dmpls_ great job!!! Isnt it amazing how when we dont see weight loss on the scales we see inches come off!!I love the scales losses but I think i may love the inches more!! That means smaller clothes!! :O)
I just did mine and i only lost an inch on my chest in the past month. I do my measurements monthly. Did you start measuring the day you started your diet?? I am amazed to look back at my measurement in jan.
debi

Dusty Miller reading your blog and your families intervention ....I can relate my sister has never had a weight problem always weighed approximately 110lbs ....And for my whole life I have been overweight and always had this struggle ...My sister in September this year started harping everytime she seen me ....So I would do everything to avoid her .....My mother in her 60's finally told her enough ...Your sister is old enough to make her own decisions ..And when she decides to diet we will support her...( without realizing it my sisters actions caused me so much hurt and unhappiness ..I was close to going into a depreesion.... Not smiling and crying often....When she let it go ...so did I let go of the hurt...And this February I started thinking maybe it's time .....I will cut down .....And gave up my favorite food Potato Chips......In March I said I think I will begin to investigate those support groups for diets.... And I thought and in the end of April I made an appointment ...........And that is how I started.....You have to decide for yourself when you are ready....And I am now committed....I know I will faulter at times....But I know feel I have the best concellors and even better a support group here...I feel we all struggle with the problem ...And we all support each other...And I can't tell you how much I look forward to reading everyones blog ...And how supported we all are for each other....
Catherine what book did you write ....I am a avid reader!Would like to look it up!!
Ratkitty you and your kitty are in my thoughts...A sick pet is so hard ..they are so important in our life...
Debbie54 The story of those blasted wabbits is so sweet ...brought a smile to my day thank you...
Merksie "You go girl keep up that walking!!
dgramie ""'Good gardening"
gggirls So fell off for a short period ..Hop back on that bike and you will get those 3 lbs off You can do it...You are an inspiration to me you lost 65 lbs!!
Have a good day all Angels:)

Hi all!
Been lurking for the last couple weeks, only post if I have time. Been spending several hours jobbing on the computer, by the time I'm done and cross-eyed, I forget to come here and see what's happening. Then there's the few hours I spend at my sister's pool, so by eve, I'm pooped! Imagine if I was actually working...lol!!

I managed to catch up on this weeks thread.

Zelma...I'm sure it's too late, but you should try using peroxide. It's the "miracle cure" in our house. After spending time with sick kids or filthy public places, come home and take a 50/50 water/peroxide mixture and spritz into the nose and on the back of the throat. You can find the little bottles at Walmart. Or you can gargle with the 50/50 mix, but don't rinse it away. Just go to bed. I do that every time, like once or twice, and I never get sick....unless I forget to do it. Not sure if you guys have seen the e-mail about peroxide, but it has about a billion different uses...it's the best stuff ever made!! Anyhow, hope you feel better.

Take care all,
Tricia

Angel – I’m not sure whether you have noticed a pattern before, but I know that I have trouble sleeping around a full moon. Some of hubby’s co-workers were saying yesterday morning that they had trouble sleeping and put it down to the full moon. I am not sure whether it is simply because it is lighter, or whether it upsets the ‘system’, but it seems to affect a few people. May be something to track in the future.

Dusty – I am kinda in two minds about the intervention by your family. Personally, I don’t think it would have had any effect on me until I was ‘ready’ to lose weight, so I am definitely glad that you are taking it so positively. I would have been angry I think, but maybe it would have also given me a chance to tell people things I wish I had been able to tell them before, such as “Showing me diets every time I show up certainly doesn’t help. Especially when you then offer me cream cakes for morning tea.” And many others.
I think your current approach sounds fantastic. That was how I lost weight – healthy food and exercise. Not strict pattern, just gradually changing things I ate and adding in extra movement whenever I could until it became a ‘habit’.
I hope you do well with the ‘teaching’ position. I am into my 26th year of teaching and although I loved teaching while I was bigger, I had the same worries you have when speaking to older children or adults. It is only since I have lost weight that I actually look forward to working with older people. I’m not sure how I can reassure you, except to say that if you have been especially asked to do this, then you have something special that you can share with this group and you have to remember that you are ‘helping’ them. They will appreciate this and will look past the surface and see the depth of knowledge that you have to impart to them. Good luck with it.

Penny – I am SO glad that you have not been affected by the flooding. I have been seeing footage on the news that had me thinking of you and I would not wish that on ANYONE! How devastating for those people involved.
It is funny that your daughter is now so sweet and adorable because she has a boyfriend. Have you warned your younger daughter to take advantage of it while she can, because if/when there is a break-up then she could become the ogre all over again. And it could even be WORSE. Oh the joys of young love.

Ratkity – I am really sorry to hear about Captn Kitty. I haven’t had pets for a while, because both hubby and I are allergic to pet hair. I know though that they become your ‘babies’ and it must be so hard to watch them suffer, knowing that you are doing your best, but still wishing there was more you could do. I am glad that your employer is showing such consideration and you are able to stay close by.

Catherine – I hope you have a lovely time at the upcoming book signing sessions. I am going to PM you with details to hold me a book if that is possible. I am worried that with all these signing sessions coming up that you will sell out before I get my act together. Aside from all of my joking about the book tour, I truly do hope that these sessions become more comfortable for you as you do more of them. I want you to be able to enjoy your new-found stardom.

Debbie – I hope that you can soon get those rabbits sorted out before they demolish your produce and leave you with dirt and lots of holes. Maybe I will be thankful that we live in the city when I actually get around to planting my own veggies. I have been thinking of putting them in pots anyway, which would probably help if we DID have rabbits. We had a few kangaroos wandering around when we first moved in, and THEY would have had fun with plants in pots, but I haven’t seen any around with all of the latest road works they are doing behind us.

Oops... other personals will have to wait as I have just looked at the clock and I had better get my act together to get ready for work. I have to get there early because we have a before-school choir rehearsal. I’m going to see how I go after that. It isn’t a teaching day, so I won’t have to do much talking, but I am still pretty tired and am getting headaches still (which I have rarely had since eating better). I have a certificate for today, so at least I can come home again if needed.

Have a wonderful day all!

Zelma

Debi, I don't have a clue since the rabbits ate my little leaves!! I'm going to plant some more and see what happens. It sounds like your crop is going pretty good. How did the squash rot?

Carol, maybe it's more water weight than anything!

Catherine, darn, I was hoping it would of been on the Friday or the weekend. We could of come up then, but with Jim working nights, it's not doeable. Hope you have some fun on this trip though. Come on, go sign some more books!!

Angels and Dusty, it is so true about having to "be ready" to lose weight. No one can MAKE you do it. My dil was pressured by her parents to lose weight, and went so far as to pay for her lapband surgery. That was last year, and she still hasn't lost anything and I think has gained some. It's so sad, but they don't realize, she wasn't ready and I hated seeing her go thru all that.
Glad you got a giggle out of the rabbit stories

Zelma, I think once we get the chicken wire around the veggies, that will stop them. We're going to dig down a bit to set the wire into and then cover it back up and hopefully that will deter them. Good luck if you do start a veggie garden in pots, it just might work. I would think it would be so fun to see kangaroos hopping around. I know they're probably wild, but can you go up to them without them clobbering you with their feet?

Tonight I'm feeling a bit icky tonight. I just chalk it up to the change in diet. Some people get nauseated but I tend to get the upset tummy that leads to you know what. ICK!! Hopefully this will pass soon.
Have a great night
Debbie

debbie_ my squash would get a few days from picking and then rot on the bloom end. It would happen really fast. I was so mad!! I did some reading about it and it says it is from a change in water conditions....we had a horribly wet spring. I water often but it isnt staying wet like it did in early spring. Also the article said it would improve as the season goes along. I can only pray...i love squash and truly could eat it daily!!!! I also noticed signs of japenese beetles today...so more sevin dust.

Tricia _ please tell me more about peroxide...i do use it as a mouth wash if i have a sore or irrated gums...but you can spray it in your nose like saline??
what other uses are there??

I have done great drinking my water today..I am on my 8th 16 ounce bottle. I walked a mile or so both days this week so far.
Going shopping tommorow with hubby. Should get lots of walking in.
Have a great evening everyone
debi

Carol-sorry to hear about your gain! You have been doing awesome. I am sure it is just water. You do so well getting it in. Maybe check your sodium for the week. I always know when I have had too much. I have to watch it. It is alright to relax your body once in a while. Don't worry about not exercising the day you went to the lake. You will lose next week, I am sure of it!
Debbie-hope you feel better soon! I hate feeling yucky, and right now I can't afford to be off. It is hard enough to find someone to work.
Dusty-sorry about the family problems in your life. I am sure there is love there but they also don't see it from your angle. You are on the right step, I so agree that you have to be ready. Don't let anyone get in your way to lose weight. It has to be what YOU want. There is so much positive here and keep posting how you feel. It does help to express it to someone. We are all in this together! Your plan has to be what works for you.
Zelma-I hope the headaches aren't too bad! Feel better soon!
Dmpls-I know how you feel about staying the same weight for a couple of weeks. It gets you down a little, but stay on track, I know you will. You are doing great. Each day is new!
Merksie-It is hard to eat out sometimes. Just do your best. We learned to cut the meal in half right when we get it and ask for a to-go box. Then it is already closed up and we can enjoy eating our meal and be comfortable for the evening. Then the next day we have another meal!
Ratkitten-sorry to hear about Captain Kitty. It is nice you are able to be home working.
Well it was a long day at work and very slow. I hate slow days but really needed this one (cramping/bloaty). Younger daughter wants me to go on a bike ride but I'm not up for it. I feel bad about not going with her. I will sit outside as she rides. yak later!

Zelma, and anyone else that wants a book, and hasn't got one yet, just PM me your address, and I'll sign one, and send it out with an invoice. They retail for $35, but for my fatchicks, I've arranged $25 with free shipping. The proceeds are going to publish the works of schizophrenic authors and poets. It's the only reason I agreed to have it published. If it goes to a second printing, they are probably going to sell it on Amazon.ca. We can't really distribute it in the US because of the fear of lawsuits. If someone wants to sue me, they have to come up here across the border.

ZedAus I never thought of that ...but I have this insomia a couple of times of days every month.And my mother does also ...She tells me it's because shhhh I am getting old....I don't believe it I am only 43 or is it 45 ... I lie about my age so much I forget how old I am lol And it's too late to try to do the Math tonight...
I went out to supper with the girls from work tonight and ordered from the healthy part of the menu .....And only ate half ......Wooohhhhooo tomorrow I get to eat something beside a salad for lunch lmao .....And I walked for 50 minuites tonight because it started to rain ...And I am sugar and might melt heheh
Good job dgramie for the walk and water!!Take care all Angels

Day one under my belt - back to basics for me! I also exercised 82 minutes today - treadmill for 67 and came home and swam for 15 - it was a nice way to cool down while still working.

Lots of personals but just one tonight - Dusty - I am so happy to see you - I've wondered how you are doing. There is nothing I can say to you other than "been there, done that" and I don't want to do it again. You are a beautiful, articulate, intelligent woman - don't forget that! You add so much with your posts. Please keep posting.

I missed measurement day on the 15th - need to go do that after seeing Bernice's.

Carol

Carol, Thank you for the compliments. Sometimes, I think we batter ourselves, we let our friends and family talk to us like we are incompetent, and the outside world seems the most ignorant. It’s so easy to let myself drown in the negative thoughts and forget that I’m a valid person who’s earned my right to be proud. I’m just not there yet. Maybe when I lose some more significant weight I can lift off this unhappiness. You are wonderful and kind though and thank you. And HEY 82 minutes of exercise. That’s amazing! I can’t wait to be up to the point where I can maintain that kind of stamina. I wish I had a pool, I can’t fathom swimming at my university’s Rec center! Good luck!

Angels4u, to true. I love it here. The support is amazing. I don’ feel there is any problem I can’t talk about to the folks in this forum. A few months ago I discussed a problem I was having with my little sister being assaulted by a neighbor and I even got help for THAT. It’s like having friends all around you all the time. None of you are never nearby physically, but I keep everyone with me all day in spirit and it is such an amazing strength.

Worthapenny, You are right, it has to be when I want to do it. In this case—the decision has been made for me. I had to bite my lip and tell myself to agree with everything they said, or else be made into a blubbering fool—again. But after the talk, I took some time to talk to myself, and came to a pact. So I guess I am ready, I’m just not ready to stop being a little hurt with the method in which my decision was born. Don’t feel bad about that bike ride. I find that when work is slow and monotonous, that is when I feel the worst when I get home.

Debbie54, Oh no, what a sad story about your dil. Lapband is so serious, and can lead to more serious problems at times. My mother is a nurse, and made it clear, in no uncertain terms, that I couldn’t explore that option. I am grateful, because in some ways, I want to just DO it and give in. I hope you are feeling better, and have gotten over the ICK! I am the nauseas type! (throwing up slim fast in high school bathrooms took up far far too much of my high school career!) Good luck and I hope it passes and you feel yourself again.

ZedAus—first can I mention how totally amazing you are? You are. I’ve always been amazed by you on here. You’re my proof! I hope you will be feeling better soon, and I hope your choir does a great! Also—it’s good to know other people have taught, and been successful in teaching, and had my same apprehension. I know this is what I want to do, so I can’t overlook this opportunity—that being said, this is just a huge incentive to keep working. Feel better!

Tricia, I’ve never heard of that Peroxide cure, but I’m scribbling that down! Swimming makes me feel like napping!

Heather, I’m not looking forward to the part of teaching that will be my physical appearance on parade in front of all those freshman eyes, but I am looking forward to performing for their freshman minds. I think the ability to write a good sound paper is something everyone needs, and everyone can learn.

Ratkitten, You’re right, these interventions are tough stuff. I think I would have done better in a calmer setting, where we spoke more like family and less like I was totally braindead. I mean, it wasn’t like I was ignoring them, this came out of the blue! I like dance dance revolution too, it’s great, but I suck terribly. I’m so in awe of your ability to do it. I feel like a cartoon character on there, I expect my legs to be tied up in knots when I am done! You go! Oh and good luck with those wabbits!

I’m shipping my computer off for repairs, and I wont get it back for about 10 days. Not good! What will I do without my laptop?! So my posts will be few and far between for a week. I’ll sneak in stuff at work I hope!

I killed my keyboard! It’s so annoying to type on so it’s being replaced. I’m a creative writer, and I give my computer a lot of use and abuse.

I played Wii Fit twice today, but last night I woke up with two Charlie horses (I think that is what they are, where your leg feels like it’s being stabbed for a long time and there is nothing you can do to make it stop but grab your foot and wait…oh I hate those! But I always get them te first few weeks of working out. I’m definitely SORE.

Anyhow, hope everyone is enjoying success and happiness tonight.
Mmmmwa! Dusty

dusty_ if you feel one coming on try pointing your toes downward...for me it works wonders..not sure why....

I am heading out for the day with hubby soon. gotta finish my coffee and then we are off for a day of shopping and fun. Our daughter in law is meeting us and we are going to see all the baby furinture she has picked as well as the bedding.I am excited!!!!!!!

Well walking and drinking water is working again...gosh how easily we forget what actually works . I stepped on the scales this morning and already down a lb from sat. Hopefully within a few weeks i will be under 250.
debi

Hi everyone,

Is it alright if I join you? I have lots and lots to lose and plan to watch my calories and exercise. I think I'll start out at 1600 or 1800 calories to see at which level I can eat the most and still lose. If I can't have enough to eat I know I'll fall off plan. Once a long time ago I started off on 1800 and lost weight really well but now I'm 50 so I'll have to see and adjust. I'll have to ease my way into exercising because I'm so out of shape and my hip and knee joints hurt when I walk. I think I can handle 5-10 minutes and work up from there.

I posted my bio for any who wants to see. I need your support and I will try my best to give it back to you. I look forward to getting to know you all.

:wel3fc:JustMary!!!!:wel3fc:
you can join us losers!!! LOL we are all doing the same thing looking for support in our weight loss journey!

I calorie count as well.......I use The Daily Plate online to keep track of my calories and to keep me in line for my actual serving sizes!(that was a HUGE thing for me)

I started my journey in Feb at 319 and Im now down to 273 by just cutting back, making better food choices, and some exercise. I have for now 160 as my goal weight since I am 5'7" that is still kinda heavy as far as "they" say.....lol whoever "they" are......once I get closer I will see if I need to adjust that.........I'm not at all concerned about my goal weight.........just the next pound I lose LOL

One thing I would suggest is to find out how many calories you should be eating for your weight now....like I said I use TDP....but there are many many others online that you can put your weight & height & activity level in and they will give you a starting point as far as calories to eat if you want to lose 2lbs a week or so......I use that calorie count as a start point and it actually was WAY higher than I thought would be possible.........I started at 2100 calories........better food choices caused me to drop pounds rather quickly........now 46lbs later I'm kinda stalling.........I think I need to adjust my calories by 100-200 lower now.....plus increase my exercise........I'm working on that now....

We all have been where you are.............the beginning!

Bernice

Debi, I was just wondering if it would help to elevate the squash, but from the sounds of it, I guess not. Good luck with the crops though, sounds like you are getting all kinds of bugs and stuff.
Have fun shopping and buy yourself something special!

Penny, I feel much better today so far. How's your day going?

Dusty, yes, I'm better! Ew....that doesn't sound like too much fun going thru high school with your head in the toilet! Yes, it is pretty sad, but I don't think he family cared how she FELT. They more or less saw her as an embarrassment to the family. I don't know how they are towards her now since but before the operation, they were pretty cruel. I try not to bring it up unless she wants to talk.
That sucks that the laptop is messed up. You wore the poor thing out!!
And don't forget how we were when we were freshmen in school. I think I looked at the teacher a couple times and then concentrated on the cute boy sitting next to me! :rofl:

just mary, Hi and :welcome: ! We're happy to have you hear. It will be great to get to know you. I hear ya on the knees and other parts of the body hurting. Exercise is my worst part of this journey. But the best way to start is just what you plan on doing. A few minutes at a time and build up from there is a great plan.

I'm taking my mom for her MRI today for her shoulder. I hope they can finally determine what is causing the inflammation and pain. They've tried therapy and shots and pills, but nothing helps; I just hope she doesn't have to have another operation. She's had several in the last couple of years.
Everyone have a great day and drink and move!!
Debbie

Debi-your talking about squash blossoms made me think of Mexico. Fresh squash blossoms and the local fresh cheese grilled between corn tortillas. Ambrosia. Corn tortillas don't have that many calories, and you could use a soy cheese or low fat cow cheese. Try it, you will love it.

I'm between peeved and depressed right now. Don't know whether to be angry or sad. One of the cards I got at the publisher was from an old friend that I talk about in my book. She got a free copy, which seemed only fair since she's one of the people I write about. Anyway, himself lost the card somewhere between downtown and the house. I was hoping it was in the parking lot, and someone had turned it in, but no. I get homesick, and a letter from home, from anyone, is precious. I know he didn't do it on purpose, but I also know that if it had been something important to him, he wouldn't have lost it. I wanted to just pad around in my PJ's today, but couldn't do that because he's had people over literally ever since I woke up this morning. So I'm going to go sew. At least they won't bother me there.

Hi all!

I'm just back from my walk in the park - perfect summer weather here in NYC today. I'm on track for a totally on-plan day :carrot: . . . which is a good thing since yesterday was a fitness plan train wreck :dizzy:

Here's me 'fessing up for yesterday . . . I didn't end up going for a walk after all (another interminable talk with my friend who is staying with me and with whom I am having all sorts of problems wasted most of the afternoon) and I ate & drank way, way too much at dinner . . . I had a calorie surplus yesterday, not a deficit! In retrospect, a Brazilian steakhouse where they just keep bringing the food was a very bad idea . . . but on the bright side, the food was excellent and we had a good time.

Debi and Debbie . . . your gardens and the perfectly fresh veggies sound so good!

Carol -- I had the same experience this week . . . it's so frustrating, even when you KNOW it's just water retention or whatever. Good job getting right back on track.

DMPLS -- :congrat: on your shrinking!

worthapenny -- getting half in a to-go box right away is a great idea . . . I'm definitely going to try that.

justmary -- :welcome2:

Angels -- good job on the ordering and walking!

CatherineM -- sorry about the lost card, and hope your sewing helps you relax.

Received my copy of Curveballs today in the mail and I foresee a sleepless night reading! Kinda hoping hubby wont be home from Chicago so I can read without him explaining again why people lossing weight need a full night sleep!

reading comments about everyone walking I started thinking........maybe we could make a photo walk together?

something like this....
when we go outside to walk we snap a couple of pictures of interest..........if you walk is boring.....find something interesting about it or find an interesting place to take your walk......kinda along the lines of the famous "Psycho squirrel" stories we have heard.......what do you all think? I you all are interested I will start.........by finding an interesting place to walk tomorrow and snap a couple of pictures!

This maybe just what I need to put some miles on my FAT! LOL

What sparked this idea was Ria's comment of walking in NYC and the thought of being able to walk in Central Park!!! I would love to do that!

think about it and let me know what you all think?
Bernice

I like Bernices idea. Especially with school letting out in 7 (school) days. It will be a good way to keep the kids active and out of the house.

Hi Mary...my hubby is a truck driver too. He sticks to a 500 mile radius of home so that he is home ever other night. Especially with the kids growing up so fast. It helps his chances at being home for "stuff". We are also looking at me getting my AZ licence to team as well. But our youngest is almost 5 so I need to wait another 15ish years. We would like to have our own rig that has an extended lenght chassy so we can put a motorbike on the back. Mix business and pleasure! Best way to get paid.

Zelma- i forgot that you are coming in the winter time. what dates are you coming. a lot of stuff goes under construction after the 6th or so of January.

B]Welcome Mary[/B] This is a great support!
Merksie Good job to go walking! And for getting back on the plan after a small stop!! We all do that the most important thing is not to abondon the plan!:carrot::cheer:
Today it was my co-worker last day!!She is moving and now I have to find her replacement and train them...:dizzy: I am getting stressed about it!!
On a happier note ....I walked at one of my fav spots tonight for a hour ....Around the baseball fields ...Love to watch the men in their uniforms...lol Thats motivation for this single girl he he.I will have to bring my camera next time !!

Catherine, I got the book today! So far I'm amazed at the life you've led. You have guts lady!!!!
I sure hope himself remembers where he left the card and can get it for you.

Bernice, I'm up for the photo walk. Although mine is just on a gravel road right now, there are some pretty sights along the way.

Angels, o yeah!! Definitely take pics of those men in uniform. I might be married, but I can still look! :rofl:

I took my Mom to her MRI, but she's got claustrophobia so bad, even with the two Xanex they gave her didn't help. She got the wrong time too, poor Mom. It was suppose to be for 12:30 and we were there at 11:30. I just hate seeing my parents getting old

Luan - Oh dear... not good news. We are there for Jan 6th and 7th. Do you think it is still worth going, or would we be better off spending those days elsewhere?

More in a little while... I'm still home sick and under doctor's orders to rest TOTALLY. I think typing on here will be permitted huh?

Zelma

Tomorrow I am going to so sore ...Just mowed the front and back lawn!!Where is that magic lamp!!LOl Angels
Zedus take care of yourself and get better soon!

Zelma - AH!! thats so unfortunate. you are going to JUST miss all of the awesome holiday stuff they do (they even make it snow) is there any way you could come a few days earlier. my feeling is that the weekend will be the last days. thats how they usually do it. they have an awesome christmas parade and fireworks that end in snow (it really snows - im not telling how) plus some of the rides are changed out and holiday themed. its still kinda worth it to go, because if you go those days at least the lines should be a bit shorter.


so i have good news! i talked to annie today and were going to lunch on friday!! YAY!

Luan - I am so excited you get to have lunch with "our" Annie. I wish I was close enough to have lunch with one of these wonderful people.

I think I'm going to love the swimming each night when I get home - great way to get my exercise in and stress relief after a day at the office.

Zelma - always great to see you - hope you feel better soon.

Debbie - I'd love to see gravel roads. How is SB going?

Ria - you are doing awesome - love reading your posts!

Kirsti - a belated welcome to you! You won't find a better support group than this group - keep posting - I look forward to getting to know you.

Rat - thinking of you and the captn.

Angels - sleeping any better? When I first start eating healthy I always have trouble sleeping - I don't know what to do with the excess energy I have from not having junk to "weigh" me down.

OK - I really wasn't done

Penny - how's the water? The levee was breached in the old river town my dads family all lives in - hope you are high and dry.

Dusty - I meant to ask about your sis - thanks for mentioning her. Just reading your intervention post brought back the pain of my family talking at me. At that point I was not ready and it really made me mad. I'm not sure I've forgiven them yet.

Catherine - I think it's the frozen hot dog toe throwing that has you excited about tomorrow.

Debbie - have you tried baby powder or human hair for the rabbit problem? My tomatoes seem to be rotting from the bottom up.

Bernice and Debi - I did my measurement - I gained 2 inches - gotta be the full moon! My clothes are not only a smaller size but starting to fit losely - I'm not going to sweat it - I am OP, drinking water and in control. Feels great.

Tricia - nice to see you pop in! I was wondering how you're doing.

Mary - welcome - you've got the right idea! Keep on posting.

Catherine - was the card located? I sure hope so!

Julia - you will love Curveballs - hard to put it down.

OK - I think that gets me up to speed - lots going on here. I'm so excited about the fruits and veggies that are coming in season. Tonight I "fried" zucchini in olive oil spray with roasted garlic - wow it was great along side my fish.

Hugs to all,
Carol

carol -- we grilled some zucchini and summer squash last night -- they were excellent!

Luan, tell Annie we said hi and we miss her. Hope she's having a great time. Enjoy the lunch!!

Carol, I'm doing great on SB. I find it so easy to do and there's great recipes on the thread that have turned out to be yummy and very filling. I can't even get all my calories in like I used to, but I'm getting close. I'll take some pics of our gravel road. :lol:
Nope, I haven't tried that for the bunnies. I've also heard about mothballs keeping them at bay. I'm losing enough hair to probably line the whole garden with it. YIKES!!!

Catherine, well, I'm done with the book already. I couldn't put it down. It's truly an amazing story.

Thanks gggirls I slept the pretty well the last night. I was so tired last night ...lol Maybe I need to offer to mow the neighbors lawns....It is cloudy here this morning......But the sun is suppose to come out in the afternoon...Hope you all have a great day!! Angels

Good Morning Ladies,
I felt so lost this morning...I usually read every few hours being at home all the time. Well after being gone yesterday and not reading last night I was so far behind.LOL
I picked a few yellow squash last night and an zuch. I had to pick the squash really small...but its better than them rottening on the plants. I may try washing a few blooms and cooking them since Catherine says they are so great! I also picked our first bell pepper. I am amazed at how fast peppers grow.Now if my tomatoes would get ripe,my plants are loaded!! We have a few larger than a softball.

I got 2 outfits yesterday at Burlington coat factory. One is a really soft wind suit and the other is 3/4 length sleeves and pants. I think it will be nice to wear to church. Its kinda strange I kept picking up 2 and 3 x stuff...I am hoping to be in reg dept by winter.(praying)
I got to see the bedding my
DIL has picked out its so pretty!! I got some stuff to make a few more craft projects. I also got my granddaughter to be a soft purple blankie.

debbie_ Good luck with those rabbits. I have a friend who uses human hair in her garden. Mom buys a powder to sprinkle and it really kept them out and deer also.

angel_ glad you slept...you can come mow my yard anytime...hubby wont mind at all.LOL

Heather_ do you use a grill basket for your veggies on the grill??

carol_ I wouldnt worry about it either..you know you have lost!! The scales show that!

luan_ give annie a hug from us and have her give you one from us as well. Have a wonderful time!!!

zelma_ get better!!!

catherine_ any idea how many calories are in a blossom??

Justmary_ welcome! Hope you enjoy being here as much as I do!!

dmpls_ Im horrible with a camera...my kids will look back at older pictures and joke..well mom took that one...no head!! LOL I will try it when daughter gets home with her camera!

merski- hope you have a great day today...i do so much better with my eating on days i dont go out to eat!! I also noticed I was starving yesterday after eating lunch out.I only had one roll at redlobster...but i guess i am really carb sensative now.

Im getting my shoes on and heading out for my walk. Im cooking squash for breakfast! ( im weird I know)
debi

debi-If I had to guess on the calories in squash blossoms, I'd figure them up like lettuce. I wouldn't think it would be high.

I've got my feet up resting for tonight. This is the first pre-season football game against last year's Grey Cup winner. That's the Canadian football league's Superbowl. It's not quite like Calgary, but it is second to that, so it should be at least 30,000 people. Plus, it is a beautiful day. The high is supposed to be 66-70F, with clear blue skies. Hopefully that means not too much hot chocolate.

debi -- no grill basket. I cut them on the bias so they won't fall through the grate.

Catherine_ i sprayed a pan with cooking spray and place 2 large blooms in it and they wilted and slightly browned. I added a 1/2 of string cheese and put it on a ww shell. It was good. something different!! Might do it again! LOL
I didnt count the calorie because i only used 2 flowers.

Heather_ thanks for the cutting on the bias idea.
debi

Captn kitty update:

At 10am eastern, Captn went quietly to sleep with me petting him. In the light of the vet's office, he looked really bad.

Although I didn't sleep last night, he came into the bedroom and meowed everyone awake like he normally did everyday at 6am. He could barely stand up. After letting the dogs out and him refusing food again, we laid down in bed and I petted his chin and cheeks and head while he purred and purred. We stayed that way for hours, and then we went outside and I held him in the warm sunshine (it's a beautiful day here). I let him walk in the grass a little, but he didn't like his feet wet. hehe. The dogs licked him goodbye and psychotic old Ratkity even nosed him when we left for the vet's.

My heart is broken, but I know I did it for him. I'll get his ashes back in a little bit or so.

I've never had to count down to the time when an animal was put to sleep like this and been able to talk to him and say everything I wanted to say while he was alert. It doesn't make it easier, but the healing has started.

My other old cat, Ratkity, is on my lap now putting my legs to sleep.

Thank you for all your thoughts for me and Captn these last few days.

Oh, and there will be no baby bikerchicks either, alas! The rabbits lived (and are fat and happy in Debbie's garden). *hugs*

Luv, always,
Ratkitten

Ratkitten,

saying goodbye to a pet is so hard. I'm sorry for your loss. *internet hugs*

Dusty

Debi, I'll have to check out the powders. I didn't know they made them....that's how much of a farmer I am. LOL Have a good walk.

Catherine, are you going to be throwing hot dog bombs?

Ratkity, I'm so sorry to hear about Cap'n kitty. It's so hard to make that decision. He's not suffering any more. I'm so glad you got to spend the special time with him. :hug:

rat I am so sorry for your loss!!

debbie_ im sure farm got the powder at a farm supply place. good luck.
debi

Hello everyone!

I'm sorry to have to report that I didn't stay perfectly on-plan yesterday as I had hoped . . . I got my exercise in, and I did manage a calorie deficit, but it was small (-145) due to some late-night snacking :ink:. Oh well . . . onward and downward today.

Bernice -- I loved your suggestion re photos and it was a really nice sunny day here, so I took a few pictures on my walk this morning - they are attached to this post. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone else's walking routes!

angels -- I'm with you on the baseball uniforms . . . Bull Durham is one of my all-time favorite movies

Debbie54 -- I'm going thru the same thing with my father :hug:. Glad to hear that SB is working so well for you

Luan -- how cool that you'll be able to meet up with Annie - have a great time

Carol -- a nightly swim sounds like absolutely perfect exercise for the summer

Debi -- enjoy your squash & squash blossoms - mmm!

Ratkitten -- I'm so sorry for your loss :hug:

Description of photos . . . sorry for the poor quality - I used my cell phone, and I'm not a very good photographer!

The lobby of my apartment building as I was heading out to the park this morning.

The entrance to the park.

Grand Army Plaza (SE corner of the park) . . . I liked the juxtaposition of the old-fashioned hansom cabs and the big modern bus!

Pretty spots in the park along my walking route . . . Bethesda Terrace and the Boathouse Cafe.

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