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Keeping in Touch:  Danger of Extinction  |
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deeredawn
True Blue Farmgirl
2306 Posts
Dawn
Cordova
TN
USA
2306 Posts |
 Posted - Sep 24 2008 : 5:14:10 PM
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Dawn,
I just wanted to forward a bit of info I received from my Extension Agent. Sadly, they are not supporters of organic or heirloom practices. I seem to have offended them by voicing my opinions and concerns. How ironic, as they are suppose to be sources of help. :-( Well, at least now I know where they stand. Just thought you might be interested in reading.
TTFN,
Brenda
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From: Brenda Schroeder
Sent: Friday, September 19, 2008 1:46 PM
To: Holmes, Lisa W.
Subject: Organic Grower/Farmers Question
Do you by chance happen to know of any local farmers/ranchers that grow their food organically for resale to the public? I am EXTREMELY concerned about all of the news lately regarding Genetically Modified animals and plants becoming our only source of food in the mainstream market. The FDA currently does not enforce any labeling. I absolutely do not want my family eating this garbage and plan to start growing Heirloom Only plants and I need to find a source for organic-non genetically modified meat.
I would love for us to address this issue at some point in our meetings and maybe even get an Heirloom Seed Savers club started???
Let me know what you think.
Brenda
_________________________________________________________________________
Lisa W. Holmes
Extension Agent (4-H)
Webster Parish
1202 Homer Road
Minden, LA 71055
Phone: 318-371-1371
Fax: 318-371-9005
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From: Brenda Schroeder
Sent: Friday, September 19, 2008 3:35 PM
To: Holmes, Lisa W.
Subject: Re: Organic Grower/Farmers Question
Okay. Thank you.
----- Original Message -----
From: Holmes, Lisa W.
To: Brenda Schroeder
Sent: Friday, September 19, 2008 1:49 PM
Subject: RE: Organic Grower/Farmers Question
I’ve forwarded your message to my husband, who’s a county agent, and can help me answer your questions. When he replies, I’ll let you know what he suggests.
Thanks,
Lisa
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Brenda:
I talked to my husband a little while ago, and he shared some information with me, but I don’t feel really confident in passing it on, for fear I would not relay the information accurately; so he said when he gets back into his office early next week, he’ll reply to your concerns. For now, however, he stated that you need not panic; he will share with you some facts, instead of news reports, which can be very inaccurate.
Thanks,
Lisa
Lisa W. Holmes
Extension Agent (4-H)
Webster Parish
1202 Homer Road
Minden, LA 71055
Phone: 318-371-1371
Fax: 318-371-9005
Lisa W. Holmes
Extension Agent (4-H)
Webster Parish
1202 Homer Road
Minden, LA 71055
Phone: 318-371-1371
Fax: 318-371-9005
Sent: Monday, September 22, 2008 9:31 AM
Subject: RE: Organic Grower/Farmers Question
Brenda,
I have attached the latest list of certified organic producers in Louisiana and also below is a web link for the Organic Certification Program in Louisiana:
http://www.ldaf.state.la.us/portal/Offices/AgriculturalEnvironmentalSciences/PesticideEnvironmentalPrograms/OrganicCertificationPrograms/tabid/435/Default.aspx
It concerns me that you refer to our U.S. food source as “garbage”. With the rules and regulations that control our foods, we certainly have the safest food supply in the world. Yes, genetic engineering of plants and animals has and will continue to increase in importance as our farmers combat high input prices and reduction of available production acreage. These genetically engineered products allow us to produce more food on the same or less acreage as before, while increasing resistance to certain diseases and pests. Remember, genetically engineered plant products have been in the food chain since the 1990’s with no scientific detrimental effect. Currently, no products derived from genetically engineered animals are allowed in the food chain. The Food & Drug Administration has issued a draft on regulating these products and have a open comment period until November 8, 2008. I encourage you to make your voice thru FDA’s comment venue. Following is a web link to the latest news release from FDA concerning this topic:
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01887.html
Again, I encourage you rethink referring negatively to our U.S. food supply. Our farmers are dedicated to providing a safe, consumer acceptable product while also remaining profitable. However, I grant you that organic/naturally grown products are increasing in demand. When buying organically grown, make sure the products you are buying are in compliance with state regulations concerning organically grown plants and animals. Some people will try to sell products under this “label” without conforming to regulation. Also, you made mention to growing your own food. Price of food on grocers’ shelves has certainly been a topic in households across the U.S., and backyard gardens are certainly a means to decrease the grocery bill. I believe this type of philosophy will continue to grow over coming years. Locally grown foods being marketed through farmer’s markets and roadside stands have recently taken a rise in popularity. The LSU AgCenter offers a number of publications on home & commercial vegetable gardens. The information in these publications is quality, researched based information. Please refer to these publications in your decision making process.
With the internet so readily available, I encourage you to make sure the information you are gathering is scientific based. The news media doesn’t always provide the most accurate information, so it is up to us to make sure we have all of the facts and not just opinion. I appreciate your consideration and thank you for looking to the LSU AgCenter for valuable information. If I can be of any further assistance, please let me know.
Sincerely,
Jason E. Holmes
County Agent (ANR/4-H)
Union Parish
210 East Water Street
Farmerville, La 71241
Voice: (318)368-9935
Fax: (318)368-2997
Email: jholmes@agcenter.lsu.edu
Web: www.lsuagcenter.com
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Dawn #279
MJ's Heirloom Mavens/Mother Hen
http://heirloommavens.blogspot.com
http://harvestthymefarm.blogspot.com
"I figure if a girl wants to be a legend, she should go ahead and be one!"...Calamity Jane |
Edited by - deeredawn on Sep 24 2008 5:15:32 PM |
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deeredawn
True Blue Farmgirl
2306 Posts
Dawn
Cordova
TN
USA
2306 Posts |
Posted - Sep 24 2008 : 5:18:02 PM
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Okay, I'm out.... I have made apple chips, apple butter, apple sauce, apple dumplings, apple pies and I'm beat......but my house smells good!
Dawn #279
MJ's Heirloom Mavens/Mother Hen
http://heirloommavens.blogspot.com
http://harvestthymefarm.blogspot.com
"I figure if a girl wants to be a legend, she should go ahead and be one!"...Calamity Jane |
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Annika
True Blue Farmgirl
5602 Posts
Annika
USA
5602 Posts |
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Contrary Wife
True Blue Farmgirl
2164 Posts
Teresa Sue
Tekoa
WA
USA
2164 Posts |
Posted - Sep 24 2008 : 5:37:54 PM
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I thought you were resting!
==========
Well, what did you expect a government "agent" to say? Why do you think I have issues with my whole Master Gardener certification. It's the same old double talk. The poor guy probably means well, but he has to tow the party line. The extension service is very, very political.
Teresa Sue
Farmgirl Sister #316
"Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly." The Dalai Lama |
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LivingWell4You
True Blue Farmgirl
1411 Posts
Karen
Hillsboro
MO
USA
1411 Posts |
Posted - Sep 24 2008 : 6:08:46 PM
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Hi -it's me. Still typing one-handed but not in as much pain. I dislocated a rib - chiropractor is getting it back in place. Have another appt tomorrow.
Awwwwwwwwwwww - you girls make me feel so loved.
Will fill in details when my other arm becomes functional again, hopefully in a few days.
Dawn, what's an afterwards and can't they shorten it to 1-2? heh heh heh
God bless -
Karen ~ Chickherder & Farmgirl Sister #311 |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Sep 24 2008 : 6:40:06 PM
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Karen- How did you manage to dislocate a rib?! Glad you are getting fixed up!
Well no matter what we are told, we know that saving the heirlooms is serious business. I can't remember where I read it, perhaps the Moscow-Pullman Daily news, but there is an heirloom department of the WSU Agricultural department. There were some stats about how when they started there were only so many seeds of certain varieties left that they could find anywhere and they have literally brought some plants back from the verge of extinction!!
But with everything else going on in the world, I guess the fates of a few little seeds don't make national news coverage. It's a shame because I think the more that people are educated the better choices they will make. I firmly believe that while some people won't be moved to do anything, many more would be!
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
Please come visit Nora and me on our blog: www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
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Annika
True Blue Farmgirl
5602 Posts
Annika
USA
5602 Posts |
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Annika
True Blue Farmgirl
5602 Posts
Annika
USA
5602 Posts |
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Tina Michelle
True Blue Farmgirl
6948 Posts
Tina
sunshine state
FL
USA
6948 Posts |
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graciegreeneyes
True Blue Farmgirl
3107 Posts
Amy Grace
Rosalia
WA
USA
3107 Posts |
Posted - Sep 24 2008 : 7:48:25 PM
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Karen, I'm glad you are feeling better, although I'm sure a dislocated rib is not something you just "get over"
Dawn, glad the tests came back negative so far, I've been thinking about you.
Corinne - welcome, your post reminded me that I am going to France in the spring and one of the things I want to do is buy seeds, if I can bring them home
Teresa Sue is your property near the Minnaloosa Valley? I love that area, my dad runs a church camp on Lake CD'A and when we drive out on Thanksgiving we go over through Tekoa and up through St. Maries to get there - beautiful scenery. Outback badge sounds great:)
I hope everyone has a lovely evening - I am heading to bed, one too many nights without enough sleep this week is making Amy Grace a dull girl
Amy Grace
Farmgirl #224
"use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without" |
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deeredawn
True Blue Farmgirl
2306 Posts
Dawn
Cordova
TN
USA
2306 Posts |
Posted - Sep 25 2008 : 04:57:53 AM
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Karen...glad your back. Will be calling you sometime today.
Um... I have NO IDEA what an 'afterwards' is....where did I post that little "Dawn-ism"??
I tink I have turned my brain into applesauce! I'm STILL beat!
Dawn #279
MJ's Heirloom Mavens/Mother Hen
http://heirloommavens.blogspot.com
http://harvestthymefarm.blogspot.com
"I figure if a girl wants to be a legend, she should go ahead and be one!"...Calamity Jane |
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Contrary Wife
True Blue Farmgirl
2164 Posts
Teresa Sue
Tekoa
WA
USA
2164 Posts |
Posted - Sep 25 2008 : 04:59:23 AM
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Good morning Mavens,
Karen I'm glad you know whats going on health wise and I wish you a speedy recovery, missed ya, girl!
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Well, Dawn the apple woman, with all you have been doing I hope you feel better! I figured out you're just playing with your new toy, the apple slicer/peeler, ; ) really hope you are feeling better though. We need you.
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Amy Grace our land is a little further south and then more to the east, it' actually in the mts. Well, what they call mountains out here. It's part of the Bitterroot range, which is actually the foothills to the Rockies. But they look like hills to me, I mean after being in Wyo and driving back and forth thu MT, now THOSE ARE MOUNTAINS! The Minnaloosa Valley is really pretty isn't it? Actually our place as the crow flies is approx on the other side of that mt.
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I'm waiting impatiently for my book fix, I mean my book order ;^O to arrive. I want to get started on reading, it must be the weather, I'm just ready to hole up, read, quilt and putz around the house.
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I have to go into Spokane today, : ( I'm hoping it's an in and out event. I would rather go into Moscow/Pullman or even Lewiston, I'm not too crazy about Spokane. At least I can go to the food co-op in Moscow. You would think a town the size of Spokane would have a whole foods or trader joes, we heard there was going to be one, but now we're hearing it isn't coming in.
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Well, I'm just rambling now, gotta go fix hubby's lunch and off to work I go.
Teresa Sue
Farmgirl Sister #316
"Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly." The Dalai Lama |
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deeredawn
True Blue Farmgirl
2306 Posts
Dawn
Cordova
TN
USA
2306 Posts |
Posted - Sep 25 2008 : 05:00:01 AM
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Duh. AmyGrace, when you go to France, I want some seed too! I want anything old (obviously) and different. Like some rouge'd somethingsomething pumpkins. We call them Red Warty Things. Any kind of pumpkin or gourd and flowers. With my "new" house I want lotsa purples and blues!
Dawn #279
MJ's Heirloom Mavens/Mother Hen
http://heirloommavens.blogspot.com
http://harvestthymefarm.blogspot.com
"I figure if a girl wants to be a legend, she should go ahead and be one!"...Calamity Jane |
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Contrary Wife
True Blue Farmgirl
2164 Posts
Teresa Sue
Tekoa
WA
USA
2164 Posts |
Posted - Sep 25 2008 : 05:03:48 AM
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ROFL, yea Amy Grace, I want some Rouge'd red, warty things too. HaaaaaaaaHaaaaaaaaa;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; OMG, Dawn you crack me up!
Teresa Sue
Farmgirl Sister #316
"Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly." The Dalai Lama |
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Contrary Wife
True Blue Farmgirl
2164 Posts
Teresa Sue
Tekoa
WA
USA
2164 Posts |
Posted - Sep 25 2008 : 05:05:48 AM
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PS if you keep falling down the stairs, Dawn you'll have a good jump on having lotsu purples and blues for you new house. Be careful!!
Your new house? Are you moving? Building?
Teresa Sue
Farmgirl Sister #316
"Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly." The Dalai Lama |
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Corinnelouise
True Blue Farmgirl
957 Posts
Corinne
France
957 Posts |
Posted - Sep 25 2008 : 05:39:36 AM
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I think the pumpkin you are talking about is the rouge d'Etampe variety, very tasty and beautiful.
Let me think of where you can buy seeds in France Amy Grace, only a very few places sell the open pollination type, we have a lot of "new" sorts out there as well.
Check this site : http://www.fermedesaintemarthe.com/
click on CATALOGUE on the left site and let the magic of pumpkins take you away for a moment.
If i can be of any help with getting some seeds for you, I am going to France next month, so will have enough time to order them, receive them and send them over to you.
Corinne
Sister # 101 |
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LivingWell4You
True Blue Farmgirl
1411 Posts
Karen
Hillsboro
MO
USA
1411 Posts |
Posted - Sep 25 2008 : 05:49:04 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by graciegreeneyes
Karen - that was a beautifully written tribute to your father, what a wonderful gift to live on the land that your family worked, and use the tools that they did. That is one of the things that draws me to heirlooms as well, it is the connection with our past, our real people, living history.
........
So far I haven't heard from anybody except to know that Dawn wants elderberries, which I have in my backyard. E-mail away ladies!!
Amy Grace"use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without"
Amy Grace, thanks for the kind words and you have an e-mail.
God bless -
Karen ~ Chickherder & Farmgirl Sister #311 |
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Corinnelouise
True Blue Farmgirl
957 Posts
Corinne
France
957 Posts |
Posted - Sep 25 2008 : 05:57:50 AM
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Ladies I hope that all the pain will be going away soon and that you will feel better even sooner.
Falls and pain are difficult to go by, all my thoughts are going to you.
Annika, how is this ankle of yours ?
Corinne
Sister # 101 |
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LivingWell4You
True Blue Farmgirl
1411 Posts
Karen
Hillsboro
MO
USA
1411 Posts |
Posted - Sep 25 2008 : 05:59:39 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by deeredawn
I also have a seed mix. I have them all packaged up in cardstock envelopes that I made. they are pretty cute. If you want one, send me your address! Its all natural wildflower!
Dawn, I want some - you've got my number, er, address.
God bless -
Karen ~ Chickherder & Farmgirl Sister #311 |
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LivingWell4You
True Blue Farmgirl
1411 Posts
Karen
Hillsboro
MO
USA
1411 Posts |
Posted - Sep 25 2008 : 06:06:21 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Contrary Wife
Karen, do you get those in your shoulder often? Hope it's not from balancing on the edge of the HMV, hehehe Take care of yourself okay?
Teresa Sue, you are closer to the cause than you realize. I think I got it from balancing on the edge of the MJV and the life-changing effect it's had on more. More about that after I get done catching up.
God bless -
Karen ~ Chickherder & Farmgirl Sister #311 |
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LivingWell4You
True Blue Farmgirl
1411 Posts
Karen
Hillsboro
MO
USA
1411 Posts |
Posted - Sep 25 2008 : 06:13:42 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by deeredawn
TM: I had the cat scan and an MRI. No mass, no anuerism. All thats left to do is the spinal tap which will leave me very sick for 2-3 afterwards. Haven't scheduled it yet due to finances.
Dawn, yesterday's post at 5:09pm
God bless -
Karen ~ Chickherder & Farmgirl Sister #311 |
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LivingWell4You
True Blue Farmgirl
1411 Posts
Karen
Hillsboro
MO
USA
1411 Posts |
Posted - Sep 25 2008 : 06:17:06 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by deeredawn
I tink I have turned my brain into applesauce! I'm STILL beat!
Another Dawn-ism! I love 'em - I really, ree-wee do.
God bless -
Karen ~ Chickherder & Farmgirl Sister #311 |
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LivingWell4You
True Blue Farmgirl
1411 Posts
Karen
Hillsboro
MO
USA
1411 Posts |
Posted - Sep 25 2008 : 06:46:24 AM
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Good morning, Mavens! Oh, it's good to be able to type that with both hands! Not pain-free, but a maven's gotta do what a maven's gotta do.
Had a much better night's sleep - thanks to Advil. Really hate to take anything that's not natural but a maven's gotta do what a maven's gotta do. Was sort of pleased to find that all of the un-natural pain killers still in our house were past the expiration date as that means we've been naturally pain free for over a eyar (year to those of you who don't speak Karen-ese).
Here's the whole story........hang on.........
1. I have one leg longer than the other that causes me back pain from time to time - discovered this when I wasn't able to sit up and get out of bed one morning. That was 20 years ago.
2. This past February I fell coming out of a restaurant - over the three steps down to the sidewalk. Hit the concrete sidewalk with both knees. Felt more embarrassed (sp?) for the two men that had to watch that ungraceful exit than for myself. Much more to tell about that incident but will save it for another time. Had a nice bruise on my back from because of the compression from the fall.
3. Began going to chiropractor in March. Got back in shape (literally and figuratively) and was going every other week.
4. Took 2-week vacation in June and since I was still feeling good, I got cocky and quit going to the chiropractor.
5. A month later, still feelin' good, doin' physical stuff, workin' outside, gardenin', hangin' laundry on line, found MaryJane, became truly inspired, doin' even more.
6. Noticed that the base of my spine was giving me trouble. More achy all over than usual - figured it was arthritis flares from the weather changes.
7. Tuesday night, Sept 23, 2008 - sitting in Bible study and "suddenly" had a pain in my back, like I twisted something. Tried stretching it out. It didn't help. Not too bad though - thought a good night's sleep would take care of it.
8. Good night's sleep didn't happen. Much pain. Crying out. Crying period. Scaring hubby. Pain stayed just in back area, next to the shoulder blade. No heart attack symptoms (sorry to worry you girls - didn't think about your minds going there).
9. On the way to chiropractor - hubby doing an excellent job of driving slow - called friend to tell her for sure couldn't make it to Alison Kraus concert that night. Hubby gunned the car a little to make yellow light as car behind him would have hit us (dad gum aggressive drivers). Since I had the phone in my hand I couldn't grab the handle to brace myself. Triggered massive pain in my back. Just then phone beeps to leave message so left scary, crying message for her. Hubby now in tears thinking I've now broken something. Wife (me) in tears from pain - back pain and sorry for frightening hubby but can't quit crying because of back pain.
10. At chiropractor's, I'm thinking it's a really bad muscle knot. She's thinking it's a rib. I'm now scared. In room, got electric muscle stimulator done on back - felt wonderful. Got adjustment - did not feel wonderful (she made sure there was no one in the waiting room when she did the adjustment as I cried out pretty bad while she was checking things out).
10.5 Oh, yea, how did I dislocate the rib. Since I hadn't been coming in for my semi-monthly adjustments, one little thing after another caused the spine to get out of alignment further and further until in trying to keep itself in place, it dislocated the rib. According to Dr Nancy, the body will do what it needs to do to keep the eyes level, so my body kept self-adjusting until it could self-adjust no more.
11. Stopped at pharmacy on way home to get drugs. Actually had some pain-free moments the rest of the day. Had trouble finding a position to lay in that did not cause a lot of pain. Finally took another pill (duh), propped a pillow behind my back, and thankfully slept through most of the night.
12. Took a pain pill this morning so I could check in & catch up. A maven's gotta do what a maven's gotta do. Pill is beginning to wear off but I'm just achy now, no sharp searing pain.
13. Will be making regular visits to the chiropractor again and not get cocky - at least not regarding my back.
14. Experiencing much warmth in my heart from the care and concern of the mavens. So very, very, very, very, very, very grateful for this group.
15. Pain pill beginning to wear off so will close and post again tomorrow - but will be checking in from time to time. The pain is in the left should and I use my right hand for the mouse. Grateful for small favors!
16. Y'all probably moved to page 46 in the time it took me to type this.
God bless -
Karen ~ Chickherder & Farmgirl Sister #311 |
Edited by - LivingWell4You on Sep 25 2008 07:05:21 AM |
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LivingWell4You
True Blue Farmgirl
1411 Posts
Karen
Hillsboro
MO
USA
1411 Posts |
Posted - Sep 25 2008 : 06:47:44 AM
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Where are you people?
God bless -
Karen ~ Chickherder & Farmgirl Sister #311 |
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ruralfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
4309 Posts
Rene'
Prosser
WA
USA
4309 Posts |
Posted - Sep 25 2008 : 07:04:07 AM
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Hey Karen,
I have been busy playing catch up trying to read the pages of this thread that I got behind on from not being on mych yesterday... Glad your on the road to recovery. You and Dawn and such characters, I cannot wait until the BBB and met you all in person, what a time we will have.
Rene~Prosser Farmgirl #185
http://farmchicksfarm.blogspot.com/
You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.
Mae West
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Keeping in Touch: Danger of Extinction |
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Danger of Extinction
