WW Clubs and Groups - Feisty & Sexy 50- 60 yr olds NEW #7

G'day everyone,

It is a scorcher here today, forecast of 43 C (I think that is around 110F) it is becoming quite windy and it is just awful. :hot: :hot:
DH and I did a bit of grocery shopping this morning and he went for a paddle on his surf ski.
We will now probably just stay indoors for the rest of the day.
Most sporting competions have been cancelled due to the heat however our ds is playing cricket from 11am till 6pm. :eek: :rolleyes:
The grounds he is playing at is not far from our home, dh said he would go and see how they are going.

I have been very down about my weight and just not shifting anything fast :(
I read an article in a popular Australian Womens magazine about the CSIRO (a government research institution) having done some research on women and weight. They have come up with the 'Well Being Diet' and it is available from their website.

http://www.csiro.au/index.asp?type=division&id=Human%20Nutrition

I have printed it all out and also printed out the 8 week eating plans (with some recipes) . From what I read it is not dis-similar to WW with the one exception that they steer away from carbohydrates. I tend to eat very little protein but make up my points with lots of carbs.
I have decided to give this a serious go and see how it works. The CSIRO is a well respected government department and is not in it for profit in fact everything on the website is free :yes:
As I said the plan is not that different from what I do now but my meat take would more than double and my carb intake would be less than 1/2 of what I eat now.
I hope it lives up to its name, Well Being Diet. I just really want to feel WELL!

I would be interested to hear what you think of it. The Media Release on their findings makes very interesting readin and really persuaded me to give this a go.

DH came home last night from Sydney on a real high, he did NOT get the job and so we will NOT be relocating to Sydney. :cp: :cb:
The longer this dragged on the less inclined we were to pack up and move to Sydney for 2 years. I didn't realise it worried dh quite as much as it did. He will not be applying for anymore jobs and we will just mosey along for the next 2 years doing what we are doing wherever that will take us.

Thanks for all your input re our intended trip, it will be fantastic. It being so hot this weekend, we will probably spend some more time doing research on the net :)

Have a great weekend all,
Cheers
MAria

Hi: Maria- from what I could read it seems this diet is very similar to the South Beach diet. Low carb and low fat with the emphasis on protien and vegetables, and some fruits. In the SB plan you can have some high fiber carbs, like whole grain bread or cereal, brown rice, barley, etc. but sparingly. I thought I would print out the menus, but my computer would co-operate. Kept getting an error messaage. Will try again later. It sounds like you are happy that you are not going to spend 2 years in Sidney.

Is there much publicity about Mel Gibson's movie, The Passion of Christ, in Australia? There has been so much controversy here, it is laughable. I think it is because of it being a film about Jesus, and for no other reason. There has been a story going around about Gibson being in Australia for many years, before he became an actor. Do you know the truth of that?

Hope you don't melt into a little puddle. And hope yout ds doesn't get overcome with heat, playing in the heat of the day. See you later. Ann

:) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

Peggy thanks for the suggestions for moisturizers. I've jotted them down and will try to get them during the week. I thought socks were hard, too. Maybe I'll try something a little less complicated.

Maria, I know how you feel! I keep losing the same 20 lbs over and over again. I'll check out the webside now. Hopefully this time will be different. Sorry it's so hot down there. The sun is shining here today, and it is suppose to warm up to 30 degrees. I'm glad you do not have to move to Sydney.

Slavika, are you better, now? :?: My stomach hurt when you were explaining the episode from the chicken. That's really too bad. I guess poultry is the biggest culprit. Are you guys getting in a good visit? It's so beautiful there, I'm envying you a little. :write: when you get a chance.

We're heading out to do errands now. Hope you all have a lovely St. Valentine's Day!

PS: :dizzy: My DH gave me a box of Godiva Truffles! I told him to hide them and dole them out one at a time.

Marnie

:df:

G'day all,

Well we survived the hottest day on record, it ended up being 44.6C which is a 112.28 F. (no it was not my sharp brain that worked this out but a website http://www.nomoreodor.com/celsius_to_fahrenheit_conversion.htm) :D :D
One could almost say it is a cool change today and only a mere 35C (95F) today however it has become very humid and quite unpleasant.
I have been working on updating and improving my website. Boy websites are a lot of work and not attending to it every day, you forget how to do things. :(

Ann There has been a little in the papers about the new film directed by Mel Gibson. I find it amusing that Americans think Mel Gibson is 'theirs' and Australians claim him as being a 'true blue Aussie'. :D
What I have read is that he was born in America and went to Australia when he was 3. He attended NIDA (National Institute of Dramatic Art) in Australia, did a few 'dud' movies in Australia and then went to America. Because he was born in America he had no problems getting a 'green card' and as they say.....the rest is history.
His Australian schoolfriend is Ken Duncan and they have remained friends. Ken Duncan is a very famous Australian photographer, he has been on set of the Passion and has produced a book with some stunning photos taken on set.
You might like to have a look at his stuff including shots from the Passion, this is his website http://www.kenduncan.com/index2.htm

I have just gone to visit the Ken Duncan website myself and there are some stunning photos there but.....very expensive. Dh just told me that the first addition of his book of photographs of the Passion is already sold out and has gone into second print.

Marnie my valentines day was a non event :D When I read about your box of truffles, I am pleased I do not have that temptation sitting in my cupboard!

This morning I have done my official weigh-in (cannot possible share :eek: :cry: :fr: :yikes: ) The first day of my new eating plan has passed with ease :)
I have come to realise that I just need a stricter regime. I gave up smoking some 18 years ago. I was a very heavy smoker and tried many times to give up. People would say just have a cigarette when you are out but I finally realised, it is all or nothing! The more 'easy' WW became, by that I mean that nothing was banned...just count the points, the harder it was for me to stick to. I sincerely hope that I will be successful following this eating plan.
I have to just remind myself that I gave up smoking after many tries and I CAN get to a more acceptable weight.
Especially Lily and Karen being the WW gurus, does the above make sense to you?

Cheers,
Maria

Wonderful pictures on the Ken duncan site. And expensive. The story I had heard about Gisbson, was that at age 16 or so, he was mugged, robbed and left for dead. And that when found that he was nursed back to health, but that his face was very disfigured. And that a Catholic priest helped him when he was contemplating suicide, and connected him with a noted plastic surgeon. And his face was reconstructed. And that he vowed to serve God.And that he then went on to become an actor. Any truth at all to this? One of the press releases I read quoted him as saying that he 'had to make this film', and that if he didn't find a distributor, he would do it himself. So I think there certainly is some dedication there.

Hope your new way of eating works for you. I guess the bottom line is, less calories in and the weight comes off. Just a bummer, I think to have to do it forever. Ann

all new to me Ann and I would think far from the truth.
I saw him on a programme here called 'This is your Life' and many photos etc. of his childhood etc. were shared.
He has always been a devout catholic.......
Amazing where the stories come from.

You are right, the bottom line is how much and what you put in your mouth :(

Cheers
Maria

Slavika: so sorry you got so sick. So happy you like the road to Hana. It is beautiful! Doesnt sound like any Divorice's Happen either :lol:

Glenda: So happy your results came out so good! Yeah! Hope to see you here more often. You are missed!

Peggy: Had to laugh at the "write your name in the dust" Come see my house. Suppose to clean tomorrow. But DH is talking about going to the Winery's. Oh well its a good nap for me on the drive :)

Maria: Your DH sounds to much like mine. I just look at the spread sheet and say Yes dear. What ever. What do I need to save? :) Bryce Canton is awesome, so is the grand canyon. All of Southern Utah is awesome. Lived there, spent my life at Lake Powell. Ahh the memories. But thats someplace you need to have a boat at. But if you visit the out lining areas like Bryce you will get the picture. Breath taking.

Marnie: Im a Noxema girl. Have been since I was in my teens. Im allergic to Soaps etc. Its the only thing that works for me. I also use Olay Lotion on my face.

Ann: Im not free yet. 2 more Sat. to do.
My favorite wine is Windwalker Viognier
http://www.windwalkervineyard.com/

Know the owners well and also the people who serve. They dont even ask what I want to taste next as I always say Viognier please. They get my case ready even before I ask.Always buy one when we go there. :)
Usually go when its on sale.

Maria Again :): Im a firm beliver as to do what works for you. I havent looked over all the thing you are doing but I will.

Im a firm beliver in to not giving up any thing. Diets that elimate a food group or cut back are a diet. I cant give up those things for life. I need to find a way to make it work for me. I need to have what I want and when I want.
I did the Fast Track at WW full force for a week. And it was a diet to me. I couldnt stick to it. I cant eat the same same thing day in and day out. And thats what it was to me. I can do anything for a week, but not for life.
I will look at your plan tomorrow and let you know. All i can say is do something that you can stick to for a lifetime. Its what works for you and what you are happy with and can do for the rest of your life. No diet should be looked as a Quick weight loss. It never works that way.

Off my soap box Now :rolleyes:

Maria thanks for the card. I saved the diet site and am going to look later. I have been trying to cut out the white carbs, sugar, potatoes, bread etc. Well not cut them out completely but cut back. I seem to love anything bready and sweet. I am aiming for 20lbs by summer.

Lily-winery or dust? Winery would win. I am going to look at that site. My niece the wine buyer is going to South America for 2 weeks and visit wineries there. I told her I would be willing to help out.

Ann I have seen a lot of controversy about the movie. It is on my list to see. I saw in the paper that he has put something $23 million of his own money into it. Yikes I can't fathom having that much money.

Been a busy weekend and now I am going to crash and read the paper.

G'day all,

It has been a shocker of a weekend weatherwise and it is continueing for the rest of the week :(
Yesterday the temperature climbed to 42 degrees again despite the forecast it would 'only' be 35.

We have done lots more research and at the moment a rented Motorhome is slightly ahead of the other options!

Thanks for getting on your soapbox Lily I appreciate your opinion. I tend to agree to do what works other than if it is something like the cabbage soup diet :eek: :rolleyes:
I am sure the wines around your area are great but.......you haven't tasted any of our excellent South Australian wines :love: I personally like a nice merlot but I will drink anything :D :D

Peggy I am with you, I cannot comprehend how one puts 23 million of their money (and I presume he still has a little left over ;) ) in any sort of project. I have to think a few times before I spend $175 on an additional flash card for my digital camera!
It will be interesting to see how I go cutting down on the carbs.
In the study that they did they had a 100 people on the High Carb Low Fat plan and another 100 on the Higth Protein Low Fat plan. Research showed that a greater number, like substantially, of people dropped out of the High Carb Low Fat eating plan, the theory being that high protein keeps hungerpains longer at bay and also the temptation of getting stuck in the biscuit barrell.
One lady (52) said in the magazine interview that she has been following the plan for 18 months now and it is now a way of life and she is feeling great!

They don't mention much about the necessity of drinking water but I drink a lot of water anyway and will continue to do so.

Back to re-vamping my website a bit......

Cheers
Maria

Peggy: winery won out :) :lol: Dust tomorrow :( Im off. Suppose to go to lunch with a fiend but she has been sick so we shall see! As far as the white stuff. I have been doing that for some time. Whole Wheat Pasta, Brown rice. The whole wheat pasta really adds flavor to Spagetti.

Maria: We have tasted many Australian wines. They are sold at TJ's And Cost Plus World Market. Dont know if they are considered the fine wines of Australia. DH loves a red one that I bought for him for Christmas. I must ask him the name. I never remember :)
I did look over your diet and it does look very good. Well balanced and the veggies are free. Salmon I couldnt do. Never devopled a taste for it. Long story. Hope it works for you! It does look like a good plan!

Maria just looked at the diet. Sounds sane and interesting. Funny they had something about SyndromeX there. Just heard about that last week from a friend who has it. I hope you get to cool off. It sure is hot there. I won't complain about being cold. Had a fire in the fireplace yesterday. My niece has served us some Austrailian wine and it was good. Can't remember what kind it was. We always like to go to her house cause she gets samples of pricey wines from her distributors. Got to taste. She had a really good one from South Africa last time we were there. There was an article in the paper yesterday about motor home travel I will try to find it for you.

Lily I have to check out your winery. I am glad that won out over dusting. Dust is forever.

Found the article about The Passion of the Christ that was in the paperl
http://www.enquirer.com/editions/2004/02/15/tem_passion15.html

G'day all,

Glad Lily and Peggy 'approve' of my new eating plan. Thanks for your comments. So far so good, I feel well, in fact I feel like I did when I first lost a lot of weight with WW some 9 years ago.
I spoke to someone who also lost quite some weight with WW (and kept if off!!!) she said to this day the '5 bread' rule is still in her mind and it is something she sticks to.

We also had an article in our papers about the sceening of the Passion to church leaders in our city. The response was overwhelmingly that of a 'must' see movie despite the violence etc. All disagreed that it promoted anti-Semitism.

I would be interested to read about the Motorhome article. We scoure the web to find out more.

Peggy last night on cable their was a travel docu. by Michael Palin as he just arrived in Mumbai (Bombay). DH was already asleep but it was exactly how he described it :eek: :rolleyes: He then tried to book a train seat to Madras. He was initially put on a waiting list and then when there was a seat and he went to claim it, his seat was sold 3x to a 'Michael Palin', one being a woman!!! The train trip to Madras was horrendous and Madras looked as busy as Mumbai did.
I had thought if we were to go, to visit Madras and perhaps meet up with your niece but after last night's docu. I don't think so :dizzy:
The Indian Project has not been finalised yet; lots of 'to-ing and fro-ing', I hope it is finalised in 2 years time when we have retired!

Back to my webpage......

Cheers
Maria

Hi all,

Maria I did go look at the diet. I am in agreement with Lily whatever works. Most any diet is a good when followed. The think I like about WW is that it is something I can do forever. And not feel restricted. :goodvibes

Would like to see the much talked about "movie" Our Pastor and some other from the church went to Chicago to screen the movie. And we were told to go see it. That is the plan. Not sure when. :chin: I know it opens Wednesday in Brainerd. But i'm sure I'll be waiting until the weekend to go see it.

The next 4 weeks i am working three days instead of 2. Leaders and receptionist going on vacation. I can work in both places so I get call a lot! :rolleyes: The meeting I was going to give to the new leader when she is ready may close. Low attendence we have to have at least 20 paying members to keep it open. :chin: So cross your fingers that it begins to pick up. :crossed: I think it has been just too cold for people to go out.

Ann thank you for the information we talked about. I would be fun to live in your park and to meet you face to face. :lucky:

I'm a little down today an weepy :cry: not sure why. :rolleyes: Guess it is old age!

Well have to go and get this weeks meeting together.
Karen

Hi all:
I agree that everyone has a different metabolism, and one eating plan just can't always be taylored to every individual. It has to be what works for each person. I have found I'm doing a sort of combination of South Beach and WW.

Maria: I think you will be happy with the freedom of the motorhome way of travel. There must be places for rental, where the prices aren't exhorbitant. And that way you can also go or stay as long as you want. We did the motorhome bit and travel trailer for nearly 20 years. My dh would still continue, but I had finally had it, as it gets to be work.

I think that many churches are sponosring tickets for 'The Passion' Everything I have read from people who have pre-screened it, say there is no anti-semitism. And also say those making the protests, have their own 'political agendas' to spout. Good way to get publicity for their individual organizations. I think it will be interesting for us all to share our views after seeing the film.

We have enjoyed South African Wines and Australian ones too. But right now we are not indulging, as there are a lot of sugars in wine.Even tho' they may be natural sugars. I too like Merlot.

We are having a gray and misty day today. Hopefully the weather will improve by the weekend.

Karen: I'm looking forward to seeing you here in Swiss village. It really is a great life.

I suppose the vacationers are enjoying Hawaii to the fullest. I'm jealous. I'd love to go to Hawaii, but it is a long long flight, and we did that once when we went non-stop to Capetown, So. Africa.

Hi Peggy, Glenda, Lily, Marnie Hope you all are having great days. :wave: Ann

All, I guess I will be able to visit once in awhile, but I won't be able to read everything. Just read the latest. Slavika, glad you finally made it to find Trudy, even with your bucket. Hope you are having fun.

Maria, how much weight have you lost? I have lost 7.5 pounds and already feel so much better. I quit taking my blood pressure medicine over the weekend because I was so sick. We even had to leave the show because I thought I was going to faint. I will never feel that way again because of medicine. I have been off of it for 3 dys and I am back to normal. Have a doctor's appointment on Friday. But I will not take medicine that makes me so sick when there are other medicines. (Sorry, rehearsing for the doctor, I guess.)

Karen, you are so busy with WW. I really haven't heard how it is going with your SIL. But I kind of intimated it is getting better? I know those weepys days. I hate them, but sometimes the end of winter will just get to you. Lily wouldn't know, out there in beautiful California, but these old dreary days will get to you after awhile.

Looking forward to "The Passion." I have only heard great stories about it.
Glenda

G'day all,

Glenda I wasn't going to weigh until my 'official' weigh in on sunday but couldn't resist and weighed this morning and I have lost 3 lbs :cb: :cp: Very happy with that but I MUST not reward myself now for being so good, I still have a long way to go. :dizzy:
Your loss is fantstic and good for you, your blood pressure medication sounds like a nightmare and I don't blame you for coming off it.
Seeing you are back to normal, what would happen if you stayed off any blood pressure medication?? I am not very familiar with high blood pressure problems, my blood pressure is usually normal or low.

Ann this morning we received maps from the USA and information about the old Route 66 and yes, we both think that a Motorhome would give us all the freedom that we want. DH found a chain of caravan parks/camping sites in America where you receive substantial discounts if you stay longer than a few nights. We are gathering more and more info.
I have also stopped drinking any wine during the week but have allowed myself to share one bottle of wine with dh one night in the weekend.
I am doing OK on my new eating plan, I also remember the stuff that WW has taught me and really use that now as confirmation that the high protein/low fat eating plan is good. So far the biggest thing I have learned is that lots of carbohydrates just triggers binge eating in me :( :mad: :?:

Karen I hope that thundercloud has disappeared over your head and you are feeling a bit happier.
I guess WW meeting attendance would be quite seasonal. From spring and thru summer we get bombarded with WW advertising in the media. As you soon will be going into spring, I imagine numbers will pick up.

No doubt the holiday makers are hard at work getting a nice tan ;) :D and perhaps doing a bit of shopping. It is a tough life ;)

The weather continues to be very hot here but a bit of a change for the weekend :)
DH and I had planned to do some 4x4 wheel driving with some friends this coming weekend. DH has taken Friday off so we could make it a long weekend. Unfortunately we have had to cancel, it is far too hot and dangerous to do any 4x4 wheel driving out in the bush in this sort of heat.
DH and I have now booked a holiday villa down the coast, about 300 km from Adelaide. I am looking forward to it, it will be a lovely and quite get-away.

See ya tomorrow,
Cheers
Maria

Morning all,

Glenda and Maria you both are doing well in losing the lbs. Keep up the good work. You have to do whatever diet or lifestyle works for your body. I am trying to give up the white stuff but a cookie did find it's way to my mouth yesterday.

Maria I scanned that article but you can't read it. And then somehow it made its way to the garbage. I don't even remember throwing it out. With all your computer tricks can you make something clearer?

Karen bet the classes pick up as the weather gets nicer. People will be shedding their layers of clothing and won't be able to hide under them anymore.

Hope the Hawaii girls are having a good time even though Tom isn't there. I can see them sipping those drinks with the umbrella's in them.

I am tired today. I tried an aerobic type class yesterday and then worked out at the circuit routine thing I do at night. It wore me out but hope it kicks up my metabolism and helps remove a few lbs.

Got this recipe on one of the WW list sites. I love cannoli and thought it sounded interesting since you can freeze them.

Graham Cracker Cannoli
Makes 12 Servings - 1 POINT® Per serving
(from Bethie's Pointed Recipes list)

1 cup fat-free ricotta cheese
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
24 small reduced-fat graham crackers

Directions:
1.. Blend together ricotta, sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
2.. Take 1 sheet of graham cracker and break it in half to form 2
squares.
3.. Spread ricotta mixture over one side of cracker and top with other
cracker half. Wrap in plastic wrap and freeze.
COOK'S NOTES: Keep these frozen treats on hand in case of an
I-must-have-some-sugar-now emergency

:wave: Hi All:

Maria You must be ecstatic! I salute you! 3 lbs gone forever! :cp: :cp: :cp: :goodvibes

Peggy thanks for the fun e-mails. I love reading things about the "olden" days.

Karen hope the blues have left you. I get weepy sometimes, too. I think it's very healthy to cry. I'm afraid once I start it'll take me a week to get over it! :flow2: Sunshine to you.

Glenda Hope you are on the mend. :high:

Tomorrow I'm making chili for DH to take to work for a "chili-bake-off." Do any of you gourmets have secret ingredients for your chili? The winner gets a $50 certificate to Target; 2nd place is $25 certificate. Give me your ideas.

My boss goes to Winnipeg tomorrow for Rotary. I'll be in the office alone. I can wear jeans.

Catch ya later :grouphug:

Marnie :df:

Marnie I always make the Taco Chili recipe that has been going around WW for the last 7 or 8 years. Taco seasoning and Ranch dressing are the secret ingred. :T :T

I am better today no more :cry: Life is looking better today :flow1: This winter has really thrown us for a loop. We have had so many mild winter and now this one is the the one from H--- :devil: We have decided to make a move to Florida for good. We will return to Minnesota in the summer for a several weeks and between our kids and my Mom and Dad and brother they will take turns putting up with us. My kids are not happy about our decission nor my parents or my brother and his family. But we have to do what looks better for us. My brother has even said he would buy our house and would be moving it to his land and then move my parent into it. He is building a house this summer out there and wants our parents to move with them. They have lived next door to Mom and Dad for 14 years. :D

My Manager gave me good new this morning. WW is not going to be closing any meeting just yet they are just watching them. So with the return of the snowbirds all will be well in my Weight Watcher world.


Maria good job loosing 3 pounds :bravo: :cb: Keep up the good work. I'm glad the higher protien is working for you. Sorry you had to cancel yur weekend plans what else will do to stay cool?

Glenda It was good to see you this morning. :bravo: :bravo: to you too. Sorry to hear that the meds were making you feel so bad. I know through experience with SIL that some people just can't take those meds. Since the doctor finally said to her that her B/P is not life threatening(is that a word?) and to not take the meds and to just try and control it through diet and exercise low salt she has been doing great. B/P is still a little on the high side once in a while but it kind of depends on the time of day and what she has been doing. So hang in there . :goodvibes

Ann looking forward to meeting up with you too!

Well I guess I've babbled :blah: :blah: :blah: on long enough. You guys have a great day.

You too Lily, Trudy, Slavika, Peggy

Karen

Maria: Wow! Super loss so far, thats awesome! Glad you are find more things for your trip. So much fun planning. Have to agree with that study. I know if I eat more Protein Im not as hungry. CArbs do tend to make me more hungy cept for the Whole grain stuff.

Peggy: That recipe looks good. Sounds like you went to Curves?

MArnie: I love to put Bacon in my Chili. Not alot just enough to give it some flavor. Good luck on winning the prize :)

Karen: Sorry you are felling down. Hope its better today. Number are way down here to. Seems alot of people are going for the Atkins or LA Weight Loss right now.

Glenda: You are doing awesome to! Hope they find a new Medicine for you. Not good if it was going to make you faint :(


Best get to work!

All, I am not completely off medication. I am still taking the first one that did not do that much, but it at least did not make me sick. I go to the doctor on Friday to talk to her, but I think the idea of trying to do this with diet and exercise is a good one. My biggest problem is 2 cups of coffee in the morning. I drink a lot of pop, but can do the caffeine-free if I have to. And thinking about low salt. My BP was not THAT high, so this might be a good idea.

I read in a Fortune magazine from a stock guru that WW stock is down because of Atkins, but that Atkins is a fad diet and the American people will soon get tired and frustrated with it and ditch it. So, don't sell your WW stock. I so agree. I tried Atkins and just wanted a bowl of cereal or a slice of bread. Whatever you can't have, you crave. That is why WW is so good because you can have everything in proportion. By the way my WW class is so big they are thinking about meeting at two times on Saturday morning.

Karen - so many people that I talk to "used" to live in Minnesota or Chicago and it is always the winters that has had them move south. I so totally understand, but I am not a dark cold weather person. I need sun. I live in the right place, especially in July with 102 degrees, huh?
Glenda

G'day all,

Peggy thanks for trying to scan the article, no I am not THAT clever that I can make it clearer :D I am sure there will be other articles. We received an email from yet another company that hires motor homes, this time a quote for $6000, much better than the previous quote of $13000 :eek: This one is probably a bit too small but interesting to get the different quotes.

Marnie hope you are enjoying holding the fort whilst your boss is in Winnipeg. Yes I am thrilled with my loss and I feel very positive, something has happened in my head ;) :D

Karen pleased to hear you are feeling brighter again. So you are making the big move to Florida, I will have to call by and see you there whilst we are there visiting Ann :D
It sounds to me that WW is much more of a business in the States than it is here. Pleased all is well on track again with WW.
What is the time frame you and your dh have set yourselves for the move?
Exciting times ahead for you :)

Lily I don't know what it is about this protein bit....I do get a bit peckish ;) but don't feel the urge to raid the biscuit barrel.
Atkins gets very bad publicity here and it seems very extreme to me but I guess it works for some. :dizzy:

Glenda good to see you make it again, it will be interesting to hear what your doctor says about your low blood pressure medication.
I have to agree with you, I don't know how I would cope with some of the long winters some of you experience. There is nothing better than a sunny, mild day :love: to put you in a good mood.

As I have mentioned, I have been working on updating my website, yesterday I lost the lot :mad: :cry: :eek: :mad:
Luckily I can download my original site from the net but the changes are gone into cyberspace :(
Back to the drawing board...........

Cheers
Maria

Hurrah - I have all our tax figures ready for the accountant. I feel like I really accomplished something.

Maria: All those goofy headlines made me just want to say 'DUH'?
I'm sure as you keep looking you'll find a reasonable price for a rental. For what you are planning to do, sometimes smaller is better. Also there are some that are sort of glorified large vans, but with all the stuff inside on a much smaller scale. If you went that rought, I'm sure there would be a time or too when you would want to find a motel.

Glenda: I'm sure your Dr. wouldn't want you to take something that made you ill. I was started on BP meds and the first one made me cough all the time. And I would go into coughing spasms. So I got a different one, which is seeming to work okay. But I think it has slowed my metabolism, so it is harder for me to lose now. :mad:

Karen: Do you think you will be coming our way this spring on an investigative tour? After the winter you have had, I'm sure a week or so down here would be just 'what the Dr.ordered'. I think that so many people who want a 'quick fix' do the Atkins program, but it is not a diet that anyone can stay on forever. And there is certainly a lot of controversy about it still.

Lily: Glad that the windery won out. The dust etc. will be right there waiting for you, for another day. I'll have to check out that wine that you mentioned. I don't know if I've seen that particular winery product here.

Peggy: Could you substitute Splenda for the sugar in the cannolis? That reminds me of aWW recipe using graham crackers with a blob of cool whip between, and then freezing. That is when I bought some chocolate graham crackers.

Marnie: Do you work full-time? Somehow I thought you were a happy home-maker. How is the knitting coming along? With this cold and snowy winter a nice scarf would be a good project.

I had a nice surprise today. A former student of mine was in the area, and brought his family to see us. We had a great time reminiscing about old times. Also, I've been searching for some information about my fathers ancestry. And I have been corresponding with a gal in Wales. She found where my GGGrandfather and GGGM were married. and so she sent me a copy of the marriage certificate. I had always wondered just what part of Wales they came from, and now I know. How cool is that?

Lets' all have a great day tomorrow. Ann

Hi,

Marnie I don't have any great chili recipe. This area is famous for Cincinnati chili which is a taste unto itself. People not from this area hate it. It's served over spaghetti with onions. cheese beans etc. I get in with onions and cheese making it a 3 way. I would like to try Karens with taco seasoning and ranch dressing.

Karen so you have decided to make the move to Fla. Sounds like a winner to me. I know your winters are far worse than ours. Do you think you will continue to work for WW while you are there? Glad that your sil is doing well. Will she move with you?

Ann I have made those cool whip sandwiches too. So easy and good. I don't know why you couldn't substitue Splenda for the sugar in that cannoli recipe. Would work for me.

Lily I don't go to Curves. There is a girls hs near by that has an exercise room similar to Curves. They got it with some kind of grant and have opened it to the community. I think you are supposed to be an alumni or have had a child go there but I figure I qualify cause my sil's and niece attended. They have an 8 inch step between machines instead of the flat pad and it really gets your heart going.

Glenda my friends and I all like Diet Rite-no caffeine. I have a couple of friends doing Atkins. They have done well on it and lost so now we will see if they can keep the weight off. It is not for me-I think all that high fat is scary. And I have to have my occasional cookie. Now I have seen a pizza ad for low carb pizza-it has no crust. I am imagining a lot of cheese and things on a pizza pan and wonder how do you eat it.

Maria hope you find the lost things in cyberspace.

Got to run-going to go to a lite aerobic class this morning.

Hi: Big question I just sent emails to you with something I thought was good for us all and I got back Marnies and Lilys as unknown. Don't understand as the address is the one we have been sending to right along. Have you changed something, or is it just my provider?

Finally got to Curves today. First time this week. Not having my chairmanship hasn't given me any more free time so far. But I like to keep busy. Tomorrow we see the accountant with tax figures and I am getting a much needed haircut. I am really getting shaggy.

Nothing great happening here. We did have some tests today from a program called Lifeline screening. They are affiliated with the Cleveland clinic, and the tests are read by board certified Drs. For a nominal fee you can be screened for abdominal aneurism, carotid artery problems, osteoporosis, and circulation in your legs. If they find anything, then you go to your Dr. to continue further treatment. It was one of those screenings that let me know I have osteoporosis. It is really a good program, since all of these conditions are more or less the so-called silent ones with no symptoms, until it could sometimes be too late.

See you tomorrow. Ann

Karen: So when are you gonna move?

Maria: Atkins is the rage here. So many places offering Low Carb stuff now. Cept they contain more fat than a person needs. Even grocery stores ads Low carb this Low carb that.
Some of the stores are not carrying he Low fat stuff like skinny cows. But they are caring the Low carb Skinny cows at more points :lol:

Ann: I use splenda for anything that calls for sugar. How great you got to see an old student! Dont know what happen with my email as I havent changed anything. Make sure you dont put Hi or Hello in the Subject as the email places are deleting them or returning them automatically due to the last Virius.

Peggy: Thats great that the HS is offering the exercise room to the community. I take its free? :)

Later!

Hi Gals,

Seems like forever since I was here to visit last.

Maria $6000 sounds way better than $13000. By thie time you are ready to travel you should have it all mapped out well. Glad the diet is still going well.

About Atkins vs Weight Watchers. Even though my meeting numbers have dropped off mostly due to the snowbird syndrome I stiil have new people joining each week. Most are people who Have never dieted before or Atkins and South Beach drop outs because they miss the carbs. I totally agreee there are some not so good carbs Cookies ,Cakes candy and crap ;) But there are also very good carb. Like 100% whole wheat breads, Fruits and veggies . We could all stay away from the white flour stuff and even go more for the sweetpotatoes in stead of white. I find sweet potatoes keep me full longer that white ever does. Mind you i love white potatoes and still eat many of them , but I know they don't last quite as long as sweet ones do or for that matter squash(winter). More than any thing else I find that the members I have in my groups who are having trouble staying full between meals are the ones who eat the very minimums of they eat below ther their target points and therefore do not lose weight. Your body needs food in order to carry out the losing of fat. If i ever could make people under stand this small fact of dieting my life would be so much simpler :lol: :sorry: :soap: Can you tell it's been one of those weeks for me. My hardest job is getting people to relax and eat something. :hun:

Ann Dh and I will be making a trip to Florida in the spring to be looking for a place to live . We will leave sil home to look after the cat and then when we make the move she and the cat will be with us.

Last night the kids gave Dh his retirement present. It is every working tool you can imagine. He is still speechless.

Someone asked if I would still work for WW after the move. I can get a good reconmendation from my bosses. If i still want too. Not sure if I do yet. The trick about working for WW is to get out before you begin to hate it. Some times when a person works for this company too long they get to the point of dreading the whole meeting thing. I'm not there by any means but i also don't ever want to have it happen . Because it does come across to the members and then that sours them on meetings. I will always be involed as a member. Seems like i'm on my soap box again.

So i guess i'd better go do something and i talk to you all later. Have a great day.

It is Snowing here again :mad:
Karen

I found out why the emails came back. It was me (of course). So corrected my mistakes and tried again. Got the trip to the accountant over with today. So now I hope we will get a refund of some sort. That would be really nice. Made my exercise time at Curves today too. And I got my hiar cut this afternoon, and now I am a 'new' woman. :D:

Karen: We'll be around until the middle of June if there is any way I can help when you are on your investigating trip.

Hi everyone. Have a good weekend. Ann

Aloha Everybody
Hi, I had a chance to sit down and read all your posts and really enjoyed doing that. Trudy and her DH have left Maui and are now in Honolulu. I phoned her earlier in the week at her hotel there and she said that they were taking a lot of tours but they both liked Maui better. :) :cool:
Maria ;) is there anyway you could make that rental motorhome float and make a stop in Maui? It is truly a beautiful island and I am so happy to be here. I guess it's not the same for you because you don't get the extreme temperatures that we do at home and you already live in a beautiful part of the world. In planning your holiday, the most beautiful province in Canada I would think, would be British Columbia. With you maybe getting only 5 or 6 miles to a gallon of gas with a mortorhome I guess you will have to carefully pick and chose which places to travel to. but that is one province that would be nice for you to see. :)
I thought I was going to have more free time to spend chatting with you gals but DH is back now, so I will say aloha, and come back another time. :)

G'day all,

Been missing a few days whilst we had a lovely break on the beautiful York Penninsula, about 3 hours from home.
We also caught up with friends that we had not seen for 8 years :eek: We couldn't believe it when we worked out how long it was. They retired very young to this area and have a great lifestyle of fishing and just pottering. The wife has very poor health and that was one of the reasons of their lifestyle change. She still is not a well person but incredibly positive and we just had a great time.

Ann how good to catch up with your former student and to get some positive results regarding your ancestory.
The test that they do in your community seem a great idea, hope all the test came back not showing any potential problems.

Peggy don't know if I would be too keen in trying out the Cincinatti chillie :eek: :rolleyes: Unfortunately I didn't loose my website into cyber space, it was just a stupid mistake on my part. :mad: I am 'fixing' some of the most spectacular photos we took this weekend and then back into getting the webpage done.

Karen I rather like you getting on your so-called soapbox, I value your opinions and you are absolutely right about the weight thing. I don't know much about the Atkins diet, we don't have foods in our supermarkets specifically for those who 'do' the Atkins diet. I sounds all a bit extreme.
My eating plan is going well and I am really surprising myself not having any urges for lollies (one of my down falls) or anything 'bad'.
When I look back, it very similar to how I ate when I first joined WW so many years ago now.
Even being away for the weekend, I have managed to fairly well stick to my plan and have lost a further 1 lb. :)
I know we are a bit behind the times :dizzy: but today the Weight Loss challenge with Dr. Phil started. Very interesting and a bit more motivation for me.

Slavika pleased to hear you and Trudy are having the best time.
Who knows one day Hawaii but for the time being we will be concentrating on our USA/Canada trip. ;) With the exchange rate of the American dollar, it is looking better for us all the time :)
We may do the 3 month trip and then perhaps at a later date (budget permitting) try and see more of Canada and Alaska.

It is finally a little cooler and this morning I have been tidying up my garden a bit, looking lovely again :)

Have a great day all,
Cheers
Maria

Time to move on :)