Small Talk: I Like Them All, I Just Can't Choose!

[SuprSuprElevated]

It's probably just me, but this commercial gives me happy.

[Fishy]

2 hours ago, SuprSuprElevated said:

I've been meaning to ask what this is referring to?  Are you speaking of JB's death?

Hope I'm not sticking my nose where it doesn't belong, but I think that's what @seasons is referring to - that and the daughter's death shortly thereafter.

Edited October 21, 2017 by Fishy

[Fishy]

Yippee!!  Championship Figure Skating season has started (Rostelecom Cup, Russia).  On the Olympic Channel but on NBC (Sunday) as well.  Check your local listings and CBC Television for the Canadian broadcasts. 

[SuprSuprElevated]

1 hour ago, Fishy said:

Hope I'm not sticking my nose where it doesn't belong, but I think that's what @seasons is referring to - that and the daughter's death shortly thereafter.

Oh.  I didn't realize that the daughter also died.  Sad.

[TexasTiffany]

2 hours ago, SuprSuprElevated said:

Oh.  I didn't realize that the daughter also died.  Sad.

Yeah. Jeanne died on a Friday. Her daughter Lee died on the Friday exactly 2 weeks later. We never found out what caused her death. There was talk on the Q boards that Lee died of a broken heart. 

I like some of the Quacker items but didn't like Jeanne at all. There was talk of what would happen to the QF line after her death. I like some of the items. I'm glad it is still going strong. 

A friend's mother loves all things Christmas. QF had a very pretty and more traditional vintage looking Christmas sweater. She ordered it. Her mom loved that sweater. It made her happy for over 10+ years. 

I had a QF Pumpkin cardigan for several years. I'm one of those people who likes pumpkin themes. A different friend always commented how much she loved it. I ended up gifting it to her. I thought about getting a QF Halloween sweater, since it had a kitty sitting in a jack'o'lantern, but the wear time is so limited I didn't get it. 

Edited October 21, 2017 by TexasTiffany

[SuprSuprElevated]

53 minutes ago, TexasTiffany said:

Yeah. Jeanne died on a Friday. Her daughter Lee died on the Friday exactly 2 weeks later. We never found out what caused her death. There was talk on the Q boards that Lee died of a broken heart. 

I like some of the Quacker items but didn't like Jeanne at all. There was talk of what would happen to the QF line after her death. I like some of the items. I'm glad it is still going strong. 

A friend's mother loves all things Christmas. QF had a very pretty and more traditional vintage looking Christmas sweater. She ordered it. Her mom loved that sweater. It made her happy for over 10+ years. 

I had a QF Pumpkin cardigan for several years. I'm one of those people who likes pumpkin themes. A different friend always commented how much she loved it. I ended up gifting it to her. I thought about getting a QF Halloween sweater, since it had a kitty sitting in a jack'o'lantern, but the wear time is so limited I didn't get it. 

Wow, that's something about the daughter.  I have a couple of Quacker things - couple of tops with (gasp!) grommets, and a pair of capris with the same.  No bedazzling or embroidery or anything like that for me.  I didn't watch Jeanne enough to be bothered by her I guess, I just remember being bugged by the ever-present forehead band (same thing Mama Gendel used to do).  Never could figure that one out.

[Denver Hoosier]

9 minutes ago, SuprSuprElevated said:

Wow, that's something about the daughter.  I have a couple of Quacker things - couple of tops with (gasp!) grommets, and a pair of capris with the same.  No bedazzling or embroidery or anything like that for me.  I didn't watch Jeanne enough to be bothered by her I guess, I just remember being bugged by the ever-present forehead band (same thing Mama Gendel used to do).  Never could figure that one out.

If the Bison was trying to fool us into thinking she had just rushed over after exercising to her Jane Fonda workout tapes, it was an epic fail.  lol

Now Mama Gendel, maybe.  For all hrr faults, she does have a nice figure.

[Thumper]

1 hour ago, TexasTiffany said:

Yeah. Jeanne died on a Friday. Her daughter Lee died on the Friday exactly 2 weeks later. We never found out what caused her death. There was talk on the Q boards that Lee died of a broken heart. 

I like some of the Quacker items but didn't like Jeanne at all. There was talk of what would happen to the QF line after her death. I like some of the items. I'm glad it is still going strong. 

A friend's mother loves all things Christmas. QF had a very pretty and more traditional vintage looking Christmas sweater. She ordered it. Her mom loved that sweater. It made her happy for over 10+ years. 

I had a QF Pumpkin cardigan for several years. I'm one of those people who likes pumpkin themes. A different friend always commented how much she loved it. I ended up gifting it to her. I thought about getting a QF Halloween sweater, since it had a kitty sitting in a jack'o'lantern, but the wear time is so limited I didn't get it. 

I have some QF items that make me happy, too.  I just bought a tee this year that's orange on top, with happy witches dancing around, and black on bottom.  I know it's not fashion or cool, but it's light-hearted and makes me smile.

As mentioned previously, I have some items that are just pretty and so well-made, that I saved them even though i don't wear them anymore.

Jeanne was annoying and kind of cranky the last few years.  Maybe she wasn't feeling well, but I had a hard time listening to her.

[Denver Hoosier]

I have one embellished item, a Christmas sweater.  I think I got it from Storybook Knits at HSN.  I only wear it 2-3 times a year, but it's merry in the true sense of the word and wasn't so 'out there' that I couldn't wear it to work.  Plus, it's a cardigan, so I could easily ditch it if I needed to look serious.

I always thought the Quacker and Storybook items were perfect for anyone working with kids, or even doing administrative work at a nursing home.  Kids love bright, colorful, pictorial clothing...just look at the items they themselves wear.  And nursing homes can always use something to smile about.

[seasons]

8 hours ago, SuprSuprElevated said:

I've been meaning to ask what this is referring to?  Are you speaking of JB's death?

It was odd. First Jeanne passed (I don't think she was well), but then relatively shortly thereafter her daughter passed as well. Tragic. Sorry if I was vague. At least the family has carried on the business.

6 hours ago, Fishy said:

Hope I'm not sticking my nose where it doesn't belong, but I think that's what @seasons is referring to - that and the daughter's death shortly thereafter.

Not at all Fishy! I should have been more specific.

7 hours ago, SuprSuprElevated said:

It's probably just me, but this commercial gives me happy.

That is great!

@SuprSuprElevated! You should check out the "commercials" forum on here. Really fun!

Edited October 21, 2017 by seasons

[SuprSuprElevated]

39 minutes ago, seasons said:

It was odd. First Jeanne passed (I don't think she was well), but then relatively shortly thereafter her daughter passed as well. Tragic. Sorry if I was vague. At least the family has carried on the business.

Not at all Fishy! I should have been more specific.

That is great!

@SuprSuprElevated! You should check out the "commercials" forum on here. Really fun!

You weren't vague - I'm just not as versed as some on QVC's history I guess.  I will check out that 'commercials' forum!  Thanks!

[seasons]

Just now, SuprSuprElevated said:

You weren't vague - I'm just not as versed as some on QVC's history I guess.  I will check out that 'commercials' forum!  Thanks!

My favorite is the "commercials that irritate, annoy, or outright enrage". Crazy fun stuff on there!

[Thumper]

8 hours ago, SuprSuprElevated said:

It's probably just me, but this commercial gives me happy.

 

The silliness of this cracks me up!  Thanks, SSE!

[SentimentalLady]

On 10/15/2017 at 7:37 PM, SuprSuprElevated said:

I'm going to need everyone to root for my Cubbies tonight.  Pleeeze!

Thanks in advance.

Sorry SSE.  Just catching up with this.  My Yankees are facing elimination tonight.  I was rooting for the Cubbies.

[SuprSuprElevated]

23 hours ago, SentimentalLady said:

Sorry SSE.  Just catching up with this.  My Yankees are facing elimination tonight.  I was rooting for the Cubbies.

Thanks anyway.  I'll root for your Yanks~

Edited October 23, 2017 by SuprSuprElevated

[Fishy]

6 hours ago, seasons said:

My favorite is the "commercials that irritate, annoy, or outright enrage". Crazy fun stuff on there!

I definitely HAVE TO VISIT that one..... lol

[TexasTiffany]

43 minutes ago, Fishy said:

I definitely HAVE TO VISIT that one..... lol

I was looking over there earlier. A place to snark/discuss the annoying ads!

[Coffeecup]

12 hours ago, Denver Hoosier said:

I have one embellished item, a Christmas sweater.  I think I got it from Storybook Knits at HSN.  I only wear it 2-3 times a year, but it's merry in the true sense of the word and wasn't so 'out there' that I couldn't wear it to work.  Plus, it's a cardigan, so I could easily ditch it if I needed to look serious.

I always thought the Quacker and Storybook items were perfect for anyone working with kids, or even doing administrative work at a nursing home.  Kids love bright, colorful, pictorial clothing...just look at the items they themselves wear.  And nursing homes can always use something to smile about.

Oh, Storybook Knits! I always loved watching those shows, even though most of the sweaters were too decorative for my taste. I did buy three of the more subtle ones, without sequins, and still have two of them. One has a light blue and gold spray pattern, like raindrops, and the other has two owls sitting on tree branches. (I like owls.)  The owl sweater is kind of loud, but it's so cute. Hoooo, hoooo!

[Fishy]

4 hours ago, Coffeecup said:

Oh, Storybook Knits! I always loved watching those shows, even though most of the sweaters were too decorative for my taste. I did buy three of the more subtle ones, without sequins, and still have two of them. One has a light blue and gold spray pattern, like raindrops, and the other has two owls sitting on tree branches. (I like owls.)  The owl sweater is kind of loud, but it's so cute. Hoooo, hoooo!

I miss those Storybook Knits shows.    I never bought any but I was intrigued.  It was just a fun show to watch.  I appreciated the creativity.  

[Bronx Babe]

On 10/20/2017 at 8:21 AM, Booney said:

Bonjour! We are in France today - in Strasbourg - and it is magnifique! I had French class from the 3rd grade all the way through my senior year in high school. I’m not very good at speaking it after all these years, but I’m amazed at how many words and sentences I can still read in French.

Strasbourg is in the Alsace region of France, but it has changed hands (mostly through wars) between the French and Germans several times. It’s currently the seat of the European Parliament of the EU. The citizens speak a dialect that is a combination of French and German. The city is very cosmopolitan yet has an old world charm. Like Amsterdam, it’s also a city of canals. As part of our tour here, we took a canal boat ride around the heart of the city. Below are some random snapshots of beautiful Strasbourg.

@Booney, c'est magnifique indeed! I hear Alsatian cuisine is especially delicious.

Loving your beautiful photos and how generous you are to share your honeymoon journey with us.

[Ladyrain]

On 10/20/2017 at 8:21 AM, Booney said:

Bonjour! We are in France today - in Strasbourg - and it is magnifique! I had French class from the 3rd grade all the way through my senior year in high school. I’m not very good at speaking it after all these years, but I’m amazed at how many words and sentences I can still read in French.

Strasbourg is in the Alsace region of France, but it has changed hands (mostly through wars) between the French and Germans several times. It’s currently the seat of the European Parliament of the EU. The citizens speak a dialect that is a combination of French and German. The city is very cosmopolitan yet has an old world charm. Like Amsterdam, it’s also a city of canals. As part of our tour here, we took a canal boat ride around the heart of the city. Below are some random snapshots of beautiful Strasbourg.

These are just gorgeous!  I am so glad you're giving us a glimpse of your fabulous trip!

On 10/21/2017 at 9:02 AM, Fishy said:

Yippee!!  Championship Figure Skating season has started (Rostelecom Cup, Russia).  On the Olympic Channel but on NBC (Sunday) as well.  Check your local listings and CBC Television for the Canadian broadcasts. 

Another figure skating fan!  I DVR'd all the Russian competitions and am in the process of watching them all right now.  The Olympic Channel is going to great when the actual Olympics begin.  Can hardly wait!!

[Ladyrain]

Has anyone heard from PearlClutcher?  I don't recall any recent posts from her.

[Denver Hoosier]

I was wondering the same thing, Ladyrain.  Surely she wouldn't have taken off for her life on the road without saying goodbye.

[SuprSuprElevated]

23 hours ago, SentimentalLady said:

Sorry SSE.  Just catching up with this.  My Yankees are facing elimination tonight.  I was rooting for the Cubbies.

Welp, we're both out.  Darn it.

[Booney]

After a fabulous 10 day “Booneymoon,” we arrived home tonight. Our flight out of Basel, Switzerland was delayed and, as a result, we had a mad dash at London’s Heathrow Airport to make our connecting flight. We just made it, but were told our luggage probably wouldn’t. But it did - life is good!

We had an amazing time. River cruises are a wonderful way to travel. We would do another one in a heartbeat. Our last full day was yesterday, and we spent it in Colmar, a small city of 66,000 in the Alsace region of France. It’s called “the prettiest city in the world” and I can see why - it was gorgeous. So many photo ops, so little time. Here are just a few of the sights.

We missed our kitties and were happy to see them when we got home. Now I need a couple of days to settle back into my regular routine!

Edited October 23, 2017 by Booney

[Denver Hoosier]

42 minutes ago, SuprSuprElevated said:

Welp, we're both out.  Darn it.

We pulled up the Eddie Vedder "All the Way" video with last year's season highlights from YouTube  and had a few sniffles after it was all over.

I'm ok without a repeat this year, but I do NOT want to have to wait another 107 years for the next one.  lol

[Fishy]

16 minutes ago, Booney said:

After a fabulous 10 day “Booneymoon,” we arrived home tonight. Our flight out of Basel, Switzerland was delayed and, as a result, we had a mad dash at London’s Heathrow Airport to make our connecting flight. We just made it, but were told our luggage probably wouldn’t. But it did - life is good!

We had an amazing time. River cruises are a wonderful way to travel. We would do another one in a heartbeat. Our last full day was yesterday, and we spent it in Colmar, a small city of 66,000 in the Alsace region of France. It’s called “the prettiest city in the world” and I can see why - it was gorgeous. So many photo ops, so little time. Here are just a few of the sights.

We missed our kitties and were happy to see them when we got home. Now I need a couple of days to settle back into my regular routine!

Wow!  soooooo picturesque!!  Love it.   Welcome Home.

[lovemesomejoolery]

1 hour ago, Booney said:

After a fabulous 10 day “Booneymoon,” we arrived home tonight. Our flight out of Basel, Switzerland was delayed and, as a result, we had a mad dash at London’s Heathrow Airport to make our connecting flight. We just made it, but were told our luggage probably wouldn’t. But it did - life is good!

We had an amazing time. River cruises are a wonderful way to travel. We would do another one in a heartbeat. Our last full day was yesterday, and we spent it in Colmar, a small city of 66,000 in the Alsace region of France. It’s called “the prettiest city in the world” and I can see why - it was gorgeous. So many photo ops, so little time. Here are just a few of the sights.

We missed our kitties and were happy to see them when we got home. Now I need a couple of days to settle back into my regular routine!

Welcome home and thank you for sharing your fabulous trip with us here!

I've decided that  agree that Colmar is the prettiest city in the world - since I can't live in one of those castles (way too much to clean, you know - lol!), I'll just take an apartment in Colmar!

Edited October 23, 2017 by lovemesomejoolery

[Denver Hoosier]

I am almost sorry to see you come home, Booney.   lol. I will miss my daily fix of European pictures.

But I AM glad you made it home safely and that you had a glorious time!

[Lady J]

2 hours ago, Booney said:

After a fabulous 10 day “Booneymoon,” we arrived home tonight. Our flight out of Basel, Switzerland was delayed and, as a result, we had a mad dash at London’s Heathrow Airport to make our connecting flight. We just made it, but were told our luggage probably wouldn’t. But it did - life is good!

We had an amazing time. River cruises are a wonderful way to travel. We would do another one in a heartbeat. Our last full day was yesterday, and we spent it in Colmar, a small city of 66,000 in the Alsace region of France. It’s called “the prettiest city in the world” and I can see why - it was gorgeous. So many photo ops, so little time. Here are just a few of the sights.

We missed our kitties and were happy to see them when we got home. Now I need a couple of days to settle back into my regular routine!

We're the kitties glad to see you, or did you get the cold shoulder ? LOL.

[Thumper]

Booney, you are such a good photographer!  Thank you for sharing your trip.  I look forward to ours next year (minus the airplane ride -- yikes for me!).   Looks like it was a wonderful honeymoon for the Boonies!

[TexasTiffany]

@Booney Those photos of Colmar are awesome! The wordwork details on the buildings, the flowers everywhere... it's like living in a cuckoo clock. 

Welcome home! I'm glad you made it back safe and sound! 

[Booney]

8 hours ago, lovemesomejoolery said:

Welcome home and thank you for sharing your fabulous trip with us here!

I've decided that  agree that Colmar is the prettiest city in the world - since I can't live in one of those castles (way too much to clean, you know - lol!), I'll just take an apartment in Colmar!

Yes - an apartment there is a fabulous idea! I can't even begin to describe the charm of Colmar. Cobblestone streets, a bustling shopping area with everything from upscale clothing stores to wonderful specialty shops, and my favorite, the Hall du Marche Couvert, which was a large indoor food market with stalls selling everything from the most beautiful fresh produce and meats, to chocolates, to pastries. Speaking of pastries, when our tour finished, we had some free time in the city. So Mr. Booney and promptly went to a Patisserie where we sat outdoors on the cobblestone plaza eating French pastry, sipping French coffee and watching the world go by. I could get used to that!

8 hours ago, Lady J said:

We're the kitties glad to see you, or did you get the cold shoulder ? LOL.

We were expecting the cold shoulder, but they were actually really happy to see us!

[Lisanna]

16 hours ago, Ladyrain said:

Has anyone heard from PearlClutcher?  I don't recall any recent posts from her.

I think PearlClutcher signed out on the other site.  Where is Cricket, have I missed something?

[Ladyrain]

Upon checking, it seems that both PearlClutcher and Cricket posted a little something on Saturday, although Cricket's was just a 'nm'.  Hope she and Joe are alright.

[SuprSuprElevated]

Going to be a rainy, somewhat cool day here today.  Should pollute my lawn with more leaves, after having spent a couple of hours on Sunday cleaning them up.  The downside of Autumn.  Anyway, here's a couple of snuggle pics to keep us warm~

Edited October 23, 2017 by SuprSuprElevated

[SuprSuprElevated]

Regarding Aldi's

Apparently, I need to drag my hubs and go back there.  I've been maybe twice over the course of 10 or 15 years, and I just didn't get it.  Starting with paying to use a shopping cart, and browsing through products I didn't recognize nor really have any interest in, IIRC.

I'm going to clear my preconceived notions and give it another go.  Our local store is being rebuilt as we speak, and should be finished by the end of the year I think.  I'll try it again.

[TexasTiffany]

13 minutes ago, SuprSuprElevated said:

Regarding Aldi's

Apparently, I need to drag my hubs and go back there.  I've been maybe twice over the course of 10 or 15 years, and I just didn't get it.  Starting with paying to use a shopping cart, and browsing through products I didn't recognize nor really have any interest in, IIRC.

I'm going to clear my preconceived notions and give it another go.  Our local store is being rebuilt as we speak, and should be finished by the end of the year I think.  I'll try it again.

There's an Aldi not too far away from me. I've been there twice. I was told they had lower prices. If I wanted a cart I had to pay for it. I declined. Went in the door and it looked like a garage sale with food. Cardboard boxes stacked high with holes cut into them to reach the food. Prices on the boxes were marked using a Sharpie. 

I expected to find things that I normally buy with cheaper prices. That wasn't the case. No fresh meat. No fresh dairy, no cheese, etc. The frozen foods I was hoping to buy weren't there at all. Dry goods like crackers bread and boxed items were all imported brands I didn't recognize. They DID have a small section of fresh fruits and veggies. Those were a better price on some. I had to carry everything around with me so it kept me from shopping a long time. Had to bring my own bags to shop, and bag at check out. The checker didn't care one bit if she rang up items or not. She was so rude I almost told her she can be replaced by a self-serve checkout any moment. 

Overall they didn't have the foods I wanted, the foods I'm accustomed to, the garage sale style shopping, no cart, no bags, no service, no meat, no dairy, no frozen items I want, only saved a bit on produce I had to pick over. I went back a 2nd time to see it with fresh perspective thinking I had judged it too harshly the first time. Nope. I don't want to go back. 

Aldi ads make it seem like a great place. The one near me doesn't come close to measuring up. 

[SuprSuprElevated]

39 minutes ago, TexasTiffany said:

There's an Aldi not too far away from me. I've been there twice. I was told they had lower prices. If I wanted a cart I had to pay for it. I declined. Went in the door and it looked like a garage sale with food. Cardboard boxes stacked high with holes cut into them to reach the food. Prices on the boxes were marked using a Sharpie. 

I expected to find things that I normally buy with cheaper prices. That wasn't the case. No fresh meat. No fresh dairy, no cheese, etc. The frozen foods I was hoping to buy weren't there at all. Dry goods like crackers bread and boxed items were all imported brands I didn't recognize. They DID have a small section of fresh fruits and veggies. Those were a better price on some. I had to carry everything around with me so it kept me from shopping a long time. Had to bring my own bags to shop, and bag at check out. The checker didn't care one bit if she rang up items or not. She was so rude I almost told her she can be replaced by a self-serve checkout any moment. 

Overall they didn't have the foods I wanted, the foods I'm accustomed to, the garage sale style shopping, no cart, no bags, no service, no meat, no dairy, no frozen items I want, only saved a bit on produce I had to pick over. I went back a 2nd time to see it with fresh perspective thinking I had judged it too harshly the first time. Nope. I don't want to go back. 

Aldi ads make it seem like a great place. The one near me doesn't come close to measuring up. 

Your experience is very similar to mine, although I'm sure ours had meat in some form...I remember hams 'n such.  Anyway, everyone over there>> makes it sound worth trying again.  I'll give 'em one more chance, lol.

[Fishy]

2 hours ago, SuprSuprElevated said:

Regarding Aldi's

Apparently, I need to drag my hubs and go back there.  I've been maybe twice over the course of 10 or 15 years, and I just didn't get it.  Starting with paying to use a shopping cart, and browsing through products I didn't recognize nor really have any interest in, IIRC.

I'm going to clear my preconceived notions and give it another go.  Our local store is being rebuilt as we speak, and should be finished by the end of the year I think.  I'll try it again.

I especially enjoy going to Aldi's specifically for those unusual items.  Plus growing up, we always went to Vogt's Import House for certain products that reminded my Mom of her homeland, so it's fun to see those things there, hokey, but like reminiscing. 

I go on a whim usually or when I peruse their email flyer and see something I like.  I don't do my regular gocery shopping there because you can't count on EVERYthing you might like being there week after week, which is disappointing sometime.   I know people mention it's like a warehouse, but I've never felt that way.   I rarely buy a cart either - I just take a reusable tote and buy what fits and that's it!  lol

Edited October 23, 2017 by Fishy

[TexasTiffany]

1 hour ago, SuprSuprElevated said:

Your experience is very similar to mine, although I'm sure ours had meat in some form...I remember hams 'n such.  Anyway, everyone over there>> makes it sound worth trying again.  I'll give 'em one more chance, lol.

Now I'm curious what your next experience will be like. 

For some, those home country items are nice, but I was born and raised here. Those are not familiar brands to me, nor are their items, really. My grandparents on one side were German but we didn't grow up eating German foods. I hear about people going to Aldi's for the imported cookies and sweets, but not buying the bulk of their groceries. I was expecting it to be a normal grocery store experience but it wasn't. I purchased some apples, grapes, and zucchini. I still had to plan a trip to Walmart or Target to get my regular groceries. I don't want to make 2 trips when 1 should do it. 

[SuprSuprElevated]

1 minute ago, TexasTiffany said:

Now I'm curious what your next experience will be like. 

For some, those home country items are nice, but I was born and raised here. Those are not familiar brands to me, nor are their items, really. My grandparents on one side were German but we didn't grow up eating German foods. I hear about people going to Aldi's for the imported cookies and sweets, but not buying the bulk of their groceries. I was expecting it to be a normal grocery store experience but it wasn't. I purchased some apples, grapes, and zucchini. I still had to plan a trip to Walmart or Target to get my regular groceries. I don't want to make 2 trips when 1 should do it. 

Agree.  I'm not expecting a sea change.  I'll give the new store a once over, but I'm not expecting to add it to my regular rotation.

[Fishy]

Wow - was pretty surprised to read this about chef John Besh  ---

http://nypost.com/2017/10/23/top-chef-john-besh-steps-down-from-restaurant-group-amid-sexual-harassment-allegations/

[Fishy]

15 minutes ago, SuprSuprElevated said:

Agree.  I'm not expecting a sea change.  I'll give the new store a once over, but I'm not expecting to add it to my regular rotation.

I think you have to have an open mind.  It's not the BE ALL END ALL but it's not the worst place in the world either.  Sigh.

[SentimentalLady]

59 minutes ago, Fishy said:

Wow - was pretty surprised to read this about chef John Besh  ---

http://nypost.com/2017/10/23/top-chef-john-besh-steps-down-from-restaurant-group-amid-sexual-harassment-allegations/

Yes.  Of all the recent stories that one surprised and saddened me.

[Cricket]

Hello all. I hope the Mods will bear with me since this is definitely off topic. I have “met” several friends here in the last two years, some especially good ones and you know who you are. I thank you for taking time to send me personal messages of encouragement.

We went to Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston yesterday to get another opinion on Joe’s colon cancer.It has spread to his liver with two new spots showing after his surgery done in July. The first two types of chemo, which should have had an effect on it, has not.   We’ve been told it is a very aggressive form, which leads us to think he hold a defective b-raf gene. 3 times a piece of tumor has been sent out, all coming back as inconclusive… of course they bill me $1,500.00 a pop.( Wanna guess when they will get paid?) I have to conclude that he does in fact have this gene which is why he is not responding as expected. Another sample is being sent to a different lab, and blood work for a specialized test that can pick up the defective gene now in blood. Can only imagine how much that will cost me that will never get paid either. At any rate, the specialist in Boston said the doctors here in Glens Falls are doing the correct treatment and he started on a new chemo last Monday, however it is not as strong as the first two. IF it works, they would like to see some shrinkage of the lesions. The hope was to keep it at bay, but it is not curable. Which means, best outlook, about 18 months. He hugged me and cried that he was sorry… which I know refers back to the fact he always refused colonoscopies when I told him he should have one. I cannot tell you how broken I am now. I expected to retire and live to old people together… his father is 94 and his mom is 89 and still in good health. How can this happen to him? This morning he said we need to find a shelter to take our beloved horse that we have had since 1995 – the year my dad died of colon cancer. I could go on and on about how devastated, angry and betrayed I feel but I will spare you all of that.

This is why I have not posted.. my “nv” the other day was just my computer sending something  - some how – on my behalf.

To all of you who have sent us good wishes and prayers, I thank you so very much. I don’t have to tell those here who are cancer survivors, how damn lucky you are and I am so glad you are and wish you continued good health.

[Jeanius]

Oh, Cricket my heart goes out to you. I saw your post in the Shopping Channel thread. Big HUGS to you.

Cricket, I will be thinking of you also - funny how I feel so very fond of the folks "here." I do believe we help bolster each other as we stumble through this thing called Life. I do hope the different treatment has a positive effect. Prayers and virtual love to you.

Edited October 24, 2017 by Jeanius

[TexasTiffany]

Cricket, I'm so sorry. I don't know what to say, except you and Joe are in my thoughts and prayers. 

[Thumper]

Cricket, i am very sorry to hear the news about Joe.  You are a wonderful support for him.  Hope we can provide some distraction for you here on our silly forums.  Sending you a cyber hug. 

[DownTheShore]

Cricket, ?love ? and strength and {{{{hugs}}}} to you and Joe. I'm still praying for a miracle.