~~June Golden Girls~~

[ladyinweighting]

Good Morning Everyone,

This morning my AC man is coming to check on the new system. My DD called him & told him to get over here because the system is too noisey and runs too often (I used 2x the amount of electricity this June as I used last June with the same avg daily temps).

Then, I have an appt. with a gastroenterologist. I have been having problems with choking & my dr's think is is from acid reflux - we'll see.

Tomorrow is my book club & then a movie - the Tree of Life.

Check back later,

Lynn

Originally Posted by Karen3

I don't recommend openheart surg for weight loss....heck have gained 20bs which is going at about 5lbs every other day.

Hi Karen,

DON’T worry about weight now. Just focus on getting better. Thank you again for checking in with us. It is WONDERFUL to see your posts.

Originally Posted by maryea

I have been doing a lot of stretches at home (in addition to the gym) and I realized today that I am getting a little more limber. I lose a lot of agility on our long winter trips. We walk but there isn't much room for stretches unless I do them outside and I kind of get away from it.

Hi Mary,

I should definitely do stretches. I am NOT flexible. Because of training for the marathon, I focus on my walking and increasing my speed. My other exercises (strength and stretching) get ignored. Are there particular stretching exercises you are doing?

Originally Posted by glynne

I sort of think that is the answer for me ~ instead of having a pig out meal (I don’t have enough self control for that) I think letting myself indulge when there is stuff at work is a better solution for me. I don’t want to look like a pig in front of my coworkers, so I just have a little. That works out better than trying to do it on my own at home ~ where no one is looking ~ I lose control.

Hi Gayle,

I am just the opposite. I do fine when I am home (don’t bring anything into the house that would trigger my binges). However, when I am out, I have trouble being reasonable when I encounter temptations.

Originally Posted by akrosey49

i got a real surprize in the mail today. we subscribe to Country magazine. several yrs ago i submitted a picture of my grkids taken on the 4th.they were all little then. well surprize they published it in Julys issue of Country Extra. we got an old fashioned dinner bell(triangel) and a new subscription.. i was really tickeled about it but its been yrs since i sent it in.

Hi Rosey,

How great! Congratulations! Enjoy your presents.

Originally Posted by Riemontana

Everyone makes a big deal about my weight loss at pool league. I had lost a lot of my weight during the last season but I seem to have gone over some line. People are raving at me about how I look now. It is a little weird, especially the people who claim that they don't recognize me. I know they mean well but it makes me uncomfortable. Isn't it interesting that it isn't always comfortable.

Hi Rie,

Enjoy the compliments! You earned them.

[Karen31]

Good Morning! Just a quick pop in this morning.. I weighed with the wii this morning and I am at 162.5 so that puts me up a pound! I really have to get back with it! But this morning is already taken up with getting a shower and getting my car over to the Cadillac dealer to fix a recall about the passenger side air bag. Then I want to go by Target while I'm over there to check on a new swim suit. Then back here because some people called and came to look at the Ford Edge last night but then decided to look at the Cadillac and seemed to really like it more (DARN IT!) and I think they will be back this afternoon to buy it. I also have two more people interested in the Edge that want to come and see it. I told Tim I think if they both sell I want to get a Cadillac SRX or Escalade that is AWD. I'm not talking new here either-- can't afford that but 2006 or newer. I kind of like having the AWD and the Cadillac I have now is rear wheel drive. Now after all this running this morning my brother has someone who wants to see the house tonight at 6:30! Busy day! We have decided that we will leave the house on the market for right now anyway but we aren't going to take any less than what we have it listed at. We will need what we get out of this one to buy into another one. So just going to let it ride for now. And if it sells, and we buy one that doesn't have a pool----I will get an above ground pool to put in. Not going to be without a pool long!!

Karen-- so glad to hear from you! Just take care of you for now and let everything else just fall into place without worry!! Just keep popping in and saying HI!!!

OK, sorry that I don't have time this morning for personals but need to get in the shower!! Have a great day!!!!

[ellabella]

Well, work has been ridiculous lately, plus getting ready for, and having the baby shower on Sunday, and now it's Thursday, and I feel completely out of the GG's loop - well, I keep checking in, reading, and mentally replying, or giggling, or sympathizing, or congratulating....but none of it gets posted because I have to jump right on to something else! Today is, believe it or not...our (stupid) employee picnic, and while I didn't want to attend, I was looking forward to a day to myself, more or less. I scheduled my appointment to get the stitches out of my ear for this morning, and then envisioned myself lounging down by the lake, reading a book and enjoying the sun. Well, that's not going to happen, because the deadline on a huge project got moved up, and my part has to be ready by Friday morning. SO, today I work from home. Bah and humbug, I say. Less than a year 'til I retire, and it can't come a minute too soon!
I'm glad you had a good time in Asheville, Lynne. Oh, the casino. Nuh-uh. No thanks. We did go to the Cherokee museum, though, which was pretty awesome, and also visited their reproduction Cherokee village, which we all enjoyed; a reproduction of what a native American village was like back before the Trail of Tears with historical reenactors similar to what they do at Old Sturbridge Village here in Massachusetts, where dh works. Very interesting, and a lovely trek through the woods from site to site.
Rie, I totally get what you're saying about being uncomfortable when people keep focusing on your weight loss. I think we all like to feel that we are cared about - liked - for who we are, not how much we weigh, or how we look. When people keep raving over how much "better" you look, it kind of invalidates who you were when you were heavier. Just a reflection, I think, of how our society as a whole values youth and good looks - and perfect bodies - over maturity and bodies that reflect a little bit of living. Unfortunate, but it's so pervasive that we mostly don't even notice or think about it. I think we GG's are a little more focused on the health benefits of weight loss and maintaining, but of course the appearance thing does creep in. How could it not?
I'm so glad to see how much you're enjoying life these days, Rosey! We'll need a big celebration when you hit that 100-lb mark!
Gayle, yep. I have to work at maintaining some semblance of control around sweets as well. I occasionally give in to my cravings at work, but I've been keeping "goodies" off my grocery list for ages. If I want to indulge, I have to make a stop at the store specifically to buy myself some junk, and more often than not, I have enough time to think about doing it so that I manage to NOT do it. Keeping my fingers - and toes - crossed that I can keep up this good behavior!
Karen3, SO good to get these little snippets from you...so glad that you're recovering, and so what about the pounds...they're dropping off, and you're getting better, which is all that matters.
Marie, your tomato bush has me green (except for my black thumb) with envy. We have one growing on our back porch that is steadily reaching towards the ceiling...getting huge...but not a blossom or bud in sight!
PT, I am SO with you on moving (plus, Karen31, your house is just perfect for you, from what I've seen!) but I'm thinking that dh & I have one more move on the horizon. I really want a lake house - one not too far from where we are now, but on the lake so the grandkiddos can come and enjoy...and so that the kids and grandkiddos will have a handy summer retreat when dh and I are pushing up daisys (or in my case, at least, blowing in the wind). So the family is on notice to be ready to come and help with packing and such within the year.
Bobbi, nice flowers. Hope to hear more from you sometime soon. I swear, with what you and other GG's say about your "retired" lives, I'm beginning to wonder if I shouldn't try to get all the rest I can now in preparation for it!
Nancy, I hope you're doing okay...I just don't like that swelling. Well. do check in when you can, because I miss you!
Hi Freda - hope all is well with you and that you're finally enjoying some summer weather (hopefully not sweltering, though...doesn't it just sometimes seem like there's no happy medium?)
A belated welcome, Cindy Gail!
Hi Mary....
Off to have my stitches out...have a good day, y'all!!!!

Z

[Karen3]

morning....slept all night without any pain meds. That's 24hrs into detox from that cr*polla. Still loopy but telling self to buck up and stop spinning. Another 3lbs gone this am. Nursing service coming here to the house again this afternoon for coumadin test and start cardio rehab.

Rosey....can't wait for my magazine! wow!

Zoe....sorry but the last 12 months before retirement are gonna be long frustrating and boring this is the universal plan so that you arrive at retirement in typical old f*rt mode. Screw up the plan by enjoying every day!

Having trouble finding keys and keeping eyes on the line sorry.....

Bobbi...The gardens are beautiful

ran out of energy...later, k3

[glynne]

Good morning GG's,

Well, off to work.

Karen FL ~ glad to see you ~ seems like you are getting back to your old self a little more each day

Hope you all have a nice day.

Take care

[Marie]

Lynn, sounds like you had a wonderful trip. How awesome you and your DD will be doing a half marathon. That is a bummer about the photo class. I bet it will be fun in the fall.

KarenFL, good luck with the beginning of rehab. I bet you make your goal! Way to go on 24 hours of detox. Don’t overdue. I love the one year pre-retirement definition.

Mary, I’ve bought Starbuck’s Via (decaf for mine) for when I travel internationally. Usually I can’t find decaf mochas. So I do hot chocolate and sprinkle some of the via packet into it. It’s strong so I don’t use much. Just enough to take the sweetness off the hot cocoa. Just that small touch of coffee flavor maybe be enough for you.

Gayle, I’m glad you got off on time yesterday. I don’t think I’ve seen that in any of your posts. I like your idea of resisting tempting treats until you really want one. I once the did the non-diet day each week and lost 40 pounds. But I was in my early twenties and gained it back as soon as I got pregnant. DH asks why I don’t do that again and I know that one blowout meal/day could negate all the hard work over a week when you look at calories in and out. So I just try to resist and resist. BTW, I think you’re insane to think of biking in 108 degree temperatures.

Rosey, what fun having the magazine with the pics. I bet you buy lots of copies.

Rie, I know it isn’t comfortable when your weight is the center of attention. I finally learned to just say thank you and not elaborate. The comments dwindled and nearly two years later, no one every mentions it anymore. Just grit your teeth and thank them.

Karen31, your list of today’s activities made me tired. I think I’ll go take a nap for you.

Zoe, your future lake home sounds delightful. I can envision sitting on a porch swing, looking over a calm lake on a summer morning, sipping a mocha and watching the birdies fly. Sounds peaceful. I’m with you on the idea the retired GG’s are majorly busy.

Yesterday I perused all my digital photos and making copies to another folder. When DD and her partner split, the ex took all the pictures of their child. Every one. So I’d given DD my photo albums of my DGS and promised I’d work on the digital images too. So since I had no plans yesterday, I did that. I’ve put it off since it was a digital mess. What started me was it is DD’s b-day on Wednesday and I had a $5 off coupon for a photo book. I thought it would be cool to create one of DGS for her b-day. It snowballed from there but the book will be awesome (probably not done in time for b-day but I’ll see DD again when we return to 6 Flags for my 50 b-day). DH even liked it and he’s so not into that type of stuff. Today I’ll burn the images onto a DVD and she’ll have a decent history of her boy. I need to vacuum the pool today and take the pups out for their hike. I had to do bills this morning and I’m now depressed. I look forward to payday and the pleasure of having money is gone after the bills. I don’t think doing bills has ever depressed me before. I keep wondering how people that pre-this economy barely made ends meet are doing when salaries are frozen (or terminated completely) and the rest of the bills keep going up. And the killer of them all is filling the gas tank. I swear the fuel bill is the thing poking holes into our balloon budget. Okay, enough whining. I have a job, we make ends meet and I really don’t need an ipad 2 for my b-day.
Marie

[Riemontana]

Good Morning!

I slept hard and heavy last night for the first time in a while. Probably because I gave in and took a pill last night to deal with my raging belly.

It is a pretty morning here but the temp is rising rapidly. It is gonna be a hot one!

Marie, what a nice thing you did for your dd! Those photo books are wonderful. BTW, I was wondering how many carbs are in that shake mix thickener? I almost ordered it with my chocolate, but I couldn't see the nutritional info. Your tomato plant is huge!

Gayle, I hope you have a great day at work.

Karenfl. Yup, those pain pills are a killer! Once you start rehab, you are going to feel so much better.

Zoe, I absolutely love the idea of a Lake House. What a great place to have kids and grandkids visit!

Karen31, you are just wheeling and dealing! I hope the sales go well and you find other things that suit you better.

Lynn, good luck with the dr appt today. Reflux is not fun. And major congrats on the fitness award! I think I might sign up!

Rosey how exciting about the Country magazine! My mom has a subscription so I will watch for it. Enjoy the kiddos!

Well, I am gonna get going here and head off to work. Have a great day!

Rie

[Cindy_Gail]

Morning Girls,

I ate a very unhealthy supper last night. DQ. What can I say? Hubby chose it, I suggested Subway. I need to be ready for this pitfall. I did 20 minutes of running and a few other cardio exercises this morning in spite of the heat and humidity. I found more cookies I like, same brand, diff flavors, fig and honey and cranberry. I love cookies so this is a good substitute for me.

[Marie]

Rie, the label says 8 grams carb (0 sugar and 0 fiber) for the 10 gram serving. Here's the link for the company and if you click on More Information it has the nutrition label. Here's the link to the place to buy it cheaper than the company.

Cindy, DQ is the only fast food I like or will to. I tend to get their grilled chicken sandwich without all the mayo or I get the grilled chicken wrap and ask that they don't put any sauce (ranch) on it. DQ is doable. Even the mini blizzard isn't bad calorie wise. Carb-wise probably not so good but I don't worry about those - at least not yet.

Closed a dormant bank account, put a couple to things that are never used on ebay. I haven't given up on the ipad 2 yet. BTW, I'm not broke or poor, it just is depressing on payday when so much goes out. Thankfully we started saving for retirement at 22 and that retirement isn't scary money wise.
Marie

[maryea]

Hello GGs! My dh went fishing today so I'm home alone. The shad is running in large amounts so he hopes to get some to use for bait when we go crabbing in the fall. Before he left I made us blueberry pancakes..yummy and with light syrup. Since my dh left I've been online checking out recipes, completing surveys etc. What a life! LOL I really need to get to my housework. Want to clean the kitchen today. Yesterday I cleaned out one of my cupboards, but need to clean the large appliances and mop the floor today.

You'll probably be glad to know I'm done with the experimenting with mocha recipes! LOL This morning I made my usual "light" version of my mix and dropped in a couple teaspoons of sugar free chocolate syrup.About the same calories as the cocoa powder but since I had it on hand I used it. It was good except I added too much Splenda (2 t.) so pretty sweet. Guess with the syrup I need less. Both the recipes (Rosey's and Marie's) were good but I just couldn't quite get the right portions of things to make them work perfectly for me esp with the coffee since I'm SO sensitive to it, plus using this mix is just so easy and it's pretty cheap too. I will keep the recipes though and possibly try again sometime as my tastes do change from time to time.

The window company called to say that the guy that does the measurements will be here next Wed. It will be nice to have these two large windows done and should help make our home more comfortable. No further inquiries on our ads so guess we will be keeping the rig for a while longer which is fine. Rather that than give it away. I think dh is having second thoughts on giving up his pickup anyway. Would rather have a smaller one but nice to have one to haul stuff now and then.

Didn't go to the gym today but I have done a lot of stretches and a few other exercises. Plan to do more later. Dinner was ok last night (beef with dandelion greens) but the greens were a little strong tasting. We think we would prefer using spinach in it so will try that next time. Think tonight I'm fixing Bacon Cheeseburgers ....it's a light version using bacon bits and a little shredded cheese. Makes me hungry to think about it! I'll probably serve it with a salad as we still have lettuce from our garden. Was reading this morning that short bursts of intense exercise is ideal, so I am trying to work exercise in here and there throughout my day. This idea seems like a more natural approach to me and the gym work-outs sure haven't helped me with my weight...although I'm sure my inconsistent eating pattern has a teeeeny bit to do with that....

Marie - I would love an ipad 2!! But I am a little unsure how it works. When I went to the AT&T site it looks like it's like another phone line in that you have to sign up for a data plan? Also can you use it like a phone? I thought not but then saw a commercial which looked like you could as it was talking about Face Time just like with the iphone. Do you know about all this? So I'd love one but am concerned about all the the costs not only buying one but having one! I've tried the Via samples...if I only use a very tiny bit it's ok, but I have to be really careful. I think my current mix (esp using only 1/2) is the easiest and best for me at this time. Glad I tried other ways though! Thanks for trying to help me, I appreciate all the ideas. You mentioned traveling internationally...made me remember...I was able to get some good mochas/frappes in the Philippines when we were there in 2009! I'm sure the were not low-cal/low-carb though! I understand about your payday depression...I used to call that the "payday blues." That really is a nice thing you did for your dd. What a terrible thing for her partner to do! I feel like I'd die if I lost all my children's pictures. Mine are getting faded with age and that bothers me. I am in the process of going through our photos and putting the extra copies in boxes for each child. The idea of putting them on a DVD is something I may consider too. I'm also still in the process (very slow with these things!) of transferring all our VHS tapes to DVDs.

Rie - I am so sorry you are still having pain! I hope you can find help soon..as I know that pain is very difficult to live with. Glad you got some sleep. When I lost 33 lbs before some people didn't recognize me....sometimes they thought it was me but weren't sure and would approach me hesitantly.

Karen 3 - Glad you are getting better. It will take time. Not a good way to lose weight! You are right about that last year before retirement! I thought it would never end.

Karen31 - hope the car deal works out like you want. at least you have interested people.

Rosey - Wow that's great about the magazine!!

Glynne - I'm the same way in front of other people, I am very careful not to over indulge so that's a good way to go.

Well, this is getting long and I have much to do...Hi to all I have missed!

[the slim me]

Hi Every one,

It was such a beautiful day. Sun was shining, there was a light breeze. Perfect day to sit outside on the patio with a good book and a glass of iced tea. But first, I had to go into work, on my day off, to attent a 15 min. inservice on alcohol. I told them I had no problem drinking but no one seemed to think it was funny...well actaually they did. I wouldn't have minded but I work rehab and hopefully, by the time they come to us, the DT's will be over. Went shopping today and bought a pair of capri's. Didn't intend to buy anything, but all the summer stuff is on sale and they were such a good price. They were a size 6, but could have gotten a size 4 but they didn't have any. And they would have been a little snugger. I like things loose and comfortable. Like PJ's or my uniforms.

Lynn, I hope you get a good Dr. I didn't realize what a problem GERD could be, and i'm a nurse. I was embarassed. Did the AC guy get it fixed?

Gayle, I'm glad your work is getting a little better. It's hard enough to work in good conditions! As for eating at work, you know my play. Take a small piece of something and if it isn't the best or something different, don't eat it. There will be plenty more later. Seems someone is always bringing something in.

Karen, So glad you'r keeping in touch. And sounds like you are doing better, from the lack of pain meds you're taking. I hope they helps some with the symptoms.

Cindy Gail, I bought the cranberry cookies first and really like them. I have coupons! I was in the store when they were domoeing them and picked up a lot fo dollar coupons and they double them in this area.

Rie, If you're in pain, take those pain pillss. That's what they are for. No need to be uncomfortable! I don't which is worse, people mentioning our weight loss or people not mentioning it. If they do we are embarassed. If they don't we think it doesn't show. I think it's just us getting used to our new bodies.

Rosie, How wonderful to see the grands pictures in the magazine. Now fess up, how many copies did you buy? I would have bought enought to send to all the relatives at least!



Z, I can see you in a house by the water, sitting in a deck chair, face towards the sun! It's you. My vision is to move to the country and have a huge garden and lots of fruit trees. Maybe Bobbi will sell me hers.

Bobbi, Hope you're doing well and looking forward to see pictures of the yard.

Mary, take the time that your husband is gone and just enjoy yourself! That house work will still be there when he gets home. I guess I'm saying that because I so seldom have days, or even hours, alone. I tend to treasure them.

Marie, I love your tomato plant! I have several out but it will be some time before I have any fresh tomatoes. You don't like strenght training? It's my favorite kind of exercise! It makes me feel strong What a wonderful gift you're making for your DD. She will cherish it i'm sure.

Freda

[jess1]

Good Hola and Afternoon!
Lynn – congrats on winning your medal! You’re an inspiration to us all! Your trip to Ashville sounded wonderful… have you pictures? And your a/c is STILL not working? Gawd, isn’t it amazing how inept workers seem to be?

KarenFL – good luck with your cardio rehab! Once your meds get straightened around, your bloating should also decrease. That 20# gain is NOT real!

Gayle – glad you finally got off work on time! And I think your little lunchroom indulgence was a good thing! You’ve been under a lot of stress lately, and sometimes indulgence is warranted! Good job with the personals, too! I love it when the Lovelies do personals!

Today was Granny/Mom's followup doc visit. He referred her to a vascular surgeon for the carotid... she has 70% blockage on the right and ~80-95% blockage on the left. He also thought he could hear a potential abdominal aortic aneurysm, which needs to be checked. I'm more concerned with the blockages, due to stroke potential. If the aneurysm blows, she won't know what hit her, but a stroke is so debilitating. Everything else looked good. It makes for a long day, though!

Can't think of any other news.

Oh! KarenMO and I were talking yesterday, and I said I'd love to see a picture of everyone's house. We had been oohing and aahing over Bobbi's flowers, garden, yard, and house. Are you all game? We don't have to say address or city, so no Kirby salesmen will come calling. KarenMO's house is SO her, and what I could see of Bobbi's also fit her personality. And we've seen the inside of Rosey's house. I'd love to see all of yours! I'll take a picture of mine in the morning and will post it!.

Everyone, have a lovely rest of the evening!

[Nancyoyo]

Hey GGs,
Just wanted to pop in & say Hi! to everyone. I plan to be busy for the next week, so I might not have time to post. My SO got Fri. off, & he's off all of next week. Yay! I get to sleep in for 10 days! Almost all of the manufacturing plants in this area close down for a week for the Fourth of July, & also at Christmas, & since SO works at a furniture factory….. I think this custom is unique to this area? At least I never heard of it until I moved here. We usually have a few household projects we try to get done during his time off, & there are a couple of festivals I want to attend, so I might not be around here much for awhile. Oh, & we’re having the family cook-out at my house on Sunday.

KarenFL, I’m so so glad to see your posts. Like Gayle said, you’re sounding more like your old self every day! And Gayle, I really think you’re doing great figuring out a way of eating that works for you. And I like your idea of buying single-serve sizes. I’ve done that many times - some things are more important than saving a little money!

Rosey, bet your grkids are thrilled to be famous. Sounds like you’re going to have a busy, happy Fourth.

Rie & Marie & Zoe, & all who commented on the compliment thing, I have a problem with that too. On one hand I’m pleased & happy that people notice my weight loss. On the other hand, it somehow makes me uncomfortable & I don’t know what to say. But, now, most everyone around me is starting to get used to it, & it’s not mentioned much. And that makes me a little sad. (Lack of attention??? Is there no pleasing me?!!)

Mary, I think you asked, awhile back, yes I live in NC, & it’s been mostly in the 90’s during the day, for over a month now So, pretty hot! At least it cools down to the 60’s at night, so the mornings are nice.

Lynn, glad you’re home & that you enjoyed your trip to Asheville. I really think that’s the most beautiful part of NC. And congrats on your medal!

Cindy Gail, I’m sure your unhealthy meal was more than evened out with all your exercise today. And, sounds like you’re right back OP. That’s what counts.

Maureen, glad to see you back. Did you really survive 13 days without internet?!

KarenMO, good luck with your house & cars, however that turns out. Seems like you’ll be happy no matter what the outcome?

Freda, wearing a size 6, but actually a size 4! I think I’ve said before, you’re quite an inspiration!

Bobbi, hope you’re getting some well deserved rest. And, hope you find a way to post the pics of your garden.

Donna, the news about your mom sounds scary. Can they fix that? I hope she’ll be ok! I like your idea of posting pics of our homes, I do love seeing them. I’ve got lots of mine, I’ll try to get around to posting some of them. About our homes showing our personality - y’all already know I’m weird, right?

I know I’ve forgotten people, & things I wanted to say, but I’ve already been here far too long (at least my legs aren’t swelling tonight, but then I’ve had the AC on all afternoon & it‘s cool inside). Like Zoe, I’m always “communing” with you all mentally, but it takes me too long to type out my thoughts. If only we could all do this telepathically! Oh well. (Sigh!) Bye everyone, & in case I’m not back here before Monday -Have a Great Weekend & Happy Fourth of July!

NCNancy

[Riemontana]

Hello Golden Girls!

I have really enjoyed reading the posts today. I had a stressful day at work. When I came home, gs was tired and he fell asleep on the couch before supper was ready. My ds brought me a lovely supper of baked pork tenderloin, roasted potatoes, roasted pepper medly and some english cucumber slices. Yum. I opened the GG link and just joined you all as I enjoyed my supper in a restful way. Thanks for being here!

Tomorrow I have one of my most pleasant yearly tasks at work. Each year people from the U.S. and Europe are selected for an exchange program for professionals called the Marshall Fellows. A friend of mine went to Europe on this program a few years ago. Now, each year, a group comes to Montana. The tour and luncheon at my facility is always a highlight of their trip. I have several employees who are from American Samoa and we are known for our wonderful barbque. The fellows are also very interesting and civic minded people and they are so much fun to spend time with. Tomorrow they are representing 6 different countries and they are really important, national people in their world. I can't wait. I love to tell them the story of my building and talk to them about juvenile justice in America. It will be a highlight! And, of course, I am really ready for some amazing barbque

Donna, I hope everything goes well with Granny/Mom. It is tiring to do the doctor's office dance - isn't it? You are a good daughter I love the idea of posting pictures of our house/world. I will get that done this weekend.

Freda, "no problem drinking" Size 4 or 6???? Wow. I don't think I have been that size since I was 4 or 6 LOL Good for you!

Mary, how are you transferring the vhs tapes to dvd's? I really need to get that project going.

Marie, I did your strength training this morning for you - I'm betting that you did my cardio. Oh, can you imagine how cool it would be if it actually worked like that???? You started saving for retirement at 22? How smart is that?. I was working the farm and trying to get through school while raising my babies so I didn't get through grad school and start my career until I was 31. And, I had just gone thru a hideous divorce and was so in debt. I should have declared bankrupsy but I spent several years paying it off. At any rate, I am very grateful to have one of those public pensions that everyone is grousing about these days. Anyway, I am impressed.

Cindy, well, if I have learned anything on this journey it is that each day is a new day. There are going to be days when I am on plan and days when I am not on plan. Hang in there. I am still impressed with your ability to eat a single serving of those itty bitty cookies.

For those of you saving pictures - a really nice site is shutterfly.com A little spendy, but I have made books for people there and they come out really nice. I am currently working on a project for my gs's, little cousins, and kids. I am creating a book that includes old family pictures (like my grandparents wedding photo) and creating a book for them. The nice thing about the site is that you can make a book and allow others in your family to purchase their own copies. For someone like me who has no scrapbooking talent, it is pretty cool.

Well, I am headed out to water my plants now that it has cooled off a little.

To Rosey, Zoe, Lynn, Tea Granny, Karenmo, Gayle and all other wonderful women, have a great evening!

To dearest Karen, I hope you are doing well.

Rie

[Bobbolink]

I'm closing the June thread ...Donna, please re-post your last post about everyone's house. I'd love to see that.
Catch ya tomorrow in the new July thread.