South Beach Diet - Weekend Chatting

Good morning from Darn Damp Delta! The fairground is one big mud pit. We are considering setting up an amateur mud wrestling event. Despite the rain, attendance is up. :shrug:

I managed to sleep in until 6 this morning. :cheer: Of course, I wasn't in bed until midnight since the Pypers dropped in on their way home from the Fair. They check out of their rental cottage by 11 this morning so this house will be busy through until tomorrow evening. I am really hoping they don't sleep over on Sunday night as construction machines will be here at 7 AM on Monday! My dogs are really enjoying being a pack of three and will miss Bailey when she does go home. (They don't know yet that they are going to the kennel for a week on Sunday to get out of the construction fuss.)

So...on with the weekend. What's happening around your patch of The Beach?

Things are drying out pretty fast here this morning after last night's storms, and the birds are full of song. :) We're getting ready to go out for breakfast and then grocery shopping, but we won't be gone too long since Jake's back is really acting up today. I'm sure we'll have a full house this afternoon since it's supposed to be hot and everyone will want to cool off in the pool. My grandson is turning 2 today, so we'll have a little celebration for him, too. We're planning the big party next Saturday to celebrate both his and his big sister's birthdays together, since they're so close.

It sounds like a pretty busy weekend for you, Ruth! I'd tell the Pypers that they can't stay over on Sunday since you'll have the construction gang there early on Monday and want to be ready for them! I'm glad the fair is drawing lots of people in despite the weather.

Good morning :coffee2: Wow, can't believe I'm so happy that I was able to sleep in until 6:30! Times have changed.

Ruth - I'm glad business is good. Do you think it's an economy thing? Seems like more people are staying close to home this year so maybe that's in place of traveling? Hope you get some quiet time before the construction starts.

Cottage - Sounds like your favorite kind of weekend :) Make sure you get some well deserved relaxation in there too.

We are just figuring out our day. Today is apparently the good day so we definitely want to get out and do something. I think it will be either an Audubon sanctuary or state park with a nice walk. We might fit in a trip to Trader Joe and Whole Foods too. Of course the weather also forces us to squeeze in a little mowing and gardening. That's been the challenge this year. There are so few nice days and so much to fit into them!

I learned yet again yesterday that I just can't have an open chocolate bar in the house (dark, high quality). For a couple of months I was actually able to do that but most of the time it just calls my name constantly. I guess I'll stick to Chimp Mints and tiny bags of bulk treats when I have them.

Time to make my cereal with berries. Hope the clouds are small and fluffy where you are.

Good Morning Ruth:sunny: and everyone yet to come

I'm glad you slept in a wee bit. It sounds like you and I both have a really nutty week to look forward to. It just doesn't seem your weather is going to break this summer. I hope you find a few peaceful moments as you prepare for your construction fuss on Monday.

Cottage, have a really fun party day :celebrate:

Cyndi, your day sounds really wonderful. I look forward to hearing of your travels.

Me, it's D-Day . I am starting my least favorite week of the year. I was a bit overwhelmed this morning so I putzed a bit and then sat down with my planner to figure out a basic plan for the next 3 1/2 weeks. We are leaving here today and K leaves for Alaska Thursday night. My challenge is to schedule my trips back and forth taking into consideration mandatory meetings, CSA food pickups, keeping both lawns mowed, the garden growing, transporting 2 dogs and a cat AND having a bit of enjoyment all while staying OP. My first decision; the dogs may not make the trip with me next week. I have a neighbor who can check on them for 2 nights which will make my first trip back much simpler.

That being said, I'm going to spend 1 hour packing for 10 days away, then I'll be the 1st one in the pool at 7:30. After some exercise and a soak, DH can pack the car. We'll clean the house and shut the door. The garden is self-watering and everything else can wait. I have a food plan for the day and for mental stimulation I'll check in often and see what you all are up to.

Thanks for all your support.

Note to self :coffee2:

Morning All!

Ruth, how about offering MUD facial treatments??? Put on your garden boots and have fun!

Cottage, give the sweet birthday boy a hug for me! Has Jake ever tried Excedrin Back and Body? It works pretty good for me when my back aches. (I had back surgury when my youngest was one year old and can sympathize!)

Cydni, re the chocolate. I bought a 90% chocolate bar the other day. I think 4 squares was considered a serving (with 3g sugar for the four squares) I could hardly choke down one square. It was so intense I was tasting it for hours...and BITTER! I decided maybe I can use a square in a smoothie or something. I know chocolate is supposed to be good for you, but it was just plain nasty to me (of course milk chocolate would be another story!)

Me..no plans except cutting the grass. Went out last night to our usual Friday night haunt and was having just an ok time till Beau's girlfriend called. I was not in a partying mood at all. I went outside to talk to her because the music was loud and she told me she had talked to Beau and he will come home in September. Seems it is not want he really wants...but of course he can change his mind again, maybe he's just a bit homesick...so I'm not going to get too exited. He said he "signed on" till mid Sept. and wants to complete what he promised.

Seems Debbie and Chelby and I were posting at the same time!
Debbie, have a wonderful time away and get a lot of relaxing done!
Chelby, hope a fun adventure comes your way today!

Good Morning!

Ruth, I hope your construction goes smoothly and quickly. It's hard living in a construction zone.

Cottage, Did your grandson get a motor car for his birthday?

Cyndi, A trip to the state park sounds great! I'm better with small, individually wrapped candy stored in the freezer, too.

Debbie, What makes this week your least favorite? Keep us up to date on your adventures. :)

Me: I have lots of laundry to do today. My bedroom needs a good cleaning. I have to hit the grocery store. But I really want to do something fun today! I'll let you know when I figure it out! :D

Have a beachy day!

Well, just got a call from a friend who needs help taking her dog to the vet. Apparently Crash has a "ruptured anal gland" and Heather needs me to help her. Doesn't that sound like a really thrilling morning! Crash is a monstrous Golden so I hope Leslie the Vet gives him a shot before we start the procedure. He's got a great disposition but still.....! I hope to be home before the Pypers arrive but, if not, they can organize lunch.

Update at 8:40
Is it OK to have a meltdown when you are 70? Could I have a Scotch instead?
A guy just arrived all set to pump out my septic tank which won't be dug up until Monday. My contractor put in the work order and he thought he'd just stop by when he was in the area with the poop pumper truck! I just may hand the Pypers shovels when they arrive.

This shaping up as a really $hitty day!

Poor Ruth, your day sounds like it's going to be a bit "crappy"...literally!
At least being exposed to all the aromas you will encounter, eating too much will be out of the question (just looking on the bright side!)

Hope the pup is ok and the poop truck finishes quickly!

Hi chicks, I'm back home after a very nice week at the beach. I got in yesterday evening, but had to go to my neighbor's housewarming party last night. DH was with us for 3 days at the beach, then my friend brought her kids and spent the rest of the week with us.
DH actually just headed back towards the coast - I saw a nice place that will be auctioned next weekend, and he wanted to check it out. I couldn't face that drive again so soon, and I've got to clean, grocery shop, laundry, and get ready for the week.
I had my two planned treats during the week, but otherwise stayed pretty good. Then I had a piece of flourless chocolate cake at the party. I'm going to phase 1 this week and hit it hard for the next 6 weeks. I've got a trip to Orlando planned in September, and some outfits I'd like to take that are kinda tight right now. I also have a trip to Huntsville next week, and will be there for a week, but that's a work thing. Shouldn't be any problem to stay on-plan.
I'm getting a slow start (no coffee in the house :fr:), so I'd better get to it. Have a great weekend!

Don bought us lunch at Chipotle yesterday and then we hung around together for the next 12 hours. Turns out he makes a great egg salad. I'm glad we had a hearty snack in the late afternoon because we went from soaking in the hot tub to going on a repair call and didn't throw the burgers on the grill until 10PM! Even with his shoulder so bad it was nice having him with me at Costco to help buy stuff for the staff party today. Until Brian gets back it's nice to have someone cook for me every couple of days. And my neighbor agreed to feed the dog and check on the cat while we are on the cruise.

I need to go run my errands I didn't finish yesterday and then come back and finish getting ready for the party. I don't think we're having more than 40 come tonight but a lot haven't RSVPd so it's hard to tell. It's supposed to be 100 today so the pool should feel good for the party. Next week is supposed to be a lot of rain.

What time, Barb? I'll hop on my private jet and be there. I need an escape!

Ruth, how's your crappy day going? If they dig up your septic tank, does that mean you can't use your toilet? Well, at least I don't think your day can get any worse, or can it?

Cat, I'm glad your son will have some time to decide what his actually calling in life is. What a hard decision to make! A friend of ours became a nun several years ago, but after 2 years she realized it wasn't the life she wanted afterall, and left the convent. She's still very active in the church, but she's much more content and happier now.

Chelby, No, we decided to get Tyler a T-ball set instead of the motorized car for his birthday. But I have no idea what his other grandparents will give him. ;)

Schmoodle, I'm glad you had a nice vacation at the beach. Are you looking to move again, or just buy a vacation home? It's always been my dream to have a "cottage by the sea". :D

Debbie, I wish you a safe trip on your traveling back and forth between houses! Whew, that would wear me out pretty quick!

Barb, hope your pool party this evening is a huge success!

Good morning everyone! :wave: Looks like you all are off to a great start! ;)

Not too much going on around here today. We're focusing on getting everyone packed up before I head out for Philly. The kids are staying with my Mom. They have a lot of things already at her house such as clothes, toys, games, etc. However, there are still a few things they'll need from home.

I'm going to make my menu for next week although it will only be for a couple of days. We head out Thursday morning at the butt crack of dawn. ;)

Enjoy your weekend ladies! :)

Anytime you want to come down to Dallas, Ruth, just let me know! (except Thurs - Monday when I'm on the cruise) ;)

I looked at the one dress I had and it was too casual for an elegant dinner on the cruise. My neighbor suggested Nordstrom's so I stopped and found a beautiful cocktail dress and pair of low black sandals that are comfortable but dressy. The dress is a sheer purple over pink satin and looks great on me. Sexy yet it covers my back which many of the others didn't and it was even on sale.

Well, the party starts at 5:30 so I'd better go pick up the last few things at the store.

I made it over the hill and things are looking up. I feel much better this afternoon.

Hi, everyone:wave:

Ruth, hope your day improved.

Barb...just wanted to say you sound so very happy...
I'm so glad..you deserve it!!!!

HELLO

Ruth - I do hope that the constructions guys are good looking.
Cottage - Your grandson is 2? So is mine on Aug. 30th. They are so precious at that age.
Cat - All you can do is wait, he will figure it out for himself and will be happy.
Chelby - I hope you are relaxing this weekend. I worked as an administrator at a mental health clinic for 3 years while DH was at university and I still remember how upset I use to get even though I was only in admin.
Sunshine - I visited Philly a few times and always go to their art museum. If art isn't your thing, then you can see the steps where Rocky was filmed and a statue of Sylyvester Stallone.
Barb - your dress sounds beautiful, hope we get to see a picture.
Debbie - glad that your trip was safe and the time will go by quickly.

Me, well supper is over, we had taco bake. DH is watching a movie that is not up my alley so I guess I will spent some time playing on my loom. I am weaving a bamboo scarf for my BBF for her 65th birthday.
take care
Sophie.
hope the rain is gone tomorrow, its really putting a damper on the deck renovation.

Sunshine - I visited Philly a few times and always go to their art museum. If art isn't your thing, then you can see the steps where Rocky was filmed and a statue of Sylyvester Stallone.


Both ideas are already on my itinerary. :)

Funny thing is I used to say I was going to take fake pictures as if I ran up those same stairs. Now I say I'm going to run up them. :) Amazing how things change when you get your life back on track. :D

Good morning from soggy Delta. All is quiet today because the Pypers and Bailey went back to Ottawa last night around midnight.

For the first time in its 179 years, Delta Fair got rained out! Kim Mitchell (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kim_Mitchell) started his show last night and was just three songs into it when the heavens opened and everyone swam home! There will be gloomy faces in the office this morning and even more mud on the grounds. I hope today is better but the forecast is for more rain.

Church at 8:30 and then I may or may not get some more plants moved. It depends on the weather. I don't mind getting soaked but my clay soil is dangerously slippery when wet. The dogs go to the kennel mid-afternoon and I work at the Fair at the BBQ late afternoon IF it's not cancelled due to rain. Usually the Fair Directors have a bit of a celebration Sunday night when the Fair closes but I think I'll be home in bed before it even starts tonight! It's been a Whew Week and construction starts tomorrow.

I hope your Sunday is an island of calm. I'm swimming as fast as I can to find mine! :lol:

Ruth, I hope you've reached your island of calm by now. It sounds like things are starting to settle down a little for you, at least.

It's cloudy here and rain is expected off and on throughout the day. I have several errands to do, so it looks like today will be a good day to get them done, along with a trip to Trader Joe's. Then there's the laundry to get done, and think about supper. I'm not sure who will show up today. Dustin, Andrea and the grandkids were here yesterday, and Tyler really enjoyed his special cupcake we got for him. Andrea brought a sheetcake, and I'm pleased to say I only had a taste of it before giving my piece to Jake, who happily whoofed it down. :D
We worked in the garden for a while in the afternoon, and cooled off in the pool afterwards. This was the first time I've actually gotten in the pool all summer!

Good morning :coffee2: Another rainy day here too. What a cruddy summer.

Ruth - I hope you get some time on your porch to unwind. Sounds like one hectic week followed by another.

Cottage - We did the TJ run yesterday. I'm getting better at figuring out what to look for there, though this time of year most of the expense is nuts for DP. They had this yummy pizza in the sample area with goat's milk mozzarella. I wonder if they make that in a rf variety? Have fun with the grandkids :)

Cat - that extra dark chocolate is the only one I can control because too much just doesn't taste good. I do like a square or two though. I was never a milk chocolate fan luckily.

Debbie - glad you made it. Sounds like a lovely drive

Schmoodle - Nice to see you back :) Hope you have coffee in the house today.

Sophie - How are you doing? Has the vertigo passed?

It's probably a house cleaning day today. I want to get a load of squash into the dehydrator but no big plans beyond that. I'm sure I'll prep some beans for the week too. No bread baking this week, it's too darned humid. Maybe I'll check the theater for Harry Potter times. It's at the small cheap theater up here but it's so long it makes for a very late night. Might be a fun thing to do on a rainy afternoon.

What's exciting in your world?

Cyndi, I found something fun to do with a square of that black chocolate last night. My husband got me a sinless ice cream from coldstone and I melted a square of the chocolate and threw some pecans on it and voila...and yum. I only ate 1/2 of it and saved the rest for another night. It was very rich. I think I'll use the squares I have left in smoothies. It is just so black and bitter I can't stomach it alone. (It's the Lindt 90% cocoa)

Nothing on my plate at all today except maybe a run to the farmer's market for some vegs later. I have a bag of frozen chicken breasts that I have to figure out what to do with for this evening. Got out early and clipped back some plants out on the patio and watered and rinsed down the bricks out there earlier. We moved around a bunch of pots yesterday evening so they would get more sun (they were hiding under a line of crepe myrtles). Also fertilized my plumeria and a couple of other flowering things and don't have a thing to do the rest of the day.

Good Morning Everyone:sunny:

It's a peaceful cool Colorado mountain day. We had a wonderful dinner with Mom last night. I have to say all of your input is really sinking in with me. We were at a magnificient buffet and I headed to the vegies first then added smaller amounts of protein. Mom & K went back several times for blueberry pie and I was just happy without. :cp:

Other good news: I wore a jacket last night that I haven't fit into since the 1900's. Mom has a picture of me in 1998 wearing it. :dancer: I think the SB key is being patient. I still feel huge but the reality is that 12 weeks ago this jacket didn't fit. Is part of it self perception, I wonder.

The hollyhocks are spectacular this year! Moms raspberry patch is ready. We're going to start picking and restaking this morning. I'm going to freeze most of my share in ice cube trays for my morning smoothies. Hmm...365 raspberry ice cubes. It will be interesting.

As always, I love to hear what you are all up to.
Ruth, relax if you can.
Barb, I smile for every happy day you have!
Cyndi, my zucchs will finally be to a point where I can start processing some. Kirk is bringing my FoodSaver back from Alaska. Happy processing to you!
Cottage, I hope your day is calm and rewarding.
Chelby, what's up?
Sunshine, happy packing. Your planning is a recipe for success. Wave at me when you fly over Colorado! I'm always up early.
Schmoodle, how far are you from the coast?
Sophie, :wave::stir:
Cat, I love your creativity shifting foods to your SB WOL.Plumeria is my favorite flower! Reminds me of the time I spent in Hawaii.

Have a great day everyone! I'm headed to raspberry-land and grilling tonight with Kirks DD.

The party was so much fun! I think I had between 30-40 people. We had kids and adults in the pool and the last person didn't leave until after 11. Don and I had a great time telling our friends about the cruise. Three of the women had to come and see my new dress. They loved it and one is having me come to her house today to do closet shopping. She's gained back a little weight and has a bunch of stuff in my size she's going to let me borrow. She's been on cruises so she has a good idea what it pack. I'm going first at 11 to get my haircut though. Now I just need to decide if my roots need to be touched up before the cruise. ;)

Hi Everyone!

We went to the flea market this morning. I found the cutest little squash called eight-ball squash. They are perfectly round, yellow around the center and green on the top and bottom. I'm going to roast some with zucchini for dinner. Auston has already informed me that he isn't eating it!

All the laundry is done. WooHoo! My bedroom is clean except for vacuuming, which I'm going to do next. THEN, I'm going to take a happy nappy! :lol:

Good afternoon chicks! I volunteered for snack lady duty at the pool today, so that's where I'll be 1:00 - 4:00, passing out snacks. Suits me just fine, as I am very low-energy today and I'll get my volunteer hours out of the way. I slept in this morning, and haven't done a thing other than start a load of sheets. I hope the rain holds off so I can get them out on the line. I did get the grocery shopping and most of the unpacking done yesterday.

sunshine, have a wonderful trip!
cottage, good job on the cake. We are not looking to move, but DH is determined to buy a vacation place while prices are good. However, since we don't have half a mil laying around, I suspect we'll have to settle for something near the sea rather than on the sea. If we do buy, then of course the first thing I'll do is offer it up for a chick's reunion (union?).
Lexxis, we are about three hours from the ocean beaches.
Cyndi, as a matter of fact, I am coffee-less. I did buy some at the store yesterday, but forgot to put it to soak last night. DH came to the rescue and offered me one of his pods. But that's the only cup I've had for two days now, maybe that's why my butt is dragging.
Barb, I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time on your cruise.
Ruth, I'm jealous of your construction, I wish mine was about to begin, but sadly not until fall for us.
Have a great lazy day Chelby and Cat.
Happy weaving Sophie!

Well, I'm off to pack the beverages and hopefully enjoy some sunshine.

Good afternoon,

Cottage - You have such good willpower.
Ruth - Sorry to hear about the Fair. I wonder what is the oldest Fair in Canada. We have a huge one here - Markham Fair.
Lexxis - Have fun picking raspberries. I grew up with a huge raspberry hedge, they are so much work.
Cyndi - let us know if you see Harry Potter. Vertigo is gone and won't come back, right.
Barb - glad your party was a success.
Chelby - Auston sure puts his foot down early.
Cat - Your garden must be lovely.

me - its been lightening so the computer has been shut off. A couple of years ago our computer got completely wiped out during a storm. Still busy on the loom.
take care
Sophie
having a very munchy day. trying to keep busy.

Sorry Schmoodles - I forgot you. Have a nice afternoon
Sophie

Sunshine, happy packing. Your planning is a recipe for success. Wave at me when you fly over Colorado! I'm always up early.

My friend told me last night we have scheduled time with the hotel's gym as well. :) Now I have to pack my workout clothes. :)

I'll be sure to wave at ya as we cross Colorado! ;)

Enjoying the sunshine here on the West Coast. The day started out mild without too much heat on our necks just yet. I actually have a nice breeze flowing through my windows. :)

My daughter and I are the only ones home so we're having a little girl time watching the Law & Order: SVU marathon. :) We're cleaning and doing a few odds and ends as well.

I'm also making my phone calls today to all the people I never have time to call. :callme: I'm pacing myself so the phone doesn't become a permanent part of my ear. :) I usually keep in touch via text, internet or e-mail but sometimes it's good to hear each others voices.

I weighed-in this morning and was excited to see that I'm officially in a new weight range!! :goodscale It feels great to see your weigh start with a new number you haven't seen in a while.

Enjoy the rest of this glorious Sunday all! :)

sunshine, have a wonderful trip!


:thanks:

OMG! I now have 10 times the amount of clothes I had before! And they are all to keep. She gave me probably 20 pair of shoes two and I just have to return two pair after the cruise. She even had bras in my size. I've been told I was wearing bras that were too large and hers look wonderful on me. SHe even came back to my house and helped me totally reorganize my closet and pack for the cruise. How amazing is that! I think I spent over 4 hours trying on clothes! Even 5 new swimsuits that don't fit her any more and look wonderful on me. I've never met anyone who had so many clothes and shoes that fit so perfectly. And she and her husband are thrilled because now she has more closet space.

How awesome!!! :D