Sugar Shakers - "FEBRUARY 2009" - Keep on Keeping On!

Morning. Yesterday I did nothing but cook, and play my video game. I feel like such an addict. I plan to do the same today! :s:

Tom had to go into work at 5 this morning for a release they are working on. We are going to church this morning, too, if he can get away from the office. We usually go at night, but because it is Super Bowl Sunday, they cancelled the evening service since very few folks go anyway. We will just stay home and enjoy a quiet evening. I doubt anyone here will turn on the TV. Unless it is to see the commercials. :lol:

Eating has been good, and I even walked with a friend on Friday. My blood sugar levels are doing MUCH better. I feel a wee bit encouraged.

Other things are going on around here...but I will hold off talking about it until later, when it is all worked out. sigh. I am SO ready to lead a boring life.

:grouphug:

:wave:

A new month is always so refreshing even when it's in the dead of winter. :yes:

We got some fresh snow overnight and the sun is being somewhat shy this morning, but all in all, life in unfolding as it should. :D

Have a good one, gang.

Oh boy a new month. I love it..... I got to bed at a decent hour last night and am up early for me. Well 9:15. I wish DH worked days instead of nights so we could do that everynight. Eating was okay yesterday but I seemed to want to snack all day. Hope today is better...

Ellen- Good for you on the walking. Have a great lazy day today....

Meowee- Hope we're melting a bit today its 42 here. But its taking the snow off and leaving a driveway full of ice.

Howdy ya'll. I missed a day and let me just say, I didn't eat very well the last two days. Not really over in calories but the wrong foods. But this is a new moment and I'm gonna start from here, right?

Ellen...awesome! I'm praying the things you are getting worked out happen soon and the way you want them. WTG on getting the blood sugar under control.

Toni...I think yesterday was one of those days. My hubby and I both ate the wrong things. Robert was in MAJOR snack mode. He even ate 4 pieces of pie! Agh! :) We won't talk about my piece and a half.

Meowee...Thank you for starting our new board this month. I hope the sun ended up making an appearance.

((Everybody)) I hope you are having an AWESOME weekend.

God bless,
Crystle

Whoopie I walked on my treadmill.....

Happy Sunday, everyone! I'm just sitting here contemplating what it was that made me get motivated to stick to plan on my 39th birthday. I lost 25 pounds on Sugar Busters back then and I've at least gained that back by now. My UNDIES are getting too small for me. How does that happen?

I'm thinking that back then Kyle was small, Shelley was in elementary school, which is simpler for the whole family and I was at home and we had a lot more money (Derek's job was much better then...some of you may remember we were approved for a mortgage to build a house on the same day Derek found out his company was going out of business).

Differences for me today are much less money and much less time to shop properly. Eating healthy is very expensive. I'm trying to figure out a way to focus. I'm going to try to pretend to be a vampire from Twilight that is on a vegetarian diet and has to focus very hard to not crave human blood. I have to be the same to focus very hard to not crave sweets! It may be an every day, all day problem for me until I get used to it, just like Edward.

On the upside, I have some wonderful tea steeping as we speak. Constant Comment Green tea. I love, love, LOVE Constant Comment tea and I found it in green form at the store the other day. Its so good and cozy on nights up here this time of year.

On the other upside, four weeks in a row with my son coming to church with me and he STILL likes it!! Except he almost burned his fingers lighting a candle for his gramma in heaven and learned he has to wait for me to help him. Shelley is on her second week in a row and is now the pastry chef for the Sunday sweets after service. I'm so happy I cry all through the service, especially during my favorite hymns. I have so missed going to church. I decided to hang out with the Episcopalians when the other hairdresser in town (whom I've incorrectly assumed was mad at me since I started my own place) came in and said the entire congregation loves having us on Christmas Eve and Easter and would love to see us every Sunday. Its very nice and I feel at home. I still don't like holding hands with strangers during the Lord's Prayer, but I'm getting over it.

TTFN

:wave:

Yep . . . another sunny morning . . . so our resident rodent (Shubenacadie Sam) definitely saw his shadow . . . personally I imagine we will have 8 to 10 weeks more winter . . . oh joy. :mad:

January was not a good month for me what with some excruciating back pain, too high blood sugar levels, and no weight loss. February will definitely be better. :crossed:

Hope we all get our acts together this month, gang . . . keep strong and stay OP. :grouphug:

Good morning ladies,

At least it is almost good. We got our power back Sat afternoon. That the Lord. I was really hating myself for being so cranky for being inconvented. There are so many people without power and water and it may be weeks before they get it back. Boy are we spoiled. We take so many things for granted.

Needless to say, eating was the pits. So back on track today and I made it back to the gym this morning. When I go in the morning (which I love) I don't have time to get in my cardio. So I have decided to do the Leslie Sandsome (not sure that is right) Walk off the Pounds video in the evenings.

Ellen, those video games are addicting. I hope all your situatioons work out like they should and soon. You remind me of my sister when my niece was going through a horrible divorce. She would say she longed for a life with no daily problems and drama.

Mewoee, thanks for getting us going in Feb. I hope you see the sunshine today. It sure helps to make a better disposition.

Toni, it was 55 here yesterdaya nd beautiful. Alot of our snow and ice is melting. I think it is supposed to warm up again this weekend so I hope most of it is gone by then. I am sure sick of this stuff. Get on that :tread: today.

Crystal. Boy all I wanted to do was snack when the power was out. There was nothing else to do and my mind only went straight to food. We just have to pick ourselves up and dust off and move on.

Tech, I recently contemplated the same thing. I did so well before, why can't I do it now? I finally came to the conclusion, you have to want it. You have to ask yourself what you want the most. That pice of candy, etc, or to lose weight. I also discovered that I cannot diet. I have to make life changes. If I have to eat off plan, I try to eat smaller portions and I don't beat myself up over it. You are not going to live the rest of your life w/o eating sweets so you have to find a way to have them in moderation. Obviously I have found I am not doing well in that dept. I am an emotional eater and this ice and power thing threw me into food big time. I have to figure out a way to deal with things like that w/o turning to food. I think once you get going and start losing and your underwear gets bigger (ha-ha) you will find some motivation and start liking what you are seeing. I know healthy food is expensive, but so is junk food. Now is a good time to set an example for your kids. Do it together and it will be fun. Good luck.

Off to get some work done. Have a great day. :hug:

Hi Girls!
I hope you don't mind if I join your group? I am not "sugarbusting" per say but I am a sugar addict and have cut out anything with sugar, and white flour foods.
Thise foods are my trigger. I have been sugar-free for 20 days now and feel great! No cravings whatsoever, it has been a piece of cake ..(LOL)

OF course the first few days were a bit wonky but hey it was so worth it..

will be back in few to introduce myself; i have an irate 11 month old :o

So, I am 32 years old, 2 children and a dh, been unhappy with my body ever since I can remember. In HS I weighed 118 lbs , I still felt fat as I wasn't toned at all and I am only 5'1". And my bf took a 25" jeans so of course I always felt like a blimp beside her..
I have IBD and after each bout with prednisone I gained weight. Got up to 150 and maintained. Prednisone again, and up to 170. Maintained that... Had my first ds, got up to 208 while pg, then got down to about 155. Weight slowly started coming on again at some point,,, and when I started at Simply For Life to lose weight I was 178. My highest weight besides pregnancy weight and right after..got down to 159 on that plan but then got pregnant with ds2 so I got up to 198 (funny with each pg I gained exactly 38lbs..) then I lost some but stabilized at 173 . Have been that weight until now, I cut out sugar and white flour and am also counting calories because I also tend to volume eat when I am bored. Am down to 168 right now.
I finally feel free from the wretched claws of sugar! I know it sounds weird to say that only after 5lbs I can tell a difference, but I can.
My lounger pants, which were already comfy-loose, mind you, are now falling down. I think the entire 5lb might have come off my love handles- which were holding up my pants. Bc when I put on my jeans yesterday, I didn't have to "tuck in" my love handles! BONUS! LOL

ONe thing I am stressed out over is ds2's first b-day on Feb 19. He needs a cake; I always make a character cake. I decided I'm not going to this time bc frosting I could eat out of the bowl. Literally. So I will buy a small one. THe thing is, cake is only MY trigger food. Once he and dh have a peice I'm going to be walking by that cake and it will be tough not to wolf down the frosting. But I can't get one of those super-mini cakes bc MIL and FIL will maybe be coming at some point too and surely they will want some? UGH!! WTH do I do?:?:
Frosting is one of my biggest tempations. That and little debbie snackie cakes, you know those ones full of trans fat where you can feel your arteries clog while you're eating it..LOL Those ones..before Christmas I bout 3 of those Vachon mocha cakes the ones that are a whole tray..and I ate it in one sitting (3 times) but an entire family size snackie cake. So as you can see I overindulge with sugar. Thats why I don't even want to taste the cake.
Any suggestions?
Any suggestions?

:welcome: NATALIA . . . glad to have you joining us. Also great to hear that your sugar cravings have mostly disappeared. :high: Keep up the good work, Chickie.

Boys...my son just was playing outside in the snow with the neighbors kids and I look outside to see him kneeling by the neighbors driveway with his gloves off. He says, "Mom, is it okay if I'm peeing?" I mean, its not like he was trying to even be discreet, he was in the middle of their driveway aiming toward their house with the windows open! So, I called him home for the day and went over with my snow shovel and brought home his yellow snow and put it in the ditch by my garage. Boys... I told him it doesn't matter how much fun he's having, at age 8 he's too old for peeing in the neighbor's yard. I mean, as a girl, I don't have the convenience of external genitalia, so maybe I'm just jealous. I thought it was mortifying.

Welcome Natalia...are you a hockey fan?

Boy have I been lazy today. I don't know why but I didn't feel like doing a thing and boy I didn't. Eating has been fine. Now I have to figure out something for dinner.

Tech- Wouldn't be great if we could figure out the key to motivation!! I sure would like to know. I got tickled at Kyle peeing outside.

Meowee- Hate ole Phil saw his shadow.... I'm so tired of winter...

Solly- Yippee I'm so glad you got the power back on. Thats so hard to try and live without it. We have a well so our pump won't even let us have water when we have none. Do you have your little doggie home?

Natalia-:welcome3: Boy you're doing great on the sugar. Keep up the good work..... Its good to have you with us.

What a beautiful day. The sun is out and the wind has finally died down. Starting Friday the highs are going to be in the lower 70's. I can hardly wait. Then I'll have no excuses for not walking. :)

Welcome Natalia! In an earlier post you were talking about being able to tell when you lose 5 pounds. You really can when you are shorter, that's a good thing. Except when you gain. :) My daughter is about 5 2 and she can change pants sizes with as little as five pounds. I'm 5 7 and can gain or lose 15 to 20 pounds before I change pants sizes. Awesome on getting sugar out of your system.

Toni..I can relate to being lazy. When it's cold I really like motivation.

Solly...I'm so glad your power is back on and life is returning to normal. ((huggzz))

Meowee..praying this is a much better month for you. Does the cold weather have a direct impact on how much pain you have? My mom suffers tremendously in the winter months.

Tech...I couldn't help but laugh about your little boy. I get grossed out easy and would have had a cow also...but I have to say living in the country my boys are very apt to find a spot outside. :) I have to remind them now that the neighbors have timbered there place it is not longer as private out here as it used to be.. LOL

Ellen...I hope you are having a GREAT week so far.

Mary and Sue where did ya'll go? If you peek in, know that you aren't forgotten.

Bob...Sure miss ya.

Talitha...Are you getting settled into your new routine? I hope you and your little one are doing well.

Time to get moving.

God bless,
Crystle

:wave:

It's time to go home, be back in the morning. :hug:

Jackie

Hi to all,

I have been reading posts for the last week or so, but have been quiet.

I am doing pretty well with my eating, up and downs. My weight is still down, but wish I could have 2 days in a row on track.:o

Has any read the book "Potatoes for Prozac'/ It is about getting sugar free. It has steps to follow and work on slowly to get sugar free and healthy.

Crystle: It will be great when PA has weather in the 70's. We are to get up in the 40's for the week end. When I was out for a walk it was great to feel weather in the 20's being comfortable. No bad wind or -minus chill factor. Glad you are doing well.

Tech: Aren't boys a delight. They are soo sweet, and can smooze their Moms. Glad you are doing better and that your children are enjoying church. Chur, families can be a blessing, and growing in grace is a blessing.

Meowee: Hope you are feeling better. It has been colder here, but our days have been sunny, which is a blessing. Just think, we are closer to April than we were in November

Toni: Glad you have been making progress with your exercise. Don't feel bad about your lazy day. I took today off with all these thoughts of projects I could get done. Well I was lazy all day, did do some wash. I fell asleep on my bed with the blinds open and the sunshine pouring in. It felt so good, I sleep 2 hours. :carrot: I had friends for dinner Saturday, and Burgit saw my Total Gym. She has osterarthritis and wants to get a machine at her home to exercise her whole body. Said she would be glad to buy it since I wasn't using it:( Well I should get on the ball and use it...I would feel so much better.;)

Talathia: Hope your family is adjusting to Eden arrival and that you are getting stronger.:^:

WELCOME NATALEA this is a great group,

Hi to Ellen. Solly, Mary and Bob :D

Check in later, have a great Evening :hug:

She

I'm so excited. I made my first whole wheat pasta today and it was delicious. :) I think with a pasta machine to help make it thinner I'll be making it more often. Rolling it out took a bit of elbow grease..LOL Both my boys liked it so now it just has to pass the hubby test. A friend is gonna come over tomorrow and get me off my hiney. It is so much easier to walk with a friend. We can talk talk talk and the walk is over before we know it.

((Everybody))

Love and hugs,
Crystle

Sorry I have been MIA again. My daughter went to the hospital yesterday to be induced. The baby was born this afternoon at 1:45...8 lb 3 oz, two weeks early! (daughter's bp was high...they were worried) I went up there and got there about an hour after she was born. My SIL's mom and step dad were there too, so we all went in at the same time. What a beautiful baby! Well, to me anyway. She has a full head of black hair like my babies had, and is red as a little beet! We were going to go back up tonight, but decided to wait until tomorrow. My daughter was SO tired.

So, I am a Grammie again! I am excited.

Eating today was not worth repeating. :rolleyes:

COUNTRY: I know exactly what you mean about walking with a friend! I went for a walk last Friday with an old friend I had not seen for years until we reconnected on Facebook. We went twice as far as I normally do...yakking and yakking the whole time. It was great! Except for the COLD. I hope it starts to warm up around here soon.

Good night everyone! :wave:

Not much going on here. Did walk on my treadmill this afternoon. Congradulations Ellen on the new Grandbaby..... Hope you show us a picture soon.

Where is everyone today??????

I'm beat. Last night, we went to the hospital ER for Shelley at around 8pm because she was having such severe anxiety issues. She was in the recliner reading and I could hear her breathing all the way across the room! And she had tingling in her hands to her elbows, tingling in her face, shortness of breath, seeing spots and her mouth was being pushed into an O shape. I was scared for her, so I took her to ER where they gave her some Xanax and it made her feel better. In about 20 minutes, her face was relaxed and she was breathing normal and she was back to her normal sweet self.

We didn't get home until 1:30am. I'm totally bushed. They gave her a prescription for the xanax and we just got home from that. We went out to dinner while we waited for the prescription...I had chicken scampi over rice and I'm stuffed and feeling a little gassy from the garlic. Good thing Derek's in Buffalo! :o

The kids were home from school today after being out so late last night and I think we'll all be turning in early tonight. I know I could go up right now.

Anyhow...I have to go sit down. TTFN!!

Good evening. Tech, I am so sorry to hear your daughter is having anxiety. I suffered with it when I was younger also. It is a very lonely place. ((hugzz)) I'm praying that she will find her triggers before she is an adult and will be freed from the attacks.

Toni..WTG walking. I did not...bad me. I've just been both busy and lazy.

Ellen...CONGRATULATIONS! I can't wait to see pictures.

Solly...I hope you are warm and with power still.

Candoit..I've been struggling with getting in two in a row myself. I'm hoping the warm weather will keep me busy and out of the kitchen.

((Everybody))

God bless,
Crystle

Oh boy I got my walk on the treadmill in. That makes 3 days this week. Hope I get one more. I'm hateing it but making myself do it whether I eat good or not. I just need to move. Having me a big cup of hot tea right now. I love one in the evening.

Tech- I'm so sorry about Shelley. What an awful thing to happen to one so young. You're a good Mom.....

Crystle- I know the part well about being lazy. I need to walk earlier cause I barely made it tonight. I was trying hard to think of an excuse not to.


Well ladies almost time to heat my leftovers for our dinner. I'll go and finish my tea....

Crystle - I lost you whole wheat pie crust recipe could you by chance post it? Thank you Toni

Good morning ladies. I have to get on here first thing or forget it. My days get crazier and crazier.

We are celebrating today. It is my 5 year anniversary fro being cancer free! I am excited but also a little scared. It is something you never get over I guess.

Ellen, congrats on your new grandbaby. Can't wait to see pics. I think that is a great reason to have bad eating. I am so jealous.

Toni, good for you 3 days on the :tread: I am so proud of you. We have been having a cup of apple cinnamon tea in the evenings also and it is so relaxing.

Tech, how scarry for youa nd your DD. Plus your DH was not at home to help out. I would have been out of my mind. I didn't realize anxiety can do all of that. I hope the Xanax works for her.

Crystle, funny how we find so many things to do but exercise. That is why I have been doing it in the morning. It is not an option, I just know I have to do it. Walking with a friend is so much better. You are right, time just flies.

Candiot, You can do this. Just make up your mind to have a OP day. Ask yourself before you make a bad choice, just what do you really want. Food or to lose weight. I always try to think of the number on the scale when I am tempted. That is enough to scare me into eating right. Not always, but I try. Good luck.

Got to get started, they are already hounding me wanting this and that. Have a great day. :hug:

Hi there gang . . . :grouphug:

Don't think it ever plans to stop snowing around here. :mad: If anybody needs some, let me know and I'ss see if I can figure out how to package it up and get it to you. :lol:

Nothing much else is new around here . . . have to take a couple of critters to the Vet for booster shots at noon . . . hope we can find the place under all the white stuff. :yes:

Good evening everybody. It was a beautiful day today. You would think I'd be motivated to just walk walk walk but I wasn't. I did however get out and stroll for about 20 minutes.

I also tried a couple new recipes today. This morning I diced some sweet potatoes and sautéed them in olive oil with Cayenne pepper and agave syrup. For dinner I sautéed some shredded cabbage in beet juice. I really like how it turned it pink. :)

Solly...I can't believe it's been five years already. Praise God for your good report and all that he has brought you through.

Toni...I don't have a whole wheat pie shell recipe but if I find a good one I'll share it.

Meowee...sorry you are still stuck in the snow. When does spring come to your neck of the woods?

Ellen...are you having a blast with the new grand baby?

Talitha, Bob, Tech, Mary, Sue ((hugzz))

A nice warm soak is calling my name. :)

God bless,
Crystle

The sun has deciuded to sparkle on the ice that is coating the top of all this snow -- very pretty. :yes: Hopefully this will just be a nasty memory by mid-April or early May. :crossed:

Nothing much new around here -- first thing this morning I thought it was Saturday -- guess I'm trying to make the Winter hurry along a bit. :lol:

Good morning ladies,

I could hardly drag my lazy arse out of bed this morning. I finally made it up at 5:20 and got dressed for the gym. I would have stayed inthe nice warm bed except that I knew I had to get up and see my DD off for Colorado anyway so I might as well go on. I did and of course I was glad I did. So I made it all 5 days this week. My trainer kicked butt last night. After not seeing him for 2 weeks (power was out all week at the gym), it was hard. Amazing how fast you lose your level of wt you can do just after such a short time. I guess I should learn not to let myself miss and get back there.

DH has already made plans for us to go to some walking track or park tomorrow since it is supposed to be in the high 50's here. Thank goodness.

We are going to the Toby Keith concert tonight. DH is a huge fan so I gave him tickets for an early Valentines. Nothiing else planned for the weekend except cleaning and grocery shopping.

Meowee, you just keep all that white stuff. I hope to never see any more.

Crystle, 20 minutes is better than none. You will get back into it. Call your firend and make a set date. That will force you to go. Those sweet potatoes sound so good. I may try that. Not big on beets myself. And yes, I do thank God every day for all my many blessings.

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. Talk to you Monday. :hug:

Hello everyone! I have been trying to get stuff done around here. Next week, I will go up to my daughters in the morning and spend the day helping her with the baby. I am not sure how long she will want my help, but I am planning on spending the whole week doing it. They went home yesterday afternoon...I still need to find out how the hyper dog took to the baby! :)

I had lunch with a friend today. I was uber proud of myself. I had a salad. I did have an order of onion rings too...not legal but a big temptation of mine. I did not get a burger, or any potatoes, etc....

I need to go get to work...

Have a great weekend, everyone!

I had a super busy week and haven't been on the computer much. Actually, I've been on the computer too much. Just not on the internet. I bought a new computer and am getting my old one ready to give to my grandma. She's never had a computer and has never been on the internet. She's retiring this month and wants to be able to get pictures from her kids and me. I'm going to teach her how to use it on Sunday.

I've already told her that I'm off the sugar, so at least she won't bombard me with treats. I think I've actually gotten her to cut down on sugar. It seems to be spreading because my step dad has stopped buying ice cream at home.

I like being sugar-free. There are still things that trigger a mental craving. Like having sweet tea at Cracker Barrel. I love that stuff. I had a small piece of cake at a baby shower at work yesterday. It made me dizzy and foggy for awhile. A good reminder.

Whoa, this post is getting long. Take care, everyone! I'll have to go back and read the posts when I get home tonight. I'm going rollerskating.

Has any read the book "Potatoes for Prozac'/ It is about getting sugar free. It has steps to follow and work on slowly to get sugar free and healthy.


I just read it. I really liked it. I actually ate a potato before bed last night. My mood was much better today. I know potatoes aren't on SB, but if it's makes my moods better, I'm all for it. I didn't follow her steps. I already did most of them, anyway. I track my food, I eat 3 meals a day...

Sorry I've been missing. Not a thing going on here. Eating has been okay. Have to run to town today and get a couple things from the grocery store. Will try and come back later.

The baby had to go back into the hospital to stay under the billi lights for jaundice. They said about 24 hours...so I guess I am still on to go help on Monday. I have a sore throat today, and feel pretty crumby. I hope I am over it by then, or I will have to NOT go to avoid infecting the baby or my daughter. What a time to get sick!

I beat my video game I have been playing so much lately on the Wii... I imagine I will not be playing it as much now. Good since it was SO addictive!

I made a split pea soup tonight that was really good. I haven't had it in years. I saw an episode of Alton Brown's Good Eats and he was featuring pea recipes so I decided to try one. The family all seemed to like it, and it was tremendously easy.

It is time for bed, so I am going to sign off here.

:wave:

Hi all . . . :wave:

Hope that darling baby is soon home again, Ellen. :yes:

After a beautiful sunny day yesterday, today we have relatively mild temperatures (slightly above freezing) and rain, rain, rain. Oh well. I do have to go out for a little while and (unfortunately) I'm pretty sure I won't melt. :lol:

Have a great Sunday, everybody . . . :carrot:

I just wanted to pop in and let ya'll know I didn't run away again. I'm not feeling very spiffy so I haven't been online very much. My eating is in the gutter so hopefully tomorrow will be a new day. I'm up about 5 pounds but hopefully part of that is water.

((Everybody)) I hope ya'll are doing okay.

Love and hugs,
Crystle

Good morning ladies,

Hope everyone had a great weekend. Mine was pretty mundane.

Ellen, hope the baby gets to come home today and you are feeling well enough to go help out. I can't wait for that day for me. We need some pics so take your camera.

Crystle, I was up about 5 lbs today too, but I did not take any water pills yesterday and eating was not good. I've had a time getting back in the right frame of mind since the ice storm. I did pretty good during vacation, but that storm threw me right into food and I can't get my head on right yet. Hoping today is a new and you get right back on track.

Meowee, we are supposed to get rain tomorrow and Wed. Right now I don't even care. As long as it is not snow I am ok with it. It has been in the mid 60's since Sat and thru Wed so I am loving that.

Toni, we have missed you too so get back on here and no more skipping out on us.

Wendyland, it is graet that the rest of your family is following you getting out the sugar. has to be better for them. What did the book say about the potatoes?

Got to get started here. Have a great day :hug:

I haven't had computer access still. Travis left the laptop home for me today because I HAVE to do some things.

Ok, NOT doing well eating over here. I got all depressed last week and ate a WHOLE BAG of Dove Dark Chocolates with Almonds. And if I were allowed to drive I'd go buy another! At least I admit it. Sigh...

I have an infection/hole in my incision from the c-section, so I've been restricted longer for driving and such. I have to clean it and pack it several times a day. It. Is. Not. Fun.
Eden has started showing signs of food allergies already, just like Jacob did at 2-3 weeks. Thankfully, I recognized it for what it is. I took her to the Natural Health Clinic for testing this morning and, sure enough, no wheat or dairy for her... which means no wheat or dairy for me. Actually, he took a minute on a hunch to test me for wheat sensitivity, too. I wasn't surprised when it showed a high sensitivity for me. I've been avoiding it, but I've suspected for awhile. How the heck am I supposed to do this?
So, as you can see, lots of stress and I caved to the dark side, chocolate. Last week at the doctor I was down to 200. Not bad, but that was before the chocolate, and the popcorn, and the pity partying. I think I'll try to get my mind back in order and avoid the scale for a few days.

Ellen- I'm so happy for you!! Hope that baby is home quick. It's miserable to have to take them back to the hospital.

Crystle- Come stand next to me, my friend. We can get back in gear. :)

Wendyland- That's a good reminder. I do really feel gross when I eat sugar, but I forget that. I need to totally detox again. It's so great that you're having such a good influence on the whole family!

Meowee- The weather here is fantastic today!! hope yours is getting better, too!

Hello all..... Having another sleepy day today. Maybe cause its gloomy and rainy outside. Haven't done much of anything. I sure need to do some laundry but think I'll put it off till tomorrow.

Ellen- Hope you're feeling better. And maybe got to over and take care of that new grand baby.

Meowee- Got that rain to and it looks like its here for the week.

Crystle- Hope you're feeling better too.

Solly- Didn't get to tell you how happy I am for you and the 5 year mark. You've done so well. I'm just going through a lazy time.

Talitha- Sorry about the wheat allergies. Don't blame you for eating those chocolates. Now get back up on the wagon.....


My eating has been lousy too... Hope tomorrow is better...

Talitha: Did you get the hat I sent you for Eden? I worry because the last thing I made for Lucas never showed. It was probably the cutes hat I've ever made...I hope it showed up! That infection sounds terrible. I hope it clears up soon!

Toni: Rainy days are the pits.

Crystle: I just had a handful of cookies.

Meowee: Its warm here, too. In the 40s...break out the shorts and sunscreen!!

Ellen: What is this game that has taken over your world? I hope you get that baby home soon! I know jaundice is common (isn't it?), but it has to be worrisome.

Wendy: Nothing's more dangerous to a sugar-free diet than GRAMMA'S HOUSE :fr: Very nice of you to get her set up on the 'puter!

Okay...I'll talk about me later on. I have to go sit for a few...

TTFN

Big change in the weather again today . . . think we had some snow overnight but it's difficult to tell how much since it's so windy, it has looked like it was still snowing all day long. I also think the sun was shining most of the time. again difficult to tell since the snow was blowing so hard it was obscuring the sun a lot of the time. And boy was it cold.

The current forecast is for less wind and slightly warmer tempertures to tomorrow. We'll see.

ok, there is hardly any food in this house and I'm terrified of going grocery shopping with all 4 kids!!!! I've been avoiding shopping for so long that I can't even make a list in my head of what we need! Ugh! And I'm so out of the routine with my coupons. i've got to get life pulled back together.

Anyway, the weather is phenominal so I'm hoping to spend the afternoon in the back yard with the kids. Selah has early release from school so she will be home at 11:30.

Tech- I did get the hat. It's adorable and I've gotten so many compliments on it!!! I need to figure out how to upload the pictures on this borrowed computer to show it off to everyone here :)


ok, the hungry hippo is wailing for a feeding... Be back later

Oh please send me some of your warm weather . . . another cold day around here, but at least the sun is shining and the wind has dropped down to more or less tolerable levels.

Off to get my haircut in a little while and dithering about a change of style. Who knows. After all these years, the hair pretty much does whatever it wants to anyway. :shrug:

Have a great Tuesday, gang . . . :grouphug:

I'm so ready for spring to be here. We bought most of our seeds for the garden over the weekend. Next weekend the root veggies go in the ground and then about a month later most of my spring veggies. That means I need to get several of my seeds started in the next few days. One of the reasons I can't wait is that we have a few new things we are going to try and grow. I have over 30 types of seeds not counting my herbs. We even bought a few tomato plants to put in buckets for an early harvest. We'll probably have to cover them a couple of times before the danger of frost is completely over.

Eating yesterday wasn't awesome but it wasn't as horrible as it has been. I'm so full of sugar that it is going to take a week to get it out of my system again. It really irritates me that I can stumble so easily. Not even so much as stumbling but how far off I can get because of a stumble. The good news is that all the cake and giant cookie are gone and out of the house. The only chips in the house are tortilla chips for the kids salsa so that is not too bad. I usually can have two or three of those and not start on an eating binge.

Talitha..I'm so sorry that you having trouble with your incision. Praying that it heals quickly so you can get mobile again. ((hugzz)) Thanks for the encouragement.

Tech...I think I was having a York mini peppermint patty and a dove bite when you were having cookies. :) I found some chocolate coved creme de menthe altoids to help when I feel the need for something sweet. They only have 7 1/2 calories a piece so one or two of those won't be so bad.

Toni...thank you. I am feeling better. There are several tongs I need to get done today so I'm gonna try to get them done and still take it easy.

Solly...you'll be back on track before you know it. That is one thing that I've noticed over the years. You have an amazing ability to stay focused and jump back on the wagon. ((hugzz))

I know I didn't get to say howdy to everyone but I need to get breakfast started.

((Everybody))

God bless,
Crystle

Good morning everyone. I have a busy day planned but am having trouble getting started. I've got to get ready and go to town after I cook DH breakfast. But he's still asleep so I'm not in a hurry. I dread cleaning up my hair looks so terrible, tomorrow thankfully I get a cut and permanent. I can't wait.

Tech- How's it going with you?

Talitha- Oh my goodness I can't even imagine grocery shopping with 4 kids. You must have nerves of steel. Or rather just do what you have to do. I hope you're feeling better.

meowee- Hope the haircut turns out better.

Crystle- Although I have to plant in pots I just can't wait. I love when you plant and tell us all about it.

Well better get going here. Have a good day all....

Hello, Ladies! I have been going up to my daughters to help. I still am a bit congested, but not bad enough to keep me home. My daughter had some trouble getting going with breastfeeding, but it seems to be going better today. I drove them to the pediatrician's office for a billi recheck. It was still elevated, but not too badly. She had gained a few ounces. I put her in the sunlight this afternoon while my daughter napped. Hopefully her billi count will be better when they recheck her on Thursday.

My son in law's aunt and uncle have a four year old girl and they sent them eight large boxes of baby girl clothes. Tomorrow a friend of my daughter's is coming to help her sort through them all. That ought to be fun.

I am not thinking much about what I am eating....just trying to stick to healthy stuff. Once I am back home during the day I will plan more carefully.

Off to veg.... :grouphug: Love to you all!

Good morning ladies,

I never got here yesterday, it was busy, busy. I tried all day long. I didn't go to the gym at all yesterday. I woke up late and then last night just wasn't in the mood. I have a trainer tonight so that will get me back on track.

Toni, hope you enjoy your new haircut and perm. By the time I get one, I really need it and look forward to the change. I had to put my off a couple weeks as she cut it too short the last time b/c I had so much damage and it is just now the length I like. Have a great day.

Crystle, I am hoping for spring also, but at least you have warm weather now.

Talitha, Hope your infection heals soon. How miserable that must be. I would think you would need a cart for 4 kids and another just for groceries. Brave woman.

Ellen, glad you are enjoying your new grandbaby. Hope that billi improves. The sun should help.

Meowee, We are blowing away here today too. Expecting winds up to 70 mph and bad storms. They said to expect more power outages and damage from trees broken from the ice storm.


Tech, Hope you are busy cutting away and the money is rolling in. Have a great one!

Got to get busy, my desk is covered. Have a great day. :hug:

I'm on here late. Have been really busy today, we're having company this week end. I have allot of cooking to do but will have to wait till Friday to do most of it. I'm making it easy. Taco soup for Friday night and dreamfields pasta with pesto and a salad with bread sticks for Sat. night. Think I'll make egg salad for sandwiches and some pinwheels for snacks. I got my perm today and look so much better.

Ellen-You can only do so much when you're not at home with eating. So just enjoy that new grandbaby and don't worry about eating right now. I hope you're feeling better today.

Solly-Haven't got on my treadmill this week and feel so lazy. It seems its just crazy around here right now. LOL Hope you have a good work out tonight. I hate when I get a too short haircut. I waited way to long for a perm this time and look so much better now.

Guess I'll go check my burrito mix I have in the crockpot for dinner.

Hi there . . . :grouphug:

Things are a little warmer around here today -- unfortunately it's raining and the schools are closed again since the temperature cannot decide on which side of the freezing mark it wants to land. In other words, it's pretty slippery out there.

Ok. The pity party is over because the scale moved up a few lbs. I'm NOT letting that happen! So this morning I had a smoothie and a boiled egg for breakfast.

My problem is that I'm SOOO hungry all of the time! Most likely because she is, too. LOL I need to get a better grip on meals and get some healthy food in this house. I sent Travis last night. Poor guy tried but came home with not much I could eat. I'm going to venture out today with the younger 3 while Selah is at school. Wish me luck!

I'm going to pull out the SB book and re-read it. My Naturopathic Dr also recommended reading "Eat Right for Your Blood Type" so I'm going to try to get that from the library. I read it years ago and it made a lot of sense, until it claimed that the first thing that a B+ shouldn't have is wheat! I refused to give it up then. Figures.

Ellen- My kids live in hand-downs. I only buy them each a few clearance outfits a year! It's great to have a source for that. :)

Toni- I think it's just survival, like you said. Other people have many more kids than me and they do it. That's what I keep telling myself. Enjoy your weekend with friends!!

Solly- I trained the older two to each walk on one side with their hand on the cart, OR ELSE! Lucas rides in the cart and Eden will now be in the sling. I remember the first time I went with all 3 after Lucas was born and I completely panicked because I didn't have a sling and had 3 under 3 1/2. I think I cried the whole way home that day but I've adapted since then. ANd now that S and J are 6 and 4 they are much more managable.

Trying to eat my lunch and get on here and its 3:00. We had a bid today and it was nuts. Made it to the gym this morning and feel so much better for it. I have to figure out a way to get in my cardio. I am working out 5 days a week for 30 minutes but all wts. Maybe I should alternate cardio days and wts. I need to ask my trainer.

Talitha, That's not much for breakfast. No wonder both of you are hungry. Protein, protein, that is so important at each meal.

Toni, hope you enjoy your company this weekend. Watch out for the wine. (Easier said than done). Your meals sound great that you have planned. Glad you like your hair.

Meowee, :ave: hope you are having a great day.

Crystle, Where are you? Missing your posts.

Got to run. I wolfed down my bean burrito and now back to work. Have a great evening. :hug:

Ok, snack was an apple and cheese stick at 10 and I am JUST now eating a salad with some cut up grilled chicken. It's not enough. I'm still starving. It's figuring out WHAT to eat that is so hard!

It was SO beautiful today. This whole week has been mostly warm. It was a great day for starting some seeds and planting some early tomatoes. I would have done more with the seeds but I was side tracked by the salsa. We ran out this morning and that is a no go, sooo, I made a new batch. :) I also got some awesome news. My daughter is having a baby. I just cried and cried. We are both so excited.

Talitha...hang in there. You'll find what works for you.

Toni... taco soup sounds good. I am running behind this evening and I'm not sure what I'm going to make. I was suppose to cook cabbage but I'm feeling lazy.

Solly...wtg with getting in your exercise. That is still one of my weak spots.

Ellen...hope you are feeling better.

((Everybody))

God bless,
Crystle

Well . . . if I thought the weather was bad yesterday, it was absolutely delightful compared to what is going on out there this morning. :yikes: Hey, probably suitable for Friday the 13th. Might just keep a lot of people home and safe rather than out and about and getting into trouble.

Have a good Friday everybody . . . :grouphug:

Good morning everybody. Not much going on here. The rains came again and have pushed tilling back at least two or three days. I'm not gonna complain though because we can always use the rain. Eating has been so so. I'm eating too large of portions more than eating the wrong things. Though I have had moments of eating the wrong things. I really need to journal. I think when I get done here I'll put today's food in and start while I'm thinking of it instead of waiting.

I hope each of you is doing well. Remember to take time for you because you are worth it. And if you are feeling down about yourself find one or two good things about yourself as a reminder of just how special you are.

((Everybody))

God bless,
Crystle

And a very Happy Valentines Day to one and all . . . :val1:

Happy love day everyone! I just made spelt waffles for breakfast and we are going to Chuch E Cheese with the kids. They've only been once ever. We won't be eating pizza, since we can't have the wheat anyway. I'll eat a salad before we go.

Anyway, I *heart* you all!!!

I hope ya'll are doing well. All is good in my neck of the woods. A bit nippy this morning but still not too cold. Eating has been good and bad. So far today is good so we'll start from here. :)

((Everybody))

God bless,
Crystle

Hi there . . . :wave:

Sun finally peeked out for a little while. Nothing much else is new.

Just resting up from having company over the week end. I've slept allot today. Will write more tomorrow...

Hi Ladies, sorry I have bee MIA. we are low on work so we are bidding everything and I am swamped trying to keep up. Haven't had a lunch hour in a week.

Yestserday was my birthday and boy did it suck. Sure glad it's over. The whole day was a nightmare.

Sorry no time for replies, just wanted to check in. Have a great week.

Ok, I am back. We were without internet access since Saturday. It is amazing how dependent one becomes on having that access whenever you want.

I have been trying to get in a walk every other day or more, to get back to my three miles a day soon. My blood sugar levels are improving with the better eating.

My daughter got a bad cold and now the baby has it. I was staying away for a few days trying to get over mine...

I need to go get caught up, and will check in again soon.

Happy Belated Birthday, Solly!

:bday2you::celebrate: To you Solly. Sorry you didn't have a good day....

Ellen- Boy thats just great you're walking. I think thats the best exercise. Keep up the good work. Good thoughts for your family with there colds....

All is fine here. Yesterday was lazy so today I need to get busy and do some stuff. Think I'll heat up some turkey soup from the freezer for dinner. Biggest Loser is on tonight.


Have a happy day....

Hi Everybody . . . :wave:

Gee . . . I should be in better humour today because the sun is shining, but this year the long, long Winter is really dragging me down. Bah Humbug and a rousing round of Oh Phooey, too for the next blizzard that is due to hit us on Thursday.

Oh just ignore me . . . this too will pass . . . I've never seen a Winter yet that didn't eventually disappear . . . :lol:

Happy Belated Birthday Solly!!!!

Love and hugs,
Crystle

Morning! The internet went BACK out...but my son was able to fix the router and we are all connected now. whew!

I am planning on spending some time in the garagio working today. I haven't worked in over a month. I still don't really FEEL like it, but I am forcing myself. My son in law is willing to learn to work the reclaim (scraps of used clay - has to be wedged (kneaded) to be usable..its hard on my wrists and hands) so I want to get down there and arrange stuff so he has room to work. It is such a mess! Everyone has been throwing old boxes and anything they don't know what to do with onto my side of the garage. Grrr.

My baby granddaughter has a cold. Poor tiny thing! I am praying she gets over it fast. It is bothersome when such a tiny baby gets sick.

I planned to walk today, but it is raining! :( Tom tells me I need to start being more careful to check the weather report before skipping a day. I hate when he is right! :lol:

Howdy ya'll. I've been eating not so good but not too bad. :) How is that for narrowing it down. I did make some wonderful muffins yesterday morning. My very own made up recipe and it passed the mustard with the whole family. :carrot: Whole wheat pumpkin walnut muffins. yum

Ellen...I'm so sorry your grand baby has a cold, poor baby. I hope you are feeling better.

Where are all you guys? I won't be online tomorrow through sunday night but I'll be back on Monday.

I pray that each of you is doing fine.

God bless,
Crystle

Hi . . . :grouphug:

Wow . . . sorry I was missing but I've had a very busy couple of days. A very big funeral; a couple of lunches out; a dinner and overnight stay with friends; another snowstorm (of course); and a blinding headache to add to the fun.

Hopefully, my normal boring lifestyle has resumed again for a little while. :lol:

Decent day today -- sunny and just around the freezing mark -- hope everybody else is having a great Saturday. :wave:

Just made a nice dinner of pork tenderloin and salad. Wish we could have barbecued it. But its to cold out. It was so good anyway. Nothing going on but a lazy day.

Yesterday was rather busy. I had a bridal shower to go to in the morning, then a friend came for coffee in the afternoon. She has been out of town visiting family for three or four weeks, so it was nice to see her. Then my son came in from a four day road trip yesterday evening, and we visited then ran to the store to get triscuits to go with our bleu cheese. I went to bed late, slept late, and am being lazy today. Still in my nightie!!

Tom went on a men's retreat from church and I expect him home in a few hours. I ought to clean up some in the kitchen before he gets here, eh? :lol:

I am thinking about trying to make my own cheese. I have found a recipe for mozzarella that sounds really easy. And I found a kit for making mozzarella and ricotta. Will keep you all posted if I do it and it tastes good. (I am SURE it will as I have some friends making cheese and they rave!)

I went for a walk yesterday, but it sure is cold today! I may brave the wind and chill in a bit.

:wave:

Oh wow . . . hand made cheese . . . you have energy and talents to burn, chickie.

Another gorgeous day today but now the TV is flashing red warning screens -- major storm #11 for this year is bringing rain, then, freezing rain, then snow (all coupled with very high winds) starting overnight and continuing tomorrow and maybe through Tuesday. :mad:

Oh boy, will I ever be glad to see the backside of this Winter. :yes:

I hope ya'll had a super weekend. It was cold but beautiful. We finally got the potatoes in the ground. If the soil will dry up more we will plant the rest of the root veggies this week.

Ellen..I made ricotta a couple of months ago and it was very nice. I just used the milk and buttermilk recipe. Then I used the left over whey "buttermilk" in baking and cooking instead of throwing it out. :) I hope you have much luck with your cheese and enjoy it.

Toni..bbq sounds good. It is getting to be that time of year.

Meowee...I hope life settles down for you. ((hugzz))

((Everybody))

God bless,
Crystle

:grouphug:

This has been an indoor day for me. I spent most of it knitting as a matter of fact while watching the latest storm howling outside. :mad: Appears my little area is straddling that imaginary snow/rain line and the stuff falling from the sky (always sideways because of the wind) has been alternating back and forth all day.

Hope tomorrow is better and hope this is the end of the storms for a little while -- but I wouldn't want to make any bets. :no:

Evening! I am about to head to bed but wanted to check in.

COUNTRY: Thanks for the info! Care to share the recipe you used for the ricotta? I would love to make ricotta, and I read through a recipe for it. Sounds like it is not too complicated. I ordered a book from Amazon on cheesemaking. :) My husband thinks I am nuts...but it just sounds like fun! Do potatoes do well for you? I need to start planning my garden. I am a bit behind!

MEOWEE: Whatcha knittin'? I have two projects going right now...a baby blanket and a wild colorful scarf. I stick with rectangles, squares and an occasional triangle, and do just fine. :lol:

TONI: Hope you are well....


:wave:

Crazy, crazy, crazy

That's about all I can say about the last 2 weeks. Eating was reallt bad because of it.

Hopefull I am back on track and can stop this eating out of stress.

Ellen, I am so sorry your grandbaby is sick. Hope she gets well soon.

Crystle, can you share the muffin recipe? I have one with bananas I make with ww flour and the whole family loves it.

Toni, enjoy your lazy day. It will be bbq weather soon, I hope.

Meowee, my mom knitted bunches of afghans. I tried it once, another talent I do not have. Stay warm.

Got to run, time for yet another bid. This is killing me. I will try to get back soon. I just don't have much internet time. :hug:

Hi gang . . . :wave:

Still snowing and blowing -- but not nearly as wildly as yesterday. The sun is actually peeking out right now so I think there is hope for tomorrow. :yes:

I'm working on some slipper-socks right now, Ellen . . . of course, by the time I get them done, it will probably be too hot to wear them. I'm notorious for completing only one sock or mitten. Actually I came across a book on Amazon that supposedly teaches you how to knit two circular socks at once. Can't quite imagine how that will work but it could be a godsend if I can figure it out. :lol:

Also, I made arrangements with Ruthxxx (Ellen will remember her) to come down here from Ontario for a little visit in mid-April and that has cheered my mood -- hope it stops snowing by then. :s:

((Everybody)) It is so beautiful outside this afternoon. So many trees are starting to bud and some of the grasses are starting to turn green. I'm still having some issues with my soil so the only thing I got planted today was the onions and some radishes. I may have to forgo the rest of the root veggies until winter.

Ellen..Here is the recipe that I used:

1 gallon good-quality whole milk
1 quart good-quality buttermilk
Combine both milks into a large nonreactive saucepan over medium high heat, preferably a thick-bottomed pan if you have one. You will need to stir occasionally, scraping the pan bottom, to avoid scorching. Once the milk is hot, stop stirring. You will start to see curds rise and come to the surface. Run a spoon or spatula along the bottom of the pan occasionally to free up any stuck curds.
While the milk is heating, select a sieve or colander with a wide surface area. This will help your curds cook more quickly. Line the colander with a large piece of cheesecloth that has been folded numerous times - until you have about 5 or six layers. Place the lined colander over a large bowl or sink.
When the mixture reaches about 175F degrees, you will see the curds and whey separate. The curds are the clumpy white mass. Now, remove the pan from heat, and gently begin to ladle curds into the prepared sieve. Pull up on the sides of the cheesecloth to drain off any extra liquid, but resist pressing on the curds. Gather the edges of the cloth, tie or fasten them into a knot and allow them to drain for another 15 minutes minimum. Move to an airtight container and refrigerate if you aren't going to use it immediately. Try to use or eat it within a few days, it really is best that way.
Makes about 4 cups.

This is the site that I got it from: http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/000282.html

Solly..sorry things have been so crazy for you. I hope they begin to calm down. Here is the muffin recipe:

2 cups whole wheat flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon each of cinnamon and nutmeg
1 cup canned pumpkin
1/3 cup oil
not quite 1/2 cup of agave
2 eggs
3/4 cup of milk
hand full of chopped walnuts

Mix ingredients until just wet and then used a scoop and put into greased muffing tins. (Makes 12) Bake at 400 for about 18 minutes.

If you make them I hope you like them. Robert was sure he wasn't going to but I actually passed his test..haha :)

Meowee...how cool that you can knit socks. My knitting skills are minimal at best. I do things like dishrags and scarves. I do much better at crochet. I can crochet very fast but my knitting is almost sloth like. :)

To all you missing gals....I sure miss ya. I hope all is well with you.

God bless,
Crystle

I haven't fallen off the Earth again. In case anyone was worried... :lol: Shelley has been a wreck with panic attacks and has missed going on three weeks of school. We've started her on 10mg of prozac and she takes xanax for when her attacks become severe. I'm hoping she can get back to school next week. Her grades were just starting on the upswing, too. :(

She's also just started confirmation classes at the Episcopalian church we've been going to since the first of the year. Tomorrow will be my first Ash Wednesday with a dirty forehead as I have always gone to either a Lutheran or Methodist church. I'm also giving up...whites and sugar!! I figure if I have God's finger wagging at me when I'm looking at the sweeties it might help me.

Anyhow...off to make dinner...TTFN!!

Howdy all. Sorry I've been such a slug. Everything is going fine here. Eating is not so good though. I've got taco soup for dinner. I love to have something easy on Biggest Loser night. Steve comes home for his dinner break right at 7 when it starts. Tomorrow is going to be 65 here before the cold front comes in and I'm getting outside. All this talk of cheese making and gardening is getting my blood stirred for spring. I just ordered some freeze dried veggies to try. They would be so handy in the winter and I love stocking up. Well I've yaked enough and need to get busy.....

Good morning ladies. Hope everyone survived Fat Tuesday.

We met some friends for dinner and I had a rib eye and asparagus and a salad. 2 glasses of wine. So I was proud of my food choices.

Toni, I love, love, love the Biggest Loser. I guess it was not on last night due to the President. I don't know if they will run it another time or not. Do you?

Tech, is Shelley seeing a therapist for her anxiety attacks? I hope these meds work for her. That is so sad that she is going through that at such a young age. I have a dirty forhead today too! I had to skip the gym to get to church downtown at 7:00 am before work as I won't get a lunch hour today and I have the trainer tonight anyway. I am thinking of giving up alcohol and my Starbucks. The Starbucks is not much of a sacrifice, but the alcohol could be a tough one to do. But then, I guess that is the whole point.

Crystle, thanks for the recipe. It sounds just like the one I use to make my banana muffins except I don't use eggs. Do you put in any sugar or splenda?

Meowee, I am glad your friend is coming to visit you. I hope all the snow is gone in March.

Better get going. We have another bid today. Ugh! Have a great day :hug:

Morning! I got up a while ago and have been messing around online. I need to go get dressed and eat breakfast.

I went for a walk yesterday. It was cold, but it warmed up in the afternoon, so I went then.

I had an unexpected visitor - well, actually FOUR unexpected visitors- yesterday. TALITHA and her three youngest came over in the morning for a bit. It was great to see her again, and I got to hold baby Eden. What a cutie! Her boys played with my grandson. We will definitely get together again.

TECH: I am sorry Shelly is having troubles. Are the meds helping? What causes that? Do they know?

COUNTRY: Thanks for that recipe for ricotta! I am going to try it. I may head over to Trader Joes this morning to get the milk. I have company coming for dinner on Friday and a nice fresh ricotta may be just the thing!

MEOWEE: How nice that Ruth is coming to visit! I ought to renew my passport...... :s:

SOLLY: I sure hope things settle down for you soon. I hate that you sound so stressed!

TONI: It will be spring before we know it! (I hope! :) )

((Everybody)) Today was muffin day. I was only gonna eat one but I ended up eating two. :) But good news is that I did journal it so I am hoping to be back on track with that. Journaling seems to keep me in line.

Solly...I update the recipe for muffins above. I left out the agave and the oil..errr *smile* I need to write it down. I made a double batch this morning minus the walnuts. They were very moist but I missed the crunch.

Ellen..I can't wait to hear how your cheese making goes. Another neat tihng about the homemade ricotta is that if you let it drain even more and press it a bit, it reminds me of our local mexican cheese.

Tech...I am so sorry to hear about your little girl.

Toni...((hugzz))

I was gonna chit chat some more but hubby is letting me know it is time to go. Talk to ya'll later.

Love and hugs,
Crystle

Good morning ladies,

Drug myself to the gym this morning and did 30 minutes of cardio. Fish frys start tomorrow night at church so I guess Dh & I will be working them. They need help tonight cutting the pies and dishing up the slaw so I guess I will go help out. Didn't want to do it this year but a friend had to take it over and she needs help.

Ellen, how nice that you got to meet up with Talitha and the kids. I bet they had a ball.

Crystle, could you substitute applesauce for the oil?

Toni: :wave: I was so disappointed last night, I went to watch BL and the Cats were on that channel. Now I love the Cats but the way the played I would have been watching BL. It will be on Sunday at noon, but I still missed Tuesday's episode due to the pres.

Tech, hope things are better for you today.

I got to get started here. Have a great day. :hug:

Hi there . . . :wave:

Well, yesterday included two force feedings of special birthday meals that were definitely NOT OP. One more lunch with more friends today and then, hopefully, I get myself back into the proper groove. :crossed:

Weather was great yesterday -- sunny and above freezing -- one down note though, since it was mild the roads were wet and the birthday treat I gave myself (a much needed carwash) looked good for about 12 minutes, tops. :lol: Another nice mild and sunny day today. We are not totally finished with snow, though and there is more in the forecast for the weekend.

Have a fun day, gang . . . keep doing the good stuff just as much as you possibly can.

Solly I have made the muffins with apple sauce minus the oil and the pumpkin. They were very good but not as good. :) I used one cup of apple sauce.

I'm running behind this morning so I'm gonna try to sneak on later and chat a bit.

((Everybody))

God bless,
Crystle

Hey everyone! I woke up at a good time, but after messing around a bit in the kitchen and talking to a friend on the phone, I ate my breakfast, then felt SO tired I laid down for a few minutes. An hour and a half later, I woke up. Now I have a headache. Lack of caffeine I am sure..will try and remedy it in a bit. I am trying to cut back on how much espresso I drink.

COUNTRY: I made the ricotta last night. It seems to have turned out pretty good, though I think I did some things wrong. The whey that was left seemed awfully yellow/milky so I may not have done it right. I read the recipe again, and realized I stirred it while it was heating too much. I will try it again, and next time, I am going to try the milk from Trader Joes. For this batch I drove all the way down to the big farmer's market and got unhomogenized, organic whole milk. I kept the whey and am using some of it in a batch of ciabatta bread. The sponge for it is going crazy. I had always heard whey was good for making bread! :)

Ok, I must get off here and get something done!

:grouphug:

:balloons:Happy Birthday,:balloons:
Meowee!

(sorry it is belated! )

:balloons: Happy Late Birthday Meowee... Sorry I missed your day....

Howdy ya'll. Not too much going on here, but I did start my first whole wheat sourdough starter. I wanted to do a starter and found that I was out of white flour so I substituted and so far so good. I cheat and give it a kick start with yeast instead of waiting for the natural yeast to start to grow. My son Jess LOVES sourdough bread. Last time I made them he ate one loaf by his self. And what is so crazy is that he is skinny. :)

Supper was really good. I made another rabbit gumbo.

I don't think I told you about my new seeds. I found some radish seeds where the radishes will be white on the outside and red in the middle. I can't wait to see them. I also found some orange fleshed watermelon. Melon are gonna be a challenge but I'm gonna try. :)

Ellen...the whey off of my cheese was very thin like water and had a tint to it also. I tasted it and it wasn't half bad. But mostly I just cooked with it. I did read on a different site that you can feed it to farm animals or even feed your plants with it.

Meowee....I am so sorry I missed your birthday ((hugzz)) Happy Belated B-Day.

Toni...How are you doing? Have you been walking? I wish I could say I have but I've been lazy.

I hope y'all are having a great week and getting a break in your weather. We are going to be hot tomorrow and then cool back down over the weekend.

Love and hugs,
Crystle

Oh wow -- yesterday was busy enough to look like a day and a half. :dizzy:

At least the weather was great, again. Looks like the streak has ended at three nice days though. Currently it's pouring rain and the forecast says we will get an instant freeze-up tonight followed by three (maybe four) days of heavy snow. March LION you say . . . well the LAMB had better be following closely. :crossed:

Oh boy we're getting lots of snow here right now. Its so pretty and a good day to make a nice pot of soup. I haven't been eating good and am having a struggle.

Crystle- Oh my gosh sourdough is so good. We love it here and homemade is the best. I haven't made it in ages. Those radishes sound so good. Guess my big garden will be tomatoes in pots as Steve is never going to get us a garden made.

Meowee- Sorry you're having bad weather. Can't wait till spring.


Probably going to have a nice day on the computer watching the pretty snow. And just enjoying being a live......

CHICKEN BBQ FROM CHURCH FOR DINNER TONIGHT

:woohoo:

Yum that sounds so good Tech....

Hey . . . guess it isn't February anymore. I'm closing this and starting a new thread called "COME ON SPRING, PLEASE", because I really need it -- see you over there. :wave: