Hey UU Judy, If you find out more information about hair color in a pen, please let us know! Sounds like my cup of tea, fast and easy peasy.

My doggie is very sick, it is his time to cross the Rainbow Bridge. I'm just spending a few quiet days with him first. Thanks for your concern.

Kathie, thanks to you also. I know you're a fellow dog lover. It is a sad time, but part of pet ownership.

Dog
 

So sorry to hear about your dog. Which one is it? It is a part of being a pet owner but it never gets any easier, if anything, it gets harder. If you need anything just yell.

Barefoot,

I just wanted to say that I am so sorry to hear about your dog. My dog showed up at our back door 15 years ago. Her name is Annie because she was an orphan. But now she is a princess. And she has been a princess since Day 1 with us. But she is growing oh so old. I understand exactly what you are feeling. I know how hard this is for you. Please know that Annie and I send warm, kind thoughts out to you and yours.

Boomer

Owning a Dog
 

I really hadn't planned to talk about Brutus on TOTV. Or anywhere. It just happened. "Girl Talk" is the friendliest place on TOTV that I know. And you are all so kind with your comments. As dog owners, I know you understand completely what I'm experiencing.

It is so hard to make a decision when a dog's quality of life just isn't there any more. That is what I'm struggling with. I have to put on my big girl panties and make the right decision.

Brutus has a brain tumour and started having seizures on Sunday. He is on medication to control the seizures, but of course the brain tumour continues to grow. And the medication has some very nasty side effects. I have to face the fact that Brutus is not enjoying life any more.

But he is still eating and glad to see if I leave and return. Fireboy isn't back in The Villages for three weeks. Of course I want to keep Brutus alive. At times I can convince myself that it isn't time for Brutus to cross the Rainbow Bridge.

But I don't want to be selfish. It is all about whether Brutus can still get some enjoyment from life. I owe it to him to do the right thing. He depends on me. It is hard.

Bare,

you are such a kind compassionate person, and from my experience, not at all selfish. I know you will make the right decision when the time comes. You will know its time and so will Brutus. Sending you prayers for strength.

Barefoot,

I am going to share something with you here that may help. But, up front, I must say to you that if you choose to listen to this, you will cry. I did. But it helped to clarify some things for me, and with the hope that it may help you, too, I am sending it along, as a cyberfriend.

First the backstory:

Yesterday, as I was driving home from the landscaper's place, I was listening to NPR like I always do in the car. The show was Fresh Air and the interview was with a veterinarian who has written a book called Speaking for Spot.

I missed the first part of the show, but I tuned in just before the vet discussed the very issue you are facing. And she addressed it beautifully. She speaks not only as a vet, she also tells us about her experience with her own dogs. And she gives suggestions about how to know when. And I listened. And I cried, just a little bit, tearing up you know. But she answered some things for me.

I have been through this 6 times in my life, and will probably have to face number 7, fairly soon, maybe. Annie is old as I said. And she goes off alone to sleep during the day instead of napping in the rooms where I am. There are other changes, too. I see them. But today she sniffed butts with the neighbors' beagle and seemed to enjoy it. And she looks out the windows sometimes to see what's going on in her territory. She cannot hear anything, but her eyes are still pretty good I think. So even though I know her hip hurts in spite of the medicine she takes, she does have some fun here and there still. But she is old, and growing older fast it seems.

I had planned when I heard this NPR show yesterday to link it into TOTV in the Pets Forum because there are so many dog lovers here, and I thought it might be helpful to someone.

That was before I read your earlier post. When I saw that one, I thought about linking it then. But I was concerned it would seem like it was just too much. Then we left for a while. But when I returned home just now, I looked in and saw your recent post where you share more about what you are facing at this very moment.

And, Barefoot, after reading what you just wrote, I want to offer you this link to listen to only if you feel you can. You will find the part where she speaks of when the time comes. You will cry. I know. I listened though. And I learned some things that will help me when and if we have to decide for Annie.

Barefoot, I offer you this link in the spirit of one dog lover to another. But it will not be easy to listen to. But this vet is one kind and wonderful lady. Hearing her helped me get a little more clarity on the sad thing we sometimes have to do for one of our dearest and very best friends.

If you feel that you are up to it and want to hear from one who knows well about the Rainbow Bridge, just click on "Listen Now." But please understand that I do not mean to be intrusive in any way. It is just that when I saw your last post, I felt I needed to at least offer something that had helped me, on the chance it could help you, too. The part I am talking about is later in the show. I missed the first part. I heard only the part about making the final decision. I think you can skip to that part if you want to listen to it.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/s...ryId=102105836

Take care, Barefoot. I thought a long time about whether I should send this or not. It is hard. I know. And I understand if you do not want to hear it.

Boomer

Addendum: Barefoot, I just went back into the link and realized that the first part is about cancer in dogs. I did not listen to it, just went long enough to hear what it was about. That part could be particularly difficult for you and I just wanted to make sure I let you know about what was there. I do not want to do anything to make you feel worse.

Hi Bare,
Just a little note to you. I am so sorry. And, let me add...could a dog have had a better life? I'm around the corner if you need anything. God bless.

Bare

I am so sorry to hear about Brutus. I will be thinking of you.

Oh Bare, I am so sorry to hear that your Brutus has a brain tumor. Please know that we're all here for you, and if you need us for anything just let us know. Sending loving thoughts your way.

I want to thank you all for your concern and kind comments. Boomer gave me a link to a very helpful radio program, hopefully she'll post it in the pet forum.

Thanks to Kathie, Judy, Schotzy and Nonie, all pet lovers who understand the pain. And Peazoup and Mom2five, I appreciate your offers of help.

My vet does have a Mobile Vet Service and will come to my house to euthanize Brutus when I decide it is time. I just need to spend some quiet time with him now, before I have to say goodbye.

So, so sorry, not much else to say.
He'll let you know when it's time.

Bare -
I am hurting for you. I know how much your precious Brutus means to you.
It is so terribly difficult to lose the unconditional love our pets give us.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Bare,

I am so sorry to hear about Brutus. We have lost 2 beloved dogs and our dear Tucker is going on 10 and I am in tears this morning just thinking of what you are going through.

I wish there were words to "make it all better", but of course we all know there are not.

Brutus has been so very fortunate to have loving owners like you and Fireboy.

Karen

Brutus
 

Bare, If you want someone with you when the time comes, please call.

Brutus very gently crossed the rainbow bridge this morning.
 

( I sent this to Bare and she asked me to post it here and to let you know of Brutus' passing. She will post later, but said that all of your kind thoughts and prayers have meant so much to her and Fireboy and that your kindness has comforted them)



I just returned from my art class at the College and I pass right by where Bare lives when I go down Belvedere Boulevard. She was in my thoughts and I was feeling sad.

I looked up and saw a rainbow right over the area where Bare lives. I am not a person into signs and portents but somehow I knew that It was Brutus telling me that he was alright.

My dearest Bare, that was the first rainbow that I have seen in TV and the timing was very .....spiritual for me. It comforted me and I hope it will comfort you a little. I am thinking of you right now and will continue to think of you. I wish I could take the pain away.



GracieGirl

Me too Chels - I am late getting to this forum - so am reading it all at once. Kind of like watching a whole season of Sex and the City in one sitting!

Thanks Barefoot - this is great.

PS - another reason to buy the giant size EVOO :bowdown:

Gracie,

What an amazing thing. I have to agree with you.

Barefoot - my condolences on Brutus. Every time I lose a pet, I say it will be the last and then... someone wonderful and furry enters my life and enriches it beyond compare.

Bare - I also owe you an apology... I have been a TOTVer since late last year and a poster for a bit, but only found this thread today. So when I responded to a post by Chels - from over a year ago - had my years mixed up - I never dreamt it would be the last post - and right in the middle of everyone's comments about Brutus.

A semi-new sistah hope to be

Kate

Kate. You are so kind and dear. I would love to be your sistah.

I love this thread also .. I always envied the girls on Sex in The City. And now I'm living it! Well, perhaps not the sex part .... but the friendship part for sure.

Thanks for your kind thoughts about Brutus, of course I miss him dreadfully, but I also know it gets easier with time. And although I say "never again" to getting another dog, in my heart I know I'll always want to be surrounded by animals.

And now on to more cheerful topics.

Bathing suit shopping. Well, perhaps not that cheerful a topic. I don't understand why men have bathing suits like boxer shorts that go down to their knees. And women, who have cellulite, have bathing suits with bikini bottoms. Is this a consipiracy?

Cosmos on the lanai?
 

Dear Sistahs,

One I FINALLY get there, I will ask my cuter half to go play golf or some such thing, and have y'all over for Cosmos on the lanai. If I don't have furniture it may be one of those BYOC (bring your own chair) parties.:MOJE_whot:

Sounds good to me Kate, and then we'll have a big group

http://www.millan.net/minimations/smileys/grouphugg.gif


I did the same thing, had boxes all over the house (about 150 to be exact) and the place was a dizasta but had all the sistah's over for a coffee meet... Loads of fun. Count me in, I hope... http://www.millan.net/minimations/smileys/begging.gif

Kath,

It would not be a party without you!

K

Cosmos on the lanai .... sounds like a plan! :beer3:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

I would like to know .....

Has anyone found a good bathing suit store in TV? (By that I mean a store that sells bathing suits that makes you look 20 lbs thinner). :evil6:

I did the same Kate, when we were barely unpacked. It was even worse, people cheerfully brought their own coffee cup and ate the donuts out of the Publix box. The BEST, best, best, BEST thing here in TV is the people. I am so glad you are gonna be one of the bunch,Kate. You fit right in!

Thank you... and bathing suits....
 

Hi Gracie,

What a lovely thing to say. We are officially less than a month now, so the excitement is building.

Barefoot... I think the best way to find a suit that makes you look slimmer is to try the catalogs - especially Lands End. The suits come with a "protection" strip and you can try them on in the relative comfort of you own home. I hate trying on suits in stores - between the florescent lights and the sales people trying to be helpful.

The suits that make you look thinner also seem to be heavier - something has to keep my pooch under control. So I just say the H * * L with it and go for comfort,

Kate

Does Lands End have a website? I've never heard of it. And bathing suits usually can't be returned. So how does that work if you're ordering from a catalogue?

Thanks Kate!

JudyJudyJudy,

How well I remember that cap. And how well I know the horrors of a botched dye-job. Back in the days of that plastic cap plus crochet hook, I ended up with a badly done "frosting." I tried to cover those streaks with brown. Not a good plan. I turned my hair olive green.

Subtle highlights these days are called "spotlights" in my neck of the woods. I think sometimes spotlights are just in front though. Make sure how that translates. But something tells me that the one who got a hold of you did not have a clue about much of anything.

Later on in the thread, you said that you saw a color pen on television. I hope we can track that down. And I hope it comes in darker colors, too.

Here's why......

My hair grows really fast. I cannot get by much more than a month before those white roots start to glare. I am white right on top and even though the rest of the color still looks fine, if I let that white top get too long, from a distance it looks like Friar Tuck's haircut. I think his haircut was called a tonsure. Anyway, from a distance, that white top starts to look like it is scalp. Hence, the Friar Tuck haircut (or hair shave) look.

So you can bet I am there with my life savings money, just turning it over to my hairdresser. I am extremely loyal to my hairdresser. She saved me from pink hair years ago when my former hairdresser could not seem to figure out that it was time to change from semi-permanent to permanent color. She is one heck of a chemist, knows color like nobody I have ever seen. But she is close to my age and I fear she will retire. I have told her that I will stalk her once a month if she dares to retire. We always have such a good time, too, while she is coloring my hair. We can talk about hormones and such. She is not one of those young ones wearing those 5-inch high-heeled shoes while standing on her feet all day.

Ironically, when this thread started about a year ago, I think the first discussion was about hair color. I was going on and on about Wella and could I find Wella in TV. Wella is the only one that will cover my while roots.

She uses Wella on the roots and I get spotlights every three months or so, sometimes I get highlights, always subtle though. She also uses something she calls "clear." I think it is a Goldwell product. It goes on last and what it does is it brings back the shine. (I am tellin' ya, it is a piece of work.)

So this gets pretty expensive because my hair grows kind of fast and sometimes I would like to be able to just do something to the roots with a Crayola or something like that, only better, when those roots first come in. Not only to save some money, but if I am away from home and need my roots done, whatever would I do? I have had too many bad dye jobs over the years. Green. Pink. And a few others in between. Not up to taking a chance again.

So anyway, Judy, I hope this pen comes in a color to help me get those roots on top and stretch the time in between those hairdresser appointments. I don't know if I can really make it work right though. A couple of times I have actually had people say that they did not think my hair was dyed. That is the best compliment you can get on a dye-job as far as I am concerned. So I will probably continue to pay through the nose to get the expertise. But I want to learn more about that pen, just in case.

Boomer

Bare, here's the link. They have great stuff. About returning bathing suits? I'm not sure but a quick phone all to cust serv will answer that. Hope this helps.


http://www.landsend.com/ix/womens-cl...ze=12&store=le

Barefoot,

I was just going on and on about my roots here and when I sent it to post I looked back and saw your post so here I am again.

Kate is right. Lands End is great. And yes you can return bathing suits. And they come in "long" torso (read "more stretch" between the lines there) I have been ordering the same black bathing suit from them for more than a hundred years now. I stockpile them so that when the chlorine eats one, I have another one ready. I think it is called the "tugless tank" or something like that. They have an amazing selection of bathing suits.

(And btw, I have always said "bathing suits." But when Chicago son-in-law came into the family, he thought that was weird and that we should call them swimming suits. :shrug: But I do not pay any attention to what he says. He also thought Cincinnati Skyline Chili was weird and now he is hooked on it. HAH!!!)

Boomer

That is funny Boomer! We say bathing suits here in Michigan too, but if you think about it, swimming suits does make more sense. When you are using a public pool you really hope that people aren't going there to bathe.

I just checked out the Lands End site .. they have 203 bathing suits. A plethora! I wonder if the sizes are "true"??

Before every house was equipped with running water, (shudder), perhaps the term "bathing suit" was quite accurate.

You know, though, SS, now that I think about it a little bit. Is it called the "Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue"? You don't suppose my SIL, when he tried to correct us, was operating under the influence of such a thing do you? :shrug:

Boomer

Barefoot, I have ordered my bathing suits from Lands End for the last 5 years. The sizes are true and the quality is very good. Just wish I got to use them more in Michigan!

Maybe get the catalogue itself
 

Barefoot,

I tend to be a dinosaur when it comes to trying to shop online. Actually I find it to be slow and in the case of all those bathing suit choices, maybe a little overwhelming. I like to just flip through a catalogue I can hold in my hands. And go back later easily. (I really must be a dinosaur.) I just took a look at the Lands End catalogue I just got and it has a big section on bathing suits. If you don't mind getting catalogues in the mail, you might want to call and have them send you one.

Boomer

I agree. Look in the book first, then check the one you like online. They show back views too.

Hi Ladies,

It seems some of my sistuhs have also used Lands End. I have tried sometimes buying a couple of styles in a couple of sizes, then returning the ones you don't like.

Because they have that privacy strip on the bottom, they let you return them. I have also found their operators and on-line chat folks to be very knowledgeable about the products. So they can tell you if that Tugless Tank that Boomer likes fits true ti size. Even when I was a size 6 (back when I met Mr. Katezbox a mere 8 years ago), I still took a size larger in a suit. :shrug:

I also really like that they have a lot of the two piece tankini styles. I am really short waisted, but have long legs to they fit me better especially now that I am a bit fluffier. And don't worry about the "-ini" at the end - these cover up what needs covering!

We New Englanders also call them bathing suits.

Kate

OK Bare & Boomer, I've been searching and googling for this product for days, and this is all I could find: http://www.quicktint.net/what_they_said.html
This product doesn't look like a hair dye; it looks more like a cover-up -- like mascara for the hair (hairscara?).

I thought the product they had on the Today show was actual hair color in a pen, but it was early in the morning and I was still on my first cup of coffee. The product was one of the featured new beauty "must-haves" for spring, and the Today Show folks were very excited about it. Good luck finding anything about it at the Today Show website! I should keep a pencil and paper handy so I can take notes while watching tv. Oh man, I'm turning into my mil. :laugh:
Forgetfully yours,
Judy

Google is our friend...


I found a product called the "Tween Time Instant Haircolor Touch-Up Stick". It is by Roux and available on Amazon in a variety of delightfully un-gray colors for $6.95.

I have found that most links folks post on TOTV lately, just redirect back to the thread. So just go to www.amazon.com and seach on "tween time."

Kate

PS - due to our upcoming move (yeah:2excited:) I have to go nearly 8 weeks - i'm gonna but me some of this stuff and see if it works.

GULP - the shipping is almost as much as the stick... maybe I'll try to find it locally.:shrug: