruined hamper, loaded down with 2 old air mattresses, back and forth to get it high enough to clear the side of the dumpster, I gave a great final throw. And crashed to the ground in screaming pain.

The top of my left leg had swung left; the bottom of the leg went right. When I landed with a hideously painful thud on the pavement, I immediately grabbed for my left knee. The kneecap was now positioned on the outside of the leg - 90 degrees out of position! Since I was already in agony, I just shoved the kneecap back into place. Amazingly, I didn't pass out from the pain.

Knowing that I wasn't going to be able to get up by myself, I made the excruciatingly embarrassing call to 911. Happily, it didn't take them long to get there, help me up, and get me back into the apartment. When asked if I wanted to go to the hospital, I said that I didn't. As long as I kept my foot flat, I could limp up the stairs - with some help - so I didn't think it would be that bad. That was about 4:30pm.

By 9:00pm, my knee was the size of a medium grapefruit and hurting so badly that I was in tears. Like it or not, I had to go to the hospital. Once again I called 911 and waited for them to arrive. Unfortunately, I had locked the door when I came upstairs at 4:30pm and couldn't get out of the recliner to unlock it now. So, I suggested that the fire department contact the manager who lives here, for a key.

As luck would have it, the manager wasn't home. So, I had to painfully lower myself out of the chair to the floor and scoot to the door. Suddenly, I was very glad we have a small apartment. Since I couldn't straighten or bend my knee any more than it was, or stand the incredible pain that shot through my leg when I stood up on my right leg, the paramedics had to carry me down to a gurney at the bottom of the stairs.

At the emergency room, they gave me morphine and took 80 million x-rays. I had slammed my back into the dumpster, which now felt like a broken rib, but the chest and back x-rays were clear. The knee was another story. I had fractured my kneecap - breaking off a small piece of bone. After another dose of morphine, they put an immobilizer on the knee, called me a cab and sent me home. It took about 2 hours to finally get a cab to the hospital and I was just worn out by the time we were on the way.

Luckily, when I got here, there were 2 big burly guys helping their mom move in and they pretty much carried me up to the apartment. (With 2 doses of morphine, I wasn't exactly good on the crutches!) I couldn't stop at a pharmacy for pain pills at 2:30am, so - before I sat down again - I stumbled into the bathroom and grabbed the ibuprofen.

After about 4 hours sleep in the recliner, my knee isn't quite as bad today. In fact, I can actually balance on the toes, while reaching for the crutches. The only problem is that my legs are actually too long for the recliner, so my foot dangles off the front edge, creating pressure on the muscles.

I wonder if I knew I'd need a clear path through the apartment, when I bulldozed the clutter out of the way a few days ago?

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

World Alzheimer's Day

If you missed World Alzheimer's Day yesterday, September 21st, don't worry. There's still time to raise money for this great cause. In fact, all monies raised through the end of September will be matched dollar for dollar by The Harrah's Foundation, up to 1 million dollars.

It couldn't be easier to contribute. Start by visiting the Alzheimer's Association website to learn about this devastating disease and how it affects the brain. The more you know, the easier it will be to talk to friends, family, and co-workers about the importance of their donations.

Not sure what type of event you want to host? Not a problem. There are tons of ideas on the website - from David Tutera's step-by-step guide for hosting a Purple Party - to one of these easy-to-organize events:

Birthday or Anniversary Party - Ask guests to donate instead of giving a gift.

Poker or Bridge Party - Split the winning pot between the winner and the Alzheimer's Association. Maybe the winner will donate their half back to the cause!

Neighborhood Block Party - Set up fun games like cornhole, badminton or volleyball. Collect donations to play or entry fees for each badminton or volleyball team.

Dinner Party - Ask your guests to donate what they would have spent on a meal and drinks at a restaurant.

Movie Night - Charge "admission" or pass around an empty popcorn tub for donations.

It just couldn't be simpler to help. In fact, if you register your event on the website, you'll get your own page where friends and co-workers can find out about your party and even donate online. Agree to raise $150.00 and you can even get a free World Alzheimer's Day party kit!

Don't wait! Get involved today!

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Alice Ghostley

AP Photo
I was saddened to read of the death of one of my favorite actresses. For years I have enjoyed watching Alice Ghostley's slightly off-center characters.

Whether she was the disappearing maid on Bewitched or the wacky friend on Designing Women, she was immensely watchable. The slightly loony Bernice Clifton was such a comical contrast to the cool, cultured Sugarbaker sisters. And Ms. Ghostley delivered the offbeat and often, off color, dialogue with such childlike honesty, that it was impossible not to just love her.

Happily, her wonderful performances are still available in reruns of both television series. Rest in peace, Ms. Ghostley.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Build A Sign

You don't have to be a business owner to find yourself in need of signage.

Years ago we leased two parking spaces in front of our apartment. It wasn't overly expensive, but it was incredibly convenient. Unless one of us actually moved their car. I cannot begin to tell you how many people completely ignored the, admittedly small, signs stating that the carports were reserved. In fact, one woman actually tried to justify her illegal parking with "But it's not my car!" I certainly could have used BuildASign.com back then.

Just look at these terrific Signs:


I especially like the "No Parking From Now to Forever" version! People might have ignored it, as well, but it would have looked great and gotten the point across with a little humor.

Though I wasn't looking for them, I found a variety of holiday decals that were inspiring:Just pick a template and customize it yourself, right online. Include whatever lettering you need and even upload pictures. Because you're not paying a designer, the prices are terrific.

If you are a business owner, like me, you'll find enough templates - from vinyl lettering to sandwich boards to safety messages - to create all the signs you need. It took me about 5 minutes to design a decal with my company logo and had the option to order it in a number of sizes and shapes. Couldn't have been easier! And, since I can save my designs, I don't have to order more than I need or recreate everything when I'm ready to reorder.

Are you looking to save money on custom signs or banners? BuildASign.com has what you need.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Lung Surgery Update

Thought I'd give everyone a quick update on Mark's condition.

If you remember, his lungs were not functioning well and the doctors put him in a special bed which kept him on his stomach and rotated him periodically through a 3 hour period. For 1 hour out of every 4, he was placed on his back, which he didn't tolerate very well. Mark was attached to a complex ventilation system that strictly regulated in inhalations and exhalations, and was receiving 85% of his oxygen from the machine. The normal breathing rhythm is an exhalation that is longer than the inhalation. As Mark didn't tolerate that well, either, the ventilation system shortened the length of his exhalations.

The liquid diet that Mark receives was contributing to the congestion in his lungs and the fluid retention in his extremities, so the feedings were limited. He was on diuretics, pain medication, insulin, and medication to paralyze his muscles. Due to direct contact with the plastic cover on the bed, the heat generated by the mechanics of the bed, and lack of ventilation to his skin, Mark developed a rash on his chest and arms. The nurses were concerned that he was experiencing damage to his skin. I recommended that they place sheets between his body and the bed, because his skin is so sensitive.

This was all on Monday. However, when I walked into SICU on Wednesday, Mark was back in a regular bed, on a regular ventilator, receiving 50% of his oxygen from the machine. The doctors had stopped the diuretics and paralytic medication, and added protein to his feeding regimen. His skin looks perfectly normal and several times, while I was there, Mark moved his mouth and eyes as though he could hear the conversation around him and wanted to answer. One of the nurses noticed an odd sound coming from his throat and thought, perhaps, that he was trying to cough. I had to laugh, with joy, Mark was softly snoring!

There is very little swelling in his extremities - his hands are both quite puffy, but his legs and face look terrific. In fact, there is less discoloration in Mark's lower legs than I've seen since before his liver transplant. And, the nurse shaved him, so he looked so nice and clean, you'd swear he was just taking a nap - if it weren't for all of the lines and tubes.

Thank you all for your prayers and good wishes - obviously, they are working very well. I'll be heading back to the hospital in a few hours and will let you know how he's doing.

God Bless all of you.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Making Ends Meet

It was, actually, pretty easy to keep ahead of the bills when I was working full-time and getting paid every 2 weeks. All I had to do was determine which bills had to be paid in the first half of the month, and which could wait 2 weeks. Then, a couple of times a year, it worked out that there was an extra paycheck in a particular month that provided a wonderful cushion. I always loved when one of those extra checks hit around Christmas! What a terrific bonus!

Now, being on a fixed income, everything is much more critical. There are no more paychecks after the beginning of the month and there certainly aren't any extra checks. The rent, phone, and cable have to be paid immediately each month; they aren't negotiable. Although, I think we're probably going to power down the cable service shortly. Luckily we don't have any loans or credit cards to worry about.

We changed insurance companies several times between 2003 and 2005, looking for the best car insurance value for our buck and managed to get bundled coverage, including renters insurance, that was hundreds of dollars cheaper per year than what we had. The best part, besides the premiums that keep going down and the premium refund we received a few weeks ago, is that they take the payment out of our account each month, so we don't have to worry about writing checks.

Of course, the biggest difficulty is food. We can remove features from the cable and phone service, but you have to eat - every day. A few years ago, we invested in a small chest freezer, so that we could take advantage of sales and stock up. It's especially important since we both hate grocery shopping. I think it's one of our best purchases, ever. We can buy, not only on special, but in bulk. For the small cost of dollar-store storage bags and a bit of my time once or twice a month, we have a mini-store in our dining room.

There are 3 stores, very close to us, that we shop regularly. But - and this is important - we only shop the sales and carry discount club cards for every store that offers them. One store has incredible produce, but their meats more expensive than we're comfortable with. Another store has great meat specials, as well as terrific deals on frozen foods and laundry supplies. I've just fallen in love with their super-sized spices. For about $6.00-$7.00, I can get quality seasonings in stay fresh containers, that last for 3 months or more. This allows me to buy inexpensive sauces and mixes, and spice them up to suit our taste, at a fraction of the cost.

One of the stores even offers delivery and, if you spend $150.00 or more, they reduce the delivery charge by $5.00. To me, not having to spend 2 hours shopping, loading and unloading the truck, carrying everything up to the second floor, is a huge bonus. We have had some trouble with items not being available at the time we ordered, or - on occasion - being charged for items that were forgotten. But the store has always, immediately, refunded any charges for food not received.

With both of the boys gone now, Mark and I will probably be looking into cheap mortgages, once he's home from the hospital again. With just the two of us, we don't need a huge home and we're no longer limited to the area in which we have to move. The key to living on a fixed income is research - getting the absolute best deal you can, in order to live within your budget.

If you need help making ends meet, try Beat That Quote. Whether you need help with car, health or life insurance, loans, mortgages, credit cards, or investments, they can help.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Armed With More Than Education

I ran across this story today and found that, much to my surprise, I had seriously mixed feelings about it.

In a nutshell, a teacher in Ashland, Oregon, who has a restraining order against her obviously violent ex-husband, wants to be able to bring her gun to school. She has a concealed-carry permit and I can truly understand her need to protect herself. However, as the school district reminded her, their policy prohibits anyone, except a law enforcement officer, from bringing a weapon onto a campus.

As a person who has, more than once, been on the receiving end of violent behavior, I immediately understood why this teacher carries a gun. Statistics show that, outside Seattle, restraining orders provide very little protection against a person who is determined to do harm. I mean, think about it. When facing an attacker, flashing a legal document isn't going to stop a bullet or a beating.

However, as a parent, I don't want weapons to get into my child's school - no matter why. Talk to a law enforcement official about the wisdom of keeping a gun in your home and they will tell you that, in too many cases, these weapons end up being used against the owner. And then, after you're dead, there is one more gun in the wrong hands. Unless you are well-trained and truly prepared to kill someone, you have no business with a gun - personal opinion.

Then, of course, there's the Second Amendment argument, about the right to keep and bear arms, that I just knew would come into play. However, I believe that the argument is incorrect in this usage.

"In the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries, in England and the British Colonies, the militia system was based on the principle of the Twelfth Century Assize of Arms, where there was general obligation of adult males to possess arms and cooperate in the work of defense." ^ Osgood, Herbert Levi : The American Colonies in the Seventeenth Century , Page 499. Macmillan & Co., Ltd., 1904.

"United States federal courts have consistently interpreted the federal right to bear arms in United States as the modified collective right, not an individual right." Holder, Angela Roddy: The Meaning of the Constitution, Page 64. Barron's Educational Series, 1997. ISBN 0764100998

What do you think?

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules