[gma22]

Good morning to you all! Bummer, but I have to go back one more time in 3 months. He wants to make sure I don't develop a hernia. He said if everything is a-ok then he will "cut me loose." He doesn't see any problems though. I think I talked to him, 3 minutes tops.

Kelly came over last night with the fund raising stuff. They really stick it to the parents for the kids to win their little trip. They have to sell at least 14 items of the cookie dough/candles and sell at least 10 entertainment books to qualify for the limo ride and the party. Kelly went and bought 20 books and is hawking them and I bought tons of stuff. I bought one of the books, then a candle and sachet to save for my dil's birthday next year and then a tub of choco chip cookie dough, one of oatmeal raisin, a thing of brownies and a thing of cream cheese rolls. I am probably going to make cookies and send to Jack's work to get rid of them and make the rest of the stuff for the holidays when the kids are all here. I am a good Nonny! lol His other grandma bought one thing of cookie nubs and she is skinny! lol

The second hat is going to be really cute and my dd adores the first one and says Emma will love them as she is very girly. I sure hope so! I am glad though that it started me knitting again. I think I may make the whole family matching stocking caps for Christmas and put in their stockings. That ought to get a laugh. Maybe candy stripes or something.

Jay called here last night while Kelly was here and they were ribbing the heck out of their dad. Jack is very conservative political wise and Kelly is basically a socialist and Jay is a fence sitting. I guess Alicia gets mad at Jay for he and Kelly jabbing at Jack about his politics. Jack takes it all in good fun these days and gives back what he gets. They were giving me a hard time because I got my shoes and makeup while Kelly was here and the makeup came in a box I swear you could bury a labrador in. She teased me about getting makeup at HSN and Jay was saying Alicia orders 10 pairs of shoes from QVC, gets them, doesn't like 7 pairs of them,sends them back then calls QVC and reads them the riot act for not sending her shoes she likes! lol Hey, at least I just say they look stupid on the comments line! lol

Jean: Ok, I am running out of places to look. Could you have left them at school the last day and they are in the office or something? I am thinking like Jack thinks because he will lay things down so I am trying to think where he would put stuff. I did get me license renewed yesterday and Kelly was amazed at the difference in the pic of my Navy Id, which I got April of last year and my driver's license yesterday. I am a good 30 lbs thinner. My picture came out nice actually, but Kelly said, "You look old!" I said, "Well, I AM old!" I told her that was what my miracle makeup and face stuff is for!

Maggie: The license bureau is a stupid set up and they only have 3 dmvs for license in this whole city. The building is way small and this rent a cop lets three people in at a time, period. So if it is raining you get soaked! You have to check in at a front desk and he organizes you and gives you a number ticket according to what you are having done. I was #A005 so didn't wait too long as they had 3 people working line "A." There was this lovely elderly black lady, probably late 70's, and she was getting an ID and she had never had one or a car or driver's license in her life. Her son brought her in.

Gail: We have rotten dental insurance, no pun intended. Jack had to have a tooth extracted by an oral surgeon and our part cost us over $300! I think the insurance paid like $60. Tom is going out of town this week so Kelly invited us to come over this weekend and play Wii and go swimming with Thomas. I am astounded and pleased as punch so we will go over there sometime this weekend. I do miss him so much, but I am glad the time I do get to spend with him.

Susan: Hope you got some of our rain. I am tired of the stuff. It makes it so sticky here. I ran all over town trying to find tapestry needles to do my "knitting" sewing and ended up ordering online. I want big eyes with blunt instead of pointed ends. I used to be able to buy them everywhere, but Michaels, Hobby Lobby, Target, Walmart, nor Hancock Fabric had them. I ended up, after searching for a good half hour, finally finding them at the yarn shop I go to in Indiana that happens to have a website. They had 2 for .99 so I bought 5 packages! lol I lose them easily, usually in the couch or recliner.

I need to go. I am making bbq tonight and am making my own sauce. It is about finished cooking so now my whole house smells like the bbq joint across the street!

Have a good hump day!
Faye

[GailR]

Good morning everyone! I'm feeling much better today although I did not sleep well last night but that was partly due to Wayne having to be at work at 3am and the alarm went off at 1:45am. There is nothing planned for today. The bible study group I attend has been cancelled tonight but will pick up next week at the church--we had to go to people's homes during August because of the church having some work done to it on the inside.

Susan, I just got off the phone with my Mom and she says rain is on the way! We're supposed to get that rain when it moves on up the coast. I hope that helps the drought in your area. Keys found yet?

Maggie, I go to my regular dentist on the 15th to have the bridge repaired. But I certainly feel better--I can now drink something cold w/o hitting the ceiling! I can't chew on that side until I get the repair work done. Monday is your 18-point day? That's not bad; your weigh-ins will improve for sure!

Donna Faye, because one of my sons-in-law is extremely outspoken and very opinionated and doesn't like to take his turn in listening to others speak their viewpoint on politics, Wayne and I have banned politics being discussed in our home during family gatherings and especially now because of the presidential election coming up. We do insist that all members of our family vote. I think you should knit Christmas hats for everyone! That would be so much fun! Especially for pictures!! Right now, I'm still knitting fingerless gloves. They will be Christmas presents for just about everyone in the family. When I get through this knitting frenzy, I will start knitting matching scarves. I need to make some gloves for the children--they should go very quickly! Little hands equal small amount of yarn! Have fun playing Wii this weekend. My youngest daughter and her family own a Wii and it's a riot to watch!

Sending a hello to Jean!

Later...

Gail

[QuilterInVA]

Good morning, ladies. I was right - the few drops yesterday morning was all the rain we got. Today it has been the lightest drizzle imaginable. If it keeps up until midnight we'll have about 1/16th of an inch.

Maggie - What do you use for a picture ID if you don't have it on your driver's license? Even the doctor's office is wanting one now because of insurance fraud. I found this when I did a google search:

Weight of a Gallon of Water

Short answer: A US gallon of fresh water at 4 degrees C weighs 8.34 pounds. An imperial gallon at 62deg F (old UK system) weighs 10 pounds.

so that makes a cup about 1/2 a pound. Interesting. Then I guess we'd have to weigh our output to determine if there was a real impact on our weight.

I hardly use other people's patterns for my quilts. I design my own because I like my stuff to be unique. I have no idea how many quilts I have given away, but I have more than 50 at home...and 5 tops waiting to be quilted. This is a small one for our quild challenge "Name That Tune" - about 35"x35". It's my interpretation of "Gypsy Love Song" so I am using fabric I dyed myself. It is molted with bright blue, green, yellow, red, orange, purple. I'm appliquing a musical staff with the first few bars of the song using hearts for the notes and I'll probably throw on a few embellishments with beads, buttons, fancy threads, etc. II never know how a quilt will look in the end until I take that last stitch. It grows and changes as I go along. I'll see if my friend will take a picture I can post.

Gail, glad the dental work is over. I have a removable bridge and some crowns so I'm like you - keeping my teeth.

Faye, I think the doctor just likes you to come in. A great idea to make hats for everyone - do you mean red and white stipes? Send the rain to us!

I paid $3.16 for gas today! I heard oil is up again with the threat of Gustav in the gulf.

[Jean]

Good Evening, Flowers! We got up to rain sprinkles this morning; it was not enough to do much good though. It turned warmer and more humid as the day went on; it was sticky at school this afternoon. I finally made it to the grocery store; I spent $108 and didn't get much except fresh veggies and some meat. Our fruit has gone sky high and it doesn't look that good so passed this time.

I started this post earlier and then quit to watch the news, mainly to check the weather. We are supposed to be back in the high 80s this weekend. Right now the thunder and lightning has arrived. The Sioux City weatherman said they were having a "WHIZ-DING" thunderstorm that was affecting their satellite reception.

"Gma" -- Thank you for starting the new thread! When I had dial-up it took forever to get through page one and on to two. Now it's pretty fast. If there was a prize for being the best fund raiser supporter, you will certainly win! I am sick of politics!!!!!!!! I am using a sub key that I got from the secretary in the office; I'm sure she would have said something if they had found a set of keys last spring. My friend who has lost 125#s has added years to her face. She is debating about having surgery to take off some of the excess skin once she reaches her goal weight. I'm not sure how much more she wants to lose.

Susan -- Gas is hanging in at $3.35 here. I wonder if we will ever get below $3 again. Your quilts sound interesting! I'm sure they are all beautiful because you put so much time and thought into making them. I would love to see a picture of the "Name that Tune" quilt. With a quilt that size, do you hang them, display them on a table, or what?

Gail -- Congrats on rejoining WW! I don't like it, but must admit I feel better and facing the scale each week helps keep me in line. I'm right there with you in the "Save the Teeth" club! Why can't you scroll back through the posts? I just type in the box at the bottom of the page and can go back and read as many as I want. I would like to try a Wii game; they do sound like they would be entertaining.

Maggie -- I had to at the name of your gel. We have several guys who have shaved all but a center strip of hair on their head. I don't know what they use, but the hair (long!) is standing straight up and doesn't move. I don't know any of them or I would ask; I have the strongest urge to touch their hair as they walk by. I am using a sub key until I find my own keys. I'm just positive they are here somewhere. I hope you enjoyed your ladies class tonight!

I am heading off to bed! Have a terrific Thursday tomorrow!

Jean -- from Iowa!

[gma22]

Good morning to you all! The plant had a catastrophe last night so my poor honey had to work until 9. He came in looking like he been in three rounds with a gorilla. He was even too tired to eat my yummy bbq, baked potato and roll I had ready for him. He ate a ham and cheese sandwich and went up and showered and crashed in bed. His boss, who stayed and helped but is about 15 years younger than he asked him if he was alright last night when he got ready to leave because he looked so bedraggled. I guess a 2 inch pipe burst and was flooding the pump room and basically short circuiting all the electrics and electronics so that is why Jack had to stay and help. It was hot and humid so he sweat a gallon. He said luckily he had taken an extra bottle of water to work that morning.

Gail: Jack plays Wii golf and bowling every night and gets some pretty good exercise out of it. It is a lot of fun and you are right it is a riot to watch.

Jean: Maybe we should play taps over your keys and Susan's quilt squares. A moment of silence as we bid farewell to them................................thank you! We are at $3.34 for gas and I am hoping it holds steady to go to Houston. Only two more weeks, yippeee! Cubs are doing well so hopefully they will win while we are there.

Susan: I too would love to see that quilt. You must love to design them. I find the experience of creating something a lot of fun. Yes, I thought maybe red and white stripes or something along that line would be fun. They can't be too complicated as I have a lot to knit, 6 adults and two kids. I don't know if it is possible, but we shall see.

I got the wheelbarrow buttons yesterday and they are so cute. I think they will look cute on the hat.

Well, I have lots to do today and I am dog tired for some reason so I want to nap a bit this morning before getting going. Have a good Thursday!
Faye

[nanacas]

Goo Morning Magnolias!
I have been missing for a while due to computer changes, health, and plain laziness! First, I have a new computer... it is a MAC! Never thought I would get one but this is just great. I am still having complications in changing all my files from the old PC because Microsoft Works and iMAC are not exactly compatible. I purchased 1 years worth of tutorials from Apple and it included copying over all the files. First I had to get an external hard drive and copy all the files and then I brought it in to the Apple Store and they copies them. However, I need to recopy them in xls not xlr whatever that is. I have been playing around and am getting the hang of it.

As for health! I was diagnosed as pre-diabetic a couple of months ago and saw the Nutritionist at the Wellness Clinic and I have been counting Carbs ever since. I have lost a total of 14# with 6# to go. At least the DR. said if I lost 20# I may be able to come off the high blood pressure medicine and it will go a long way toward improving my diabetes. I do feel much better now and have more energy. I have started attending a 4 week series of lectures on Diabetes and yesterday was #1 and it was so very interesting and informative.

Jean: Just knowing that you have started back to school means that Summer is ending and Fall and Winter can not be far behind. I hope that a miracle happens and you have a much better year than last year!

Faye: It is always a good idea to keep seeing the Dr. until all questions and problems are answered and solved. Sorry Jack had such a bad day yesterday. That sounds like it is one tough job. Your little hats look so cute and it is a lovely thing to be doing for that sick little girl.

Gail: WW was a good deal for me the first time I tried to lose weight and it helped me lose a total of 40# in one year. Of course most of that came back and this time I don't know if it would work. I am counting carbs and for some reason I just haven't been hungry between meals. I eat about 35 to 40 carbs each meal and can have a snack between meals for about 20 carbs. This may be the secret for me. I am also sticking my finger for blood glucose twice a day...before a meal and 2 hours after a meal. One day it is breakfast the next it is lunch and the next it is dinner, etc.

Susan: Your quilt sounds lovely. I hope you can get a picture and let us see it. That is some talent. I don't know if I would have the patience.

Maggie: Now you can't use that old saying..."I don't think I am in Kansas anymore!"...because that is just where you are! LOL! Glad you are settling in and getting into the swing of things with luncheons and all! Ragg Mopp must not know himself with a whole yard to play around in. Have fun furnishing the house. I would love to be able to dump all my old stuff and get new...would be fun!

Need to plod along and get some things done around here so so long for now!
Gloria

[GailR]

Happy Thursday! At first I thought it was Tuesday then caught myself before typing that and almost typed in Wednesday!! Again, nothing planned for today except the usual household chores and some knitting. I'm on program--third day in a row--wooohooooo!

Gloria, hi! Wow! Congrats on the pounds lost but most importantly congrats on getting your health back! Really. I agree with you because I know if I eat too many carbs, my energy level goes down and all I want to do is be a slug. Good for you!

Donna Faye, bless his heart! Your hubby really was tired! I hope he has an easier day today. BTW, you play taps beautifully!

Jean, I'm such a blockhead! When I do the "quick reply" I can't scroll back completely but if I actually hit the "post reply" button, I can! We need rain. Badly. My grass is like straw. Another school year has started and in about six weeks, the "whining season" starts here in my house. That's what I call late Fall and Winter around here because that's what Wayne does--he "whines" about the cold--he can't stand winter. ....I dare you to touch those guys' hair as they walk by!

Susan, I would love to see a picture(s) of your quilt(s). I bet they are gorgeous!!

BTW, a gallon of regular gasoline here is $3.34 as of a few days ago.

Gail

[QuilterInVA]

Good morning, ladies! Still waiting for the rain the weatherman keeps predicting. It looks like a gloomy fall day today but the humidity is up but only 77 degrees.

Jean, I think your keys ran away because you weren't supposed to go back to school until I found my quilt block.They were trying to keep you home! I always wonder what happens to the people who have surgery to remove excess skin if they regain weight. I think the remaining skin might be really thin. I wish I had the money to get plastic surgery when I first lost the weight. Now the excess skin I have is just battle scars that show I won the fight.

Faye, I hope Jack has his energy back this morning and no more overtime for a long while! I didn't sleep well last night so I could also use a nap but that is frowned on at work.

Gloria, I'm so glad to see you once again. I second the carb watching. I don't do well with carbs at all. Congratulations on your weight loss; you'll be off those meds in no time.

[Maggie]

GOOD AFTERNOON MAGNOLIAS

It is another nice day in the neighborhood. High temp of 84 but low in the humidity angle. I can deal with that. I have been doing some typing for my main squeeze and am not quite through but needed a break so where did I come but to type at you. We had a good Bible study last night and the teacher of the class I attend told me afterward that "you sure do have a lot of knowledge." Thank you very much. Will teaches the college class downstairs. We are having another couple over this Saturday for a meal then another set on Monday. I think we will do BBQed burgers for both. I am slowly getting the boxes in my crafts room sorted and separated and will start doing some glass probably next week. I should get some things done by Christmas as gifts.

SUSAN POP ~ that is what my doctor said about skin if you regain the weight after you have had your sagging baggy skin removed. Lots and lots of stretch marks and other not plesant happenings.

GAIL Congrats for being OP 3 in a row! That is a good beginning girlfriend. I am sticking to my plan also and hope my next weigh day shows me down some.

DONNA Your poor hubby. His body took a lot of abuse and just had to crash. LOL loved your taps. I came to attention and gave the quilt block and keys a send off.

NANNA You shrinking beauty. I am so proud of our success. It is good that you are paying attention and checking out what your health condition is all about.

I am off to do some more typing for my hubby. Type at ya'll later

[Jean]

Good Evening, Flowers! Well, I'm crabby tonight! This afternoon I went into the workroom to make copies and the building aide asked me if I had been to check my mailbox since morning. I hadn't and it seems that all of the IAs have been assigned bus duty! It's after school and we have to stand outside while the busses line up and exchange kids for the ride home. It's not our high school kids that are causing the problems, it is the middle school rowdies. Besides that, it isn't the English speaking kids either! We get to check out a two way radio from the office in case there is a problem. Whoopeee! On certain days I am clear at the other end of the building after school so will either have to take my coat with me or leave class before the bell and go get it. I am NOT a happy camper! Bob told me to go in and ask what will happen if I refuse to do it.

"Gma" -- I'm sorry that Jack had to stay late at work! Poor guy -- that has to be such a downer when it's quitting time. I hope he felt better today. Gas went up here and it was $3.59 on my way to school this morning; I suppose in time for the long weekend. I hope you got a nap in today. Thanks for the Taps . . . I do plan to do some more digging this weekend.

Gloria -- How nice to see you! Congratulations on the 14# loss and being much more healthy! I know you will enjoy your new computer. I can tell it is getting darker earlier these days. It seems like the summers fly by faster every year.

Gail -- Congrats on OP Day #3! I don't mind fall and winter, but the worst part is having it dark earlier at night and later in the mornings. I like sunshine and daylight! The newspaper had an article predicting that the northeastern and midwestern states would be colder and wetter this winter. Great, just great!

Susan -- I didn't sleep very well last night either. Too bad we don't live next door and we could have had a cup or tea or something together! For whatever reason I had a "catch" in my lower back and just couldn't get comfortable. I moved to the recliner for an hour or so and then went back to bed in time to hear the alarm a short time later. I love all the carbs; they must love me too because they seem to attach themselves to me.

Maggie -- Are your dinner guests a way to meet the church members? Our new minister had small group meetings in different homes last year when he first came here. It was supposed to be a way for the church members to also meet each other. The group that we were with all knew each other!

I've got to pick up the clutter on the kitchen island! I don't know why but it just all seems to land there. Have a fantastic Friday tomorrow!

Jean -- from Iowa!

[gma22]

Good morning ladies. Icky and sticky here, but no rain yet.

I got a pleasant surprise yesterday. I got an email from Kelly saying Thomas wants to come Saturday and spend the night. Whoohoo. I can't tell you how nice it is to get to see him a bit more often. I like the calmer atmosphere the family has these days. It is so much nicer to be able to have family things and enjoy each other's company. Kelly has some serious chronic health issues that cause her a lot of discomfort. I guess she told my dil that with the lazer treatments for her skin and new medication for the other stuff it has helped her all around. She seems so much more cheerful and fun to be around now and I am so glad. So, we are going to have company and Granddad is brushing up on his Wii skills.


Gloria: It was great to hear from you. Glad you are getting things under control. I see first hand what diabetes does, it killed my mother, my brother is having problems getting his under control and has had a couple close calls with death and my nephew has type one and has had it since 12 and he is 33 now. He too will have problems so serious an ambulance has to be called. I think a lot of people don't know just what the disease will do because so much of the time it is silent.

Jean: I told you not to go back this year. Sounds like duties are going to just get stinkier and stinkier. I think I would test the waters and tell them no. I guess the worst they could do is fire you and then you would be free to enjoy your retirement years. I think it is only fair if they make the IAs do it the teachers should have to have a round too.

Susan: When I was pregnant with Jay I got huge and after his birth I had a big sagging belly like a person who has lost a lot of weight. I never lost it and have never had that big roundness fat people have in the belly area. I have this hanging stuff so I already know what it is like. Losing all my weight, will just make it hang more so I would imagine it will be those long line type shapers for me. The lady that cuts my hair had gastric bypass and wears one and it seems to help with the "look" a bit more. I am not going for a bikini look with my frankenstein scar anyway so who cares. I dress nicely to try and off set anything that is not necessarily attractive.

Gail: I now have two hats almost completely finished, but am waiting on my tapestry needles to finish them up. They should be here tomorrow I think. I can't start the last hat because of the top of the current one has to stay on the needles until I can thread the yarn through the remaining stitches so....

Maggie: Hope your day is going well. Have a nice time with the other couple.

Everyone, I have to scoot. I have tons to do today to get ready for T tomorrow. Have a great Friday and weekend. I only have two weeks until Houston so I am getting excited.

Faye

[Maggie]

A GOOD AFTERNOON TO YOU STEEL MAGNOLIAS

It is in the 70's this day and really quite pleasant. We did our first of the month shopping for needed appliances since we moved into a house. Vacuum cleaner, Microwave and cart where the main items. I got one of the new microwaves with the browning and grilling feature. Should be interesting. The vaccum doesn't hold my interest since it is Will that uses it. Oh and I got a neat looking hat/coat rack which will come in very handy when the weather gets nasty.

OH Jean don't be crabby ~ just take action. Is doing bus duty in your job description? If it isn't then you have an out there for sure. We already are acquainted with all of the members and these are fun lunches and dinners we do. We like to entertain. Anyway these have been college students going to the university and living here away from home. It's nice that they can come hang out here. Besides I do love to play Monoply with them.

DONNA That is absolutely terrific that you get to have Thomas visit. What joy for you and Jack. Isn't it nice that the issues that have been troubling your daughter have lessened and lightend the poor dear. Thomas does need to be around you more than she was letting him. I am so very happy for you.

All Magnolias have a wonderful weekend.
I need a good dusting since I won't be able to attend WW on Monday ~ they will be closed.

[QuilterInVA]

Good evening, ladies. Hot and humid today but still no rain.

Went to Krogers and the bank today then came home and started in quilting. I've got the top finished so tomorrow I can start the trapunto and get it layered for quilting. Time sure went fast - when I looked at the clock it was 8 pm!

Well, I need to get something to eat before Dr. G comes on.

[Maggie]

GOOD MORNING MAGNOLIAS

It is a beautiful day in the neighborhood and a nice day for a BBQ. I have the potato salad made and chilling and a watermeon also in the fridge. What more could a body want with a nice grilled burger. Maybe a few chips for the crunch.

Everyone have a lovely day and be safe on this long weekend. Type at you later.

[QuilterInVA]

Good afternoon, ladies! We finally had some rain and are hoping for more.

For some reason, my knee has decided to give me a lot of trouble today. Even with my brace, it's really painful. Don't know what's with that so I've been alternating ice and heat.

Maggie, I'll be over for the BBQ - sounds great.