WW Clubs and Groups - Feisty & Sexy 50 & 50 year olds #200

:joker:
Hi Everybody I can't believe that we have "talked" our way through 200 threads. LOL :lol:
Maria what's the word on the job situation. Have you heard anything further?
Peggy Are you planning on making up a jacket for yourself? What kind of jacket? You sure keep yourself busy between crafting and sewing projects. :)
Lily one year while on "motoring" holiday DH and I thought we would drive to San Francisco but that was a year when it was soooo hot and not much rain and there was a real rationing of water in San Francisco. We decided we would just sort holiday in Victoria, BC and a few places in and around Kelowna BC. I always thought we would one day make the car trip again, but we haven't. :(
Karen enjoyed reading your nice long post. You are always so busy. Getting the kids the "bed in a bag" was a great idea.
We had our son's birthday "din dins" on Saturday and the Calgary Ribs were just wonderful. I could not believe how many the grandkids ate. They both had BBQ sauce across their little faces all the way to their ears. LOL :D I made the calorie laden Shmoo Cake for my son (his absolute favorite) and served it with whipping cream and home made caramel sauce. I cut myself a very very small piece and packed up the remainder of the cake/whipping cream/caramel sauce for them to take home with them. :hb:
I had a fellow make a microwave stand/cupboard to match my kitchen cupboads and he delivered it on Saturday and I am really pleased with the job he did. He couldn't quite get the same oak stain that is on my cupboards but not bad.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY (do you all celebrate Thanksgiving on Thursday?)

QUOTE: Never let your mind remain so open that your brain
falls out. :lol:

Has anyone else seen SIGNS with Mel Gibson? Hubby and I went to the cheap movie last night. It was a Si Fi, my DH doesn't like that kind of a movie, and they usually scare the be-jebbers out of me, but we went anyway. It was quite funny and really scarey.

Peggy now you are sewing a jacket, you are always doing somehing. Right now I am in the process of sewing 4 infant nighties.... decided to lay the project aside for a few days, I don't like making button holes and just don't know what kind of a closing to make in the front. I am thinking of little snaps. I am also thinking that this will be the last thing I sew for the rest of my life. I sure don't enjoy sewing anymore.

Karen sure sounds like you had a good time with your fellow WW leaders. I went to WI today, and as expected up 1.8 lbs. That makes me over goal by .6 ... not much, but I am very angry with myself. I have been avoiding the WI all month because I just couldn't get my weight to go down. Now I have really got to get serious or I will continue going up, I know this from past experience. Picture me :stress: !!

Well, time for me to head to Slavika's, for Tea and wisdom and definitely a lot of :lol: :lol: :lol:

By all..:grouphug: :wave:

G'day all,

Been a few days since posting.:(
Lots to do now that I am home. Finally made some curtains for both my bathrooms and they look great.
Whilst I was at the sewing machine, I got some mending out of the way. It is amazing how long mending just hangs around and when you actually get around to doing it, it really doesn't take very long at all:dizzy:
No news on the job front yet :shrug:. A few things on the go, I am not being terribly pro-active because I really would prefer to start work in the New Year, after Christmas, the wedding etc.etc.
DH works from home in a 'virtual' team, his co workers are scattered around America, all working from home. He has a phone hook-up with them once a week, it is intersting hearing all the different accents from the different parts in America. The first thing that seems to be discussed is the weather! They have changed the times so dh does not have to sit up till all hours of the night to participate.

I have also got rid of Windows XP on my laptop and have installed Windows 2000 Professional. I did back everything up but left the back-up CD's in Melbourne:mad: DD send them and I now have them ready to put all back again.
I don't know if any of you have Windows XP but I found it very frustrating. I have spend the last 6 weeks getting a very expensive scanner connected, I won't bore you with all the details but the reason was basically Windows XP.

Lily I enjoyed the websites, thank you. Lake Tahoe looks a great place for a holiday. I also thought your weather seems to be very pleasant, not too hot or cold. Do you go to San Francisco often? Interesting to read of your wine industry, South Australia also has quite a large wine industry:cp:

Karen I am surprised to hear of your dd electricity supply, sounds a bit dicey, hope plumbing and electricity is now connected the way it should be. I agree with you that when you go to any type of seminar, there are so many talented people out there, glad you enjoyed it.

Trudy Wow you are so close at goal, don't be too hard on yourself, but I know from bitter experience that it certainly is very easy to allow the weight to creep back on again.:mad:
I haven't heard of the movie you spoke of.

Slavika that is quite an achievement 200 threads! Your cake sounded magnificent, home made caramel sauce :cloud9:
We don't celebrate Thanks giving. I am surprised that so may of my dh's virtual team have the whole week off to celebrate this occassion, is that the norm???
I loved your quote:lol:

Back to getting this laptop into shape.

HAPPY THANKS GIVING TO YOU ALL :grouphug:

Cheers
Maria

Slavika: San Francisco is great to visit. Wouldnt live there tho as there are way to many people. But I do like to go there and look around.
Yep its Thanksgiving here Thursday. Your cake sounded good!

Trudy: No havent even heard about that movie. But if Mels in it I will be there for sure! Sounds like it was a good one! Sorry about the gain, but you will get it off.

Maria: We dont go as often any more. We used to go every Christmas but have gotten out of the habit. We use to live down that way and spent alot of week ends in San Francisco. The real Wine Country here is Napa:
http://www.napavalley.com/

We do go there alot. Its a beautiful area. But the winey that are here up in the hills are just as good. They call them the Hidden Winerys. And you dont have to pay to taste either. In Napa you do.

We are going to a friends for thanksgiving. Im making a Pumpkin Cheesecake to take with me. Have to do the potatoes and gravy to.

So if I dont get back until after, Have a great Thanksgiving to all those that do celebrate!

Later!
:balloons:

Schmoo cake and pumpkin cheesecake? No fair, now I want some and I want it now. Just got back from the fabric store. I got a red fleece for my jacket. Of course I want it finished for my girls weekend the 7th. I got some fat quarters to make a snowman quilt too. The directions say it can be made in a day. Right! How about a year if you sew like I do. I need Ann's help. Trudy I don't like buttonholes either. Peggy

Trudy - that bit about the sewing made me laugh out loud. I don't enjoy sewing much anymore either and I think it is because I just don't see that well. But for that new grandbaby, you can buy lots of cute things ON SALE. You are doing so well on your weight, but diligence is the key, so you are on the right track.

Maria - I don't think in my neck of the woods it is normal to be off the whole week of Thanksgiving. We are only off Thursday and Friday. Some people only get off on Thursday. Friday is a big shopping day here in the States.

I have been so sick. Had a cold with no voice and then was STRUCK with a stomach virus. Thought I would die, but didn't. I think my appetite is coming back just in time. Too bad I can't bottle this "not hungry" thing without the sickness--could make a fortune.

Have a great Thanksgiving. We have so much to be thankful for.
Glenda

I hope all of you US gals have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day.
I started some Christmas shopping today. The mall was quite busy for a Wed afternoon, I guess everyone had the same idea.
Sorry you were sick Glenda.. the stomach flu is the worst thing.
Peggy it looks like you have your work cut out for you with all that sewing to do. Hope it turns out nice for you.
Lily I love San Francisco. Years ago we flew to Los Angeles, did the Disneyland thing, went to the movie studios etc, drove in a car rental south to San Diego, went to Sea World, and into Mexico (hated Mexico), and then drove the Pacific Highway to San Francisco and flew back home. It was a 2 wk trip. We stopped off at Hurst Castle and did 2 tours there. We stayed at Monteray 1 night. We had beautiful weather, and had such a nice time.
Maria I usually leave the mending till I have a big pile and then tackle it. Always feel good after it is done.
Slavika I love that new quote you have. :lol:

Hope you all have a nice day tomorrow...:grouphug: I have to go and write out my Christmas Cards.. bye..:wave:

G'day all,

Lovely sunny day here today:flow1: Hope you are all enjoying your Thanksgiving holiday and that the weather is kind to you.

Yesterday afternoon I finally received a follow up call from the employment agency that rang last week to see if I was interested in the job of 'corporate receptionist' for the RDNS (Royal District Nursing Service). This morning I have an interview at 11. Keep your fingers crossed:crossed
I am not too fussed either way, it will be a boon to the old self-esteem to score a job this quickly with very little trying but it is full time and perhaps all a bit too soon. I am being really picky now but of course will accept the position if it is offered.
I also feel a bit dishonest because I may not be there for long.
Yesterday DH's boss rang to give him feedback on his job and he received a glowing report and was also told that there will be a bonus before Christmas due to his excellent work! He also spoke of what maybe in the wind for next year.
So for the time being it would seem the job is secure again:dizzy: It is all very confusing and causing a lot of stress on both of us.
We have decided that we will go away again if the offer is just too good to pass up but it will have to be DEFINITE before I would throw in a job.
All these challenges, all too much to cope with at times:stress:

Trudy Your trip to San Francisco sounded wonderful, why did you not like Mexico?

Glenda pleased you are better again. I think the best thing about being sick is that it is so wonderful to feel good again, if that makes any sense:rolleyes:

Lily Napa Valley looked to be a magnificent spot, great for a weekend get-away! Thanks for posting these sites, makes me get itchy feet though;)

Peggy ah if only we all lived a bit closer, we could all pool our talents! When my children were small I was asked to make overalls for a hairdressing chain. I agreed to make them (102 :eek: ). My biggest concern was the five buttonholes in each overall but what turned out to be the biggest pain were the 2 patch pockets on each overall:mad: It was an experience I now look back at with some awe, don't know how I did it!
I also remember receiving payment and dh and I sitting in our lounge opening the envelope with all the cash and just throwing it in the air:lol: We paid some outstanding bills and I bought my very first dishwasher, never been without one since!

Must be off and 'tart' myself up for the interview!

Cheers
Maria

Here you go Peggy. Enjoy as it is yumm!

PUMPKIN CHEESE CAKE
4 Ounces Fat Free Cream Cheese
1 Tablespoon Milk, skim
1 Tablespoon Splenda
1 1/2 Cups Fat Free Whipped Topping
1 Reduce Fat Graham Cracker Crust
1 Cup Milk, Skim
2 Packages Fat Free/Sugar Free Vanilla Pudding
1 (14.5 OZ) Can Pumpkin
or 1 1/2 Cups
1 Teaspoon Cinnamon
1/2 Teaspoon Ginger
1/4 Teaspoon Cloves

Mix cream cheese, milk and sugar in a bowl until blended. Gently stir in
whipped topping. Spread on bottom of piecrust. Pour 1 cup milk into a bowl
add pudding. Beat until blended. Stir in pumpkin and spices until blended.
Spread over the cream cheese mixture.

SERVINGS 8; CALORIES 146; FAT 1 g; PROTEIN 2 g; CARBS 11 g; FIBER 0 g; CHOL 1 mg; IRON 0 mg; SODIUM 45 mg
SERVING SIZE= 1/8 of Pie
WW POINTS: 3

Glenda: So sorry you have been sick. Hope you are feeling better and could at least enjoy the holiday.

Trudy: See you have been some pLace I havent and I live here :) I have always wanted to go to the Hearst Castle. DH's Parents live down that way but we have never gone :( Just proves you should do things in your own area more often. And we dont. The Pacfic coast Highway is beautiful tho, we have done that! Just dont do it past San Francisco, Its pretty dont get me wrong but I drove it and its very windy and steep and I dont do that well when Im driving :) Was a nervous wreck the whole way.

Maria: Good luck with your interview today! I have my fingers crossed.
Sounds good for your DH's Job to. Unfortuanely mine will be offically Laid off Monday :(
I cant speak for Trudy, but unless you go far into Mexico it isnt a pretty place. If you drive in just right off the border it really is pretty bad. You dont drink the water and you dont eat the food unless you like Dog or horse meat :) Tijuana is the worse. But you drive further on down and it gets really pretty. I dont have fond memories of Tijuana at all :yikes:

Had a great Thanksgiving but as always I eat to much :ink:

Night all!

Lily it sounds yummy. Thanks for the recipe. Maria good luck on the job interview. You will wow them. Glenda hope that you are feeling better. Now don't spread it to us over the puter. Trudy will you be my personal shopper? It is black Friday here and I can't stand to go near the stores today. Toooo crowded. You trip to the west coast sounds like a dream trip. I would like to do it sometime. Got started on my jacket today and got the appliques on. Got to get ready for a family party tonight. Peggy

Peggy I have never heard of Black Friday. What does that mean? I finished my Christmas shopping today, and I am not going into any more malls.... except maybe if there is some teriffic sale on something ;) .
Maria, Lily explained Tijuana perfectly. Most of the people going over the border parked their cars on the US side and walked over. We decided to drive and maybe go further into Mexico to see what it was like. :eek: .. big mistake. We were absolutely swamped with men, women and children running up to the car and wanting us to re-upholster the interior of the car, or to buy pottery and leather goods. It was really difficult driving because DH had to be careful not hitting anyone. The smell was horrible, there was no way we were going to eat or drink anything. Intead of going further, we just drove threw the little town and tried to make our way back to the US border. We got stuck in a very long line of cars and again were constantly pestered to buy things. We couldn't wait to clear the US customs. We have never been to one of the resorts, but I do think it is the only way to go. I know Slavika went to a resort and had a wonderful time.
We have friends who liked to go to Lake Chapella, the enterior of Mexico. One time when they were in Guadalhara (sp?) a truck stopped, heavily armed police got out of the truck, put a hood over a man and dragged him into the truck and sped away. Many a time they were stopped by police on the hwy. and would have to pay them so they could continue. I don't think it is a country where you want to be driving.:yikes: But then again, I am not the bravest person.. things like that make me so nervous. :chicken:

Talk to you all later... :grouphug: :wave:

G'day all,

Interview went allright but it is a semi government department and one has to go through all the correct procedures:dizzy: I was interviewed by a panel of 3 and the whole thing took over an hour. At the end they wanted me to do a role play. Once upon a time I would have freaked but I have done so many role plays when I was a manager in a large telecommunications company that they do not faze me and I know I do them well.
They rang me back last night and I have been shortlisted, another person and myself now have to have a medical and another interview for the final decision to be made.
I could do the job standing on my head, I am not particularly fussed if I get it or not. It seems a very nice organisation and the people that I met were friendly so should I be succesful I will definetly accept the position.

Lily sorry to hear about your dh and his impending 'lay off'. Whilst we were pleased to hear dh's boss talk of next year etc. etc. but who knows, his boss could get the flick tomorrow and we could be back to square one, everything is still very uncertain. One good thing is that Lucent shares are on the way up:cp: hope they continue to do so.
Thank you for your explanation about Mexico, it was not at all what I would have imagened. I also find the constant hassling of people wanting to sell you stuff very annoying, that was one of the reasons I did not want to go to India. I had heard from some of dh's colleagues who had worked in Mexico, that it was a rather dangerous place, also something I can live without;) I had this picture in my head of seeing Herb Alpert and his Tijuana brass on every other street corner:D Oh well we will just have to scrub Mexico of the list of places we may want to visit.

Black friday here is Friday the 13th, black friday for Peggy has to be different.

It is a warm day here today and I have spend the morning watching son play cricket. I will go back to watch the end of day's play shortly. There are 2 Canadians in ds's team, they are out in Australia playing in the World Cup.

Have a great weekend all
Cheers
Maria

Hello all,

Has been a very busy holiday for us. We went to my Aunts for dinner yesterday. It's an hour and a half drive so was tired last night. Then didn't sleep all that well last night . Not sure what the problem is maybe just my age catching up with me. Today went and did my weekly food shopping. Also bought a new coffeemaker. The one we had was junk:censored: We had to warm up each cup we drank in the micowave. What a pain! hope the new works better:crossed:

We are having another Thanksgiving dinner on Sunday with DD and Family , DS and family and my parents will be here too. DS's wife had to work yesterday so they weren't with us and DDwas just staying home enjoying her new house now that she has heat, lights and plumbing. I'm going to make Lily's pie:T

Maria sounds as if the job might just be yours good going. I love your confidence. You don't let anything scare you and I loved how you said you needed to "tart" your self up to go to the interview. I was :lol: at that one.

I made a quick trip into Target today. And to Walmart. Wall to wall people.

Trudy how nice to be done with Christmas shopping. :bravo:
I haven't even started. Got to get in gear as it's not far away now.

Glenda glad you are on the mend.

Peggy how's your jacket turning out? And the family Party?

Slavika Shmoo Cake? If there is lots of calories I'm sure I will like it.

Did I tell you all" that you know your getting old" when your granddaughter gets her first period:fr: That was a very traumatic day for all in volved. She was aware of what it was. But it was hard on her and her mother and her father was in shock. And remember there was no plumbing:stress:

Well I think I'll go to bed and see if I can sleep tonight.
Have a great weekend all of you.
Karen

Peggy: Your jacket sounds wonderful! Have fun at the party!

Trudy: I never heard of Black friday before this year either. Its to boycott the busiest shopping day of the year. I have been doing it for years, and didnt even know it. Cept my boycott lasts until after Christmas. I wont go into a mall until after. I hate all the people.
Yep you got Tijuana perfectly :) its a horrible place!

Maria: Sounds like the interview went well. Never heard of having to do a role play in an interview tho. Probabaly would of freaked me out!

KAren: Your poor Grand daughter and with no plumbing. Poor thing.
Your brave to go shopping. I finished my shopping last week. Still got a few things to do, but they will be bought on the internet.


Have a great day all!

:grouphug:
Hi Everybody
Maria more information on Mexico....
Trudy is right, DH and I did go to Mexico on holidays about 10 years ago. We went to a resort area called IXTAPA, which is on Mexico's Pacific coast. The Sierra Madre Mountains are not too far from there, and also a small fishing village called Zihuatanejo. One of my most favorite movies is the Shawshank Redemption. In the movie a banker who is in prison, accused of murdering his wife says, if he ever gets out he is going to go to Zihuatanejo, where the water is always blue, and buy himself an old charter boat, and spend his days working on it. Zihuatanejo is pronounced zee-wat-ta-nay-oh. :) (sort of)
The Mexican people who live in the area mostly work in the hotels and other tourist type places so you don't see the same kind of proverty that you would in Mexican cities that are more inland. The people we met were just wonderful.
A couple of times after that we went to Texas to a place near Brownsville. That whole area in and around Brownsville, McAllen, and Weslaco have a whole bunch of Senior's Parks where many people from the USA and Canada (they are called snowbirds) go for a few months to get away from the winter). The Rio Grande River runs along side of these towns. When you are in Weslaco you cross a bridge over the Rio Grande River and you are in Mexico. The town right there, as you come off the bridge is called Progreso. Almost everybody leaves their cars on the Texas side and just "walks" into Mexico. In the little border town of Progreso, I believe each owner of a shop is responsible for the "sidewalk" outside of his establishment. Now this sidewalk, could be made of stones, bricks, patio blocks, wood or just mud. You MUST wear sensible shoes because nothing is level. As you walk along, the owners of the different shops try to entice you to come in and look/buy something in their place. LOL LOL even the dentist stands outside of his shop trying to coax you to go in and get some work done. :D Many of the people who live in the area go to Progreso to buy their alcohol, silver jewelry and leather goods. When we were in Weslaco, Tx. we took a bus tour with guide to a Mexican City that was bigger then Progreso, that was called Matamoros and DH bought two really nice, all leather duffel bags (one for himself and one for our son). DH still uses his as his carry-on for the plane. I just asked him if he remembered what he paid for the bags and although it's been ten years he says it was such a good deal that he knows they were only $15.00US each.
Maria I would certainly go to Mexico again and if I wanted a more sun and ocean holiday I would chose one of the resort areas. Mexico is certainly a lot cheaper then Hawaii.
Lily boy you are one smart gal....doing your shopping while sitting at your computer.
Peggy I assume that "Black Friday" simply means the huge shopping day that follows right after Thanksgiving???
Karen I guess the Shmoo Cake would not be too deadly as long as you just had a small piece.
Well gals, as Maria says, time for me to TART myself up. DH and I are going out to a restaurant with his co-workers for a Christmas
get together.

G'day all,

It is a very warm sunday afternoon, dh, ds and future d-i-l have walked to the beach for a swim whilst I get 'stuff' ready for a barbeque.

Thank you Slavika for your slant on Mexico, that sounded more like the Mexico I would want to visit. I had thought leather goods and silver jewellery would be particularly cheap there. My dd loves anything silver and I have bought some lovely pieces for her that had been imported from Mexico.

Karen I haven't even got a grand child yet, let alone one that is starting periods :eek: Hope your coffee maker is working well. I gather that many of you have coffee makers, not many of my friends do and neither do I. I don't think they are as popular here than what they appear to be on your side of the world. I buy 'Maccona Indulgence' granulated instant coffee.:T

Lily yes I agree it is unusual to have to do a role play in your first interview, it is usually in the second or final interview. I rang an old colleague of mine yesterday afternoon and I will be having lunch with her next week. When I told her I was interested in getting some work, she told me where she is now working (a mobile telephone company or cell phone as some of you call it) they are badly needing people in 'credit management'. The last 12 months that I worked before Lucent, I managed a team of 14 in credit management and I quite enjoyed the challenge. I wouldn't want to manage a team again but to be part of a team would be OK.
It is good to know that there are a few possibilities and the job market is not as bleak as I thought it would be. Most of the young people go to Melbourne or Sydney for the big jobs in large corporations, lil' ol' Adelaide is a bit of a backwater!

Well I best be off and get the salads together seeing that is the reason I did not go to the beach!

Cheers
Maria

Hi everyone, It is a little snowy here and cooold. The party was so nice. It is good to see all my nieces and nephews and their kids. My sis had 4 kids and my brother had 9. My niece who had the party made us all little snowmen favors. She made them out paper mache and some out of salt dough. One was cuter than the other-it was hard to pick one. She has the prettiest house. She finds great antique furniture at yard sales and thrift stores. One of her neighbors had a beautiful huge antique armoir [sp?] had the curb for the garbage man. She hauled it home. I never find any thing like that. Karen enjoy your new coffer maker. My son gave us a new one a few years ago. It is also has a cappacino maker on one side. My friends son is in the coffee business. I have a freezer full of coffee beans. Karen how traumatic to get your first period and have no plumbing. I don't know how the pioneer women ever survived. I probably would have been embarrassed if every one knew. Trudy we went to Cancun a while ago. It was fun and it was a cheap trip. My niece was in the travel business and she had to fill a plane with agents. She let us go for the agents price. It was $149 for plane fare and hotel for 5 days. The drawback was it was in August and it was so hot. Then a big storm came in on the day we left. It was a hurricane that was heading our way. There was water every where in the lobby. We didn't know if we were going to get to leave or not. We were lucky to get one of the last planes to leave. There was a lot of cheering as the plane took off. That is my only experience. We went to the Dominican Republic a few years ago. It was gorgeous but there were armed police walking the grounds and all the workers delivering things wore a gun. We got sick. Never want to go there again. Black Friday is supposed to be the day that the stores get out the red and start turning a profit. Wal Mart certainly did well. Maria hope you get the job if you want it. Sounds like you have some options. Have to go get busy and make some more snow kids and work on my jacket. Hope it turns out wearable. Peggy

Maria: Just stay away from the border towns in Mexico and it is very pretty. I would love to go to some of the beach resorts someday. Hear great things about them.

Peggy: I need to go shopping with your sister! I never find bargins like that either. Cant believe some one put that out for the garbage man. Why doesnt that happen around here? Probably does, I just dont ever see it :)
As talented as you are Im sure your jacket will come out beautiful.

Slavika: I have never heard of IXTAPA. Did a search on it and it sure does look nice. Looks like its close to Acapulco to. Shopping on the puter is the only way to go :) I buy alot from the computer. Even Peanut Butter that I cant get here. :)

Have a great night all!

Slavika- Funny you should talk about Brownsville. My Aunt and Uncle and a lot of people I know go there for the winter. (they call it Northren Mexico) My Aunt wants us to go there with them when Dh retires. She is only 5 years older than I am and we have always gotten along more like sisters. We were planning to go and check it out this winter but have decided on a Vegas vacation. Plan to meet both of DH sisters there in January.

Had a big dinner here with the family today all went well and as always there was too much food. I was sending care packages home with everyone. All I have left is a small bowl of Yams and a bit of turkey.

Was out at my DD new place and was helping her get stuff put away and get rid of some of her junk. (she is a pack rat) We spent hours on just clothes and closets. I think she is going need to help keeping the place up. So I'm thinking of giving her a bi weekly cleaning service. I'll wait and see how it goes intill her Birthday in Febuary. Maybe between the two of us she'll manage. She is quite overwelmed as her other house was so small. and this is so big:dizzy: Who knows she might rise to the occasion.

Lily you are right about shopping on your Puter. I ordered a dress and shoes from Pennys with no hassel. Didn't have anyone bugging me while I shopped. It was great. I will be doing more that way.

Well it has been a long day and my neck and shoulders are killing me. I took a muscle relaxant and it is kicking in.
Karen:yawn:

Wow, you all are so busy and so creative. Maria - the fact that you aren't even a little bit scared about getting a job just astounds me. And Peggy - making your beautiful appliqued jacket as if it is nothing. Maria - I just love to "hear" you talk. The getting "tarted" up just is so funny.

We live close to Mexico. My brother used to go to fish and he told us such horror stories that I have never wanted to go to such a poverty-stricken, truly dangerous place.

Over the weekend my university and our in-state rival played football, and we WON! We beat OU! Such great fun! Their coach is really good, but people tend to think he "walks on water" and that we are so laughable, but we at one point were 35-6. We just are darned good. This morning I have heard that donors are throwing money at the athletic department. We have a horrible football stadium and have had a doozy of a time trying to raise the $100 million for a new one. I think maybe we might get there now.

Had a truly wonderful Thanksgiving. Family is so important, isn't it? Went to see the worst movie imaginable--Solaris. It was so bad I don't even know what it was about--and I have seen it!
Glenda

G'day all,

Another beautiful day here today. I planted some agapanthus first thing this morning. I got some from a friend and some have the flowers already on them. I know I should cut them off but they look so nice that I will just make them struggle to survive WITH the flower on them;)

DH is off tomorrow to the desert in northern South Australia to view the eclipse.

http://www.assa.org.au/observing/eclipse2002/

I am sure it is quite a phenomenon but it doesn't do a great deal for me. I do remember as a very young child (6 or 7) that we had an eclipse over the Netherlands and we all had a bit of glass that was painted brown to watch the eclipse through, I still remember it quite vividly.
DH will be watching it from the Woomera Rocket Range in northern South Australia, he got a permit to enter the range, that is another long story which I won't bore you with.
Woomera is so desolate and hot that as you drive along the highway in the middle of summer, in the shade of each power pole is a kangeroo getting some relieve from the searing heat.

Glenda I have to say it is years of practice going for jobs that it no longer fazes me.
To give you a very brief outline of my employment history you might understand why.
I was 14 when we came to Australia and spoke no English. We all had to go to work, I was in second year high when we left the Netherlands and always enjoyed school however the big adventure of going to work in a new country was very exciting to me. Little did I know that rather than being looked upon as 'interesting' coming from another country, migrants weren't particularly liked, they were seen to be taking the jobs of Australians. From the age of 14 to the age of 19 I had 23 jobs :eek:, you name it and I worked there from biscuit factories to nursing homes. I was never that good at process lines in the factories and invariable was asked to leave. In the biscuit factory I stood all day putting the tops on cream biscuits as they went along the production line and girls at the other end packed them. Unfortunately quite a few of mine had the top missing and I was demoted to packing the dog biscuits! I understood little and when I finally found another dutch girl, I was asked to leave for talking too much!!!!By the time I was 19 I got my first 'decent' job as a receptionist in the emergency department of a large hospital. I only got the job by telling them that I could type (never learnt) and that I had my high school certificate. It was the only way for me to get a job that I wanted. I was lucky the girl I worked with did the majority of the typing and I was happy to do the other crappy little jobs. From there I became a flight attendant and then married and when my children were little I went back to school and did get that elusive high school certificate! All my working life I have had to fight and bluff my way into getting the jobs I wanted. I can assure you there were many, many knock backs and at times I did despair if anyone would ever give me a 'fair go'. Now at 57 I know what I can do, trying to convince an employer is still not always easy.
I have always enjoyed studying and learning new things, there have been very few years that I did not do some sort of course. Well, there you have it, not quite as brief as I intended........... :D

A little over 3 weeks to THE wedding!

Have a great day all
Cheers
Maria

:grouphug:
Hi Everybody
GLENDA, you are right of course some places in Mexico are just not that safe, but I think that is true of a lot of holiday places. We went to the Dominican Republic a few years ago, to an area that is much like parts of Mexico, in that the people who live there don’t have that much. Once again, because we were in a resort area, and it was all-inclusive, we didn’t venture very far. We did take a couple of little side trips but the people at the resort arranged for a taxi to come for us and then WAIT for us while we had a “look see” and then he would bring us back. The taxi driver took us to a large market where all kinds of things were sold. T-shirts by the hundreds, beaded everything, cheap watches, silver jewellery, sandals, and even fruit and vegs. When we first arrived at the market and got out of the taxi a young man, say about 18 – 25 yrs old came up to us and told us he was the “secretary” of the area and we would have to pay him money to look around market. We kind of just looked at him like he had lost it and then our taxi man had a few words with him and he went away. I suppose though, if you did not have someone with you, like we did, it would have been a bit scary, and you likely would have felt compelled to pay him.
The people who work in the resort areas both in the Dominican and in Mexico really do their best to make sure that you have a safe and happy holiday. The border towns, are much different and so are the places that are more inland and are not near the ocean, where tourism plays a big part in the economics. When we went to the Dominican a friend told us to take little presents, like inexpensive cosmetics, wrapped candy, school supplies, like pens, pencils, markers, things like that, and to leave a little “gift”on the pillow in the morning before we left our rooms, for the maid. The local people who work in the resort areas send there children to a “better” school but it costs them money and they have to pay for all the child’s school supplies IF they can even find them. When they do find them, they are very very expensive. We did take little gifts when we went, and our maid really appreciated them and took extra good care of us. She brought me a little vase of fresh flowers every second day or so and laid out our fresh towels and wash clothes in such a pleasing display with fresh flowers tucked into them. Some of the resort guests complained that they didn’t get fresh towels until late into the day, but we ALWAYS had fresh towels. She really was good to us. :)
KAREN, I laughed when I read your post and thought to myself, who knows, maybe one day when we are all retired we’ll all end up in Texas someplace, in one of those great parks, and get to finally meet each other.
DH Christmas party was great on Saturday. We had a private room in the restaurant some of the Bank staff arranged one of those “ To Solve a Mystery game” for us. It was fun.
Talk to you all soon.
Oh......one more thing, Glenda, I'm glad you mentioned seeing that movie. I saw the commercial for it on TV and it actually "looked" like it might be good. :lol:

Hi Everyone: Just got finished reading everyones posts. I have not been getting the email notices once again. but have been busy as my DD and SIL were here for a few days. And so we were busy with them. Tooke them to the airport this a.m. and now am trying to get laundry done, just generally get back on track.

I know I did not do well over Thanksgiving, but I enjoyed every bite. Now it is back to the grindstone. :lol: the never ending struggle.

Did anyone watch the Christmas Shoes movie on CBS last night. We decided it was a 3 Kleenex movie, but a good one.

Maria: I enjoyed hearing about your job history. You are a very capeable person. It comes from all that experience over the years..Good luck on the possible new jobs. It is nice to be able to choose .

Now it is getting all the Christmas frenzy to be calm. We have two programs here, one with our 'kitchen band' on the 9th and one with our chorus on the 16th. I am in the first one, and direct the second one. We also go caroling around the park to all the shut-ins. And then of course there are cards to do and shopping to finish and packages to mail. One thing I do not do anymore is make Christmas cookies. My tendency is to eat too many of them.

We went to Cozumel in Mexico on a day trip from our last cruise. Strictly a resort town. Also went to Cosa Mayo, a comparitivly new resort area, but within driving distance of some Mayan ruins. Went there on a side trip from our cruise ship. Driving out in the back country on the bus, one could see the general poverty. We are so blessed in what we have. And too often we take it for granted.

Hi everyone. Time for bed. :yawn: :wave: Ann

:grouphug:
Hi Everybody I was just thinking that when I type a post I hesitate to use the Canadian spelling for some words because I think you guys would think I can't spell.........well, actually, I probably can't spell :D, but thank goodness for the dictionary and spell check. The reason I was thinking about it just now is that you spell "jewelry" and we spell it "jewellery". Every time I spell it the Canadian way of course spell check says it's wrong and so does my American Dictionary. Maria is the Australian way of spelling words the same as the American or the Canadian?? For an other example we spell "honour" and the American's spell it "honor". My mind is a little blank now:) :) but maybe Trudy can remember some of the other words.

Ann I saw the movie last night too, and I cried so much, that this morning when I woke up my eyes were swollen. :lol:

Back again..........

Slavika yes we spell like the Canadians, eg. colour, jewellery, honour, centre and we pronounce the H in herbs!!!! We also use 's' rather than 'z' eg realise, visualise etc. etc.
What does it say about Australians and Canadians????? I have some thoughts..........:D

I have to share the following. DD has written a poem that she will recite at the wedding ceremony of ds.
DH and I both sat their sniffling towards the end of it.
I guess I survived dd's wedding without making a total, sniffling fool of myself, the pressure is on again :D
Here is the poem

December 26, two thousand and two -
A day to remember for the rest of your life.
You have started the day as just two people in love
But will end it forever as husband and wife.

It’s a brand new beginning, the start of a journey
With coming days and years to cherish and treasure.
You will learn from each other, grow old together
And blend two lives into one perfect whole with pleasure.

The love you share will change moment to moment
As even in marriage you each remain unique.
So place your faith in the ebb and flow of love, of nature
And you will discover the life of love and happiness you seek.

Live happy as lovers and friends, enjoy the road ahead
Never take for granted your glimpse of heaven’s view.
Begin life on this course as you stand there together
From the moment you whisper, “I do”.

With your friends and family here on this beautiful afternoon
David and Peta understand we are here for you always loving and supporting
We all wish you both an eternity of joy and dreams fulfilled,
Of patient understanding, laughter and a love that is never ending.

We didn't realise we had such a talented daughter or perhaps we are just ever so slightly biased :D:D

Cheers
Maria

Karen: That would be nice if you can get someone for your DD to keep the house up. Will make her happy :) Good way to get rid of those leftovers. On thanksgiving they tried to give me some but I said No.

Glenda: Solaris, the previews looked good. Guess I wont be seeing it. Sounded pretty bad. Great news on the team winning. Hope it helps get the money for a new stadium!

Maria: Wow that is alot of jobs in just a few years. You have had a very interesting Work history. Centainly have come a long way from way back at age 14! The eclipse really doesnt do anything for me either. I have seen it a few times. Looks like a pretty area tour DH is going to. That first pcture is awesome!
You have a very Talented DD. That poem is wonderful!

Slavika: Never thought of that about the gifts. If we ever make it there I will have to remember that! Makes it nice when you get the extra attention! Your Christmas party sounded fun!

Ann: Didnt see the movie. Wish I would have, sounded good! I like those tear gerkers. DH does not and just laughs at me. I cried in Spirt (Horse Movie) the other night :)

Maria & Slavika: You are to funny! I dont care if you spell the way you are use to. Go for it! Im am the worst speller in the world. Dont use spell check either :)

Must get busy. Later!

Hi all: I had never given it a thought that Canadians and Aussies spell some words differently. And did you ever think about the difficulty of the English language. All the words that are spelled the same but have different meanings - or the words that sound the same, spelled differently. Like the Polish come from Poland, and I need to polish my table, or pair, pare and pear.

Maria: What a wonderful poem. Talented girl. Keep a stiff upper lip and you will only shed a few tears. That is to be expected.

I have been enjoying a PBS special with all the old folk singers, like the Limelighters, Kingston Trio, New Christy Minstrels, Glen Yarbouro, Brothers Four, just to name a few. such fun to hear those great songs, and sung by the original artists, all a lot older.Grey hair and all.

Still making some more table runners. My DD got hers early when she was here, so she could use it to decorate for Christmas. She was thrilled with it. I'm afraid that time is going to run our on me, as there is so much going on. I haven't even thought about Christmas Cards yet. :dizzy:

I did get on my scales this a.m. for the first time in a couple of weeks as I was chicken to read it, and I was pleasantly surprised as I had only gained 1/2 lb. Couldn't believe it. Don't understand it, but will accept it happily.:D:

I am having to log in now everytime I want to post. Am not sure what has changed, but something must be different.

Hi all. Slavika, Trudy, Karen, Peggy, Glenda, Lily Talk to you tomorrow. :wave: Ann

Interesting to read of all the different ways we spell words. I don't ever think that you have misspelled anything. I know that different countries spell things differently. I do have a question-what is a biscuit to you Maria? Is it what we call a cookie? Maria you have had quit a work history. You can do a lot of everything. Can't believe that your wedding is coming so quickly. Your dd wrote a beautiful poem. There will be lots of tears. Slavika it would be funny if we were in the Dominican at the same time and place. We stayed at the Iberostar Dominicana. Our maid took good care of us too. We didn't make any side trips. It was sooo hot when we were there we didn't leave the grounds except to walk down the beach to the little straw market. Ann hope you get a table runner finished for you. I am still working on my jacket. I won't get it finished for my weekend with the girls. It is supposed to be really cold anyway and I don't know if it would be warm enough to walk around the town all day. We are stopping at an outlet mall on the way Friday and I hope I can find a few presents there. I am getting behind in my shopping.n Ann I need your musical talent for Friday night. We have a talent show in the cabin and my friend and I have been assigned to singing I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus. I am NOT a singer so this should be interesting. We had a little practice the other day. Now I have to come up with the props. Glenda hurray for winning. I hope you get your nice new stadium. We have a nice pretty new one here for the Bungles[oops I mean the Bengals] I wish I could send you. I will cross Solaris off my list of movies to see. You can be our movie critic since you go a lot. Lily are you enjoying that nice California weather? How are your classes going? Karen and Lily since you both shop on the puter do you have any hassle with returns? Have to go clean a little. Don't know where all the dust comes from.

G'day all,

Onto the next thread, see ya there.

Maria