Hi ladies. Sorry it's been a while. Things have been crazy with the parents, and now my grandma is back here. She requested to come 'home' so she can pass away here, and she requires a great deal of care right now. I haven't had much help from the other siblings so that's been a big part of my free time.

I am doing ok as far as eating and exercise. Not fantastic but not horrid either. I am pretty much maintaining within a 5-10lb range right now and that's fine with me because even a few months ago, I'd be gaining rather than maintaining.

I ran out of my Synthroid almost 3 months ago and haven't been able to refill it, so my energy is pretty much sapped and I have some issues with edema in my feet and legs. Some days it brings the weight up higher than the 5-10lb range but generally it's not too bad.

Catherine, I haven't forgotten about you. I will send a check next week. I loved the book. You have such a way with words, and it almost seems surreal since I feel like I 'know' you! You've overcome more than most people ever experience. You're awesome!

Annie, thanks for asking about me. I will try to check in more often! You are looking fantastic, might I add.

I will attempt to do more personals later today after I get some laundry and cleaning caught up. I haven't been home to do it for a couple weeks now, so it will be interesting.

Hope all you chickies are doing well and having a great weekend!

Yes Rat, I'm trying the grilled sweet potatoes sometime this week. Conveniently I had already bought sweet potatoes at the store on Friday before I read Carol's post. I will probably first try them on my George Foreman though cause it is really just too hot to grill outside. I've also bought some of the frozen fruit bars for snacks while it is so hot. Luckily I do not have any reaction to artificial sweeteners.

Already it is 96 degrees on it's way to a predicted 101 :hot:. Heat index 99 right now so by this pm will probably be at least 108. No real surprise though, just typical Texas August (or almost August) weather. Even with the a/c working overtime trying to keep up, my body doesn't do heat well. The hotter it gets the more I swell and retain water, no matter how much I drink. For example the scale was up 5 lbs this morning, but I'm not freaking because I know it's not really a gain, just this damn hot. But this too shall pass, in about 2 months :crossed:

Hope everyone is having a great Sunday. Drink your water, stay cool and yes Carol I am smiling.

Hey ladies,

I'm trying to motivate myself to finish up some tasks in the garden this afternoon, so no personals at the moment. Perhaps tonight I'll get a shot when I'm all done. Had a great time in Stratford yesterday, walked well over 4 miles during the day (just checked on mapmywalk.com) and had a lovely time meeting two other women from 3FC. I put a picture up that SusanB's husband took, even though I don't like it. I also have to admit that I need to take in some clothing. That top I'm wearing looks too big... and I'm pulling some of the material behind my back. :o

Oh well, it was a nice time all around. Since Stratford is about 90 mins away I talked my mother into going so we could explore the town before I met the gals. So there was lots of walking was done (and even a little running to get out of the rain). It's definitely something I hope we decide to do again. Well, I really should go and try and finish tying up the raspberries (ouch). :)

Brandnew-da nada. I don't handle any of the money, so I don't usually know who owes what. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

I've been able to journal for a week, and have been able to stay OP as well. I wonder if that is a coincidence. I find it funny that I'm the one who always talks about how well journaling works, and yet stopped taking my own advice. I'm going to give it a month at least before I have the courage to get on the scale. It would probably give me an error right now anyway. I've been here many times before, and may be again, so I no longer beat myself up too much about it.

Good going on the water everyone! I’m on bottle five! I’ve also gotten some light free-weight work in while watching TV. It’s time for TOM so the scale hasn’t moved, so I’ll wait until Wednesday to try again.

It’s been a busy couple of days. My friend Rebecca and I had a nice longggg lunch at the Mexican restaurant on Friday. I managed to stay OP with a salad with chicken and a glass of water. I just got home from lunch and got a call that a co-workers daughter was having a cosmetics party with lots of discounts, so I hauled myself back to town for a few hours of dodging the scotcharoos and cans of soda.

The weekend was filled with cleaning, cooking and laundry. Saturday I took a little shopping jaunt with another friend. She just turned 80 in April and can run circles around most people. She is having knee replacement surgery next month, so she decided to retire and spend some time taking care of herself. After such a hectic week, I should have taken it a little easier. I was so tired Saturday night; I fell asleep in the recliner watch TV. I woke up this morning about 7am and was thankful I didn’t develop back problems. Sundays we usually watch DVDs I get from the Library. Today we watched Beowulf, Cloverfield and Resident Evil: Extinction. Not all at once…between prep cooking for the week to come and getting clothes off the line, etc.

Nancy – Sorry to hear you’ve been having work issues too! Things should be better this week. When I left on Friday, the last of the computer problems had been identified and we can live with the issues until a “patch” is developed. I’m not salaried, but I don’t receive overtime either. My position, as a supervisor, requires us to work as needed and then take off time to even out the hours. In most cases this is fine with me. It allows me to go into work a bit earlier so I can leave earlier, or I can take a longer lunch. Once we start to demand over time, the self-scheduling perk would disappear and I’d rather have the option.

Luan – I agree that cherry flavoring is a draw for me. Do you remember having Kiddie Cocktails as a kid? 7 Up mixed with maraschino cherry juice and three cherries on a swizzle stick. Delicious! Other than an occasional ginger ale to settle my stomach, I really drink regular soda now. I spent years addicted to cola, mainly Pepsi and RC (Royal Crown). Now I drink a can of diet soda here and there. My favorite is diet Dr. Pepper. I also like the water mixes. Lately there have been lots of sales on Crystal Light so I’ve been trying several flavors. I also like the Cherry Limeade from Wal-Mart.

Annie – I know a job is on the horizon for you. Someone with all of your strengths will be a great asset; they just haven’t figured it out. I know from being on several interview committees that some of the oddest reasons are why a person’s resume or interview are what causes that person to not be put in “the pile” for further consideration. So stay positive!

Monica – I mainly shop in the only grocery store in my town. It’s a Pick ‘N Save (aka Copps, both are owned by Roundy’s). Anyone can sign up for store card that gives discounts for the weekly specials. Years ago we had to clip coupons from the advertisement and take them to the store. Now you just present the card at the checkout. I usually save between ten and twenty dollars on my bill. I can’t afford not to use the card and coupons. The extra bonus comes from a 1% donation of the receipt to my favorite local non-profit, the public library. Quarterly, the store sends a check to the library and it usually totals $4,000 or $5,000. That’s pretty cool! And it doesn’t cost me anything.

Bernice – I’m glad your husband is feeling OK now. Thanks for the reminder about the sodium in the drink mixes. I tend to see 10 calories and don’t get any further reading the nutrition panel. Your party sounds like it was lots of fun. It’s nice that you open your home to all of your family’s friends.

Ratkitten – Your doggie-washing escapade sounds like it was fun, but exhausting. My girl doesn’t get anything so organized. She doesn’t like to ride in the car, so we stay home and pull out the garden hose. Which reminds me, she’s due for a little rub a dub dub, maybe next weekend.

Carol – Good luck with the dress for the wedding. I’m still waiting to be able to drop down a size so I can buy something new. Most of my current clothes are loose and stretchy so even though I know they are a little looser, it’s taking a while to actually need a smaller size. You’re sweet potato recipe sounds really good! I’m going to try it this week.

Anne – I took a peek at your pics. Love your smile! You’re looking great! All of your hard work and dedication is really showing. It’s so cool that you got to meet some of the ladies from 3FC!

Brandnewme – Glad to see you back! :hug: I remember reading your posts when I first started to lurk on 3FC. I’m so sorry to hear about your grandma. Take care of yourself so you can be there for your gran.

Johnnie – Hi! Wow 101! Wisconsin has had temps that high a few times so I know what you mean about not doing well in heat. I have heat related issues too.

Catherine – I’m glad you’re journaling. I’m sure it will help. I know if I don’t keep up with my dailyplate.com log, I’m sunk and it happens really quickly.


Good night all! Tomorrow’s a new day!

Miz M

Stop!