Age 50+ - ~September Golden Girls~

We are about Fitness and Quality of Life after 50...
We are about Fun and Friendship after 50...
We are the Golden Girls...

There is Value in us
There is Power in us
There is Wisdom in us
And Laughter....
We are a rainbow of unique wonders,
There is love in us.
(poem by Dorothy Holmes)

Tell us a little about your life, family and goals. What keeps you motivated? What is the best thing that's happened to you since you passed the 50 mark?
Friends laugh, cry and stand by each other, we'll be that to you!

Time for me to get serious again! I need to start back to the basic, log my food, post here daily. I'm the biggest offender in the summer, 20 lashes with a cooked zucchini:rofl:
I'm making applesauce today, have tons of tomatoes to freeze so I better get with it. Will have to change my slide bar and adjust my weight. Don't know what it is, will probably shock myself tomorrow morning.

I am also from MN, my Sept goal is onderland, (10 pounds)

Hi everyone! Like everybody else -- I need to get cracking on this plan again. I pretty much have the basement set up with everything I need to make it my "WOMAN CAVE"!!! Got a small TV, DVD player, exercise DVD's(Walk Away The Pounds and Richard Simmons Sweatin' to the Oldies Collecton" stereo, treadmill, Gazelle, mini trampoline, hand weights. So now all I need to do is find the motivation to start using it all!!

We are checking to see what the charges would be to fix up the pool at the house we bought. We have a bid on a vinyl liner and all to make it just like new. And today we had someone out to give us a bid on a fiberglass pool that can just be put down in the "hole" we have. Right now the pool measures 16' X 34' so it is a good size. With the liner we can keep it just the same. With a fiberglass we may have to go smaller. Guess we'll wait and see what this guy today comes up with. I know it is more expensive but just want to make sure I am getting what I want.

My son and his wife made a decision to go ahead and take the children back to Colorado to her parents house for the next few months in hopes that they can get jobs, and find work is Florida. Then they can be all set up and be able to go and get the kids on their Winter break. This broke my heart to see them split up their family so that they can try to go to school, work and find a place to live. I am so hoping that it works for them but have also mentioned to them that this may just not be the right time to try and do this. They have had so many obstacles put in their way but seem to have blinders on and can't seem to think of any other way. I am very worried about how things are going to work for them. Saying lots of prayers that the right thing does happen for them-- what ever that will be.

I hope everyone has a good rest of the night and a HAPPY FRIDAY!!!

Good Morning Girls!
I was so out of the habit weighing myself in the morning that I forgot when I woke up, didn't think about it until after I drank a couple cups of coffee. (about a pounds worth). I'll watch it today and weigh in tomorrow.
Karen...Woman cave sounds perfect. How about that pool, nice. Is that a year round pool? I don't know what the climate is in Missouri or how long you can use it but what excellent exercise. Did you sell your Colorado home yet?I need to get cracking on this plan again. I pretty much have the basement set up with everything I need to make it my "WOMAN CAVE"!!!
Cindy...10 pounds doesn't seem like much but we all know what a lot of work it is. Two pounds lost, one pound gained back and so on. :D
[QUOTE]my Sept goal is onderland, (10 pounds)[QUOTE]

Hi Bobbi, No it isn't a year round pool---- I guess. you don't drain it at all but it does get too cold to swim. But you can probably use it from May up into October if the weather cooperates.
No, we haven't sold our house in Colorado yet. We are going to have to go the end of this month and pick up the things that we didn't have room for when we moved and also get it winterized if it isn't sold. Can't wait much longer before doing that. I know it is getting down in the high 30's out there now so it won't be long before the snow starts out there.

Geeeeeeezzzzzzzzz,I jumped on the scale this morning and am I up or what. I'll have to change my slider scale. Rats!

I'm with all of you. Up 11 lbs from my low of 145. I'm starting to panic.

Lynn

Hello, I'm very new to site (joined about 10 minutes ago!).

A bit about myself.

I'm 51. I have 5 kids. Two are "grown-ups" and out of the house. My other three still at home are ages 9, 7 1/2, 7. Four out of five of my kids were adopted internationally (any others out there with families built by adoption?)

I'm heavier than I have ever been in my life [210]. Saw a picture of myself yesterday (something I try at great cost to keep from happening) and really need to turn things around for myself.

My vow for this week is to journal my foods, and to figure out some way to exercise. Any help from other excercise challenged folks would be most welcome.

thanks much Denise

Hello all,

And Hi Denise and welcome. It is a wonderful bunch of ladies here. Been kind of quiet here over the summer, but maybe will pick back up again when cooler weather starts keeping folks in.

My family is built by adoption. 2 out of 3. They are all grown now. Two live nearby, and the two grandkids. The youngest is in North Carolina.

Hope you all are having a good weekend.

Take care

Hello, I'm very new to site (joined about 10 minutes ago!).

A bit about myself.

I'm 51. I have 5 kids. Two are "grown-ups" and out of the house. My other three still at home are ages 9, 7 1/2, 7. Four out of five of my kids were adopted internationally (any others out there with families built by adoption?)

I'm heavier than I have ever been in my life [210]. Saw a picture of myself yesterday (something I try at great cost to keep from happening) and really need to turn things around for myself.

My vow for this week is to journal my foods, and to figure out some way to exercise. Any help from other excercise challenged folks would be most welcome.

thanks much Denise

Hi Denise,

WELCOME!

Lynn

Hi Everyone,

See my Halloween Challenge

http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:cz8LbyGDjHHUoM:http://www.365halloween.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/09/halloween-candy-06.jpg

HI everyone,

Just wanted to wish you a happy holiday. Have fun. Remember, fun doesn't have to mean over eating.

Freda

Wail!:stress:I just don't have the will to continue. I have lots of zucchini bread, zucchini brownie, all that nasty not good for you foods right now in the freezer. I don't know why I got on this sugar kick, the more I make the more I eat. I can't stand not using up the zucchini because I was taught the children across the ocean were starving. :rofl:
Lynn...I joined the challenge but won't start it until next Monday morning. Have two days of rummage sale coming up fri/sat and it's a 5 family deal, lots of food, blah, blah, blah. I know I won't be good so not much point in starting until then. Remember when we passed the cookbook around, now that was an incentive! Wish 3FC would allow us to do something like that again because that was the most inspirating thing I've ever done. What can we do similar that would work without bending 3FC's rules? THINK EVERYONE!
Welcome denise, hi glynne, freda, karen. What ever happened to the other Karen?

Hi Everyone. My head is all over the place but I'm starting all over again today. Summer is basically over for us as DH is back to work tomorrow on the school bus so my schedule will be a little more organized.

I walked for an hour today. I think I walked about 5k but not sure. I've got to map it out on mapmyrun.com. So I guess I'll be posting more often now for sure.

I've been making jam, pickled beets and applesauce but no baking yet. We still have a few cookies left in the freezer from DS's wedding but DH will probably have those gone by next week.

My weigh in is tomorrow--the first time since July and I'm nervous about the damage done over the last couple of months. I'm sure I'm up at least 15 pounds. My jeans are too tight to wear and I have to get back into those in the next few weeks or I'll only have white pants to wear for the Fall. Ha, ha.

"Lynn...I joined the challenge but won't start it until next Monday morning."

Can you tell me what the Challenge is?

I walked 25 minutes this morning. I also just talked to my daughter (22 yrs) and she and her partner are going to join me on this weight loss journey. She doesn't live here, but this way we have someone to be accountable to! We are going to "journal" our food diaries to each other, and check in on exercise! Hurray.

"Lynn...I joined the challenge but won't start it until next Monday morning."

Can you tell me what the Challenge is?

I walked 25 minutes this morning. I also just talked to my daughter (22 yrs) and she and her partner are going to join me on this weight loss journey. She doesn't live here, but this way we have someone to be accountable to! We are going to "journal" our food diaries to each other, and check in on exercise! Hurray.

Hi Denise,

Look at the post "Halloween Challenge" up in the Sticky area. Basically, it is a challenge to avoid empty calories between now and 2 weeks after Halloween. However, feel free to modify in whatever way you would like. Just post a message on that thread & then edit the message every day with your progress.

Lynn

Hello all,

I just had to share something cute. I was over at my daughters on Saturday. Maddie decided she wanted a ride in the stroller. Didn't matter that we were in the house ~ she thought it was a good time for a ride. (I hadn't had a chance to do any exercise that day, so I figured ~ what the heck ~ I'll get in some extra steps.) So, a-riding we went. Round and round the dinning room table. Maddie in the stroller holding her zebra and their dog Molly (a big black lab) following right along behind us. That was the cute part, the dog going right along with us ~ we didn't encourage her to do that she just thought she should come along too I guess :D

Ahhh ~ the making of memories

Take care

Hello all,

I just had to share something cute. I was over at my daughters on Saturday. Maddie decided she wanted a ride in the stroller. Didn't matter that we were in the house ~ she thought it was a good time for a ride. (I hadn't had a chance to do any exercise that day, so I figured ~ what the heck ~ I'll get in some extra steps.) So, a-riding we went. Round and round the dinning room table. Maddie in the stroller holding her zebra and their dog Molly (a big black lab) following right along behind us. That was the cute part, the dog going right along with us ~ we didn't encourage her to do that she just thought she should come along too I guess :D

Ahhh ~ the making of memories

Take care

Hi Gayle,

What an adorable image!

Isabella, you're about the same weight as me. My jeans are getting tight too, still squeezing my fat gut into them. Guts has to go!

Hmmm - sounds to me like many of us "old-timers" are losing our mojo. Let's return to one of the questions that Bobbi asks on our home-page -

"What keeps you motivated?"

At this point, I need to get "re-motivated." For the zillionth time in my life, I lost my healthy eating behaviors when faced with family illness/tragedy. On the other hand, for the first time in my life, I hung in there with my exercise behaviors.

My strategy for getting "re-motivated" is to get really involved with the Halloween Challenge. Bobbi and I are working on a special "reward" (3FC does not allow tangible rewards for challenges - so our "reward" will be virtual). Stay tuned for the new "twist" on the challenge & come join in the fun.

Lynn

Good Morning all,

So easy to get sidetracked! My motivation is having no clothes to wear. I refuse to buy a larger size. It gets ugly sometimes when everything is too tight. I think buying a larger size also makes you stop and reevaluate. So, if you are hanging on to those "big" clothes, get rid of them, or at least put them somewhere that you can't just grab them.

Hi denise, Welcome! I know you will get a lot of help here. And how wonderful that your family is joining you. Makes it so much easier.

Lynn and Bobbi, I will be joining the challenge now. I thought it was "no sweets" only, not no junk food. So, I have to recheck that.

Gayle, how sweet that sounds! Yes those are the things we remember.

have a good day,

Freda

Fitting back into my skinny jeans will get me motivated again + summer is over and time to "FALL" back into the groove.
Thanksgiving, pumpkin pies and turkey are around the corner and who wants to look fabulous in our new thinner bodies for relatives and friends.

I'm so rotted. I weighed this morning and I've gained 15 pounds since DS's wedding. I guess I've been medicating with food since DS left and mom died. Anyway, I'm back with the program and rearing to get rid of those extra pounds. Just to be able to wear my jeans again without undo stress on both me and the jeans will be good motivation. Also I was at the doctor's this morning getting results from blood tests I had done a few weeks ago. My Vitamin B12 and iron is low so that may account for how tired I've been feeling the last couple of months. The B12 deficiency runs in the family so I guess I'm at that age when it can happen to anyone. Hopefully, getting back to healthy eating will also help. The last few weeks I could hardly get out of bed in the morning and I've been spending most of the day too tired to get out of my own way.

Anyway, I got in a walk yesterday and today so I feel good about that and I'm tracking my food on fitday.

Have a good day everyone.

Lynn and Bobbi, I will be joining the challenge now. I thought it was "no sweets" only, not no junk food. So, I have to recheck that.
Freda

Hi Freda,

I stuck in "no sweets" but everyone can choose her own goals. I actually added exercise and calorie goals today.

Lynn

I'm so rotted. I weighed this morning and I've gained 15 pounds since DS's wedding. I guess I've been medicating with food since DS left and mom died. Anyway, I'm back with the program and rearing to get rid of those extra pounds. Just to be able to wear my jeans again without undo stress on both me and the jeans will be good motivation. Also I was at the doctor's this morning getting results from blood tests I had done a few weeks ago. My Vitamin B12 and iron is low so that may account for how tired I've been feeling the last couple of months. The B12 deficiency runs in the family so I guess I'm at that age when it can happen to anyone. Hopefully, getting back to healthy eating will also help. The last few weeks I could hardly get out of bed in the morning and I've been spending most of the day too tired to get out of my own way.

Anyway, I got in a walk yesterday and today so I feel good about that and I'm tracking my food on fitday.

Have a good day everyone.

Hi Isabella,

Come up (to sticky area) and join our "halloween" challenge.

Lynn

Thanks Lynn, I joined yesterday and have been doing pretty good the last 2 days.

Hi eveyone..a rainy day here and the leaves are allready changing color:?:..dh came back from the cabin and he got a moose so ill be busy processing it the next few days..hunting is a way of life for us and its nice to have a freezer full of moose,salmon and halibut yum..my sil and grs will be here friday to go back to the cabin for more hunting..my dh loves that..its a guy thing :dizzy: hope u all had a great long weekend..ours was quiet just the way i like it.. (((:hug:)))) rosey :wave:

Thanks Lynn, I joined yesterday and have been doing pretty good the last 2 days.


GREAT! Stay tuned for a new twist on the Challenge thread.

Hi Everyone,

Our current Halloween Challenge has a NEW and EXCITING addition. Points and a Virtual Award are being incorporated.

Here’s how it will work. Each challenger will post 3 goals – you pick.

For example, mine are
1) avoid sweets (candy, cookies, cake, ice cream);
2) exercise at least 60 minutes/day;
3) eat fewer than 1,200 calories/day.

Challengers will earn 1 point for each day they post + 1 point for each goal they meet on that day. Therefore, challengers can earn up to 4 points/day.
At the end of the challenge (November 14) the person with the most points will win our virtual award –

http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:SEukNlpGixw8JM:http://www.pastrykicks.com/v5/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/winner.jpg

From the day of winning until the end of the next challenge, the winner will post our virtual award as part of her signature (or as her avatar if she prefers).

She will be known far and wide as the WINNER of the 50+ Challenge until there is a new winner to a new Challenge to take the trophy from her.

Our Points + Virtual Award addition will begin next Monday on September 14. This will give everyone a chance to join up & select their 3 goals.

So, if you have not already joined our Halloween Challenge, come on up to the Sticky Area, open up the Halloween Challenge thread, and set up your space!

I haven't gotten into my DIET mode yet and I know we're not suppose to call it a diet, but it is and always will be called a diet to me.. I either eat like a pig or I diet. Fortunately I diet before it gets out of hand.
I'm excited, got my grama phone from UPS today. That's a Jitterbug without all the whistles, just a plain old phone and nothing else. It's really slick, huge numbers so I don't have to put my reading glasses on. I'm not a twitter, textster or take pictures/videos with my phone. To be honest, we don't even have our other cell phone set up to do any of that nonsense. We purchased the first cell phone just to take with us in the car for emergencies. I never did learn how to use it other than just call. I'm having our land line phone disconnected today, that's a little scary to me but I need to move with the times.
I'm off to our local hardware store to check out a hand cranked pulper to make tomato freezing easier. Catch ya all tomorrow.

I haven't gotten into my DIET mode yet and I know we're not suppose to call it a diet, but it is and always will be called a diet to me.. I either eat like a pig or I diet. Fortunately I diet before it gets out of hand.

Catch ya all tomorrow.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

Hi Bobbi,

This is EXACTLY how I am. Either "all in" or "all out" - true about most things in my life.

Lynn

Lynn, thanks for the new twist on the Challenge. I'm going up there to fix mine up so I can have 3 goals posted. I wouldn't mind getting the "Winner" award. :D

I love the new twist on the challenge too. It'll give me something to think about during the day and I won't be so apt to get off the program.

Hi, I haven't been on in so long...but I need to get back to a good challenge.

I used to post on here all the time, but got busy, stuff happens and just got out of the habit. I really need to get back on track, watching what goes in my mouth (writing it down!), exercising (making a committment), and being accountable (weighing in!).
SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! I am joining in on this challenge!
I will weigh in on Thursday's and post losses (or heaven forbid)gains!
:goodvibes:goodvibes:
:goodluck:

Looks like we're all ready for a good challenge. No better way to get the blood pumping and us ready to get serious!!

I plan on getting all my unhealthy eatting habit done and over with this week-end after the rummage sale on Fri & Sat. I know my SIL is bringing an egg bake, there will be muffins and sweets. I can't sit outside for two days trying to move stuff and not join in with the food. Especially when I'm bored out of my gord and no customers. Today I'm going into town and load up on groceries for my new start on Monday morning, will be sure and keep all zucchini breads, muffins, cake and brownies in the freezer. We had so much zucchini this year and I make lots of sweets for Bruce to enjoy this winter. The key word here is "FOR BRUCE". I just have to pound that into my head and you girls are all going to help me, we're going to help each other. Thanks Lynn for getting this challenge going and hope we have lots of committment from all who join. For me, just signing in everyday motivates me.

Hi Everyone,

Pouring rain here in the Northeast. I know the Challenge is going to be effective for me. Last night, I had company for dinner (she also tries to eat healthily). I got Skinny Cow ice cream bars for dessert. When I bought them and when I chose to eat one, I thought about the Challenge. The only reason I had one was because we don't start counting points until Monday!

Lynn

Hello Gals. Another good day so far. I've made 4 apple pies today but they aren't all for us. I made a small one for DS and DIL and a small one for us for the weekend, another one for church potluck next week and one to keep in the freezer for unexpected guests or for DH to find. :D

I also made 4 loaves of flax and quinoa bread. I had cooked quinoa in the frig and wasn't eating it so I threw it in the bread. I don't know what that will be like but I had found a recipe for honey quinoa bread on line so I figured I just do my own version. Instead of honey I used blackstrap molasses. My ferritin level is low and the doctor wants me to eat more iron rich foods. Both the quinoa and blackstrap molasses contain good amounts of iron. It will be interesting to see what the bread will be like. I'll let you all know when I cut it. But that probably won't be until Sunday or Monday as I have a whole loaf from last batch waiting to be eaten first.

Catch you all later.

owlo lovies, I've had an English accent ringing in my ears today. I was at my brothers place all day with a 6 family rummage sale. My nephew is married to an English gal with a cool accent. Got rid of lots of junk, put a quarter on most of it.
I'm pooped and going to bed early.
Isabella...Bruce and I put a teaspoon of molasses in our 1st cup of coffee for the day, takes good put lots of iron. I haven't checked on the calories yet but will before Monday when I start my diet.
Both the quinoa and blackstrap molasses contain good amounts of iron.

Those !@@#$%$%^^&%$ Skinny Cow "ice cream" bars are doing me in!

Guess I need to bite the bullet and throw them out. Too easy to rationalize eating them!

Lynn

Good Morning everyone. I thought that I would share a couple pictures with you. I was surprised that they uploaded since I had tried to upload others and they said it was the wrong format--- these are from the same camera. Anyway, with the some of the inheritance from my Dad I decided to get my pool fixed. This is what they have to start with and they got started on it yesterday. We won't be able to use it this year but by the time May gets here it will already be here and be ready to use!!! Can you tell I'm excited??

:wave:

Hello all,

I wrote the other day about Maddie wanting to ride around the dinning room table in her stroller.



Gayle, how sweet that sounds! Yes those are the things we remember.


Freda

Well, I went to stay with her this evening, that is the first thing she said to me when I walked in the door. It sure stuck in her memory ~ LOL. It will be a good memory for both of us.

Hope you all are having a good weekend.

Take care

Is everyone ready for tomorrow? The BIG Day - 1st day of our Challenge!

Yup, just gotta get thru today with leftovers from yesterday and I'll be set to go. I'm going to re-weigh myself and correct the slider bar in the morning. See ya all then, have a great Sunday.

Yes, all ready. I had a good week of practice last week. Lost 3.5 pounds since last week so I'm stoked. :)

Hi all.
I'm brand new here; just joined. I'm closer to 70 than 60 (how did that happen?), and at my highest weight. I certainly don't mentally feel like my age and don't want my body to feel it either.
My husband is retired, so we have lots of together time. I still cook a lot because I love it; unfortunately I still cook for 6 of us and we eat it. Is there any wonder I have a weight issue? I'm determined to change that.
I have 4 kids and 8 grandkids and they all live far away from me, so we've seen lots of the country. I play Bridge, do genealogy, needlework, and read.
Enough about me for now.

Ann

I had a great victory today. I was shopping with DH and MIL and on the way home they were munching out on potato chips and cheese puffs. I thought I was going to have a total munchie melt-down. I even put my face in the chip bag and snorted in as much of the aroma as I could but I didn't put one crumb of the offending junk in my mouth because I knew I'd succumb to the chips and be their slave for the rest of the day. I went home and cooked a good and wholesome supper and have enough calories left-over to have a cup of grapes for dessert.

Welcome, Ann!!! Glad you've found us. We're a delightful group of gals, if I do say so. :D I just had my household cut in half and now there's only the two of us also. Most of us are in the same boat. I find it strange to cook such small meals but I'm adjusting to the cooking part faster than missing the house full. Come and post as often as you want. It will get busier here now that summer is over and we're spending more time inside. We'll be all cheering for you. If you wish, join the Halloween challenge. You'll find it here in the 50+ forum up in the sticky area.

Hi all.
I'm brand new here; just joined. I'm closer to 70 than 60 (how did that happen?), and at my highest weight. I certainly don't mentally feel like my age and don't want my body to feel it either.
My husband is retired, so we have lots of together time. I still cook a lot because I love it; unfortunately I still cook for 6 of us and we eat it. Is there any wonder I have a weight issue? I'm determined to change that.
I have 4 kids and 8 grandkids and they all live far away from me, so we've seen lots of the country. I play Bridge, do genealogy, needlework, and read.
Enough about me for now.

Ann

Hi Ann,

Glad you are joining us - Welcome! I do genealogy also.

Lynn

Good Morning!
:welcome: Ann, good to have a new face around here.
I have a funeral today and 4 packages to get to post office, ebay has been good to me. We sold 2 hunting knives, a seed sprouter and a colt 45 pistol die. I've been unloading treasures all summer, we have sooooooooooo much stuff and if we croak our daughter would probably give it all away. You know how busy our kids are, she wouldn't be bothered with it.
I have to change my slider and get on over to the challenge before I take off.
Have a great day, Isabella, way to go girl!

Good Morning Everyone,

My NSV - Last night went to my DD's for dinner. They had chicken, baked beans, mac & cheese. I brought my "steam-in-bag" veggies & had chicken & veggies.

Yeah Me !!!!!

Lynn

You Won't Believe It's Not Dairy Chocolate Pudding

Prep Time: 10 MinutesReady In: 1 Hour 10 Minutes Servings: 4
"A smooth, non-dairy chocolate pudding that is perfect for pie fillings."
Ingredients:
1 (16 ounce) package silken tofu
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons powdered non-dairy creamer

Directions:
1.Place tofu, cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla extract, and non-dairy creamer in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, adjusting sugar and cocoa powder to your taste. Transfer pudding to a bowl and cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.



Thought of you Isabella when I saw this, haven't tried it and probably won't.

You Won't Believe It's Not Dairy Chocolate Pudding

Prep Time: 10 MinutesReady In: 1 Hour 10 Minutes Servings: 4
"A smooth, non-dairy chocolate pudding that is perfect for pie fillings."
Ingredients:
1 (16 ounce) package silken tofu
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons powdered non-dairy creamer

Directions:
1.Place tofu, cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla extract, and non-dairy creamer in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, adjusting sugar and cocoa powder to your taste. Transfer pudding to a bowl and cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.



Thought of you Isabella when I saw this, haven't tried it and probably won't.

Hey Bobbi!

Are you trying to tempt us to eat sweets so that you can win the challenge?;)

This one sounds "almost" too good to pass up.

Lynn

Hello all,

Frustrated this morning. Fighting this battle. Trying harder because of the Dr giving me one last chance before putting me on diabetic meds. Why is it two steps forward one step back? Especially when you do the right things ~ make good choices. We went to the zoo yesterday and took Sara, Maddie and Corbin. We walked all over the place ~ sweated like crazy. Weight up a pound this morning ~ Grrrrr. I would have thought the exercise would have helped.

Then frustrated too at DH. When I began this battle more seriously this time, he asked how he could be supportive of me. Yesterday, on the way home from the zoo, Sara and I had talked and thought we would like to stop and have supper at CiCi's ~ we were both feeling too tired to have to cook supper. DH denied the request ~ said that that was not going to help me in my battle. Maybe it did help, maybe the weight would have been up even more this morning ~ who knows. Feeling like someone is trying to control me, like I am being treated like a child. I felt like even though I am fighting the battle, I could have used some restraint ~ had just a couple pieces and salad and skip the desert pizza. I even offered to eat only salad, so the rest of the family could be allowed to go. He wouldn't budge.

Ok, get over it Gayle. Sorry for whining ~ thanks for listening.

Lynn ~ Way to go on your NSV.

Bobbie ~ cool to be able to get rid of extra stuff and make a little money doing it.

Welcome Ann

Retiredone ~ way to go passing up the chips.

Off this week, gonna work on my sewing room ~ getting it cleaned out and organized. That will keep me busy and out of trouble hopefully. ;)

Have a good day everyone

Hey, Gayle that's what we're here for. You just vent whenever you want to. My DH hates eating out. Whenever I suggest that, he looks at me and says something like, "Oh, did you really want to eat out?" as if he didn't know I did? Grrrr....now I'm all worked up just thinking about that. Ha,ha,ha. I'll get over it.

Bobbi, that pudding does look good. I've made similar ones with tofu and they've been delicious. But you'll not trap me into dessert this week. :D

WTG, Lynn on your NSV. Yeah!!! I love macaroni and cheese. Don't know if I could have done that. Even when I ate meat I would have passed up the chicken for the macaroni.

It's raining buckets today so I skipped my walk and got on my bike for 40 minutes. I'm going to try and get in another few minutes as soon as lunch settles.

Today I cleaned up the kitchen and tidied up the counters. It looked lovely until I made dinner. Ha, ha, now it looks like a tornado went through. I should go clean it up again and feel satisfied with myself again. :)

Have a good day, ladies.

Drats! You saw thru me and my evil underhanded ways!
But you'll not trap me into dessert this week. :D

Are you trying to tempt us to eat sweets so that you can win the challenge?;)

This one sounds "almost" too good to pass up.

Lynn

Then frustrated too at DH. When I began this battle more seriously this time, he asked how he could be supportive of me. Yesterday, on the way home from the zoo, Sara and I had talked and thought we would like to stop and have supper at CiCi's ~ we were both feeling too tired to have to cook supper. DH denied the request ~ said that that was not going to help me in my battle. Maybe it did help, maybe the weight would have been up even more this morning ~ who knows. Feeling like someone is trying to control me, like I am being treated like a child. I felt like even though I am fighting the battle, I could have used some restraint ~ had just a couple pieces and salad and skip the desert pizza. I even offered to eat only salad, so the rest of the family could be allowed to go. He wouldn't budge.



Hi Gayle,

I know EXACTLY what you mean. When I was married to my first husband, he was on my back all the time about my weight/eating. The more he tried to control me, the more I ate.

At some point, can you sit him down and explain how this is NOT helpful to you?

Lynn

Hi Lynn,

I want to tell him that that is not helpful, but I don't hold out too much hope that I will be able to get through to him. He is an all or nothing kind of person and I guess I am just not as disciplined as him, though I am trying really hard right now.

He also has been this way (on me about my weight/eating) since the very begining ~ started while we were dating. I should have run the other way and never looked back ~ just kidding. He has been a good husband and provider in other ways. When I get to whining, I think of people who have it lots worse than that and then feel guilty.

I know we are not supposed to blame someone else for our weight problems. I'm not blaming him exactly, but I do feel that by trying to control me about my eating made me rebellious in my eating and thereby contributed to my problem.

It is nice to have this place to come and know that there is someone here who understands exactly what you are going through.

Thank you

Good Morning all,

Lovely day here in Michigan. Sunny, warm, slight breeze. Wish we could keep it for a couple of months, but fall it starting.

Hi Ann, You will enjoy it here. Lots of nice people, helpful advice, someone to cheer you on....

Gayle, I understand your delima. Now, I don't tell my husband when i'm trying to lose weight. it's just easier.

Isabella, My husband hates eating out too! Always has. Says my cooking is so much better. Yeah right! What an excuse!

Lynn, Doesn't it make you feel good to be able to turn down food that you would love to eat and know that it's not good for you? I always feel better afterwards. If I eat it anyway I bet myself up. Not worth it.

Bobbi, I've never liked tofu. But the recipe does sound interesting. Something to keep for later. I know it's good for you and keep trying it, just never found a recipe that I liked.

Everyone, have a good day

Freda

Freda, that's exactly what my husband says. I should have been a bad cook. Ha, ha. Then he might have had more inclination to eat out once and a while. He also counts the portions of food and compares the price of eating at home and at the restaurant...sigh....I can't win. We do go out occasionally, if once a year counts. When I go shopping with my friend we usually have a bite to eat so that satisfies my need to eat out.

The rain has stopped and the sun is shining again. I thought of going for a walk but it's nearly supper time and I don't like walking in the evening. I'll get on my bike for awhile, I guess.

Isabella ~ when you told about your husband counting the portions and comparing them price wise ~ eating at home vs eating out ~ I had to smile ~ sounds like something my husband would do. The episode of not eating out yesterday was easier for him to say it was because it would hurt my weight loss efforts than to say he just didn't want to spend the money. We had just spent money going to the zoo ~ oh my gosh ~ heaven forbid we should spend any more money that day. :yikes: might as well laugh about it right? :D

I just got home from the funeral and was very proud of myself. They had deli beef or chicken on buns, potato salad, mac salad, jello salad, homemade dill pickles, refrigerator pickles and a large assortment of goodies, bars, candies, cake, blah, blah, blah! I took a bun with deli beef, two dill pickes and a couple refrigerator pickles. Threw the bun away and just ate the meat and pickles. The guy sitting across the table from me had a heaping plate of food plus something I couldn't take my eyes off. A marshmellow/nut carmel bar and I devoured it with my eyes. I'm going to be waaaaaaaaay under calories for today, we're both too tired to cook, gonna have a bowl of Fiber One cereal with a banana on it and maybe some popcorn after supper. But then I usually eat light for the first couple of days when I get back into the swing of things when counting calories.
Hope everyones having a great 1st day of the challenge and all you that aren't.
P.S. Geeeeeezzz, listing all that food made me think of Karen and all the food she used to make for her bridge tournaments. Did we tick her off? Where did she go? I thought Susan the bus driver was interesting too, wonder if she gave up the fight?

So sad to hear of Patrick Swayzee passing on. But he can now forever dance and be free of pain. I loved him in Dirty Dancing, Havannah Nights, Ghost and Road House. I have all these movies and I even recorded Road House on VHS a long time ago!! RIP

Good Morning Girls!
I hadn't heard of Patrick Swayzee's death but he didn't look very good in the last pictures I saw of him. I liked 'Dirty Dancing' too.
I'm down 1.5 on my first day of the challenge but I'm sure it's all water. Never-the-less it does wonders for my spirits, push on old girl, push on.
I've got a busy day ahead of me, beautiful weather we're having so I'll hang out some washing on the lines, work on more apples for applesauce and pay bills. Glad to have the rummage sales behind me, came home with one large bucket that didn't sell. Good riddance to junk!
Today I'm going to make some homemade calorie friendly pudding, I like it after supper with s.f. cool whip and a few sprinkles of dry fiber one on top, yum.
You all have a great day and catch ya tomorrow.

Good Morning Everyone,

How the Challenge helped me yesterday -

I did 45 minutes at the gym (my daily goal is 60 min) when my trainer came over and interrupted my workout. Yesterday afternoon, I went out and walked another 15 minutes to meet my daily exercise goal. Without the Challenge, I would NEVER have done that.

Starting to get ready for my Savannah, GA trip in early October. I REALLY need to plan ahead to stay on target while I'm away. I will be driving, so, I plan to take my laptop and check in here everyday.

Lynn

Good Morning ladies,

Yesterday was a good day for me too. I was totally on point, and ate healthy food only. I'm a little lost on what I can add to my "challenge" since I can't exercise right now. I'm doing diet and water. I'll have to come up with something else.

Isabella and Gayle, my husband is the same way. I hate it when we're eating dinner out and he will make the comment that we could buy a weeks worth of groceries for the price of that one meal! I go out with friends also, when I want to eat out and enjoy it. It's just not worth it. I would say he is a cheap-skate, but he is so generious with other things.

Karen, I hadn't heard that Patrick S had died. Sad. He hasn't looked well for a long time. RIP.

Lynn, Way to go. Nothing like a good challenge to keep you motivated!

Bobbi, Even water weight makes you bloated and yucky. so getting rid of that is great! And we're off to a good start! I miss a lot of the people that were here. I wish they would drop in from time to time just to catch up. I know it's hard to diet and soooo easy to just give up! Done that a few times myself.

Everyone have a good day.

Freda

Lynn... Freda's question just made me think of something, are we getting 1 point for just checking in daily at the challenge? You talked about that to begin with but I forgot about it. That would make 4 points available daily. Or you keeping it at 3 points?
Freda, you could do no sweets or keeping carbs, fats under so many calories.

I'm a little lost on what I can add to my "challenge" since I can't exercise right now. I'm doing diet and water. I'll have to come up with something else.

Lynn...never mind, I just checked your opening on the challenge and corrected my page. 4 points for yesterday and yes I just gave myself the point for checking in.

Looks like the challenge is working. I, too, made sure I had in enough minutes to make up my quota yesterday. I noticed some of you have met your 3 goals and have given yourself only 3 points. You are supposed to have 4 if you posted your goals. 1 point for each goal + 1 point for posting. Am I not right, Lynn? I want to win this challenge fair and square! :D

Today I went for my walk for 50 minutes and then I stacked firewood for an hour, hung clothing on the line, made the bed, and made soup for dinner. I think that's all for today unless I want to do something. I guess I'll spend the next few minutes logging my food on fitday.

My good friend passed away less than an hour ago. She was diagnosed with cancer in August when the doctors told her she had less than 2 months to live. She was about 62 years old and didn't know she was so sick until the doctor's visit. She felt tired and run-down but didn't bother to go for a check up until she could barely function. So sad.

Ha, ha, Bobbi you found your mistake while I was posting.

Isabella ~

Sorry to hear of the loss of your friend. How sad. Thoughts and prayers for all.

My good friend passed away less than an hour ago. She was diagnosed with cancer in August when the doctors told her she had less than 2 months to live. She was about 62 years old and didn't know she was so sick until the doctor's visit. She felt tired and run-down but didn't bother to go for a check up until she could barely function. So sad.

Hi Isabella,

I am so sorry to hear about your friend. I send you and your family and friends my most sincere condolences.

Lynn

Good Morning Girls!
It feels good to be back in control of my eating habits. It's a pain in the butt weighing everything and writing it, but obviously a necessity for me. Where's that article you posted Lynn about people like me always being on a diet?:(
My sympathy for you Isabella for losing your best friend.:hug:
Yesterday I finished the last trim on the old car seats, the '32 Chevy has been in the garage going thru a total make-over. A few dents to work out and replacing some parts before painting. Fortunately there is a need for parts on cars 77 years old like ours, they want enough money for those parts too. We had to replace the wheel wells on both sides of the car where the spare tires went. I'll post a picture of the before and after when finished.
I've only one project for today, picking up apples, cooking them down for applesauce, then freezing. I like to make fruit roll-ups with some of the applesauce but wait until winter to do that.
Our leaves are starting to turn, boo hoo, summers just about over.
Anybody know anything about computers? When I go to my documents, a box pops up and says, "There are more than 500 fonts in the system, reduce the number of fonts or the display may be incorrect". How the heck do you reduce the number of Fonts?
I'm off to check into the challenge, then breakfast. Have a good one! :wave:

This was in my email this morning by Dr. Weil, my guru. It was titled 4 ways to be Happy.
Being pessimistic can be more than a just an emotional drain on yourself and those around you - pessimism has been linked to a higher risk of dying before age 65. The good news is that expressing positive emotions such as optimism is associated with a variety of health benefits: lowered production of the stress hormone cortisol, better immune function, and reduced risk of chronic diseases. If you are stressed-out or anxious, which can be either a cause or an effect of a pessimistic outlook, try the following:

Take care of yourself by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and getting adequate sleep.
Express your emotional reactions honestly so you can effectively deal with what's bothering you.
Confide in someone - your mate, a good friend or a trusted relative.
View the cup as half full instead of half empty.

Good Morning Everyone,

Anyone watch Biggest Loser last night? I was SO HAPPY to see Dan back. He is so young. I REALLY hope that he can get off more weight this season.

Lynn

Good Morning,

Isabella, So sorry to hear about your friend.

I am doing great with my diet. It takes me many false starts to get a "real" start. So, for all the people that have problems, remember that practice makes perfect! I got on the scale today and actually saw a drop. I knew I was losing because I put on a skirt that was too tight a couple of weeks ago and it was too big! I love using clothes as a measure instead of the scale.

Looks like another beautiful fall day. Seems like it's way too early to be fall, but it's here. Just wish I could prolong these lovely days a little longer.

Lynn, I watched parts of Biggest Looser last night. Last years Biggest looser lives here in my area. Amazing to see what diet and exercise can really do. I saw Allie, another former biggest loser on QVC this morning selling products, like this amazing steamer. She looked really good too. Does everyone use a steamer? I think they are the greatest things.

Freda

I'm a fan of the show too. I was disappointed about the gal with the nose ring that was kicked off. She worked so much harder that her partner. For a big guy, he should have lost a lot more than her.

Anyone watch Biggest Loser last night? I was SO HAPPY to see Dan back. He is so young. I REALLY hope that he can get off more weight this season.

Freda...I have a steamer, just used it a couple of days ago to get wrinkles out of a pink wool skirt. Works great on wool, I also tried to steam a linen blazer I wore to the funeral on monday. Didn't work so hot on that, had to plug in the iron.
Does everyone use a steamer? I think they are the greatest things.

Good Morning,

Isabella, So sorry to hear about your friend.

I am doing great with my diet. It takes me many false starts to get a "real" start. So, for all the people that have problems, remember that practice makes perfect! I got on the scale today and actually saw a drop. I knew I was losing because I put on a skirt that was too tight a couple of weeks ago and it was too big! I love using clothes as a measure instead of the scale.

Looks like another beautiful fall day. Seems like it's way too early to be fall, but it's here. Just wish I could prolong these lovely days a little longer.

Lynn, I watched parts of Biggest Looser last night. Last years Biggest looser lives here in my area. Amazing to see what diet and exercise can really do. I saw Allie, another former biggest loser on QVC this morning selling products, like this amazing steamer. She looked really good too. Does everyone use a steamer? I think they are the greatest things.

Freda

Hi Freda,

I have a little metal collapsible thing that goes into a pot. Is this what you mean? I steam my veggies with that - just put an inch or two of water in the pot & bring to a boil. Stick the metal thing in the boiling water, put the veggies in the metal thing, cover & steam.

Lynn

I was all hyped up to watch The Biggest Loser last night but fell asleep before it was all over. I did wake up to see the last minute or so. I was so rotted but I was really tired and sleepy as I had been up at 6:30 am and the show wasn't over until 11:30 pm where I live.

Thank you all for your kind condolences about my dear friend. Today her husband came to my house and gave me a brand new juicer that she asked him to give me. She had never used it and she wanted me to have it because she knew I would use it. I was so touched that she would think of me on her dying bed. I'll always remember her. The family has asked me to sing at the funeral and read the messages of sympathy on Friday.

I've been doing well this week and have been on plan for both food and exercise. I was up early this morning and went for my walk, then I came home and made bread and a couple of blueberry cakes for DH. I cut the cake up and froze most of it. I left a few pieces out for DH and will take a few more out of the freezer as needed. I could eat the whole cake if left to my own desires. But I won't have any until the weekend when I've allowed for a dessert.

Hi Everyone,

I have a challenge coming up this evening. Going out to dinner with my DD and SIL. Need to eat light today so that I won't go over my goal calories for the day.

Having some health issues that I was NOT telling my DD about. Told her last night & felt a LOT better after talking with her. I just hope that she won't worry too much. How does everyone handle telling your children about your health issues?

Lynn

Good Morning everyone,

It was a beautiful day yesterday, the kind that makes you want to get out and take a walk. I will be so happy when my foot is healed and I can actually get out again. Soon, hopefully.

The steamer i was talking about is the cooker steamer. My DIl got me a tupperware one that you use in the microwave. Awsome! I didn't think I would use it at the time, but I find myself using it so often. makes such a diffrence in the taste, and neutrition of things.

Lynn, Those dinners out are always a challenge. And it gets tiresome eating salads all the time. But if you know the restaurant you're going to, you can go online and decide what you can eat before hand, that won't totally wreck your diet. As to telling my son about healthy problems, I share what is important. I wouldn't want to have something really bad wrong and not let them know. At the same time, it's not necessary to tell them everything. Why worry them when it won't make a difference? Interested to see how everyone else handles this problem.

have a good day,

Freda

Good Morning Girls!
Another beautiful day here except for no rain. We're about to set a new record with no rain. My garden is drooping.
Freda.....boy, was I out in left field on the steamer conversation, I wasn't even thinking of food. I thought you were talking about a clothes steamer. I have the same kind of metal steamer that lynn has and I do use it often. I've not heard of a microwave steamer, does that work better than just adding a couple tablespoon water to raw veggies in a bowl? Let me know, maybe I'll buy one.

I purchased a new gadget for taking the skins & seed out of garden fruits and vegetables. Yesterday I cooked up many tomatoes, ran them thru the gadget and froze 9 packages of 24oz. tomato juice/puree. I used to freeze the tomatoes whole but found they take up too much room in the freezer that way. ( DH still wanted me to freeze some whole so I froze two large bags to appease him.)
My diet is going fantastic, not hungy at all. But then I never am when I have so much fiber in my food plan. I better run over to challenge site and sign in. Weight is dropping fast!
Lynn...I only tell DH about my aches and pains, never daughter. She rush me to the doc's immediately.
How does everyone handle telling your children about your health issues?

Hi :wave: It's been a too busy day for me. I had a recipe demonstration tonight and I was trying to get dinner ready for DH and get a few things done for my friend's family. Another busy day tomorrow. I'm singing at the funeral and I'm in charge of the meal following the funeral. And to top it all off, I'm the church bulletin secretary and I have to do the bulletin for the funeral. I don't know my song well enough yet and that's what's really worrying me the most. But I'll work on that tomorrow when DH is not sleeping. He's in bed now and I don't think he'd appreciate my howlings at this time of the night. It's not a new song but I haven't sung it lately so I have to get it all together by tomorrow afternoon.

I made a delicious Quinoa salad tonight. I found it online but can't remember where. If you've never tasted quinoa this is a good introduction to it. It cooks up rather fast at a ratio of 1 part quinoa to 2 parts water. Cook for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and grain is soft.

Quinoa and Black Bean Salad
1 cup quinoa, cooked in 2 cups water
1 cup cooked black beans, rinsed if canned (I used the whole can.)
4 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon sea salt
⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup cooked corn kernels, thawed if frozen
1 jalapeño pepper, finely chopped
1 large ripe tomato, diced
1 avocado, pitted, peeled and diced
¼ cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro leaves

Transfer quinoa to a large bowl and cool. Add beans, corn, jalapeños, and cilantro. (I didn't use the cilantro as I don't like it.)

Whisk together the lime juice and salt. Slowly beat in the oil. Pour over the quinoa mixture and toss well. The salad can be made up to one day in advance to this point.

When ready to serve, gently toss with the tomato, avocado. Taste and adjust the seasoning and serve.

Serves 4 as a main course, or 8 as a side dish

This actually makes quite a large salad so the servings could serve 10 as a side. I didn't use the whole jalapeno pepper because we don't like it hot. Sorry I don't have the nutritional values.

Good Morning all,

This challenge is working great. I have already lost weight, and I am getting control of my evening eating. Maybe I should have made that my 3rd. goal. I'll make it my 4th, for myself. It's a real problem and I have stopped at 8 each night.

Isabella, I've never tried quiona and have always wanted to. I know it's really healthy and full of fiber. Sounds like a good recipe and full of healthy stuff. I don't like avacoda or cilantro but I can just leave those out. I'll add extra pepper becaues I like things extra spicy! Thanks. I know you are honored to sing at the funeral and will be great.

Bobbi, I'm not sure if the microwave steamer works bettter than just water placed in a bowl, since i've never tried that. I just know I love the way it cooks food. I had one of the little metal things that you put in the pan for the top of the stove too, used it for years. This is just easier. They are rather expensive too, but my DIL had gotten it for me for a gift. I really thought I would never use it, but once I started, I find that I use it almost every day. Great for corn on the cob!

OK, Lynn, where are you? We want to hear how you did at the dinner out.

Freda

Good Morning Everyone,

Last night's dinner out with my DD & SIL went pretty well, but I still went over my budgeted calories for the day. I stayed away from bread/pasta/potatoes/rice/sweets, but ate fried/salty stuff. Ordered fried eggplant with marinara sauce as an appetizer, ordered salad with chicken (chicken turned out to be breaded/fried). Only gained .5 lb this morning, pretty sure I would lose that by tomorrow BUT - eating lunch out this afternoon and going to a bridal shower tomorrow!!!!!YIKES!

LOL - when I quit smoking, I used to dream that I had smoked. Last night I dreamed I was eating CAKES - 3 of them with LOTS of icing!!!!

Lynn

Good Morning all,

This challenge is working great. I have already lost weight, and I am getting control of my evening eating. Maybe I should have made that my 3rd. goal. I'll make it my 4th, for myself. It's a real problem and I have stopped at 8 each night.

Isabella, I've never tried quiona and have always wanted to. I know it's really healthy and full of fiber. Sounds like a good recipe and full of healthy stuff. I don't like avacoda or cilantro but I can just leave those out. I'll add extra pepper becaues I like things extra spicy! Thanks. I know you are honored to sing at the funeral and will be great.

Bobbi, I'm not sure if the microwave steamer works bettter than just water placed in a bowl, since i've never tried that. I just know I love the way it cooks food. I had one of the little metal things that you put in the pan for the top of the stove too, used it for years. This is just easier. They are rather expensive too, but my DIL had gotten it for me for a gift. I really thought I would never use it, but once I started, I find that I use it almost every day. Great for corn on the cob!

OK, Lynn, where are you? We want to hear how you did at the dinner out.

Freda

Hi Freda,

I'm going to look for one of those microwave steamers. Would always rather do the microwave than stove & pot.

Lynn

Good Morning Girls!
Gosh, I slept 9.5 hours last night and 10 hours the night before. That's a record for me, I'm a 7 hours or less person. All the preserving of garden tomatoes, zucchini and making applesauce must be wearing me out.
Isabella.....it seems like you always have a full agenda. You sound like the person everyone zooms in on and says, "Get Isabella, she'll do it!". Good luck on your song, my daughter sings at weddings and funerals and I always say a prayer for her just before she sings, while she sings, and after. I'll say one for you.
Lynn...Bruce and I used to drink lots of red wine at supper time, we both quit 16 months ago. It was not only getting addictive but my weight was always up. We're both "all or none" type people so we just quit. Your dreaming of eating cake is quite natural, I used to dream of drinking red wine. Just think, we get to eat and drink all we want with no calories or weight gain in our dreams. :rofl:LOL - when I quit smoking, I used to dream that I had smoked. Last night I dreamed I was eating CAKES - 3 of them with LOTS of icing!!!!

Freda...I'm going to check out your steamers today, I use the microwave daily. Right now I'm eating a large zucchini at lunch time with Veggie parmesan cheese, that always goes into the microwave. I've never seen them before.
Isabella...yum. Bruce and I both hated cilantro but this summer finally came around to it. We both love mexican food and they use so much of it. I always thought it tasted like soap suds and it was a learned taste getting used to it. I'm going to try your salad but we'll have to make it a vegetarian night because of the high calorie count of the beans and corn. Oh, I have to buy some quinola too.
You all have a great day, today we break the record set for no rain. Last rain we had was August 31st and that was only 1/10 of an inch.
Poor dry garden and lawn. All the corn fields around us are all dried out too.

Hello all,

I have one of those microwave steamers. I got mine in the grocery store in the area where they have kitchen stuff. I don't think it was very expensive. It was made by Anchor-Hocking. I like it ~ use it often. They came in a small, medium and large size.

Hope you all are doing well.

Take care

Happy Saturday!
I just listed a couple vintage train sets for my brother on ebay and couldn't help myself from checking out the Vegetable Steamers. Geeeeezz, what an impulsive person I am, I found a new one with free shipping and two tier for $11.95. It's on it's way.

The funeral was lovely, as funerals go. I sang well so I was pleased. The family was happy with the meal that followed so that made all of us happy. We will certainly miss my friend.

I don't use cilantro in most things. I don't like it and neither does anyone else in the family so I just leave it out. I use very little hot pepper but I love avocado. I think next time I make it I'll include sweet red, yellow and green peppers and maybe some green onion. It's a salad and anything can be changed to suit one's taste.

I have a little collapsible steamer that I never use. I also have an insert that fits in one of my pots. I seldom steam vegetables but maybe I'll try it more often with all the rave reviews steaming is getting here.

Must go as DH wants to visit his mom so I'll travel along with him for the ride.

Good Morning Everyone,

I am SOOOOO proud of myself. At yesterday's shower, not only stayed away from the potatoes/bread/pasta, but also stayed away from the cookies, candy, brownies, and cake!

This morning was rewarded with a NICE drop.

Happy Sunday everyone,

Lynn

Decided to try again on Weight Watchers. If I can stick to the plan for 2 weeks I'm pretty much on my way. Just haven't been able to keep myself motivated and focused. Seem to spend too much of my time focused on different situations in my life and use food to mask them.

Morning!
Ickoala...we've all been there, done that. None of us are immune to those feelings, something you just have to reach that place in your mind that says, "I'm ready Now".
Congrats Lynn....job well done!
I'm off to visit my MIL and dad, see my bros/sis and stay away for all the treats.
See ya all in the morning.

Hi---this was posted this afternoon by Jennifer 3FC ---Just thought that you would all like to know. Our prayers are with her family.


"I am very sorry to announce that our Meowee passed away this afternoon.

Most of you know that she has had declining health problems over the past few months. She was diagnosed last month with lung cancer. Last week they found that it had spread to her brain, and she declined quickly and lost the battle this afternoon. I know she will be missed by many here.

Please feel free to leave any condolences on this thread, and I will send a link to the family so they can read how much she meant to those of us so far away.__________________"

Here is a link to that thread. http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/diabetes-support/182218-meowee.html

How sad about Linda. May she have sweet rest now.

Good Morning!
It's getting chilly at night around here, still have the window wide open at night. I love looking at the stars while in bed and the wonderful clean smell of clear air. (bed is next to window) We are fortunate enough not to live near large cities where some people have smog.
My apples are harvested in one tree, one to go. I'm going to work on them today. I see our hummingbirds are still here, I just made fresh nectar for them. I have nothing interesting going on this week except for Wednesday. MIL best friend lost contact with her and her daughter found me on Face Book. She is coming into town to have lunch with both of us, I had a choice of lunches. I picked roast beef, some kind of potato, aspargus and there're have a yummy sounding dessert. Hope my will power will be in check. I usually have plenty of calories to spare but it's hard to count calories when you don't know what goes in the recipes and no scale to weigh anything. Wouldn't that be funny if I hauled my food scale into the dining room at the nursing home. :rofl:
Now on a sad note, sorry to hear about Linda (Meowee). She was very dedicated to 3Fat Chicks and will be missed.
Lynn...thanks again for setting up the challenge, it's working for me but then I need competition as an incentive.

I think I'll work on apples today, too. They are wild from an apple core that grew in MIL's yard. She doesn't use them and said I could have what I wanted. I made applesauce a few weeks ago but I think I could make more and probably pie filling as well.

I can now fit into my jeans again. They are still tight but I can zip them up and they don't look ridiculous on me anymore. I have a bigger muffin than before but that'll shrink as I do. :D

I was up and on my walk by 7:35 this morning. Then I showered, ate breakfast and walked through the field behind my house to the doctor's clinic. I had some blood work done about a month ago and my iron and B12 levels were down so I had them retested again a couple of weeks ago and got the results today. Both have come up some but she recommended I take a B12 supplement. I can take iron or watch my food intake for the iron deficiency so I'm taking blackstrap molasses and other iron rich foods. The molasses doesn't count for the Halloween challenge as it's for medicinal reasons. I'll be interested to see what the results will be like in 3 months time when I'll be retested again.

My, look at the time. DH will be home soon to an empty dinner plate. Got to run and fill it for him. Ha,ha, ha. :D

Hi Everyone,

So sorry to hear about Linda. She will be missed.

Lynn, Congratulations on the loss! We need more of these challenges, huh?

Ickiola, You can do it! You just have do decide that it's worth it! Make your self a priority.

Isabella, If you do decide to take an iron pill, remember to take it with OJ. It will help it absorbe better. I know it's better to go natural but sometimes it's not enough, or quick enough.

Bobbi, I lovve to sleep with the windows open too. Nothing like fresh air. Love to hear the rain too.

I am doing really well with the challenge. I guess I need it too. I only have 5 more pounds to go. Went back to the podiatrist today and he said 2 more weeks with the moonboot. he did suggest a cast today but I promised I would wear the boot more and stayoff my feet. And this time I really ment it.

Freda

Thanks Freda, I try and drink orange juice or some vitamin C rich food with the foods that contain iron. The iron level was just about to a normal range with this last blood test so the doctor wasn't too concerned about the pills if I continued to eat well. I'll be retested again in 3 months.

I'm so tired tonight. I worked at the Goodwill Center this afternoon sorting clothing and also some time in the food bank. I haven't done anything like that in almost 3 years. I'm not used to standing for such a long time without sitting down in between. Ha, ha, I'm feeling my age today.

Must go get DH his supper. He put up a few shelves for me in a cupboard this afternoon so I also have to go fill those up.

Hi Everyone,

Started working with a new trainer today. I want to build muscle and get some upper arm strength. Hopefully, I won't hurt myself. Every time I have tried this in the past, I ended up needing PT or cortisone shot.

Hope everyone is doing well.

Lynn

Hello all,

So sad ~ the news about Meowee. She will be missed.

Frustrated with myself. Had been doing pretty good with losing the weight and hopefully help my blood sugar number be better by November when the Dr. wants me to come back for a check up. (Blood sugar number was just a hair above normal ~ Dr. said ~ prediabetes and gave me one more chance to lose weight and bring the blood sugar number down.) I had a sore throat and cold and didn't feel very good last week. I wasn't as careful about the food and didn't get any exercising done ~ now the weight has crept back up ~ again ~ not all the way, but now I have to re-lose 6 pounds. Grrrrr at myself. Ok, put the whining behind me and move on.

Back to work tonight. Look forward to the next days off. Like days off so much more :o

Got to figure out some way to just make myself do the exercise. :dizzy:

Hope you all are doing well.

Take care

It's been a long long time since I checked in her. I am so sad to hear of the loss of Linda (Meowie). How she loved her big cats! I always loved hearing her cat stories and seeing her wonderful kitty photos.

I am holding my own with weight. Haven't lost much in the past year, but am getting back to exercising...I swim with 2 other woman 3x a week at 7 am. Now to get a handle on my portion control

Big news is we bought a house on Cape Cod...but like Karen, we still have to sell our current house. The market is sooo slow.

Hope to check in more often here.

Lynard

It's been a long long time since I checked in her. I am so sad to hear of the loss of Linda (Meowie). How she loved her big cats! I always loved hearing her cat stories and seeing her wonderful kitty photos.

I am holding my own with weight. Haven't lost much in the past year, but am getting back to exercising...I swim with 2 other woman 3x a week at 7 am. Now to get a handle on my portion control

Big news is we bought a house on Cape Cod...but like Karen, we still have to sell our current house. The market is sooo slow.

Hope to check in more often here.

Lynard

Hi Lyn !!!!

How wonderful to see you again. BTW - I contacted Zoe and Cat about Linda. They both send their condolences.

I hope you will keep posting - we miss you,

Lynn

Hi Lyn! Good to see you back. I hope you have better luck with your house selling than we have. We have had ours on the market 2 years come Oct. 12!! But I am so glad that we went ahead and bought a house here since I was able to spend the last couple months with my Dad before he passed away. I am having such a hard time getting myself back on track. It has been a tough 4 months. But I really have to make myself get back to a routine. Just somehow need to find the motivation.

:wave:

Hi Lyn! Good to see you back. I hope you have better luck with your house selling than we have. We have had ours on the market 2 years come Oct. 12!! But I am so glad that we went ahead and bought a house here since I was able to spend the last couple months with my Dad before he passed away. I am having such a hard time getting myself back on track. It has been a tough 4 months. But I really have to make myself get back to a routine. Just somehow need to find the motivation.

Hey Karen,

Come up to the Sticky area and join our Halloween Challenge thread. It has been helping us. Really more about accountability than about competition. If we all lose, we all WIN.

Lynn

Good Morning!
I have more time to chat now. Lynn's right Karen, come join us. It's working after a summer full of no dieting for me. I was ready to jump back into the race. I had a really good excuse this summer with all the zucchini we had and I don't waste food. I made zucchini bread which is full of sugar and flour. I did put applesauce in for the fat but the bread is still fattening. So in my mind I was eating vegetables, make sense to you? :devil:
Lynn...is Zoe and Cat still around on 3FC?
Freda...you always do great on challenges and get right on the wagon when you start gaining.
I am doing really well with the challenge. I guess I need it too. I only have 5 more pounds to go
Isabella, how do you gain weight? You never sit still!:dizzy:
I worked at the Goodwill Center this afternoon sorting clothing and also some time in the food bank
Glynne...been there done that, again and again and again. I don't learn!
didn't feel very good last week. I wasn't as careful about the food and didn't get any exercising done ~ now the weight has crept back up ~ again ~ not all the way, but now I have to re-lose 6 pounds. Grrrrr at myself. Ok, put the whining behind me and move on.

I need to put a load of clothes in, Bruce is going to hang them out for me so I can get ready for a luncheon date. Our aunt just about had a heart attack, doc said she was really low in iron. It made me think of my 97 year old dad who put black strap molasses in a cup of hot water every morning, he said it was good for you. 3 weeks ago DH and I started putting a teaspoon of it in our first cup of coffee in the morning. It doesn't add that many calories and taste pretty good too.
You all have a great day!

Zoe & Cat -

No, they have not posted on 3FC (that I know of) in a LONG time. I just emailed them about Linda.

Lynn

The last I knew Zoe had a blog here---- Down the Rabbit Hole. Haven't checked in awhile so don't know if she still does it or not.

Good afternoon everyone.

Hi Lyn, I think I remember you from when I first joined 3FC. I could be wrong but your avatar looked familiar. You should come back and post often.

Karen31, my mom passed away this summer, too and I know what you mean about getting back on track. You really must come and join the Halloween challenge. It's really given me some structure to weight loss.

Ha, ha, Bobbi, I gain weight like everyone else. Food in mouth. I'm on the blackstrap molasses "cure." I'm like your dad. I put it in hot water for a drink. I let it cool a little and then add dry powdered milk to it. Makes a really nice hot drink.

I fell asleep again watching The Biggest Loser last night. Besides working at the Goodwill Centre I was gutting out my mother's room to turn it into a study. I was putting a shelf up in the closet and it was stuck. I was trying to move it and I managed to knock the shelf out and also the bracket holding it up. The shelf hit me in the face and arm and banged into the door knob of the room door and put a big dent in the metal middle. My nose doesn't feel quite right today but thank goodness it isn't broken and the shelf is finally in the right place.

A good week food and exercise wise for me. Hope everyone else is doing well.

Thanks for the "welcome backs". I will go and check out the Halloween Challenge. I swam 46 laps this morning and feel Soooomuch better. I was going to call the Dr about my painful hip and knees, but since I've been swimming 3x a week, the joints feel much better.

No, Karen, no nibbles at all on our house yet. We will probably take it off the market for the winter and try again for spring. In the meantime we will slowly move over to the Cape house.

No I haven't heard from Zoe or Cat either. I was following the diet blogs for a while, but that was several months ago.

Lyn

Hi everyone..finally have some time to myself..i sent the dh to the store :dizzy: sometimes being retired means we get in each others space..we have been processing the moose that my dh got..its all in the freezer now and some went to the sausage people and that should be ready in a few weeks..i like the satisfying feeling of putting up foods for the winter..wish our growing season was longer so i could have a garden too, im jealous..i lost my mom 2 yrs ago and i still have sad days over it :hug: but lots of good memories..i know the feelings tho but we honor them with the memories..the leaves are all turning and we had a hard frost last night..my dogs didnt stay out long.. brrr winters coming..have agreat day evryone :hug: rosey :wave:

Hi Everyone,

My 2 new cats spent the night at my DD's last night. We are doing a "test-run" to see whether my DD & SIL can take care of them in Oct when I go to Savannah. My DD's cat was doing a lot of hissing, but none of them seemed inclined to get into any real fights. If my DD & SIL decide that 3 cats are too many to handle, I have someone who will come to my house every day to feed them & take care of the litter box.

Anyone know about "miracle noodle?" I just ordered 10 pkgs. No calories, no carbs, all fiber. We'll see if they are edible.

Check back later,

Lynn

It's been so long, I'm not sure I remember how to post here! I know I can't remember how to change my little weight-tracker thingie. Oh, well. I'm so sorry to hear about Meowee's passing. She was certainly a real anchor around here for so many of us.

I've been doing okay as far as "dieting" is concerned; a little slacking over the summer, which I hadn't intended to do, but it just sort of crept up on me, which it does so easily, right? We don't do any sweets anymore, and for bread, mostly use the Joseph's high fiber, low everything else pita loaves. Lots of veggies, chicken and fish, and Miracle Noodles as a pasta substitute - both DH and I are addicted, and have them two or three days a week, either with a traditional pasta sauce (that I make myself - full of veggies, ground turkey and turkey sausage) or with a stir fry, or added to my homemade chicken and veggie soup. My weight is at 160 right now, but my plan is to be at 150 (or lower) by Christmas. Wish me luck!

My youngest daughter gave birth to identical twin boys back in March; they were two months premature and in NICU for three weeks. Adorable little guys, but VERY labor-intensive in every respect, I must say. The whole family has pitches in to help out. My SIL took family leave from his teaching job, but is back at work now, so we all do what we can. The boys are so precious, and thriving, now, thank goodness!

Well, I won't ramble on like a madwoman here - it's great to see you all so active still - glad to see you're still harvesting all those awesome vegetables, Bobbi, as well as keeping things moving around here. I'm glad you got yourselves moved to Missouri, Karen; I know you really wanted that. Give those girls of yours an extra little hug for me -

Zoë

Hi Zoe. I don't think we've met, but I'm glad to meet you now. To change your weight ticker go to the User CP at the top of the page and go into edit signature. To change the weight under your avatar go to profile. Hope that helps.

Lynn, I've never heard of Miracle Noodles but if you read Zoe's post, she and her DH use them all the time.

I got up early to mix up a batch of bread to let rise while I was out for my walk. I was kneading the dough when I happened to look up at the window and wouldn't you know, it was raining. So I took more time to knead the bread thoroughly and jumped on my bike. Glad I decided to make the bread because I would have been caught in quite a downpour about 15 minutes into my walk--to far to return and too far from home to hurry. Anyway the bread has risen in the bowl and is now rising in the pans. I did 12k on my bike and then made the fixings for a big pot of vegetable and bean soup. Have the beans cooking in the slow cooker and as soon as they are somewhat soft I'll throw in the vegetables and let them simmer most of the day. It's for tomorrow so no rush to get that finished.

Must get the house in order today. Everything is all over the living room from the closet that was in mom's room. I don't want to put it all back in there as I've put shelves in the closet to turn it into a dish pantry. All my nice dishes and serving platters, etc are in the basement in boxes and I want to get them out so I can use them again. Now I have to find a place for some of the other stuff that I'm not ready to get rid of yet. But I'm determined to get everything cleaned up out here in the living room today even if I have to stuff it in another closet for another day's cleaning.

I'm having a good week so far and I hope it shows up on the scales Saturday morning. Have a good day everyone.

Good Morning everyone,

Zoe, So good to hear from you again! And congratulations on the new little ones. Double the fun. My brother and SIL just had twins, and they too were lucky to have lots of help. Your diet sounds really healthy. I have never heard of the Miracle Noodles. I love pasta. It's something I will have to check out.

Lyn, Welcome back and so good to see you. I always loved that picture of you next to the lilacs, my favorite flower.

Rosie, My husband lost his job this summer, and yes, too much togetherness is, wellllll,,too much!

Lynn, I am just now hearing about the miracle noodles. Where did you find out about them? I'm anxious to get a review. Hope the kitties get along well. It's so much esier to go away knowing they are well cared for and happy.

Isabella, Your carpentry talent leaves me astonished. I am always amazed at people who can do things I wouldn't even attenpt. Too bad about the mishap, but you got the job done!

Bobbi, I remember my grandpa using blackstrap molasses too. It might be something I need to add to my diet. I'm going to check it out. Isn't it amazing (at least to me) how we start to rethink the things that our parents and grandparents did, and find that they were pretty smart folks!

Hey, Freda, I'm no carpenter. DH put up the wall brackets up and I was just trying to straighten the shelf on the supports. I've got all kinds of theory just not enough practical. hahahaha :D

Morning everyone..its quiet here today..the dh has taken the dogs to the groomers(all 3 of them) i have moose swiss steak in the croc pot..and am working on an afagan for my dd..zoe its so nice to see you back,i love the way you write and wondered where you went ? welcome back too you also lynn..i have used the miracle noodles and they are ok..didnt send me over the moon but i ate them :dizzy: ..its windy today and the leaves are blowing everywhere..im not ready for winter ..have a great day everyone :hug: rosey :wave:

Alright - I need to check out these "Miracle noodles" especially after hearing Zoe rave about them. Welcome back, my friend! Congrats on keeping the weight off.

Nice day here..sunny and still warm. Did my strength exercises this afternoon, and made tabulie..well however you spell it..that stuff made with bulgur wheat and vegies and lemon juice. Will have it with grilled chicken tonight.

Lynn - thanks for getting me to do the Halloween Challenge. I needed the kick in the butt to get myself back in gear...

Enjoy that moose, Rosie!

Isabella - bread sounds de-vine!

"Slim Me" - I look at your weight ticker and get inspired.

Lynard

Now you have me intrigued, Miracle noodles? Where do you get them? I'll have to google them and see what pops up.

Good Morning Girls!
:welcome: Emily, nice to see a new face.
I googled the 'Miracle Noodles', found many sites that had them. They are kind of spendy but I'll wait for you Lynn to see what you think of them. I tried the tofu noodles this summer, they were o.k., is that what these miracle noodles are made of? The tofu came all ready, just heat them up. Do the miracle noodles come dry? When we have spaghetti, I use the whole wheat pasta and one serving fills me up. (2oz. dry = 210 calories)Those that use them, please go to your package and let me know how much fiber in a serving and what they're made of.
It's raining here, Thank the Lord! We set a new record of no rain in our area for 28 or 29 days. Yesterday when grocery shopping I found the last of the summers perennial at Hy-Vee. They were only .99 cents a bucket so I purchased plenty. What a deal:D
We purchase a new stainless steel oven yesterday that has 5 burners and a convection oven. I'm going to make DH a one bowl chocolate cake this afternoon to try it out. I found the recipe on allrecipe.com and all the reviews were fantstic.
Rosie...DH ears perked up when I told him about your moose, he's a big game hunter too. We're still eating the last elk he bagged.
Hi Zoe and Lynard, nice to hear from you again.
Isabella...so you drink a molasses latte in the mornings? I'l have to try that. I actually like the taste of it in my first cup of coffee. I only use a teaspoon so the calories aren't very much. (about 20)
I need to get busy and package up a new food mill I sold on ebay. I got it on sale for 19.99 and decided it was too small for the zillions of tomatoes we go through. I knew I'd never get my 20 bucks back on a rummage sale so I posted it on ebay. High bidder was $22.00 plus they pay the postage so I made a couple of bucks on that deal. I've had items on ebay all summer and really cleaned out the house. It's been mostly hunting and fishing items, all vintage and great shape. Enough gabbing, off to domestic stuff. Have a great day everyone.

are the Miracle Noodles the shiritaki (not spelled right at all) that are advertised? I think they are tofu. I've seen mixed reviews. I love pasta, and Like bbobbi, i've relied on the whole wheat ones, but even they are a little high calorie. I'd love to find a good substitute.

Eagerly awaiting

Hi Everyone,

I heard about the Miracle Noodles from Zoe - [Zoe, WONDERFUL to see you posting again.] - I will make my report when I receive/prepare/eat them. [I feel like some kind of "food critic."] When I went online I found lots of tofu/****aki versions, but I ordered the ones that are actually named "Miracle Noodle" - found a couple of reviews that indicated these are the best.

OK --- off to the doctor's - searching for a diagnosis for a rash & a recommendation for a gyn - I have an ovarian cyst that is growing & may need to have some surgery to get a biopsy on it. My DD insists on accompanying me - bc I have not always kept her up to date on things (until I find out exactly what's wrong) she doesn't trust me to give her the "real scoop."

Have a good day, Everyone,

Lynn

:rofl::rofl::rofl: the censors do not like the word "****aki" :rofl::rofl::rofl:

Happy Friday! I buy the tofu sherataki noodles (somewhat similar to the miracle noodles) at my local grocery store. They are my pasta substitute, at only 40 calories per 2-serving bag. They become the basis for my substitute spagetti, chili, pad thai, tuna noodle casserole, and pretty much anything else that uses pasta noodles.

They come packed in water and the smell can be a little off-putting. But if you rinse them very well and dry them off (or allow to drain for a while), it goes away. They are definitely a little slipperier and chewier than regular pasta, but makes a more-than-acceptable substitute in my book.

I have read about the zero calorie miracle noodles, but I'd have to mail order them and it's easier to just use what I can buy locally. I've also read mixed reviews about the texture and taste, but maybe you can post how you find them? I'm always a fan of good no calorie stuff, when I can find it!

Side note: I was able to post "sherataki", my goodness, how were you spelling it? ;)

Happy Friday! I buy the tofu sherataki noodles (somewhat similar to the miracle noodles) at my local grocery store. They are my pasta substitute, at only 40 calories per 2-serving bag. They become the basis for my substitute spagetti, chili, pad thai, tuna noodle casserole, and pretty much anything else that uses pasta noodles.

They come packed in water and the smell can be a little off-putting. But if you rinse them very well and dry them off (or allow to drain for a while), it goes away. They are definitely a little slipperier and chewier than regular pasta, but makes a more-than-acceptable substitute in my book.

I have read about the zero calorie miracle noodles, but I'd have to mail order them and it's easier to just use what I can buy locally. I've also read mixed reviews about the texture and taste, but maybe you can post how you find them? I'm always a fan of good no calorie stuff, when I can find it!

Side note: I was able to post "sherataki", my goodness, how were you spelling it? ;)

I was spelling it like the mushrooms.

I was spelling it like the mushrooms.

Well, that explains it! :p

Hello - it's SO nice to see/hear from all of you again, and also meet a few new Golden Girls, as well! The miracle noodles that we use are the ones right from the miracle noodle website (which is where I think you went, Lynn) and they are made from the konnyaku imo (also called shiritaki in some places) plant that DH says is related to the taro, which is a little bit like a sweet potato (but not exactly). MBN is right - the smell, when you open the package, isn't the greatest, but if you rinse them well under warm running water (I do it in a strainer) the smell goes away. I also squeeze them with paper towel to get the excess water out, and then just give them a quick little stir fry in a frying pan coated with PAM spray to dry them out. They have the texture, basically, of a rice noodle. Not everybody's cup of tea (or pasta substitute) I'm sure, but they work for us, and we're sticking with 'em. DH has actually lost 20 pounds over the past four months, and hasn't felt the slightest bit deprived.
So, summer's gone....what we had of a summer here in New England, anyway, and while I'm still feeling cheated, I find that I'm looking forward to switching to my fall wardrobe, and the new stuff I've bought over the past few months. I'm obviously not yet at my weight loss goal, but I'm feeling a lot better nonetheless, and feel better in my clothes now. I'm sure I'll be even happier once I'm down to, say, 140-ish, but for now, I'll take what I've got so far, and stick to my Christmas goal of 150. I think one good thing about getting....um....more mature ;) is that I'm a little less frantic about getting things accomplished yesterday, and more comfortable just meandering slowly towards where I hope to be.
Well, back to work, and then I get two whole days to myself. Whoopee, huh? (I can't WAIT to retire!)

Z

Hello, everyone. This was my last day at the Goodwill Center until our church's turn rolls around again. Picked up 2 pair of almost brand new jeans today. One denim and one corduroy. Also found the cutest little work suit for baby. It looks just like a mechanic would wear. It's way too big for him yet but in a couple of years he'll be able to help his grandpa fix the car. So cute. Anyway, I'm beat out--dead on my feet. One of the ladies there that I was helping must about 20 years older than me and she had me worked to death. What a slave driver. But to her credit she did as much or more than I did. She's a real sweetie and I'd never say anything to her. It must have been as good as a workout.

It's amazing the stuff that people give to the Goodwill Center. I opened a big bag of clothing today and there must have been over 100 socks and hardly a matching pair! All kids socks for the most part, too. What did they think we were going to do with a bag of odd socks? Most used socks aren't fit to give away, let alone sell in a Goodwill store.

I made the most delicious bean soup yesterday. I cooked a cup of dry navy beans in the slow cooker. Then I added a couple of bouillon cubes, onions, carrots, turnips, cabbage and potato all diced. I let that cook until it was tender and then added half a large can of tomatoes with herbs, and a bay leaf or two. We had it for lunch today with toasted tomato sandwiches. We had gone to town this morning as DH didn't have a lunch bus run with the kids today. I was so hungry when we got home and it was great to have the soup ready when we stepped in the door. I'm going to have more for supper tonight-a total repeat of lunch. And I have a big casserole of baked beans in the oven and the odor is making me more than hungry. :drool:

Bobbi, I never thought of the hot drink as a molasses latte. Here in Newfoundland, molasses is often referred to as 'lassie so I guess I have a 'lassie latte. hahaha.

Weigh in day tomorrow. See you all then.

Hi Isabella,

Have you noticed that you and I are exactly the same weight?

Lynn

Hello everyone! Welcome back Lyn & Zoe!! I was writing a nice long post last night and POOF it was all gone!! Yes, I was very happy to get moved back to MO. We got here on May 15th, My son and his wife came on May 17th and spent about 3 months with us. My Dad wasn't doing good (good days and bad) and my son didn't want to take off and go on to Florida knowing that the Dr.s had all said it wasn't going to be long. My Dad passed away on July 4th. It was pretty hard on all of us but especially my younger brother, his birthday is July 4th and we had all planned a cookout and fireworks at his house for the kids. My brother went back and forth on if he would go through with the cookout or not. Well, my Dad would have wanted us to go ahead and that is what we did. Then a couple weeks later we took his ashes down to the lake (these were his wishes) and put them in the lake where he and all of as a family spent so much time growing up.

The first part of August my older brother brought a check to me from my Dad's estate and I just said "Dad is going to help me get my pool up and running" So that is what I have done with part of the inheritance. It is still a work in progress but I know my Dad is smiling down on me. He always had a pool and loved to have the grandkids and everybody over all summer. When we bought this house and it had an inground pool (in sad shape) we talked about it a lot with him. He said he was looking forward to coming over for dinners and a swim! I've been taking pictures as it progresses along so I'll see if I can get some to post on here. It has been kind of an exciting thing to do. I picked out the liner last week and it should be in next week. They will get it all set up and closed up for the Winter---- but come May it will be ready to go!!!

My son worked on re-roofing my brothers house while he was here (a little extra cash to go to Florida with) and while they did that I went over just about everyday for a week straight and used my brothers pool and lost 4 pounds.. So I am looking forward to having one all my own!! I know it's good exercise. Plus fun!!!

We still have our house in Colorado for sale!!:( I can't believe we have had it on the market for almost 2 years now. We did have a couple offers but we really didn't want to give it away. Our realtor sent an email last night and had a showing today--- haven't heard anything yet. If it doesn't sell soon we will have to go out and Winterize it. :( Not looking forward to that--- they have already had snow and 20 degree days!!! :shocksn:

I need to go and finish getting my kitchen cleaned up but will try to get back here later this evening. Welcome to the new faces!! I look forward to getting to know everyone.

Here are a few pictures--- the other dog with Ginger and Sissy on the Swing is my sons long hair Chihuahua. The one picture with the blue bottom, is the liner I chose for the pool---what do you think? The others are just a couple pictures of the house.

Hi ladies, hope you don't mind if I chime in. :) I'm going to be checking out the noodles.

Isabella, some of the bargains at the Goodwill are pretty amazing. I donate the clothes I've either out-grown or out-shrunk (on the way up and now on the way down) to them, and some of the stuff has been first-rate and even never-used. Ralph Lauren and St. Johns come to mind. So I never hesitate to go look-see, because you never know what you'll find!

Karen, your house is lovely. I can just see you curled on that sofa in front of those big windows with the fire crackling. We're currently looking at houses here in PA and a fireplace is one thing I really want (must have--a big kitchen!). I wouldn't mind a pool either, but alas, would also need a pool boy to take care of it. I love your liner for the bottom, I must say. Beautiful.

Good Saturday Morning Girls!
:welcome: Linda, always good to have new faces and words of wisdom. All us 50+ girls know how to lose weight, we just have a problem keeping it off. Feel free to join Lynn's Halloween challenge on the sticky area too.
I purchased a new printer 3 days ago and it's given me nothing but grief so I took it back last night and plugged my old one back in. It's a HP and runs good except for envelopes,
It won't print out envelopes:mad: I was on the phone with some dude from India for a couple of hours and he couldn't figure out what was wrong either. I make all my own greeting cards and like to make matching envelops.
I'm working on more tomatoes today, what's everyone else doing?
The challenge is going good for me, I haven't gone backwards.
Karen, I was hoping you'd post pictures of your new home, thanks. Linda was right about the cracklin fire, I'll add a good murder mystery novel and a hot cup of apple cider,cocoa, or Isabella's lassie latte. Sugar free of course.
Keep in touch everyone.

I just checked into the challenge and see Lynn and Isabella are the same weight and both have lost 4 pounds so far.........:carrot:Way to go!
Lynn... you can still get a point for exercising, just use hand weights or bands. Or sit on a chair and do legs lifts, etc.

Hi, Here are a few more pictures of the house. The first one is Tim and I out front after church. The second is my kitchen taken from the dinng room. It is very small and I didn't think I would have enough cabinets BUT all the lower cabinets have at least 3 pull out shelves! SURPRISE!! The 3rd. is the dining room taken from the kitchen it is huge! Love It! The 4th is another picture of the dining room. The 5th is the back of the house. This picture was taken before we bought it and I guess I need to take some of our things out there now!! Behind the wooden fence is the shallow end of the pool.

Ok, time for me to start thinking about getting some lunch going around here. Again welcome to the new faces and I will get back here again later.

Think I will join in that challenge once I get some more time to be on the computer.

I just checked into the challenge and see Lynn and Isabella are the same weight and both have lost 4 pounds so far.........:carrot:Way to go!
Lynn... you can still get a point for exercising, just use hand weights or bands. Or sit on a chair and do legs lifts, etc.

Hi Bobbi,

No can do. Had 2 biopsies & am not supposed to do ANY exercise for 3 days. I was REALLY tempted to go to the gym this morning, but my DD will shoot me if I break open the stitches.

I'll be good & wait to go back until Tuesday.

Lynn

Welcome, Linda. Glad to see you found us. We're a friendly group so jump right in and post away.

Karen, I enjoyed looking at your pool and house. Cool pool liner. Wish we had a pool but it's almost not practical here as the swimming season is so short. Lots of people have above the ground pools but I don't think I'll ever have one. I'd need a pool boy too as I hate cleaning things (even dishes, but of course they have to be done).

I've lost 2.5 pounds this week so Lynn you're going to have to do the same if we are to keep weighing the same. :D Hope you're up and about as soon as you can be.

My free day was today and I really ate too much ice cream for dessert but I only had one real meal today as breakfast was skimpy because I knew I'd eat a large dinner. No supper as I was still full and still feeling full at 10 pm. We had company for dinner so everything was fattening for dinner, ha, ha. I actually ate a moderate amount for dinner. It was after dinner that I ate more cleaning up. That's when the extra ice cream was consumed. Should have had DH put the food away. Must try that next week.

Catch you all tomorrow.

Welcome, Linda. Glad to see you found us. We're a friendly group so jump right in and post away.

Karen, I enjoyed looking at your pool and house. Cool pool liner. Wish we had a pool but it's almost not practical here as the swimming season is so short. Lots of people have above the ground pools but I don't think I'll ever have one. I'd need a pool boy too as I hate cleaning things (even dishes, but of course they have to be done).

I've lost 2.5 pounds this week so Lynn you're going to have to do the same if we are to keep weighing the same. :D Hope you're up and about as soon as you can be.

My free day was today and I really ate too much ice cream for dessert but I only had one real meal today as breakfast was skimpy because I knew I'd eat a large dinner. No supper as I was still full and still feeling full at 10 pm. We had company for dinner so everything was fattening for dinner, ha, ha. I actually ate a moderate amount for dinner. It was after dinner that I ate more cleaning up. That's when the extra ice cream was consumed. Should have had DH put the food away. Must try that next week.

Catch you all tomorrow.

Hi Isabella,

Congratulations on 2+ lb loss!

I gained yesterday - one of those UNfair gains - ate salad for lunch & a tomato sandwich on lo-car/cal brd for dinner. Oh well - I know that my metabolism is SOOOO slow after so many years of dieting that I have to spend 60-90 min/day exercising to have any chance of losing. I'll be back in the game on Tuesday.

Lynn

Well, I see everyone is doing well weight-wise, which is a happy thing to see. I, too, shall post a loss...tah dahhhhhh! A whole .6 pounds! Yep. That's point-six, not SIX, which would've been lovely but <sigh> what can you do? I suppose any loss at all is better than a gain. Your house looks nice, Karen. I don't think a pool is in my future, either. Especially not now that New England has developed a monsoon climate instead of our old sunny summers. We had a nice day yesterday - DH and I went grocery shopping, and then I spent the rest of that (nice outside) day home lounging about in my pj's with this stupid cold or sinus infection or whatever it is still kicking my butt and taking Tylenol for severe colds and watching movies from Netflix. If I don't feel any better in another couple of days, I suppose I'll have to go to the doctor for an antibiotic or something, but I really hate dragging myself to the doctor and going through all the rigamarole and waiting and so on. Besides, this stuff usually just goes away on its own if you wait long enough. I feel right now like my head is full of clog and about ready to burst. Ack. I might have to just go back to bed and sleep some more. ANYWAY, sorry for all the self-pity, but wouldn't you think that after having been fighting this cold-thing all week and practically living on chicken soup (made with fat free broth) and all kinds of healthy, practically calorie free veggies, I would have lost more than point-six pounds????? I swear this body of mine is a never-ending puzzle that NEVER - absolutely never behaves predictably!
Have a good day, everybody....:faint:

Z

Good Morning,

It's a cool morning. yesterday was sweatshirt weather and next week is supposed to go down into the 40's. I guess all those beautiful, sunny days are almost gone. But so lovely while they were here!

I am doing really great with the diet. I'm not much of a "scales" person, but I can tell I have lost weight, and I will jump on the scales soon, just to confirm.

It was a very eventful weekend. Friday was supposed to be a pep rally at my GS's school and the football team were wearing jerseys and being introduced. One of the older kids piced my grandson up, arms around his arms and waist, and dropped him on his head. So, we spent the night in ER waiting. Good results, just some pulled muscles, but a few very anxious moments. The peprally was totally unsupervised and the school will be hearing some major complaints. Hopefully it will be more organized in the future. I know I am a worry wart, but being an RN I just see too much, and realize just what could have happened. My DIl was watching, but she couldn't get to him in time to prevent it.

Linda, Welcome. Great support here. Come often and get aquainted!

Lynn, That is just not fair!! When you make all the right decision, you should get good results! Just hang in and they will happen. Hope you are feeling ok. Please let us know the results.

Isabella, YEH!! Was to go. And, back away from that ice cream....

Karen, I can see MYSELF curled up on the couch, in front of the fire, good mystery, doggies lying at my feet...

Bobbi, can you use just plain mylasses? Blackstap/ Not sure, is there a difference?

Have a blessed day,

Freda

Zoe, We must have been writting at the same time. It's so good to have you back. I really missed your style of writting, so fun and eloquent. I hope you feel better soon. And yes, after not eating for that long your body should let some weight go. I'm betting that after you feel better you will see a loss.

Well, I see everyone is doing well weight-wise, which is a happy thing to see. I, too, shall post a loss...tah dahhhhhh! A whole .6 pounds! Yep. That's point-six, not SIX, which would've been lovely but <sigh> what can you do? I suppose any loss at all is better than a gain. Your house looks nice, Karen. I don't think a pool is in my future, either. Especially not now that New England has developed a monsoon climate instead of our old sunny summers. We had a nice day yesterday - DH and I went grocery shopping, and then I spent the rest of that (nice outside) day home lounging about in my pj's with this stupid cold or sinus infection or whatever it is still kicking my butt and taking Tylenol for severe colds and watching movies from Netflix. If I don't feel any better in another couple of days, I suppose I'll have to go to the doctor for an antibiotic or something, but I really hate dragging myself to the doctor and going through all the rigamarole and waiting and so on. Besides, this stuff usually just goes away on its own if you wait long enough. I feel right now like my head is full of clog and about ready to burst. Ack. I might have to just go back to bed and sleep some more. ANYWAY, sorry for all the self-pity, but wouldn't you think that after having been fighting this cold-thing all week and practically living on chicken soup (made with fat free broth) and all kinds of healthy, practically calorie free veggies, I would have lost more than point-six pounds????? I swear this body of mine is a never-ending puzzle that NEVER - absolutely never behaves predictably!
Have a good day, everybody....:faint:

Z

Hi Zoe,

Received the box of Miracle Noodle yesterday. Plan to have them for dinner - mixed with spaghetti sauce & veggies (maybe mushrooms, onions, and spinach). I'll let you know what I think tomorrow.

Good Morning,

It's a cool morning. yesterday was sweatshirt weather and next week is supposed to go down into the 40's. I guess all those beautiful, sunny days are almost gone. But so lovely while they were here!

I am doing really great with the diet. I'm not much of a "scales" person, but I can tell I have lost weight, and I will jump on the scales soon, just to confirm.

It was a very eventful weekend. Friday was supposed to be a pep rally at my GS's school and the football team were wearing jerseys and being introduced. One of the older kids piced my grandson up, arms around his arms and waist, and dropped him on his head. So, we spent the night in ER waiting. Good results, just some pulled muscles, but a few very anxious moments. The peprally was totally unsupervised and the school will be hearing some major complaints. Hopefully it will be more organized in the future. I know I am a worry wart, but being an RN I just see too much, and realize just what could have happened. My DIl was watching, but she couldn't get to him in time to prevent it.

Linda, Welcome. Great support here. Come often and get aquainted!

Lynn, That is just not fair!! When you make all the right decision, you should get good results! Just hang in and they will happen. Hope you are feeling ok. Please let us know the results.

Isabella, YEH!! Was to go. And, back away from that ice cream....

Karen, I can see MYSELF curled up on the couch, in front of the fire, good mystery, doggies lying at my feet...

Bobbi, can you use just plain mylasses? Blackstap/ Not sure, is there a difference?

Have a blessed day,

Freda

Oh Freda! How horrible about your grandson. Thank God he is OK.

Do you still want to lose more weight??? How low do you want to go?

Lynn

Isabella, YEH!! Was to go. And, back away from that ice cream.....

Bobbi, can you use just plain mylasses? Blackstap/ Not sure, is there a difference?


Hi Freda, The ice cream is tucked away in the freezer. I won't touch it again...promise...until next weekend, if there's any left (DH) and I'll only have a serving...promise....
The ice cream was heavenly hash and although I'm not a chocolate ice cream lover I do like this. We only have vanilla ice cream left. I like vanilla ice cream but I will control myself.

If you don't mind I'll answer the question about the blackstrap molasses. According to the nutrition facts on the side of the molasses cartons here's the low-down per 1 Tablespoon (20 g). Percentages are daily value (usually based on a 2000 calorie diet) :

Fancy molasses:
Calories - 60
Fat - 0 g
Sodium -10 mg
Carbohydrates - 15 g
--sugars -12 g
Protein -0.2 g
Calcium - 2%
Iron - 4 %

Blackstrap Molasses
Calories - 50
Fat - 0 g
Sodium - 70 g
Carbohydrates - 13 g
--Sugars - 11 g
Protein - 0 g
Calcium - 10%
Iron - 15%
Riboflavin -4%
Vitamin B6 - 4%
Magnesium -15%
Copper - 8%

Blackstrap molasses has a bitter flavor as compared to the Fancy Molasses which is quite sweet. But I found the taste buds become accustomed to the blackstrap quite soon as the sweetness comes through. Actually I don't find it as bitter as coffee.

Glad your grandson is alright. I'd be frightened to see a child fall on his head.

Lyn and Lynn, hope you are both feeling better soon. Maybe your body is holding on to the fat trying to squeeze all the extra nutrients out of it.

We had a lovely day yesterday and today. Cool but sunny. Sweatshirt weather for sure, but great for walking and I never got out at all. I'm going to go pick a few apples at MIL's place today so I'll get out at that. We went shopping this morning and picked up a few bargains at the grocery stores.

Well, I'm gone apple picking. Catch you all later.

A blessed Sunday to all of you!
I'm drinking sugar free apple cider as I'm typing this to warm up my fingers. Brrrrrrrrr, it's cold. We have wind gust up to 45 miles an hour and all the leaves are in flight, My chickens are huddled under the tree trying to escape them.
I just had my breakfast for lunch. I hated missing it when I get up but Sunday mornings are hectic, getting ready for Church is a long process. Takes awhile to fill in all the cracks on my face! :rofl:
Isabella...thanks for the information on molasses, I'm sticking with the black strap. It has more iron, calcium, etc. and less calories. I love the taste of it in my coffee, I like licking the spoon too. I don't worry about sodium in food since it doesn't bother me and blackstrap has more.
Karen.....so happy to see you joining us in the challenge. You've had a tremendous amount of stress this year with trying to sell your home and the death of your dear dad. I'm so glad you're taking control of your life now. You were doing so well when I started back to 3 FC's after being absent for a couple of years. But I know myself what stress can do and had to reach a point in my mind that said, Stop! Get my act together and take care of myself. I just had to get stubborn, count every morsel that went in my mouth and write everything down. Like you, I use Fitday. You did well with a shake for lunch before, maybe that'll work again for you.
Sorry Lynn... I thought easy exercises would work for you but doc knows best!
Zoe...Patience my dear, it'll show up eventually.wouldn't you think that after having been fighting this cold-thing all week and practically living on chicken soup (made with fat free broth) and all kinds of healthy, practically calorie free veggies, I would have lost more than point-six pounds?????
Freda......that makes me angry just thinking of someone doing that to my grandsons. I'd go down and box his ears, the jerk! I hope he feels guilty for hurtings him.
One of the older kids piced my grandson up, arms around his arms and waist, and dropped him on his head.

OK - Sitting here eating my Miracle Noodle. Tastes/feels like rice noodles. I'll let you know tomorrow what the scale thinks about them.

Lynn

Hello everyone, I did pretty good on my goals today except the exercise part:( I was busy all day except I didn't get any intentional exercise in. I bought a used Walnut chest of drawers yesterday and it was in need of clean up really bad. BUT I got it for $50 so I think I got a good deal on it. But I spent a lot of the day using Murphys Oil soap on it. Plus doing laundry. I kept thinking, "When I get this done---" but it just seemed to never end. Hoping for a a better day tomorrow to be able to get that exercise in too!! Got the basement (my WOMAN CAVE) all set up for exercise so just need to push myself down the stairs!!

Hello everyone, I did pretty good on my goals today except the exercise part:( I was busy all day except I didn't get any intentional exercise in. I bought a used Walnut chest of drawers yesterday and it was in need of clean up really bad. BUT I got it for $50 so I think I got a good deal on it. But I spent a lot of the day using Murphys Oil soap on it. Plus doing laundry. I kept thinking, "When I get this done---" but it just seemed to never end. Hoping for a a better day tomorrow to be able to get that exercise in too!! Got the basement (my WOMAN CAVE) all set up for exercise so just need to push myself down the stairs!!

Karen,

You are one BUSY lady! I get tired just reading about all that you do! A walnut dresser for $50 sounds like a steal to me - enjoy!

Lynn

Good Morning, Everyone,

The Miracle Noodle works! Thank you, Zoe. Typically, if I eat pasta, I gain wt. Yesterday, I ate Miracle Noodle (made it w spaghetti sauce, onions, mushrooms, and spinach sauteed in olive oil) and lost weight!

Today, I am traveling north to Stroudsburg, PA to observe a Student Teacher. She is a lovely young lady & I am sure she will do a great job.

Have a great day,

Lynn

Hi all! I had a laid-back and restful weekend. MY husband and I played Batman:Arkham Asylum most of Saturday and had a grand time. Lots of fun. It's easy to not eat much when you're whomping on supervillains for hour on end. Of course Sunday was not so good for the diet, with rib roast and birthday cake, but non-strict family Sundays are very normal for me and kind of built into my program. All is good and now I get to be "on-program" for the rest of the week. I lost 1.6 pounds last week, which is good.

Friday was an especially encouraging day for me because I changed out my summer clothes for my winter ones, hauling boxes of sweaters and jackets out of storage. I felt a need to do this a bit early because I wasn't sure how much of it would fit. I was a size 24 last winter and now I'm an 18. Needless to say most of that stuff didn't fit me at all, so I bagged it. But then I dragged out my "smaller" clothes.

Years ago, I had a great job and bought some really (really) nice stuff. Cashmere sweaters, silk tops, designer clothes. When I gained weight, I couldn't wear it but most was so classic, I didn't feel right tossing it, so I packed it away. A good cashmere sweater is always in style, right? Anyway, I hauled out those things and... much of it fit! I was never a slender or small girl, so most are L and size 16 (then, which is probably an 18 the way clothes are made now). I was in heaven! All my favorite stuff fits again! Some were outdated, true, and I did toss a few items in the thrift shop bin, but I now have this wonderful wardrobe that I didn't have for years. I couldn't be happier. My husband is happy, too, because I won't be needing to buy as many new sweaters, just a couple new pairs of slacks.

Funny, now much little things like that matter. I both dread and look forward to shrinking out of those things now, because that's the plan.

Good Morning Girls!
I have a dentist appointment this a.m. to get my teeth cleaned, I hate that.
I averaged out my calories for the last two weeks of the challenge and now I have to work at getting my calories higher. That is a challenge itself, all the fiber I eat keeps me full. I make popcorn everynight for my snack and started adding a teaspoon of canola oil to the popper. You're suppose to anyway, it's an electric popper but teflon lined so oil isn't necessary. I've noticed not as many old maids when I use a little oil.

Isabella...yesterday at my dad's place we were talking about calcium and vitamin D the doc has my dad on. I brought up the molasses in our coffee daily and how he used to put it in hot water. He laughed and said he'd forgotten about that once he went into the nursing home. He did ask for honey for his cereal and they purchased a bottle to serve with his cereal. (He's 97, his dad was 102 when he died) It's a high end retirement/nursing home too, guess everyone has to cut back where they can. I thought that was strange they didn't have individual packets of honey like the restaurants do.
Karen...I agree, $50.00 is a great price for Walnut. If you worked on it all day, you used muscles in your arms and it could be counted as exercise. When I spend the day outside working I count that as exercise. Actually my indoor exercise doesn't take me that long. I lay on the floor doing the back exercises my doc told me to do with my bad back. I have exercise bands at my computer, When things are loading I do them at my desk.
Lynn...about those miracle noodles, are they similar to the tofu ones in the grocery store or more like real pasta? I googled them and see they are spendy, do you have leftovers from one package? Do they come dry? After receiving your answer, I might buy some.

Linda...Way to go! :hug: I had the same thrilling feelings when I dropped my weight and got back into my dress clothes, just like going out to buy a new wardrobe. As far as Bruce is concerned, he doesn't notice new from old. I worked part time in a Herberger's department store and purchased lots of dress clothes on clearance plus my employee discount, he lost track of my clothes years ago.I was in heaven! All my favorite stuff fits again! Some were outdated, true, and I did toss a few items in the thrift shop bin, but I now have this wonderful wardrobe that I didn't have for years. I couldn't be happier

:wave:

We picked loads of apples yesterday and I cooked up enough yesterday afternoon for 8.5 pints of applesauce. I have a lot of peeling to do yet but I'll enjoy the sauce this winter. I'll make a few pies for Thanksgiving (October in Canada) and have them ready in the freezer.

I got in my walk today and stopped at the hardware store half way through and bought a number for our house. We haven't had a number on the house in years. It was taken off when DH put new siding on and it just didn't get put back on. We don't have mail delivery to the house so it isn't a big issue unless we're having some kind of delivery made to the house. So today I took the plunge and spent $3.11 on a #5. I came home and tacked it onto the front door frame. DH hasn't noticed it yet, ha, ha. I wonder when he will?

We have a lovely day again today. Yesterday started out cool but by the afternoon it was warm and today is the same. It's actually cooler in the house than outside. I have the patio door open trying to warm up the place with the warm air from outside. Pinned a few towels out on the clothesline this morning and I think they're just about dry by now.

I guess I'll peel another pot of apples and get them cooking and start pinning up the hems on the 5 pair of jeans/pants I have to hem for DH and myself. I'm seldom bored.

Catch you all later. Have a great day.

Had a good weekend - it really looks like fall here and the wind is a whipping today. Just read through the recent posts...

Zoe - Don't get discouraged - you are only 10# away from your goal!

Karen - love the house photos and yes those slide-out cupboards are great

Freda - Hope the GS is ok

Isabella - Congrats on the 2.5# loss!!:carrot:

Bobbi - And we are soooo glad you did come back to cheer us on - and you're doing so well..you look great

I probably missed a few...

I have weigh-in at TOPs tonite and should see a loss. Will let you all know.

Lyn

I guess I'll peel another pot of apples and get them cooking
Isabella...why do you peel the apples? I quarter them with peelings on and cook them that way. My food mill takes out all the peeling when I run the sauce thru it. Cooking them with the peeling on also gives my applesauce a pretty pink color and takes most of the work out.

I don't have a food mill. I never made applesauce in any amount before so I've never bought the mill although I've have considered getting one. I guess there'd be more vitamins leaving on the skins. The apple sauce won't get a rosy glow from the skins, though because they're a wild golden delicious as far as I can tell. I'm on my second potful this afternoon and that's probably all I'll do for now. I want to make pies from the rest of the apples. I might bake a few with raisins, nuts and dates stuffed down the middle. I haven't had a baked apple in ages. If I don't use sugar I can have it as a fruit serving(s) and it won't be dessert. :D

Morning, all...I'm running a bit late today, but wanted to check in :) Oh, Isabella, I leave the skins on when I make applesauce, too - more fiber, which is of course, good, but we love the texture (I don't have a mill, either). I actually make pear-applesauce (leave the skin on the pears, too) and add some dried cranberries which add color, but also give it a nice little tang. I add some splenda to mine, too. I just chop the apples and pears into half-inch cubes, throw everything in a pot and let it slow cook. I actually am having a fun time creating new recipes that are low in calories, high in fiber and good stuff. I've still got some that I grabbed from Bobbi a year or more ago. I made a ground turkey meatloaf for our supper last night using Fiber One cereal that I'd grated in the blender instead of breadcrumbs. Also added a box of frozen spinach, a can of garlic and olive oil diced tomatoes, diced onions, green, red and yellow peppers and a little bit of egg beater to bind it all together. It was yummy. Oh, Lyn - I have more than ten pounds to go, trust me. That's just my temporary - Christmas - goal. I've really made up my mind to get it over with once and for all this time, and get back to my "fighting weight" around 140-ish. But that'll be sometime next year. Before summer, I hope, though. Glad you liked the Miracle Noodles, Lynn. People seem to either love them or hate them - not much in between. Okay, I've yakked myself into being really late, now, so I'll have to catch the rest of you later....have a great day everybody! Luckily, my cold FINALLY seems to be getting a little better, so I slept pretty well last night for a change.
Tah!
Z

Ok...I lost about 1 and a half pounds! :D Baby steps baby steps....Rainy today..the cats are frustrated with the rain..they are roaming around my computer meowing for it to stop. I get new glasses today, then have to get our home ready for an "open house" this weekend. The market is VERY slow here, but we're still trying.

Lyn

Hi Everyone,

Observation of student teacher went VERY well. She is good, students are good & her cooperating teacher is good. A VERY enjoyable experience.

Getting ready for my road trip to Savannah. Planning stops at parks along the way where I can get out & walk. My only concern is getting stiff from too much driving, but I have no deadlines, so if I feel like it is too much, I can just stop and stay wherever I am.

Looks like a nice day today. I have my class & then haircut. Check back later,

Lynn

Morning!
Too busy to gab today, checked into challenge and I'm outta 'ere.
:wave:

Hi everyone..its cold and rainy here..and the trees are all golden..i had my well womens check up yesterday..glad thats over with and everythinhs ok..i have been referred to a surgeon in anchorage for the wtg loss surgury..and am excited to start this journey..ill be on a dr controlled wt loss program for the next 6 months,once a month weigh ins,seeing a phychiatrist and lots of medical tests to see if im healthy enuff for this procedure etc..and make sure my insurance will pay for it all or its not going to happen..my whole life changed with that surg a yr ago and being handicapped and in a wheel chair is the pitts but at least im still here and since i have tried to loose the wt nothing has worked..i can lose but it creeps back..now that im handicapped its even harder esp the exercise part but im looking at the furture and i want to be more mobile so those are my reasons and my dr is 100% behind me..wish me luck..my dd is having back surg today and im nervous for her,they moved to oregon a month ago and i cant be there for her :?:..congrats to those who have lost :carrot: and all that homemade applsauce is making me hungry:dizzy: we have 6 apple trees that we planted ourselves and we have gotton one little apple from them the size of a walnut :lol: cant make sauce from that..on that funny note have agreat evening everyone..im going to make a cup of tea and watch biggest looser..ttfn :hug: rosey :wave:

I'm watching The Biggest Loser right now. Too tired to exercise while I watch. I'll probably fall asleep again this week before it's over....sigh....zzzzzz.

Watching Biggest Loser - would REALLY like Tracey to GO HOME!

Lynn

Rosey - That is exciting news..you have my best wishes and positive thoughts for you journey.

I watched the Biggest Loser too...yes...Tracey needs to go. Off to my early am swim

Hi everyone..its cold and rainy here..and the trees are all golden..i had my well womens check up yesterday..glad thats over with and everythinhs ok..i have been referred to a surgeon in anchorage for the wtg loss surgury..and am excited to start this journey..ill be on a dr controlled wt loss program for the next 6 months,once a month weigh ins,seeing a phychiatrist and lots of medical tests to see if im healthy enuff for this procedure etc..and make sure my insurance will pay for it all or its not going to happen..my whole life changed with that surg a yr ago and being handicapped and in a wheel chair is the pitts but at least im still here and since i have tried to loose the wt nothing has worked..i can lose but it creeps back..now that im handicapped its even harder esp the exercise part but im looking at the furture and i want to be more mobile so those are my reasons and my dr is 100% behind me..wish me luck..my dd is having back surg today and im nervous for her,they moved to oregon a month ago and i cant be there for her :?:..congrats to those who have lost :carrot: and all that homemade applsauce is making me hungry:dizzy: we have 6 apple trees that we planted ourselves and we have gotton one little apple from them the size of a walnut :lol: cant make sauce from that..on that funny note have agreat evening everyone..im going to make a cup of tea and watch biggest looser..ttfn :hug: rosey :wave:

Hi Rosey,

My best wishes are being sent to you and your dd for her surgery. So hard to have to worry long-distance. Whenever my dd is sick, I just want to be with her.

I'm curious. What kind of program is the wt loss Dr prescribing? Based on calories, or fat, or carbs, or is it prepared food?

Lynn

Good Morning!
We had our first frost last night, hope all my squash survived. I watched Biggest Losers last night too and everyone wants to see Tracey gone. Her days are numbered, good bye Tracey.
Rosey...We're all sending good wishes to your DD surgery, how hard for both of you. I didn't realize how handicapped you were, is the wheelchair a permanant fixture? You'll have to keep us all updated on your progress. Lynn's question about the program the doc will put you on has intrigued me too. What's the plan if we might ask?[quote]the next 6 months,once a month weigh ins,seeing a phychiatrist and lots of medical tests to see if im healthy enuff for this procedure etc..and make sure my insurance will pay for it all or its not going to happen..my whole life changed with that surg a yr ago and being handicapped and in a wheel chair is the pitts[quote]
Today I'm taking all my summer clothes out of my bedroom closet and dresser drawer, exchanging them for long sleeved turtle necks, sweaters and wool socks. I already put the winter blanket on the bed, brrrrrrrrr! I hate not having the window open at night, the clean fresh air is awesome to smell as I drift off to sleep. But then jumping into a warm bed when the wind is howling is comforting too. I guess that's why I love living in Minnesota with the 4 seasons we have. We still have all our deck furniture out on the patio and all the furniture in my shade garden, that will be for another day.
Do any of you watch Dr. Oz? Anybody see the long tapeworm that he took out of a patient? I think the day before on the Doctor's show, it was about bed mites. They had a close-ups of the mites eating the dead skin on bed linens, yuk! It gives me the creeps watching these shows, but it's a good motivator to keep bed linens changed.
I didn't mean to get off on such a icky subject, I'll shut up now.
You all have a great day!
I hate weighing into the challenge today, my salty popcorn and elk burger must have settled in my fat stomach and stayed there. :tantrum:

Wednesday - bridge day. Funny, but having two days left of the week is kind of a +/- for me lately. I'm glad to be looking forward to a weekend, but amazed at how quickly the weeks seem to be flying by. I've had this cold (which is getting marginally better now) all last week and now starting into this week, and haven't been over to see the twins. My daughter called last night to report that Micah had just figured out how to splash in the tub and was shooting his bath water every which way and laughing like a little hyena. I could hear him chortling over the phone. I really miss seeing him and his brother with all their little day-to-day discoveries, so I need to get rid of this cold! I started switching out my clothes, too, Bobbi, and it seems like I have way more winter clothes than I realized (along with those I've bought recently, that is) and I may need DH to build me a bigger closet. It may be the opportune time, actually, to install one of those lovely built-in systems with drawers and shelves and hanging space all nicely compartmentalized. OR, of course, I could make up a couple of nice big bundles for The Salvation Army. I'll probably end up doing that, anyway - get rid of some of my bigger things just as a reminder that I WON'T be needing that size ever again. My best wishes, too, Rosey - I'll be interested in hearing about your progress. Lynn, your driving trip sounds marvelous - are you going by yourself? That's something I've always wanted to do - just get into my car and go wherever I want to and meander around visiting all the off-the-beaten-track places on my own schedule and being just as spontaneous as I want. I've driven from my girlfriend's in Richmond, VA to my sister's in Hendersonville, NC a couple of times, and enjoyed every minute of it, but I did have some time constraints. NOT having any must be heavenly! Hey, Isabella, Lyn and Karen...who else? (Who else; I'm old. My brain is turning into a great big collander...forgive me.)
Oh. I was starving for some reason last night. Starving, I tell you. After my very healthy supper of (leftover) turkey meatloaf and a big tossed green salad, I ate a cup of Raisin Bran Crunch with skim milk before going to bed. I still seem to go through days here and there when I could just keep eating and never be satisfied, but luckily they don't come too often, and when they do, I just grit my teeth and try to hang in there. Last night I just HAD to have that darned cereal! Oh well, today's another day and I think I'm past my craziness.
Take good care all,
Z :dizzy:

Good Morning everyone,

The weather is getting cooler here too Bobbi. I haven't gotten my winter clothes out, but I pulled out all the sweatshirt and wore levi's for the first time in awhile last night. We went to GD's soccer game and I got the blanket out of the car and wrapped up in that.

Lynn, Like Zoe, I've always wanted to just get in the car and wonder too, stopping at places I found interesting, without a time line. Someday.....oh, have you gotten the results from the biops back yet?

Rosie,, I'm glad you're getting counseling before you have the surgery. I don't think they do enough. I've seen too many people fail because they didn't realize how hard it was still going to be. But you will do great, you've already proven that you are dedicated. Hope Your DH is ok.

Zoe, It's hard to stay away from those little ones, isn't it? They are so fun, and move from one stage to the next so quickly. I always get hungry before bed too. I always save some calories for a snack. I tried not eating after dinner and it just didn't work for me.

News about my GS. DIL took him to his regular Dr. yesterday and she really read him the riot. Set him down and told him how lucky he was that he wasn't in a wheelchair. Took him off football for 3 more weeks, which will go untill the end of the season. Hope he got it, but does kids ever realize the danger?

I've done great with my diet, almost lost those extra pounds that creep up on you when you're not looking. 3 more pounds to go. It would have been easier if I had been able to exercise, but life happens and we have to work with what we have.

Isabella, You stay so busy, always doing something. You must be doing ok, to have all that energy!

Freda

Today I had a veggie burger for dinner but I only had large burger buns on hand. So I hollowed out the top and bottom of the bun and removed 20 grams of bread and 45 calories. Then I put steamed onions in the hollowed out area and put my burger on top. It was a substantial sandwich to say the least and I'm so full now. Also had other stuff with it.

What are some of the little "tricks" you use to lower calories or serving sizes?

I'll be back to chat later on. Gotta get to the church to give out free clothing. And I'm late!! Darn 3FC!!! :D

One reliable trick, though everyone probably knows it already, is to use small plates instead of big ones. I have several really nice handmade plates I buy at art fairs and I use these instead of dinner plates. My portions are small, but pretty!

Today I'm making risotto for my husband's birthday. He's Italian-American, I'm not. I grew up German-Irish, strictly potatoes. Anyway, I've been learning Italian cooking and love the food. I have yet to make a killer risotto, though. I'm trying to channel Julia Child this time, following her recipe. I have fresh mushrooms, onions and a bottle of good French vermouth.

One thing that's helped me a lot with this diet, different from every other time I've dieted, is that I don't deprive myself of my love of cooking. I cook stuff I love, and I eat it. I just figure out how many WW points are in the recipe and adjust my portions accordingly. This is the first diet on which I don't feel like I'm missing out, either on the fun of cooking or the joy of eating. I think that may be a big part of why it's been working. Anyway, off to slice mushrooms!

Hi everyone for all the suport :hug: i see the dr in anchorage first,then i will know more and can answer your questions and mine too..after my surg and 5 month hosp stay last yr i came home handicapped..wheel chair and walker,i can walk with the walker but my feet and half way up my legs have no feeling they taught me in rehab how to make the most of what i have left..altho i function fairly well at home its a big problem to get out of the house,hence if a weighed less it would be easier for me and my dh..as i get older it will only get worse for me and him as he wont be strong enuff to get me down the wh ramp and into the car..im looking at the future and dont want to be a burden or a prisoner in my home.. now that im less mobile exercise is harder..i feel blessed that i survied my back surg last yr and try and find joy everyday some days are better than others tho and i have new respect for anyone who is handicapped doing ordinary things somtetimes takes temendous effort..having the surg for wt loss is a tool im willing to do in order to give me a better future.when i know more about it i would love to share..my dd came thru her back surg fine..i miss her terribly and i would have liked to be able to help her like she did for me but i can breath again knowing she is ok..now im rambling and need to do some house work yes from my wheelchair..its amazingwhat you can learn to do just takes longer and in a diff way:dizzy: ttfn and have a great day :hug: rosey :wave:

Rosey, glad you got good news about your dd. It's hard being away from our children even though they are adult.

The Biggest Loser irritates me at times. I wish they'd leave everyone at the ranch and work with them and then let the real biggest loser win the money. I've watched a show called XWeighted a few times and they follow one person for several months. It's an hour long and you can really see the difference at the end of the show. And the trainers are not shouting, yelling and swearing. They work on their weight, self-esteem, and any other problems that might get in the way of weight loss. There's my rant for the day. :D

DiverGal, I love to cook, too. I'm a calorie counter and haven't given up much of my favorite foods. Like you I have portions that are acceptable to my diet and enjoy my food. I have had to ban potato chips from the house, though, but I rarely made them myself. I have my dessert on the weekend.

I'm slowly but surely bringing all my dishes up from the basement where they've been living in boxes for the last 2 years. I had no where to store them upstairs after we took the shelves down from the dining room wall and put in the patio doors. Now that mom is gone I've turned her closet into a dish cupboard with lots of shelves. The room itself has reverted back to a study. DH painted the room last week and I'm slowly sorting out things in there as well. DS's bedroom has become a catch-all until I can get everything cleaned up. I figured it was easier to clean one room instead of the whole house. Everything was everywhere!!

DIL had our GS on the webcam today and we were talking to him. He's only 6 months old and wasn't paying much attention to us. Wish we lived closer. He's such a little butterball. He'll slim down once he starts to crawl and walk. He's a poster child for breast feeding. I keep telling DIL he's getting top cream. He's only started solid foods this month and taking to it with relish.

Not too much work at the church today. Only 10 people looking for clothes today and not too much came in to sort. We sat around and chatted for most of the time.

I came home and colored my hair and took a nice long soak in the tub and then clipped my toe nails (tmi, ha, ha). Now I'm sitting in my pajamas, watching a bit of tv and writing this message. Supper is next on the agenda. Don't know what I'm having yet but the possibilities are endless.

Hi Everyone,

About the trip - I have a friend (used to post as Serenity) who moved to NC. I live in PA. I plan to meet my friend on Saturday in Raleigh, NC. However, I am leaving here on Friday - so, if I feel tired or stiff, I can stop somewhere between here and Raleigh on Friday night.

From Raleigh, we will either drive directly to Savannah, or stop along the way in Charleston. We have reservations in Savannah from Sunday through Thursday. Then, I will drive my friend back to Raleigh & maybe stay there for the night, or maybe drive further and stay somewhere north of there.

My main reason for driving is that I am getting to absolutely HATE airports and flying. We will see if I like driving better.

I made my observation of the 2nd Student Teacher today. She is also VERY good. So nice when they are good & I just have positive things to report.

About the biopsies - the 2 that I had are to see if a rash I have all over my body is some kind of lymphoma. When I get back from trip, must have some kind of procedure (probably another biopsy) to see of ovarian cyst is a problem. For now, I am just going to enjoy my vacation and worry about health issues when I get back.

About the Halloween Challenge - it served me well. I lost 4 lbs this month. MUCH better than I have been doing. Also, it has really helped me to stay away from sweets and keep my calories down.

Check back tomorrow,

Lynn

I posted the October Golden Girls this morning, see you all there!