New Days Ahead

 Well, it's been a while.  A LONG while.  Took me all morning to figure out how to even access this account and even then it's under the wrong email and I don't know how to fix it.  Oh well, we'll go with it for now.  Unsure how to move forward.  I only know I enjoyed this at one time and would like to continue.  Kind of my journal open to the public eye.  Life has moved on.  I'm still happily single, 3 great kids and now 5 grandchildren!  It's the beginning of a new year so I guess this is aptly starting at the right time.  We shall see what 2025 holds in store.  Hope it is filled with blessings for anyone that reads this.  I will end with this for today - 

"Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Psalms 23:6

My colonoscopy nightmare

 The colonoscopy in itself was bad enough but the nightmare had just begun.  I want to share this story in the hopes that it might save someone else from going through what I went through.

Back in 2015 I had a colonoscopy scheduled.  I'm not sure how many of you have had this procedure but it entails a period of preparation to 'cleanse' your colon.  This includes a strictly liquid diet for a number of days prior to the procedure (2-3) and the day prior, drinking a solution that is supposed to do the final 'cleansing'.  I followed all instructions meticulously and went in on the day scheduled.  I was prepped for the procedure, anesthesia was administered and out I went.  Upon waking I was regretfully informed that my colon was not clean enough for the procedure to be done.  The doctor was not able to get a good look at what ever he needs to look at.  I was instructed to continue on the liquid diet for 2 more days, do the prescribed 'cleansing' solution again and come in again 2 days later.  At that time the procedure was successful and thankfully everything looked good.

This is where the nightmare begins.  I received the bills from the doctor and hospital for the 1st time I went in and insurance was applied.  However, I then received bills for the 2nd, complete procedure, and found that insurance had rejected the claim.  It is stated, I as was aware, that only one colonoscopy a year would be covered.  However, I was not aware that an "incomplete" procedure is processed the same as a "complete" one.  When the 2nd procedure was rejected I contacted my HR dept at work and they said they would look into it.  This is where I dropped the ball.  I continued to receive bills, then it went into collections.  I won't go into details, but the end result is that they denied the claim even after an appeal.  What is really bad is that the "incomplete" procedure that insurance covered did not cost as must as the "complete" colonoscopy, so I was stuck with the larger of the two bills.  I contacted an attorney who told me my only option would be to sue them, but I am not financially in a position to go up against an insurance company who, I'm sure, has a whole staff of attorneys.

My doctor told me it is unusual for someone to not be completely cleaned out after the original prep period, but not unheard of.  He has had other instances of it happening.  I was one of the unlucky ones.  If you ever find yourself in this position, I would carefully go over every option with your insurance before you continue.

I'm furious and I'm out a large amount of money, but a valuable lesson was learned - Stay away from doctors!

She's back!

I don't even know the date of my last post, I only know that it's been too long, way too long!  I've been having an affair with Facebook, and quite honestly I'm about over it.  It seemed innocent enough in the beginning.  Posting titbits of what's going on and keeping up with friends and being able to view pics of grandchildren, nieces & nephews, friends and an occasional meme or two.  But things have gotten out of hand.  The language, the politics, the drama.  It's more than I want.  I may not have much of an audience here but it's what I enjoy.  So, here we go (again).

Still playing on the women's golf league on Wed mornings.  Golfed today to make up for last week since I was down in Atlanta.  My game is off.  I think a few too many tips from my dad.  Don't get me wrong, my dad taught me to golf and I still have a lot to learn, but I can only process so much at one time.  I need to take his tips and work on one or two at a time and not all of them at once.

My trip to Atlanta was wonderful!  Stayed with my parents and got to see most of my brothers and their families and spend a little time with them.  Got to golf with my dad which is always a treat and one of the things I most look forward to.  I only wish I had played better.  Also got to visit with my two good friends down in Fayetteville.  The three of us used to get together weekly then Kathy and I moved but Kathy has since returned.  It was great to get together with them again.  I also got to see a friend that I used to work with up here but she is now working in Atlanta.  Sadly though, our time was cut short.  We were supposed to get together for 2 days but she unexpectedly had to fly to Oregon to be with her father.

There is much more but rather than write a mini biography I will touch on things that have been going on as time goes by.  I know this has been boring but it will take a bit for me to get my feet wet and get into the swing of posting again.

The End of the Beginning

Happy, Blessed Easter

Fabulous Tomato Soup

Tomato soup is tomato soup, right? Wrong!  I was invited over to a friends house for lunch and the husband made some tomato soup that was awesome!  I will never eat canned tomato soup again!  He was kind enough to share his recipe.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Tomato Basil Soup

1 large onion, chopped
1-2 cloves garlic, chopped
1-1 1/2 Tbs dried basil
1 49 oz. chicken broth
2 lg cans diced or whole tomatoes cut up
1 c. heavy cream
1 c. half & half
3 Tbs butter
salt & pepper to taste

Melt butter in a soup pot.  Saute onions until soft, about 5 min.  Saute garlic until fragrant, about 1 min.  Add basil and stir in.  Pour in tomatoes and chicken broth.  Cook on a soft simmer for 20-30 min.  Puree soup in a blender* or with a stir stick.  (If using a blender be EXTREMELY careful of the hot liquid!)  Place soup back in pot and add heavy cream and half & half.  Stir to blend.  Heat soup and serve.

Add toppings if desired - parmesan cheese, sour cream, chives, croutons

*Please be extremely careful with hot liquid, I found out the hard way.  No matter how tightly you think you can hold the lid on the blender, hot liquids will spray!  Let mixture cool off before blending!

Is this what He meant?

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philipians 4:13 Does this apply to the new shower curtain I put up? This project is one that I have been putting off and finally did today. My bathroom has a tub/shower enclosure that had a sliding glass door. When I shower my elbow kept hitting the door, and I couldn't sit on the side of the tub to shave my legs, and it was difficult to bath my grandson. So I finally took the doors down and put up one of those rods that arches out. It makes the bathroom look a little smaller but it makes the shower area much more roomy!
Philipians may not have been referring to something as trivial as this, but I believe anything I do in my life is owed to Him. For my health in being able to do it, the intelligence to follow directions, and the creativity to change things. These and so much more, I am thankful to God! Next time you have a project your not sure you can tackle, keep Him in mind!

A Cinderella story

My daughter was recently asked to prom. She is 20 yr's old and graduated a couple years ago, but she and her girl friend have 2 BFF's that they are good friends with that are graduating this year. I suppose that was an oxymoron - BFF and good friends - I can't really say because I am not completly sure of the meaning of BFF. These young gentlemen (I say that because they are very nice boys) asked my daughter and her friend to prom, which was special for my daughter because she never got to go to her prom. She wore a beautiful light blue satin dress that she borrowed from her friends sister and her friend wore one of my daughters past formal gowns that was brown and pink. Their dates wore matching blue and pink ties. They looked very nice. Their 3rd friend went with her boyfriend and she wore a camo gown and he, a matching tie. They all made very nice couples.
Before the dance they went to Lonestar for dinner. As they were walking into the resturant a little girl saw my daughter and got all excited and started yelling "Ella!, Ella!" and pointing at her. Her mom said, "Yes honey, she does look like Cinderella" My daughter was a princess for a night.

Long time no see!

My, my, my, it's been a while. Hope anyone that is still around is doing well. I really can't blame those that have abandoned me. Cold coffee is not enjoyable. Well, let's see if we can heat it up! I have a recipe that I want to share. I made this for a girls luncheon I was invited to, and everybody loved it! It's quick, easy and oh so yummy! Hope you get a chance to try it, you won't be disappointed.

Hot Apple Pie Dip

1 pkg 8 oz. PHILIDELPHIA cream cheese*
2 Tbsp. brown sugar
½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 apple, chopped small, divided
¼ c. KRAFT Shredded Cheddar Cheese*
1 Tbsp. finely chopped Pecan pieces
Wheat Thin Original crackers

Heat oven to 375 degrees.

Mix cream cheese, sugar and spice in medium bowl until well blended.
Stir in half of the apples.
Spread into pie plate or small casserole dish.
Top with remaining apples, Cheddar cheese and nuts.
Bake 10-12 min or until heated through.
Serve with crackers.
Enjoy!!

*Recipe calls for 1/3 less fat cream cheese and 2% milk cheddar cheese but I used regular.

Thought for today

"I am still determined to be cheerful and happy, in whatever situation I may be; for I have also learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances."

Martha Washington

I am a victim!

I confess - I have become prey to the quick weight loss, infomercial mentality. I couldn't help myself. My daughter and I went to our neighbors house to visit yesterday and there, in the middle of her floor, was the "Ab C*rcle Pro". Now, I have seen this advertised but honestly had no desire to purchase it. My daughter and I both tried it out and soon decided we HAD to have one. After only a few rotations you could feel the workout in your abs and hips. They sell for about $200.oo at your local retailers, but I'm a big fan of craigs list, so when I got home I checked in our area and found someone selling it for much less. It was hardly used and he is being shipped overseas and his fiance is moving so they were trying to get rid of it. As fate would have it he had only posted it 5 minutes before my call. I was destined to be the owner of this miracle machine! He was available that very night so we met and I brought my new 'get skinny' machine to it's new home. I have vowed not to let this become another dust collector. I used it for the first time last night and then for a bit this morning. I need to develop some kind of a routine, which is going to be hard with my work schedule, but we'll see how it goes. If all goes as planned and I follow the short routine a few days a week as the manual says, I should have a fitness model figure! They wouldn't lie would they?

Accidental Thinker

Yes, I have been absent for a while and come and go much less frequently than in the past, but I still have some of my favorite blogs to visit. One of those is Accidental Thinker. Monique is a very gifted writer and her topics range from humorous and witty to spiritual to thoughtful and inspiring. She has recently published a book with a collection of her posts that I have recently ordered and look forward to receiving. Her most recent post is one I wanted to share, simply because it speaks volumes and truth. You can find it here. She also has some of her favorite posts listed in her side bar. One of my favorites is titled "Where everybody knows your name". Please visit her if you have a few moments. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Fabulous early St. Patricks Day dinner!

My favorite holiday is fast approaching...St Patricks day! Why my favorite? I honestly don't know, maybe it has something to do with the fact it gives me an excuse to drink at 7 a.m. Every St. Patricks Day you can find me at Pub 13 drinking green beer. This year I bought a hat to wear. It is a green cowbow hat with green fur around the edges and the front of it lights up! I go by myself, but there is a regular crowd that shows up every year and it's nice to see them. I'm never alone for long. I started the celebration a little early this year with dinner last night. It was fabulous! A friend had given me a corned vennison. So I put it in the crock-pot and had corned vennison and cabbage. It really was good! Not sure what I'll have on St. Patricks Day. Isn't Shepherds Pie considered Irish? I'll have to do a little looking into that one. Hope all are doing well, sorry I haven't been around but honestly I have no life. It's been pretty much work and that's it. I need to do something about that. No one to blame but myself. Then again, maybe a bit more has been going on and I've just been lazy about posting? Nah....couldn't be that. (wink)

Creative juices are flowing!

Ugh....I am so infected with cabin fever, it is not funny! I just lose all motivation for anything. I suppose this is why I have been working so much over-time. The $$ is good too! I am a southern girl and this cold, snow and wind is just not my cup of tea. Hopefully the nice weather will be here soon. Did that goofy ground hog see his shadow? I hope not! But either way, my calander shows that winter is for 6 more weeks regardless.

On to other things...My daughter thinks I am nuts. I thought of a slogan for Yoplait yogurt and I actually went to their web site and submitted it. She thinks it's dorky, but I think it has a ring to it. They always have a girl eating yogurt and she says "It's so good" My suggestion is this - "It's not just so good, it's Yo good!" Someone has probably already thought of it but oh well. Hope everyone is doing good!

Tie a Yellow Ribbon

My son called me this morning quite by surprise. He is in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Funny thing is, I know exactly where that is. The cargo airliner that I work for fly's there regularly. Any way, he bought a disposable type phone and called just to say hi and let me know he was there. I was caught off guard and so happy to hear his voice I didn't think to ask him about the weather over there, what he thought of being in a different country etc...I need to go out and buy a yellow ribbon to tie around the tree in my front yard. It's a small tree but it's the thought that counts. It's going to be a long year.

Speaking of...I haven't had the chance yet, but I wanted to wish each and everyone of you a wonderful, healthy and happy New Year! May your blessings this year be many!

Moving

My most recent post can be found here -

Food For Your Soul

A new year is almost upon us and I am going to try and spend more time on that site, so if you like, stop in occasionally and visit. There is no comment board like my blog but there is a guest book that you are always welcome to sign. :)

Maxine Monday

Merry Christmas!!

God sent us a Saviour

If our greatest need had been knowledge,
God would have sent us an educator.

If our greatest need had been technology,
God would have sent us a scientist.

If our greatest need had been money,
God would have sent us an economist.

If our greatest need had been pleasure,
God would have sent us an entertainer.

But our greatest need was forgiveness,
SO GOD SENT US A SAVIOUR.

This Christmas may you see and know anew how great His love is toward you!

Wishing you a Merry & Blessed Christmas!

On the road again

Well, at least my car is. Total was only about $300, but at this time of year that is a lot of money. Well, any time of the year for me! Oh well, at least it's fixed and I have 4 good tires. All I need now is a brake job and a friend of my daughters is going to do that for me. Other than that things are ok around here.
We have snow on the ground and some forcast for the next few days. Not a lot, but enough that we will probably have a white Christmas. Christmas this year is not going to be quite the same. First, my oldest son is not home. He will be leaving for Afghanistan the day after Christmas. Also I have to work Christmas eve and Christmas day. I will only have a few hours with my other two children that morning. It is Christmas's like this when it's important to keep the true meaning of Christmas in our hearts so that the spirit is still alive.

Car trouble blues

Oh my, what a day. I finally had a doctors appt for my thyroid. Had an ultra sound and blood work done a few weeks ago, and was going to get the results today. When I got in my car to drive to the appt, which is a ways away, my car started acting up. It wouldn't accelerate and the check engine light was on. I was lucky to get it up to 30mph. So I turned around and called a local garage and then took it over there to have it looked at. Had to call and cancel my dr. appt. Of course when I got back in my car it drove fine. At the garage he hooked it up to see what codes came up. It appears to be a faulty sensor that works with the transmission. Thank God it's not the transmission itself! He suggested I take it to a Hyudai dealership to have it repaired. I am taking it in the morning first thing. It looks to be about a $300-$400 dollar repair. I'm glad I've been working overtime and put some money aside, but it is SO despairing that I was finnally getting ahead and then something like this happens. Well, as I said, I guess I should be grateful that it's not the transmission. Now I have to reschedule my doctors appt. First I want to wait and see what's up with my car. Oh well, I am going to try and focus on the things that I should be thankful for. Hope your day was better than mine!

Maxine Monday

Two posts in one day!