Joint Pain Remedy in New Immigrant

Gin-Soaked Raisins!
Many "People's Pharmacy" listeners swear by this. Although I haven't tried it, I intend to. It's easy. 8 ounces golden raisins 6 to 8 ounces gin Spread raisins in a shallow pan and barely cover them with gin. Let raisins sit until the gin is completely evaporated. Eat nine raisins a day. Results may take a few weeks. That may be the one and only recipe I ever post. Take note. (From "Recipes & Remedies" by Joe & Terry Graedon)

Smile: The massive tow truck dragged our pick-up off the hill sideways in a dramatic, smoke and mirrors event. Cable was attached to the truck and to a tree and the truck was picked up like a toy and bounced and yanked around. The young magician in charge wore cowboy boots and scrambled up and down the steep, icy slope without falling! He must have had a former life in Switzerland. He was something to behold.

Frown: He broke the truck. At worst it could be the differential. The wheels don't want to move, the ABS and brake lights are on. Monday dancing cowboy returns with a flatbed tow truck to haul our shiny, new (2010) formerly perfect pick-up thirty-five miles to La Crosse where we get the diagnosis. Fingers crossed. Can you believe this? DOES EVERYONE ELSE but us KNOW NEVER TO HAVE YOUR VEHICLE PULLED SIDEWAYS?

Smile: When Tom and Willow left yesterday (he'll be back on Sunday) I was fascinated to observe the glee with which these four cats reclaimed the bedroom and bathroom (Willow's area). Una headed for a sit in the cupboard. Everyone had a drink out of their glass in the tub. Of course they had to use Willow's litter box. Gazing out the bedroom window was popular. Spot spread his fluffy self out on the bed and last night everyone slept with me. Life is good. We are calmed by routine.

Sad Face: When I saw five of Leo's kids' vehicles parked at his and Mary's house I became worried that Leo had passed away and rushed directly to see Mary. Leo was fine. Mary, however, I learned, has been in the hospital for a week and a half. They think it's pancreatitis. I need to talk to her daughters. Because I have no car I couldn't visit Mary but have talked with her. She said she gets up and walks, eats regular food, has no tubes but said no mention is being made of when she can leave.

Smile: At the recommendation of a Lansing local we tried a pizza place in town and were delighted, both because the pizza was good and also to be with people and away from the Great Truck Debacle. Had a spinach, feta, artichoke, garlic chicken pizza with homemade pesto on top. Crispy crust. Yummm.

Sad Face: My beloved cousin Eleaner died at 93. In our last conversation she said she wasn't ready to go. A month earlier she'd gone to Hawaii. But this was the very first time she ever had memory issues and did complain about always having to be taken to the doctor. She became another "second Mom" when mine passed away and we had great fun talking about family history. She was the family geneologist. At Halloween she was still making cards to sell in a local gift shop, something she'd done for years. Everywhere she went she started a Red Hat Society and thoroughly enjoyed their social agenda. I knew she wasn't well because she hadn't been on Facebook and hadn't e-mailed me. What joie de vivre she had!!

Frown: I'm overdue in mentioning that report that said women did not need regular mammograms. You should have heard my doctor roar about it. There was also the one awhile ago that discouraged PSA tests. He said the media does great damage with such reports and especially by not following up when they are discredited. Get those annual mammograms or PSA tests! Tom and I are examples of their value!

Smile: Melt water roared down the valley gully. South slopes have plenty of open ground for the deer and turkeys. I can see a large patch of open water in the main channel of the Mississippi.

MIRACLE: I HAVE BEEN ON THE TREADMILL EVERY DAY SINCE MY ONCOLOGY APPOINTMENT.

I am grateful: I'm exercising For each smile amidst the frowns and sad faces For the good feelings you give me

WISHING YOU A MIRACLE TOO!