Well, it's morning, and we all got some sleep last night. Rusty was barking and growling at John off and on all evening, but it did seem to get less and less as time when on. If John was sitting quietly Rusty left him alone, but if he started talking or walking around he would bark and go after him. John was a little afraid, but it was OK. At bedtime, Rusty was pretty satisfied to be in our bedroom with us like he usually is, and we had a baby gate we put across the door to John's room so Rusty couldn't get it. I guess if he really tried he could knock that gate down, but he didn't. He barked and growled a couple times during the night, and when I got up to go to the bathroom, he went over and looked in through the gate. We had a night light on for John so I guess Rusty could see that he was still there. This morning he is barking and growling a bit, but not excessively. Now, I think if John would come regularly Rusty would get used to him, but John only comes ever few months. When we take Rusty to their house, he doesn't bark or growl at anyone.

Gayle, I watched Fixer Upper off and on yesterday. I was doing other things but did watch parts of the show. The house they did turned out beautiful! I only watch that if I'm changing channels and notice that it's on. I like HGTV.

That dress for your GD and her doll sound so nice. You are fortunate that you know how to do that and enjoy it, and you will make your GD happy!

Glad you got to talk with your mother. She probably enjoys hearing from you even if she doesn't remember.

Glad your doctors appointment went well, Karrine. And I hope your DH's appointment goes well, too, Sandy.

Lynn, glad to hear you're happy with your painting and decorating. I don't know how this happened, but I think you have the lids to my Tupperware containers! I find them in the cupboard but no lids! Actually, I have an idea where my lids go. When DH wants to give Rusty some people food, he will pull out a lid and put it on that, then of course, the lid has to be thrown away after the dog eats off it. LOL I keep a lot of containers from things like butter spread and cottage cheese. When company comes on the holidays they always want to take leftovers home, and they are nice for a lit of this and a bit of that, and don't have to be washed out and returned.

Lynn, I got a book from Goodwill, The UltraMetabolism Diet, written by Dr Mark Hyman in 2006. This was before he came out with 10 Day Detox, but he does mention detox in the book. It mostly emphasizes getting rid of white carbs, and is big on plant phytonutrients. It was not anything I haven't read before, but did a lot to reinforce my thinking about the necessity of eating more vegetables, and a wider variety. Passing on the white carbs is very difficult for me, but something I really have to do if I want to improve my health.

Do you feel that 10 Day Detox helped you? Have you been back to the doctor? Are you still following the basic principals?

Originally Posted by Wannabehealthy:
Lynn, I got a book from Goodwill, The UltraMetabolism Diet, written by Dr Mark Hyman in 2006. This was before he came out with 10 Day Detox, but he does mention detox in the book. It mostly emphasizes getting rid of white carbs, and is big on plant phytonutrients. It was not anything I haven't read before, but did a lot to reinforce my thinking about the necessity of eating more vegetables, and a wider variety. Passing on the white carbs is very difficult for me, but something I really have to do if I want to improve my health.

Do you feel that 10 Day Detox helped you? Have you been back to the doctor? Are you still following the basic principals?

Hi Carol,

I got rid of all grains, dairy, sweets, & caffeine for 10 days. During this time, I took daily lavender baths, & drank daily smoothies (recipe available if you want it). Started the 10-day detox on 9/2. Still no grains or sweets. However, have added 1 large cup of coffee each morning (12-16 oz), and a NuGo protein bar each morning. Cannot do the daily lavender baths bc the painters have my bathroom (with the tub) filled with their ladders & paint stuff. Have had at least 1 smoothie each day (except 4-5 days when I was away from home.) I have also added a bunch of vitamins/herbs.

I have been back to doctor 1 time. She would like me to stick with it until I have a second blood test & she sees that my numbers are more where she wants them. She was NOT happy about the protein bar.

Results - I lost 5 lbs & have MUCH more energy. No more getting tired in the afternoon. I think my pain is also reduced. Off 3 meds & no more indigestion/esophageal spasms. Eating a LOT more veggies & protein.

Lynn

Lynn, it sounds as if you are doing well with this. Congratulations on the 5 lb loss, and I'm glad you have more energy and are getting off some meds. I can't do smoothies. The problem is I want that chewing experience and the feel of real food in my mouth and would just be adding extra calories with smoothies and meal replacement bars. I think you will continue to feel better and better as you go along, and hopefully, the next bloodwork will show the improvement the doctor wants to see. Good job!

Carol Chewing experience is one I also need to feel satisfied. One help is to snack on air popped corn. It is more satisfying than ice cream and far healthier. At least it is a whole grain.

Your positive experience with your grandson and Rusty will make the next visit far less anxious for all of you. I was really pleased to read about this.

Gayle I agree that a day at home is something to celebrate. We go out this evening but this morning "no hurry" and I'm gradually getting some tasks done. How lucky I am that we rarely travel.

Lynn Good for you having so much more energy. To be off medicine of any kind is progress, too.

Mary Hope all is good with you.

Rusty is at the vet having surgery!! His anal glands ruptured and the only way they can fix him up is to do it surgically. I really don't know what all they will be doing. They said, but I was in a dither and not paying attention. Our vet trips are never simple or cheap.

We are back home after a four night trip to the Oregon coast to do some crabbing. We love it there and try to go once a year at least but some years we have missed (like last year I think) due to surgeries or something. We got 9 or 10 dungeness crabs and several red rocks. We only take the larger reds and give them to friends. Dh and our kids like the Dungeness. I got a light sunburn sitting on the dock despite using 50 SPF sunscreen. Nothing bad though, funny thing the reddest parts were actually covered by clothing:dizzy: I sometimes get freckles on my belly which is always covered too. And of course my face gets blotchier by the year despite my attempts to protect it. When at home I really don't spend much time outdoors so it's mostly from when I am on a trip.

Carol Sue - Poor Rusty! That sounds terrible. I hope he heals quickly. Glad things worked out fairly well with him and your gs. Your mention of a baby gate gave me an idea. Perhaps Halo would do better alone in her room if we left the door open and only used a baby gate across the entry. Even though she'd still be in the room alone, she'd be just across the hall from us and could hear us so she might not feel so alone. I am doubtful... She hits the door with her paws and will likely do the same to the baby gate and might knock it down...she's a good size dog...but it might be worth a try if we could find one that didn't cost much. I have no idea how much they cost.

Lynn - I think a lot of your renewed energy comes from going off sugar. I really noticed that the one time I did it. I could do the lavender baths (sounds lovely!), and the smoothies but my problem would be giving up the grains and sweets. These days it seems I can't get myself to give up anything! :^: I think it's because I have dieted so much I want no restrictions anymore. But when I look at my large belly in the mirror I think I MUST change my ways! Yet I don't do it. I feel pretty good these days so it is easy to think I'm ok, until I look in the mirror or try on clothes! Anyway I'm very proud of you and congrats on losing 5#!! Your condo will look so nice when the work is done...happy for you.

On our new entry door...the salesman told us the guy who will do the final measurements would call in five days to set up an appt...well it's been two weeks and no call so when we got home today dh called (our second call) and we now have an appt tomorrow morning. Really looking forward to having it all done and will start saving for the exterior siding. Dh was saying too that he still would like a security door as well. It's frustrating to be always spending money on things for the outside when we have an bathroom and kitchen that desperately need remodeling. I'd also like to have all the wood throughout the house re-stained or replaced whatever we put in the kitchen. Dh also wants to bring the gas line into the kitchen. I don't care whether he does or not, but would love to have a new stove...ours works ok, but I have never really liked it and it has worn way faster than any other stove I've had. Our house is definitely a Fixer Upper...in our case it has never been remodeled other than around 1993 or 1994 we remodeled our main bathroom (needs it again) and around 1999 or 2000 we replaced the kitchen floor, moved the washer and dryer to the garage and put in shelves for a pantry in the space and put in new carpeting throughout the house. The kitchen cupboards were not in good shape when we moved in (38 years ago) and we still have the orange counter tops that were so popular in the 60s! We always thought we'd remodel before now but while raising four children it never got done and since retirement we have preferred to travel.

Some parts of my body are not itching quite so much right now...I think a body wash I was using may have caused some of it (underarms and girl parts). But my head, outside and sometimes inside of my ears (new) and my feet still itch. I have wondered for a long time if diabetes played a part...and it probably does make me more susceptible and keeps it going, but I also suspect it is a fungus. I don't have athletes foot but my feet itch all around the sides, on top and bottoms. Diabetes can do this but I don't think that's all it is and my feet don't look really dry. I haven't noticed any odor though. Once my son had a fungus on his feet and they itched like this but they were also very stinky. I have the appt with my new dermatologist on the 16th and hope he can help. I do think what we eat which also pertains to diabetes can play a part. My bs are not too bad these days...they are usually good in the mornings after my first meds are taken and continue to be good most of the days...the highest is in the evenings usually as I tend to eat more then.

Sandy - I am actually considering giving Halo some Benedryl. Our son (her master) told me he has given her 1/2 of a 25 mg tab during fire works and it helped her. She gets very excited at times...kind of manical and it seems to be getting worse...but it's not all the time, mostly after she's been shut up alone like when our son's away and we put her in his room for the night. But when he's home and she's shut in there with him she's fine but she doesn't like being alone. I'm going to try other things first but if it continues I might give it to her when he's not home as we need our sleep. She of course sleeps most of the day.:dizzy:

Karinne - Glad you had a good day at the market...a few years ago, I learned to cook our corn on the cob in my steamer. It cooks it so fast and just right. Long ago, I cooked it in lots of boiling water, moved on to the microwave and did that for many years...and now steaming is my favorite. If I had many to cook it wouldn't be so easy, but with just two or three it's great.

Hi all,
Sorry to say that I am very sick with a bad cold. I have read everyone's posts since my own last one with lots of interest. Sorry I can't reply to everyone this time. We have had high winds here and now my back yard and deck are once again but worse covered with pine needles. Regardless of how I feel I have to get out there and rake perhaps one section at a time to get it all up. In all the years I have lived here it has never been this bad. I also need to pull my annuals and start putting away my outdoor furniture a little at a time. I'm trying to get as much done as possible as it is the Canadian Thanksgiving Weekend this weekend and I will be away for 3 days visiting my daughter up north leaving early Friday morning. Lots to do to get ready for that too as I'm taking pumpkin pie up as my contribution & I still need to get myself to the grocery store. In between all this I'll be resting as much as possible to try and get rid of this cold.

I probably won't be posting again until next Monday so be good everyone and good health to all.
Karrine

I'm not sure if what they did to Rusty is actually surgery, but he had to be anesthesized for them to work on him. Rusty is dog number 6 for us, over a period of 38 years, sometimes having 2 at a time. He is only the second one who had to have an expensive medical procedure done, and the other one was over $1000. But it was a young dog who was still in good health and we figured we could afford to give him a longer life. This is going to be $400 for Rusty, so we figure we got off easy.

Mary, my step-son was supposed to send a baby gate with John but he forgot. DH had an old one that he got somewhere used that he used for the dogs downstairs. They would be in the cellar. He would be in the garage with the garage door open. He would leave the door open between the cellar and the garage so they could see and hear him. It would work well for Halo. Also, you could probably use a piece of plywood and set it across the opening if you had something like that. DH always has things like that around leftover from other projects.

There for a while the inside of my ears were very itchy. So annoying. I used to stick things in there to scratch and a couple times injured the outer ear canal and had to get drops to put in. My ears don't get itchy anymore, thank goodness. But my legs, back and sides of my waistline are itchy.

Karrine, I have a bad cold too. I got up early because I was lying in bed coughing and got up so I wouldn't bother DH. After he got up, I went back to bed and slept good until 10. We have to go pick Rusty up at 12:30. We will have to find a way to get him to take pills, and also put ointment on his butt. I'm sure he will be happy to have me do that!! LOL

I love Thanksgiving, and wish I could celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving as well as American. I guess I could, but turkeys don't go on sale until November. LOL Too expensive now!

Good afternoon GG's,

It has been a nice day so far. Nice and sunny ~ not too hot. I left out of the house soon after I woke up to run some errands. So far, I've not been chewed out for not waiting and combining trips ~ hopefully I won't be ~ LOL.

I was just gonna go to one Walmart ~ had to pick up a special order of iron supplement. Found a couple items ~ collapsible bowls that won't take up so much room in my suitcase when we travel. We usually stay at places that have a free breakfast, but with this new way of eating, there isn't much available that fits what we eat. We make our own oatmeal with apple chunks cut up into it and fresh blueberries ~ hence the need for the bowls. I was pretty sure I had seen them before, but couldn't find them when I finally decided I wanted them. But this location had them ~ and marked down to boot. Then I decided to go on to another shopping area. I wanted to get a Hallloween greeting card for my mom and a little something for her. The nurses said she likes sweets and that it was ok for her to have them, so I will send a little package with the card and a little bag of Halloween chocolates. Got a mug at Goodwill ~ $.49 ~ love their prices. Got a pair of headphones for traveling, at the Big Lots store, so I can block out the talk radio my husband likes to listen to as we drive on these road trips and listen to some kind of music which is more enjoyable to me. I had a price surprise there too. They had cables strung out all over the place and had stuff moved around and aisles blocked off. Of course the aisle where the headphones were was blocked off ~ there was no kind of sign saying it was blocked off because of any kind of danger, so I went in to it. Found a pair of headphones I thought would work. Got to the check out and the lady gave me a gift card. I asked why ~ she said because they were filming a commercial and all the cables and aisles blocked off were an inconvenience to the shoppers, so they were giving out gift cards. It was for $3 ~ not a great big sum but still a nice surprise. I was able to use it for my purchase, so my $5 headphones only cost me $2.41. That should help keep me out of trouble with DH. I love it when the things I purchase end up being less than I expected.

I had a similar surprise when I was up in Ohio with my sister. I found a little back pack ~ which I had been looking for but had had no luck finding the size I wanted. It was marked $4. But when it rang up it was only $2. Love surprise deals.

Carol ~ glad Rusty came through his procedure ok. Hope you get over your cold soon and get to feeling better.

Karrine ~ sorry you are sick as well. I know you say you have a lot of stuff to do, but take care of yourself. Hope you are feeling better so you can enjoy the Thanksgiving with your daughter.

Mary ~ your trip to the coast sounds nice. Glad you guys got to enjoy that. I love getting to spend time by the ocean. Excited for you about your new door. You'll have to show us a picture when it's all in place.

Sandy ~ that air popped pop corn sounds good. We used to have it every afternoon with Maddie. It doesn't seem to be listed among the allowed foods on our new way of eating. It is from a plant though and we didn't put butter on it ~ just a small sprinkle of salt. So, wondering....... Maybe I'd better get that thought out of my head ~ LOL.

Lynn ~ sounds like you are doing great with your new eating plan. “Results - I lost 5 lbs & have MUCH more energy. No more getting tired in the afternoon. I think my pain is also reduced. Off 3 meds & no more indigestion/esophageal spasms. Eating a LOT more veggies & protein.”
That sounds wonderful ~ so glad you are feeling better.

Guess I'd better get off and do something else. Hope you all are having a good day.

B]Gayle[/B] the headphones sound like a great idea. My computer is in room beside DD's office and computer. If I want to listen to something on computer, it interferes with her work, so I simply don't do it. Think it is time for purchasing some as you have.

Carol Good to have Rusty home, and that it didn't cost as much as you dreaded. Wonder if Rusty's agitation was because of his medical problem and perhaps he will be calmer now.

Mary delighted to hear of your trip to the cost and your fun. Hope all goes well on the installation of your entrance door.

Those itchy body parts must be part of growing older. I don't have diabetes so I can't blame that, thank goodness. Mine seems to set in as I try to go to sleep. Grrrrr

We spent time last evening with our former Priest who gives such good sermons. He had a special Mass for Healing. Chapel was crowded as people from several churches came. I recognized 13 from our church.

We drove home way after dark and I felt uncomfortable driving roads I never see after dark. Luckily they were better lit than I expected and traffic wasn't too bad. Felt good to finally be home.

Yesterday I planted 2 flats of annuals that will survive our winters. The pale blue pansies will brighten up the area to our front door. Still have 1/2 flat to put into patio pots as soon as I get courage to cut down the still attractive summer annuals.

Lynn hope you heal up soon.

Sandy

Finally getting here. Our oldest gs was visiting his dad while we were gone and he was still here until this evening. Sure enjoyed having him. Wish he could come down more often. He's so nice...last time he came, he made his bed when he left. I told him he didn't have to because I change the sheets after every guest, so this time he didn't make it completely but he still made most of it...just didn't pull the spread up over the pillows..instead he just folded it neatly. How many young men would do that.:) He and his dad went hunting fpr two days but didn't see any deer, so today they just went to the shooting range.

The guy came and did the final measurements for the front entry/door this morning. He said it will almost Dec before they install the door! So much longer than we were told. Well we've had this old one for 38 years so what's a few more months, I guess. It should be worth it.

I also went to the post office with my dil to try and straighten out the mail mess...ever since they moved from our house they've been getting some of our mail and we get some of theirs. She's tried to get it straightened out several times on her own...but they finally said both of us should be there so I hope they got it straightened out now.

My head has really been itchy today...when I get my hair cut it eases a bit so I think it must almost be time for a hair cut. :^: BTW, the dermatologist told me this itch is nothing that is contagious and often happens as people age. He told me (with my hair and ears) I'll have to use the medicated shampoo the rest of my life! I can't tell it helps that much though. I'm hoping my new doctor will have other ideas. Interestingly, I don't have any rash or redness they can see. I can see my ear lobes are red at times though.

Sandy - annuals during the winter? I have forgotten where you are located.

Glynne - I love getting little surprises like you mentioned too. A new Walmart just opened up not far from us, I'm looking forward to shopping there. Albertsons closed so I only have one grocery store that's really close now, so this will be two again. I also shop at an organic store that is further away esp when I buy meat but I like having other stores closer to me too.

We are on Halo duty tonight. I think we are going to send her to her bedroom but leave the door open and just see what she will do. I suspect she'll go to the living room and sofa but we'll see.. The guys don't think the baby gate idea will help, because she will still feel trapped and alone. We think she just can't bear being shut in. She also does not like to be alone unless it is HER choice. I feel like she is gradually getting her way but we have to get some sleep so what can we do.:?: Should be interesting. She might try to jump up on our bed but don't think she can as its a very high bed and will hurt her back. We have never had a dog free in our house at night and I don't like the idea as she is so stinky...it's bad enough she sleeps on the sofas most of the day.

Gayle, my DH listens to talk radio too, and now he has me enjoying it sometimes. He has it on all night, and we both have pillow speakers that we can turn up to listen if we want. If I wake up in the middle of the night, sometimes I will listen for a while and it helps me fall back to sleep. When we are in the car, I have a lot of music on my MP3 player that I listen to with earphones. Just depends on what's on the radio.

Mary, my step-children both had to make their beds before they left the house each day from the time they were young. My step-son still does that to this day and would probably do it when visiting, also. I really doubt if my step-daughter kept that up. LOL It is good when young people keep up the manners they were taught.

My scalp used to get itchy but doesn't anymore. I don't know what's different. I use OTC medicated shampoo sometimes if I feel a bit of itching.

Sandy, my leg itching is mostly during the night, too. Some nights are worse than others. Last night when I first went to bed they were very itchy. I was going to get up and take a shower and put lotion on, but then suddenly it calmed down and I fell asleep. A shower and lotion has a way of helping for a while. It makes the rash get bright red, but it doesn't itch as much. Sometimes I will just wash my legs and apply lotion.

I don't think Rusty's barking has anything to do with his medical problem, because he was happy and jumping around before this. Now he is laying around, and goes way back in a corner somewhere to lie down. I guess it will take a few days until he starts to get back to normal. I just hope it happens soon. I'm afraid he will get an infection. They gave him an intervenous antibiotic that is supposed to last for 2 weeks. I hope it does it's job. I don't know why I decided to get another dog. Not that I don't love Rusty, but I didn't expect this.

Ok, Halo has won the night time battle...figured she would :( Last night I walked her to her bed in our son's bedroom as usual and told her to stay (rather half heartedly as knew she wouldn't but felt I had to make the effort. :D) but didn't close the door and went to bed. I think it took her a few minutes to realize she was free but soon I heard her walking down the hall and across the kitchen floor, and soon she was quiet. I was sure she was on one of the sofas. I slept good but still got up twice per normal...the second time at 4:30. That time I took a flashlight to check on her. Sure enough she was on the sofa but surprisingly she wasn't under the doggie mat and she didn't appear to be asleep...she was just sitting there and staring right at me, like yeah, I'm here, what you gonna do about it? :dizzy: I just went back to bed. Didn't hear a peep out of her all night. Dh rationalized that it was maybe good she's out there as if we don't hear the ding-ding (one of our security systems), she may bark if she becomes aware someone is out in front. She doesn't always though when she's sleeping. I really don't understand her ...after dh let her out this am, she comes in and sleeps on her bed in the family room...why can't she do that at night:?: Tonight I may (just as a test), pull her bed (her night time bed) out into the hall near our room and see if she might stay on it since now she knows she's free. It's like a game we are playing now, but she is definitely winning. :D I have to admit it it was nice being on Halo duty AND getting sleep!:)

We went to the gym this morning! It's been quite a while...so all we did was walk the track about a mile. I was up for doing more but dh said that was enough and I didn't want to push it. We then went to Costco to do our coupon shopping. So far nothing done here at home other than taking out trash/garbage. The house seems dirty to me since we got home and I need to get busy on it.

Carol Sue - Poor Rusty...I hope he feels all better soon. I can't imagine having radio on all night and I never heard of pillow speakers but I'm not a radio person, never listen to it. Funny I LOVE music but I don't like to listen to it unless I'm in the mood to sing along with it. I love singing at church and I sing around the house and in the car just on my own a lot. I also listen to music videos online and often sing along with them. I esp like to listen to Christian/Messianic Jewish videos on Sunday morning while waiting til time to go to the church. I like the ones with lyrics and I sing along with them. I come from a family that loved to sing...not only did we sing in church ...my dad and sister used to sing duos now and then even...but also on Sundays we would gather around our old upright piano and sing. My sister is a good piano player...used to play in church, I took lessons but never got very good at it. The neighbors seemed to enjoy it (at least they said they did!);) On the bed making...I taught all my kids to make their beds..they didn't always get it done before school, but they had to do it at some point every day except weekly when I changed the sheets for them. But now I don't think any of them make their beds daily...one might. I make my bed as soon as we get up...can't stand seeing it all a mess and don't feel I've started cleaning my house until it's done...but I remember when I was younger, I didn't think about it that way so much.

Well a few more computer things and then I have to get busy..you all have a good day.

Mary, we don't have the radio on for music, but for the overnight talk shows. Sometimes they talk about interesting things, sometimes not. When we first got married, DH had to have the talk shows on to go to sleep. He didn't have pillow speakers. I would wake up in the middle of the night and try to turn the radio off because I couldn't go back to sleep. Finally, he got a pillow speaker. It is a small, flat speaker about the size of the palm of your hand, and they go under your pillow, so when you have your head on the pillow you can hear it, but no one else can. Finally, I asked him to get one for me. It has a volume knob so you can turn it off if you want to. The only time I listen to music is in the car. Personally, I like to fall asleep with the TV on. Lots of times I go into bed to watch something but fall asleep and miss it. DH comes into the room and turns off the TV, then I wake up again and turn it back on. LOL

Rusty seems to be turning a corner on his medical issue. His behavior is getting back to normal. This morning he had his first bowel movement since Sunday. He hasn't been eating much, but I think he will feel better now and get back to eating.

I think Halo is set in her ways, Mary. I guess if she wasn't such a stinky dog it wouldn't be so bad. My friend uses a dry dog shampoo on her dog, just rubs it in, and it makes her smell better. Don't know if you've tried that.

I overbooked today...I have two appts...dentist and eye doctor. At least I got a good sleep. I tried the bed in the hall idea, but she still went back to the living room a few minutes after I went to bed. I give up, I choose sleep over the battle with her. I hope though that she will continue to sleep in our son's room when he is home.

Carol Sue - No, we haven't tried the dry shampoo yet. I wonder how long it lasts. We have several products we either spray or rub into her coat and they help but only a short time plus they smell so chemical so I don't really like them. She hasn't seemed quite so smelly since we got home, not sure why. I sometimes wonder if it is something to do with her hormones as it is worse at times than others. We have bought a supposedly better dog food (expensive!) and put stuff in her water for her breath. The dry shampoo is the only thing we haven't tried so guess that's next.

Glad Rusty is doing better. Glad talk radio helps you guys sleep. It would drive me nuts...I'd rather music than the talk! But each his own. I've even tried hypnosis (for dieting) and couldn't even stand that in bed. It did help me when I did it in the afternoon and sometimes I even went to sleep for a few minutes. I don't like taking the time out of my day anymore though.

Forgot to weigh myself this morning but know it would have been high. I've been gaining and my bs was very high this morning. Telling myself I have to get back on track. I do so well for a little while then get off track again. If I gain anymore I won't be able to find any clothes to fit, not even thinking of the health consequences, so better catch it now. My dd has started a business selling LulaRoe clothes. She says they fit all sizes but I haven't tried them yet. I'm hoping that will motivate me to lose a few pounds. Here's her FB page...if you or anyone you know is interested, you can sign up. Don't think you can see much unless you do. Of course you can google for the LulaRoe main site, but if interested please sign up at her sign or message/email her to ask question or buy. I'd like her to help her in her new venture. Just go to Facebook, and type in LulaRoe Carolyn Dawson VIP and it should come up.

Hi everyone...no more time, much to do today..

Mary I did weigh and it is up again. Ate better today. After the junk I've had the past week I'm not surprised.

Can't take talk radio nor talk TV. Enjoy music but prefer quiet room when I'm going to sleep. Slept great last night.

Busy day today with Bible class that was unusually good. Great discussion and the Video made lots of questions understandable. So glad DH goes with me.

Flu shots received today for both of us. It was 2:00 pm when we finally got home. I've been hours trying to update Quicken, reconcile credit card, and bank statement. DH had such a huge amount of charges and then a lot of returns. Some returns were for cash, some went on the card. I had a time trying to get that straightened out. Finally all is finished and backed up on a separate hard drive.

We still have to pack for our trip tomorrow. My clothes are in washer so that is my next task. We'll be in area that has few stores, no decent place to eat. I'm taking a coffee maker and some easy food like cheese, Kashi bars, apples, nuts, etc.

At least we will have Lunch at a great restaurant that has chefs from the famous Greenbrier in West Virginia. (Mary we live a few hours from there)

Carol Rusty is also glad to be getting back to normal. Amazing how attached we get to those dogs. We have a concrete statue of the little West Highland Terrier we had for 13 years. At least I don't have to worry about is vet bills any more.

Ears itching, time to go use the new Rx lotion. Dr. Said put 2 drops in, but I got too much and flooded my ear, lost hearing for a day till it finally drained back out. Now I'm more careful.

Annuals work here in middle eastern states, at least the Johnny Jump Ups do well in pots, and pansies in the ground. The pansies will be covered up when the 15" Japanese grass comes up to replace them when spring comes.

Good evening GG's,

It has been a good day ~ got some foods fixed. Some greeting cards fixed up and letters written and out to the mail box.

Got to talk to my mom a few minutes.

Today was our grandson Corbin's 18th birthday ~ where has the time gone?

Gonna get together with Sara and the kids sometime this weekend to give them their birthday gifts. We were away when it was Maddie's birthday. Sara suggested Sweet Tomatoes. We enjoy that place. They have a nice salad bar and other stuff which is yummy, but is off limits now with this way of eating.

DH finished his several weeks of cardiac rehab. He ~ so disciplined ~ wants to keep up with the walking at home. I am kind of excited about that though, because with him doing it (like the way of eating we are doing) it will help me to do it more consitstently with him doing it. We used to walk a few years back ~ we would go out and walk around the loop of our neighborhood every day when he got home from work. But then I had to go back to work. I did keep up with the walking on my own for a while ~ I worked the 3-11 shift and would do it before I got ready for work each day. Then I went back to the night shift 7p to 7a and the walking went out the window. I would do it occasionally, but not consistently like I needed to. Sadly, while we were walking I was about 1/ 2 way to my goal ~ lost almost 40 pounds. But gradually, over time put it all back on and have never gotten back to that weight in all these years. So now with DH's plans to keep up his walking ~ maybe there is hope for me. We plan to walk in the evenings after Sara picks up Maddie. Other people in the neighborhood walk at that time too.

Sandy ~ glad you got your Quicken thing reconciled. I don't envy you having to do that. DH does ours ~ all that stuff is like Greek to me. Enjoy your upcoming trip.

Mary ~ hope your eye and dentist appointments went well. Sorry your battle continues with Halo and that she seems to be winning. I'm with you though ~ I'd opt for sleeping instead of the battle. I went to that website of the clothes your daughter is selling. Some of them are pretty, but I don't go anywhere I could wear things like that.

Carol ~ I have to admit that at times there have been interesting programs on the talk radio, but the part I didn't like was the news that DH was playing. It kind of surprised me, because he doesn't listen to the news on TV ~ says he doesn't like hearing all that bad/negative stuff. And the day we were in the car ~ that is what was on ~ and it was one bad thing right after another. I just didn't get it. I used to listen to an audio book to try to help me go to sleep. I would go to sleep, but when the story stopped, it would wake me up. Then someone told me that you could fix the CD player so it would play over and over again. Eventually I got away from that and now listen to ocean waves on one of those sound machines. That seems to help me. I've tried music, but I enjoy it too much and keep wanting to listen to the “good” songs that are playing ~ LOL.

Karrine ~ hope you are feeling better so you can enjoy the visit with your daughter and the Thanksgiving celebration.

Lynn ~ how are you doing? Is the work at your condo done or still going on. Hope it returns to normal for you soon.

Well, soon it will be time for bed, so I'd better get this finished up. Hope you all rest well tonight.

I slept half the night then woke up coughing. Rather than disturb DH I came out into the living room and read for a while. Fell asleep and woke up around 6 and went back to bed and slept until 8.

I think I mentioned that Rusty always lays under the dining room table but when we go out, would climb up on the back of the couch. Now he started doing that all the time. He's only about 13 lbs so fits up there nicely. I think he likes to be up high where he can see everything and is in the living room with us. When I come into the dining room to get on the computer he sometimes will come in here with me, but isn't doing it today. I don't mind him climbing up there, but if company comes, he might object to them sitting on his couch. LOL

Gayle, I am the same with music. Want to listen to the songs and sometimes sing along. The drone of the voice on the talk show puts me to sleep somehow. The regular guy who is on overnight talks about a variety of subjects and people call in. Many times is is subjects that are in the news. Some are funny, some are serious. When he is off, the guy who fills in for him talked about politics constantly. I tend to turn him off. I don't like hearing about politics over and over. When we are in the car during the day, some of the talk shows can be irritating because the host tries to get people riled up about subjects and enjoys fighting with the callers. That's when I tend to put on my MP3 player and listen to music.

Sandy, I am so accustomed to falling asleep with the TV on that I have a hard time falling asleep with total silence. I tend to watch talk TV also. I can't fall asleep with a sit-com on because of the canned laughter.

Hi Karrine and Lynn!

Good afternoon GG's,

Well, we have gotten our walk in for the day. Had originally talked about doing it in the evenings after Maddie goes home, but DH went out to put the trash barrels away and said it was a nice temperature, so why didn't we go and get it done. He had to kind of make adjustments ~ he is long legged and can walk faster than I can, but needed to be able to walk faster to get the benefit, so he would walk and get ahead of me, then double back the other way for a bit and then turn and catch up with me again. It worked out well. I am thankful that he has self discipline because it will benefit me too. I don't do so well when left to my own devices ~ LOL.

I finally used a kitchen gadget I have had for a while but hadn't gotten around to trying. A veggetti. I made the zucchini noodles (zoodles they call them). Served them with spaghetti sauce on top and a sprinkle of parmasean cheese. I really liked them. I had been dragging my feet about trying it out, because I wasn't exactly sure how it worked ~ but thanks to Youtube (I love Youtube) I watched a little video of a lady using one. Being able to see how it was done was a big help. I wonder if you can do other vegetables with it?

Mary ~ I think it was you that asked about my RA injection (Humira) and rather it hurt or not. I had my 3rd dose today. It is given in either the abdomen or thigh and as with injections, you have to rotate sites. The first time, I chose my abdomen. It stung a little ~ but wasn't too bad. The second time, I chose my thigh ~ it stung quite a bit that time. I don't know if there is anything I can do to make it sting less in the thigh. The only thing I could think of was to let it have a longer time after taking it out of the fridge before injecting it.

We got news last week that the insurance plan we have is going to be discontinued and we will have to choose a different one for next year. We wondered if they were giving us the boot because of the cost of this injectable RA med (Humira), because the notice came about a week after the charge from the pharmaceutical company for that med hit the insurance company. It is priced outrageously. DH showed me a paper ~ they charge $3,500 for two doses. I don't understand how the insurance works ~ if you have it they help, but for someone who doesn't have it ~ a patient would not be able to afford to be on this med. No wonder they don't want to keep us. That price is ridiculous. The lady who comes from the company that makes it and teaches patients how to give it ~ has a list of what insurance companies will cover this med. We don't know rather any of those will be available to us. Part of her job is helping patients figure out how to afford this med. I may have to ask the doctor if there are other options.

Another concern with having to find a different plan is rather all of our current doctors will be a part of it. I hate the thought of having to find different doctors and starting all over with new ones.

Carol ~ my daughter's little dog likes to sit up on the back of the sofa also. Like Rusty ~ I think she likes to be up where she can see what is going on ~ who comes to the door etc.

Head has been aching all through the night ~ it eased up a little after I took some tylenol with caffeine in it early am, but when that wore off, it is bothering again. Not a horrible one, but enough so that I an not in the mood to do much of anything. Grrrrr ~ oh well.

Hope you all are having a good day.

Hi Everyone,

Sugar creeping back into my diet. Think I will do the 10-day detox again (no Nugo Protein bars/coffee/chewable calcium...).

Painting done. Now, I just need to get my stuff back where it belongs. Tai Chi, acupuncture, dermatologist, cardiologist all good.

I will finish my class on Tuesday. Come back then to do personals. Have a good weekend.

Lynn

One of those days when I feel like I'm busy (spinning my wheels!) but not really getting much done. We did get to the gym, but not much done here at home.

Glynne - Nice that your dh is patient about the walking. I like walking with someone who walks a bit faster than me as it makes me push more, but of course not if I'm in pain. On the track we walk separately because I walk faster than him these days. I wish he could walk like he used to. I'd love to walk together around our neighborhood, and he tends to walk faster outside, but he won't do it anymore. Cherish your times together because things don't usually stay the same. How did the shot go today? When I thought I might have to inject myself (and I still may someday), I was mostly worried about sticking it in...figure if I can get over that, I'd be ok with it. Hope you can find an insurance that doesn't cost too much and covers those expensive meds. Seems like people are having MORE problems with insurance these days than even before the Affordable Care Act!

Sandy - Sorry about the gain, but I'm the same way...I'm at the highest I've been since the first of the year.

My dental visit went well. I think using an electric toothbrush is working for me. My eye visit went ok...I have been having more problems with my close up vision, but he said it really hadn't changed that much. He said my cataracts have grown slightly and that may be making it harder to focus which may make me feel I've lost vision. My distant vision (which I thought was the same) has decreased a little bit though and he gave me a new prescription if I want to change my lenses. He said the little change in the top part of my bifocal would also help the lower part and probably help me see a bit better close up too, so think I'll do it. My pressure is also up...it's been in the 20s for a long time but since he hasn't seen me for a while, he wants me to have another field vision test. I hope I pass it as I don't want to have to take eye meds. I've seen dh go through all that. The good news is that despite my higher BS the last few years, he didn't find any diabetic changes in my eyes. So thankful for that.

Not sure what to do with Halo tonight...her master is still out. She usually sleeps in his room when he's home, but not sure she'll be quiet if I put her in there before he gets home even though until recently we always did that.

Gayle, I have a Vegetti. I like it, but I don't use it much. DH won't eat the zucchini, so it's just for me. I didn't like it with tomato sauce, but I did like it with jarred Pesto Sauce. When I do make it it's my lunch since DH doesn't eat it.

Have you looked into financial help for the Humira? It, along with other boilogics, are used for psoriasis, too, but I never thought of taking it because of the high cost, and also the possible side effects.

When DH and I used to walk outside I went faster than he did and I would go ahead then circle back to where he was. That worked for us. It's hard to believe that I walked faster than he did back then.

Mary, I always preferred walking alone so I could set my own pace. Years ago a neighbor saw me walking the neighborhood and wanted to join me. When we walked, we tended to get into conversations which slowed us down a bit, then when we would get to a hill I used to go up, she would say she didn't feel like doing the hill so we would skip it. Eventually, she couldn't go because she had a 3 year old and no one to watch him, so I got to go alone again. That summer I walked those 3 miles every day, faithfully, but only lost 2 lbs in 3 months (over the summer.) I'm sure I was healthier for doing it, but I wanted weight loss. You really have to change your diet to get weight loss.

I tend to agree that Halo is going to win the war!

Lynn, sorry to hear about the sugar creeping back in. That happens with me, too, and I have to just nip it in the bud. With diabetes, I can't allow that. I think part of the problem is the idea of the 10 Day Detox. It puts you in the mind that you are going to do this for 10 days. You are very strict for the 10 days, but then after that's over, you start thinking that you can have this or that. You seem to be good at sticking to a plan when you have to. Maybe you could try doing a life-long plan with 1 "cheat day" per week. You stay on course for 6 days, but then have 1 day a week that you can have something sweet. That seems to work for some people who just can't give up the sweets altogether. My sister-in-law lost 97 lbs by dieting 6 days a week and going out for dinner on Saturday night, choosing whatever she wanted from the menu with no regard for calories, carbs, sugar etc. She also exercised by walking to and from work, about a mile each way.

Our son did not get home by the time we went to bed so we put Halo in her room and surprisingly she was quiet until she heard him come in.

This morning we went to an insurance meeting regarding changes to our benefits. When we got there we found out it was not really for our plan but he did mention ours a few times. So we sorta wasted our time, but we did find out one thing...our OTC products monthly credit has been cut in half. It's still a good deal of course since we don't pay anything, just not as good as it was. He didn't mention that anything else has changed for us. We feel very blessed.

I love to walk but prefer to do it outside with someone to talk with. The track is very boring. I'm thinking about going back to the treadmill...it's boring too, but for some reason, once the program is set I'm more inclined to stick it out and I like watching my progress on the monitor. If want I can also watch TV. I probably can read too, although I don't remember if I ever did that..

My dd who is in very good shape...eats small balanced (carb, protein, fat) meals several times a day 6 days a week and allows herself one meal a week where she eats a reasonable size meal but eats whatever she wants. I am not that disciplined but wish I were.

I have much to catch up on here at home...doing too much running around this week..

Mary, I was like you DD when I was in my 30's but after getting married I changed my habits to match those of DH. He doesn't gain weight from it, but I do. I have never had the discipline to get back to that, unfortunately. I'm always going to do it "tomorrow."

My son has that same OTC feature with his insurance. I have never had that. It sounds like a great idea.

I have not yet learned of the insurance changes with our insurance. Soon. We have changed insurance the past 3 years. The same company, but different plans, based on the out-of-pocket costs vs the benefits. We had some high out-of-pocket costs the 2 years I was dealing with my bowel issues, but otherwise they are minor.

When I read the updated benefits package I did find out our ambulance cost goes up $50. He mentioned that in the meeting but I thought he was talking about the other plan. That still not too bad though and we are still very happy with our plan. Glad you have a good plan too Carol Sue as it sure helps. I can't imagine having to pay for all our medical expenses on our own, but some people have to. I think many don't get the care they need. I don't understand it as I thought the Affordable Care Act was to take care of that.

It's about time to get ready for church...we have missed two Sundays so really looking forward to it. I'm thankful the the online videos of the services though. You can even watch it live and participate by asking for prayer etc, but I haven't tried that yet. I continue to be amazed by technology!

Hoping you all have a great Sunday!

Mary, our local ambulance service is good. If you join, and pay an annual fee, they accept whatever your insurance pays as payment in full. I think we used to pay $40/year but now for seniors it's $25/year, total for both of us. One time when I called for an ambulance for DH I had my payment sitting on the counter ready to mail in. The EMT took it with her and turned it in so we were covered. They probably would have covered us anyway because we had paid in the past.

That's interesting about the online video of your church service. Is that just for your church members, or would I be able to go online and see it, too?

My computer is doing something weird today. I thought it was just the other forum I was on but it's this one too. It takes me to the bottom of the page and won't scroll up.

When I bought this computer I got a 6 month trial of Kaperskys virus program with it. At first I tried to download it but couldn't find anywhere that said it was for 6 months from Best Buy. Finally, I got an email from Geek Squad providing a link to get the free download. I did it, but now I am getting pop-ups saying that my trial is ending in 10 days, so what I got was only a 30 day trial. Now I got another email from Geek Squad saying that I have not yet downloaded my free trial. I will have to call them and see what's going on. I don't know if I will screw something up if I click on this new link while I already have the other one activated. I like Kaperskys, but don't know if I will pay for it after the trial. My son uses it, but I usually get a free program off the internet.

Carol RE: My computer is doing something weird today. I thought it was just the other forum I was on but it's this one too. It takes me to the bottom of the page and won't scroll up.

Sometimes my computer does this too, but never on this thread so far.

We had a wonderful time with our oldest daughter and her husband. Bless his heart he had picked up Bob Evans Broasted Checken and cole slaw for us to eat on the balcony overlooking beautiful mountain stream. He left his home at 7:30 am and we ended up at Motel in the mountains about 4:30 PM after some stops along the way.

Next morning DD road in our car and DH in his as we made the trip deeper into the mountains. Trees are turning so beautifully. Weather was perfect and having our daughter to myself gave us lots of opportunity to really talk!!! Same for the guys. SO grateful to our good Lord for eyes to see, ears to hear and such love in my heart.

Mary We have never used ambulance service, but I now wil check into it.

We returned to the new church for Mass Sunday and had bonus of a baptism of the third son of a family. The Priest was so good to make sure the younger brothers had a part and were included as well as encouraging the father to take his young son around to all the parishioners to see and welcome the newest member of our church.

I'm still smiling from a very good long weekend.

Today has not been an easy one...I have been breaking up my household tasks over the week and still didn't keep up with it so I've gone back to doing all the weekly stuff on Monday. I pushed through, kinda hit and miss, by 5 pm, when it's about time to get dinner. Had some family issues going on too..so many texts and I'm worn out. Because I've been neglecting my house so much in recent weeks there are lots of extra tasks I need to do but they did not get done today. Poor Halo she's been running from room to room trying to stay out of my way...she hates the vacuum. She jumped on a chair she's not allowed on, and I yelled at her and she jumped right down, went into the living room where I was working and jumped on the sofa, I yelled at her again, she jumped down and finally went back to her night bed in our son's room. She only rarely goes there but today was the day for it. :D
Poor thing. I'll be nicer after I've rested.

Dh had the denturist work on his new teeth again...he said eating is much easier now, so hopefully he's finally got the bite correct. I have encouraged him to keep going back all he needs too because it's free right now and I want him to be comfortable with them.

Sandy - That's good you've never needed ambulance service. We have used it three times.I had my last baby on the living room floor, delivered by a neighbor who happened to be a nurse. Her dh called the ambulance and they took me to the hospital to pass the placenta and get stitched up (yikes!). I don't remember the cost. We had Kaiser insurance. When that baby was about 16, she was playing soccer in a nearby town and a girl kicked the ball at her, breaking her nose. The coach called an ambulance and then notified us. I remember our cost after insurance (Kaiser again) paid was $25. Then in 2010 my dh jumped off a falling ladder, landed on our concrete driveway, his leg gave way and fell. His femur was fractured and the neighbors called the ambulance since I was not home. This is why I now don't go out much without him. :( There was no cost to us for the ambulance.

Carol Sue - That's an interesting arrangement you have for an ambulance. Never heard of that. We are just billed after the service is used. We also are members of MASA and they pick up any amount left after our insurance pays and they didn't pay so apparently our insurance picked up the whole bill the last time. We had Medicare and Tricare4life. They still are the actual payers but now we have the Medicare under Humana...it's a senior advantage program. They cover $300 per instance and I think Tricare4Life will still pickup the rest, hopefully. I hope we never need it but I'm glad we have good insurance.

Well son is home and no dinner ready...gotta get to moving again. Thanks for listening I feel better now..:D

ETA: Looked out and saw my dh was cleaning the windows! Felt bad about my being grouchy today. He doesn't do much housework...will put dishes in the dishwasher or empty it occasionally but that's about it. He works hard outside often though. I apologized to him and I think he knows it was partly emotions from the family issue. Probably the biggest issue is I haven't taken time to spend with the Lord today. I think instead of cooking we are going to Applebees. :)Hopefully I'll be nicer tomorrow. ;)

Carol Sue - You ask about our live services online. I think anyone can do it from anywhere. I haven't actually watched a live service myself but I have watched videos of services after the fact. With the live you can actually interact by asking for prayer. I only know this because the pastor mentions it on Sunday. He talks to the online audience at times. Just go to http://live.crossroadschurch.net/ and sign up. Then you can either watch archived services or you can participate when they are live. Our services on Sundays are at 9 and 11:15 am and Wed at 7 pm. I am very blessed by having a great church with wonderful teaching.

Oh my this is good...it is from a Christian/Biblical view..sure spoke to me.
I remember Carol Sue, you liked one of her other articles, so thought you might like this one. Not sure you are much of a craver though...but I am!

http://takebackyourtemple.com/hunger...g-bible-study/

Mary Interesting article. I'm not usually craving anything, but the past few weeks it has been dark chocolate - then finally got enough and it stopped.

Sure hope you are able to rest and get housework caught up. I'm doing exactly what you described here. not finished, just too tired to continue.

DH and DD#2, (Pat) are heading to WV mountains to enjoy the trees before they drop all their leaves with the coming very cold nights. They will take fishing poles and cameras. They have such a good time together.

I have that day packed with appointments that I enjoy so no one will be home till late.

An easier day today so I'm glad I did all the cleaning yesterday. I went for lab work (prior to my appt) but forgot to fast so was sent home. That's a crazy thing for a former nurse to do, isn't it?!! :dizzy: No one told me to fast but I know I have to for the glucose. Duh! After that I went to our new Walmart (not far from us) to pickup a few things. I really like this store and it was a long wait for it. This was my second time shopping there. I still prefer New Seasons for produce and meat but the one stop shopping idea is great. We have other Walmarts and even a Walmart market (little store) but it's nice to have one so close now. I will use it for when we are already shopping there for something else or when I run out of something.

I had to get a battery for my watch so left it while I did my other shopping. Funny thing, I normally only wear inexpensive Timex watches with indiglow. I like the Indiglow so I can see it at night and I've never found a more expensive watch that was any better plus I prefer the stretch bands and they are not easy to find these days. So I get one for $30+ and only buy another if my current one no longer works or the gold plate is worn off too badly.:) At least that's what I thought I was doing...and they pretty much all look the same. But I misplaced this current watch a few years ago, thought I'd lost it, so bought a new one. Then dh found it, so I immediately took off the new one, put it into a drawer and started wearing the old one. It wasn't very old anyway. Well last night when I realized my watch wasn't working, I opened up the drawer where I had put the new one and found FIVE watches, all about the same and none of them worked. Couldn't believe it..they are all in pretty good shape and I don't remember putting them in there...so not sure whether I tried getting a battery or what...I think I'm getting senile! :dizzy: Anyway I decided to see if the current one will work with a new battery so headed for Walmart. This is getting pretty bad...I probably shouldn't tell people about my craziness!:o All I've done here at home is daily tasks, a little decluttering of papers, and cleaning the vent and light fixture in the bathroom.

Sandy - Dh and I have always wanted to take a road trip to see the fall foliage in the NE states. What is the best month to go? We also get the fall colors here and it's very pretty. I always say going up the west coast is really pretty and it gets prettier and prettier the further north you go right up and into Canada. The weather has been so different this year, I am not sure how that will affect our fall, but I have already seen some pretty colors so maybe not so much.

Well need to start dinner...we are having Alfredo sauce over chicken, and some kind of sauteed veggie. Dh will probably want rice too so I'll make it just for him and our son may eat it too.

Hi Everyone,
I'm back from my trip up north to visit my daughter for Thanksgiving weekend. My DD had so much food and snacks for everyone and I got into everything including a few drinks. When I got home I made a small Thanksgiving Dinner complete with pumpkin pie for my tenant and myself. Now I have pumpkin pie left overs (my favourite). I completely blew my diet up north and continued when I got home :mad: As a result I have gained back all my progress to date and have to start over from scratch. I haven't posted sooner as I was feeling I don't belong here if I'm not dieting.:?: So today is day one for me back on track if I am still welcome. I don't have much discipline when it comes to food if I am away from home.

We had beautiful weather for Thanksgiving weekend and here at home our Octoberfest parade day was pretty mild. The colder weather is coming back today. I need to do maintenance on my snow blower and see if it will start for me. If I can't start it I'll have to send it to the repair shop which will cost $$$$. Today I have to watch the Toronto Blue Jays game at 4:00 against Texas. They need to win today to win the series.

I'll start back on personals too but have read what you are all up to since my last post if that is ok with everyone.

Hello to all,
Karrine

Originally Posted by Karrine:
I completely blew my diet up north and continued when I got home :mad: As a result I have gained back all my progress to date and have to start over from scratch. I haven't posted sooner as I was feeling I don't belong here if I'm not dieting.:?: So today is day one for me back on track if I am still welcome. I don't have much discipline when it comes to food if I am away from home.


Karrine

Karrine, don't ever feel that you don't belong here. The only requirement is to be over 50, and that has been waived several times! As you might notice, we don't always "stay" on our diets, but really do enjoy talking about them. LOL

I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed your Thanksgiving visit and had a little dinner for your tenant and yourself. Leftovers allow us to extend Thanksgiving past the actual day. I'm really looking forward to it here.

Mary, I'm glad to hear about your "crazy" stories. It makes me feel more normal. When I worked, I had so many watches, cheap ones, because I liked to match my watch to my outfit. Now, I keep forgetting to pull out the stem when I'm not wearing them and the batteries go dead. DH gets mad at me for always needing batteries. I have one good watch that my step-son bought me that I really liked for every day. It was both gold and silver tone and went with everything. I broke the stem and I'm afraid to hear how much it will cost to fix it. I guess I should just bite the bullet and take it somewhere.

Our dog barks at the sweeper, and also at the lawnmower and leaf blower. I don't know if he's barking because he likes it or because he doesn't like it.

I am going to look into that link to your church services. Also the link from Take Back Your Temple. I forwarded the other one to a friend, too.

Sandy, I am on an email list from Bob Evans. They just sent a coupon for $5 off a take-out purchase of $20 or more. We like their food, so I might use that coupon. I could have used some of their chicken soup when I was battling my recent cold. Still coughing and sneezing, but feel better.

Good afternoon GG's,

It is a nice sunny day here today. Walked this am with DH. He walked at my pace today and we stopped at a little pond with a fountain in our neighborhood. That is kind of my treat ~ thing I look forward to during my walk. But DH can't walk at my pace and go fast enough to increase his heart rate like it should/did at cardiac rehab. So, he walked on the treadmill here this afternoon. I appreciate that he would go with me to help me do what I need to do, because I don't have good self discipline to do it on my own. But I feel bad that he has to exercise twice ~ he doesn't really enjoy it but does it because he knows he needs to.

I feel in kind of a funky mood ~ a little blue, but don't know why. And I've been kind of munching, and shouldn't be doing that. Maybe tomorrow will be a better day.

I got to spend the day (most of the day) with my son yesterday. I always enjoy getting to spend time with him.

Carol ~ hope you continue to feel better and that your cough and sneeze goes away. How is Rusty doing now?

Karrine ~ what Carol said about being here. We all have times when we are struggling ~ it especially helps to come during those times ~ helps to know you are not alone. Glad you got to feeling better and enjoyed the time with your daughter.

Mary ~ glad you had an easier day yesterday. I don't think you are getting senile. My mom called it a busy cluttered mind. And you had more of those “family issues” that take a lot out of you. Hope those things ease up for you.

Sandy ~ hope you have enjoyed your day and your appointments. Glad your husband and daughter got to spend time enjoying each other and the fall colors.

Lynn ~ is the work on your condo done by now? Hope so for you, so things can get back to normal for you.

Soon it will be bedtime here. I started this earlier, but finally finished it just now. Better get it posted now. Hope you all have had a good day.

It's late but finally got everything done I planned to do today. Started out getting my routine blood draw before tomorrow's doctor appt, followed by breakfast at a place I've been wanting to eat at. I ordered three strawberry/blueberry crepes ...didn't realize they'd be so big and I was stuffed after two...never mind all the carbs..they were yummy and I don't regret a bite! :D Dh had to finish off the third one and he liked it too...I was surprised as crepes aren't usually his thing. He also gave me one of his bacon slices. Then after that big breakfast, we headed to the gym (guess we'd better, right?!!). I decided to walk on the treadmill..haven't done that for a long time. I only did ten minutes and only walked at 2.5 speed but I really enjoyed it. I get so bored on the track and on the treadmill I enjoy the inclines, going up and down...it's not all the same. I will increase my speed next time but took it easy today. I then rode the bike for 20 min and used the arm bike for my regular six min. Did a few reps on one weight machine, and could tell not doing them, I've lost a lot of strength. Hope I can rebuild. Came home and rested for an hour. Wrapped grandson's gift, decluttered more paper in my office, cleaned a little in the main bathroom...places I don't often get to. So that plus the usual daily stuff filled my day. Dh was not up to his usual energy or personality today...these family issues take their toll. Tonight he grilled some rib steaks I had marinated for several ours. I served them with baked potatoes and a little spinach I wanted to use up. Not as much veggie as usual.

Glynne - That's great that your dh cares enough for you to consider your pace in the walking. He is really trying to help you achieve your health goals. Glad you got to spend time with your sons...sons are really special to their mamas.

Karrine - we all mess up...just get back on track asap. I was losing and here I am back up again too. With yummy food so accessible it is not easy to resist.
but as I've said before at least we never completely give up. Continuing to try is still better for our health than if we just let go and didn't try at all. You are always welcome here...we love to hear of your successes and you inspire us, and you are welcome to share your mess-ups and we can identify with that too. Here we are still looking forward to Thanksgiving and you have it over with. Glad you enjoyed with dd and also with your tenant. I think she has a very good landlady! It always takes me a while to get back into my usual eating after I overeat at a restaurant or a holiday meal too. Do you have snow now? I hope we don't get any...it still is like spring here, but at night it is getting cooler.

Carol Sue - I also have a one "better" watch that my son gave me. It is not the elastic band nor does it have the Indiglow...he didn't know I like those things but I do like the watch..and I wear it for church and going out to eat in the evenings etc. My cheap watches are still my day to day watches. They get dirty and dinged up and it is nice to still have one nice looking watch to wear sometimes.

Lynn - I too am wondering whether the work has been completed on your condo. Hope things are going ok..perhaps you are busy with your school work, grading papers or something?

Good morning ladies,
I got the balance of my outdoor work done yesterday in preparation for winter. My next door neighbour helped me put my patio table under my deck for the winter. I like to do that because I shovel the snow off my deck during the winter months. I was also very happy that I was able to start my snow blower. All it needed was a new shock absorber; oil change and fresh gas.

Carol - Thank you for your kind words in regard to my messing up. When I had a dog many years ago she didn't like the vacuum cleaner; garbage trucks or anything that made a loud noise. I always had to put her in another closed room when cleaning the house lol. I think it was her way of protecting her own space.

Gayle - that pond with a fountain near you sounds to be so peaceful and inviting so no wonder shy you enjoy that during your walks. Sorry you are in a funky mood - perhaps because summer is coming to an end? Glad you had a day with your son as at our age any visits with our children are so welcome.

Mary - Thank you for your kind words and I feel better now knowing that others on this thread have had the same experience. I started back on the treadmill yesterday too and my speed is 2.5 to 3. I really need to concentrate on increasing my time though as much as possible with my COPD. We are supposed to have our first snowfall this weekend but it won't stay on the ground long because all the leaves on our trees still need to fall and be raked up.

Carol Sue - I always purchase an inexpensive Timex watch which has always lasted me for years at a time. It isn't a fashionable watch but I like it. I suppose if I went out to more social events I might want one that looks nicer.

Our Toronto Blue Jays won their series yesterday against Texas. What a game!!!! I have a credit note for Sears so I might go to the store to redeem that today if I can find something I like in winter tops.

Have a good day everyone,
Kareen

I am reading a book, The Chamber by John Grisham. It is a very thick paperback, 676 pages, and not the type of book I usually read. But it has me intrigued and I think I am going to have to just sit and finish it as I can't wait to see how it ends. I have read other books by him and he usually writes about legal matters, trials, juries, etc. I normally like to read books with a little romance in them, but I'm really hooked with this book. Don't think I'll get any housework done until I finish it.

Karrine, we clear the snow off our deck, too, because all of our dogs have been small and can't get out to the yard in deep snow. DH also clears a path in the yard for them. He's the only one in the neighborhood who uses the snow blower in the yard. LOL There is a chance we will get a wintry mix on Sunday night into Monday. That's early for us to get snow, but Indian Summer is coming after that. I have no idea how to operate either of our snow blowers. I know I should know how to do those things instead of depending on DH, but he doesn't know how to do things like write checks to pay bills, so we balance each other out. If something happens to DH I will have to pay someone to take care of things like grass or snow.

Gayle, when DH and I used to walk together years back, I was the one who was always out ahead of him and would double back because I was used to doing it, but now he can walk much better than I can. I have really dropped the ball and need to get moving.

Mary, I go slower than you do on the treadmill. I used to go faster but am no longer comfortable doing that. I am embarassed to say how slow I go, but at least I'm moving instead of sitting in a chair. I usually break a sweat by the time I'm finished with my workout, so it must be a fast enough pace for me with my health conditions. Some articles I have read online say that it's not necessary to go at a high intensity as long as your do some sprints now and then at a higher intensity for a minute or so. I like to believe them. LOL I would like to get to the point that I'm comfortable walking through a store without having a cart to hold onto. That's hard for me. We rarely go to the mall, but we went a few weeks ago and I walked to a store at the far end of the mall and it was very hard for me. I hate to think that I'm that far out of condition. I remember when I was younger and used to see older people having a hard time walking. I can't believe that now I'm one of those old people.

I just saw a segment on TV about Dick Van Dyke. He is 89 years old and still going strong. He goes to the gym every day, and goes so early that the gym has given him his own key. Maybe it's Anytime Fitness. It's open 24/7.

Went to my primary care doctor this morning. Even before I left home I got the lab reports from yesterday and my A1C was up...7.5!! That's the highest it's ever been. I really didn't expect that as although I've still had some high ones, I have also had many much lower readings. I was expecting it to drop down at a bit, so that was disappointing. I told him how I take so much diabetic meds in the am now and then I drop 2 or 3 hours later and even though I'm still in the normal range, I feel the drop. So now he's having me take one of them in the evening. He said it was his fault because he told me to take it in the morning.I like a doc who can admit a mistake.;) He wants me to keep better records and give him a two week chart of my bs. He checked me quite thoroughly physically but doesn't know what's causing my mild headaches. Wants me to take Flonase for a couple weeks to see if that helps, if not he'll considering taking away my bp med (or maybe just start by lowering doseage I may suggest). My BP is very good right now.

Much to do this afternoon...want to bake my son's favorite cookies for his party. Did get one of his presents today, I thought it would come too late, but the other one is not to come til the 21st. Got the cards and gifts are wrapped. Then shortly before we leave I will make his favorite macaroni and cheese casserole. His wife is doing all the rest.

Carol Sue - I have read several Grisham novels and enjoyed them. I've forgotten the names of most of them but do remember Jury was one. I haven't read the one you mentioned. Will check it out. I'm glad we don't usually get much snow. Every several years we will get quite a bit, and it's been a while but hoping it doesn't come. Its pretty but I don't like going out in it. I'm sorry you have trouble walking. I remember after dh fractured his leg, he preferred to lean on the cart pushing it rather than riding in the carts they provide. I was always afraid the cart might run off and make him fall but it never did. He did have a lot of upper body strength which helped us both so much through that time. He walks pretty well now, just slower than he used to and his balance isn't perfect. He has some back pain and that leg hurts at the knee where the screws are. Despite all this he jogged the track for 1/2 mile yesterday after walking 1/2 mile! He amazes me!

Well need to get to work..have a good evening.

Good morning ladies,
Well I went to Sears yesterday to spend my $30.00 credit and all I got for it was a pair of thin knitted gloves and 2 pair of socks. Boy are prices ever going up for everything. Today I am spot cleaning my living room broadloom. I have a light beige carpet and I have a few spots around where I usually sit to watch TV and read. Don't know what the rest of today will bring yet.

Carol - Thanks for the tip on John Grisham's book "The Chamber". I used to read all of his novels so I looked this one up on amazon and liked what it said so I have ordered it. I need a gripping new novel to read now that I'm indoors most of the time again. The time will come when I will no longer be able to clear my own snow and will have to hire someone but I hope that is still a few years away. BTW, I like to use a cart to hold onto when I go shopping too so don't feel bad. It sucks getting old. I really should and need a new pair of good walking shoes as mine no longer give me the support I need.

Mary - I too have to watch my sugar intake as I am pre diabetic and hope that it stays that way and won't need medication any time soon. Great that your doctor admits to making a mistake with your meds. The last time I went to the doctor I was dismayed because my BP readings were over 8 several times but according to the lab tests I am still ok so go figure. Why do they have these blood monitors if bad readings still can be ok?? I love my homemade macaroni and cheese casserole too but only make it approximately once a month due to the fat content.

Hi to everyone else,
Have a good day,
Karrine