Small Talk: The Prayer Closet

[Absolom]

Be sure to buy something called a whisper quiet or something like that fan.  It shouldn't be bad at all.  That's what I have and I rarely notice it.  

[SunnyBeBe]

On 4/29/2019 at 3:23 PM, emma675 said:

Scarlett45, I forgot to ask, did you travel by yourself or with friends? I'm considering doing a long weekend in London by myself this summer but I've never done a solo vacation overseas before. I've been to London several times but I just want to go by myself to only do the tourist-y things I want to do and shop for two days without feeling guilty that someone is missing out on a museum or tour.

I just wanted to say that some years ago, I was in Europe (Paris, but, mainly London) with a medium size group, including some of my friends and was rooming with my best friend.  During the trip, she had to return home suddenly due to a medical emergency with a family member and she insisted that I stay and take photos.  I did some things with the group, of course, but, then the group left and I stayed on my own for a few days.  I didn't know a single other person on the continent. lol  I went out to dine by myself, shopped by myself, and even got on a train and traveled up to Northern England by myself for a day trip. I got out at one little village and had lunch with the locals.  For me, it was something that I had to do, because, I had no choice, but, now I'm glad that I did, because, it taught me that I could make it anywhere in the world on my own.  I wouldn't hesitate to travel internationally alone again.  

Edited April 30, 2019 by SunnyBeBe

[emma675]

I've actually been to London by myself once, but I took a train out to Herefordshire (I'm probably butchering that) to a friend's wedding and was with the group for the rest of the trip, so it wasn't an "official" solo vacation. I've taken solo vacays to NYC and the Texas coast, but just never to another country completely. I'm looking into flight and hotel options now for later this summer!

[SunnyBeBe]

2 minutes ago, emma675 said:

I've actually been to London by myself once, but I took a train out to Herefordshire (I'm probably butchering that) to a friend's wedding and was with the group for the rest of the trip, so it wasn't an "official" solo vacation. I've taken solo vacays to NYC and the Texas coast, but just never to another country completely. I'm looking into flight and hotel options now for later this summer!

That sounds exciting. I'd prefer to go with a companion, but, sometimes that's just not feasible.  I hope you have a great trip.  Oh, there may be some groups you could travel with and attend  guided tours, and then have your own private time for your own excursions.  That's an option too. 

Edited April 30, 2019 by SunnyBeBe

[louannems]

Back to bathroom fans: I have always had them in my bathrooms.  I cannot imagine not having one on when using the toilet. The fan helps cover up those unfortunate noises and also gets rid of bad smells!

And, like everyone else said, it helps prevent mildew. Keeping the fan running as long as possible, keeping the shower door open as long as possible, and keeping the bathroom door open afterwards as long as possible, goes a long way to  not having to clean mold.

[Minivanessa]

If anyone's going to London and hasn't heard of London Walks - you need to check it out. They have guided walks in and around London seven days a week, year round. No pre-booking, just show up at the appointed time and place, and pay the £10 fee (£8 for seniors, kids free). The walks last 2 to 3 hours and the guides are Blue Badge guides. Some of them are also actors. Besides the walks in London, they offer some day trip excursions to locations outside London.

Over the years I've taken more of their walks than I can remember, and have never been disappointed. I've also done day trips with them to Cambridge, Brighton, St. Albans, and Avebury/Lacock. The great thing to me is the flexibility; you don't prebook so if your plans change or you decide you'd rather not do that walk after all, just don't show up for it. 

I did their Westminster Abbey tour about three years ago and want to do it again. 

A history geek story. More than 15 years ago I was in London with a friend. She wanted to hang out at the hotel and rest one morning, so I grabbed the London Walks brochure to see if I could make it to a guided walk. The only one that I was remotely interested in, and could get to on time, was the "Beatles in My Life" walk. So I went. Honestly I didn't care about much of the trivia that the well-informed guide regaled us with. We were standing on a street of old townhouses where I think Lennon or Cilla Black or somebody had lived or stayed or something. My attention was wandering, and I was enjoying just soaking up London. I noticed a blue medallion on the building next door and slinked over to look at it. We were on Wimpole Street, and this had been the home of Elizabeth Barrett Browning's family of origin. ("The Barretts of Wimpole Street" - of course.) Layers of history. The past and present. I ❤️ London. Of course, the walk took us to the famous Abbey Road crossing, and I enjoyed that bit.

Edited April 30, 2019 by Jeeves

[sixlets]

Fuzzy, I am so sorry for your loss.  You have my sympathy and condolences.

Re:  Exhaust fans.  This is right up Mr. Six's alley since he's a mechanical engineer/certified plumbing designer.  His firm does not do private homes, but he does work on every other kind of building.  I asked him if they were required, and he did say they fall under the international mechanical code.  I'm assuming that is for new construction and if the bathroom does not already have a window.  My parent's house does not have one, but it's over 70 years old.  Our current home (built mid-70s) does have one since it's an interior room.  Our bathroom has a 3-switch fixture.  One is for the overhead light, which will turn the exhaust on/off.  One is for the vanity lights over the sink, and the other is for a nightlight in the overhead light.  We keep the nightlight on, but we'll change the bulb to different colors depending on what we have.  It's not bright enough to keep you awake, but it's enough to light the hallway/doorway.  I don't really hear it anymore, but it does help with humidity.  

[SunnyBeBe]

On 4/29/2019 at 5:18 PM, Fuzzysox said:

Just popping in to say Hi! It's been a while. I was taking care of my mom for the last six months. It was a long road of hospital stays, rehab, home, rinse and repeat. Sadly, she passed last Wednesday. I'm at peace knowing she will no longer suffering from diabetes. 

Let's snark. I need a distraction.

I just saw your post about your loss. I'm so sorry. Even though her suffering is over, I know it must still be tough. 

[SunnyBeBe]

On 4/29/2019 at 4:04 PM, lookeyloo said:

I am about to whine and complaint - around 2006 I noticed a small bump around the size of a grain of rice up there where the gum meets the cheek.  Dentist blew it off.  Needed a dental clearance the next year for hip replacement surgery and hygienist noticed it.  Referred for root canal.  It has never been really gone all that time.  Every once in a while it "perks up" and I have taken an antibiotic a couple of times, which doesn't do much.  Have been to endodontist several times before we moved and, perplexed.  Moved here and after two more years, it puffed up a lot and ruptured.  First and only time.  Had another root canal.  For 8 months it was relatively fine and recently plumped up a little.  No pain.  Went back to endodontist here who did second root canal.  Said need extraction and implant because the area was too hard for him to get to for an apicoectomy (new word for me).  Go to oral surgeon. Saw him today.  Did tooth CT.  Showed me the small area of irritation/infection.  Said it would be too hard for him to do an apicoectomy so extraction and implant. I am annoyed.  Seems like extraction/implant is the new thing on the block.  If I were absolutely sure that would solve my issue without causing more problems I might consider it more.  I was told a root canal would fix it (twice).  I have a call in for my regular dentist who didn't seem to think it was a crisis situation being that I've had it for so long.  And, I have the information to see if I can get an appointment at the Emory Clinic. Don't know if I need a referral from dentist, website doesn't seem to indicate.   Anyway, that is my tale of woe and it is too early to drink!!

I would get another opinion maybe from teaching dental school if possible. I got opinion from 2 private dentist of work they said I needed (very pricy)only to have the TOP teaching doctor at UNC school of dentistry say otherwise. Only spent around $1500. Lol Sadly, profit is behind some of these recommendations.

[Jynnan tonnix]

4 hours ago, Jeeves said:

If anyone's going to London and hasn't heard of London Walks - you need to check it out. They have guided walks in and around London seven days a week, year round. No pre-booking, just show up at the appointed time and place, and pay the £10 fee (£8 for seniors, kids free). The walks last 2 to 3 hours and the guides are Blue Badge guides. Some of them are also actors. Besides the walks in London, they offer some day trip excursions to locations outside London.

Over the years I've taken more of their walks than I can remember, and have never been disappointed. I've also done day trips with them to Cambridge, Brighton, St. Albans, and Avebury/Lacock. The great thing to me is the flexibility; you don't prebook so if your plans change or you decide you'd rather not do that walk after all, just don't show up for it. 

I did their Westminster Abbey tour about three years ago and want to do it again. 

A history geek story. More than 15 years ago I was in London with a friend. She wanted to hang out at the hotel and rest one morning, so I grabbed the London Walks brochure to see if I could make it to a guided walk. The only one that I was remotely interested in, and could get to on time, was the "Beatles in My Life" walk. So I went. Honestly I didn't care about much of the trivia that the well-informed guide regaled us with. We were standing on a street of old townhouses where I think Lennon or Cilla Black or somebody had lived or stayed or something. My attention was wandering, and I was enjoying just soaking up London. I noticed a blue medallion on the building next door and slinked over to look at it. We were on Wimpole Street, and this had been the home of Elizabeth Barrett Browning's family of origin. ("The Barretts of Wimpole Street" - of course.) Layers of history. The past and present. I ❤️ London. Of course, the walk took us to the famous Abbey Road crossing, and I enjoyed that bit.

I'll definitely keep this in mind. All my first cousins are in England, and one of them (previously two) lived in St. Albans which has some of the loveliest scenery and villages in it and nearby.  I hate to have to rely on them all the time to drive me hither and yon, but would love to explore more of the area.

[bigskygirl]

1 hour ago, SunnyBeBe said:

I would get another opinion maybe from teaching dental school if possible. I got opinion from 2 private dentist of work they said I needed (very pricy)only to have the TOP teaching doctor at UNC school of dentistry say otherwise. Only spent around $1500. Lol Sadly, profit is behind some of these recommendations.

I agree with the second opinion. I went to a dental clinic when I was showing signs of cavities and periodontal disease, and they did not catch it in time. I was told by another dentist office, the one clinic is more interested in pulling your teeth out instead of trying to save them. Plus the fact they got snotty when I ask for my x-rays and files to be sent to the one dentist office.

[Christina87]

Has anyone ever had a coloscopy? I had an abnormal pap, and have to have one. I am really nervous! It sounds like they are just looking at your cervix with a microscope, and maybe taking a biopsy. I'm just so scared of what might come after! Thankfully, I read cervical cancer is slow growing, and that's only worst case scenario. It's scary, though! I've never been called back for anything like this. 

[jcbrown]

37 minutes ago, Christina87 said:

Has anyone ever had a coloscopy? I had an abnormal pap, and have to have one. I am really nervous! It sounds like they are just looking at your cervix with a microscope, and maybe taking a biopsy. I'm just so scared of what might come after! Thankfully, I read cervical cancer is slow growing, and that's only worst case scenario. It's scary, though! I've never been called back for anything like this. 

I've had a LEEP to remove abnormal cells, which might be one of the outcomes of a colposcopy. It is a bit scary but not terrible to undergo and good for diagnostics (and the LEEP actually removes the abnormal cells, too). Happy thoughts for you.

[Marshmallow Mollie]

37 minutes ago, Christina87 said:

Has anyone ever had a coloscopy? I had an abnormal pap, and have to have one. I am really nervous! It sounds like they are just looking at your cervix with a microscope, and maybe taking a biopsy. I'm just so scared of what might come after! Thankfully, I read cervical cancer is slow growing, and that's only worst case scenario. It's scary, though! I've never been called back for anything like this. 

I have. And then I had a LEEP procedure. And later I carried twins with a nice tight cervix. I don’t remember the colposcopy. The LEEP I vaguely remember. Anywho, you’ll do great!

[Christina87]

@jcbrown and @Marshmallow Mollie Thank you, ladies!!! I already feel way better about it! It definitely doesn't sound like it scarred either of you for life. 😆 It's always good to catch something early, too. Doesn't sound as scary anymore!

[DangerousMinds]

1 hour ago, Christina87 said:

Has anyone ever had a coloscopy? I had an abnormal pap, and have to have one. I am really nervous! It sounds like they are just looking at your cervix with a microscope, and maybe taking a biopsy. I'm just so scared of what might come after! Thankfully, I read cervical cancer is slow growing, and that's only worst case scenario. It's scary, though! I've never been called back for anything like this. 

Yes, I had one about 15 years ago for that same reason. At worst, it was really only mildly uncomfortable. All my paps after it turned out normal.

[lookeyloo]

11 hours ago, SunnyBeBe said:

I would get another opinion maybe from teaching dental school if possible. I got opinion from 2 private dentist of work they said I needed (very pricy)only to have the TOP teaching doctor at UNC school of dentistry say otherwise. Only spent around $1500. Lol Sadly, profit is behind some of these recommendations.

Yes, of course. I am in the process of doing that right now.  Luckily original dentist very helpful.  He said I am not in any danger and he has special specialists to refer me to, for difficult cases.  I do have options.  Thanks.

[bigskygirl]

Turn on the lights in the bathroom this morning, and of course the fan turns on. I thought it was the water heater acting up because it sounded like water was over flowing some where.

[louannems]

1 hour ago, bigskygirl said:

Turn on the lights in the bathroom this morning, and of course the fan turns on. I thought it was the water heater acting up because it sounded like water was over flowing some where.

I mentioned yesterday that I've always had bathroom fans, but I've never had one controlled by the same switch as the light.  We've always had two different switches.

Hopefully you'll soon get used to it!

[doodlebug]

13 hours ago, Christina87 said:

Has anyone ever had a coloscopy? I had an abnormal pap, and have to have one. I am really nervous! It sounds like they are just looking at your cervix with a microscope, and maybe taking a biopsy. I'm just so scared of what might come after! Thankfully, I read cervical cancer is slow growing, and that's only worst case scenario. It's scary, though! I've never been called back for anything like this. 

Never had one, but I've done about a million of them; often 2-3 a day.  Like a lot of things, thinking about it is the worst part.  You'll feel a pinch if they need to take a biopsy which will be about the size of the head of a pin.  They may also do some scraping of the inner cervix to get some cells from the area that can't be seen.  That can be crampy.  The whole thing will take maybe 5 minutes. 

The vast majority of people who have colpos don't need any treatment, we just follow their Paps for a while and the bad cells heal themselves and go away.  If not, you might need a procedure to remove them and, as noted above, a LEEP is the most common one we do.  Most women I talk to tell me it was less uncomfortable than the colposcopy, it is certainly comparable.

It's only lunchtime here and I've already done a LEEP this morning and have a colposcopy scheduled for this afternoon.  You have a lot of company.

BTW, this is why all girls should receive HPV vaccination when they're around 11.  It not only prevents cancer, it prevents bad Pap smears.  Boys should receive it, too, to not only protect their future partners but to prevent cancer of the penis as they get older (yes, there is such a thing).

[Mindthinkr]

Just got home from a solo trip. My heart goes out to so many of you. Wishes and prayers of good health, condolences, empathy to all of you who need them. I’m also handy in the kitchen and will provide care packages for anyone who is in need. 

I have raveled solo all over the US, South American and Europe. This trip (NOLA) had a negative impact. Some stranger grabbed on to me and tried to drag me off to goodness knows where. I kept screaming that I didn’t know him and to let me go. Some bouncer at a random bar saw what was happening and grabbed him and told him to let go of me. The second he did I was off like a flash to my hotel. It was very scary. My advice. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Don’t wear flashy clothes or jewelry. I’m small and an easy target (so I’ve been told). Go, but be safe. 

[louannems]

1 hour ago, doodlebug said:

Never had one, but I've done about a million of them; often 2-3 a day.  Like a lot of things, thinking about it is the worst part.  You'll feel a pinch if they need to take a biopsy which will be about the size of the head of a pin.  They may also do some scraping of the inner cervix to get some cells from the area that can't be seen.  That can be crampy.  The whole thing will take maybe 5 minutes. 

The vast majority of people who have colpos don't need any treatment, we just follow their Paps for a while and the bad cells heal themselves and go away.  If not, you might need a procedure to remove them and, as noted above, a LEEP is the most common one we do.  Most women I talk to tell me it was less uncomfortable than the colposcopy, it is certainly comparable.

It's only lunchtime here and I've already done a LEEP this morning and have a colposcopy scheduled for this afternoon.  You have a lot of company.

BTW, this is why all girls should receive HPV vaccination when they're around 11.  It not only prevents cancer, it prevents bad Pap smears.  Boys should receive it, too, to not only protect their future partners but to prevent cancer of the penis as they get older (yes, there is such a thing).

I had a colposcopy in 1983. Followed by cryosurgery (freezing bad cells).  I remember the OB/GYN , during the cryosurgery, telling me I smelled good!  I was mortified but never said a word to anyone.

Shortly after that, I read in the paper that many patients had complained about him, and shortly after that I received a letter saying he was moving his practice from Washington state to back East.

I have no idea if a LEEP is anything like a cryosurgery, but afterwards, I had months of discharge.  It was quite awful, really.

Also, I have never again had a bad Pap result, and to this day wondered if the Dr made the whole thing up for money.

[Scarlett45]

17 hours ago, Christina87 said:

Has anyone ever had a coloscopy? I had an abnormal pap, and have to have one. I am really nervous! It sounds like they are just looking at your cervix with a microscope, and maybe taking a biopsy. I'm just so scared of what might come after! Thankfully, I read cervical cancer is slow growing, and that's only worst case scenario. It's scary, though! I've never been called back for anything like this. 

Awww @Christina87 ((((hugs)))). I’m proud of you for taking good care of your health. Did you get the HPV vaccine when it first came out? You are two years younger than me and I was young enough to get it when it first hit the market. 

Either way I’m sure you’re fine. 

3 hours ago, doodlebug said:

BTW, this is why all girls should receive HPV vaccination when they're around 11.  It not only prevents cancer, it prevents bad Pap smears.  Boys should receive it, too, to not only protect their future partners but to prevent cancer of the penis as they get older (yes, there is such a thing).

Word!! I got mine as soon as it was available although I was older than 11!

[emma675]

I had a colposcopy two years ago after an abnormal pap smear and my doc described it as a pap smear on steroids. It took about 5 minutes and it was mildly uncomfortable but not bad. I had a normal pap smear the year after that and I go in next week for my annual. It better be normal, I was hopping mad after the colposcopy (I don't even know why, I was just furious that I had an abnormal result for some reason, it was weird).

Mindthinkr, yikes! That's so scary, I'm glad you're okay.

[Scarlett45]

2 hours ago, Mindthinkr said:

Just got home from a solo trip. My heart goes out to so many of you. Wishes and prayers of good health, condolences, empathy to all of you who need them. I’m also handy in the kitchen and will provide care packages for anyone who is in need. 

I have raveled solo all over the US, South American and Europe. This trip (NOLA) had a negative impact. Some stranger grabbed on to me and tried to drag me off to goodness knows where. I kept screaming that I didn’t know him and to let me go. Some bouncer at a random bar saw what was happening and grabbed him and told him to let go of me. The second he did I was off like a flash to my hotel. It was very scary. My advice. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Don’t wear flashy clothes or jewelry. I’m small and an easy target (so I’ve been told). Go, but be safe. 

I am glad you are okay. I too walked many times down Freret street when I was an undergrad in NOLA, and someone could’ve grabbed me. Of course you were scared!! This can happen at home on the way from work so it’s no reason not to take our trips but yes safety comes first. 

Again glad you’re alright. 

[Zella]

Christina, hoping everything goes well with your procedure!

[Temperance]

2 minutes ago, Zella said:

Christina, hoping everything goes well with your procedure!

What Zella said. 

[zoomama]

4 hours ago, doodlebug said:

BTW, this is why all girls should receive HPV vaccination when they're around 11.  It not only prevents cancer, it prevents bad Pap smears.  Boys should receive it, too, to not only protect their future partners but to prevent cancer of the penis as they get older (yes, there is such a thing).

actually, i have refused it for my grandson and have instructed my children to refuse it for their children. i, personally, feel like not enough research has been done and far more damage as a result of that vaccine has been noted and even deaths related to it. YMMV...

[Christina87]

@doodlebug thank you SO much!!! That makes me feel a billion times better about it. You always feel like something is just happening to you, but it's usually the case that it's more common than you would ever imagine! I feel way more confident about it now. I go on June 6. I'll definitely update everyone about how it goes!

I definitely wish I had gotten the HPV vaccine! I wasn't really all that great about going to doctors regularly until my late twenties. I think I was maybe a year past the cutoff when I started with the gynecologist I have now. I have a great relationship with him, though. He is awesome; just one of those people who is good at making others comfortable! Hahaha I guess that's a good skill to have as a gynecologist, especially as a male. Haha I'll never forget my first trip to him. They had two offices, and I showed up at the wrong one! It was past closing time, but I drove to the right one just to see. When I got there, the receptionist was so nice about it, and he smiled and said, "I'll take you! No problem!" After that act of kindness, I decided I would go to him as long as I lived within driving distance. He is great!

[Scarlett45]

15 minutes ago, Christina87 said:

@doodlebug thank you SO much!!! That makes me feel a billion times better about it. You always feel like something is just happening to you, but it's usually the case that it's more common than you would ever imagine! I feel way more confident about it now. I go on June 6. I'll definitely update everyone about how it goes!

I definitely wish I had gotten the HPV vaccine! I wasn't really all that great about going to doctors regularly until my late twenties. I think I was maybe a year past the cutoff when I started with the gynecologist I have now. I have a great relationship with him, though. He is awesome; just one of those people who is good at making others comfortable! Hahaha I guess that's a good skill to have as a gynecologist, especially as a male. Haha I'll never forget my first trip to him. They had two offices, and I showed up at the wrong one! It was past closing time, but I drove to the right one just to see. When I got there, the receptionist was so nice about it, and he smiled and said, "I'll take you! No problem!" After that act of kindness, I decided I would go to him as long as I lived within driving distance. He is great!

I think they expanded the age limit recently. Of course your doctor knows best but won’t hurt to ask. 

[Temperance]

14 minutes ago, Scarlett45 said:

I think they expanded the age limit recently. Of course your doctor knows best but won’t hurt to ask. 

I'm so glad they increased the age limit. A friend of mine had cervical cancer (not sure if it was related). She's a millennial like me. Fortunately she got it treated and seems well now. 

[ginger90]

Does anyone know the significance of posts outlined in yellow? I can’t see anything they have in common.

[Sew Sumi]

I think it's your first unread post in a thread. They did away with the gold line.

[louannems]

4 hours ago, louannems said:

I had a colposcopy in 1983. Followed by cryosurgery (freezing bad cells).  I remember the OB/GYN , during the cryosurgery, telling me I smelled good!  I was mortified but never said a word to anyone.

Shortly after that, I read in the paper that many patients had complained about him, and shortly after that I received a letter saying he was moving his practice from Washington state to back East.

I have no idea if a LEEP is anything like a cryosurgery, but afterwards, I had months of discharge.  It was quite awful, really.

Also, I have never again had a bad Pap result, and to this day wondered if the Dr made the whole thing up for money.

I should add that there is a reason why I wonder if the Dr made up my cerical dysplasia.  You see, I was undergoing a routine PAP smear when he told me I had it.  Not AFTER the lab results became available.  I never did see the test results and I was too young and dumb to ask.

[awaken]

29 minutes ago, ginger90 said:

Does anyone know the significance of posts outlined in yellow? I can’t see anything they have in common.

Thanks for asking!  I always wondered this!  

[Sew Sumi]

3 minutes ago, awaken said:

Thanks for asking!  I always wondered this!  

See my response above. 😀

[awaken]

I've appreciated the solo travel discussion!  Growing up, we never traveled; it wasn't even an idea that was mentioned.  Never flew on a plane  or left the state until I was out of college. My family of origin still has never left the exact neighborhood they were born and grew up in.  Two of my siblings are still there and have also never gone beyond that very small radius, and my partner's family is similar.  

My partner and I always felt a natural curiosity about the world and always had the desire to see and go places.  We were never able to since we had to work to support ourselves from the time we were teens.  Then we had kids, two of whom have special needs, which made getting away on our own nearly impossible , and paying for all of us to fly somewhere was unaffordable.  

FINALLY a few years ago, the kids were old enough, and we had enough job flexibility and money to start doing some traveling, on our own as a couple, and with the kids!!  No where super far, but we've at least used our passports a few times, and done several cruises.  I have so many ideas for trips, and hope I am fortunate enough to live long enough and stay healthy so we can cross them all off our bucket list!

London Walks sounds great, would definitely do that if I went!  I wonder if they have something like that in other cities?  Totally up my alley!  I love guided tours and food tours and try to do them every place I go.  My son is obsessed with trains so one day I want to go with him on the trains through Europe.  And eating and drinking my way through France, Italy, and Greece.  

[ginger90]

38 minutes ago, Sew Sumi said:

I think it's your first unread post in a thread. They did away with the gold line.

I never noticed a gold line. How sad is that? Oh my.

[Sew Sumi]

7 minutes ago, ginger90 said:

I never noticed a gold line. How sad is that? Oh my.

Ha! It was across the top of your first unread post. 😀

[Love2dance]

On 4/29/2019 at 4:38 PM, emma675 said:

Love2dance, I'm gonna need that recipe!

So, here is my recipe:

For the cake, I have to admit it is Duncan Heinz Devils Food Cake, cause even tho I’ve tried, I can’t make it homemade  better than that.

For the frosting:

One box of confectioners sugar

two tablespoons softened butter

three heaping tablespoons unsweetened baking chocolate

3/4 teaspoon vanilla

enough water to make it frosting consistency, about 1/4 cup, more or less (add it slowly)

and the secret ingredient: one flat teaspoon instant coffee. A little more  if you want it very mocha. (if you want to use regular coffee instead, substitute it for some or all of the water) Taste it as you mix.

one can of cream of chicken soup. ONLY KIDDING

DIRECTIONS: 

Mix all dry ingredients, slowly add butter, water/coffee, and vanilla until the right consistency.

Hope you like it.

[Zella]

1 hour ago, ginger90 said:

I never noticed a gold line. How sad is that? Oh my.

If it makes you feel any better, I literally just noticed it myself over the past couple of days. 😂

[SunnyBeBe]

My mom recently started putting a package of instant vanilla pudding into her boxed cake batter. It's amazing how moist it makes it. I haven't tried it yet. I'm not much of a baker.

[Mindthinkr]

I was at a party in NOLA and someone made an icing for a cake and I remember hearing that one ingredient was marscapone. It was the most delicious icing that I’ve ever tasted. Does anyone know that recipe? 

[Scarlett45]

2 hours ago, awaken said:

London Walks sounds great, would definitely do that if I went!  I wonder if they have something like that in other cities?  Totally up my alley!  I love guided tours and food tours and try to do them every place I go.  My son is obsessed with trains so one day I want to go with him on the trains through Europe.  And eating and drinking my way through France, Italy, and Greece.  

Yes many cities have walking tours. European trains are SO nice. I took the train from London to Edinburgh this time and enjoyed it so much. I also took the train to Canada as a very little girl- we are such a car culture in the USA that we don’t have the train infrastructure here. 

I also wanted to say CONGRATS to you for having an adventurous spirit although it wasn’t a part of your experience growing up. I’ve traveled since I was little (which I acknowledge is a big privilege) and I remember feeling like a “big girl” when I got my own suitcase (rather than my clothes being in my Mom’s). I don’t consider myself “adventurous” but some do given I will travel abroad solo. Finding a travel style that makes YOU happy is important. Vacation is supposed to be fun. 

[Happyfatchick]

1 hour ago, Love2dance said:

one can of cream of chicken soup. ONLY KIDDING

YOU GOT ME!!!!   You ABSOLUTELY GOT ME!!

Oh dear Lord, we’ve been together too long.  That looks JUST like something I would do.  

@Mindthinkr, how terrifying for you!  I can’t even begin to imagine how frightened you must have been.  I hope the future brings you a renewed awareness of danger without ruining your sense of adventure.  

@louannems:  😮 WHAAAAAAT???   

Cream of chicken soup in th frosting, a booger in the street in NOLA, and the creepiest OB/GYN story ever.  We are just having an off night in the PC, aren’t we?

[Zella]

48 minutes ago, Mindthinkr said:

I was at a party in NOLA and someone made an icing for a cake and I remember hearing that one ingredient was marscapone. It was the most delicious icing that I’ve ever tasted. Does anyone know that recipe? 

My stepmother is a New Orleans native (and a wonderful cook), and when I talk to her tomorrow, I can ask her about that if nobody can get you an answer before then. Just doing some tentative googling, and it seems like it's not an uncommon icing ingredient in the area, though I can't say offhand I remember her making anything like that. 

[Jynnan tonnix]

One of these days, if baking is still being discussed, I'll post a recipe for the BEST frosting ever. It's a recipe my mom got somewhere along the line, but I really only make it when I make this specific poppyseed cake recipe that it was originally paired with. I really should try it with other cakes as well. 

All I remember offhand is that it includes egg yolks, butter, and vanilla pudding mix, and that if you try to make it in anything approaching a warm room temperature it's gonna curdle on you. I never could get it to work when we lived in a house in Hawaii with no a/c. It gets pretty stiff in the fridge, but softens to a delectable buttery creaminess after a few minutes at room temperature.

[Zella]

13 minutes ago, Jynnan tonnix said:

One of these days, if baking is still being discussed, I'll post a recipe for the BEST frosting ever. It's a recipe my mom got somewhere along the line, but I really only make it when I make this specific poppyseed cake recipe that it was originally paired with. I really should try it with other cakes as well. 

All I remember offhand is that it includes egg yolks, butter, and vanilla pudding mix, and that if you try to make it in anything approaching a warm room temperature it's gonna curdle on you. I never could get it to work when we lived in a house in Hawaii with no a/c. It gets pretty stiff in the fridge, but softens to a delectable buttery creaminess after a few minutes at room temperature.

Oh that sounds amazing!

[Nysha]

12 hours ago, louannems said:

14 hours ago, bigskygirl said:

Turn on the lights in the bathroom this morning, and of course the fan turns on. I thought it was the water heater acting up because it sounded like water was over flowing some where.

I mentioned yesterday that I've always had bathroom fans, but I've never had one controlled by the same switch as the light.  We've always had two different switches.

My mom's bathroom fan turns on with the light. Thankfully, she has lights over the bathroom mirror that are on a different switch because the fan is very loud. Especially in the middle of the night when everyone is sleeping.

[Barb23]

4 hours ago, louannems said:

I should add that there is a reason why I wonder if the Dr made up my cerical dysplasia.  You see, I was undergoing a routine PAP smear when he told me I had it.  Not AFTER the lab results became available.  I never did see the test results and I was too young and dumb to ask.

@louannems I had something similar around the same time you did. IIRC, my Gyn "froze" something that he saw as abnormal while doing my gyn exam not from the Pap results.  I remember having a clear watery discharge for a few days after.  Like you, I was younger & was new at seeing a Gyn & didn't ask questions. What was weird was that my boss at the time was having something similar done by her Gyn.  I think she needed a couple of these freezing treatments. Was this something new back in the 80's? Mine was probably done around 1985. I didn't like this Gyn much & luckily our insurance changed after that & I switched to a different Gyn who I really liked.  Thank the Lord, I have never had a bad Pap or exam since then. 

7 hours ago, emma675 said:

I had a colposcopy two years ago after an abnormal pap smear and my doc described it as a pap smear on steroids. It took about 5 minutes and it was mildly uncomfortable but not bad. I had a normal pap smear the year after that and I go in next week for my annual. It better be normal, I was hopping mad after the colposcopy (I don't even know why, I was just furious that I had an abnormal result for some reason, it was weird).

Mindthinkr, yikes! That's so scary, I'm glad you're okay.

I understand about you being furious about an abnormal result. I felt the same way when a cyst showed up on my mammogram a few years ago & had to go back for a sonogram.  After always having a normal Pap & mammo, I couldn't believe I was being called back for a further study. Luckily it was a tiny cyst & was gone when they did a 6 month follow up & i had a normal mammo after that. 

@Christina87 Wishing you the best.