Support Groups - Over 50 and Getting Healthy #10

I thought I'd start this over here because, with the crash, we were back to our old haunt in Support rather than Support Groups, where they'd put us after they upgraded. I'm hoping everyone will find us! We'd just gotten Jacquie back when we crashed, and Kate came along after November, too.

Boy, I had 3FC withdrawal yesterday. I'm so glad they worked hard to get us back up and running. I remember I'd just posted with a story about my Dad so I will start there, I guess.

The other day, I went to give my Dad his mail and knocked on his door. After knocking several times, I opened the door and peeked in to see him sitting in his favorite chair in front of his desk, with his TV on. I called "Dad!" loudly a couple of times and still no answer. My heart just about stopped. I ran back into our section of the house and opened the bathroom door where my DH was sitting on the pot. I told him I needed him to come and help because I was scared to check on my Dad. My poor DH had to finish his business in a hurry! While he was zipping up, I thought, hey, this is my Dad, I need to be brave. So I went back and got really close to my Dad and yelled "Dad!" He starts, and says, "Huh?" I've never been so relieved! He swears he wasn't asleep and that I must not have knocked loud enough. Yeah, uh-huh, right! My grandmother had a stroke in the same chair--my Mom re-covered it, then I re-covered it last year and gave it to my Dad because it was his favorite chair and he'd sat in it so much he'd sprung the cushion. So, I have some strange memories of my sister and I finding my grandmother, and I had a major flashback when I saw my Dad sitting there. Pretty scary stuff.

Well, we had a "major snowstorm" that dumped 4" on us. Now, anywhere else I've lived in the past 15 years, that's just a sprinkling of snow. Here, it's a major event that the news stations covered all darn morning, causing me to miss my noon soap opera, "All My Children." I only watch that one show during the day, so I get grumpy when it's preempted by news about snow. I mean, you can only talk so much about snow, in my opinion, but they managed to stretch it out until 1:00 pm. Sheesh!

I hope everyone is doing well. Jacquie, how is your Mom? I really hope she's doing better. I'm sorry about your friend's sister. That's so darn young to go. And Charlotte, your SIL is so romantic, although that was rather a dangerous stunt! I do hope he gets home by Valentine's Day. It was pretty scary reading about what he's been going through. He's in my prayers as is Jacquie's mother.

:wave: Good Afternoon SHEILA, WoW :o What an experience to have with your DF... I am so glad that he is alright and it was only a scare. I have been in that situation when my DFIL was alive. He passed on this year at 87.

What a Beautiful grandbaby you have there (under your name)!!! She is really Precious! You just want to reach in and give her hugs :lol:

I am so glad to see you and really do hope that the others find their way back too :^: I spoke to Charlotte (ANGEL-LOVER) this morning and she will be on later.

We are in the midst of a snowstorm too... getting it off of the lake, Lake Erie. I think we have gotten over 12 inches here and it's still snowing. And COLD!!!! Only 12* right now with a minus in windchill - burrrrr.

Joe & I had such a wonderful Christmas & New Year Celebration with our friends, but I sure did miss posting to you all and all my other friends here in the forum. He is back to work now, so I can try to catch up a bit again. What an awful thing to happen to the 3fatchicks... they have such a good site here and are trying so hard to fight the huge battle of "bugs and virus's" to stay alive. My heart goes out to them.

:wave: "HELLO'S" to BLUET, WILLOW, CHARLOTTE, JACQUIE, PUSS, KATE & LODDIE:wave:

I'll be back later...
Luv's,
:sunny: SunnyD

Hi.......WOW what a mess for 3fatchicks! I feel so bad for them. They worked so hard on the new site! We'll pray real hard for them......

Sheila...I know that was a scare for you with your dad. Did your DH get to back to the bathroom?:dizzy: Poor guy. I know you must have several scares with your dad...he's very fortunate to have you.
Thanks for the concerns for my SIL. He's sending emails almost daily...getting so anxious. I just hope he keeps focused on what he's suppose to be doing, & doesn't get careless. I worry a lot. They're so happy....she's already called ahead to Oklahoma & rented them a house. Of course, that's what she's suppose to do, if he is coming home. I just don't want them to get disappointed. He sent her a long email today of what he missed about the kids & her. The things that doesn't cost any money. How he had wasted time that was precious, & was planning the future. I'm going to be very nervous til he's home.

SunnyD...good to hear from you in pm, & here. It's been a long, long day. Finally got water thawed up. We extended "Tennessee Valley Now" to one hour....so I get home later. Also, I was working only 3 days a week. (most of the time) Now, I go in the other 2 days in time for that program. It IS better....just not for me.:o Glad holidays are over, so I'm not so tempted with the foods. You asked about my treatment in the pm....I'm doing ok, now. Only the very cold weather does affect RA a lot.

Well...need to do a few other things....hope everyone is back soon. Have a great evening.
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Okay, everyone, come out, come out wherever you are!!

We need a roll call!

Hey, it was my first day back at the gym today and it felt great. The snow is almost gone, and the temps have gone back up to a normal 40 degrees at 8:00 am.

Gotta go, but hope to see others posting soon!

Hi....ok....I sent a private message to Willow, Bluet, Jacquie, & Fatpuss. Maybe they'll find us soon. I'll go post to the others...they were the first ones I found.

Sheila...that 40 degrees sounds good. It's VERY cold today. Around 10 or 12. I just get chilled so easily. Had to go into town...if I could stay home, it would help so much.
Glad you're enjoying your exercisng.http://www.animation-station.com/anigifs/anim1869.gif

Talk with you later. Take care.http://www.sunsetangel.com/angels/graphics/cherub203.jpg

ok.....I found Loodie...but, somebody HELP I can't find KATE!! http://www.emotipad.com/emoticons/Dunno.gifhttp://www.agifs.hpg.ig.com.br/criancas/menina7.gif

I've sent a private message to all I've named...is there any I've missed? http://www.emotipad.com/emoticons/Banghead.gif http://www.techhelpers.net/e4u/comp/comp03.gif

YAY, I found you!!! I couldn't sign on last night. Finally got that fixed, but by then it was late. What a shame for 3FC and so much work to get everything running again.

Angel: It's very cold here too. It's been windy and that cuts right through you. Single digits tomorrow and Saturday then into the 20's Sunday. That will feel like a heat wave. I will keep your SIL in my prayers. I know how hard it must be for your family to have him so far from home and doubly hard for him being separated from all of you.

Sheila: Your heart must have been pounding to find your dad like that. I'm glad that everything turned out all right. It does feel good to get back to exercising. How often do you go to the gym? I made it to Curves 3x this week:cb:

SunnyD: We live near Lake Ontario so I know all about lake effect snow too. Haven't had too much yet. Last year it just kept coming and coming! I could do without another winter like that.

Hi to Willow and Puss and everyone else:wave: Hope you'll be back soon.

Tomorrow is weigh-in day for me. I'm looking for it to be a good one because I've cut down drastically since my December feeding frenzy and have exercised regularly. Hope I won't be disappointed.

Take care all,
Kate

Hi everybody!
Geez! 3fc really took a tumble, huh? What a shame! I wonder what happened? They worked so hard just recently to change everything around too.

How has everyone been? I've been pretty good except for this blasted hip.

Charlotte, how did you get our info to send us PM's? hanks, by the way for sending that to me. I knew where you were, I've just been so busy I haven't posted. Anyway, I thought you had to find a post from a person in order to send them a private message. Or did you do a search on everyone?

I'm going to send you all a PM with my e-mail address in case this happens again so we can keep in touch.

I'm sure the rest of them will find us. It's the same as before, except they will have to log on again.

I think I told you about my friend and co-worker, Brenda, who suffered the heart attack last Thursday.

I've been working overtime this week, or rather I did Tuesday and Wednesday. I turned it down for today and tomorrow but agreed to work Saturday from 5 AM until 1 PM. I was soooo tired yesterday and I couldn't get warm! I sat down to answer messages and fell asleep sitting up!

I've been exercising every morning for 45 minutes.

Good Lord Sheila, what a scare you had with your Dad! I remember of that happening once before and you got a good scare. Poor hubby! He was probably glad he WAS sitting on the toilet! :lol:

Hi Sunny! Glad you're back here! Is the mister back to work now so you can spend some time with us? ;)

Hello Jacquie, Kate, Bonnie, Loodie, Puss, ... Hope I didn't forget anyone.

I had 1230 cals today.
Brkfst; = 1 c. mixed bran cereals, kashi cereal, cheerios and wheaties, (no milk) and 1 1/2 c. green grapes.
Snack; = 1 mozzarella stick.
Lunch; = peanut butter sand. of 2 sl. sprouted grains bread and 2 tbsp. natural peanut butter.
Supper; = 5 oz. skinless, boneless chicken breast cubed, made into stir fry with broccoli, onion, red sweet pepper, pea pods, green beans. 3/4 c. acorn squash with ICBINB spray & 2 sl. sprouted grains toast.
I started this a week ago today, and I weighed this morning and I was down 4 pounds. :cb:

When I got up this morning I almost fell because when I started to walk, my hip hurt so bad I couldn't step on that leg for a while. I tried to do my exercises and I couldn't even do those. So, I grabbed my 3-pound weights and leaned myself against the arm of the couch and stood on one leg most of the time and did upper body exercises with my weights. I kept stepping on that leg more and more as I got ready for work and was able to walk on it at work today but I'm really limping bad. I called my DR at Mayo Clinic, (or rather his secretary) and she's going to set up an appointment for me. I'm hoping that he will still give me that steroid injection into the hip joint. I'm scared to get it, but I'm desperate for some relief so I'll try anything.

Brenda's brother came to work today and said that they moved her to a local nursing home today and anyone who wants to see her is welcome to come, but to keep it positive for her daughters who are there.
He also said there are no brain waves, and we may see some movement and not to interpret this as a positive sign because it is only involuntary movements and sounds.
They have her off everything except a heart monitor and they're giving her morphine. He said it will probably be a couple of days yet.
I can't make myself go see her. I last saw her when we worked together one day and she left early that day, and I want to keep that memory of her as my last one.

I have a bunch of e-mails to answer and I want to get to bed early again tonight.
I even remembered to gas up my car (how about those prices!!??) and take out the trash. Wow! I'm cookin' tonight!
See ya all!

Sorry, but this will be brief tonight. Hubby is home and he likes my attention.

*******

Yep... he's back to work WILLOW, so I will be able to post during the days again. Just won't be nights or weekends very much (when he's home). You see... http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/11/11_1_103.gif it's just the two of us and all we have is 'one another' (no children) & he works long hours and has meetings some evenings (meeting nights I can post or like now when he's taking a cat-nap), so when he is home we like being together. Right now he has dosed-off on the sofa and so I snuck in to check before I shut down for the evening ;)

WoW WILLOW,
down 4 lbs!!!! I am so very happy for you!!! As happy as if it were me! :bravo:

Oh... I sent you my e-mail address through the PM, but didn't get yours? http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/23/23_1_36.gif

Hi KATE, Good to see you! I wasn't able to get to know you before, just didn't have the time to post then, so glad for the oppertunity now :) I go to 'Curves' too! Love it there. Boy, am I feeling the pain from today's workout - I had not been in over 3 1/2 weeks! You are so good to keep going! :cp: My next weigh-in won't be till Feb. now *note the bottom of my post*

SHEILA, It was my first day back to exercise after the holiday's too... it did feel mighty good - didn't it! Good for us both!!! Good for us all getting back on track!

ANGEL, That is so cool that you PM'd everyone to bring them together again... it is so frightening to think we could lose touch with one another after becoming friends. You are just such a cool lady! So smart!

*******

Well, I hear my hubby stirring and my three boys (my kitties) are letting me know they are hungry & it's time to feed them all. I feed them their snack 'wet' food at night, so they let me sleep longer in the morning ;) --- it really works!

So happy to see everyone coming back!!! Hope that BLUET finds her way back, I am worried about her :o And PUSS, LOODIE & JACQUIE too!!!!! Where are you all?

Till tomorrow... Sleep well everyone!
Luv's,
:sunny: SunnyD

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KATEY DID!! KATEY DID!! KATEY DID FIND US!! http://www.whittibo.com/files/happy24.gif
Oops....sorry for the pun, Katey....just got excited!:o I hunted everywhere for you, so I could pm you! So glad you made it. I DON'T LIKE COLD WEATHER! Guess I don't have much choice right now, though.

Willow...glad to hear from you. Thanks for answering the pm. There's no address there, though. I did send you mine. I have mine all over the place,even on almost every page in my other website....so, I don't mind. I trust all of you, anyway. Everyone do be careful for awhile. I wasn't really surprised about the crash here. One of the pc's at the station crashed...my sister's crashed....I had a LOT of trouble with mine the other night. Gateway said they had been bombarded with calls. Someone is messing with emails. Not just a virus.....but, also, people wanting to do all kinds of things to pc's. http://www.stopstart.fsnet.co.uk/mica/MiscPC.gif
Sorry about your friend & co-worker. I know what you mean about wanting to remember her the way she left that day. If she knew you were there, it might be different. But, as it is, it would just bother you & not help her.
Good job on the weightloss!http://www.techhelpers.net/e4u/animal/1118.gif
Take care of that hip.

SunnyD...I understand about being with your DH. I would be with mine....but, he just watches those news networks all the time...they really get on my nerves. He won't talk...wants to hear every word they say.:^:
Thanks for the compliment....but, it wasn't a big deal. I just went to the old messages & at the bottom of their posts I clicked on the pm & sent them a message. Just couldn't find a post of Katey. Almost panicked! Gotta check in the morning to see if anyone from the other thread may be lost. I sent one to Fatpuss, Loodie, Bluet, & Jacquie....so, maybe we'll hear something from them soon.

Sheila...hope you're doing well. Gotta go...getting sleepy. http://www.chubbuddies.com/forum/uploads/624_kitty3.jpg

Hi Everyone,

Yes, I found my way.. Since 3fatchicks upgraded and now the crash it is more like trying to get into Fort Knox.

Sorry I have been so negligent, it hurts me that I am so over whelmed at work and have had a couple of viruses to go along with it and have not had the energy to post. I have been reading along though to keep up. It helps me to keep my sanity, other wise I would feel like I am floating alone with my troubles. You all keep me grounded

Thank you Charlotte, I will pm my email address to all of you so we never loose touch.

It is almost eleven pm and I am really tired and must go to bed. I have been going to bed at eight every night this week, but fell asleep in front of the TV tonight. We have one more Christmas visit to make with DH's family this weekend and then we should be done. I will have some time this weekend to post.

Take care :grouphug:

Bluet

Having a problem getting a reply box up but hope this gets to our page to let you know I will have another go after work tonight.
Best wishes to everyone
Fatpuss xx

Yeaay! Got there!! Am I getting Old Timers or did we not have a dialogue box before the crash? Has everyone got to click 'Reply to this thread' in order to get a box up or is the box visible on the screen when you read the posts?
Angel - I emailed you before I managed this because I noticed the site hadn't updated my new email address from weeks ago, you are a good little shepherd! I am now late for work so must rush and will speak to you all tonight, good friends.

Fatpuss!! So glad you got back! I sent you my email address. Thanks for the pm. I don't remember what all we had before the crash. "sometimers":lol: I have hard enough time trying to keep up with the present.:^:

Well, girls.....almost crashed last night! I have Windows XP, so apparently it's not just Windows 98, as Gateway thought. I sent my daughter an email....almost didn't get it sent, as it kept stalling. Then, that message about the virus came up...like it did at the TV station! I wouldn't click it...then on top of it came SEVERAL pop ups! Wouldn't stop! They were things I had no idea of. Things about viruses. I was afraid to click to take them off, or to shut down my pc! It was late, but, I called my sister. She's my pc guru :lol: (even though hers crashed!) She said not to touch anything until I call MSN. I did....& they helped me get rid of all of them....but, then the internet went off & wouldn't come back on. They had me to turn it off & back on, & it came back. This morning I found they had upgraded my MSN (was supposed to wait for CD), & I haven't had any problems, so far. No pop ups at all. That was too close!:s:

Bluet glad to see you made your way! Sorry you're feeling so bad. There's been some kind of flu or virus going around here. I've been very fortunate. Of course, with all my meds, I guess all germs are frightened off!:lol:

Hello to SunnyD, Willow (got your pm, thanks), Sheila, Loodie, Katey, Jacquie......have a great day! http://www.agifs.hpg.ig.com.br/animais/leao2.gif

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Well Hello BLUET :wave: It's so good to hear from you today... I received your PM today - Thanks! I saw that allot of groups are exchanging their e-mails at the thought of never hearing from one another again if this site were to crash again. I think it's a great idea. Now I have your e-mail in my address-book and will send you mine on Monday when I next get the chance to post. I try to get in when Joe is busy (like now) or not home.

I am so sorry that you are feeling so down - I wish I could do something to pick you up and bring you Joy again. Although, I have found it a bit harder to stay positive in this very dark and cold temps here. It is so very cold! Seems to be that way everywhere. It makes me feel sleepy... I just could not stay up for my favorite shows last night, I was in bed and asleep by 10:00! Feel better Bluet :grouphug:

Evening ANGEL, I guess I am lucky when it comes to what Joe watches, he pretty much likes the shows I like. He is not a big TV person at all - I am more then he is. And since I got my new Radio/CD player for Christmas I listen to music more. It really perks me up. I have two favorite stations - one is Christiian and the other is Big Band & Swing music - just beautiful to listen to, sometimes they play some old jazz music too. I hear allot of Dean Martin, Fred Astair, RoseMary Clooney... you get the drift. It is so mellowing to listen to. I needed it today!!! I spent the whole day downloading UPGRADES from MICROSOFT and my new ANTIVIRUS for the year. It took all day!!! Whew! So glad to hear that all is working better with your cp again. I still have a huge upgrade to download (3 hours!) but am going to do that another time next week. I am done for now.

So good to hear from you PUSS! It is so concerning right now that people won't find us... so glad you did. Hope the others find their way too! I don't think I understand what you are asking as far as the forum goes. Sorry I cannot answer your questions... Hope to see you back again soon. I really do miss reading your posts - you always have such a neat way of telling your stories :)

*******

I got so much done today! I backed up all my files and folders so if something were to happen to my computer I will not have lost everything (I have so many pictures!). I had to pay bill's (yuck! :p ) and balance my checkbook for the last two statements! I didn't do last months, so I had double duty today. I wrote some e-mails to my family. Did the MICROSOFT UPGRADES & ANTIVIRUS UPDATE... And I made two appointments - one is for a mammogram on the 20th of Jan. and the other is an appointment for my Left eye to be checked again on the 19th of Jan. I am okay with that eye... no pain or anything, just pray it stays healthy and I don't lose it to cancer. And they are rechecking my new glasses - I don't think the right eye is right. So that's what I did today :^:

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Well ladies, I must be joining my hubby for the evening & relaxing... You all take care of yourselves now and I will try to get in a post over the weekend, if not I will be here on Monday. Have a wonderful weekend with your famililes.
Luv's,
:sunny: SunnyD

Here is a picture Joe took of me in my New Glasses... I am holding a card that my Uncle (who is handicapped) made for me. I sent him this picture to Thank him for the special card he made us for Christmas. It was his first card and he sent it to us - so Special!

This is the Radio I was telling Angel about... I am going to change my kitchen into a 1950's style (eventually) and I am doing small things right now as we can afford to do it. This is a very Special gift from Santa-Joe! My sister got me a 1950's clock! I will send that next for you to see. :)

Here is the Clock my sister sent us for Christmas... see the radio on the counter behind it? The Auqa colors match... so cool!

Thanks for letting me share ;)
Night...

Hi everybody!
Today was ok except for about 1 1/2 hours after lunch when the time just dragged.

I stopped and got my new license tabs and put them on, then stopped at the grocery store and picked up some salad fixin's and some veggie burgers.

I have to work tomorrow from 5 AM to 1 PM which means getting up at 3:30 AM, but, next week I'll be glad I did.

I finally discovered something I really like for a meal, and I think I'm going to start taking it to work because it's so simple. Dry mixed cereals and fruit. I mix several kinds of bran cereals, Kashi good friends cereal, cheerios, wheaties, and have a cup of that for breakfast with some kind of fruit, Today it was green grapes, and green tea. Really easy to carry.

So far today I had 970 cals. I might have an apple yet.

Charlotte, sorry to hear you've been having problems with your pc. I know there are people who do mean things on the 'net, but I'll never understand why. What good do they get out of it?
I wouldn't know how to do such things. I can barely do the ordinary stuff.

Hi Bonnie! So glad you made it back here! Don't worry about it if you can't always post a lot. Just so we know you're alright. We'll be here waiting for you! :D
I don't know what your private troubles are, but, if you don't feel comfortable talking about it here, you can always e-mail me. I'm here to be a friend and to help if I can.

Puss, as far as I know, we've always had a box to type our message in. I'm not sure I understand what you were saying. You haven't been imbibing any of that wine, have you? :lol:
Anyway, I'm glad you made it back here. Did I send you my e-mail in a PM? I have forgotten already! :shrug:

Sunny, I LOVE that radio and clock! That room is going to be sooo cool!
I also think you're a very pretty lady. Love that pic of you holding the card. You have those enviable high cheek bones.

Well, 3:30 AM will come mighty fast so I better get to bed. See you all tomorrow. Have a wonderful evening!
Let me know if I didn't send my e-mail address to you.

Hey! The 'Reply' box is back at the end of the page!! It's the grey area to the right of 'Quick Reply' and 'Your Reply'. It was missing yesterday and I had to do the little icon on the same line as 'All times are GMT' etc. Anyway, enough of this, I am begining to bore myself, never mind you girls. One thing though, when I did manage to get back in, they had my old details for email address on here even though I updated my new one weeks ago so I didn't get any emails from Angel or Willow. Probably saved me from hackers though. My new one should be there now.
Sheila - I love you having that baby GD as your icon. I could just kiss her to bits (though I know it would not be good for her, bless her). She is such a beautiful little doll. You had an awful scare with your dad, we would all be very sad if anything happened to him, I fell we know him and his little antics well now so I think he should be a proxy member of this site.
Willow - so sorry to hear about your friend at work. I can understand you wanting to remember her as she was. Well done on the 4lb loss - fantastic. I hope you get some good treatment for that hip, it must drag you down somewhat because there's no way of avoiding using it say like a sore elbow.
SunnyD - you little style-setter you. Your radio/CD is lovely, and your clock. I hope your eye examinations go ok, you have certainly had it so rough health-wise. Your DH reminds me of my late FIL who always watched the news on TV but fell asleep within 5 minutes of watching it. DH and I would change channels after a while and he would wake up immediately and say he was watching the news. It was bunkhum cos he wouldn't have been able to hear it through his great big snoring session!!
Angel - I must have missed some posts. Is your SIL coming home from Iraq? Your DD must be thrilled. Thank you so much for gathering all us sheep back to the fold after the crash.
Bluet - I know how you are feeling right now. I have been so desperatly tired all week going back to work. Take it easy and post when you can. I know you like English bodice-rippers and I have discovered a new author who writes about a fictional Victorian detective in London. She injects the story with social manners of the time, politics and living conditions (Oliver Twist days) and is easy to read and un-demanding after a day's graft. Her name is Anne Perry and her books include The Whitechapel Conspiracy, Southampton Row etc etc. You may enjoy one I browsed at a bookshop last week about a young man being sued for breach of promise (still law in the 1960s) who would not give a reason for reneging on a promise to marry a London heiress.
Kate - Wow, at Curves 3 times this week! Well done. I have done nothing this week. I didn't go to aerobics on Wednesday as I was so shattered and went to bed early. How did the weigh in go?
Jacqui - Hope you are ok and can post when you are able.
I had a late night call from my best friend up North asking if DH and I fancy flying over to their place in Marbella, Spain next week. They have a holiday apartment set among the playground of the rich and famous (that's definately not me!) and I would love to just get away right now but both of us are snoozed under with work so it's not possible. It's a shame because her DH suffers with health problems and depression and he needs cheering up.
For some reason he finds me funny (I am begining to think that my mother's madness may have evolved in me in a different form!!!) and my friend said he needs cheering up. Weather is lovely and warm in that part of Spain right now too so it is a shame. It was a huge shock to the system for DH and I going back to work after a long break but now that all borders have abandoned ship and it's just us two, we plan to hibernate for the weekend and read and have siestas. Bliss!
Take care everyone, xx
PS - still no weight loss but will go back to swimming and exercise next week, like Scarlett O'Hara I will think about that tomorrow.

and they wanted us to go

Hi everyone...still having problems.:s: Not going to stay here long. Gotta work on pc.

SunnyD...you look beautiful in glasses! They're a lot like mine. I love the smaller frames we have now. That clock & radio is great! I can just hear the music, almost. Only, I'd be tuned to the classics of the 60's....like "Roses are Red" by Bobby Vinton.:lol: Your kitchen will be a showplace. Mine is suppose to be apples...if I ever have one.:^: I have all kinds of things bought for it. I wish I lived close to you. There's a store here that's real reasonable on prices that carry mostly the antique-looking things you are needing. You'd love it! It's called Roden's.

Fatpuss...yes, as far as we know, my SIL is due back around Valentine's Day (middle of Feb) He has to be careful what he says in emails....but, in decoding :lol: ...his name was on a list of ten people who are over units to come back at that time. He went ahead of his unit to Iraq to prepare for their return...so, he would return ahead of them, also. It will be a year in March..so this does make sense. He reminded Gina of how he had surprised her in the middle of the night of Valentine's Day (Feb 14) after being gone for 1yr to Korea! So, she got the hint....& has a house already rented at Fort Sill, OK for them. She will be leaving in about two weeks. I dread her & grands going...but, had rather them all be together, than for my happiness. He gets out of the army in 7-8 months, so they'll be coming back "home" then. He's been in the army for about 10 yrs....was going to retire as his dad did, but, this is too much...being away from his family & not helping raise their children...so, he's getting out.
It is still scarey, though. That helicopter that was shot down with 9 people in it this week, was his unit, & some of his men! He's still in such danger! I worry about all the military. Every morning when I turn on my pc & read how many soldiers have died while I was sleeping make me cry.
We think his dad is returning also. We heard his orders had been cancelled. I hope so. He's not in the best of physical condition.

Willow...so glad you made it through your first day. Did you get your steroid shot yet? I can't imagine getting up so early to go to work. I do get up that early sometimes, when I can't sleep. I get on the pc, though...don't have to go to work.

Hello to Sheila, Loodie, Katey...anyone I miss...I'm just in a hurry.

Gonna go work on pc, & I too, have to pay bills, etc, SunnyD! http://www.bigfatbaby.com/newfun2/joke/baby6.gif

It's been another very chilly day here. I've been content to stay inside and get some housework done after I ventured out this morning to Curves. It was tooooo cold....I hate to hear the snow crunch.

Angel: Thank you so much for trying to find me after 3FC was up and running again. I'm so glad that I found this thread. You're all wonderful, very welcoming and I'm enjoying getting to know all of you. Hope your computer problems are fixed. I hate it when something goes wrong because I don't understand any of the technical stuff:?: I can imagine how stressful it must be waiting for your SIL to get home. Prayers are surrounding him.

Puss: I'm sure that you could cheer anyone up....your posts always make me smile! I lost 4# which makes me so happy, but I'm finding it harder to stay on track now that I'm back to work--not during the day, but evenings. Last night was our out-to- dinner and grocery shopping night. I ordered chicken and brought half of it home. However, I ordered a cup of New England clam chowder to go along with the dinner so I should have been full:o Hope you're have a relaxing weekend. I love it when I can curl up with a book and read all day!

Willow: How was work? I bet you're really tired tonight. I like cereal in the morning too. Right now I'm into "real" oatmeal with some sunflower seeds and a wee bit of brown sugar:T Got your email address--thanks! I'm so sorry about your friend Brenda.
Have you heard anymore? How's the hip?

Sunny: Your picture is great! Did your uncle do the drawing on the front of the card? It's very good. I love all the pictures you insert in your posts...so cute. You have a great idea for your kitchen. Like your clock and radio. We remodeled ours a few years ago and I went with a flower theme since I love to garden.

Bluet: The holidays are such an awful time to be sick because there's so much to do. There was a lot of flu and sickness around before the holidays this year. I read in our local paper the other day that they think it might have peaked already. Hope that you're able to get lots of rest this weekend.

Hi Sheila:wave: Hope you're having a good weekend!

There's nothing on tv tonight so guess I'll read a couple magazines that I haven't gotten to.

Take care all,
Kate

I worked by myself today and the day went by pretty well actually. Usually overtime does go by fast for me.

on breaks I made out my menus for next week and a list of "to do's" for when I got off work. I got most of them done too.
I stopped at a couple of stores, including the health food store. I'm going to go broke in that place. Their smoked chicken is soooo expensive, but it is also so very good!

I had split pea with turkey ham soup for supper and it really hit the spot.

Puss, glad to see you made it back. I'm sure the rest of them will get back eventually too.

You passed up a chance to go to Spain?!?!?
You must be a ritzy-type person with all the traveling and rich sounding people you hang out with. :D
For some reason though, every time I start to picture you as a ritzy lady, I immediately have a mental image of you waiting at the airport for Sheila, sitting on your hubby's shoulders waving your feet in the air. :spin:
How is your Mother doing since she went home after the holidays? I bet it seems quiet at your house now, doesn't it?

Charlotte, I pray that your son-in-law makes it home safely. I know you have got to be under a lot of tension while he's over there.

No, I haven't seen the Dr yet about my hip. I'm waiting for his secretary to call me back. I thought she would have called yesterday but she didn't. I had a call on my cell phone on Thursday and I'm assuming it was from Mayo because the number was from that town, but they didn't leave any message.
I'm doubling my celebrex now to see if that helps.
Another woman I work with had arthroscopic knee surgery recently and she is as heavy as I, and she told me today that her Dr told her that Glucosamine Chondroitin is effective, but you have to take a larger dose than is recommended on the bottle if you're obese or overweight. He told her to take 2500 mg a day. She said she did and had relief within 2 weeks. So, maybe I'll go back to that. I had taken it for a couple of months and didn't notice any difference so I quit taking it and threw it away.

I will be glad when I can go to my pc any time I want to without worrying about getting up for work the next day.

Question; And don't laugh either! Have any of you ever experienced a sensation of something crawling in your abdomen? Alright, cut it out!
I know it is NOT gas. It is a slithery fluttery feeling and every once in a while it feels like a jerk, like something is tugging on it from within. I swear, it's true! You can actually see it moving!
I thought it might be spasms of the diaphragm or esophagus because I have GERD with that hiatal hernia. Anyway, it doesn't hurt at all. Just gives me the heebie jeebies.
All I've got to say is it sucks to get old! You have to be really brave to do it.

Kate, it was pretty nice here today. Not too awfully cold and the sun out a few times, but tonight sitting here I can't stay warm. Must be some air getting in around a window or something. This house I live in is eight days older than dirt so I'm sure I'm being fuelish as all get out.

I love the sound of snow crunching. :D I think snow makes everything look clean.

Yup! That's the kind of oatmeal I have too. The old fashioned kind that you have to cook longer and it keeps it's shape. Mmmmm!

Yes, I've heard more about Brenda, and the more I hear, the more I think they're doing this too quickly.
Yesterday after work seven of the women from work went to see her. She is a big Bono fan and a totally dedicated Vikings fan, so they were talking about things such as that and they said she reacted to them with a wide-eyed smile and raised herself up in the bed. They said she looked at each of the seven of them by making eye contact and holding it for a while. All around her bed, from one to the next. When the nurse administered medicine, she made a face like it didn't taste good. And when they were getting ready to go, her closest friend Kay kissed her and said I love you and they said she started crying really loud for about 3 minutes.
I don't know how someone can do all those things and not have any brain waves. I think I'd wait a while yet to see if there is some improvement. But, it's her families choice. I bet it's going to be more than a couple of days though.

I do need to get ready for bed. I am tired. More tomorrow while I'm doing laundry.

Hi, everyone!

Bluet, glad that you made it back, but sorry that you're ill. I hope you feel better soon.

SunnyD, I love the glasses! And that new radio is wonderful--the color is great. So are you going to put in a dinette set with those silver chairs and stuff? Like the old '50s diners? I've seen a couple of kitchens like that and they are really cool. Hey, I should have saved the old formica floor from my house--it was quite popular in 1957 when this house was built.

Willow, I shudder to think how early you have to get up to be at work at 5:00 am. I couldn't do it. I can count the times I've been up really early like that on one hand, well, maybe two hands. Oh, I got your PM, but the e-mail address wasn't in it.

Puss, that's such a bummer that you can't go to Spain. It sounds like a wonderful place to vacation. I hope you're enjoying your hibernation weekend with DH.

Last night I went to meet four women I went to high school with. One of the women is the receptionist at the salon I go to, and the other three I haven't seen in 30+ years. I was kind of nervous about going, but I rested, took 1/2 of some medication (followed by wine--really mellowed the old muscles out!), and put a Therma-Care wrap around my neck and wore a turtleneck under my red sweater. I recognized everyone right off--isn't that funny! Everyone looked 18, with just a few wrinkles and two of us had grey hair. If you ignored all that, we could have been in high school again. :) We made about as much noise as a gaggle of high school girls! I had such a good time, and we're planning on getting together again in the spring, inviting mothers (I'll have to share--I'm the only one who no longer has a mother) and some other girls we knew in school.

I was thinking I'd be a couple of hours at the most, but we ended up spending more than three hours at the restaurant. I'm proud to say that I didn't go hog wild with dinner--had 1/2 piece of thin-sliced garlic bread, didn't finish my ravioli, and tried to scrape the dressing off my salad (should have ordered it on the side, but I forgot), and drank only one glass of wine. Somehow the carafe that three of us were sharing was emptied, but, hey, it wasn't me!

I was in quite a bit of pain when I got home, but a massage by DH, more medication, and a good night's sleep helped. I'd started taking this new medication at night earlier this week. It's supposed to have a sedating effect, which isn't what I'm really looking for, but I thought I'd try it. Every night I've taken it, I've had incredibly wild dream and haven't felt rested at all so I didn't take it last night, just my usual medication, and I had a great night's sleep. That tell's me something!

Today we took the dogs for a walk. My 17 year old dog just isn't walking the way she used to, except when we see a squirrel. So we're getting a pet squirrel and teaching it to walk on a leash. We figure we'll put it on a leash longer than the dogs' leashes so it will walk ahead of them, and the dogs will walk fast to try and keep up. Doesn't that sound like a good plan? :lol:

Charlotte, hope you get your darn computer back up to snuff!

Oh, dear, more weight again today. DH got some Kentucky Fried Chicken n chips last night and although I don't really like it, well, you know what I am saying. Kate, I agree that food-wise we do better at work and the danger zone is when we come home and relax in the evenings. Even if I eat a meal already prepared, it must be that I feel I deserve a reward because I will have some cake or chocolate later on when I know I can't be hungry. My sub-conscious must convince me that I have survived the gauntlet of the corporate world or something and I must be rewarded. Speaking of KFC, we saw a TV programme last week about America's fattest people who are to be found in Houston, Texas. It was really good and one section compared the size of a fast food meal 10 or more years ago from the same company with the size of the one they serve today. It was twice the size! I know that no-one forces people to eat those quantities but the companies do have a lot to answer for. I know my uncle in Florida (ex New York) said that eating out is cheap in the USA but I never knew how cheap. One lady on the show ordered pizza delivery for delivery to her home and it was half the price of over here. Her young son of 8 was very obese too, poor lamb, but I couldn't help think that in Texas surely the steaks are relatively cheap and she could do him steak and salads. I know my lad would have loved that. One poor lady was over 42 stone and had had a stomach bypass reversed after having problems. It was an interesting programme because they say over here that what America does today, we do tomorrow and I can see it in the fast food outlets (though we don't see a fraction of the companies you have over there).
It is a fact though, that everyone I know who has been to the States on holiday, the first thing they say is how big the food and drink portions are compared to ours. Another interesting point made was that for everyday, Americans eat out and for special occasions they will cook at home. In the UK it is the opposite way. I don't know how true that is of the USA as a whole because it's such a massive place and I can't see little out-the-way places being so different to us.
Angel - brilliant news for DD and SIL! How clever are they talking in code! My friend's DH fled Iraq more than 30 years ago after persecution and is pining to return to see his aged sisters but is still too frightened yet, such was the terror under Saddam.
Kate - I love the US way of taking home from a restaurant food you don't finish. We never do that here and I am wondering if it is a portion issue again. Also, if DD and I ever leave anything on our plates at a resaurant, DS and DH fight it out over who is going to eat it!!
Willow - you have got to be kidding me, a ritzy-type person, me?? I am your hokey fenokee (?) swamp thing who has never managed (or tried) to lose her provincial Northern accent in 30 years of living all over the place. I am that girl who prefers a working man's cafe to the latest over-priced, place-to-be-seen wine bar or cafe, and at 5' 1" you can't get more down-to-earth ha ha. You could dress me in Chanel and I would still look like a rag bag. I have had that crawling and grabbing sensation in my lower abdomen years ago and thought it was a small hernia. I was really painful for a minute or so until I felt it return to where I think it came from. It usually happened when I was trying to squeeze a zip up on my jeans. I hope your pain is not too bad right now. Quicker you get to the Mayo the better, eh?
Sheila - sounds like a great get-together with your high school chums. I went to a huge renunion some years ago and it was interesting to see the snotty-nosed admirer I had who no one fancied had turned into a Tom Sellick at his best lookalike! The school heart throb who was tall, thin and had long, sunny-blonde hair had gone bald and must have weighed 20+ stone. Oh, life is cruel. I loved the pet squirrel idea, you can take some of ours back when you come to the UK. Since my lovely Alfie died, they raid my garden in pairs. I am sorry you have had a lot of pain, curious that the meds made you dream like that. Every night I have either nightmares or dreams where I am on a quest and so detailed I recall it all the next day. No wonder I am always tired, I am saving the world all night.
Best wishes to SunnyD and to Bluet, Jacqui and Loddie wherever you are.
Special kiss to Sheila's darling x

Good Sunday morning to my friends. I worked on pc all evening Saturday....so, with all the downloads...I'm going to try again. My pc is faster...I sure like that. It had gotten really draggy. The best thing I downloaded is "Window Washer". It cleans out all your files & you can set it to clean automatically. Cost is $30.00 yr. I highly recomment it. That's when my pc started running faster. I thought when I deleted my files, they were gone for go....not so...it showed me they were still there! Just hiding for hackers to go in & see where all I go. I also unplug my phone line to the pc (I have a separate line) when it's off. This keeps anyone from going in through my connection & downloading things I don't want. Yes, that was being done to me....I still suspicion the same person as before. Just can't prove it. I hope she didn't crash my sister's pc. If so, I hope I don't find out.:s: I'd hate to turn her in to authorities.......but, I would. Her dear mother was such a good person & loved me sooo much....& passed on last year......& I miss her soooo much. Too bad her daughter didn't take her traits.:(

Get back to the good life here:
Fatpuss.....Yes, we do have large portions here in restaurants. More than I can eat. Since I've been taking the chemo (I call it my Thurs. night "junk") , I can only eat a little at a time. So, every Sunday, when we go to our favorite restaurant...I get the buffet salad (love it!) I eat half of it....& take the rest home. That's my supper! I usually have DH cut me off a bit of his (very large) steak...& I'm full. I get amazed at him eating.:lol: He gets the salad (all you can eat buffet)...A large steak, baked potato, 2 toasts, & tea! Eats every bite! Never is more than 10-15 lbs overweight. He loses any extra weight on the larger jobs he works on.:D
Not everyone eats out most days & cooks on holidays....but, it is true of a lot of people. Most DH & DW work, so it's easier to just pick up fast food or go out than to cook. We go out most of the time on Friday nights...then on Sunday after church with pastor & wife. Some nights, when I'm really tired...I'll pick up fast food. Wow! You're right....& it tells on tv a lot of times about the way the U.S. is overweight.
I wouldn't think it would be safe, yet, for friend's DH to go to Iraq yet. There is so much killing over there between each other! There's some that are fighting the change taking place.......ungrateful for the soldiers being there to help......& Al Quada still trying to stop it.

Sheila...sounds like such fun you had with your school buddies! I got irritated at a table full of ladies cutting up at a restaurant the other day. I'll try to remember next time what fun they must be having!;) You made me stop & think. Thank you.:) I'm glad you enjoyed it. I still think of myself as that age, & when I see a school friend (which is rare) in town...it's as if we're in school! Time certainly gets away.:dizzy:

Willow...I've heard that Glucosamine is really good. Maybe you didn't take enough of it...or long enough.
I take it that the "movement" in your stomach is the upper portion, since you thought of the hiatal hernia. I had a hiatal hernia about 10 yrs ago that inlarged & was pressing on my heart. They had to go in & "repair" it. Rough surgery. Cut through stomach & chest wall...like heart surgery. Now, they can do it by lapryscope. But, before it got so large...I was having that feeling of fluttering & crawling. Dr said it was the hiatal hernia slipping up & down (kind of) as it was growing. Sometimes it would cause me to cough or choke. Once at park with DH, it choked me until I threw up. Very embarrassing!:o Since the surgery, though, I haven't had any more problems with it. Believe me....I'm not laughing at you..........although, I WAS tempted to tease you.......just a little.........ok........:p I won't.;) Just be sure to tell your dr. Wouldn't hurt to check it out.
That was really something about your friend. Sounds like she does know what's going on...at least sometimes. Or, could be, she was given that opportunity to say "goodbye". I've heard of it before. I'm sorry for your sadness. Praying for you.

Katey...thanks for the prayers. Please keep them up. I get more stressed as time gets closer. This same daughter lost a boyfriend a few years ago in a car accident. He was on his way to pick her up for a date & hit "head on" with a truck going around a curve. They both were driving too fast (Scottie always did.) She has never fully recovered. Still goes to his grave. So...we are very protective of her. I believe this is one reason Chris is planning on getting out of the army when his time is up. He has about 7-8 mos left. Been in service for about 10 yrs.
I kept a small gold trunk of their "things" for her all these yrs. It was in the storage unit where our belongings were all stolen. She asked her twin, Trina if the trunk was there.....Trina told her she didn't think so....that it was probably in the shed here at the house. She's never asked me. Trina lied to her. She feels like we shouldn't tell her until Chris is home safe. I have mixed feelings. I don't want to keep it from her...but, know how it's going to effect her. I sure do dread telling her. I also feel guilty......told her it would always be safe.

Well, ladies...I've got to get ready for church. Have a great Sunday. http://www.sacredpages.com/Atyourside/girlkitten.gif

Hey, we have the new board back!! Huray for 3ftcks!!

I'm going to post a few of the Christmas pics...need to delete them out of my documents. Hope you enjoy them...& aren't too bored! :D

This is DH & me at the TV station party.......we were "on the air". Managers fixed the studio to look like a restaurant with singers...Then I'm one of the singers...then others:
YOU CAN CLICK ON IMAGE FOR LARGER VERSION!http://www.animation-station.com/anigifs/anim1869.gif

Just a few more...I'll get family soon.

There was a lot of people there. This is mostly the staff. :) I'll post more later. Hope all have a good Monday!http://pluto.imagemagician.com/images/nancyloo/GOTTARUNturtle_joy.jpg

Hi, ladies!

What great photos, Charlotte! Looks like you had a great time. Your DH doesn't look too thrilled, but maybe he doesn't like his photo taken. He's a good lookin' guy, though, out with his beautiful wife, so he should be smiling! :) I like the one of you at your desk, too. That's so sad about your daughter's boyfriend, and such a shame about the trunk. I'm sure she'll understand that it was out of your control--please don't feel guilty. Be mad, be very mad at the person who did it.

Fatpuss, that's so funny about the people at the reunion. I went to a 10 year picnic, and haven't gone back to any reunions since. I do remember seeing a kid who was not all that great looking in H.S. who was absolutely gorgeous later in life. As I was telling my friends the other night, though, the H.S. football quarterback and basketball star lived where I used to live. I saw him once, and, dang, he still had all his hair and was tall and athletic-looking with a gorgeous wife. It wasn't fair! I saw an article in the news about portion sizes here, too. I know that portion control is a big reason for my weight gain. We're just too used to supersizing everything. I'm interested in seeing what Dr. Phil does with his Teen Weight Loss Challenge, and I heard he was really putting money into reversing childhood obesity. Lots of kids are getting adult problems like Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure that are directly caused by being obese.

Got "needled" today by the acupuncturist. Definite reduction in pain afterward, and this time she didn't hurt me too bad--no burning (did I mention that?) or making me scream because she was "stimulating" the needle. I really need to go lie down with a hot pack, though, to get the maximum benefits. Instead I'm here--oops!

My daughter comes home from Chicago tomorrow. She called in tears because she's leaving her boyfriend and doesn't know when she'll see him again, if ever (he's got 3 more months of training, then he gets his assignment). She really wants to come home right now, but then again she doesn't.

We had a kind of watery sunshine yesterday so we took the dogs for a walk along the beach. They enjoyed rousting the seagulls, and were quite intrigued with seagull poop. Today it started out pretty sunny, but it's clouding up nicely. I'm just thankful it's not snowing and it's not 18 degrees!

The doorbell just rang. I went to the door and there was my Dad standing there. He'd forgotten his keys, so he'd locked himself out and couldn't even get in his car because he'd forgotten his car keys, too. Poor guy! Makes me doubly glad it's not really cold outside. At least we were home this time. The last time he did this, it was in the 30s, and we were gone for about 1.5 hours so he sat on a bench by the front door until we got home.

Hope everyone is having a great day.

Good evening,
Is anyone else having trouble with the forum again? It's not remembering me so I have to keep logging in.

Angel: I enjoyed your pictures. It's nice to put a face with a name. Your daughter has gone through some rough times. I can understand your concern about telling her about the trunk. It certainly wasn't your fault though and as upset as she might be that it's gone I'm sure that she won't blame you. You've actually had someone you know hack into your computer? Unbelievable what some people will do.

Sheila: Glad you were home to "rescue" your dad. Maybe your visits to the acupuncturist will get better each time. I hope so. Your poor daughter...she'll be having some hard days ahead. Is her boyfriend from your area so that he will be able to get home before he leaves on his assignment?

Puss: Portions here are large. And one of my problems is that I was always made to eat everything on my plate when I was growing up. It's hard for me to break that habit. Some people I know just immediately ask for a doggie bag when their meal comes and put half right away to take home. I'm not that disciplined! If I really get full I will ask for one though.

I've been doing so bad since Saturday. I just had such a hankering for sweets and I gave in to some chocolates. Then one of the ladies at work had a b'day today so there were treats. I literally forced myself to go to Curves...had no desire, but I knew that I had to work off some of the extra calories. I hate when I do this to myself. I know what started me off. DH decide this weekend that he's going to Munich in 2 weeks with our DS. We finalized the plane reservations yesterday. I'm nervous thinking about him going which triggered my eating. At least I know the problem...now to stop it!

Hi Willow, Sunny, and Bluet:wave: Hope you've had a good start to the week.

Take care,
Kate

Back to work today. One day weekends are simply too short.

I didn't get any exercising in this morning but I did do some stretching exercises for about 15 minutes.

When I got home from work today I rode my stationary bike for 30 minutes, then I did 2 miles of the WATP tape.

Brenda passed away on Saturday, and so did Rita's father. Rita is the woman who is going to start exercising with me. I hadn't been able to get ahold of her and found out today it was because she was out of town at her parents house.
Brenda's visitation is tomorrow and the funeral is Wednesday.

I have to get up at 3:30 AM tomorrow to be to work by 5 AM, then I have to go to the visitation for Brenda at 5 PM, then my little 5-year old grandson is in a program called "winter sing" at 7 PM, so tomorrow is going to be a long day for me. I may not get a chance to post tomorrow.
I think I'll get my breakfast and lunch for Wednesday ready tonight so all I'll have to do when I get home tomorrow night is shower and go to bed.
I'm suppose to work overtime all week again, but, we'll see how I feel.

I need to go get ready for bed. Have a great day everyone.

Willow...I'm so sorry about your friend, Brenda. I thought about your post of her looking around at her visitors, then crying at the good-bye kiss. She must have known she was saying good-bye. I'm sure she care a lot for you, also. You are in my prayers, my friend. If you need to talk privately....pm, or email. I love you, as if I've met you in person...want to help you any way I can.http://gilly.0catch.com/emoticons/fuzzyhugs.gif

Katey...glad you enjoyed the pics. I know in a way it wasn't my fault about the trunk. But, I feel I should have kept it with me. The apt we had to move to after the fire was only two rooms & a bath, & one small closet, though. So, we put everything of value in the public storage....thinking it would be safe. My dad's things were also in there...lots of sentimental things. What I think about, though...when Scottie was killed, Gina wouldn't have anything to do with me. She would push me away...at the viewing...the funeral....weeks afterwards. She was even cruel to me...the way she would lash out. I didn't understand. She was young & hurting...figured she just had to take it out on someone. It wasn't until 2 or 3 yrs ago that I finally asked her why. Her dad worked out of town a lot in those years, & I had to say what they could & couldn't do. The twins had just started dating pretty regular....& I had to be the one to say yes or no to everything. DH would come home & get loving & be loving, then leave again. I loved Scottie & was fairly free with their dating...but, still, firm. The night he was killed, there was a hay-ride at church. That's where he was headed. Instead, I showed up to tell her he was dead. She said it was as if I was saying....you can't date him anymore! She said she didn't know why she felt that way....& apologized. I didn't need the apology...just wanted to understand. Of course, she was young & didn't know how to handle her feelings. But, it makes me nervous to tell her about the trunk. She trusted me with it...now, it's gone forever. I don't know if she'll blame me...I do. I can't help it. If I blame myself, then, why shouldn't she blame me. I just can't stand the thought of her turning against me. I know she's older now & more mature. A very beautiful & responsible young woman, with a good head on her shoulders. But, she still has deep feelings on this subject. Just need prayers. I'm going to spend a day with her soon...& tell her.

Hi Sheila....thanks for the compliments. DH was having a great time. He doesn't pose very well for pictures! I've been working on that with him, lately. I think he tightens up, or something. I've just gotten used to it, I guess. Only thing, I seem to look the same in every pic....just different clothes. :lol: Thanks also, for the encouragement. Maybe it'll work out.
Sorry about your daughter's sadness. If she gets to come home to talk with mom, it will help her a lot.

Hi Fatpuss, SunnyD, Bluet, Jacquie, Loodie...hope I didn't miss anyone. http://www.gifs.net/animate/a-garfb.gif

Dear me! Dialogue box on page 2 but not on this, page 3. Kate, I had to log on all over again too. Anyway, just glad we are all back again. Have to get ready for work but will call back tonight.
Have a nice day, everyone.

Oh, Willow, I'm so sorry about your friend Brenda. I had thought maybe she would get better since she responded to her visitors. You will have a bittersweet evening having to go to calling hours and then to see your grandson. I used to work in an elementary school and got such a kick out of the little ones. It's such a cute age. It sounds like you'll have a very busy and emotional week. Don't let yourself get rundown. And remember we're here for you to share if you need to.

Angel: You'll know when it's the right time to tell Gina about the trunk and the right words will be there for you to comfort her. Since she hasn't brought it up to you maybe she suspects and isn't ready to talk about it just yet. It's so hard to know what people are thinking. You're her mother and I don't think she'll turn against you. It's something that was out of your control and as hard as the loss might be for her I'm sure she'll see that. Don't be too hard on yourself.

Puss: How was work today? I didn't have any trouble getting into the forum tonight so hopefully you won't either. We're in a deep freeze here and it's supposed to just keep getting worse over the next few days. What's the weather like there? If temps are anything over 10 degrees send them our way please!!!

Hi to everyone! Talk to you tomorrow. I want to hop in the shower before Frasier comes on.

Take care,
Kate

Hello to everyone! Just a short one for me.

A balmy 50 or so here in Western Washington. Only about an hour and a half before we leave for the airport to pick up our daughter. What does she want to do first? Go out to dinner, of course!

Hi Everyone,

Hope you are all doing well. I have had a sinus infection for over a week now. The antibiotic I am taking makes me sick to my stomach. There must be a clique here somewhere about the medicine that is to heal you makes you sick, but it eludes me. My brain is not functioning well this week.

Last week was the week from ****. As you are aware from my whinning before Christmas we had that famous lay off at work, and I was feeling over-whelmed trying to keep current with the extra work and keep on top of my own work too. Well the big printer did some sort of pretending to die stint. It took three days and two trips for the printer guy to get the thing functioning normally again. The the main frame computer failed to organize the files in a logical way and several important programs were a mess. It took me until today working with the programer to get things back to normal. What a costly project, especially now when the company is low on funds. All this and everything smells wickedly awful and tastes just about the same. Plus Mr. Magic my friend at work is constantly nagging about one thing or another.

We are suppose to get 3 to 5 inches of snow this evening, with a little more to follow. Then the temperature is suppose to dip quite a bit, I think it is 22 degrees right now. Last week it was down right frigid. some people in our group love winter, they will go un-named, but try as I might I just cannot bring myself to embrace frosty wonderland.

Sheila, so glad for you that DD got to come home for a visit. I hope the weather stays nice for her time at home. Your Dad is a hoot. Thank goodness you don't live here, imagine how long your Dad would last on the porch step in our frigid temps.

Charlotte, lovely pictures, you are staying really slim too. Hurrah for you, or as the saying goes "May the force be with you." One day I hope we will be able to hear you sing, perhaps you will cut a cd just for us.

Willow have you seen that doctor yet? Anxious to hear how you are doing. Sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. I finally got all the Christmas decorations boxed up and stacked in the upstairs hallway. Mabe you could drive over and help me organize my storage room. I need a good organizer right about now. I also need someone to keep me motivated and you are a good motivator.

Puss have you met any more victums on the curb lately? You are so funny. Have you started thinking about spring and your garden yet? What month can you actually get outside and start your spring yard work and your garden? When Sheila gets over to England let her take some pictures of you and your family to share with us and of the landscape around home. I know I will never get to England so some pictures would really be nice. Thanks for the tips on some new authors. I just finished a novel set in 1700 Scotland. It was metioned several time what those boys wear under those kilt's. I never thought it would be nothing, in fact wearing clothes back then did not seem to be a priority. For whatever reason, I am not sure, this knowledge disappoints me.

SunnyD you are a very pretty person, no wonder Joe wants to spend all his time with you. Love your home, I can see who has all the talent on this forum. I suspect you will be getting this snow and cold weather when we are done with it, probably Katey will too.

Well, I am starting to fall asleep while I am typing, guess I had better head to bed, lay my head down and dream of all those Scottish Lords and their drafty castles coming to rescue me on their gallant steeds. "No the cold medication isn't affecting me one bit." Ha!

Take care Katey, Jackie and Loodie....Stay Warm

:grouphug:

Bluet

Morning, everyone. Sorry I didn't get back last night here but I have been drained after work. I have just finished a two day computer-based IT course on Outlook 2000. We had to get 80% to pass and my colleague next to me and myself got 90 and 91% at the end. What kept flummaxing me was the dates set in calendar - yes, it was a USA thing and you do your dates funny - we, of course, do our dates properly like 31/11/02 etc! Of course each time I changed it to 'proper' the computer hacked a point or two off my score with an 'error' message. Could not get my head around that. Today I am hoping to knock off the 'Word' course for windows. It's not an option in work, it must be done even though we all use computers every day and even though I will never need to set a double time zone in successive recurring appointments in my calendar for the UK and Israel or Taipai or Perth...arghhh! Handy if you are a PA to a high flying executive though, I suppose.
Bluet, it is so good to see you here. Our weather is awful right now, three days of storms and freezing. I wouldn't have survived in Scotland centuries ago with the cold, living on the east coast in Aberdeen (N East coast with North Sea blowing in) was bad enough for a year in the 80s.
Kate - I know what you mean about having 'clean plates'. I still can't bear to leave anything, black babies starving in Africa my father always said and I think it's ingrained in me now. Good job I don't live in the States with the portions in Huston. I too have to force myself to aerobics - didn't go last week but have to tonight. I loathe exercise as the girls here will testify. Waste of good reading time to me. Don't get too down when you fall off the wagon, tomorrow is always another day.
Willow - I am so sorry about your friend and sad about your exercise buddy's dad too. HHave you heard back from the Mayo yet about your hip? You put me to shame with your exercise, I have nothing wrong with me yet you don't let it stop you.
Sheila - yay, DD back home!! Hope you have a great girlie time. How's the walking pin cushion? Not too painful,I hope. Glad to hear your dad is still well, bless him.
Angel - the window washer sounds good. I mentioned it to DH. Your photos are lovely, you are a handsome couple, all right.DD got a digital camera from her boyfriend at Xmas and we had a lot of fun with it and they said I could send a photo from it onto here but I didn't like any of me on it - my hair looked reddish on it and it's not.
I am getting a cold sore coming up on my lip this morning - great! That's all I need. Dh said that I was burning up in bed last night but although I have been sneezing for weeks, I don't usually get a cold in the normal sense but I know cold sores are from a herpes virus so maybe I am run down a bit. Do I smell an excuse not to go to aerobics tonight.....trouble is, if you don't go you still have to pay half fees for the missed week.
I had to tell my mother last night on the phone that she was dragging me down. 40 minutes every night of non-stop moaning. I gently told her that I was begining to dread the nightly call to her because she just goes on about her (small) ailments and it's a constant one-way call. I said I didn't mean to be unkind but could she not repeat the same things I have been hearing every night for 2 years and lighten the subject matter a bit. She seemed to take it ok. She uses me as a Samaritan crisis line caller would, and I did that voluntarily for 8 years so I know. DH gets a little steamed up too, after work and dinner I always have to make the call each night and it can sometimes go on for an hour - always the same stuff - and the night's almost over. I know we can't predict what we will be like when we are old but I love my kids too much to put that on them. Also, she is only 70 and in reasonable health - certainly hasn't some of the health problems you girls have here - and the doctors are right, it's lonliness since my dad died, she has no one to boss around anymore, I liken her as a General without any troops. Shame, really, unless you happen to be one of her troops, ha ha!!
Hi to SunnyD and Jacqui and anyone else I may have left out. xx

They're calling for below zero temps tonight and only a high tomorrow of about 2 or 3. The wind is picking up so wind chill is well below zero:eek: Everyone at work today was hoping for a "snow" day tomorrow. I doubt that we'll get it, but you never know. We do have walkers in our district. The city has already closed their schools for tomorrow.

Puss: Great score in your class! Since we have a big university near us we have families from other countries who come to register their children. Some do dates like you do and it always takes me a minute to figure out what they're doing. It must have been a hard conversation to have with your mother. I hope I don't get like that when I'm older. My DH's mother was that way...always complained about something. I have a feeling that it goes along with old age for most people. From Bluet's post I'm guessing that you're a gardener. Me too!! I've already begun looking at the spring catalogs. We started a new perennial bed late last summer and I can't wait to see how it looks and add to it.

Bluet: Sorry to hear that you have a sinus infection. Those things can be nasty. I only had one once and it was very painful. Rough week at work for you. Technology is great when it's working correctly, but oh the problems when it malfunctions. Still I can't see how we ever made it with the mimeograph machines and carbon paper. Wouldn't want to have to go back to that. Our office is moving to another building in February. That will be a huge undertaking since we house many district records and are responsible for IT in the district.

Sheila: 50 degrees...sounds heavenly...can I come visit you??? It must be so nice to have your daughter home. Where did she want to go to dinner? Our older son lives in Colorado and when he comes home the first place we have to head is to a local "dive" to get a garbage plate.

Guess that's it for tonight. Hot shower time and jammies for me. Hi to Willow, Angel, and Sunny!

Take care,
Kate

I was up at 3:30 again this morning, as I will be all week.
Have to be to work at 5 AM.
We won't be working Saturday this week, so I'll have to go in early all week in order to get some extra cash. I wanted to get some ahead because I have to go to Mayo next week, and I know it's going to end up being more than one day.

My little grandsons "winter sing" was so cute! I got there early and got a few seats down in the front, but after I got there, his other grandparents came and saved seats about 7 rows back from me. So, when my son and daughter-in-law got there, they asked me to come back by her parents and grandparents, but I wanted to stay where I was, so my son sat by me. I told him he didn't have to, but he wanted to. Actually, I think it was because it was a better seat.
Anyway, when the kids came out the side door and went onto the stage, we could see Anthony was looking for his Mom and Dad, and he spotted his Dad first and said "Hi Dad!" like he hadn't just seen him a few minutes before. Then he saw me and got a great big grin and hollered "Hi Grandma!!" What a lovey!! Then while he was on stage, every once in a while he would look out at us and give us the thumbs-up sign.
It was a really nice program and all the kids did a superb job. I really enjoyed it. They are so blasted cute!

My foods have been good this week. I haven't exercised like I would prefer to, but this getting up at 3:30 AM makes me pretty tired by the time I get home from work. By the time I make supper, do dishes, get my things ready for work tomorrow and for my breakfast in the morning, it's time to go to bed.

Tomorrow morning is weigh day for me. I peeked this morning, and I hope it says the same thing tomorrow morning as it did today. But, I ate some salty meat and crackers so with my luck I'll hold all the fluids and be up instead of down. Well, ... I'm not going to borrow trouble.

I stopped and got some fresh fruit after work today and I got some bananas, pears, peaches, grapes and a new thing called a pummelo. I haven't tried it yet, but the picture of it in the ad looked like a big green outer layer and then on the inside it looked like pink grapefruit. I DO NOT like grapefruit, but the ad said it tastes different than grapefruit. We'll see. These things are about 5 inches across!

Charlotte, I would think that your daughter would understand. I know how you feel though.
You look lovely in the pics. You're a bag of bones! :rofl:
What I wouldn't give to be as thin as you are!

Puss, good job on the training grades! You have a much sharper mind than I, I'm afraid.
Nobody had to tell me to clean my plate more than once, I'm afraid! I was just happy to have something on my plate!
Thanks for the condolences on my loss of a friend.
I am sorry now that I went to the funeral home. I had wanted to remember her as she was the last time I saw her, but, I thought people would think I was insensitive if I didn't go.
When I die, I want a closed casket. I think all dead people look like mannequins. I don't care how good a "job" the funeral home does on make up etc, they still look dead. But, it is over and done with now, and life is for the living, and so we will go on.
No, I never heard back from Mayo, but I have an appt. next Monday for my yearly, you know, that time when the Doc says, "put your heels in the stirrups and slide down, ........" :rolleyes:
Anyway, I'll ask that one to do something about it. I DO NOT want to be like this for the rest of my life.
I'd like to see those pics of you taken at Christmas time. Of course, I refuse to post any of myself because of my size. I think the most recent one I have was taken 2 or 3 years ago, and I won't be posting any until or unless I can get down to the weight I want to be.

Kate, we had a little dusting of snow here today and very high winds, but temp wise it wasn't too bad.
I used to do a lot of work with flowers etc, and I really enjoy them in the spring and early summer, but then I get tired of the weeding etc.

Sheila, you probably won't even think of reading this for a while, but, I bet you're having a wonderful reunion with your daughter. Enjoy your visit.

Bonnie, sorry to hear of your sinus infection. That is a most painful condition.
I'm wondering who it is that loves winter, ..... :D
Hope things ease up at work for you. There is nothing worse than a stressful work situation.

Hello to Sunny and Jacquie and anyone else reading!

Well, gotta go get things organized for tomorrow.

Hi Everyone,

It is cold and blustery today and it snowed most of the day. The streets and roads are very slippery, was glad when I finally got home. I had to stop at Fleet Farm though and pick up a couple extra industrial rugs to collect the snow that everyone is dragging in at work. Got two bags of salt for the sidewalk too I know they are going to be icy tomorrow. The coffe maker was going steadily at work today. I don't know who was drinking all that coffee. I used to be a big decaf coffee drinker until I gave all that stuff up last May. Now I have one cup in the morning and drink only water all day.

Work was a little better today, but I still have a long way to go before I can say I am caught up with all my work. Sinus thing is getting better too. Can't get rid of this weird smell in my nose though. Wonder if I will have to live with it for the rest of my life?

I have several perennial beds in my yard. I am looking forward to SPRING. Easter is my favorite holiday, I am pretty weird aren't I?

Well it is time for bed, I get a pretty good indication when my eyelids start slamming shut. Talk to you all tomorrow.

:grouphug:

Bluet

We are off today!!! Got the call at 6:00 this morning so rolled over and went back to sleep for a few minutes...blissful! When I woke up, I read some of my new Good Housekeeping magazine before getting out of bed. I think I could easily become a lady of leisure :D

Bluet: Glad to hear that your sinus problem is getting better. I don't think the smell will last. I seem to recall that also. My favorite seasons are spring and fall. Summer can get too humid and winter....brrr! What flowers do you have in your perennial beds? I have one sunny bed and one that gets partial shade. My sunny bed is loaded with fairly big plants so I don't have to do much weeding. The other one we just started late in the summer so I'll have to add lots more things this year. Right now it has Russian Sage, delphineums, dianthus and a few tulip and daffodil bulbs. I also do lots of annuals along my sidewalk.

Willow: What a nice treat to see your grandson's program. I miss the little kindergarteners that I used to work with when I was a teacher's aide. They can really make you smile. Good luck with your weigh-in. The one thing about working so much and being so tired is it probably doesn't give you much time to think about food. I try to buy lots of fruits too, but at this time of year they're so expensive. I'd rather spend the money on that though than "bad" snacks. Pummelo's a new one to me. You'll have to tell us what it's like.

Well, I think I'll play a few computer games then do a little picking up around here. I'm going to venture out to the mall this afternoon to return something and then go to Curves.

Have a great day everyone! Hi all!

Take care,
Kate

:wave: Good Morning Ladies,

WoW! Has it been that long since I have been here??? So sorry ladies! I subscribed to the thread, but wasn't getting the e-mail notices. Now I will...

What a crazy weather morning we are having here! It's 18* and we woke up to 7" of snow and it's still snowing hard out there. I was going to go to my Curves this morning, but decided to stay home with the weather and all. Besides, I have some very fatigued muscles this morning - so a day in between Curves won't hurt. When I go tomorrow it will be my 3x this week and my goal :cp: Today is payday, so I will be home paying bill's this morning :p sound like fun? Not!

Thank you all so much for the very sweet compliments... it is so very nice to hear. I wasn't feeling too well about myself for quite a few weeks after the holidays - felt so sluggish and plump! Now that I am watching my diet again and back into my Curves I am feeling so much better. I so want to get this 50#'s off of me this year. In February I will be 47 and wouldn't mind making this year the year I reach my goal. I don't want to go through another holiday (like this past one) feeling bloated and plump - hating to go places and looking for clothing that fits comfortably. No one else knows I feel this way when I am there (keep on smiling and no one will know), but it's in my mind the whole time instead of just enjoying the company I'm with. I remember when I loved going places and so enjoyed my time with the company I'm with - I so want that again. Yes, SunnyD does have bad days too ;) I just try not to impose it on others too much.

Today I am feeling pretty good, just tired. I am going to enjoy being home and catch up on my laundry, house needs to be vacuumed & bill' need to be paid (& not necessarily in that order).

I am going to TRY to catch up now beginning with the last post first, okay:

*******
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Hello BLUET, You stated how you are looking forward to Spring - so here's a picture for you to cheer you up :) Isn't it pretty! I am so sorry you have been ill with sinus pain - but am glad to hear that you are doing better. It is so common this time of year with all the dry air and with the heat being on so much... do take care of yourself. My hubby has been fighting a head cold and sinus infection now for about 9 or 10 days. He is pretty much over it, but you can still hear it in his voice when he talks. Hope it won't be too much longer before you feel caught up at work - if you don't mind repeating yourself, "What do you do for work, Bluet?" I spent days getting upgrades and such for this cp and feel so much better now that its done. What a relief that is. Now I am hoping to be well-protected from computer the bugs out there. And I also got all my filing done. Now I have to clean this house!

Hi WILLOW, Sounds like you will have such a very tiring week ahead of you with getting up so early! I thought that getting up at 5 was early! I sure do not envy you there. Sounds like you had such a nice time at your grandson's sing last night - aren't they so cute to watch! I use to go to see the nieces and nephews when they were small. I am so sorry to hear of your friend's passing... I didn't know - so hard trying to catch up with all the reading. Forgive me. Hope you are doing okay coping with it. Joe & I both agree with you about a closed casket! Neither one of us wants to have an open casket... just closed with pictures of the good days we had while living! It is a terrible picture that stays with you when you have an open casket. Italians are so funny in that they say the darndest things at funerals - like I hear (allot!) - "don't they look good" or "didn't they do a good job making him or her look so good" --- they are dead! There's no life there and there is a difference... I agree - closed for me too. Feel better :grouphug:

:cp: So good to hear that you are still watching your diet and doing so well... So far I am on day 4 of watch closely and am just now beginning to feel good again. I didn't begin at the New Year... I still had too many good foods in the house I hated to just get rid of. But on Monday I threw away anything that was left and began detoxing - those first three days are tough! I hope you have some good news on your weigh-in today!!!! "Luck"

Hi SHEILA, :cp: I am so happy for you that you have your DD home... I hope you have a wonderful time catching up with one another and give each other allot of (((Hugs)))! So glad to hear that all is going well with your father - no more scares at the moment. Have fun catching up with DD!!!!

Morning ANGEL, I hope that all is going well for you this week! I see you had some emotional stuff to deal with... hope it all went well for you!!! I sure did enjoy your pictures!!! You are so pretty and looked so nice all dressed up for Christmas! I hope to reach my goal this year and look as good as you do! You have a very handsome hubby too!!! You both make a very nice looking couple!

I have a couple question's for you? How did you hear about that program "Window Washer"? I found the site for it, but am not sure about it. I just finished spending days doing UPGRADES and such and now I am all set and all is going well... but wouldn't mind faster! Anything you could tell me would be helpful. Also, How did you get more then one picture posted in the thumbnail? I cannot get more then one at a time. Thanks!!!

Hi KATE, Sounds like you are getting some chilling weather too!!! Crazy, huh... it started out so mild - so we shudda known it was just going to get worse! We never get through a whole winter without one good storm! We are in the midst of one now... 7" and climbing.

Are you still having problems with logging onto the forum? It took me several tries to get the e-mails on my subscribed threads to go through. But now it seems to be working. I got an e-mail this morning for Willow's post. Finally, everything seems to be flowing again. Do you work, Katey? If so, what do you do - if you don't mind me asking? I don't work - just at home right now and loving it.

And then there's PUSS, So good hearing from you again. Hope that you didn't become too ill! I know so many with head colds and sinus infections with these cold dry temps. My hubby is one trying to get over his.

And as far as the computer classes... I must say that I do like the way we post our dates with Month - Day - Year verses Day - Month - Year as you all do. I think it is just what you get accustomed to... not that one way is better then the other. Good for you on doing so well with your grade - I would love to learn more about computers - I really enjoy them! I admire you very much in doing so well!!!!!! What a wonderful grade. My DSIL took a course and enjoyed it allot and learned so much. Me, I just play and hope I get it right (or figure it out) or do it till I do.

About portions of food... we here in the U.S. are offered wayyy to much food at Fast-food places, Restaurants, etc! Our portions sizes are HUGE! I was just watching a program yesterday taking about how we have lost sight of the 'proper portion' of food! In the 20's, 30's, 40's and 50's you would rarely see overweight people... the portions were so much smaller, but we have become a gluten society today abusing the over abundance of foods we have offered us. It's really sad, but so true. All we need to do is get our "balance" back again, but once that pendulum swings so far - it's not easy to get it to slow up and centered again. Well, that's what I am trying to do - watch my portions and only having what I should eat to survive and live a healthy life. Instead of looking at all that's out there offered to us and thinking - it's not fair that I cannot have that & others can. Just a matter of changing the way I think about it all.

I think you handled your mother very well, mine is beginning to repeat herself allot. But my mother lives in Maine and I don't see her or speak to her often - so I just cope. But I have noticed she speaks more about all their ailments and repeats allot more. She & Dad just doesn't do as much as she use to and so there's not much else for her to talk about I guess. It is so hard watching them get older (it's hard watching 'ME' getting older :lol: ).

*******

Hello's to JACQUIE & LOODIE!!

I sure do hope I haven't left anyone out...
Make it a better day today ~
Luv's :sunny: SunnyD

Hi KATEY, I was writing when you posted this morning, so I didn't see yours come in till I finished.

Yeah!!! :dance: you get a day off today! So happy for you!!! Enjoy it!!!

Hi, all!

I'm guilty of being a lurker most of this week, but decided I'd better post, too.

Brrrr to all you people in the midwest and east, especially Kate. My dad heard that somewhere in New England it was -100 degrees. My DH checked out the weather online and learned it was at the top of Mt. Washington. But, hey, that still means it's darn cold on the "flatlands." I sure hope all the homeless people got shelter and that the elderly, who like to save money on heating fuel, were okay. Also, when I worked at an animal shelter, it was incredible the number of people who believed that a dog or cat could survive those kinds of temps outside just because they have fur.

Willow, what fun to go to your grandson's school program. He sounds so cute yelling, "Hi, Grandma" and giving you guys the thumbs up sign. That really took me back to when my kids were younger. I used to get all choked up at school programs. It was totally embarassing--I got to I'd have to sit at the back and not be around anyone I knew. I'm so sorry about your friend. That just seemed so fast. I, too, wouldn't want an open casket, and have specified cremation with my ashes comingled with my DH's ashes and then scattered on Mt. Hood in Oregon. We also put in our will that if our kids wanted to put ashes in a cemetary so they could come visit, they could do that as long as they didn't put us anywhere in Idaho. Can you see that I really hated living there?? :) I'm hoping your weigh-in went as well as you were hoping.

Bluet, you'll have to post a photo of your perennial garden when it's in bloom. I love spring, too, especially when all the daffodils and tulips make their appearance. Last year we went to the Tulip Festival in Mt. Vernon (which grows more tulips than Holland!), and it was incredible. If I hadn't put all my photos on a CD that I can't find now, I'd post a picture of the tulip fields. I still get a weird smell in my nostrils when I'm kind of congested and my sinuses are achy. It's gross, but it does go away so I'm betting yours will, too.


Puss, you need to go back to your strategy of calling right before her favorite television shows come on. That seemed to work last time. I'm glad you were able to say something to her, although, frankly, I bet it won't help. You know, my Dad repeats himself all the time. I mean ALL THE TIME! We've heard the same stories a million times. We've also learned what sets him off so we try to avoid triggering those memories. Sometimes he comes up with new stories, which is nice, and it's interesting that he's now into changing the old stories to add new things or different things, which I'm pretty sure didn't happen. He's so darn funny sometimes--like when he says he was lucky because he could walk to work if it snowed. Say what? We live miles from where he worked--up and down lots of hills. I mentioned that once, but he got rather huffy so we just smile and nod, smile and nod. And I wrote on my List of Things Not To Do When I Get Old that I shouldn't repeat stories. I think it's pretty inevitable, though, so I should start conditioning my kids now that they need to learn the smile and nod technique.

SunnyD, it's nice to have a day where you can just kind of relax and putter around getting housework done. I hope you don't have to go out in the 7" of snow. I love the flower photo! I can't wait until spring either. Down the street, some people had beautiful winter flowering rhododendrons blooming, but when it turned 18 degrees, which is highly unusual here, all the flowers turned brown. So now we're waiting for those first crocuses, which should be in a month, maybe less if the weather stays in the 50 degree range like it is now.

My DD has to work at the recruiter's office today, answering phones and filing. I guess the 15 days of vacation were predicated on her doing work here. She was there yesterday, too. She spends a lot (a LOT!) of time talking on her cell phone to her boyfriend back in Chicago. She went with me to the gym on Wednesday, but slept in this morning. She's been doing a lot of sleeping, snacking, and watching movies, which is pretty normal. This weekend, she and my DH are going to Oregon to visit her sister (my step-daughter) and go to the coast. I'm staying home to "dadsit." I'll get my time alone with her next week when we go to Boise.

Stay warm!

http://community.webshots.com/s/image4/7/7/71/70870771sPMGfL_ph.jpg

Good Afternoon SHEILA, I thought you might enjoy this picture... don't know what your favorite color is - so here is a variety for you :)

Good to hear from you. Well... we had 7" this morning and it's been snowing all day... so I'll bet we have a good 10 inches out there now. I think the storm clouds got stuck over NE Ohio! We are now at 15* & dropping still!!!! Nope, I didn't have to go out in it... still in my PJ's :)

Boy-O-boy if this picture won't take you away, huh.
Blessing's,
:sunny: SunnyD

http://images.webshots.com/ProThumbs/39/29939_wallpaper280.jpg
This pic was taken in: SKAGIT VALLEY, WASHINGTON

Oh SHEILA, I am so happy for you and your DD & that you will get to spend some time "together" next week in Boise. Sounds like she really missed her routine and is happy to have it back (even if it's for only 15 very short days). I bet it's hard for her to try to get some work done while here for such a brief time and still get in time with her family, boyfriend and friends. 15 days is such a short amount of time for all the time they are away.

Enjoy your time together...

I was up at 3:30 AM as usual, and had a pretty good day at work. I'm pretty tired by the time I get home though. It usually starts to hit me about 1 PM.

I weighed this morning and lost another 2 pounds.

When I got home I did my taxes and then rode my stationary bike for 45 minutes. So, I got SOME exercise in today anyway.

I tried that pomegranate I bought the other day. Never again!
I think I ruined a top of mine. The juice from that darned thing squirted out and stained my yellow top. One of my favorites too. I've tried several things on it and it's still a purple color in spots. Grrrrr! I finally put a lot of Ajax powder on it (it's wet) and rolled it up and put it in a plastic bag till tomorrow. I don't care if it DOES ruin it. It's ruined anyway. All that for a bunch of seeds that you can't eat anyway. ICK!!

Bonnie, hope that sinus thing is gone by today. I know how miserable it can be.
Hope work was better today too.
I guess I like all the seasons, but I cannot tolerate the hot humid weather in late July and August.

Kate, lucky you! Getting a day off! And lazing around reading. I'm jealous, can you tell? :D
It was cold here today.
You're right about working keeping my mind off of eating. For the most part. I still have my times. I've always said, my biggest problem is my overactive fork.

Sunny, I know, ... those first few days are rough, especially if you have cut out or down on sugar. I had a headache for days around the clock. I've been doing pretty good. I have been eating mostly whole foods and no sugars or saturated fats. Haven't really gotten as much exercise as I'd like to though. I need to work on that.

Sheila, I just love hearing about your Dad. He's a part of us now.
Glad you're enjoying some time with your daughter anyway. Those 15 days will fly by.
When you wrote about not being buried or having your ashes scattered in Idaho, I was thinking as I read it, "she's going to say because the potato is her nemesis for weight loss and the whole darned state is full of them".

I can't remember who I sent my e-mail address to and who I didn't, so I'll send it again.

I need to get my things ready for tomorrow.
TGIF!!

You won't believe the trouble I am having with this site. This is the second morning the computer has timed out on a message here - how annyoying is that! Every time I log on here I get the wonder where your account went to message and even though I have put the address of 3chicks in from fresh and saved it, I still get that message or a crash. I think I am going to have to save my message in Word and paste it afterwards because this very frustrating. Never mind, off to do battle with the Heathrow Airport road widening scheme which, by the way, Sheila, is estimated to last for TWO years so we are saving all the road works for your visit!
Regards to all and will come back tonight.

Off again today. It's bitter cold...worse than yesterday. It's days like this that I wish we had a wood stove. With the wind chill the house feels cold with the furnace running. The weekend is supposed to be into the 20's. Hopefully they're right....it will feel wonderful!

Sunny: Thank you for the beautiful pictures! Those flowers were just what I needed since I'm looking out the window at lots of snow just like you are. Wind chill is about -30 this morning or so they say. It's 2 degrees. Hope your snow has stopped...10 inches is plenty! I totally agree that detoxing is difficult. Hopefully your rough days are over. I felt just like you over the holidays and knew it was time to get serious about losing. We'll do it in 2004! Oh, BTW, I'm a secretary in a school district. When the kids were little, I worked in classrooms so I would have their school schedule. My first love has always been clerical though so when our youngest was in high school I went back to that.

Puss: How discouraging that you're having such a hard time with this site. I seem to be doing okay now...it's remembering me again. I would hate it if I typed a long message and lost it. Guess you would be better pasting than to go through that frustration. I'm not sure I know what type of work you do....fill me in please!

Willow: Congratulations on your 2# loss:cp: You're on your way! Hope that you'll be able to relax this weekend after your long work week. Do something fun for yourself.

Sheila: I like your smile and nod advice! I guess I missed something. I thought your daughter lived in your area, but guess she just must be visiting for a couple weeks. Enjoy your time with her. Our DS doesn't get home too often and every minute that we have him here is precious.

Tomorrow night I have a retirement party to go to for someone at work. I went to the mall yesterday and thought I'd pick up a new top to go with my black skirt. How I hate trying on clothes:mad: couldn't find anything that looked good. More reason to lose this weight! And I didn't do well with that this week according to my weigh-in this morning :( Why is it soooo hard???

Hi Bluet and Angel:wave:

Take care all,
Kate

Hi everybody.....I think I've gotten too far behind to catch up, but, I'll try. My pc had 4 major viruses, etc. Been working with it. I guess we'll find out how it's doing now!
This has been the busiest week of my life! Doesn't look like there's any let up for awhile, either. :?:

Hi Katey...goodness, you make me have chills with your temperatures! :o We're having cold weather, now. I have chills easily, lately. Been that way all day.

Fatpuss...sorry about your pc problems. believe me, I understand the frustration. I'm about ready to give up.
Sounds like your mother accepted what you had to say. I hope so. My step dad is getting hard to handle, now. He's wanting mother out of the nursing home. I KNOW it's the check.

Willow...congratulations on the weightloss! :bravo: You're reporting a loss quite often, now!Oh, & thanks for the compliment...I'm not skinny, though. :) but, thank you for thinking that!

SunnyD...there's a limit of 5 thumbnails in each post. After each pic, just click on "browse". If it does't give you another choice...something must be wrong. That's all I did.
Someone at the station told me about window washer. I really like. Helped mine go faster, too!

Sheila...thank you for the compliments.

Sorry...my eyes are crossing....so sleepy...need at nap! :dizzy:

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Hi Everyone!
Today, I am met my girlfriend for grocery shopping (at around 9:30) & then we went out to lunch. We didn't go yesterday or last week because she pulled her back out at work and has been laid up for almost two weeks now. This was the first time getting together in that amount of time. I had to really bundle up - it is so very cold! Only 15* right now, but the sun is out - that's makes it a bit easier to bear. It did stop snowing finally (got almost 11"), but it looks as if we are in for another storm over the weekend... hope it isn't too bad.

Joe & I got some real bad news last night... one of our close friends from Tetelestai (a passion play we did for 17 years) passed away from a heart attack yesterday. He went for tests on his heart earlier that day & came home. His wife was at work and she tried to reach him all day to find out what the results of the testing was & couldn't reach him. When she got home she found him cold and very dead in his favorite chair. So darn sad! They weren't that much older then us... maybe by 10 years. All I know is that it's too young to die! So we'll have another funeral to go to this weekend.

God Bless!
SunnyD

I'm so glad it's Friday evening. I'm really tired. Today seemed long for a few hours this afternoon at work.

I stopped on my way home and picked up some carpet shampoo. Now, if I can get the energy tomorrow to shampoo my carpets like I've been going to do for over a month now.

We're suppose to have freezing rain tonight and cold temps tomorrow, so I'll have time to get it done.
The weather man said, "get some movies and stay in this weekend."

I made salmon patties for supper tonight and ate the first one, then took a bite of the second one and there was broken glass in it. Not sharp pointed pieces, but tiny square shaped pieces that looked like they had white paint or something on them. I hope I don't get cut inside from it. Geez! This could be a hemorrhoidectomy in the making! I should call the company and tell them about it I suppose.

Puss, so sorry you're having problems getting into the thread.
When I first get to the forums, there is usually a wait for a few seconds, with that message showing. Are you sure you don't just need to wait a bit for the threads to come up? Right after they had that crash, I was thinking that something was wrong with my pc, but it's just that the site is a little slower.

Kate, do you have a humidifier? I was surprised when I first had mine installed on the furnace. It makes the air feel warmer.
Lucky you! Another day off! Will you have to make them up later in the year? They do here.
Boy! I'm sure on the same page you are with clothes shopping. I don't like to go because NOTHING looks good on me. If I can ever get below a size 24 maybe I'll have better luck.
Enjoy your party tonight.

Charlotte, I sure hope none of those virus' are catching. :D What did you download to speed your pc up? Do you have an antivirus? Mine scans everything before it comes in to my pc, and also scans everything before I send it out.
I realize it's really none of my business, but, if there is any way to keep your mother in the nursing home, I'd do it if I were you. Maybe talk with the Dr. about preventing him from taking her out of there. Obviously he's not capable of taking care of her. Does your mother seem happy where she's at? That counts for a lot too. To heck with the check.
It's so very hard, I know, and I feel bad for you having to go through this.

Sunny, I'm so very sorry to hear about your friends passing. You have my deepest sympathy. Prayers ascending for all of you. His poor wife! To have found him like that must have been an awful shock. Had he had an angioplasty that morning? I'm wondering if a blood clot formed.
What's a passion play? ... It sounds like something I'm sure it's not, .... but, you know how my mind works! .... :lol:

Anyway, I need to go answer many messages. Have a wonderful evening all!
Hello to all who have yet to post today.

WILLOW, :lol: You are just too funny :lol: ! Thank you for your thoughts.

Our passion play was about the last week of Jesus Christ - His dying and rising again. A 'Passion' is when you share the story of Christ in one form or another. Ours was in re-enacting the last week of Christ's life here on earth. Taken from the scriptures of Luke & John. Joe & I were a part of it for a little over 17 years. We would set up stage, sound and lights on Wed. & Thurs. & then we'd performed every weekend (Fri-Sat & Sun) from Febuary till Good Friday. The Cast size is anywhere's around 110 - 130 in size... allot of families who have regular jobs during the day. All volunteer's. Joe was in the cast mostly and in the beginning I was performing, but at the end (the last 7 years) I ran a 16 channel soundboard for the show & Joe was the director. We performed in churches mostly all over Ohio. It is still going (now 27 years), but Joe & I needed to leave the performing part... it was just too much of a pace to keep & Joe's job was demanding more of his time. It was too hard getting home at 2 - 3am and then getting ready for work the next day at 6. We both worked then.

Whew! Don't know how we ever did it... I am exhausted thinking about it again :lol: We stay in touch with allot of the older cast member's and core of the ministry, but there are many new faces now. They are in the middle of their rehearsals right now for this coming season & the guy who died was in a lead roll and someone whom we worked with from the beginning... It is very sad for us & the cast & core (Core, being the bosses taking care of the business end of things which Joe & I had a hand in also from the beginning). Mike (the man who passed on) was just there this past Saturday - like nothing was wrong. He felt tired and so he was going for stress tests yesterday morning, he went & came home. That's the day he died. I wonder why they didn't detect anything?! It makes you wonder how good those stress test really are, huh.

Well, it's time for me to get to bed -
I get so tired by this time.
Good night...
Sleep well-everyone...
SunnyD

Third time lucky, I hope, ladies, doing this through word first so taking no chances.
Willow – I know what you mean about having to wait a little longer before the page fills in, thanks for that. It doesn’t explain the timing out though and this is the only site that crashes on me, don’t have that on FitDay at all. Congrats on the weight loss!! Don’t like the sound of the broken glass in your food, hope you didn’t swallow any. Has the Mayo given you an appointment yet for your hip?
Kate – I think I will plant more unusual stuff this year in the garden. Last year I went for a new hybrid of pink, frilly-edged petunias and they did not do well in the rain, ended up soggy and limp and never really recovered. I have the new catalogue to go through. You asked about my job, I work for Customs and Excise for the Government and visit importers/exporters at their premises and undertake audits on their books on goods they declare as imports making sure all the correct taxes have been declared etc. I get to meet new people all the time and can work from home on reports when I like so it’s a good job really. Yesterday I finished a two day audit on a big agent on the airport and saw the building going on for the new terminal 5 at Heathrow – so many cranes and pile drivers it looked like a futuristic film set. Don’t worry about any weight loss, it happens and then when you think you will have gained, it turns out you will have lost. There is no predicting in this sometimes.
Bluet – we have freezing frost here but no snow as yet. Glad your work seems to have settled down a bit, you had a bad run up to Xmas. Has the smell in your nose gone yet? Last autumn before my cat, Alfie, died we planted tons of spring bulbs (I planted and he messed about pouncing on the trowel to make me laugh) and they are all shooting up now. I still miss that cat terribly and not a day goes that I don’t wish he were back.
SunnyD – how awful that your friend died. My DHs first heart attack was less than 24 hours after a full medical but we were told that an ECG could only tell you what HAS happened to the heart and not what will happen. He is an old hand at it now having had two further ones but is still fit as a flea (or as much as you can be with 3 blocked arteries) and has angiograms now and then. The angioplasty he had after the first one 11 years ago to pump up the artery back in place didn’t keep it up and that bit closed back down but surgeon says there are many little tributaries which feed blood to the heart in place of an artery so no need for a bypass yet, thank goodness.
Sheila – lovely that you are doing girlie things with DD. She sounds like my two when they come home, R&R in the comfort zone. Did she have a good time with her stepsister? I love your list of things not to do when you get old. I just need to remember what my mother does and do the opposite. DD sounds on form, bless him, I like the bit about him being able to walk to work (over the hills).
Angel – thanks for support over the IT, the time I have wasted the last two mornings! Hopefully your SD won’t be able to remove your DM from the nursing home especially when you are all so pleased with the care she has been getting. Who has the final say?
Had a lovely warm glow all day Thursday. DS rang the night before saying a baby was born in the toilets of the ER of his hospital and it was now up for adoption. It was the way this big lad of mine who gets battered and bruised every time he plays rugby and has never cried since he was a little boy was talking of this little newborn scrap of humanity that melted me. He said, “oh, mum, you should have seen her little dark eyes looking up at me, she was so tiny, her little face was so sweet…” He said he would have loved to take her home. This is the same kid who did work experience at a hospital in Mexico a few ago and then traveled around the country. He came across a little kitten that had been in a road accident and he carried it for 3 miles in the blazing heat to the nearest Vet (his friend told me this). This was similar to the way in which we got Alfie in Singapore. He wasn’t injured but he was living rough and ended up costing us a total of 3 thousand dollars with his flight home and 6 months quarantine!!!!
My mother was on the phone last night for 40 minutes when I rang her, then five minutes later she rang me for 10 minutes then five mins after that, rang me again when my brother arrived at her house and was on the phone for 10 minutes (all the time arguing with my brother over something he had done for her which, as usual, he could have done differently) then 5 minutes later rang for 5 minutes after my brother had stormed out offended by her. Then I had brother on phone for 15 minutes giving me the full story and obviously needing support – as I do from him sometimes – and we were both drained by this tyrannical woman who sees us both as kids to order around when we are middle aged! When he said to her she shouldn’t be whining all the time to me, she said, “I don’t ask her to ring me every night” Arrrggghhhhh!!! DH is getting totally fed up with his evenings taken up with me on the phone to her every night but I don’t see a way out of it. I don’t mind ringing her every night to let her chat but she won’t limit it to 10 or 15 minutes, it’s a one-way, non-stop diatribe of dross and it’s not like she doesn’t see anyone, she is at the hospital social day centre for 3 full days a week and at weekends visits her sister or sister-in-law and at all these places is like a little organizing social butterfly, people thing she is the most upbeat person going!!
Oh, sorry for the whine, this is the downside for you guys cos you feel like good friends, ha ha.
Best wishes to everyone, off to the market and library to do nice things with lovely hubby. xx

Hi everybody....Hope you're enjoying a great Saturday! I've had a very long week....not a bad one...just a looooong one! Haven't had time hardly to stop & rest or sleep. :^: I had the station all week. There alone each day until 4pm....then live programming starts. All phone lines would stay busy...the office full of people (of course, there are some that linger, wanting to talk...which is ok, just was busy), trying to do office work, pull up maps....which did NOT cooperate...but, I managed. Then on Wednesday night after work, DH & I took care of a church service for a friend whose truck had broken down in another state. (he & wife are truckdrivers) I got off work after 5pm....flew home...got dressed...we drove 1 1/2 to a church we had never been to before! :D s Then, Thursday night our son & dil were fighting (again)...he came over with the kids (no shoes or coats...thrown a quilt around them!) Called the cops on his wife (sounded like she may have deserved it) Then after 1am she talks him into going home. I go to bed...wake up at 2am...can't sleep...get up. Then at 5am I leave for a 2hr trip to be interviewed & sing at another TV station! Come back & go to work. We surprised managers with anniversary supper last night...got home at 9pm. Going back this morning to be guest on morning show & another program. :dizzy: Tiiiiiiirrredd!!!!!! :stress:

We're going to be with Gina & kids tomorrow...so, may not post. They're leaving next weekend to go back to Fort Sills...preparing for SIL's return. Wish I could get a big hug from him....but, it's a 12 hr drive. Figure they need some "alone" time anyway. :) Also, Tuesday, going to spend the day with Trina & Gina. Their birthday is the 25th, so this is our "yearly" thing! I take them out to eat, then do something. We usually shop...but, this time we decided go to Trina's house & do facials, manicures, pedicures & lots of giggling! We have fun together. I guess I'll tell her about Scottie's trunk tomorrow...a little while before we come home. Hopefully the Tuesday deal will still be on. I don't want to end Tuesday by telling her. I won't see her anymore (probably) before she leaves.

Fatpuss...SD has the final say over my mother. That's why she wasn't in a nursing home sooner. If he tries to take her out, though, my sister & I will stop him any way we can! She is NOT going back to what she was in. I may have to go get power of attorney over her, & he won't any say. I didn't want to do that.........

Willow...my mother is very happy & well taken care of. Yes, she's staying if I can help it at all. I don't mind any comments or ideas from any of you. :)
I have anti-virus...but, bought a better one. Then bought window washer to clean up my files...it will auto-clean while turning pc off, now. That's what speeded up my pc. The viruses ARE catching! Through emails. Even from people you know. See....I probably passed them on to friends, not realizing it...after someone sent them to me, purposely! Hopefully, got that taken care of.

Hello SunnyD, Sheila....all others...it's time for me to get dressed to leave for station. Maybe I can post more later. I've not been able to post my images since I loaded msn 9 the other day. Gotta look into it!

I had a layed back kind of day today.
I woke up early because I went to bed early last night, I was soooo tired. But, I lay in bed and watched TV for about an hour, then got up and did 45 minutes of exercise with the 3-mile WATP tape. I think I'll do it again tonight too.

I had a whopping big breakfast, then got busy and didn't get hungry till this evening.

I cleaned cupboards and rearranged things in them and threw things away. I was up and down my little step ladder quite a bit. It looks so nice now when I open my cupboards. I wonder how long it will stay that way.

I called the packing company that the salmon came from but of course nobody was in the office because it's the weekend. I left my name and ph. # and address. Don't know if I should notify the store I bought it at or not. They'll probably do all that.

I still haven't finished my book. Maybe tomorrow after I get laundry done. I need to do some work downstairs tomorrow too. Messy.

I bought a dehydrator from a guy at work and today I washed it and got it ready to go.
His wife had bought it a while back and only used it a couple times. It was in the original packing, even the plastic bags, so she must have been going to send it back. I paid $30.00 for it so I think that's a good deal. Also got a slicer with it.
So, now when I find a good sale on fruit or veggetables, I can dry them. Especially the fruit. It makes a good snack. There are lots of recipes in the book that came with it on how to make jerky, of all kinds, even fish jerky! It also explains how to dry everything from fruit to meat, flowers for potpouri, make raisins, dry herbs and lots of good things to do with it.
I'm glad it tells how to do it because I've never done this before. But, it's a very healthy way to keep stuff for long periods of time. Handy for snacks.
You can even make yogurt with it.

Sunny, I hope you're doing well after your bad news. So sad. Take care.

Puss, you finally made it in to the thread!
I don't know if I swallowed any glass or not, but I feel alright.
I go Monday for my yearly and I'm going to ask him about the hip thing. My orthopedic Dr. is gone until the 27th of this month. I have to get my restrictions renewed for work too. It's such a stupid mind game they play. My Dr. said in a written notice last year that these restrictions would be until I retire, but the idiots at work just HAVE to have it renewed every year. So, I'll pick that up on Monday too. He is out of town and can't sign it so I don't know if they will accept it or not.
My hip is a little better but I can tell that it's worse than it was a couple of months ago.
Good Lord! I don't know how you keep your mind with all the calls from Mother.
Maybe if you tell her that you're going to talk for 15 minutes and no more, then keep your word, she'll ease up a bit. If she calls back after that have your hubby answer and say you're busy. Or isn't that a good idea in your situation?
And you're not whining. It's called telling friends so you don't explode, or venting, .... Please do it anytime you need to.
The other day at work a maintenance man was telling us about his daughter who talks non-stop once she gets him on the phone. He said he put the phone down the other night and went to the bathroom and came back and she was still talking. :lol: Never knew he had been gone!
Your son is such a gentle soul. Some day he's going to make a wonderful husband and father. And all credit to you too for doing such a wonderful job raising him.

Charlotte, it sounds like you put in a much longer week than I did last week. Be careful! Don't get too run down.
I wish I knew how to do all those things with my pc that you do.

Well, ladies, I better close this and get ready for my cops show. I so seldom watch tv, but that's one of my favorite shows.
Everyone have a wonderful evening. :wave:

I woke up early again but stayed in bed and watched a bit of TV again this morning. It feels so luxurious to be able to wake up and not have to get up immediately and start moving around getting ready for work.

I exercised for 45 minutes this morning doing the 3-mile WATP tape, and then late this afternoon I rode my stationary bike for an hour. Go me!!

I'm doing laundry today. Didn't get around to it yesterday.

I called the store today where I purchased the salmon, and they acted like it was no big deal. He said, " We haven't gotten any notice from the company that there has been any glass found in any salmon, so I'll just shoot a letter off to the people we deal with in North Carolina, and let them handle it."
I said, "I called to tell you about it thinking that maybe you would want to take what you have off the shelves until the company is notified so nobody gets hurt. Maybe I'm the first one to find any glass." But, he was very nonchalant about it. If I don't hear from the packing company that I called by the time I get home tomorrow I'll call the health department.
My son said that the fishing industry isn't under such tight restrictions as the beef and agricultural industries are.

I need to get all my things ready for early morning. I have to go to Mayo tomorrow.

Hope you all had a nice weekend. See ya later tomorrow, maybe.

We're havin' a heat waaaaave:dance: It was in the 20's over the weekend and felt good. It's back to work for me tomorrow. DH was off today too. We had planned to do a little shopping for his trip, but had to go get DS a new battery for his truck.

Angel: Sorry that you've had to deal with all those viruses on your pc. Hope that you've been able to get some rest after your hectic week. Tomorrow is your day with your daughters. It sounds like such fun! There's nothing like pampering and laughing to get you relaxed. Gina must be getting excited about her DH getting home. Hope you've been able to get things straightened out about your mother.

Sunny: I'm so sorry about your friend. What a shock for his wife. I guess it's all the more reason to remember that we should live each day to its fullest. One never knows when it will be our last. It is strange that they didn't find anything with the stress test. Hearing that I think I'd be a little nervous about having one. I'm sure it was a difficult weekend for you...take care.

Willow: You're the exercise queen! You're doing so well fitting it into your day. I'm glad that you got some relaxation in over the weekend too. The store's reaction about that salmon is just ridiculous. If you didn't talk to the manager, I'd give them a call back and definitely contact the packing company again if they haven't gotten back to you. They should want to know the information on the label so that they can do some checking on that whole batch. I had a bug in some spaghetti sauce once and the store took the jar back so that they could give the information to the manufacturer and that certainly wasn't as serious as glass. Hope everything went well at Mayo today. Have you played around with your dehydrator yet?

Puss: Your DS sounds like a wonderful person, very compassionate. Is he a doctor? I agree that you should limit your mother's phone calls to 10 or 15 minutes then tell her that you'll talk to her the next day. Of course that is easier said than done. It sounds so nice to be having tulips coming up already...I'm jealous.

Hi Bluet and Sheila:wave:

I went to Curves 5 times last week:D Not too bad on my eating over the weekend. I'm going to try to stay away from the scales for a while. I don't do well when I see it going the wrong way.

Take care,
Kate

This place is getting stranger every day.

I had to go to Mayo Clinic today and I got up at 5 AM, (actually, I woke up at 4:40) and did 45 minutes of exercise doing the 3-mile WATP tape. Showered and had breakfast and took off. I took a lunch along with me. A veggie burger sandwich and grapes.
In between appointments I went to a cafeteria to get a cup of coffee to have with my sandwich and they had some yummy looking thick chili there, so I had a cup of that and some crackers with my sandwich. Yes, .... I broke down and ate beef!
So, instead of rice with my stirfry for supper, I just had the veggies and shrimp. Kind of evened things out calorie-wise.

Anyway, I certainly got in enough walking today. I know I walked at least a mile, if not more. From one end of the campus to the other and back again, then up and down floors, .... I was at it from 9:30 this morning until 4:45 this afternoon.

I have to go back Friday for a colonoscopy and an endoscopy and body CT scan and X-rays of the hips. Then more appt.s on the 2nd of Feb. Will it ever end?!?
Dr said after my physical that I seem to be pretty healthy except for the hip and my weight. And I'm working on that as we type, ...

Got to get stuff ready for work tomorrow.

Kate, we could use some of that heat here. It hasn't been getting above zero here the last few days.
Hey lady! You're doing pretty great on the exercise yourself! Good going! And on the foods too. We'll get there yet my friend!

I need to get to bed.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

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Good Morning everyone!

All went as well as possible on Sunday at our friends wake... my goodness! The people there! He will be very missed by so many. I know he is with our Lord and in a very good place, but my heart sure goes out to his family and grandchildren ~ they really will miss their 'papa'. He was in clown ministry and he was called "papa-elmo". We are glad we went to see everyone. We even had some time to visit old friends we had not seen in years.

Joe took the day off yesterday and he came with me to the eye Dr's for my second check on the freckle in my left eye. Because my eyes were being dilated he wanted to be with me (so sweet). It was such a good news day when she told me that nothing changed in my eye and it looked fine for now. I go back in 6 months for another eye exam. Also, she did a whole new exam on me and took my new glasses away from me :( to be readjusted :) So hopefully, when I get them back this time all will be fine. I miss them now - I really liked 'em. They are like a nice piece of jewelry :) After we went to the eye Dr. we went to drop off the load of 'good-will' things we gathered up from doing some after christmas cleaning... it was great to unload all that in more ways then one. Then we went to lunch and off to do some shopping at Penney's & other dept stores. We got a couple new HUGE pillows for our sofa. Just love 'em. They are so soft and comfy!!!! Too comfy... I came home threw them on the sofa and couldn't wait to break them in watching a movie with Joe. Then we wached the first "American Idol" show... just absolutely too :lol: funny!!!!! :lol: I love the first few shows the most - just way too funnny! Being that Joe & I are into music, we try to predict who will win the idol. We were right the first time and the second we thought Clay would come in first, so we were a bit off.

My goodness the snow we are getting here :o I bet we have a good 18 / 19" of snow here so far and it is still snowing. We woke up to 8* this morning with lows below 0 - so very cold!! Everything crunches under your feet. But it is so very pretty!!!

*******


:goodvibes: :dance: Congrats WILLOW!!!! :dance: :goodvibes: You are just doing so well!! You are doing well on your food program & a good check-up at the Mayo Clinic - hope that when you go for your other test all goes as well.

I watched Dr. Phil yesterday and Oprah - they both had very inspiring shows!!!! I think that I have "gotten-it" --- I feel wonderful! I will be 47 next month and my goal is to be thinner by the time I turn 48. I WILL too! I have always loved the number 7 (being it's the Lord's # and all ;) ) --- so this will be my year too! There are LOW CARB Lean Cuisines out now too!!! Wonderful! Besides... everyone all around me in on the SBD, so it should be allot easier. When those you are around allot believe in what 'you' do - it makes life so comfortable and flowing. Keep up the great job!

ANGEL, Whew :faint: I was exhausted just reading your post!!! I hope that you will be able to recoup soon from all you had to do. Thinking of you!!!!!

Hey there KATEY, I wouldn't mind a bit of heatwave here! It's darn-right cold here! Hope you had some very enjoyable and relaxing days off... I bet that it felt so good to have that time to yourself.

:goodvibes: :cp: You too have been doing a wonderful job :goodvibes: keeping up with your exercise & food program!!! W:oW! You went to Curves 5x last week - you inspire me! :)

PUSS, Thank you so much for sharing about your hubby. I bet that was so frightening for you both when he had his first attack! I am glad to know that all turned out well for him & that he keeps up with his Dr. appointments. Will he have to have open heart surgery one day? Or will he be fine with the angioplasties?

I hope that never happens with my hubby! I already told him, "If you die before me - I'll kill you" :lol: Your concerns for me and those whom loved Mike are heartfelt - I thank you.

*******

Well gang, I really must be getting caught up on my laundry. I have too many piles of clothes :o I find myself tripping over it in our laundry-room so it really needs to be done! I really do hate doing laundry ~ out of all the household chores to be done, that is the worse for me. But someone has to do it :dz:

Later guys!
:wave: "Hello's" and "Well-wishes" for everyone today!

A friend sent this picture to me today - just made me laugh so hard!
I thought that I would share it with you too :lol: ~LOL~ :lol:

It's on the other thread - don't forget to click ON the picture to make it larger.

Scoll up or down till you find it ;) (It's about 3/4 of the way down)
http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=34663&page=5&pp=15

PS>>> "American Idol" is on tonight too @ 8:00 :lol:
Have a Good night ladies...
:sunny: SunnyD

Another normal work day.
Got up at 4:30 and did 45 minutes of exercise doing the 3-mile WATP tape. Had a good breakfast, then off to work.

After work I went to the pharmacy and picked up my "GO LIGHTLY" and the 2 laxative pills. It's a necessary evil, and at least I won't need to have it done again for a few years, providing they don't find anything, like cancer.

I rode my stationary bike for 45 minutes after I got home from work, then had a good supper.

I'm tired tonight too. I hope I can sleep now.

I saw Forrest at K-mart! of all places, today.
I knew it was him immediately. He no longer looks like Alfred E. Newman from the MAD magazine. :rofl: He looks like Charlie Manson, kind of. A real old burned out hippie! He is very wrinkled and has a gray beard.
He quit drinking 7 years ago. Said he had had enough fun and decided to just quit. He was buying his teenage grandson something, I don't know what.
We talked for a few minutes and had a couple of laughs about old times.
I was amazed that he knew me when he saw me.

Sunny, that pic is darling! So funny! :lol:
Thanks for the encouraging words. It really helps. Now I hope I have a loss again this week.
I was down according to the scales at the clinic yesterday, but on mine today I was the same as last Thursday.

Need to go answer e-mails. Have a great evening everybody.

Hi everyone, sorry for not posting but just getting over a dose of what everyone else here seems to be having with this winter flu. Just a quickie before going off to battle the motorway lunatics again.
Willow - am glad you have your Mayo appointment sorted. Not very good response from the glass in the salmon, eh? So much for quality control etc.
SunnyD - it must have been nice to see so many folk at your friend's wake - a good send off usually helps to comfort everyone who loved and cared for the person.
Angel - you seem to be out doing a lot at the station, I hope you are not overdoing things, dear. Did you manage to tell DD about the little treasure trunk? From what you have told us, I can't see you having a problem overriding your step dad's wish to remove your DM from her nursing home. Hope so, anyway.
Sheila - have you been indulging in lots of girlie stuff with DD? When does she have to be back at base?
Kate - I got a letter from aerobics the other day asking me to come back, ha ha. I have missed two weeks but planned on going tonight anyway as I must stop this messing about or the entire weight loss will be back on.
Bluet - Have you read any of the Cadfael books by someone called Ellis Peters (?). All centred around a medieval monk who solves crimes within his district on the border of England and Wales. Gives real insight to what life was really like then.
Jacqui - how's things with you? It would be nice to hear from you when you have the time.
Had a mini row with my DM over her upsetting my brother and calling him stupid - all because he was running round after her taking messages while she was swanning about. She is a bad one all right. Anyway the good news is the phone calls are down to every other night - still 40 mins and she still doesn't pause for breath the whole one-way call but the nights off are lovely.
Am going back to aerobics tonight, not really looking forward to it but it has to be done. Hope to check back later,
best wishes to all and to those I may have left out, sorry.

Hello everyone! Just a quick post....again...maybe things are about to slow down. Been running for about a 1 1/2 weeks now!

Fatpuss...no, I didn't tell Gina about the trunk. DH advised me not to. He said he thought she didn't want to hear the words...but, probably knew. She had asked Trina when it first happened (her twin) & she told her no one knew...that it was probably in the new shed we had built. Trina knew better...& they know when each other are lying (very close) Gina has never brought it, or any of our things up. In fact, we noticed when the subject came up, she would leave the room. I guess he's right...I just wanted it out in the open & over with. Trina said to wait until Chris is out of the army (Aug or Sept) & they are back here. If I want to tell her, then I can. I hope I'm doing the right thing...I do feel that she knows in her heart. It's a bad situation. I know she loves Chris....but, she will go to her grave loving this boy.
Well, problem with SD is ok for the moment. Only thing now...we're not sure medicare will approve. She wasn't on medicaid (necessary for care in nursing home). We have filed it for her, but, won't know for 3 months. If she's denied, they won't let her stay...& I don't know what we'll do. I'm not physically able to care for her...but, she won't go back to his house. I told him so yesterday...sweetly, of course.

Hi Willow...gee, you're losing weight, woman! I'm having trouble with my little graphic program...so this will have to do for now. :dancer:
I hope all the tests turn out well for you. Dread the preparation for the colonoscopy for you. That was always harder on me than the test. :^: I lost 2 lbs last time over night. :D

Hi SunnyD...loved the pic! :lol: Read where you went for your check up on your eye....glad it's unchanged! :)

Hi Katey...yes, day with Gina yesterday was fun. Trina couldn't go, she started a new job. I'll take her out later. We got our nails done, shopped, shopped, ate fried ice cream (between two meals) then shopped, & shopped! We ended up dressing alike! Some people asked if we were sisters! Well.....that made my day!! ;) Hard to say good-bye, but, they'll be back in a few months.

Hi Sheila....hope all is well...I'll say more to you later....gotta run...still on the gooooooo!

http://www.ecardgallery.com/egreetings/friendship/lilangelsay02/1.gif Hi ANGEL, :wave: so good to see you!!!! I had just posted on CEr's that I was beginning to worry about you. It's just not like you to be gone for so long. Glad to hear that it's just that you've been busy and not that you have been ill. Take Care of you!

Good to see you PUSS, it's been rather quiet again these days - here. Guess everyone is trying to keep busy and get their holiday weight off :o I know that's what I'm doing. I did 2 miles yesterday on my elliptical and went to Curves this morning. Burrrr... it was chilling at -1* when I left this morning to go workout. Now we are at an all-time high of 14* & the sun is out! Nice to see, but it's not going to last long... it's suppose to storm again late tonight through tomorrow. Oh boy... ... more snow :^:

SHEILA??? Where are you!?! :?: I sent you the tulips and you haven't been back to see the flowers I posted for you :( Hope you are alright. I did see that you posted on the NAME Thread. I did too... that was fun.

*******
Have a good day everyone...
Thinking of you WILLOW!
Hope all goes well today & you have great results.

I got up as usual at 4:30 this morning and did 45 minutes of exercise with the 3-mile WATP tape.
After work I ran to do some errands and was starving before I got home. I had to stop at the store for jello and I got a pound of a new shaved turkey lunch meat. Herbed turkey. I was so hungry I think I ate over half of it while I was making my supper.
I think I feel so hungry because I'm nervous about these tests.
I had a good laugh at work today, but some of you might not think it's so funny, so, ... fair warning, this is about S-E-X, so if you might be offended, don't read any further.

One of the girls was telling us today about a friend of hers, a woman, who had some stuff that you could rub on a man, you-know-where, and it supposedly helped him have more staying power.
This woman gave some to my co-worker Julie, and another friend of theirs, also a woman, named Cindy.

Well, they all went on their way to their respective homes and went to bed.
Early the next morning, Julie's phone ringing woke her up and when she answered, someone on the other end was making sounds like a muffled voice trying to talk. Just going mmmmphhhh mmnna mmmpphhph. Juli kept asking who it was and what was going on.
Finally she could begin to understand who it was and what she was saying.
It was Cindy, and she had put that stuff on her lips. :lol: :o :rofl:
I guess she was trying to transfer it to him that way. :T :rofl:

OKAY, YOU CAN START READING AGAIN.

I didn't do any exercises tonight. I just didn't feel like it.

I don't have the tests until Friday, which is soon enough for me. :(
I start taking the prep tomorrow afternoon. I'm taking vacation tomorrow afternoon and Friday.
My sister and brother-in-law will go up there with me and then my brother-in-law will drive us back.
I sure hope everyone is right and that I won't feel it. I am so scared.

Take care everyone. More later.

Good morning ladies - morning seems like the only time I am not totally drained these days to post.
Angel - I think everything you said about your DD and the trunk is right. You have a wise DH there too. I hope Midicaid decides to fund your DMs nursing home. What happens to people in the US who don't have insurance? Are there enough hospitals who do it for free etc? Over here, you pay for nursing homes if you have the funds but if you don't, the government pays. It may not be a top of the range one but you get old folk mixed in a home with full payers and government assisted payers. That's the gripe my mother has right now with the place her sister is at. Seems only one person is paying full fees for the sheltered accommodation and she will have to pay full fees if she goes because she has her own house to sell. I am trying to get her to forget that and just think of the benefits of living in communal living but all I get is how feckless and irresponsible her sister has been and is getting the same thing for a nominal sum. It does no good to tell her that not everyone has had the opportunity to save to buy a house as she had. What is fried ice cream? I can't imagine it.
SUnnyD I forgot yesterday to say how very glad I am that your eye is ok. You sound back on track with Curves and 2 miles on an elliptical ....is that a sationary bike?
Willow, good luck with the tests on Friday, can't be pleasant but hopefully not painful. Your story about the cream was sooo funny!!
I went back to aerobics last night and couldn't move for lots of new people also making a new start after Xmas. I felt better for it afterwards and hopefully this will put me back on track because I was just back to my bad old ways. Phoning my mother every other night now sure is good, I will have more patience tonight after not speaking to her last night but I could just put the phone on the table and come back 40 minutes later to end the call for all she would know, such is the non stop diatribe.
Well, off to the office today for a change. Have been out auditing all week and met some very nice freight agents who all seem to be doing things right so far.
Sheila, hope you are having a lovely time with DD. Does your dad know her ( I am thinking of him referring to your DS as that other guy, bless him).
Bluet, hope you are ok and work is still manageable.
Kate - how's the resolve? Have you been back to exercise class?
Jacqui - it would be nice to hear from you when you get the time.
Oh, nearly forgot to tell you, Richard Simmons was featured on a documentary here that a female comic was doing on obesity and diet industry (she has battled herself all her life and is still bonny). Richard was a bit too much for her but she liked him and also the very large ladies in his class were lovely. He would be new to most people watching that programme but I have his little clone in my cupboard!

Hi girls,
I'm getting a bit worried about Sheila and Jacquie.
I hope our exchanging e-mail addresses didn't drive some away, because I wouldn't expect anyone to give theirs if they didn't want to.
And I'm also worried about Dad too. Hope he's ok.

I was down another 3 pounds this morning. Nice way to start my day. :D

All have a great day. More later!

http://users.bigpond.com/cutecolorz/20012/setcoffee/ccfee1a.gif
Good Morning everyone!

*******

:dance: YEAHHHHHH WILLOW!!!!!!
Down 3 more pounds!!! I'm soooooo happy for you!!! :dance:

And that story was just too funny! :rofl: What was she thinking???!!!! That stuff is numbing cream!! :rofl:
Later...

http://users.bigpond.com/cutecolorz/20012/setcoffee/ccfee2b.gif

Hi PUSS, an elliptical is a gliding machine - it gives you a feeling like you are cross-country skiing using arms and legs together... great workout that is easy on the body!!

Here's a link to the one I have and use: http://www.bodytrends.com/orbitrek.htm

You can tighten the dial - making it tougher - or dial it lose making it easier... whatever you want. The price is great and it isn't too big! I like it because our space here is small. I also like it because I can roll it out into the livingroom if I want, it's very easy to move with the wheels in front. Take a look-see. We got it last Christmas for one another.

*******

We are in for another huge storm today - getting another 6 - 8" of snow! We did wake up to the 30's this morning (balmy, compared to the below temps we've had), but it has dropped again to 16* and it's snowing like crazy out right now! Yesterday we had some sunshine and some of the snow melted - the sun felt so good!!! But today we are back into the dreary, snowy weather... well, it is winter after all :)

Have a great day ladies!
Good job keeping on track with your diets and exercise!
(((Hugs))) SunnyD

Hi everybody...

Willow!!!wow!!!All that weight leaving! So proud for you!
Funny about the sex story. :D Felt sorry for her....too.... :p
I'll be thinking of you through your tests, & praying nothing bad is found. I've had several of both tests...I didn't remember any of them. The use amnesia anesthesia...love the stuff!! :lol:

Fatpuss...I had heard of fried ice cream...but, never tried it. We went to a mexican restaurant...only ordered one & shared, because they are very large. Inside a round-like taco-looking shell. the ice cream is on the bottom (like a treasure!) with caramel, something deliciously crunchy, & other things mixed in, loads of whip cream on top, sprinkled with cinnamon, & topped with a cherry. It was really good. We thought we were finished. Later DD took another bite & said MOM!! Gotta try it! After it's melted some, it's even better! She was right....we ate more!! I don't know what the deal is of being fried...sounds strange...but, it's good! :hun: Had several nice looking young waiters to come ask if all was well....then, one came & put his hand on my shoulder & ask if all was well. Thought my DD was gonna flip out!! MOM!! I can't believe he did that! He thought you were cute!! I was flattered...but, about ready to change out of bell-bottom hipsters into something more granny-like! :lol:

SunnyD...Thanks. Didn't mean to worry you. Just been so busy. I'll be back to regular soon. DD leaves tomorrow...I'll need shoulders! :(

Hi Katey...we're going through some of the coldest weather for us, right now. In the teens. Looking for rain...hopefully not ice. You're doing good with your exercise!

Hi Bluet, Jacquie, Sheila........

Willow, 3lbs!! Fantastic!! Well done to you. Good luck today with your tests, hope all goes well.
SunnyD - Ah, it's a skiing machine. I tried one at the gym but too much hard work, ha ha. Nice that you have your own and I suppose you could watch tv whilst doing it so you don't get too bored. I don't envy you your storms, we had one last week. I quite like the sound of all that snow but I guess everyone does until they have to live with it. We have had quite a mild winter so far but ours kicks in February and March really.
Angel, what are you like?? Getting these poor waiters all hot and bothered!! Nice that you 'still have it' though, eh? I like the sound of that fried ice cream dessert, but then again, I've never met a dessert I didn't like! I know you will really miss your DD but you sound very close and I bet it's not long before she and her DH will be up to see you.
I did really well all day with the eating but once I got home I just went into a frenzy. I had spaghetti bolognaise already made from the weekend and defrosted but got mine and DHs portion confused and ended up with two equal plates. Then I heated a huge slab of garlic bread and ended up eating huge half. Then I ate who-knows amounts of chocolate caramel biscuits and it all went to pot! I think it is because I am so very tired lately though that could just be an excuse.
A documentary on the Atkins diet was on tv last night. Everyone at work would be watching it because a colleague is about to start it and another one broke it yesterday after 3 days by grabbing a big chocolate bar, ha ha. My DS tried it last year for a few weeks and lost well but it's clearly not the long term answer. They think it works not because of the keytones and all that scientific stuff but because protein gives you a full up feeling quicker than carbohydrates so the people were actually eating LESS calories than the other people even though they COULD, if they wanted, eat more. Makes sense I suppose. Personally I am not a great meat eater so I couldn't do it.
Best wishes to Sheila and Bluet and Kate

http://soback.kornet.net/~pixeline/heeyun/monster3.gif Hi everyone....well, DD & children are on their way to Fort Sill, Oklahoma.. :( Her twin...Trina & DH & 2 of her daughters are going also, to get her settled. They are coming back Sunday. (on the twins birthday) It's a twelve hour drive. I talked to Trina a few minutes ago (cellphone), & they had just reached Arkansas, so making good time. I'm ok for now...it's the weeks coming when I go to missing them so badly.

Fatpuss...they can't come see us. He doesn't get any leaves until he's out of the army in Aug or Sept...then they're moving back here. The trip there is just too much on me unless it's an emergency...which I would fly. I love to fly, but, DH is scared for me to...with the war & all.
Sounds like you found some delicious things to eat,too! I don't think I "bothered" the waiter that much. :lol: They were probably laughing at me in the kitchen...dressing like my daughter. The twins fuss on me for dressing like a "granny". They say I don't look my age, so I shouldn't dress old. So, when I'm with them, I try to please. :D Although, I'm getting quite use to the hip hugger bell bottoms! THey're quite comfy! ;) There's a few pics on my homepage, now....on this post...if you want to check it out. I'm not quite finished with all the grands yet...still working on them.

SunnyD....that link....now that's how I want to look using one of those machines! :lol: Don't need bell bottoms for that! ;) I think I'd settle for just feeling able to use one. :^: I was very stiff & in pain this morning when I tried to get out of bed. Strange, too, took the chemo last night...suppose to give me a boost for the week. I took more meds...beginning to loosen up a little.

Willow...still getting up early, I see. I'm not at the moment. Think it's probably because of all the exhausting days I've had. Thinking of you today...hope all goes well.

Sheila, Bluet, Jacquie, Kate...Hello...Have a great day.http://soback.kornet.net/~pixeline/heeyun/guide_du.gif

http://users.bigpond.com/cutecolorz/20012/setcoffee/ccfee3a.gif Good Morning ANGEL, So glad to see you are back... bet you are getting mixed feelings about your SIL being back, huh. You are happy he's coming back, but bummed that the grandkids & DD had to leave. The time will pass quickly and you will all be together again in the Fall. Thank goodness for cell-phones, you can keep in touch with one another. Your DD can stay in touch with E-mails... It has really helped me bridge the gap I have with my family ;) I am thinking of you!

As far as the girl on the machine... I only wish I looked like that :lol: !!! Maybe if I use the machine long enough... NOT! Who knows, but right now I feel like a blimp! :shrug: For some reason I feel bloated this morning and have gained... even though I am sticking to my diet and exercising like crazy! Maybe it's my IBS - don't know, but I do know I feel frustrated about it tis morning!

*******

:wave: Hi PUSS, KATEY, WILLOW (thinking of you), SHEILA, BLUET, LOODIE & JACQUIE! Hope you all have a great Day today!

God Bless!
:sunny: SunnyD

Hello Everyone,

Sorry about not posting for so long. I can see everyone is very busy too.

I couldn't use the computer for a week now, because I am babysitting for our grandson. Our oldest DD and SIL are in Arizona for a convention from SIL's work. GS's two older brothers had to stay in Green Bay with their other grandparents, because they go to school. GS misses his " Mommy and Daddy and this two brudders". DD and SIL are returning tonight their flight is due in around 8:00 pm and I will drive GS home tomorrow morning. He is 3 1/2 I am really going to miss him, he is a good little guy and still takes naps. Our computer is in the quest room and GD goes to bed at 8:00 pm and with his nap at noon it is hard to get any time to get on the computer.

I have been taking him to work for a couple of hours each day to get the billing and the payables done, only because we are still down one person. It is hard to get him to go, he would rather stay home and play and watch PBS Kids.

The weather has been a real bear. We have had - 0 temps, right now it has warmed up to +1 degree, and is snowing. It seems as though we are experiencing old man winter in three weeks at once. Really looking forward to Spring.

DS was here on Sunday and added more memory to my computer and XP. I have some garden pictures that I want to post to the forum to show you. DS gave me a quick crash course on how to attach the pictures, but I am struggling with the fact that the pictures are 112. kb and the forum only allows 50. kb. I have to wait until DS and or I have more time for a more through learning lesson, unless one of you can give me some insight. I don't have a digital camera, only a scanner.

Sunny, I work as an Office Manager for a small metal manufacturing firm. I took three days of vacation this week, but have no back-up fully trained for the billing and payables. The girl that held that position was laid-off. Our community is struggling right now, a lot of people are laid-off all over the city.
DH took Tuesday off and stayed home with GS, and I have been back and forth dragging poor little GS with me the last three days.

Willow, wish the best with your tests today. I have had those twice. I find the most difficult part being the cleaning of the digestive tract. The tests are actually a no-brainer. It is just a damn big inconvenience. Take care traveling with the beasty weather.

Angel, slow down woman, you move way too fast for me. Good to hear all the nice compliments you are getting and that you had such a good time with your daughter. DH sounds very level headed.

Sheila, I know you are having a good time. Don't forget us.

Fatpuss, why are you so tired? Is the winter getting to you too? Thanks for the tips on some more good reads. I wish I could be watching Life Laundry etc on BBC on my days off here, but GS wouldn't stand for it. PBS Kids keeps him happy and when he is happy I am happy. DD and SIL are not going to be one bit happy at how spoiled he is when they get back. Oh well.

Katey, are you staying warm over ther in Rochester? It is pretty hard to do when the temps are below 0* right. We have a wood burner as supplemental heat, so we have been burning a lot of logs. Our farm has a woods on it so it is economically sound for us tomake wood and burn wood.

Jackie, hope everything is ok in Canada in your neck of the woods.

Take care everyone, have to run, I only have one phone line into the house and no one can call in while I am on line. Just i n case they are trying to reach me from work. A second line is so expensive and our phone bill is huge already. Talk to you later.

Bluet

Hi, all--

Just a short one to say I'm back and will read posts later. We had a great time and the facials were lovely. We're taking the train to Portland (Oregon) on Sunday so I will be gone again until Wednesday.

Hope everyone is doing well!

Haven't had much time to post this week. Busy at work and getting DH ready to go to Munich on Monday. I've continued to exercise but am not showing any weight loss...just a pound or so back and forth, back and forth..ugh :(

Willow: Congratulations on your 3# loss:cp: I'm so happy for you. Hope everything went well for you yesterday.

Sheila: So glad you enjoyed the facial. I bet that's so relaxing. Hope that you have a good trip to Oregon. Travel safely.

Bluet: What fun to have your grandson spend some time with you! That's such a cute age! I would love to have grandchildren. Neither of the boys are married. The oldest is in a serious relationship. With any luck I might become a grandmother before I'm old and senile:D: This cold weather is getting old. I'm afraid it's going to be a long winter. Hope you'll be able to get your garden pictures posted.

Sunny: The elliptical sounds like it gives a good workout. We're getting a new machine at Curves next week...the glute. That will give us 10 machines.
Are you sick of snow yet???

Angel: It's good that your DD had her sister to go with her and help her get settled. I know how hard it is to have a child so far from home. Our DS lives in Colorado. We only get to see him a few times a year. Luckily our younger one is here at home yet. I don't think he'll ever leave this area.

Puss: That is so like me...do well with eating all day and then come home and blow it as I'm making dinner. I wouldn't be able to follow the Atkins diet either. Glad things are going better with your mother's phone calls.

Do any of you do scrapbooking? A friend of mine has done some beautiful ones. They have such pretty paper and accessories. I think when DH is away to keep myself occupied I'm going to try my hand at it. I have pictures and souvenirs from the cruise we took last year for our 30th anniversary.

Hope everyone is enjoying the weekend!

Take care,
Kate

Hi KATEY, Don't have allot of time right now (Joe & I are heading out to dinner with friends :hun: ), but just wanted to respond to you about Curves... you'll like that Glute machine. We have 11 of the 13 machines at our place. We just got a new one for the peck muscles last week... nice! You can really feel it!

As far as the snow... I haven't a choice :dz: it's snowing now and we are expecting another big storm on Sunday evening into Monday morning. Joe is off on Monday - we have a dentist appointment for cleaning. Afterwards we'll probably just come home if the weather is bad. I am really looking forward to Spring though.

Well, our friends are here must run!
Later!

Hi Everyone!

http://www.freefever.com/graphics/gif1902/cart083.gifHi friends.......sounds like everyone is fighting the cold weather....us too!!

SunnyD...love the calendar! Sorry you feel bloated. I'm sure it's the IBS...it happens to the twins a lot. Trina's got to where she has such bad stomach pains, she can barely stand it. Yet, she won't watch her diet!

Bluet...good to hear from you. You don't need a digital camera for pics. It's just better.

1. scan your pic & save in file as jpeg...I use "my documents"

2. Go to your pic & right click...go to "open with"...photostudio & left click. At the top of the page click on "edit" ...then on resize image...& make it the size you want. Click ok. Then go to top..to "file"..click..."save as"...(make sure it's on .jpeg) click....& you're ready to post in your message!

3. when you post your message, go to the bottom of screen where it says "manage attachments"...& click

4. a box will pop up with a message saying "browse"...click

5. find your pic & click on "open"

6. it will bring you back to the box with the url in it...click on "upload"

7. close the window (little box) & send the post as usual.

That's all there is to it. You can send up to five in one post. I may have told you some things you already know...wasn't sure. I have XP...so, ask me anytime...glad to help. Good luck!

Katey...glad you get to see DS a few times a year. Since DD married SIL, we've seen them about once a year. A couple of times it was longer than that. Their son was born in Germany...we didn't see him until he was almost 6 mos old. Chris was in the army when they met. Had planned to retire as his dad did. With this war, though, he's fearing he may leave Gina a widow & the kids without a dad...so, he's getting out this time. He's been in for about 10 yrs.

Sheila...good to hear from you. Glad you're having a good time with DD. I did the same with mine...only we did our nails, instead of facials. It was in the plans...but, shopped til we dropped! :D Enjoy!

Fatpuss...you made me hungry for Spaghetti & Garlic Bread! Don't have any...but, I'm making swiss steak & baked potatoes....smelling good. How are things with your mom? Is she sticking with the every-other-day plan? I hope so.

Willow...I've been thinking of you today. Let us know how you are, & the findings soon as you can.

Hello to Jacquie, & Loodie....hope all is well. http://www.freefever.com/graphics/gif1902/cart003.gif

Yesterday was quite a day.
I had to be at one place at 6:45 AM to have blood drawn for various tests the Dr ordered, plus I was asked to be in 2 clinical studies at Mayo, one for breast cancer and one for ovarian cancer, and they said I didn't need to make a special trip to have blood drawn for the studies, just whenever I had blood drawn for something else they would take 3 or so more vials for the genetic testing for the studies.
Well, I have awful veins to get blood from, and they usually end up taking it from my hand.
When I got there, I told the girl who was going to take my blood about my veins. Well, she tried in my arm anyway and got into a vein right away. I was soooo happy. Then, as she got about halfway through, she moved a bit and quit getting blood, so she asked another woman to come and help her by handing her the vials. The other one came in and after a couple minutes she said to me, " Why would you agree to be in a study when you have such stingy veins??" She said it in a degrading way too, like I was stupid. I just said, " well, I figured you had to take blood for tests that my DR ordered anyway, so once you were in there you could just fill a couple more." The girl who was taking my blood told me not to pay any attention to her, then the crabby one said, " No, I was just picking on you a little."
Then I had to rush back a couple of blocks to take an elevator up to the 9th floor of another building, (this walking is all done in a subway) and be there by 7 AM for the colonoscopy and the endoscopy.
They didn't even start till eight o'clock.
I know that some people have no memory of their colonoscopy's, but I'm not one of them. It hurt. And that's all I'm going to say on that subject. Obviously it doesn't kill you, because I'm still here.
The endoscopy was a breeze.
I don't have the results yet from the CT scan of my abdomen, but my DR had the results of the rest of my tests by the time of my appt. with him.
Total cholesterol. HDL, LDL,and triglycerides are fantastically down to normal!! I was sooo very happy! My way of eating and exercise are paying off! Now if I can just get my weight to keep falling as well, I'll be setting pretty. I'll be getting a letter from him with the results of all the tests in a few days. I don't remember the specific numbers of all of them right now, thanks to the anesthesia they gave me.
There was one polyp removed from the colon, but it was very, very tiny so the DR is quite confident it is benign, but has to wait for the pathology report.
My hip exray shows the bone to be normal, so, we're still where we were last year, and the year before that, and the year before that, .....

When we got done at Mayo it was 3 PM, so we went to Old Country Buffet to eat. I was starving because I hadn't eaten since Wednesday at 6 PM, so I had a couple bites of lots of things. And I didn't feel a bit guilty about it either. Mostly meats and salads, and 1 slice of cinnamon bread, and some dessert with a couple spoons of ice cream on them.

I was exhausted and went to bed very early last night.

I got up this morning about 7 AM and did 45 minutes of exercise with the WATP tape, which I probably shouldn't have done because of the warning from the nurses about not putting any pressure on that spot where the biopsy was done. But, I feel just fine, so no harm done.

I had a big old fashioned breakfast this morning as is customary for me on weekends.

We had snow here yesterday and I couldn't get my snowblower going last time and I knew better than to press my luck by lifting shovelfuls of snow, so I called for my grandson to shovel it for money, but he was busy so my son came and did it. He's so good to me. I felt funny having him do it because he won't take any pay for it, and I'd have to pay anyone else. But, he says, "You're my mother and I expect to do things for you."

Well, it looks as though some of our girls have come back to the fold. ;) We missed you Bonnie, Sheila, Kate and Sunny.
I'm glad you're all doing well.

I was reading your description of your elliptical machine, and I think it's like what 've been waffling about for a while. I can't decide if it's that I want to get or what is called a gym, which has the pull-down bars for your abs and laterals, and leg-lifts and butterfly's. I want to have variety here. :D

Charlotte, aren't you just too cool, getting hit on by a young whipper-snapper! Is your ego still inflated? Man! What a compliment!
I'm so happy for you that you got to spend special time with your daughter.

Kate, glad you're still posting. Don't give up on your plan. You'll come out of your funk before you know it and take off again.
I know it gets discouraging sometimes, but, if we keep with it, in a years time, we will be much healthier than we are today, whereas, if we give up and quit, we'll still be as bad off or worse than we are today. Besides, I want so bad for all of us to be successful.
I think it's all trial and error anyway, don't you? Each time we have a bad day or week, we can take something from that and learn from it.
That's why I'm keeping a journal of everything I eat and drink and how much exercise or activity I have in a day.
I noticed this past week for 2 days I was hungry a lot, and I think, looking back on it now, that I was worried about those tests I was going to have. So, if I get an overwhelming urge to eat now, I'll have to stop and take a look at what's going on in my life or job.
Sometimes exercise does that to you also. Makes you hold a couple pounds of fluids for a few days.
Please keep trying. Come here and talk it out when you feel discouraged.
I've never done any scrapbooking, but I want to find some crafts to do after I'm retired. Don't have a clue as to what yet, though. I'm really not an artsy-craftsy person.

I better post this just in case it's too long. More coming.....

Sheila, glad to see you didn't dump us. :lol: I was really getting worried about Dad this past couple of days. Glad everything is ok and you've just been having fun with your daughter.

Bonnie, sounds like you've been having fun watching your little grandson. They are so precious and you really miss them when they go home.

I bet he's a hit at work!
Do you have to pay extra when you are on the internet? I mean, is your phone bill and internet bill two separate bills, or do you get charged a long distance fee when you're on the internet? I don't know how a phone modem works because I have a cable modem.

I know what you're saying about a loss of jobs. It's getting really bad. I can't imagine what another 4 years is going to bring. And who knows how far beyond that?

Kate, where do you live? Rochester, what? MN. , NY., .....?

Puss, how are you doing? I hope it's working out still with every other day with your mother.
I can imagine how you feel. Like you're being disloyal to your mother if you say something, yet wishing you HAD said something when it gets so aggravating. I bet the mister is a lot happier though. :D
What is spaghetti bolognaise? Sounds good to me, even though I don't know what it is. Isn't it funny how names of foods can make them sound appealing? I thought it would be so with a pomegranate, but, not so! ICK!

Well, I need to get going. There's another place I need to post on tonight and I'm getting tired.
Everyone take care and stay warm. See ya!

http://www.wholesalecountrygiftware.com/images/Graphic_free_4_surprisebearbottle.gifFor you Willow...sounds like all turned out well...so far!! Sorry you felt pain, though! I've heard that some do. So far, I don't remember anything about anything! I'm sure the remainder of the tests will be equally good!
My veins are very tiny. They always dread seeing me come....especially for Remicade. My nurse, Kathy, drunk diet Pepsi til I started coming for treatments. Now, she's on regular Pepsi. :lol: Says she has special prayer at church before I'm due in. She doesn't want to hurt me. The catheder is larger than my veins! :o I think she gets worked up worse than I do! :D Last Monday I don't think the little nurse at my regular check up really believed me when I warned her. Took 5 tries! I'm black & blue on both arms. Said she wouldn't do it a 6th time...would send me to the hospital for it. :D They want to put in a port....I don't want one.
I don't think it was such a big deal with the waiter! Nice to be noticed, though. Losing weight can pay off...& getting nails done...& keeping hair blonde...& bellbottoms........oh well :dizzy: I DID leave a nice tip! :lol: I have a pic of me in my bellbottoms on my homepage...need to take a pic of what I wore Tuesday....maybe soon! ;)

Take care of yourself. Hope all have a good evening. http://www.eakles.com/29farmanimated.gif

Hi Everyone,

The sun just came out here. Hooray! the wind is coming off Lake Michigan though and that usually means SNOW. Ugh. It snowed this morning while we were in church, more shoveling to do. Well if we have to put up with it then so be it, it is good for the crops.

I took GS back to Green Bay yesterday. He was all hyped to see Mom and Dad and his Brothers. What a cutie he is. They are so sweet at that age. I told him that I thought I would have to cry when he left and he said don't worry Grandma, I'll come back another day.

I went to work yesterday afternoon and caught up a little with my work. Then I brought some home so I can be timely for the accountant tomorrow. I can't get the bank statement to work, so I said h***, with it I'll go do something I would rather do. So here I am. Accountant is not going to be too happy with me. I'll go look at it some more later, sometimes when you come back to it it just clicks. "sometimes"

I was watching a little bit of Tradings Spaces yesterday too. The homes were located in Minnesota. Geniveve Gorder (?) was one of the designers. She was immitating how people in the upper midwest talk. What a hoot she was. I guess we do sound like that, with our long o's and empahsis on the ending r's. I know, yes I am easily entertained, after all I am looking forward to the next Survivor. On second thought may be not, if Richard Hatch is going to be on the next survivor in the buff no less.

I have not gotten into to any excercise program since before Christmas. I need help, I always need someone to lead me kicking and screaming to the treadmill, and I have not ever met anyone brave enough to try it. I have not gained any weight since I lost those twenty pounds since May of last year. I have not lost anymore either. I hope I can keep the strength and have the will power never to see that weight come back again. Also I am nearing a pretty big milestone in my life and I am excited about that too. On February 6th it will be one year since I decided not to ever drink alcohol again. Some days it sure would be wonderful to have a glass of white wine, but I don't need it. I have to wait until May 11th before it is one year since I gave up sugar and white flour. I can't believe I made it all the way through the holidays without eating chocolate or Christmas cookies. Chocolate was practically my mainstay in the evenings. When things bothered me my motto was EAT CHOCOLATE! I am absolutely amazed, I never believed I had the will power to last with out those things in my life.

I guess, I am going to put my pride aside and bite the bullet and try to post those garden pictures. Thank you Charlotte, for all your help. Did you ever think of teaching computer classes? You would be really good. Of course, you would have to find some time, but I am not sure where you could fit it in with your busy schedule.

The pictures, if they work is my perennial flower beds on the west side of our house. I have Japanese Irises, pink and white cone flowers, meadow sweet, bee balm, lillys, chrysanthemums, black-eyed susans, hostas, grasses, etc and a small pond with a little waterfall. Today everything is covered under a couple of feet of snow. Spring will be here soon. The days are starting to get longer already.

Take care everyone.

Bluet

Well, what you know, will miracles never cease. Have a good Monday everyone. Back to the books. Yes I just made myself unhappy. Bye.

Bluet

I was up late last night so I didn't get up until 8:30 this morning. What a lazy bones!
I did 45 minutes of exercise doing the 3-mile WATP tape.
Then I had breakfast and made out my menu for the coming week.
Then I started doing laundry, and while the first load was washing I went to the store and got some cereals, fruits, vegetables and chicken breasts and low fat ham.

I usually buy vegetables by the bag, frozen, but decided to try buying fresh and then cleaning and cutting them up and freezing them myself.
Then, I was just about out of my mixed cereals, so I bought some of them again and mixed them. I get a few different kinds and mix them together. I have a couple different kinds of wheat bran flakes, some oat bran flakes, some Kashi Good Friends, and some cheerios. I like to eat my cereal dry when I have it mixed, then have some fruit with it.
Anyway, I spent my afternoon cleaning and cutting veggies, mixing cereals and putting them in tupperware containers, and doing laundry.
I also put a couple chicken breasts in the crockpot with some calorie free bar-b-cue sauce and onions to make bar-b-cue sandwiches out of later in the week.

I was so busy I forgot to eat lunch, and before I knew it, it was 5:30 PM. I just had my supper at 6 PM. Had a big chefs salad with a chicken breast that I grilled with garlic and creole seasoning and cut up. Also had some toast and green tea with it. I didn't realize I was hungry until I started eating.

Awwww, Charlotte, thank you! You are so thoughtful!
Yes, the mammogram was negative for cancer too, so now I'm just waiting on the last 2 tests. Maybe I'll get the report this week sometime. He sends me a report on everything that was done.
Gosh, Charlotte, I hate to think of you having to go through that every time they need to do the Remicade treatment. Why won't you let them put in a port? I just think it would make it so much easier for you. I think you suffer enough with that mean illness you have.
Hey, I'd sure think it was a big deal if I were in your shoes with that waiter! It HAD to make you feel great!

Bonnie, don't feel bad about your snow, ... we've got 3 to 6 inches coming tonight. :( I hope it isn't real bad in the morning. I had my son shovel for me yesterday, but I'll have to do it myself if it snows tonight. I don't want to miss anymore work for a while now.
I bet you do miss your little sweety GS.
The work thing will all work out. Maybe that is all you needed was a break away from it.
I never got into any of that Survivor stuff. In fact I very seldom watch TV, except for the news.
I sure hope you can get back inthe groove with your exercising. I always feel better when I'm doing it. Or, rather, after I'm done. It's getting easier to do lately too, so I must be getting in better shape. A little bit anyway.
That's great though that you haven't gained any of the lost weight back. So, you must be doing SOMETHING right.
And CONGRATULATIONS on your abstinence from both alcohol and sugar and white flour. So, you see, you really ARE strong.
You'll get back in the swing of things soon. I have faith in you.
Bonnie, your flowers are absolutely beautiful! You have a wonderfully beautiful setting where you live.
I wonder if my flowers will be alive this coming spring. We've had hardly any snow for insulation for them.

My last load of clothes is in the dryer now. I need to get my stuff rounded up for work tomorrow too.
Take care all.

http://www.eakles.com/102SUN3.gifBluet...I knew you could do it!! Those are beautiful flowers! Your garden is lovely! Now you can show us lots of things in your garden. Remember, also, when changing size...if you keep the little box checked that's marked "Keep Aspect Ratio", it will help the looks of the pics. And make them the size that the board wants...no more, or no less. They will turn out the best.
Now, the difference in regular cameras & digital is this all is much easier accomplished with digital. See the little squares in the larger pics?....that wouldn't be there with digital...because they are specifically for pc's. Still a good job, though. Mostly in the background anyway. Wouldn't have even said anything....only....I'm your "teacher". :D
I do the same with my books...can't get my checkbooks to balance...will leave for awhile, & it does much better. I go crazy with the church check books, though. It's not my money! I'm the secretary & treasurer.
GS sounds adorable! Gotta send a pic of him, soon. :)
I like to watch Trading Spaces....but, dont always like the way the rooms are fixed. Would hate to be "stuck" with someone else's ideas. :^:

Willow...good news on your tests so far! Waiting for results on last two. I'm sure they'll be fine.
I'm afraid of getting a port. I'm so sensitive to things touching my skin. I'm easily irritated...afraid it would bother me. Also, with me having to take so many things (benadryl, zyrtec, etc) for the treatments, just because I'm so sensitive to everything, I'm afraid it will cause some kind of reaction. I'd also have to get it flushed out once a month. Oh well, we'll see. :dizzy:

Think DH's getting lonely...keeps making hints. ;) Guess I'll turn the pc off for the night & go watch a little tv with him. Talk to you all tomorrow.http://www.freefever.com/graphics/gif1902/disn002.gif

Todays post will be early and short. I have to shovel sidewalks and driveway, plus I have to go in to work early all week which means I have to go to bed early in order to get up early.

Today was a typical work day. Nothing exciting happening.

We've had about 4 inches of fluffy snow so far today. It is suppose to let up for a while about 6 pm, and then another couple inches over night.
I'm going out about 6 o'clock to shovel and if it snows more after that it will just have to wait till tomorrow afternoon. It sure is beautiful out there though.

I got up at 4:30 and exercised for 45 minutes with the 3-mile WATP tape. I was going to exercise this afternoon after work too, but I figure the shoveling snow is enough exercise.

I have to get my clothes and breakfast and lunch ready for tomorrow, then go shovel.
Have a great evening all.

Hi everyone, just a short one before I go to work - am having to travel about 100 miles to this one, I think. Willow, so pleased your tests were good though the testing sounds nasty. Bluet, your garden is lovely and about 10 times the size of mine. Angel and SunnyD you are surpassing yourselves with beautiful icons, I reckon the pair of you could give Bill Gates (who is getting a knighthood here) a run for his money. Kate, I too am yo-yoing between a couple of pounds up and down but I can't honestly say I have been watching the foods lately. Sheila, lovely to see you back - even though you will be gone again for a bit. Have a good time.
Hope to pop back here tonight but I don't know what time I will get home.
Bes wishes to all,

Hi Everyone,

My goodness, everyone must be very busy.

We were socked with two days of snow, today the sun is out and I think it is about +18 degrees, but cold temperatures are predicted for the balance of the week through Sunday.

My Mom called me the other day, she is starting to get cabin fever. We don't like for her to go out when there's so much snow nor when it is so cold. She is very determined and independant though, but my two sisters check on her everyday. Mom is such a sweet lady, we would be heart broken if anything ever happened to her.

I need to get out today and get the tank on my car filled up again, it is not good to run the cars on half empty, when the temperatures are so cold. I am hoping the roads clear off pretty soon. My car is so dirty, it is a virtual salt wagon. It doesn't pay to get it washed until the roads are dry. I watched the news last night and it looks like just about everyone south and east of us has had dreadful weather, don't you think a deserving reward would be a beautiful glorious Spring? Lent is going to start soon, with Easter six weeks later, that is always a sure sign that Spring is around the corner, right?

Willow, I never answered your question about the phone/internet system I have. We have a modem that we plug into a phone outlet and receive our internet system that way. We also have call waiting with our phone system and if we are on line anyone calling in will just hear the phone ringing, and we don't hear anything. If I would drop the call waiting, then when we were on line the incoming phone call would probably bump us off the internet. Thus the reason it is a good idea to bring in a second phone line dedicated just to the computer. I should drop the call waiting, DH and I rarely ever use it. We needed it when our children were teenagers and would tie up the phone, or to be more exact so they wouldn't miss any phone calls from their friends.

Last night I fell asleep on the sofa at 7:00 pm and slept ther until 6:00 am this morning. I still feel tired though, it is heck getting old. Although I try not to think about it. I try to pretend I am invincible, sometimes it works.

Well, I am going to mosey on out of here. Hope everyone is staying warm, looking forward to hearing from everyone. Bye for now.

Bluet

Hi, all--

Looks like we need to start thread No. 11 sometime soon.

Willow, I'm glad your tests have turned out well so far. That's too bad that you felt pain with the colonoscopy. I'm the other way--I had problems with the endoscopy, but didn't feel the colonoscopy at all. And you had to drink that stuff, too? Yech! I was glad I was given the pills instead--don't think I could have gotten the liquid down.

Bluet, your garden is absolutely lovely. How big is your yard, by the way? It looks huge! I'm a Trading Spaces fan, but like Charlotte, there are just sometimes that those rooms look horrible. I really detest Hildy's work--I don't think I've liked any room that she's done. I haven't seen Vern on in a while, but he was really good. I'm glad you had such a good time with your grandson.

Puss, a hundred miles of traveling one way? That's a long way to go to get to a job. Hope the weather is okay over there.

We got back from Portland yesterday afternoon. The train was about 1/2 hour late, so it wasn't too bad. The train down was totally on time, which was a first for train travel for me! We stayed on the fifth floor of a very nice hotel that was downtown, close to everything. My daughter is a shop-til-you-drop kind of person, and, unfortunately, I drop a lot earlier than she does! The weather wasn't too bad either. It only drizzled slightly on the last day we were there.

My Dad was driving my DH nuts while I was gone. My DH had used the Omaha Steaks hamburger that my dad had bought to make tacos, and he told my Dad that. My Dad then asked where the buns were? Buns? Well, in the Omaha Steaks catalogue, the hamburger is shown in between buns and with tomatoes, lettuce, etc. so my Dad thought it came with buns (my DH said my Dad never asked about the tomatoes and lettuce!). My DH ended up calling the Omaha Steaks people and asking them if the hamburger came with buns. The answer was, "No" of course, but my Dad wouldn't believe it from my DH, even when my DH was on the phone with Omaha Steaks in front of my Dad. So my Dad had to call Omaha Steaks himself and ask the customer service rep if they had included buns. The answer--of course, it was No. Frankly, I would have been offended, and I think my DH was, but he shook it off. I can't quite figure out if my Dad is getting a little "off" or if he's just into arguing. I should put him on the phone with Puss' mother!

Well, no more traveling or houseguests for me in February so I'm planning on finally losing some "virgin" pounds after a bad December and January. Good for you, Bluet, on not having any sweets for so long. I should join you, but I just can't give those up yet, although I know that would be beneficial to my health.

My daughter leaves tomorrow for Virginia. We had fun in Boise and Portland so we had some good memories to share. I have no idea when I'll see her again, but the cell phone is practically glued to her ear so I know I'll hear from her. My friends in Virginia said they'd go visit her, although I imagine they'll wait for much better weather! I feel for all of you back east with the snow and cold temperatures.

Hope everyone stays warm and has a great Wednesday!

The work week is exactly half over, and so far I'm not getting too awfully tired.
I have to work Saturday from 5 AM until 1 PM too.

On my way to work this morning, my ABS light went on in my car and so did the emergency brake light. I was just riding along at the time, not using my brakes, so I think a sensor has gone out in that blasted thing again. I'll have it looked at and if it's goingto cost me a small fortune to have it repaired, I'll get a new car. This one is 10 years old, but it has very, very low mileage on it.

Anyway, I didn't have time to exercise this morning, and I'm not going to get up at 3 AM instead of 3:30 AM just so I can exercise. So, I exercised for 45 minutes when I got home from work. Not as much as I would have liked but it's better than nothing.

I was going to shovel the snow from the side of the house and in the back when I got home from work today, but the wind was like ice and I just didn't feel up to it. It'll wait for me, I'm sure.

There were treats at work twice this week and I never went near them! I'm so proud of myself.

This will be short because I have to shower yet and get my stuff ready for work tomorrow.

It's a cold and icy greeting from me this morning, ladies. We have had severe weather warnings for days here and yesterday it hit with a vengeance. I was almost home when the sky lit up with lightening for about 5 minutes then just as I was locking the car, a tremendous hail storm covered everywhere within 5 minutes, I couldn't believe it. By the time I got out of my suit and into my jeans, everywhere was covered in snow. Fantastic sight within 10 minutes. My poor daughter in the north had it worse, it took her 3 hours to do a 45 minute drive back from her hospital. She lives on a steep hill so has parked her car at the bottom because she says that in icy weather all the cars, buses and trucks go out of control in icy weather. It's very icy this morning and DH left at 0600 so he will be amongst the first to tread the roads. I am such a coward in icy weather driving - I am that person holding the queue up! The audit I did near Gatwick Airport on Tuesday , 118 miles away, I was so glad it wasn't yesterday because 8 flights were cancelled because of the weather and I would have been stuck there as the weather was so awful. That distance was a one-off Sheila, my office was helping another area's officers out as they didn't have the staff to cope with the volume of work. No way would I travel that as normal, though many people in the south do, DH does a 100 mile trip each day and mine is normally 25 each way.
Bluet, I won't talk snow with you because you have it badly and for much longer I am sure. It must be bad for the elderly like your DM being housebound with it.
Sheila - glad you had a good time in Portland though sounds like your DH was counting every minute for your return with dad, ha ha. He is so funny! As for pitching him with my DM, she would be patience itself with him. That's what she does outside the home, she is Mother Theresa personified to those who don't know her but the hospital staff cottoned on to her after a while and realised it was a mask to hide the tyrant that she is. Her real self is rarely revealed outside of the family but I think people pick up on it. I think Ghengis Khan would be terrified of my DM in full flow. The calls are still every other night and although long ones, she has actually thanked me for phoning. I have had this before though, many times, and fall into the trap of thinking she has changed and then I feel guilty and go back to phoning every night and then it's back to the old DM so I mustn't weaken.
Sheila you will miss having your DD round when she leaves but I am so used to it now with mine back and forward - though i don't see her for months with work committments - that in a strange way it's nice to get the house back to just DH and I even though she is sweetness itself, we get into a routein.
Willow - don't talk to me about cars! Just had DSs car in for attention and a service and because he is still training and not earning we pay the bills naturally. This one was 350 pounds - about 500 dollars I think (the exchange rate was 1.8 recently I think). I can't wait until they both qualify and DH and I are not supporting 3 households, 4 cars with tax and insurance etc etc. ha ha. Six years each is a long time though I don't resent it at all but when DD is earning in September I won't know myself being able to keep back half my pay packet for a change.
I didn't go to aerobics last night - the snow was a good excuse but I think I mentioned I have been so tired lately. Also I think I may be going through the change of life - haven't seen anything for 2 months and DD says I should go to the doctor and get my HRT changed. Excuses, excuses, but I can't get geared up at all and I have yet another cold - I never get colds - but so has everyone else in the office, never mine.
Best wishes to everyone,

Hi Everybody!
I only have a couple of minutes, but I'm sooo excited, I just HAD to post and brag!
Today is my weigh day, and I'm down another 5 pounds! I think all the snow shoveling had something to do with it because I've been eating good. See ya later!
Everybody have a great day!

Hi Everyone,

COLD here today, last night wind chills reach 20 below. At least the sun is out a little bit, and no SNOW. Thank you very much. Filled the car up on the way home last night, man was it a cold wind, I got back into the car while it was filling. DH, put a bottle of heat in the tank of my car and his truck when we got home from work last night.

GS from next door came over last night and we watched the Disney Movie on direct TV. His Dad dropped him off, and when he came back to pick him up, GS was all crabby and wouldn't say good night to me. I told him I loved him anyway, crabby or not. The movie was about a hologram, who became a rock star, a little far fetched for me. GS liked it, even though he is only seven, he fully appreciated the good looking blonde hologram.

Willow, how excellent, 5 pounds, for goodness sakes keep up the good work. I was on a continual diet for 10 years, until I found the no sugar, no white flour diet. It was a God send, and it is working for you too and the excercise. So happy for you. Have you ever tried reading Potato Not Prozac by Kathleen Des Maisons?

Shiela, so glad you had a wonderful holiday with DD. Your poor DH, he must have the patience of a saint. I bet Dad, is just as entertaining to him as he is to all of us. I would have loved to see the expression on the service person's face, when he asked where the buns were. Dad makes me smile.
Our yard is larger than most , because we live on a farm. We don't have livestock anymore, but we rent the space to an area farmer who keeps his young stock here and DH feeds them in the morning and evening. We rent most of our land out to the farmer that has his young stock here in order to raise feed for his animals. This way DH is still involved in the agricultural end and does not miss that partof hs life. He is the third generation to live on this farm and in this house. When agriculture in Wisconsin started to take a nose dive, DH went back to school part time and got a technical degree in electricity. When he graduated we sold the cows and most of the equipment and he landed a job with a Company that sells copiers, faxes, printers, etc. and does the techinical work for the clients that purchase the afore mentioned items. He puts on a lot of miles everyday fixing office machines. We have lived on this farm for 39 years, this spring we will be married 40 years. My gardens used to be bigger, but I have down sized a bit. What I would like to do now is take a picture of them covered in all this snow and post it. We'll see, if it warms up a little bit mabe, I'll venture out.

Puss, I would get thee self to the doctor for a check up. Perhaps you are low on iron. Something so simple can easily be remedied. Isn't it amazing the lengths we go to for our work. Driving one hundred miles one way is a bit of a stretch though. People in the more populated communities in the US have to do that all the time, which includes the traffic snarls. I know what you are talking about when you say not having a paycheck inorder to help the kids in college. I started working out of the home when oldest started college and continued when our other three were in colllege to help them pays their bills, and I am still working trying to catch up from the money I didn't have during their college years.

Well, I guess I had better get back to work. Charlotte, Jackie and Katey hope you are all ok and staying warm.

Bye for now.

Bluet

I was up at 3:30 AM again this morning, but didn't have time to exercise. By the time I shower, lotion my 'all-over' and get dressed and have breakfast, it's time to leave for work.

They canceled overtime for Saturday and I'm actually kind of glad.
There was an old biddy getting on my nerves at work today.
I want to retire early, and she takes it personally if everyone doesn't stay there forever. Don't ask me why either. I can't see as it's any of her business what anyone else does.
I finally told her that if she wants to stay there till they find her sitting on the line some day with rigor mortis setting in, she should go for it. At least it shut her up.
She's eight days older than dirt and thinks she can tell everyone else what to do just because she's older. ****, she's at least twice as old as the building!

I just got back from a meeting, and now I have to get my stuff together for tomorrow.

Bonnie, it's VERY cold here tonight too. -20 and with the wind chill factor it's -40. I haven't plugged my tank heater in for about 3 years, so I hope it still works.
I wore jeans today, and the air bites right through the fabric. Tomorrow I'm wearing sweats again.

Your little grandson sounds so cute. Sassy too, huh? :lol:

No, I've never read Potatoes, not Prozac, but I think it's the only book I haven't read on weight loss. ..... And here I am, doing my own thing anyway. I would love to have all the money I've spent over the years on books, memberships, doodads, etc. to try to lose weight.
I know that you're on to a healthy thing there though. It's pretty much what I'm doing, I think, although I do have a potato once in a while.

Puss, you got some of this nasty weather too I see. It's really like a deep freeze here tonight.
I can't imagine driving over a hundred miles to a job. Thank God you don't have to do it all the time, huh?
Well, I see Mother has her spunk yet. :D Isn't it strange what people will do to their own families, yet treat strangers like royalty?
Geez, if you keep working after your son and daughter are finished with school, you won't know what to do with all your money.

Sheila, sounds like you and your daughter made lots of good memories this past couple of weeks.
I sure did miss Dad. He's too cute! :lol: Instead of "where's the beef???" he wanted to know, " Where's the buns!??"

Hello to everyone else, and stay safe and warm, girls!

Well girls, I need to get moving and get to bed. One more day of getting up at 3:30 AM, then I can sleep in for a couple of days.

Hey, congratulations on the excellent weight loss, Willow! Way to go! Do you know what's up with your car yet? Hopefully it can be fixed and not cost too much.

Puss, sounds like you're getting some of the nasty weather from "across the pond." It's raining like crazy here with a lot of wind and temps in the low 50s, but the eastern part of the U.S. is getting hit with cold weather and lots of snow. Bummer about the car bill--that's quite a hefty sum.

Well, my DD left this morning. She forgot her military ID, however, and my DH had to drive back home and get it. Lucky that we live only 20 minutes from the airport. Then she got to Chicago on time, but they made them wait on the tarmac for 1.5 hours so she missed her connecting flight. Then she found out her boyfriend got a choice of 9 different bases, none of which was Virginia where she's at, and he didn't choose the closest one, which was Florida. And then she discovered that her ship is being decommissioned so they may send her to who knows where! So it was not a good day for her overall, and she sounded totally bummed when she called me from Chicago. She did get on an 8:00 pm flight that gets into Norfolk at 11:00 pm so she just may make her reporting for duty time of prior to midnight. She had to get a delay of travel thing from the airlines to say that the plane delay was their fault, and she didn't screw up. She really wanted to report for duty with some other women from boot camp, but they are arriving earlier so she'll be on her own.

I am glad that things are back to normal, however. I had my first good eating day in weeks, and I'm planning to continue that right through the spring. Tomorrow will be my aerobics class, which I haven't been to in over a week. And I think I'm going to skip the weigh-in at WW tomorrow, although I want to go to the meeting.

Hope everyone is staying warm and dry!

Hello everyone...just another quick note to let you know I am still here. have been very busy with my DM she is not doing very well so I have been doing a lot of running back and forth from our home to hers plus her laundry etc. etc. and with my DB on a cruise I have had the full load!! I have had the flu the past week....really a nasty one. I haven't been able to see how DM is doing for fear of giving it to her. Enough of my woes!!

It took me several days to find my way back to this site...what troubles they have had.

The weather here has been dreadfull.....-35 yesterday with the wind chill -53 now thats down right cold. The snow just crunches when you walk on it. One would think all the bugs would be gone with temps. like this. It is refreshing though! Hopefully things will start to get better next week...it is supposed to get up to -12.

I have a lot of catching up to do I haven't even read any of the posts yet. I was feeling so darn rough I couldn't even use the computer.

Hopefully things are back on track now....I haven't been watching what I eat as good as I should but now it is time to get back at it!

Bye for now!

Willow - 5lbs!! Fantastic loss. You are doing so well lately, you have inspired me to get back on track and do something without any messing about and shift the 5lbs I gained over December/January. That crabby lady at work, when I was a student I worked in a factory for a short while where all the late-middle-aged ladies thought the machines were theirs and not the company's. I had such a good time there because the regular young workers would occasionally upset the territorial old ones by arriving early and being assigned to 'their' machine. It was so funny you would have thought they had invaded their house.
Bluet - I remember you saying your DH had re-trained. How lovely you have the benefit of both worlds and still have your beautiful farmland but not dependent on it for a living. Your GS sounds lovely; funny how they all get crabby when they get over-tired, isn't it? My two used to get whiney and weepy, always a good sign they were ready for bed, ha ha.
Sheila - our weather is coming straight off the arctic, down through Scotland and finally to us in the south. Although the roads have been well gritted, and the snow has stopped, it is still not warm enough to melt it from the gardens and fields. It is supposed to be getting warmer from today though so not much of a snow storm really. We get this a couple of times a year yet you would think it was a new thing the way the news media go on about it like it's a state of emergency. Your poor DD, what a day she had! You reminded me of when I was one of the Customs officers for the air show here 2 years ago and all the overseas flight crews from the Navy and Air forces had to show their passports and declare goods to us. I got to know a very high ranking US Navy officer who would meet all the youngsters arriving at the airfield and would shepherd them in to us. He would joke that he was their surrogate dad and how half of them had forgotten stuff etc and one young girl had forgotten her passport. She was quite upset, poor sweetie, but we got round it in the end. They were such nice kids the young military ones from the US. One young F16 pilot offered me a chewing gum and I joked with him that chewing gum was a poor gift when his grand
father and great uncles were offering British ladies nylon stockings during their stay here in the 2nd world war!! He obviously hadn't heard about that one, ha.
Jacqui - it is good to see you back here though you sound like you are having a rough time of it running around after your DM and having a cold as well. Take care.
Well I had such a good audit yesterday near Heathrow. The premises were ramshackle but the staff was brilliant. The director was Irish and talk about the blarney and being funny. I spent most of the time laughing to burst and at the end of the day I said what a nice time I had had there - which wasn't the object of the exercise for one of Her Majesty's Custom's Officers - and they were so off-the-wall-friendly they kept saying 'pop in for a cuppa tea anytime you are in the area, we mean it, pop it, it would be great to see you again'. I wish every audit could go the same way, such nice people.
DS arrived unexpectedly with his two flat mates last night, no warning, just came through the sitting room and DH and I hadn't heard them come in. Afterwards I said to him he could have found us up to hanky panky with such an entrance didn't it occur to him? And DS said it did but only at the point when he opened the door but the thought was too revolting and he blasted it from his memory bank!! Ha, kids think we are dead, eh? His visit was in response to DH nagging him that his car was back from the garage and he doesn't want it clogging up the drive for weeks so come and collect it. Good job I always freeze dinners I cook because, as usual, they were starving the three of them. Rustled up a 3 course dinner and they went back to London happy bunnies and DH is happy that son's car is gone. Don't know why he got a bee in his bonnet over it, the drive would hold four cars if needs be.
Best wishes to SunnyD, Angel and Kate.

http://media.euniverse.com/funpages/cms_content/1437/flasher.gifHello friends...

Sorry I missed posting yesterday. I wanted to load some pics into my Kodak software, only to find out it was gone! I guess those viruses I had destroyed them. Only thing, never could get it to install. So, back to the drawing board today.

Fatpuss...don't weaken with your DM. You've got it going on schedule now. Gotta be strong, girl! ;) WOW! All that bad weather, & car expenses too! Was interesting hearing how the weather can change in such a few minutes.
Sorry you're so tired lately. Wish you would check with a dr.

Jacquie....good to hear from you. Sorry to hear about your mother, & you being sick. Both are in my prayers. Such cold temperatures!

Sheila...Glad you had a good time with your daughter. I know what you mean about getting back into a routine.
I'm almost used to my daughter & family leaving when they're here for awhile. It's just hard to see them drive off. The last couple of trips, I didn't. I visited with them the day before, & called the next morning with one final goodbye. Watching them drive out of sight got to be too much. In Aug or Sept, though, they'll be back, hopefully, to stay.

Willow...http://www.eakles.com/102happyturningsign.gifYou're doing great with your weightloss! So proud for you. We have a cooking show at the station on Mondays. When the taping is over, we get to eat what Suzanne has cooked! I can feel the lbs coming on! Gotta be careful. Don't want to go through that 47 lbs again!

Bluet....GS sounds cute! I have a pouter in the grands! She's 5yrs old. You don't know she's upset....unless you happen to notice her somewhere with her arms crossed pouting! Most of the time she doesn't tell what it's about. :dizzy:

Well....back to pics! Hello to anyone I missed. http://www.countryclipart.com/ApplesSet/countrytothecore.gif

http://www.ecardgallery.com/egreetings/friendship/whywendfrnds08/1.jpg

A very Good COLD morning to everyone!!!

Where does the time go! We are having some leaking problems in our hallway from the ice and snow on our roof. Joe has been up there twice now trying to keep it off, but as soon as he gets it shoveled off it snow's again! I have posted a picture from our paper today - a picture of children walking through the snow off the square not far from where I live. It looks like a winter wonderland, doesn't it?

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Speaking of pictures: BLUET, What lovely garden's you have! One day I hope to have gardens that look like yours! I enjoyed taking a break from all this snow with the visual walk through your gardens :) Thanks for taking the time to post them.

WILLOW, You are doing so well on your program :cp: - So happy for you that you are seeing such good results for all your efforts. For some reason - the more I exercise the heavier I get :( I am hoping to see results soon, I think I am getting swelling in the muscles and I know I am not drinking nearly enough water with the dry air of winter & exercise. I just don't drink like I should! I am trying... Keep up the great work!

Hi SHEILA, I am so happy that you had a good time with your DD, but it's a bummer she doesn't know where she's heading to. I bet she will really miss being with her family & DBF. She's in my prayer's.

I too know what you mean about getting back into a routine... whenever we have company, everything always goes off track and you really feel it! It takes days to recover. That's why when we go to visit my DM & DF Joe & I do everything in our power not to be disruptive to their routine... it's hard on them even though they like our visit. I take care of all our needs and even make meals for them while I am there. This way we all can enjoy one another's time together.

Did you ever get to see the tulip pictures I posted for you ;)

JACQUIE, I saw that you all were getting that blast of cold on the weather channel. No thanks! We are doing all we can to cope with what we are having. We woke up to 7* this morning with -10* in windchill - so I can just imagine what you all are coping with! We have had tons of snow and we are all ready for it to stop now... note the picture I posted from our paper this morning. Be careful and stay bundled up!!

And I know what you mean about caring for your DM. I did that for my DFIL (Joe's father). I cleaned his home for him, did his laundry and made him some of his meals, not to mention all the AARP calls I had to make for all his hospital visits (& the time I spent on the phone just waiting!) before we had to move him into a home after he fell and broke his hip. I did that for several years. His daughters all worked and I was home, so that's why I did it. Besides, we both enjoyed classic movies - so I would always stay after I cleaned for him to catch a movie with him. Many times he'd fall asleep, but it was a comforting thought for him to know I was there. I'll pray that you have the strength to continue to care for your DM... it isn't easy, but the thought that you gave it your best is very comforting when they have gone. You are in my thoughts...

http://www.ecardgallery.com/egreetings/inspirational/wsdomprayer08/1.jpgPUSS, I am glad you enjoy the graphics and animations that Angel and I post... it's fun searching for them & sharing them with everyone.

I saw on the weather channel that you all got hammered too and very quickly. Just do what you can to stay safe & warm. Are you all accustomed to having this kind of cold there?

Angel is right... you should go to the Dr. if you cannot shake your fatigue. There may be more to you feeling like that. Although, the cold temps here have created allot of fatigue, colds & flu's! So many out with illness here in OHIO. And well over 400 schools are closed due to our weather, not to mention the accidents on the roadways from the ice & snow mix on our roads. We are so ready for this weather to break! Many are experiencing that sadness too, from lack of sunshine here.

You take care and remember that we care... you DM has to be told that there are boundaries. They get lonely and will suck you dry for attention if you don't set those boundaries. We had to do that with Joe's father - he would just pop over anytime he wanted to and walk right into my home! He had his key, because we bought his place when he moved into his apartment. We had to change the locks and have a talk with him... he was pouting for a few weeks, but got over it. He had to know he couldn't just pop over without a phone call. Joe was gone allot & I didn't appreciate him just coming over whenever he wanted. One time I came out of my bathroom wrapped in my towel to find him sitting in my diningroom! That was it - we had a talk with him right after that.

Your stress will cause your fatigue as well... you take care now. Forgive me, if I have over-stepped my boundries with you. Stay strong. (((Hugs))) :grouphug:

http://www.ecardgallery.com/egreetings/friendship/anglnmyhrt08/1.gif ANGEL, :lol: I just loved your animation! You are just too funny! :lol:

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Well, I really must be going... I have so much to do today - sometimes I feel like my head in spinning. I wish you all well on your programs! Keep up the great work & take care of yourselves!

:wave: Hi KATEY!

God Bless,
:sunny: SunnyD

Don't Post Here. See Thread No. 11!!

Here's a link to #11
(lending a helping hand ;) )

Link:
http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/showthread.php?p=509249#post509249