Good evening ladies,
Sorry I've been so absent, but it's likely going to be touch and go for at least another couple of weeks. Well, unless it rains. I've been doing lots of stuff outside the last couple of days (and even did a little cleaning indoors). Part of what I was doing the last few days is getting the pots ready for planting. While doing this I scrubbed the winter dirt off the patio (with the pool brush, but that's not as easy as it sounds). I'd have to go back outside to check, but it's somewhere between 53 and 55 pots that are done. I also got this insane idea to start another project. Hey, I might as well since I'm home at the moment. We've had kiwi vines up the side of the garage for the last 9 or 10 years. They grow a lot, fruit little, and if you're not careful they fall off when they're ripe. They're actually mini kiwis, about the size of a grape. Anyway, in the end we decided that they were history. I spent part of the morning and afternoon cutting and clipping the vines back to a small stump. Late in the day I decided just to see how hard a job it was going to be. I put the fork into the ground, the plant moved easily, and except for the two-foot long roots it actually came out pretty easily. So did plant 2 and 3. I was thinking how easy this task had been until I got to the last plant. I suspect it was planted too close to the edge of the bed and the roots had spread down instead of out. Well, there was a point I didn't think it was ever going to come out. I mean it was loose, I put my entire weight behind it and it didn't budge. I did eventually get it cut out with the spade, although it's a good thing I only plan to make this a vegetable patch.
I've still got to clean the bed up a bit and dig in some better soil. Then I think I'll just put the umbrella out for the table and relax for a couple of days. Of course, then I'll need to start planting. This weekend coming up is our long weekend (Victoria Day), but I'll likely wait until Tuesday to start planting (depending on the forecast). It's a full moon and we'll usually get a lovely clear night... and if it's cold, definitely frost.
Before I do personals and perhaps forget -
Annie and Carol - how nice to see updated pictures. How lovely you're both looking. I brought some clothes downstairs the other day to take some myself, but I looked at the hair that needs colouring (think white ring around my face) so mine will be a week or so, until after I've coloured my hair. And if I get really busy, it might not be until near the end of the month when friends of mine are coming for dinner.
So, I'm on plan, just busy. I have skimmed the threads last week and this one, but I'm only going to try and do some personals from this week. For anyone who is new, or returning, a big

For others like myself who are lurking....
Debi - so sorry to hear about your problems with SIL. I used to (decades ago) do security checks on computers in an audit capacity. People really do think that they're passwords are unique. However, most people who know them can guess eventually. The key is to find something that makes sense to you, but most people wouldn't think of. Years ago I used to use michiamo as a password. (mi chiamo) It's Italian for 'my name is'. I don't know why I used it, but I'm not Italian, I don't speak the language. It was a holdover from a possible trip to Rome that never happened. It was also nothing anyone would have guessed. Anyway, I see that your user name has changed, so best of luck with SIL. We all speak fairly candidly, and I suppose there are some things we say here that we wouldn't want known by others.
Kayleystar - although I understand the desire to be a lesser weight fast, it really isn't likely worth it in the long run. I also saw your comment about losing 60 pounds on Atkins and now being higher than your start. That doesn't sound like Atkins is really a good choice for you. It sounds like dropping weight fast sent you spiralling back to bad eating habits, or your body learned to live on too little food and nothing could stop the weight from coming back. As the maid of honor isn't it better to find an alternate dress, and be healthy and a little lighter at that time. Rapid weight loss done badly can also lead to hair loss. I know, I've been there. Anyway, whatever happens, I hope you enjoy the wedding.
Julia - sorry to hear about the issues with DH. I definitely can't help with relationship issues, but I do hope you find a way to work through them.
Debbie - they always say that the best exercise is one that you enjoy, so dance away! I think the theory is that if you enjoy it you're going to keep it up. And hey, congrats on the new job. I'm sure you'll figure out a way to stick to your eating plan. Keeping your protein levels up with meals and snacks might help you stretch out long breaks if you have them. And of course, planning everything so you're not buying a little something to get you through a tough time...
Penny - wow, and I thought I'd been busy. It sounds like you've got a lot on your plate at the moment. Good luck!
Julee/Annie - I've come to the conclusion that a small amount of really good ice cream is better than all the sinless/low cal/etc. type stuff. Oh, and Julee - glad you and MIL seem to be getting along a little better.
TheWalrus - a couple of bad choices can be overcome by drinking lots of water. It seems odd, but when you're retaining water it really does seem to help. No matter that you didn't lose weight, just enjoy your vacation.
Bernice - you need to have some fat on your body. There's so much information about how much body fat you should have, but let's say 22-25%. I tried to work backwards, but the numbers didn't quite make sense to me. Let's put it this way, you're not aiming for zero! And also, caliper measurements are not the most accurate form of body fat % (although if done by the same person over time it will show you changes well). You likely won't read this though (just saw your other post). Hope you have a good visit with your son.
Angie - congrats on getting under 350. Every milestone is important!
Annie - sorry you're not feeling well. Is it possible to freeze some of hubby's little swimmers (wasn't sure if I used the actual word if it would be blocked)? My mother was 38 when I was born, and you know, I never really thought of her as an old parent. At 80 she's still way more active than women 10 and 20-years younger. It might be possible to leave your options open just in case you change your mind.
Penny - I remember my teen years a little, and if they really needed a chaperone, they likely wouldn't have been telling you that they were coming.
Lindsey - I hope you figure out what path your future will take. I've made a couple of turns and changes myself over the years (and going back to college myself in the fall). It seems almost ridiculous that we have to decide what we want to do with the rest of our lives in our 20s, doesn't it?
Catherine - I always love reading your posts. They're so fun (yes, even the toe one!). Hope things are good with you.
Well, I think that's it for me. It's technically past the time I usually step away from the computer, so if I missed anyone - another
(of course, just my luck, the site isn't answering, so I'll go change and come back in a few minutes)