100 free 4 x6 Prints for New Sign-Ups

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Promo Code: prints Shipping not included.


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I'm Back - More or Less

Well, today's posting was supposed to be entitled the "Light at the End of the Tunnel" but I had two episodes of vertigo yesterday and some ear ringing so I may not be out of the woods yet.
After several weeks of visits to the Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor, courses of prednisone, a head MRI, and a trip to a neurologist, I got what I always called them, a “muscle-tension sinus headache” that I’ve been getting since High School, that hit on Father’s Day, in addition to the previously feeling crappy. I can usually abate them with a combination of a half of Flexeril (muscle relaxer) and one Excedrin Migraine. I was out of the Excedrin. Well, it took hold and even after I got the EM I wasn’t able to stop it. I had seen the ENT doc again on Monday. He had referred me to a neurologist as there was nothing more from his end to do for me (MRI & hearing test both OK), and gave me a pain killer, which did nothing, and I don’t really like to take them. I had called for the appointment with the neurologist but couldn’t get one until July 20th. When I still had my headache on Wednesday I called back the neurologist and I got in for the next morning at 8:15. Well, as you might guess, my “muscle-tension sinus headaches” are migraines. They run in families and I do have a first cousin with them (Hey Val!).
The doctor gave me another course of prednisone and I’m going to start on a slow build-up of Topamax to help prevent them. My cousin is using this and another person I’ve been in contact with recently with said her daughter is on this for her migraines. One side effects the doc said could be weight loss – SIGN ME UP!!! and there can be some tingling in the fingers and toes at first and thought processes maybe fuzzy – heck they already are half the time anyway hee – hee.
Well, we’ll see how it goes because even when I would take the other stuff for these headaches I’d be down for the count until it clears. I'd like to give this preventative thing a try.

Thanks so much for all your emails, prayers, well wishes, and patience.

Now, big decision here, since starting this in April of 2005 I’ve done a (self-imposed) posting most every weekday. Yikes! I know I spoiled you guys but I’ve got to cut back.

So just think of it as your Hodgepodges will be more "little surprises" in your email box here and there ‘cause you won’t know exactly when you’ll get them!!!! : )

Hugs,

Debbie

Dollar-Off Coupon for New Purex Complete 3-in-1

Go to the website to download a dollar-off coupon for the new Purex Complete 3-in-1 that's laundry detergent+softener+anti-static.
The coupon is good until 8/21/2009.

http://www.purex.com/purex-3-in-1/product

HP Reader Comment:

Debbie,
This sounds like an OK idea however I never use softener. It make towels totally NON-absorbant.
Instead I use ODOBAN. I use about 1/4 cup for each load. I get it by the gallon at Sams Club. It completely removes odors, makes everything fresh smelling and non clingy. I started using it for guest linens when we had our resort on Lake Huron in northern Michigan. I also put some in my cleaning water for wiping up the bathrooms and cleaning floors. Guests were always complimentary about how lake cottages always smell musty and ours never did.
Purex is probably on to something except for the softener part.
Thanks
Jody

An an old posting about Odoban:
http://geraniumfarmhodgepodge.blogspot.com/search?q=A+Delicate+Subject+

Geranium Farm Luncheon

The Geranium Farm will host a luncheon to benefit St. James the Episcopal Church, Florence, Italy at the Hilton Anaheim*,California - Pacific Ballroom B, on Saturday, July 11th at 1pm.
Barbara Crafton will sign books and read from her forthcoming book of Florence essays. Former rector Peter Casparian's superb photographs of life in Italy will illustrate the reading. Other writers from the Farm will be on hand, and there will be a raffle of special prizes -- premium olive oil, estate wines from the Chianti, a watercolor of the garden at St. James, a Portabella handbag, one of the Casparian photographs and more. $25, Reserve a place by emailing bccrafton@geraniumfarm.org.
*(Site of the 76th General Convention of the Episcopal Church)

I'm in Need of a Little Break . . .

Hi Hodgepodge Readers,

You may have noticed there was no posting last Friday. Well, I was in the ER with vertigo and had also been in last Sunday for the same thing. (I'll skip the details.) I went to the Ear, Nose, and Throat doc today and he put me on prednisone and I go back next Monday. I had had a sinus infection and had just finished the antibiotic for that on the day before my Sunday trip to the ER. I'm not showing any sinus or ear infections. (Although I have an awful post nasal drip with cough, mostly at night and feel pressure in my sinuses.)
I've also had ringing in my right ear that started the night of the first debate back last October and there was a trip to the ER back in November for the vertigo.
I think this has been my 3rd sinus infection since back then. I do have another appointment later in the month with ENT doc in another office for a hearing test.
Living with the ringing in the ear is one thing, but the vertigo is really, really bad!!
(and I do know that aspirin and caffeine can contribute to the ringing.)

So . . . I just really need a little time away from postings and I'll be back.

Debbie

Plant a Tree in a National Park

Joanna from MOLC here on the Farm sends along this find to plant a tree in a National Park for just a click of your mouse! Only one per person. (Good until 12/31/09.)

http://www.parkvisitor.com/odwalla/

10 Things National Parks Won't Tell You

It's summer vacation time again and many of you will be visiting our National Parks. There are things the National Parks won't tell you. Know before you go. You can check it all out here:

http://www.smartmoney.com/Spending/Travel/10-Things-National-Parks-Won-t-Tell/

Credit Card Ratings

Learn all about credit cards - which to use, which ones to avoid, and much more!!
http://www.cardratings.com/

This website is devoted to being the leading source of objective credit card rating information currently offering consumer information regarding approximately 500 unique credit card offerings, including a searchable database.
To learn about this website go to: http://www.cardratings.com/aboutusfr.html

To learn more about "Credit Card Debt", check out Carol Stone's Ways of the World article about it here on the Farm:

http://ways-of-the-world.blogspot.com/search?q=Credit+Card+Debt

Puppies Behind Bars

Puppies Behind Bars is a not for profit organization that trains prison inmates to raise service dogs. One program within this organization is called DogTags in which inmates train puppies to become service dogs for soldiers returning from Afghanistan and Iraq. During their training the puppies live in prison with their incarcerated trainers. As the puppies mature into well-loved, well-behaved dogs, their raisers learn what it means to contribute to society, rather than take from it.

http://www.puppiesbehindbars.com/

If you didn't see Glenn Close on Oprah with the segment about the puppies then click on the link and see this wonderful reunion.

http://www.oprah.com/media/20090416-tows-puppies-behind-bars-reunion-video

Vibram™, the leading provider of military footwear has teamed up with FetchDog™ to create the DogTags Chewy Shoe in honor of the sacrifices made by the military veterans who rely on Vibram™ products and to raise money to fund the DogTags program at Puppies Behind Bars.
The DogTags Chewy Shoe is made of all natural, non-toxic rubber from the same molds used to make the soles of military boots, and we've attached a sturdy mountaineering rope lanyard to make playing fetch fun. $2 from each purchase will go to the program.

http://www.fetchdog.com/shop/dogtoys/chewtoys/dogtags-chewy-shoe/T20011