General Diet Plans and Questions - Millennium Diet #85

Prevention Millennium Diet*

Daily servings
veg and fruits, 9 servings ( 5 veg/4 fruit)
whole grains, 3-6 servings
high-calcium, 2-3 servings

Weekly servings:
Beans - 5+
Nuts - 5
Fish - 2

Serving Sizes

veg. & fruit
1 serving = 1/2 c. chopped fruit
1/2 c. cooked or raw veg.
1 c. raw green leaves
3/4 c. veg or fruit juice

Whole Grains
1 serving = 1 slice whole wheat bread
1/2 rice or bulgar
1/2 c whole wheat pasta

Calcium 1 serving = 1 c ff or 1% milk
1 c ff yogurt
1 c calcium fortified O.J.
1 oz. reduced ff cheese

Supplements
100% DV multivitamin/mineral
500 (under 50) to 1000 (over 50) mg. calcium
100-400 IU Vit. E
100-500 mg Vit. C

Keep calories to 1500 a day - 250 cal. per meal. Eat 6 small meals a day. Do not exceed
42 fat grams per day.

Drink 8 glasses water and 1+ cup of tea daily.

* Copied from the Jan. 2000 issue of Prevention Magazine.


This is not necessarily a vegetarian diet. The guidelines summarized above are just that.

I managed to shoehorn myself out of bed this a.m. by 5:15. My workout is behind me. This is MAJOR! :)

TGIF - hope you girls have something nice planned for the weekend. No plans here except that I truly hope I get out in my boat again. A former student, recently split from gf and kinda lost, and friend - I think I practically raised this kid - wants to go kayaking. Of course he likes roaring rivers and getting out sometime after noon, but there has to be a compromise somewhere. I think I'll call him back and set something up.

I am thinking fruits and vegetables. I am planning to keep a food journal today.

I was out 4 1/2 hrs. in my boat yesterday, last night my arms had that pleasant tired ache that I remember from last fall and I even got my first layer of tan, granted that never builds up to amount to much even by the end of the summer. Just kind of primed the well of what it feels like to feel fit and I need that right now. I was looking at workout clothes in my junonia catalog as I ate breakfast and I've promised myself a new outfit if I stick to diet and exercise for a week. Maybe that is too soon, but I think if I can do that I deserve that outfit.

I just ordered something a couple of weeks back from LL Bean. They have some things that go up to 3X. I like their things too. I got a jacket and some capris and a top.

DH had to deliver some parts down to Mass. so Miz Lacee & I went with him to make a day out of it. The traffic coming home was horrible:eek: It is a long weekend for some in Mass., Patriots Day Weekend...the Boston marathon...and a lot of people were coming to NH for the weekend. It should be interesting to see if there will be any activity up in our neck of the woods.

Tomorrow's plans are to rake the yard and the flower bed before the black flies emerge next month. They are only here for a short while, but raise havoc while they are here.

I hope that both of you are feeling better about what happened to each of you. (((((HUGS))))) to you both!

ledom~I'm glad that you kayaking trip went well. I think it feels great when you are "that kind" of tired. You know you have done something good for yourself. I think that student of yours will jump at the chance to go kayaking.

judi~Yes, LL Bean has some great clothes, don't they? I usually buy quite a lot from them, and about once a year, usually in the fall DH & I take a trip to their store.

I hope you both enjoy your weekend.

Alice, it sounds like you are encouraging spring with your raking activities. You live in a resort area? I know you talk about a lake nearby.

Yesterday went well for me with diet and exercise, I wasn't perfect on the diet but I did journal and it helped me know exactly where I was. There are a few forbidden foods in my house now that must be gotten rid of, I do so much better if there is no temptation. D is interested in toning up a bit in the next couple of weeks before prom and has expressed interest in hiking and cleaning up her diet so I guess we'll work on this together.

My young friend and I are going kayaking tomorrow. It should be fun, we will be going on a river which always gets my adrenaline pumping. I'll be leaving my camera at home for this one, we have had a lot of rain lately so the water will be moving too fast to take pictures.

Alice, I'm feeling better. My feelings are still tender, but I see that a break with this person will probably be better for me in the long run. The price of that friendship is just too high.

So far it's pretty mild, I actually was able to go outside with just my T-shirt & jeans!!! We have to go to the grocery store shortly, and hopefully the showers that we are supposed to get will hold off until late this afternoon so that we can begin our yard work.

ledom~There is nothing like dieting and exercising with a partner, as you keep each other motivated. How was the kayaking? Yes, where I live is somewhat of a resort area. Most are summer residents, and there are only a few of us who are year round. The lake is within walking distance from our house, but we do have a summer cottage right on the lake, also within walking distance from our house, that is where I spend those 2 weeks with my cousin, who has a summer cottage right behind our's. I agree with you that some friendships are too high a price to pay.

judi~I hope you are enjoying your Sat.

Take care.

Hi girls! The place I live is a summer place with year round residents too. The summer people come after the May long weekend. There are about 2800 people who live here on the island.

The kayak trip will be fun. I need to do raking too but I don't want to "frizz" my hair...to much moisture in the air. I am going to phone around and see if I can find someone to do it for me as soon as I finish posting.

Did you see Oprah yesterday? She had some very big women on. Charming and beautiful ones talking about what it was like to be big. I have the "Get with the Program" book but I haven't read it yet.

Better start my day, check in Shebacat!

I also agree with you two, better to be alone than be with a person who is hurtful. Absolutely! Life is too short to spend around nasty people (whatever their reason is).

judi~Usually our "summer people" start opening up their cottages Mem. Day Weekend. It's not until July 4th that the season starts in earnest. By Labor Day weekend we are not sorry to see everyone go home;) Are you the same way? I also bought "Get With the Program", but have just skimmed through it. I really should get in a quiet corner and read it through and do the workbook. I think his philosophy is exercise..exercise..exercise, then start the "dieting" part.

ledom~How was the kayaking trip?

Shebacat...We miss your posts. I hope everything is going well for you.

Take care and enjoy the rest of the weekend.

Yes Alice, it is exactly the same. Some movies have been made here on the island too. Last night there were some movie people on the ferry to the island. They were "no names", haven't seen any one really interesting here yet.

Well, I got someone to clean up the yard yesterday. Now I am inspired. I bought 3 forest flame pieris to put on the dog hill where out Akita died. I also emptied out flower pots, today I am going to clean my garden room out. From season to season I forget what tools I have etc.

I have to get in a quiet corner too and read that book. I signed up at the Oprah.com as juditioo. I got some good recipes there.

Hi Ledom! Hope you had a great weekend:cool:

judi, the only popular movie they ever filmed in our area that I'm aware of, is "On Golden Pond". That was many..many yrs. ago. It wasn't filmed on our lake, but on a lake not too far from where we live. At the time DH worked at a local bank and saw Jane Fonda when she and her entourage came into the bank to open various accounts. Now just about everything touristy is named "whatever" On Golden Pond.

Did you see Oprah when Andrew Weil & her former chef, Rosie were on touting their new cookbook? Some of the recipes sounded delish. I got some recipes from her site also.

We did get some raking done before it started to rain. I just had to rake up the front lawn where you-know-who does her duties. I told DH that we should only feed her 1 or 2 times a week!:lol:

you industrious ladies. I had a good a productive weekend too, though no yard work. I cleaned inside and D and I made a good start on our healthier living campaign. We shopped and cooked and on Sat. we hiked. I did get outside and clean and season the grill and then grilled some chicken. But, I do need to mow and plant my flower pots. Kayaking yesterday was lots of fun. We did a 3 1/2 mile stretch of river, it went by so fast we did it again. I love flat water paddling most of all, but it was a good change.

Both of your hometowns sound so neat. I would love to visit both places. I have often wondered what it would be like to stay in resort areas that I have truly loved. I have vacationed in Cape May, N.J. several times and always wish I was a townie when I have to leave. I actually live in a national park town, but I guess because we are down south, the touristas never leave. Fall is a big draw here, as is summer. There is also a fairly large general population.

judi, the cats are enjoying the warm weather, they want to be ouside all day. They run out the door when I go out to get the paper and I have to call and call to get them to come in at night. We have a 4th charity case cat that comes by to get the scraps we throw out for him. He has aquired the name of Mr. Darcy, and he is really a pretty cat. He is somewhat wild, but will let us pet him if he's in the mood. We tease Beatrice because she seems to like him best of the 3 cats we have, though they all tolerate his presence. Yesterday when I was outside working on the grill, all 4 of them were laying around in the yard. I just love cats, they are such nice quiet, peaceful company.

The gf that was driving me nuts last week called and left a message on my machine to hike Sun., I had other plans and didn't call back. She sounded as if, as far as she was concerned, everything was cool. I guess I need to talk to her but I'm not ready to yet and I hope when I do that I will find the right words to express my feelings.

I am feeling very positive about PMDing again. I have my "want to" back. That was what was so tough there for a while, I just didn't care very much. That Oprah sounds like it was a good one. Were those ladies content with their weight, or were they dieting? Sorry I missed that one. Oprah seems to me as if she is in a good place now. She did gain back weight, but she looks healthier than she did at her heaviest, and frankly, at her thinnest too. Oprah rocks!

We had a great weekend weatherwise..sunny and warm. It's raining now, but hopefully it will clear up by this afternoon so that I can go for my walk. If not, I'll do one of my exercise videos with the weights.

ledom~I'm glad that you kayaking trips went well. It must be so peaceful out on the water. You are right not to want to talk to your gf until you are ready, and when the time comes, I'm sure you will know what to say to her. That is great you and your D are into getting healthier you both can keep each other motivated.:cool: I love cats too. They are so easy to take care of. I wish DH was not allergic to them.

judi~I hope you are enjoying your Mon.

Take care.

re: Oprah, no the women weren't happy being fat but they weren't waiting to start living and one even said she loved her body because it was what she had. They all had good attitudes. It was very good but also kind of scary because of how much a person can gain.

I am journalling again. It is a good tool. THis morning for breakfast we had pea soup (kind of weird for breakfast I know) but I made it in the crock pot last night and it smelled so good this morning. The DH is at home today so that is kind of nice.

The cats sound like such nice company. Animals are one of the nicest things in creation, then flowers...

I am going to town today to by more flowering shrubs. I have to be picky about the type because we have deer come around and eat certain ones. The rhodos and the pieris they don't touch. Here a rose bush always has to be fenced. Roses don't do so well here too damp and not really enough sun but some can be coaxed to struggle along.

You are lifting weight Alice:cool: What kind of weights do you use? I bought one pound weight to strap on my wrist for when I treadmill. I have no arm strength at all.

Glad the kayaking was fun. If you ever come here for a visit you will feel right at home because in the village we have a place to rent kayaks and I see people out in them all the time.

Time to go to the mail. I am waiting for my package from LL Bean:)

Hi! How are you doing?

I went for an 1 1/2 hr. walk yesterday. We had a break in the rain. There was mud everywhere. Marley smells like a slough beast (he is going to the groomers today). He couldn't understand why he had to sleep in his basket last night instead of on my bed.

I had a good food day yesterday. Now I just have to string a bunch of these days together and not just have them sporadically.:o

on your great day judi - and you too with your exercise Alice.

Yesterday was interesting to say the least. I gave myself a minor injury on the matt cutter - enough so that I had to have a tetanous shot and a special bandaid. Anyway, a visit to the Dr. means :o you have to weigh! I was pleased that I had gained about 5 lbs, I was afraid to find out - I thought it was more. So the spell of skirting the scale is over and I think that is a good thing. My clothes all fit, just not as nicely as they were, yet another reason to keep on track.

D had a traumatic night last night, it must be epidemic judi. I can not wait for this school year to be over. The days of sliding through the last 3 weeks of sr. yr. must be over - she is so stressed out her stomach is tied in knots. Stayed up way in the night talking to her so that this morning I'm pretty useless. Yesterday was a bust with exercise too, maybe tonight I can gather the energy to go for a walk.

You guys inspire me.

DH & I just got back from our walk. It is a glorious day out. It is supposed to be around 80 deg. later on. It's way..way..too early, but I'll take it:smug:

ledom~How did you injure yourself on the matt cutter? I'm glad it wasn't too serious. I know what you mean about weighing in at the Dr's. 5 lb. isn't bad at all. Those 5 lb. will be a lot easier to take off than the 15 lb I've gained since last year.

judi~A 1 1/2 hr. walk!:cool: Where did you and Marley go? That's great you had a good food day also. I did not see that episode of Oprah with those women. Did they mention how they gained so much weight? The weights that I use with the walking videos are 2-1lb rubber balls that sit in the palm of your hand. I haven't used them in awhile because I've been walking outside.

You both have inspired me to get back on track with my eating, some days are good..some aren't so good. I am going to take another look at the Prevention lo-carb diet book. It seems like a healthy way to lower your carb intake.

Take care and enjoy the day.

I was in a hurry and got careless. I had the arm of the cutter up with the blade sticking out and bumped the top of my hand into about a 1/2 inch of razor blade. It cut the top of my hand between the knuckles. It didn't hurt, or bleed too badly, but it totally freaked me out. I had to get it cleaned out and they taped it together with steri-strips which is what you get when it isn't quite bad enough for stitches. I can't get my hand wet for 24 hrs. which is hard to do. It doesn't hurt now, but it's an incovenience.

Ledom, I am so sorry to hear about your hand. That is just awful. It is creepy just thinking about it. Owwwh!

Yesterday was a rainy day here, kinda cold. Did you get your 80 degrees Alice? That would be so nice.

Spring flowers are out here and the birds are singing so even though it is raining it seems quite spring like.

I used the rain as an excuse not to go and walk but today I have to go in to Vancouver and I plan to park quite a way away from my destination and give myself a good walk. I really want to get on with losing weight. Yesterday I was discussing with my WW friend how much we really just love to eat, for example my DH if he leaves supper too late, he won't eat because he doesn't want to eat too late at night while me on the other hand can be going to bed at midnight and if I missed supper I will have it at 11:45 pm. It is unthinkable for me to miss a meal. My DH never looks into the fridge to get something, me on the other hand frequently opens it to see if there is anything to see...I could get a tan from the fridge light:lol:

Hmmm, on this note I made a peach kugel yesterday. It was good, it had cottage cheese, yogurt, sour cream etc. in it. It was a lower point one because I used eggless noodles, egg beaters etc.

I am going to try to eat at my lower point range today just to see what it is like.

Have a good day Alice and Ledom. I hope your hand mends quickly Ledom:( Big Hug!

ledom~OUCH!!! You were very lucky that you didn't need stitches. I hope your hand is better soon. How did you exercising and eating go yesterday?

judi~Yes, we did have our 80 deg. weather yesterday, which broke quite a few records. Today it's supposed to be even warmer before a cold front comes through and drops the temps 20-30 deg.:( Your DH sounds something like my DH in his eating. Although, my DH would not miss a meal ;) he knows when to stop eating, where I'm like the Energizer Bunny...I keep going..and going..and going...:lol:

Take care and enjoy your day.

My hand is healing nicely thank you. I know, the description sounds really creepy. I was lucky it wasn't worse.

No alice, yesterday was pretty pathetic. I did overeat per-se, but I sure didn't eat my fruits, vegetables, whole grains like I am supposed to and I didn't exercise. Any little trauma seems to work as an excuse for me not to get it right. I have just got to get this semester over with and get my concentration on healthy living back!

D on the other hand seems to be sticking with things pretty well, all but the exercise because there just doesn't to be enough time in the day for her. She is also preparing for her recital and is having 2 piano lessons a week. We just gotta get through this month and then we both get a break.

Take care, I need to get my shower and on my way, slept late again this morning!

It's another wonderful day, but they say it's supposed to come to a screaching halt soon. DH & I went for our walk early while the weather was nice. We went a little farther today, and includes a little hill.

So far my eating has gone well today. Yesterday was ok, but I did indulge in a couple of glasses of wine last night.

ledom, I am glad that you hand is doing well. Once the school year is over, you will be right back on track, plus the weather will be a lot warmer for kayaking and hiking.

judi, How is your walking coming along? Have you had anymore long walks with Marley? I hope you are having a good day. When will you be leaving on your trip?

Take care and enjoy the day.

Just a short note before I go out for a walk...even we have got good weather today. I am going to take Marley. When he has been in my car the last few times he has to ride in a dog carrier (this is beneath his dignity) because he always is inching over to me and won't stay on his side of the car...so his nose is out of joint, I mean what do I think he is ...a dog?

I was discouraged this morning about weight but I have rallied...I just have to remind myself it all about "Choices!!"

I had my nails done yesterday. They look great. Did a big walk around downtown.

Alice, I indulge in a couple of glasses of wine almost every night:devil:

How is Lacee doing, haven't heard much about her lately. Is she enjoying spring?

How is that hand Ledom?

I wanted to post before I lose the computer for the day. Our cable for TV has finally been upgraded to include internet access. They are coming sometime this morning to install everything....so they say....and you know how reliable they are!:rolleyes:

judi~re: wine you are a girl after my own heart! I do like a glass or two when weekend rolls around. Sometimes during the week I feel like having wine, and I have it. I am wondering if that is why I don't lose weight? I have skimmed through the Bob Greene book and he recommends giving up alcohol altogether. HMMMMM! Yesterday Miz Lacee was in the dog house. We went out for awhile, and when we came home she had ripped a piece of paper to shreds. We thought she had gotten over that nasty habit, but apparently she hasn't:devil: I am sure Marley wants to help with the driving. I do believe that animals that are treated well do not think of themselves as anything but human. Either that or they know they have you wrapped around their paws :smug:

ledom~How is you hand doing?

Take care and enjoy the weekend.

TGIF! Hand is definitely on the mend. My steri-strip fell off this morning and the wound has closed up. It probably will be tender a couple more days, but if the weather permitted I think I could safely go kayaking now. That was absolutely my first thought when it happened - no kayaking:( !

I feel fat! It is so warm I am having to bring out summer clothes and I have nothing to wear! Gotta get busy on me!

I bet Miz Lacey was bored and lonesome without her people!

D and I have a new nickname for Beatrice. She is a funny cat, if you dropped her she would defintely not land on her feet - she is not very coordinated and she has no muscle tone. As a matter of fact, even though she is kind of small and dainty, she is shaped like a meatloaf - kind of rectangular with head and legs. So sometimes I call her the little meatloaf kitty. Then D called her Bea'loaf. Now it has been shortened to B'lo, so now we have a B'lo and a Ricky Martin. D and I get very amused with ourselves :dizzy:, kittys must thing we're nuts.

Have a great weekend.

I just love hearing the pet stories...I can see Beatrice and Lacee perfectly in my mind. I might be getting Bentley again. My D is coming home for awhile (we are no longer the bad guys, the BF is) so things should be interesting around here.

I feel fat too. I am a bit discouraged knowing I have done everything I can do to make myself look better. (nails, hair etc.) I won't look good until I lose weight. But nothing to do but plow onward at my snail's pace.

Today is a nice day. I might go to a mall. I need to buy a springform flan dish, is there such a thing?

I got some B/W photos from my trip. I have to go get some fresh chemicals for the dark room. I want to print a few 8 by 10 of our friend. I haven't done any printing for awhile, I wonder how long it will take to get back into it.

So glad to hear that hand is better Ledom. Will you go kayaking this weekend?

I want to watch the hockey game today too...whoohoo! Vancouver Canucks:wave:

Have a good day ladies!

judi, I am glad D and Bentley will be with you for a few days. I am interested in hearing how things go w/ D.

I usually fumble around a little in the darkroom if I haven't worked for a while. Usually more with film than with prints, but it will come back pretty soon. Have fun with it. Getting a darkroom routine going is always a centering thing for me.

My malaise has been so general. I have been taking naps, laying on the couch reading, just in a very low energy level for what seems like weeks now. Spring tends to do this to me. I have read up all the good books I had laying around so maybe it is time to rouse myself. I did read a good book by Canadian Margaret Atwood, The Assassins Daughter. I also read My Antonia by Willa Cather. Cather has been my find for the last couple years, I just love her writing.

One of my gf's wants to try kayaking this morning, I am just waiting for her to call. Hope ya'll have a good day. Alice, I hope you're not out of commision with your server switch for too long.

A very interesting morning to say the least. Around 7:00 this morning we had an earthquake that was rated a 5.1. :eek: The center of it was in upstate NY near Plattsburgh. From reports I heard all of the NE states felt it, and they also said that as far south (for us anyway) as PA. Lacee & I were still sleeping when it hit, it literally shook the bed which woke both of us (yes, she sleeps with us). DH was already up and about when it hit and he said the whole house shook.

That's wonderful judi, that your D and Bentley will be visiting for a few days and I am glad that you are now back in her good graces.

I like your idea of just laying around and reading, ledom. My favorite activity.

All the cables and whatnot have been installed in our computer for high speed internet access. This ROCKS!!!! I have written you a pm ledom, giving you my new e mail address.

I hope you are enjoying your weekend.

Alice, you were in an earthquake. That must have been SCARY! I hope that won't be a repeat occurence, just too nerve wracking.

Bentley and D are here. It has been fun. Yesterday we took the dogs out and went for a walk. Bentley took the squeakers out of Marley's toys...so he isn't happy.

Ledom, the days you are describing sound ok to me. I love book reading days. I have seen Willa Cather's books but haven't read any. Alice, I did get "Mob over Miami", it looks good. I have a big pile of books that I want to read. I am in my Rosamunde Pilcher phase.

I am making green chile today. Things have been ok food wise. Even been walking so I feel better about things...weight loss wise. Just going to try to stick with it.

judi, the earthquake only lasted a few seconds. I heard a bang like a door closing, which woke me, then I felt the bed shake. I thought Lacee was running around on the bed making it shake, but it woke her up too. We did not feel any after shocks though. I guess it did quite a bit of damage near the center. Poor Marley having all the squeaks taken out of his toys. I can just picture Marley & Bentley together. I'm glad that you are having a nice time with your D and "granddog". How did your chili come out?

ledom, I hope that you enjoyed your weekend.

Heard this morning that we may get snow later tonight. Last week it hit almost 90 and now they are talking snow! I stayed up very late last night watching a movie about Frank Sinatra. I did not realize it was in 2 parts, but I was hooked. So, I am rather tired this morning. I am debating with myself whether or not to do an exercise video or go back to bed :yawn:

Take care and have a great start to the week.

I vote for back to bed Alice.

My weekend was very nice thank you.
My Sat. morning kayaking trip was fun, there are so many wildflowers in bloom now and my friend is just as interested in identifying them as I am. She also was a natural at paddling so it went well. I saw something really memorable, if scary. It was a water mocassin on a rock with a fish about 1/2 way down its gullet. It was fascinating, I did take pictures, but was so concerned about getting too close and also the snake and the rock really blended together that it probably won't be as spectatular as actually seeing it.

I did a little yardwork, a little cooking, and attended D's Senior Tea. It was a busy but productive weekend.

School is winding down now, this week I will get my 5 year certificate. Time has really flown. Prior to this job I had changed jobs every 3 years or so. The last couple weeks will involve tying up loose ends and should be pretty laid back.

Hope ya'll have a good Monday.

Hi girls, I am for back to bed too:smug: ration your energy, you have a whole week in front of you. I was up at 4:30 am with my DH and then went back to bed after he went to work.

Well, the Xenical seems to be working, one more pound and I will be at the lowest weight that I was at before in the last two years...no man's land in weight loss...what rock star in the 70's used to sing "break on through to the otherside" well, that is what I am going to do.

The D was here for the weekend. I feel so bad for her. She will be going back to university next fall though, but has lost her 5 courses.:( We had fun though and everything was back to normal.

Alice, I have been in two mini quakes, the first one I didn't know what it was and the second one was scary. In the second one the Akita was outside so I went to see how he was doing and he was just indignantly glaring at the house as if to say "What the %*## are you guys doing in there?" Marley also sleeps on the bed, lately he has been hogging the pillows.

I would not have been trying to get a close up of the snake either Ledom. Too many other photo ops. I bet the tea was nice.

The green chili turned out wonderfully and D who doesn't like chili had 3 bowls of it over the course of the day. It was a mix that I got in Santa Fe and I added pinto beans to it.

Today the sun is out and it is a wonderful spring day!

:D I am so pleased for you! You must be feeling pretty good right now. Keep on keeping on, you're inspiring me to shake off the dust and keep you company on breaking new ground.

I only wish that had been possible. I rec'd a call that one of my cousins passed away unexpectedly. Then all hopes of a nap went flying out the window.

It is snowing now :( It's sticking to the ground.

You both have inspired me to dust myself off and get back on the road to losing weight. I also helps that DH would like to take some lbs. off. He tried on his suit the other day....it seems as though the dry cleaners had shrunk it:rolleyes:

ledom~That was very wise of you to stay away from the snake. I detest them!

Take care

I actually got out of bed by 5:30 this a.m. I walked/jogged the mile in my neighborhood. Not up to my old workouts, but I am happy to have done that much. I guess I am bored with my routine that served me so well the last 7 months. I am finding my way to something else to take its place.

I have been so grouchy/depressed the last couple of weeks. I have to think it is a direct result of lack of exercise. It really clears my head to work my muscles and sweat. All the problems I have been having lately just swim to the surface and I am able to analyze and think through things better. It is a physical release of tension as well. I need to be exercising if for no other reason than that.

Alice :dizzy: your weather sounds whacko. Heatwaves, earthquakes, and snow all in one or two weeks. What happened to the happy medium!?!
So sorry to hear of your sad news yesterday.

Another funny Bea story. This weekend two butterflies were fluttering right above her head as she was resting. She had a great time jumping up and trying to catch them, very kittenish. Her jump is pretty good but she forgets to prepare for her descent and just crash lands on her back when she comes down. Absolutely the most uncoordinated cat I have ever seen.

judi, I feel like D will come out good in the end. There may be an underlying reason why waiting a semester to graduate will be better for her. I am a believer in "going with the flow" and giving life an opportunity to work its magic, unassisted by our plans and timetables.

How are your travel plans progressing?

Our snow is almost gone. It was heavy wet snow that just stuck to the grass. Our Lilac tree has just started to get leaves on it, and with the snow ontop of the branches it looked like cotton.

I did my walking video this morning, the 2 mile walk with the weights. I feel so much better after exercising, I often wonder why I keep putting it off.

ledom~I can just picture Bea chasing the butterfly. Cats are very comical, aren't they? My cousin has 3 cats. One time we were visiting her and where we were sitting, the sun was glinting off of DH watch so that it was reflecting on the wall. Everytime DH would move his arm, the light would move on the wall, and the cat kept jumping up trying to catch that light.:spin: You have the right frame of mind about exercising. I have read to vary your exercise routine otherwise you will get bored doing the same thing. I absolutely love to walk, I don't get tired of it except for the same route. So when the weather get's better I go a different route every so often. Keep up the exercising.

judi~Congratulations with your weight loss. That's terriffic! I know you will break on through to the other side;) That's a shame you D lost her 5 courses, but she's still young enough that it won't make a difference. I agree with ledom about there may be an underlying reason why she wanted to wait to graduate.

Take care and enjoy the day

Well, aren't we a bunch of exercisin' gals...even ME...I did 40 min. on the treadmill first thing and I am planning a whole afternoon downtown looking (just looking) at spring things.

My lilac tree has buds on it too. Poor struggling things in my yard, they don't get enough sun here and they always get leaf miner. Anyone know a cure for that? I have tried cutting back, picking leaves off, spraying with deadly things but every year it is just the same. I love lilacs. In the 50's and 60's it was a common landscaping bush especially in the Canadian prairie provinces. I grew up with a mass of them surrounding our house. I especially love them, they are my favourite flower. I also love stocks. Anything heavily scented.

The DH is in Seattle for a couple of days on business. I opted to stay home and get ready for the trip on thursday. I went thru the fridge yesterday and made a big tomato, veg and pot barley soup and froze it in batches. I HATE anything to go to waste. Since we are just two when ever I make a cake I divide between to smaller pans and freeze one. Last night I pulled out a small lemon/cranberry angel food that I made in Oct. and it was still good. If I freeze the cake I don't put icing on it.

The house is clean and the yard is in pretty good shape. I had the gardener come for a day yesterday. I just have a few light and enjoyable things to do in it. I won't really be able to plant anything much before the 2nd week in May, then things take off.

Yes, I hope you are right about my D and her school. I know I shouldn't worry. I didn't start university until my late 20's but then I didn't make a career with my degrees either. It was a hoot when I went to get my new passport the girl put down "retired" the thing is other then very short term "jobettes" and those every decade and a half I have never really worked. It might have been nice to have had a career before people started putting "retired" on forms for me. (I am 51):lol: I am not complaining, I have had a busy life.

We have a bright spring day here. Sounds like Bea is feeling frisky, me too. I will go take that friskiness downtown now...enjoy the day!

Alice, I watched the best TV show tonight. It was Bill Moyers On the Hudson: America's First River. Do you live near the Hudson River? I felt I got a good overview of the landscape in your part of the country. The second part comes on tomorrow night. I can't imagine it would be as good as tonight though.

I had an interesting day today. One of my students - a nontraditional student - took me and another woman on a field trip to her 85 acre farm way out in the middle of nowhere. It was just beautiful, we walked all over the property. There were many interesting wildflowers, a creek, huge, ancient oak trees. Just a very pleasurable day. Though I have to say I came home with a sore throat and swollen glands as if my allergies are about to go whacko again. Hearing your respective weather reports leads me to believe you aren't having the pollen problems we are yet. It has been especially bad this year. And speaking of lilacs judi. I have a bouqet of lilacs from my mother's yard on my mantel. We picked them Sunday. You're right, they are heavenly.

Well, the result of my early morning is that I was dead tired when I got home this afternoon. I napped for an hour or so and therefore am up late. I am setting the alarm for 5 tomorrow, we'll see if I can drag myself out of bed when it goes off! Guess I better try to get some sleep now.

It's a beautiful day out...sunshine...a bit nippy....but I plan on going for my walk shortly so I will bundle up.

No, ledom, I don't live near the Hudson River. I live about 3 states away to the north. My late aunt lived in NYC and you could glimpse the Hudson River from her apt. That area does have a great landscape, especially the palisades of NJ. Our landscape is somewhat like you saw. The day you had at the farm sounds like fun. I love the smell of lilacs. Our's have about another month to go before they bloom, right around the Mem. Day holiday weekend. Is it possible to get a huge fan and blow the fragrance my way?:D

judi, When will your lilacs bloom? Whenever anybody puts down my occupation, it's always housewife. I do secretarial work for our machine shop, but nobody ever considers that.

Take care and enjoy the day.

Alice, I meant to tell you that I was sorry to hear one of your cousins passed away.

By the way "Mob over Miami" arrived from Amazon.com. Haven't read it though. The DH saw it and wants to read it.

How is your hand Ledom?

The farm sounded like such a nice day. I love the country.

My DH came back from Seattle and we are going to be taking off to California today. It is going to be fun. I am ready for another trip on the road. So I will check in again in a few days,

The lilacs just have buds on them here. I can't wait until they are in bloom.

See you in a bit:)

We are off to my cousin's wake on Cape Cod. We plan on coming back late tonight...as DH has plans for an overnight trip on Fri.

judi~Please have a safe trip to CA and bring back a lot of stuff. DH said he wanted to read "Mob Over Miami", but hasn't picked the book up yet. Maybe in a few years:shrug: He just doesn't like to read that much.

ledom~How did your day go yesterday with eating and exercising? I did do my walk yesterday and it wasn't as cold as I thought it was going to be.

We are supposed to get some rain later on today that is supposed to turn into snow for us...enough is enough!!!

Take care and enjoy the day.

judi, have a good and safe trip. I know you'll have fun.

Yesterday wasn't that great on diet and exercise. I am so unsettled in my attitude right now. Basically I kind of hate myself over how poorly I'm doing. I am up in time for a walk this morning though so at least I'll be starting the day off right.

I am in the midst of making excuses for myself. I keep thinking in 2 weeks when school is out I'll be able to spend the time I need to get back on track. And perhaps just having a start date is a good thing. With D's graduating and everything I am just a little emotional now. I will be having houseguests the second week in May - relatives coming to celebrate with D on her graduating - so that means my house needs a major overhaul. You get the picture!

It is hot here, or has been. We have had 80's and high humidity so it has been uncomfortable. Today is a bit cooler.

Both of you take care on the road today.

Yes, have a safe journey Alice. Cape Cod is a nice place to be going even though it is such a sad occasion. A few times my DH had meetings in Bristol, R.I. so I have been to Cape Cod a few times. So nice and diff from the west coast. Alas, my DH doesn't do work with the people out there anymore so we don't get to go there now.

Ledom, don't give yourself a heard time about PMDing. Things will be better when you aren't so BUSY. In two weeks things will be better.

If you are having houseguests my advice is get someone in to clean, don't try to do it yourself. It is well worth the expense. About 3 years ago I started getting someone in and I felt kind of guilty (after all I was home all day) but no more. It is well worth the expense. It leaves me free to do things like clean out cupboards, polish the silver etc. stuff that I NEVER got to before. Cleaning ladies are in short supply up here and are expensive too but it is money well spent I think. Plus, mine became one of my nicest friends. I have been doing the same with the garden, getting the heavy work done by someone else. The trick is to find someone GOOD (it is easier to find another husband). Is there anyone you can get there? Always make a list too, don't leave it up to them. Don't try to do EVERYTHING by yourself. It is too stress inducing.

This is such a special time with your D. I bet she is excited. Is she going to take the summer off before she goes to school in the fall or is she going to get a job? My D. is going to do some technical writing for the DH. until school starts AGAIN in fall.

I am so HAPPY summer is on the way:dizzy: :dizzy: !!!!

OK, I really have to get going now.

Hello girls,

I sure do hope you remember me... And if you don't I'm the one from Eastern Ontario...

As I can see the more things change the more they stay the same. I am still struggling with my weight and so are you guys...

I must explain why I stopped coming to chat with you all, because I think it's been almost a year now since I last was here... One reason is that my puter is soooooo slow that I either get booted off, it freezes, or the page never seems to load... I will still have the same problems, because we haven't changed computers, but I will be more patient.... maybe!!..LOL...

My year weight wise in a nutshell, I lost 5 pounds in a whole year!! Slightly discouraging... But at least I haven't gained... I still walk, and do weights, and soon roller blading and biking will start....

Well I hope I will continue to talk here, because you girls were and are always an inspiration to me...

Take care

Lana

Hi Lana!

Hey, five pounds down is still DOWN!!!

Have you been experiencing the goofy weather down east that we have been hearing about?

Don't be discouraged if you aren't losing as fast as you like...it could be much worse.... you could be gaining, even standing still is better:) As long as you are still in there swinging, who knows this summer could be the year that you get to where you want to be wieght wise. As long as you NEVER give up. I give myself this little pep talk about once a week:s:

Welcome back to the fold. How are you? Congratulations on your 5 lbs., if we all lost 5 lbs. a year and kept it off, we'd eventually get to our goal! I can't imagine ever not struggling with my weight - I have been at it for a life time!

Hey, I understand about slow computers. I just recently got a new one and it works SO much more efficiently. Since getting it I have been letting the threads get much longer before starting a new one. But, I can start them more often if that would help. As a matter of fact I'll start a new one now.

Looking forward to hearing from you again soon Lana.