h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Hi Shirps, I don't know why it's taken me this long to find your homepage. I see that you love dragons and fantasy. So do I, and so does my daughter. She has just begun playing an online game that looks fabulous. It is called Horizons. You can choose to be any number of creatures in the game, including faeries or dragons! Here is the url:

http://www.istaria.com/

I was thinking about playing it too, but my daughter tells me you need at least a gigabyte of free RAM on your computer, so I'd need to upgrade.

btw, I have osteoarthritis and am having a hip replacement in April. Am pretty well incapacitated atm. Is yours rhuematoid, or osteo?

I'm also on our local art society committee, and am a full time artist. AND... I love and s too, although right now we have a who lets us live with her.



xxx, mari-rae

Hiya

I haven't forgotten to get back to you - will try tomorrow later (husband's going away for a few days )

Speak soon.

Hello again

I just had quick look at that website - hmm, very interesting - it looks like role-playing & I'm not sure how I'd be at that . I still have a game sitting in its' box: Ultima Ascension - a 3D role-playing game, it has been sitting their for 2 years - one day!

Good luck with the hip op (I always think it sounds more like a sort of music ) - I am sure it will go well - just do as you are told

Have you problems with any other joints? I had an attack in my feet two years ago & was hobbling around like an old lady - now the pain has gone, but have left my feet with distorted toes leaving what looks like & probably are ... bunions!!! This I find really annoying: I've been diabetic since I was 11 & have always worn good shoes, but now it looks like I've worn bad shoes ... and I have to wear wide-fitting

My brother had a hip op last September, but he also needs both knees seen to as well, therefore his recuperation is not going as smoothly as it should. He is in alot of pain with his knees, which affects the way he walks - he still has to use crutches now! It doesn't help that he lives in an upstairs maisonette with another set of stairs to get to the loo, although he says he has mastered that, I am sure it can't be helping. He can only drive about 14 miles max., which means he couldn't come to see us at Chr**tmas nor see mother who is not well.

Don't throw your hands up in horror - not meant to scare you - he has added problems with both his knees. You'll be just fine Frustrating though, when it stops you doing what you want

Hmm, osteo or rheu - good question - they can't seem to decide. I saw the rheumatologist again this past Wed., more x-rays of hands, feet & chest & more blood tests - I might find out in 2-3 months time!! I had been telling them about my knees playing up too, but when he bent them they, of course, were no problem on that day - isn't it always the way! My father had rheu., my mother has osteo - so too my brother. He has changed my medication from Ibuprofen + co-codamol to just Diclofenac - I told him that I led a "sedate" life so I could get away without taking the full strength ... yet - fingers xed

My main prob. for the past 17 years has been my hands, arms & neck - triggering of fingers due tenosynovitis & tendonitis. Ops to hands - had another two last year: fused thumb, which was down to arthritis - the surgeon said then it looked like rheu. Another op to ring finger & he found a ruptured tendon where I had an op previously for a trigger finger. Cortizone is a great friend to me too

I just resigned from the art society last September - I had been secretary for 11+ years & my husband became treasurer, but I found I was doing all of it (it was quicker if I did the treasury side ) I also didn't want to "have" to use the keyboard as it is too much strain on my hands, my mother is unwell & my daughter was pregnant - so all in all I had spent alot of time doing art soc. work & it had become a bit of a chore, i.e. I wasn't enjoying it any more. I liked the social side, but not the paperwork

Actually, I did ensure that my husband was made President (so he could keep an eye on it ), but have not been back to a monthly meeting yet! Well, I thought it would give the new people time to settle in & they have my number for any problems - h'ever, no phone calls so the notes I left for them must be pretty good

I had only begun to learn to paint when I stopped work because of my hands - so that was about a 2 years tuition before they asked me to become sec & I haven't painted since!! I have all the equipment upstairs, but just haven't been settled enough to get back to it & everyone else is so good!! I have a few on my own on the wall that I was really pleased with, but I don't think I get get back to even that level now!

What sort of medium do you prefer? Do you use different sorts or concentrate on one in particular? What sort of subjects do you like painting? What is your "duty" on the committee? I may be able to give you a few links to sites that may be of interest & a few artists (if I still have them on the computer!) How does your society run/organise itself?

I know what you mean about s - they are so ... independant - my family have had them in the past, but we are mainly a gy family - lots of tails () to tell you there!

I confess to still drinking , but recently have drunk more white wine - just to see if it affects the arthri. differently - gout?

I seem to have garbled on, but it has taken time to type it all, so perhaps you'll forgive me

Ah well, go hang out the washing while the sun shines ... sun ... shining ... I never thought I'd see a day again when I'd say that Hope it last for tomorrow too - I may just have a look round our little garden.

Now you just take care & enjoy a good rest

I'm sorry to hear about the tough go your brother is having. Is he on the list for knee replacements? It is so frustrating to be disabled.

Your situations sounds bad too. Your poor hands and toes. The diclofenac should help. That's what I'm on. If I miss taking one it makes a big difference, so I know it is doing a lot toward alleviating the pain. I have a nephew who has had diabetes since he was little, so I'm aware of what it means.

Some of my art is online here:

http://www.saa.co.uk/art/maryraysmith/

I use various mediums, but seem to prefer watercolour atm. Our Art Society is fairly laid back. We don't have formal meetings. On the other hand, we put on 4 major exhibitions a year, plus several smaller ones. We run workshops, demonstrations, and video evenings. We meet every Monday night and members will paint or draw together, share expertise and a bit of gossip too! I am also on the town's Carnival Committee and am helping to organise an Open Studios Art Trail sponsored by our Art Society on behalf of the Carnival. Right now I'm soliciting artists to open their studios during the two weeks in July that the event will take place. We will produce a brochure for the punters to direct them to all the studios. Lots of work, but it should be good fun.

Ooh, your artwork is very good - I especially like the daffodil - the lighting is marvellous

Our art society website is: http://www.radas.org.uk - it explains how we run & what we do. I have always to tried to keep it as a friendly, non-competitive society, i.e. no internal competitions - I have never liked that idea. What will happen in the future now I don't know!

My mother suggested having a local society (we moved here about 18 years ago & she had been a member of an art soc. back in North London), the teacher & my (now) husband (he was the local adult education officer) set the wheels in motion. I was asked to be sec. when the original sec. retired after 5 years.

There is an 'Open Studio' event held around Northamptonshire - it may be worth looking it up for ideas? It has been running for at least several years. http://www.openstudios.org.uk/

http://www.artprofile.co.uk/artist.asp?artist=Paul%20Howard

This is the site for Paul Howard (who can be contacted through artprofile) he is brilliant with regard to light in a picture. We have had him demonstrating & tutoring one-day workshops - very good - a basic down-to-earth chap too. If you do contact him let him know I mentioned him!! (Shirley from RADAS)

Isn't it a shame that I've given it all up now - we could really have got together about artists, etc. Ah well!

Yes, the specialist is aware of my brother's problems, he has told him to go back to see him when the hip has settled (approx. 6 months from the op) & will see about his knee. One problem: right hip operated, right knee is the most painful, but they will op on left knee first. It does make sense, but somewhat of a predicament to be in.

My immune system seems to be at an all-time low at present - I had a nasty virus that last from mid-Dec until recently & now have a wretched head-cold! Ah well, I'm sure I'll improve when the sun finally appears

How do you manage all your activites with a painful hip too? Perseverance I suspect - I was/am like that about my hand/arm problem too, but had to call it a day.

I have plenty to keep me occupied (when I feel like it ) - my father passed away about 3 years ago & I have all his slides: boxes & boxes of them - I want to scan them all & put them onto cd/dvd & share them around the family. So there is one challenge

All for now. Speak soon.

Wow! Are we all getting old and creaky, or what?!

The osteoarthritis in my left knee flared up again yesterday (right after a job interview - thank goodness for small favours!) I was at the grocery store and my knee tried to straighten itself, which feels like it's trying to bend backwards. I almost fell to the floor, it was so painful!

I have a doctor's appointment next month, and I'll probably opt for SynVisc injections. I'm not sure if you know about that, but it's three injections over the space of 3 weeks, and it will replace some of the fluid that is totally non-existent in my knee.

While I don't look forward to having needles in my knee, my doctor wants me to wait as long as possible before getting the total knee replacement. It seems that the replacements tend to wear out, and someone my age could look forward to having several replacements before I kick the bucket.

Ah, life - there's so much to look forward to!

Hiya madmum (I'm sure you're not )

yes, it does feel that way doesn't it? Just remember it's all in the mind - your body is just a vehicle It is a shame we can't find a decent mechanic to fix everything though

At least it happened after the interview. Do you think you stand a chance of getting the work? Is it for teaching? I don't know if you two find this, but if I have had alot of stress it seems to trigger a bad "attack" of arthritis.

SynVisc injections: syn = synovial visc = fluid, I presume. I have not heard of that, but I had heard that a process of trying to grow new cartilage by injecting same into the knee was being looked into. At one time gold injections used to be given! I must admit I haven't looked at all the details yet, but will ask my brother if he knows anything. His hip operation was delayed for the same reason as your knee replacement - the surgeon said that he ought to have the "next model" of replacement so he waited! Again, I'm sorry I don't know the details, but will ask him.

Don't worry about a needle in your knee - just relax all your muscles & think of the sea I had some fluid drawn off & then cortisone pumped into my knee a few years back - it wasn't that bad, honestly

... & yes, there is SO much to look forward to - the problem is finding exactly what

Take care now.

maybe we should rename this thread "the young creaks"

Damp and chill seem to bring on my arthritis, haven't noticed any connection with stress at all. I have a friend who has rhumetoid arthritis. She gets injections in her knee to draw off fluid. It lays her low for that day and the following one, but then she is able to move around better. She says it's well worth it. She's waiting for an ankle replacement!!! Good luck with it, madmum22.

Thank you for the links, Shirps. I've bookmarked them. Your art society webpage is very nice. Makes me think we should perhaps do something similar. I see you do London outings... Do you know that Tate Britain is showing a collection of Michaelango's drawings??

Good morning! The creaky joints are now ensconced in front of the computer!

No, I didn't get that job I interviewed for on Wednesday. It wasn't for a teaching position, it was for a GED examiner. They found someone who was experienced at it (I wasn't; story of my life!) English teacher jobs are practically non-existent here. If I'd been any good at math, science, or special education, I'd have it made and could pick and choose my job.

Those Syn-Visc injections I mentioned are only a temporary way of getting fluid back into the knee, and relief only lasts for about 8 months, on the average. Then it's back to another 3-week round of injections. (Still shuddering over the needle! I usually don't mind needles, but...in my knee?! Ick!)

I think the problem with the sudden flare-up at the store was the fact that it's been very cold here for the past couple of days. It's worse when it's really cold. And, of course, I drive a manual shift car, and doing all that shifting with my left knee didn't help any.

I got a kick out of 'The Young Creaks.' We should start our own forum thread, and call it 'The Creaky Joint!'

I like that idea! Here's one for you... I just read a news story about how great it will for the housing industry after we baby boomers all kick the bucket.

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/25022006/325/baby-boomers-kids-inherit-record-wealth.html

Kind of an uncomfortable thought, innit?

Talk about stating the obvious though! I suppose our wonderful government will think of a further tax on it

I can't see how we're the first generation, my grandparents left their bungalow to my mother & uncle - surely they were the first owner/occupiers?

As things go, they are right in saying it will pay for retirement/care homes - a big chunk of money had to be spent for my father in a care home for 3 & half years - my son-in-law's g'mother sold up & moved into a residential care home too.

I'll just tell my daughter not to expect anything when I pass on to the big doggy heaven in the sky - maybe just my bowl

The same as both of you, I find I cannot take extremes of weather - not just cold & damp, but also very hot weather can cause problems. I've just started having trouble with my knee again - just when I have already seen the rheum. chap - ah well!

Madmum, sounds as if you should get an automatic car - as soon as you get that work eh? I'm sorry you didn't get through at the last interview, it must be very frustrating. We have the same problem here in that there are not enough science & maths teachers.

Dungeons & Dragons: ah! I never got into that - I often wish I had, but when I moved I didn't know of any groups. I remember when I worked for the London publishers I was given loads of these games (straight from the US & never seen by anyone in the UK), but I gave them to a chap on the train whose sons were really wrapped up in playing them! I didn't realise you could play just the one game - I thought they were "add-ons" me

Madmum, I guess you are around 6 hours behind us? We'll have to co-ordinate a "time" for immediate chat with the three of us

My husband has just gone to the Farmer's Market - I still have this wretched cold so am not going to risk the cold frosty air! He has a list of what to get - well, in his mind - it will be interesting to see what he comes back with

Hello again! (Sorry too much in a hurry to add smilies, but I am smiling at you and waving!)

If you're on GMT, then you're 5 hours ahead of me - I'm on Eastern Standard time. Mostly, I'm on the computer Mon., Tues., Thurs., & Fri., as those are the days that the hubby is working. The other days he gets to use the computer.

It would be great to set up a 3-way chat in The Creaky Joint!

I will probably be on tomorrow from about 7 am - 3 or 4 pm - that's 12 pm - 9 pm your time. I will check here occasionally to see if you're around.

BTW, I didn't get that last job I interviewed for; they found someone with experience. Story of my life! Well, it wasn't a teaching job, so I'm not too broken up about it.

Have to go spend quality time with the hubby now (watching a NASCAR race.) Keep your fingers crossed that I win the pool this week!

See ya later!

You could start your own EG and call it The Creaky Joint

Then you can have conversation threads about different things and keep a main thread for discussing your immediate problems..

lil xx


ps.. I might even join too!..

OK girls - what are we going to decide to do & how?

I must admit, having been on here for some while in total, I still don't know the difference between "conversations" & "Edited Guide entries" - I always thought the EG was for specific topics - maybe that's what Lil means, keep the EG, ie The Creaky Joint for specifically health problems (+ & of course ) & carry on about other things in our normal thread.

Although this normal thread seems to have adopted the name, but it doesn't show on the list

Lil, if you're around: you would be very welcome - am I making hard work of this?

completely puzzled & confused - comes with age

Good morning! I can barely see through sleepy eyes - hubby woke me up way too early!

Having only been here for less than a week myself, I'm not sure about the EG vs. this current thread. Since this is your thread, Shirps, I will take the coward's way out and let you decide! (We'd have to let you write the guide thing, anyway, with only minimal, incoherent help from the rest of us who are busy applying arthritis cream on various body parts!)

Whatever you decide, I agree!

OK - this may take some time though - be patient with me

I've got toothache now - very loose upper tooth - not long for dentures I fear - dentist on 6th so I will see

We're taking my mother to a gastric specialist this afternoon to get the results of an endoscopy & scan - she has lost so much weight & is trembling all over - I am somewhat concerned! She will be 84 in Sept, but has changed so much during the past 6 months.

So I'll sign off now for a quick shower before we go - speak later

Go back to bed for a short - you know you want to

'ing too much leads to backaches!

to hear about your mum. I also worry about my parents and my grandmother. Grandma is 94, and broke her hip shortly after I broke my leg. Both of my parents have had multiple heart attacks. Luckily, my eldest daughter, Hillary, opted to remain in PA and is living with them; she's a big help, from what I understand!

with the tests! I'll catch up with you later!

too much!

Here's some cheery news.. I saw a small copse of trees this weekend and under them were thousands of snowdrops all in bloom... Just lovely!

Snowdrops are indeed beautiful!

I plants that start poking up this time of year!

Shirps, I just had an idea: you could move The Creaky Joint to the Miscellaneous Chat room! (It would probably be the easiest thing to do!)

You know, I've only been a member here since last Friday, and already I adore everyone here!