so update every night my feet swell up and the pain wakes me up------at 3;49 am and I have to call out  to my husband this causes all kinds of drama because he does not have to get up until 5:00 am these few minutes cause all the trouble in the world!!!!! every night before I  go to sleep he makes me promise that I  will let him sleep through the night  -----I try every night!!!! without success ---new to paralysis caused by brain tumors  HELP!!!! ANY SUGGESTIONS!!!!!

2 NEW TUMORS---menengies tumors are usually slow growing tumors---mine have not been yesterday--I started taking avastin

Brain Tumor update

I finally started my radiation therapy--it's going well---but my head  ---(the one that let a huge brain tumor grow in it for probably several years) is rejecting my sutures---so it's trying to spit them out through the healed incision--it was almost perfectly healed--now it's constantly oozing and scabing up then re-opening.  When they place my radiation mask on it's so tight that it always opens up my scab---it's really not pleasant --I always have a leaky head now! 

Turkey giveaway at Sammi's blog of life

The giveaway is here : http://www.wordsearchpuzzledreams.com/ The prize consists of:
All of the items are available to order online and they make the perfect gift for any meat lover.

One lucky winner will win a combo box that includes:

2 packs of burgers (includes ground turkey and turkey sausage

1 pack of butter garlic marinated tenders

2 packs of uncooked sausage (sweet Italian and country style)

2 packs of cooked sausage (bratwurst and smoked cheddar)

 

All of the items are available to order online and they make the perfect gift for any meat lover.Top Chop Market offers turkey products from Bowman and Landes which is a turkey farm located just north of Dayton, Ohio. All of the turkeys are raised antibiotic free, veggie-fed and free range. The turkeys are all treated in an ethical and responsible way. Top Chop offers various turkey products including: whole turkeys, turkey breasts, cooked sausage, uncooked sausage, turkey burgers, and more!

Not only is turkey lower in fat and calories than regular red meat, it's big on taste too. You know what sounds delicious? Sprinkling some turkey burgers with seasoned salt and garlic powder and grilling them indoors! Bust out that George Foreman grill and prepare to delight those taste buds!

If you're looking to serve some delicious food to your family and try some new turkey items, Top Chop Market would be a fantastic choice. All of their products are big on flavor and sure to please.

Here's a look at some of the terrific turkey items:

     Well I finally found something I'm good at----growing brain tumors! In the 70's there was a "B" movie with Tony Curtis where his girlfriend had a bump on her shoulder that was growing and turned out to be a Manitou--it grew into an Indian medicine man--the tag line for the movie is "Evil does not die it waits to be reborn"---so anytime someone has a bump, or a huge zit, for example--my family and I tend to say "what are you growing a manitou" so we immediately started referring to my tumor as my "Manitou" then that turned into "Barry Manitou" 
     So  far recovery has been going well--when they took the staples out of my head, I asked if I could go back to sleeping normally --I had been forced to sleep with my head elevated-I was advised that I could but at the same time they took me off the steroid which wa keeping the swelling down--The next morning I woke up looking like one of the mutants from "The Hills Have Eyes" 

Now I've been taken off the anti seizure medicine Keppra and I've begun losing the use of my left lower arm then my face tends to go numb as well-it feels like I had a dozen shots of Novocaine--and my tongue feels huge and it's difficult to speak.

Brain Tumor

For a while now I've been having headaches I went to the doctor and he gave me a prescription but it didn't help---then one day at work the pain was so bad I couldn't stop vomiting so I went back to the doctor and he gave me another prescription to try a few days later I woke up at 4:00 AM with a horrible headache---I talked to my doctor's office several times that day and the doctor decided I should have a CT Scan the following day. At about 8:00 PM I couldn't take it anymore I called the doctor on call and explained that I was about to slit my wrists I just couldn't take the pain any longer he told me to come in to the nearest ER. Of course the ER was full of poor people suffering from the flu after a few hours I saw a doctor who explained that he was going to do a CT scan but it would be a waste of time and that it wouldn't show anything--an hour later the doctor was explaining how an ambulance would now be taking me to a hospital that specialized in Neurosurgery. The ambulance ride made me nauseous but they were able to give me a chewable tablet that helped. When we got to the hospital they had no empty rooms available so I stayed in the ER for a day and a half. I had no idea I would be staying when I went to the emergency room--so I brought nothing luckily I did leave my wedding ring at home. I went to the emergency room Monday night--Thursday morning they operated for 10 hours to remove a very large brain tumor. The tumor had eaten through my skull so the doctors had to add some titanium mesh to cover the piece of my skull that's now missing. The tumor had also consumed an artery in my brain--the doctors felt that after 10 hours of surgery it was too risky to try and split an artery. When I woke up I was completely disoriented and tried to pull my breathing tube out I had restraints on my arms and the nurse was quick to come help me--but I still bruised the heck out of my left arm. My sister Day came from New York, and she and my darling husband were with me the entire time. It was a huge help--I was on steroids to keep the swelling down and they kept me wired---starving--and grumpy. The nurses were all super nice, very patient and kind.

Multnomah Falls

A 30 minute drive from my house (near Portland, Oregon) you can find the gorgeous Multnomah Falls they are just breathtaking! It's a 611 ft waterfall full of icy water--half way up ther is a bridge that allows you to get a wonderful view--and a little wet. Today we visited and hiked up to the top of the water fall---it's a great workout--completely paved---not so much a hike as a steep walk. After the hike we sat down for a picnic lunch near one of the nearby smaller falls. I can't finf my camera cord to download all my lovely pictures--but this one is my favorite--I took it during the winter of 2009.

It's my all time favorite picnic destination---lots of hiking trails, as well as a gift shop, restaurant, and restrooms. When we have visitors I always try to take them to the falls--I love the roar of the falls and in the summer when it's not nothing is better then feeling the spray of water.

Not your Mama's Meatloaf

My husband loves meatloaf! This meatloaf is very flavorful and I use ground turkey so it's pretty healthy---it smells wonderful--I tell you the neighbors will be knocking on your door asking what smells so good!

Ingredients

3 to 3 and 1/2 lbs ground turkey (I usually use the large which is 3 and a half pounds but when they're out I grab 2 packages on 1 and a half lbs)

2 eggs

one onion

2 cloves of fresh garlic

1/2 cup grated asiago cheese

1 slice of bread or 1/4 cup bread crumbs

2 T tomato paste

1 T red wine vinnegar

1 T dried parsley

1 T oregano

2 t salt

1 t basil

1/4 t pepper

My favorite part is making bread crumbs---I have a coffee grinder that I use as an herb mill---it was about 10 bucks and I only ever use it for grinding herbs and making bread crumbs. I tear up a piece of bread put it in and 20 seconds later I have my bread crumbs!! I love making bread crumbs--I use heals for this I used my sour dough bread heals they were small so I used 2.

Put your onion and garlic in the food processor and pulse so you have a very fine chop--I started doing this years ago the kids hated onions--I found if they didn't see the onion they liked the flavor--I still do it--I like it better this way!

In small bowel combine parsley, basil, oregano, salt & pepper mix and set aside.

Put your meat in a large bowel --wash hands well and keep paper towels near by. Mix the eggs into the meat combine well.

Add in the tomato paste (helpful tip I take the extra tomato paste put it on a small cookie sheet or plate in 1 T scoops and freeze---once frozen move to a airtight container and keep in freezer--next time recipe calls for a Tablespoon of tomato paste you won't waste a whole can----just let it thaw before use---thaws quickly)

mix in asiago, bread crumbs, onion & garlic, red wine vinegar, and spices

everything is going in doesn't matter what order--just make sure it gets mixed well. Then put in a standard loaf pan.

I like to make mine the night before cover loaf pan with saran wrap then place in fridge. I like to give it time for the flavors to come out---if you don't have time stick it in the freezer for an hour.

When your ready to cook it pre heat oven to 400 degrees take the loaf pan and drop upside down on a flat bottom roasting pan or jelly role pan --(bake without the loaf pan)

Bake for about 1 hour or until an instant-read thermometer registers 160 degrees.F. (important*****) don't undercook it!

Home made Marshmallows!

I have a new love Homemade Marshmallows!!! here is a wonderful recipe.

Ingredients

• 3 packages unflavored gelatin
• 1 cup ice cold water, divided
• 12 ounces granulated sugar, approximately 1 1/2 cups
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• Nonstick spray

Directions

Place the gelatin into the bowl of a stand mixer along with 1/2 cup of the water. Have the whisk attachment standing by.

In a small saucepan combine the remaining 1/2 cup water, granulated sugar, corn syrup and salt. Place over medium high heat, cover and allow to cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Uncover, clip a candy thermometer onto the side of the pan and continue to cook until the mixture reaches 240 degrees F, approximately 7 to 8 minutes. Once the mixture reaches this temperature, immediately remove from the heat.

Turn the mixer on low speed and, while running, slowly pour thesugar syrup down the side of the bowl into the gelatin mixture. Once you have added all of the syrup, increase the speed to high. Continue to whip until the mixture becomes very thick and is lukewarm, approximately 12 to 15 minutes. Add the vanilla during the last minute of whipping. While the mixture is whipping prepare the pans as follows.

For regular marshmallows:

Combine the confectioners' sugar and cornstarch in a small bowl. Lightly spray a 13 by 9-inch metal baking pan with nonstickcooking spray. Add the sugar and cornstarch mixture and move around to completely coat the bottom and sides of the pan. Return the remaining mixture to the bowl for later use.

When ready, pour the mixture into the prepared pan, using a lightly oiled spatula for spreading evenly into the pan. Dust the top with enough of the remaining sugar and cornstarch mixture to lightly cover. Reserve the rest for later. Allow the marshmallows to sit uncovered for at least 4 hours and up to overnight.

Turn the marshmallows out onto a cutting board and cut into 1-inch squares using a pizza wheel dusted with the confectioners' sugar mixture. Once cut, lightly dust all sides of each marshmallow with the remaining mixture, using additional if necessary. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.

For miniature marshmallows:

Combine the confectioners' sugar and cornstarch in a small bowl. Line 4 half sheet pans with parchment paper, spray the paper with nonstick cooking spray and dust with the confectioners' sugar mixture.

Scoop the mixture into a piping bag fitted with a 1/2-inch round piping tip. Pipe the mixture onto the prepared sheet pans lengthwise, leaving about 1-inch between each strip. Sprinkle the tops with enough of the remaining cornstarch and sugar mixture to lightly cover. Let the strips set for 4 hours or up to overnight.

Cut into 1/2 inch pieces using a pizza wheel or scissors dusted with the confectioners' sugar mixture. Once cut, lightly dust all sides of each marshmallow with the remaining sugar mixture and store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Merry Christmas to all and Best wishes for a Happy New Year!

My Ghost Story

When I was at college I had an interesting experience that I often wonder about. I went to school in London, England and lived in the dorms, our dorm was on a high street (big wide street). One evening a big group of my friends and I were going to a fashion show and party at our school. Some of the girls had designs in the show, some were modeling, and some were dressers--so we had lots of things to bring with us--so we opted for a couple of taxis instead of the tube. While we waited for the taxis we noticed the building across the very wide street on the top floor there were probably a dozen men all dressed in white flowing gowns at the windows and on the roof frantically working---they looked very busy --but we couldn't figure out what the heck they were doing. We waited a good ten minutes watching them and guessing --what they could possibly be doing!

The taxis arrived and we forgot all about them--we had a wonderful time and didn't return until 2 or 3 am. When we went home our street had been blocked off---we had to get out and walk to our building ---there were firetrucks but what ever had happened was long over. We asked our dorm Mother but she told us it was late and we should go to sleep. The next day was Saturday so we slept until noon--when we got up we could see the building across the street was blackened by fire. Apparently a few hours after we left, a fire broke out on the top floor of the building and 2 women and a child died. We talked to one of the firemen and told him we saw a bunch of men in white robes working frantically a few hours before the fire. The firemen said that it wasn't possible--no work had been done on the building and that the top floor was a group of Lebanese women and children that were war refuges.

So what did we see--were they angels taking the spirits away before the tragedy---were they ghosts getting ready for more ghosts. I think about it often--it was a long time ago.

Another Amazing Halloween Giveaway!!!

The Halloween Queens are giving a fabulous prize away every day in October! The prizes are all amazing! Here are just two of the amazing prizes! So hurry on over and enter --all they ask is that you share your favorite Halloween tradition! To enter follow the link below.

http://artisticthalloweenqueens.blogspot.com/2010/09/queen-for-day-giveaway.html

Godiva dessert truffels! aka Heaven in a box!

Two weeks ago I had a birthday, and I was lucky enough to receive Godiva's new Dessert Truffles
They are amazing!!! six flavors
Chocolate lovers will swoon at our newest creations, inspired by favorite bakery treats. The Limited Edition collection includes rich, dark, Chocolate Lava Cake with a spectacular molten fondant center; spicy Carrot Cake "frosted" in milk chocolate and rolled in chopped pecans; Southern-style Red Velvet Cake in white chocolate with a heart of sweet chocolate ganache; all American Cheesecake ganache in milk chocolate, topped with crust-like crumbs; white chocolate Tiramisu, an ethereal blend of mascarpone and espresso ganache; and Strawberry Tarte swirling sweet berries and tart rhubarb through vanilla mousse, enrobed in milk chocolate. When it's time for dessert, forgo the cake and go straight to the truffles. The small box of six sells for $15 --But you might as well get the large box because you are going to want more!!!
They can also be purchased online here :

http://www.godiva.com/product/6-pc-bakery-dessert-truffles/id/2427.gdv

The Tiramisu is my favorite---you know the "last Supper question" Or if you were stuck on a deserted island and had to eat one thing for the rest of your life----well sign me up for a lifetime of Tiramisu truffles and I will start swimming for my island now!!!

I have to admit I'm a huge Godiva fan!!! If you are too you have to join the rewards club---every time I go in I get an extra treat for being a member---and it's all free!!
join here:

https://www.godiva.com/member/rewardlogin.aspx

perks include:

Rewards Club Members enjoy:

• Free piece of Chocolate every month
• Free gift each month you spend $10 or more
• Free standard shipping for 1 online order
• Exclusive online special offer every month

My Mother is a Doll collector

My Mother is a doll collector, she has been collecting dolls since she was a child (she will be 75 in November) so over the years she has collected quite a few amazing dolls. She loves all dolls, but in her later years she has developed a love of unique dolls--these dolls sometimes run a bit dark.
Last Christmas I gave her a doll a little old man in a red suit---Oh contrare-it wasn't Santa it was a Devil doll!

Here he sits on some of the gifts I brought my Mom--(yes---of course the Dogs presents are the ones on the floor wrapped in doggy paper)


She loves Halloween, so I was scouring the planet recently looking for the perfect doll for her for Halloween and I found a gorgeous vampire doll named "Bloody Mary" she was lovingly made by a gorgeous mother of three named Ina Smirnova --she is in fact a prize to be won (Bloody Mary not Ina Smirnova) She is located here at "Bears'n'Roses" http://ina-smirnova.blogspot.com/
To enter you just need to spread the word about the giveaway and then post a note with a link on her blog! So good luck to all --she looks amazing!! Yes that's Bloody Mary at the top isn't she gorgeous!

The Island Sweet Shop

When I was young we had a candy store--that actually made their own candy!! It was called "The Island Sweet Shop" and they really went all out for Easter. Every year they would have classes the week before Easter, and you could come and make a wonderful "Panorama sugar egg" similar to these:


These are available for sale at www.blumchen.com

direct link: http://www.blumchen.com/easter_shop_party_favors.html#easter_party_favors_pg1

It was lots of fun, and allowed you to get really creative, The Island Sweet Shop had all sorts of tiny treasures that they made ahead of time that you could put in your egg, they were so much fun. They had the consistency of a red hot only not hot--and they would make tiny animals, people, boats, fruits, all sorts of things --all tiny to go in your panoramic egg. I miss the craftsmanship the true artistry of an old world candy maker. I always dreamed of working at the Island Sweet shop, sadly it is no longer and I can't remember the last time I saw a piece of handmade candy. I know we still have many true candy artisans but they all seem to work exclusively with chocolate.

As I hunt for treasures to add to my children's Easter Baskets I miss the Island Sweet Shop.
If anyone knows of a wonderful candy maker please recommend them to me.


The funny thing in searching for a picture of a panorama egg to show---I discovered : www.blumchen.com --they actually have lots of lovely items --if anyone is interested here's a blurb from their website :

As Purveyors of Life's Little Niceties, Blümchen has all of the treats & treasures you need to help you celebrate the Holidays with what is truly 'The Best of Christmas Past'®. We specialize in offering the finest quality Christmas tree ornaments, decorations and old-time crafting supplies from Europe and America -- everything you may have thought existed only in the past. From our exclusive Victorian Whimseys® and Holiday Delight™ collectibles to scrap relief pictures, embossed Dresden foil trims and authentic German Lametta tinsels, Blümchen has it all!

I'm always looking for treasures--(something you don't see in 4 out of 5 stores) this shop is defiantly worth checking out!

I found a great giveaway over at "Heck of a bunch" here's the link:
http://heckofabunch.blogspot.com/2010/02/fortune-cookie-soap-review-giveaway.html

They are giving away the cutest soaps shaped like fortune cookies!!! I love fortune cookies!!
I've always wanted a necklace with a little fortune cookie on it---but I'm superstitious I believe someone needs to give you something for luck--it doesn't work to buy it for yourself.
Sorry back to the soaps they come in all kinds of yummy scents and they sell them in a cute little Chinese food container --so cute!!!

It reminded me of a story:

When I was a little girl the only place to get a fortune cookie--was in a Chinese restaurant. Once my family and I took a trip to San Francisco --and my sister chose a museum exhibit that was not for small children--I was about 7 so my Dad told me to choose something and he and I would do it. Well I loved fortune cookies--and I used to save my fortunes--one had the name of the company on the back and "San Francisco, CA" so I looked up the address in the phone book--and then found it on the map. We walked blocks through streets that looked like alleys --finally we found my fortune cookie factory --we went in and asked if we could buy some fortune cookies---they handed us a bag as big as I was and said $2--so my Daddy bought me 2 ---and they were so fresh and yummy---one of my favorite adventures from my childhood.

Madness of mundanity has a contest running to enter you need to play the game:
I always...
I sometimes...
I never...
up for grabs:

A Lomolito 'disposable' camera (it can actually be used again) in blue for the awesome, cross processed effect.

A box of Lomo fotoclips so you can make a funky photowall

An AWESOME Polaroid Brooch from That Kate's Etsy shop

And a bag of Haribo sweeties!

contest can be entered here:

http://madnessofmundanity.blogspot.com

So here is mine:
I always eat candy--I've got it bad---not every day but every hour.
I sometimes paint my nail--I just can't stand it -when it chips.
I never drive--it drives people crazy--but I'm 43 and don't drive--it's probably best--that way I have to walk--so I can walk off all the candy I eat!!

Godiva

I cant stress how much Godiva means to me---I honestly break down the year in Godiva time---birthday is in September -Godiva, Christmas December-Godiva, and then Valentine's Day this month- Godiva----Then Easter march/April --Godiva from my sister---because my dear husband does not see the need to by me an Easter present---But after Easter---we have the long lean months of summer---I have a cooler that I keep my Godiva in --but I don't like to be limited to sometimes one piece a day!!! Aaagh the horror--it pains me to even think about it.

Anyways huge fan of all things Godiva (the Godiva boutique is my mother ship) so I was thrilled when they came out with their baked goods!! I love baked goods!!

In my most recent catalog they sent me a coupon to bring in and get 2 truffles---yes please!! and I'm a member of the rewards club--if you ever buy Godiva--join the rewards club!!

Enjoy FREE Chocolate

When you join the Godiva Chocolate Rewards Club

Rewards Club Members enjoy:

• Free piece of Chocolate every month
• Free gift each month you spend $10 or more
• Free standard shipping for 1 online order
• Exclusive online special offer every month

Join today...

https://www.godiva.com/member/rewardregistration.aspx

Anyways --I got my 2 free truffles--a free piece my one a month--and my free gift for shopping last month (gift was a 2 piece box) --so right off the bat I'm thrilled --love freebies---Godiva freebies almost make me cry!!! But I've been dyeing to try the new baked goods I keep seeing in the catalog---only every time I ask the store they tell me they don't have them yet.....
So no delicious cupcakes, no ganache cake, and no giant brownies----but they did have tiny little brownie bites --for a very reasonable $10 (bag of 8 or 10-I can't remember) I was soo excited to try them----but I was very disappointed--they were really dry and crumbly---nothing like the picture in the catalog!! They tasted like they made them a month ago--In all my years I can't think of a worse brownie---so avoid the brownie bites--but sign up for the rewards club!!!

Easy chocolate cake for Valentine's Day

Ingredients

• 1 (18.25 ounce) package dark chocolate cake mix
• 1 (3.9 ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix
• 1 (16 ounce) container sour cream
• 3 eggs
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup coffee
  
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 10 inch Bundt pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine cake mix, pudding mix, sour cream, eggs, oil and coffee liqueur. Beat until ingredients are well blended. Fold in chocolate chips. Batter will be thick. Spoon into prepared pan.
3. Bake in preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until cake springs back when lightly tapped. Cool 10 minutes in pan, then turn out and cool completely on wire rack.

I spray my pan with pam and then use hot cocoa mix instead of flour---I don't like the look flour gives a chocolate cake----wait exactly 10 minutes --wait longer and cake will stick!

I like to serve the cake warm with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream--in the summer we add a few raspberries on top of the vanilla ice cream.

Out of the box sampler

For those of you who love hand made items---you really should try the "Out of The box sampler" They have them once a month or so --usually start on the first --and they sell quickly--they are $22 (including shipping) and samples range from beauty products, candles, pet treats, yummy home candies, soup mixes, cookies, etc. They also include discounts --
example: You might receive a few caramels from a new candy shop along with a coupon code for 25% off your first order.
It's always lots of fun!!! I sent one to my Mom at Halloween --and she said it was like a big box of presents!! She got a soap shaped like a finger---her favorite item!!---She thought it was hysterical!! This from a woman who keeps a rubber severed arm sticking out from under her bad--just to startle anyone who might see it!!

Anyways if you act quickly you have a chance to win one of these wonderful boxes
head on over to:
http://livingsmartgirl.blogspot.com/2010/01/out-of-box-sampler-review-giveaway.html
and follow the instructions (basically you have to post a blurb on your blog -for a chance to win)
Good luck to all!! It's worth it--if you win it's lots of fun!!!