Waiting for my dd to pick me up to go to a Tupperware party. Haven't been to one of those for a very long time, and am just going to be able to be with her as we seldom do anything together. So I went to early service today to get home in time. Very sleepy but I'll rest later.

Carol - That's terrible about the PA after your surgery! The doctors need to be sure they know what they are doing. I have a gd who is planning on becoming a PA but I have to admit I've seldom been that pleased with them. The last one I saw had lots of education (displayed on wall) but I wasn't impressed with him. Glad your BP has come down and so far no adverse reactions from the med. Also glad you have a cardiologist you are comfortable with, as I would think esp dealing with you heart that is very important.

On credit cards...that's pretty much what we do...a lot of our bills are auto paid from our checking acct or credit card but those that we pay ourselves, I pay online with a credit card or at the store usually using a credit card. Every purchase is entered into my budget so it shows it as money spent. That way we can't over spend...we only use our card for something we already have money for. I check our credit accts almost every day and pay what ever the balance is even though I don't have to...that way I don't feel "in debt." We usually get $30+ to $60+ in cash rebates every month. I usually apply it (after tithe) to our bill or occasionally buy something with it on Amazon. It's something I would buy anyway. I used to feel that way about putting groceries on a credit card but I don't anymore because I like the cash backs. And I agree with your mil but we don't use our card unless we already have the money in our budget for the items we are buying. We don't buy anything we can't afford right now. That's the difference than years ago when we used to run up a charge account. We only keep two cards...one Visa and one AMEX. The AMEX is only because of Costco but occasionally we use it other places to get points with it, with them we only get the cashback in form of a check once a year though. Now that Costco is going to Visa, I think we will be dropping AMEX. I prefer to just have one card.

Well, my dd will be here soon...hope you are all well and having a good Sunday!

Good afternoon GG's,

It is a nice sunny day here today ~ but kind of chilly ~ high only in the 50's.

Kind of a relaxing day ~ we had Maddie Friday after school until Saturday early evening. She was good and we had fun, but it is easlier to relax after she goes home.

Listening to Christmas music on the radio ~ I know ~ too soon probably, but it is so cheery to listen to.

Been struggling with wanting to munch, so trying to find some things to take my mind off that and other things. I had read that coloring is a relaxing thing to do. I printed off some coloring pages (forgive me if I have already mentioned this ~ I forget) and colored with colored pencils. Maddie likes to do that too, so that is something relaxing I can do with her. Back along, some of the internet ladies I know were doing on-line jig saw puzzles. I did some of those for a while, then that kind of went by the wayside, but someone mentioned it again, so I have been doing some of those. It is effective to keep my mind off stuff. Probably not a very good use of my time, but......

I'm kind of in a place where there is stuff I need to do, but because of other stuff going on, I can't really get started on those projects. I hate getting stuff all out to work on something and not being able to keep at it and get it done.

Carol ~ I'm glad your blood pressure is better with this med. Hoping that you don't have any reactions to it like before.

Mary ~ that must have been frustrating to forget your pin. I have had that happen. One time, my debit card was sucked into the ATM at my bank ~ I was fit to be tied. Didn't know why it happened or how to get it back. That was a few years ago so, I don't remember now how it was resolved, but it sure freaked me out when it happened.

Sandy ~ hope you are having a good weekend.

Karrine ~ hope all is well with you.

Hope you all are having a nice weekend.

I'm home from the Tupperware party...it was a group of mostly young ladies (late 30s) and several were in school with my dd, so that was fun for her to catch up. I ordered a spoon-spatula type utensil that I'm hoping will be good for stir-frying even though it's called a serving spoon. I like a shorter utensil for stir-frying and sometimes they are hard to find. I also got a container that hopefully will be the right size for 2-3 dozen cookies...I used to have one but I guess I gave it away as I can't find it. A few years ago I gave a way a lot of plastic containers (some Tupperware) I hadn't used in over a year.

Glynne - Long ago when I was in my 30s, we were going to a party and decided to stop and get some cash from an ATM on our way. I had rarely used an ATM and am not sure what I did but the machine took my card and kept it. There was a guy waiting and he got really mad because he couldn't use the machine after that! I don't remember what he said but it wasn't nice. I felt terrible and apologized to him but he just stomped off. He seemed like the kind of guy that might have hit me if dh hadn't been in the car waiting for me. I'm sure he could find another ATM but I did feel bad about it.

Well, I'm tired so think I'll rest for a while.

We use the ATM often, so we don't foget our pin. It never took our card, but one time the machine malfunctioned and the money didn't come out. We went inside the bank to complain and they said they couldn't do anything until the next day when the machine was balanced. The money came out of our account, but we didn't get it. DH was really angry, but that's how it is with machines, they don't always work properly. We went back the next day and they gave us our money.

Gayle, we leave a radio on for the dog when we leave, and it is set to the gospel station. They have been playing Christmas songs for a couple weeks now. I like hearing it, but DH says they shouldn't do it until Thanksgiving is over. Some of our neighbors have their outside decorations up already, but that's because we had a week of very warm weather. DH will be putting ours out next week in the cold. We had a bit of snow flurries yesterday. I enjoyed seeing that.

Mary, I bake so many cookies for Christmas and put them in the freezer in plastic containers. One time I baked for a wedding and bought some extra containers, so now I really have a lot. I like to keep baking and baking and filling the containers, and my family loves getting a big container of cookies to take home, since none of them bake. They depend on me, and I enjoy doing it, even thought I can't eat them. This year I will bake a double batch of apricot horns since they are the first to go.

Carol No one in the family bakes cookies any more. They always counted on my baking, and I stopped when work was moved from home to office 5 miles away. What little time I was at home was used to 'catch up."

I bet the ones who receive those containers full of cookies are delighted.

I hadn't baked in a year till Friday when I was fixing Parmesan bread for Danny's Shrimp dinner. I burned left arm putting bread in oven, and the right hand bringing it out. Hurt then, but is healing rapidly, thank Goodness.

We had great Korean Dinner when Danny cooked at Todds Saturday. We all helped wrap the MonDoo and Danny fried up 300 individual dumplings. The sauce he uses is so tasty and I ate way, way too many of these, my favorite Korean food. Danny's is better than any place else can come close to.

2-1/2 year old Anthony was so short he couldn't really see what we were preparing on the table. With the raw pork & veggies we used to stuff the dumplings, we had to make sure not to let him get up - and washed our hands over and over.

I was concerned driving the narrow road home after dark, but was surprised that I could see very well and did fine. My recovery from oncoming lights is better than DH's so I usually do the night time driving.

ATM machines? I've never used one, and as I listen to your experiences I'm glad not to do so.

Like Mary, we use credit for what we budgeted and pay it off each time a statement comes in. Next one will be horrible because my tooth implant high costs will be on it - OUCH.

Yesterday's session at Gym was best in ages. With a friend who lives nearby helped keep us both moving - and catching up on conversation.

Gayle Will you continue the coloring of pages? Are they objects or designs? I sometimes do that and it is OK. I like computer games better.

Sandy

Sandy, every year I say I'm not baking next year, but I end up doing it. Sometimes my family gets to fighting over who got more of which cookies and then I get mad and say I'm not baking anymore. This year I've decided to bake 2 batches of the ones that everyone fights over. I have the ones that everyone likes, and then the ones I like to bake because they look pretty on the cookie tray.

One time at Goodwill I found a cookie tin that said "David's Cookies" on top of it. Apparently that is a company that makes and sells cookies. Since my step-son's name is David, I bought it and filled it with home-baked cookies and took them when invited to a party at their house. It was a big cookie tin and I thought they would put them out for all to enjoy. But they didn't. LOL They weren't sharing. My DIL did wrap some up for her mother to take home.

When I learned to drive I was told to never look at the lights of the oncoming cars. They can really blind you.

About to go to bed but remembered I haven't posted today. I was really tired last night and overslept today...well I was up at 4 am but went back to bed, tossed and turned about an hour I think but finally did get back to sleep. Dh got up at 8 but I slept in until 10! That's the latest I ever sleep and don't do that often, usually I'm up by at least 9. All I got done today was weekly clean our bathroom and some daily tasks.

This afternoon we went to the move "The 33"...I really liked it...of course I had seen them remove the miners from the mine on the national news and it was amazing, but it didn't spoil the movie. Dh wasn't sure he'd like it since he knew how it ended but he really liked it too.

After the movie, we went to Pennys ...was going to buy an inexpensive watch but they didn't have the type I wanted. My every day watch is not working. Not sure why as the newest one has hardly been used but a new battery didn't work long. They even put in a second one, same thing happened. So wasted money on that watch. I will keep looking for what I want..I think Walmart still has them. My requirements are: a stretchy band, preferably yellow gold, large numbers (or marks), and Indiglo. Timex is usually what I end up getting. I also need some new nightgowns so bought one while in Pennys. It's longer than I wanted otherwise is ok, and tonight I ordered a couple more that are more to my liking. I'm just in a decluttering mode...getting rid of anything that is not needed, or not something I like. After I got rid of three items I needed to replace them with things I like better.

The way we've been kinda off schedule is making it hard for me to eat the way I should. My weight was down a little this morning (water), but my bs have been higher. Seems like I have about one or two good days a week. Wish I could figure out how to do better. My body is craving veggies as I haven't been cooking much. I would love to be able to wear the clothes my dd sells as they are really cute and kinda like I wore before I packed on the weight.

I usually bake a little at Christmas but not like I used to...mostly just some cookies for my son. Apparently the kids want to come here for Christmas again...guess my plan for someone else to take over isn't happening after all.;) As long as they help me it's ok, I'm always happy to have my family here...it's just having to do all the cooking and work, I can't take anymore. Too much time on my feet plus I forget things these days. Sometimes I even have trouble following a recipe...I just overlook something. I'm am glad to have everyone enjoying being together though.

Dh decided to get our TV repaired, so hopefully they can do it for the price they quoted. We will have to pay a $70 fee if they can't fix it or if turns out to be higher in price and dh says no way. Don't like that but that's the risk we take. We are hoping they will get here next week, they ordered the parts today I think.

Carol - That was cute about David's on the box. Yes they are a cookie, nut, candy esp gift and holiday items type place. Fun to browse however I have never bought much there.

It was chilly today...low 40s. We've had our first frost recently and probably again tonight. How's the weather where you are at? I hear it's really cold and snowy back east.

Have a good sleep...

Mary Glad to hear that you liked "the 33." I also stayed glued to the TV during the time before and during the rescue. We grew up in coal mining area with mine cave in causing my friends to loose family. Dad was school teacher but Mom was afraid I'd marry a miner who would loose his life. My Father in Law was a miner for 42 years. A wonderful man I love dearly.

Carol Had to laugh at your family keeping your good cookies for themselves!!! I also was taught to look at the right edge of the road as I drove at night to avoid "night blindness" from oncoming cars. My nephew, who is only a few years younger than I am and more like a brother, asked me recently "do you look at the white line on the right edge as you drive at night?" I had to laugh, many places we've lived had roads WITHOUT that wonderful white line.

Today I'm going to Family Doctor who is also Internal medicine doctor. I'm taking the listing of my blood pressures taken often this month, and the description of my scare with the extreem pulse, heart beat, etc.

Today my blood pressure was taken AFTER emergency inhaler that has a abuterol in it. of course it raises my breathing AND BP. Even then 122/89 and pulse 59 without blood pressure medicine is pretty good, I think.

We are fully into frosty mornings and wind chill that stops walking outside more than necessary. I'll go to Mall and walk after doctor's appointment. Would love to find a fleece vest for that extra layer this winter. I have a very old one that I wear here at home, but it looks bad to wear elsewhere.

A friend had on a black fleece vest that she looked so good in. Peggy also is built with balanced shape and always looked great when we went swimming. I wouldn't dare go swimming in a bathing suit these days. I do miss it tho.

Sandy

DH is cooking now because he mowed yesterday, will be stuck home while I go to Dr, and Pat to Pottery class. With no car, he is cooking again. He used to make the best biscuits, but both attempts this week were duds.

Today we went to the gym and I did my usual 10 min (1/2+mile) on the track, and did 20 min on the stationery bike but this time I did the heart rate program just for a change. I felt it was too easy..and my heart rate never got over 120 and that was only briefly...it did stay above 100 the whole time though. I managed to also use the arm bike and the bicep curl machine before we left. We both felt too tired to work out but I'm glad we did it.

Came home and I did a few household tasks before leaving again to do shopping...went to Kohls and ended up buying both my usual Timex AND a pretty very feminine Pulsar. It's met my requirement for a stretchy band but no Indiglo...it will be my dressy watch. The watch my son gave me is sorta business looking so will wear it with more conservative pant looks, and my Timex is my every day and night watch. Love the Indiglo at night! I feel so spoiled as first time I have ever had three watches! The Pulsar was on sale for about the same as the Timex and it is not easy to find a pretty watch with a stretchy band these days so I just had to have it. Also replenished my panty drawer while I was there as well as buying a gift for my sil. I now have four gifts. So felt like I accomplished lot.

Came home and caught up with a little budgeting, rested a bit then started dinner. Made Chicken and Veggie stir-fry and rice. I didn't care for it but the guys said it was good.

Sandy - Don't blame your mom for not wanting you to marry a miner! I sure am glad I didn't and wouldn't want my sons to be miners either. Did your fil have lung problems from his time in the mines? I hope he got a good retirement. My maternal grandfather died young in a mine that caved in leaving my grandma and five young children. My oldest son worked in a steel mill for a while when he was 19. I was always scared for him and so glad when he was out of there.

How did the doctor visit go? Your BP sounds great to me. Mine is ok but my diastolic is not as low as yours even on meds.

I too have given up on wearing a swimming suit. I am not a swimmer but I did like playing in the pools and going to hot tubs when we traveled. But with some of my physical issues I no longer feel comfortable.

Hope your dh managed to make some good biscuits...at least he is trying.

Carol - Hope your BP is staying down and you've had no problems with the new med.

Hi everyone,
Just checking in to wish all my Golden Girl friends are very blessed, happy Thanksgiving.

I hope I haven't had any of you concerned about my not posting. My diet has been non existent since our own Thanksgiving here in Canada. And now we all have Christmas to get through.

My grandson from Alberta is flying home on Dec. 4th for a Christmas here that weekend with his g/f. The flight rates were too expensive right at Christmas so he got a cheaper rate by coming home sooner. I'll be going to my DD to visit with him on that weekend providing there is no snow storm.
Then for Christmas I am going to Trenton ( son-in-law's family) which is a 4 hour drive but my son-in-law will meet me about an hour from my place and drive the rest of the way while I park my car. More about that later.

We have had cold winter weather and snow but I did manage to get my new roof put on Nov. 19th, just before the snow came. The contractor will have to come back, however, to fix up a few problems with the installation.

Today is a bit milder so I am putting up my outdoor Christmas lights, wreaths and decorations. My indoor decorations can wait for another couple of weeks.

I have 3 dinner engagements with friends so far over the next few weeks which is where I have absolutely no discipline but I'll try to behave. I am disgusted with myself and my weight and really need to give myself a kick in the butt and get back to a diet asap after Christmas.

There have been too many personals to catch up on since my last post but I have read them. I'll be back in touch again with everyone. Thank you everyone for your patience with me.

Once again,
HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL OF YOU!!!!

Karrine Glad you had time to check in. I sympathize about the struggle to cut back and eat for weight loss. Same struggle here. What a great gift to have you Grandson there. Have you met his gal? Good to hear the roof is on, and surely the contractor will be back soon and finish.

Mary Yes, my FIL had severe silicosis and suffered so much with it but still lived till his late 70's. He was such a sweetheart. They tried to promote him to BOSS and he realized that he couldn't be as mean to the workers as all the bosses he knew did. Mother in law could really have had an easier life if he took the job, but realized he had to make that choice.

Glad you finally found a watch that suited you.

Shopping: How I hate doing that. I retired over 7 years ago and am wearing the same bras that I wore then and they are falling apart. Went shopping and found 2 expensive ones that fit properly and reluctantly parted with over $60. This morning I told DH I had on one of my new bras, but hated the price. He said "Well, as long as you use them, it is a nickle a day!"

My maternal grandfather died on the farm they owned when Mom was only 10. My grandmother was a fantastic cook and ran a boarding house for the single men who came to the Nitro Glycerin plants during WWI. She earned enough to buy a small home in a larger city and finish raising the kids.

Carol Re: the rapid heart beat I experienced early Nov. Dr. S asked if I could have taken my Thyroid meds twice that day. If I did, that would have explained it. I'm pretty sure I didn't take it twice, but will use extra caution. My history with him for past 30 years shows consistently low to low normal readings and after examination, he left me more relaxed.

Heading to gym and Massage. Scale slightly lower today. Lots of walking yesterday but had 2 candy bars for lunch. Dumb, wasn't it.

Just got home from Costco where I picked up a pumpkin pie. Even though it's a large pie, doubt its enough for everyone, however I am not the only one bringing dessert. I was thinking an apple pie would be good too. There used to be one store bought apple pie I liked but I can't remember the name now. So many store bought pies are not that good to me. I think I may cook the sweet potatoes tonight so I won't have so much to do in the morning. Haven't done that with sweet potatoes but have with regular potatoes and they were ok as long as I left them in water. Do you think the same will work with sweet potatoes?

Did a bit of decluttering in my nightgown drawer and panty drawers this morning. Still in the decluttering mode and am gradually working my way through the house. So much stuff I have kept for so many years and never use/wear! Some is even like new. I do need more casual tops however so hopefully I will take some time soon and shop for them. So it's not like I'm not adding stuff, but I'm getting rid of stuff I don't really care for or need.

Sandy - Glad your doctor visit left you feeling easier. I hate shopping too esp for clothes. I buy my bras online...it's easy because I buy Coobies. http://www.shopcoobie.com/?gclid=Cj0...XJQaAuJl8P8HAQ
They are not to everyone's taste...if you are looking for the perky look, you probably don't want them, but I like the comfort and the way they are made is better for my back per PT. I get the wider strapped ones for larger women. I am not really large in the bust but have a rather fat back. They frequently have sales and often I get a free bra too! Usually they are the thinner straps but that's ok to wear occasionally.

I can buy nightgowns online and sometimes tops...often buy from Pennys. I like to buy online from companies that have a local store in case I have to return. Often have them shipped to the store (free) then just pickup, try on in the store quickly and send back or walk out. No real shopping involved. ;)

I've been guilty of eating candy for lunch too, Sandy...no, it's not the best but as long as it's not an every day thing it's not terrible. Hopefully the walking helped too. I have days I eat really well, others not so well. I do think persistence in good eating is the way to reach our goals but can't seem to do it. Esp now with taking the two meds that defeat me with my weight. I'm not gaining but also not losing. It does get discouraging, but I will never give up entirely. Want to be healthier, stronger and still want to wear the clothes my dd sells some day...:^:

I am picky about bras and I like them with a lot of support or they are uncomfortable. When they get stretched out and don't fit right they aren't comfortable anymore. I have to try them on in the store.

I have quit buying things. The only thing I buy anymore is groceries and health and beauty aids. No more clothes. I have enough clothes to last me for years. I buy basic things that don't actually go out of style. At least I don't think they are out of style. LOL I might look like I'm from the 70's and don't know it.

My blood pressure has improved but the systolic is still too high. Today it was 158/64. I have an appointment for my Echo on Monday and will find out if the valves have gotten any worse. I have to call in 2 weeks and give them my BP readings. They will probably increase the meds, but I don't know what will happen with the diastolic. It's already low.

I baked 2 pumpkin pies today and almost forgot to put the sugar in them. DH would have killed me! Usually when I'm baking I get out all the ingredients, then put each one away as I use it. I was in a hurry today and didn't do that. Good thing I remembered at the last minute. They would have been terrible.

I don't know anything about cooking potatoes the night before so I can't help you there, Mary. If you do it with white potatoes, it should also work with sweet potatoes.

Sandy, you should be OK as long as the rapid heart beat hasn't happened again.

Karrine, I'm glad you checked in because we did miss you and were hoping all was well. Don't worry about messing up on your weight. We all do that at times. You just jump back on the wagon and continue on. Just do the best you can over the holidays and then start fresh in the New Year. I have such good plans for getting through Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow, but you know how plans go.......

Have a good Thanksgiving, everyone!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!! We have so much to be thankful and am looking forward to gathering around the table with our family to express our thanks and enjoy a good meal. I have both my casseroles made, just waiting a bit before putting one in the oven, which will be followed by the other at a different temp. Don't want to have them ready too soon as we aren't to be there until 2 pm. Dh went out and bought me a sized glass baking dish I needed...and it is so nice. It comes with a lid and I really like it, just the perfect size for my sweet potato souffle. Only made one mistake...;)...I measured out the brown sugar then started thinking about something else and put about 1/4 of it in the mix when it was supposed to be mixed with flour and pecans and sprinkled on top of the casserole/souffle..don't think it will matter...at least I caught it before I put it all in and it tasted good...the rest has made a nice covering and looks very pretty. See I told you I usually mess up in some way when I cook anymore.:dizzy: The mac and cheese looks good but I think a bit more macaroni would have been better...however it was just slightly short if any of what I was to have. I measured all but that last cup. I did one thing differently...I measured out the cheese and maybe it was a little more than usual and that's why the macaroni looks less. I usually just guess on the cheese. I think it will be good regardless. At least I followed the recipe exactly this time. :dizzy:

Started my Christmas list last night, noting the things I have bought so far. I think I may return one as I don't care for it...bought one for myself and will return it too. I thought of something I have already that is actually better.
I'm like you, Carole, I have most everything I need. I do need need some clothes though. I seem to go through my tops kinda fast as I get them stained, often my pants too. But that's about it. Well I hope you don't still wear 70s style as for the most part I thought they were very ugly...but I doubt you do. I keep my skirts and dressy tops a very long time...just recently I threw out some from probably the 80s. They just didn't look good on me anymore and weren't comfortable with my big tummy. I have changed sizes and shape (even though not much difference in weight...what's up with that!) several times through the decades.

I didn't sleep much last night so am tired today but when I get home I'll crash. Hoping you all have a good day!

We had a good Thanksgiving. I didn't eat too much. I felt full, but not stuffed. I'm proud that I didn't eat any pumpkin pie, but it's not gone yet. LOL I will probably end up eating a small piece today.

Every year I go through my clothes and get rid of anything if I don't think I'm going to wear it again, but I still have so many. Casual and dressy tops, dressy and casual pants. Only a couple dresses and dressy pants suits. I buy basic things that don't go out of style, just straight leg pants and mix and match when I can. I wear different jackets and scarves with things to make them look different. I don't care as much about what I wear as I did when I was still working, but I don't want to look out of style.

We had a great Thanksgiving dinner yesterday...unfortunately their stove went off sometime after they put the turkey in, so they didn't know how long it had cooked but knew it definitely wasn't done. I've had that happen so know how one feels! So it took longer but when it was done, it was SO good. Well worth the wait. She used salt, pepper, garlic, onion and lemon pepper seasonings in melted butter to baste it with. She made a stuffing I have never heard of with black beans in it. It was really yummy! She makes the best mashed potatoes too. There was a lot of food, so I chose smallish portions of my favorites and things I rarely get to eat. I did eat too much though and left feeling very full. My mistake was going back for a few items, once for turkey and potatoes, gravy and even more for my sweet potato souffle. It turned out better using sweet potatoes than how I used to make it with yams! My son's gf said if I poured it into a pie crust it would make a great pie, and I think she's right!
I gained another pound so I am at my highest I've been in many years now.

Last night I was thinking how I could have handled the meal better and looking at pictures of my dd and her mil (who is very slim and attractive), I felt very motivated to change my ways. Hope it holds.

Nothing planned for today...it is cold and I'm sure the stores are packed. We slept in.

Carol - GFY on not eating pie. I only ate one small piece but then I had so much of other things and the sweet potato souffle may have been as much or more calories as the pie. Oh well it's done and I enjoyed it. Now to get back to regular eating and being more careful. I like the way you describe your clothes. I can't wear dresses but I do have two right now that I like but not sure look good on me. I mostly wear stretchy pants and casual or more dressy tops depending on the event. I have several skirts that I wear now and then too. It is easier for me to wear skirts than dresses at least.
I also like jackets and usually wear them instead of coats until it is just too cold. I only have one dressy jacket right now that fits (black) but have a couple denim jackets.

Hope the rest of you had a good Thanksgiving!

Mary your way of dressing sounds like mine. I found some pretty and dressy fleece tops that felt good in the air conditioning yesterday at the Church Supper. Friend with a camera was recording lots to put on the web site for the church. We got to meet delightful folks we didn't know before, but turned out they were all related but only one goes to that church. One nephew is a fisherman and Jeff and my husband had an instant conversation that went on till we walked out of the vent together. He lives in another state but was visiting his mom and Dad.

I also know how if feels to have company and the oven didn't cook - once, I forgot to turn it on!!!! The woman visiting was real crude about it and criticized so many ways at our home, that I never invited any of her family back. She was so rude, never entertained some one that bad in all my life.

Sounds as if you all did far better actions. Sweet potato souffle sounds fantastic. Could you share your recipe?

Carol The clothes I wore at the office were casual. An Engineering office that required shirts with collars bot accepted jeans that were not stained or worn out. I was only full time woman, and DIL was there some days a week. SHe weighs under 100 pounds and wears expensive clothes and looks fantastic even if she is gardening. I've always had the minimum of clothes, 2 outfits for summer Church, 2 for winter Church, and sometimes one rather dressy jacket. Now I have the most in my life but DH is retired and insists that I let go those horrible tops and pants that "aren't decent for rags."

Guess I waited too long to go shopping. Now he takes me and insists I get decent things. I do feel better even tho I'm afraid I'll lose weight and not be able to wear them. He said, "we'll go get some that fit, don't worry." (But I do worry) I am enjoying dressing better even when I'm at home.

Good morning,
Hope everyone has had a wonderful Thanksgiving who hasn't posted yet. Right now I'm in the Christmas present purchasing phase and only need to get three more things and I'm done. My GD & significant other just purchased a new home so I'm going to get them a Gift Certificate from Home Depot as I know they want to do a lot of painting in their new home and this way they can purchase paint or whatever else they need. I'm giving cash to my GS as he doesn't have room for presents in his luggage as he is flying in from Alberta next weekend. It looks like I'm going to have to take my computer in to Best Buy for repairs. My computer is freezing all the time and I have done my best to alleviate the problem by deleting a bunch of programs to make more ram room but that doesn't help.

Sandy - No, I none of the family has met my GS's girlfriend so it should be interesting. I hope she is a sporty type person as my GS loves all his sports and is very active. I too, have purchased 2 new bra's and like you have found that they are way too expensive for what you get.

Mary - To a certain extent decluttering is fun and you usually free up a lot of new space (at least that is what I have found). I'm glad I'm not the only one who is not losing weight. By the way, what is the difference between a sweet potato and a yam??? LOL.

Carol - TY for your kind words. I don't have many clothes that fit me anymore due to the increase in my weight and refuse to purchase a new wardrobe. I'm really going to try and get this weight down especially after Christmas when all the goodies are gone and out of my sight. GFY in not eating the pumpkin pie. I love my own recipe for pumpkin pie but not fussy on any other recipe for it.

Sandy - it always feels so good to get new clothes that fit you and good for your DH who is so understanding and supportive regardless of the size in wanting you to look good all the time.

Have a good weekend everyone,
Karrine

Mary, I couldn't wait to post this to you. There was a guy on TV making a sweet potato casserole. I don't know if it was same recipe you made, but he put brown sugar in the mixture. Then he said "I wasn't supposed to put that brown sugar in it, it was for the topping." So he just got more brown sugar for the topping. LOL It sounds just like what you did, and he is a professional cook, so don't you feel so bad about it. The recipe he had had mashed sweet potatoes, butter, eggs, canned milk and then he added the brown sugar. I don't remember what all was in the topping, but the brown sugar was supposed to be in the topping. He probably could have not told us that he made that mistake and we would have never known.

I ended up eating a piece of pumpkin pie yesterday, then DH ate the last piece, so now it's gone. I did a lot better on Thanksgiving than I did with the leftovers yesterday. Rusty got to eat a lot of turkey and this morning he was eating grass, so he might have had an upset stomach. He's fine now, and ate a little more turkey.

Sandy, when I worked at Medco, we were allowed to wear jeans, but they specified no ripped or torn clothing. There was this one woman who wore a pair of distressed jeans she bought and probably paid $100 for them. No one ever said anything to her about the fact that they had holes in them, probably because they were expensive and made that way, but I never thought it was right. I used to say to her, "You poor thing. You can't afford to buy new pants. You have to wear pants with holes in them." And she just laughed. Also, they could never make up their mind about sandals. First we weren't allowed to wear any open toes. The next year they allowed open toes if only 3 toes were showing, but not 4 or 5. The next year we were allowed to show as many toes as we wanted, but no slip-on shoes. They had to have a strap across the back to hold them on. It got very expensive to keep buying new shoes each year to keep up with their rules. LOL I wear a lot of slip on shoes, like clogs. When they said no to slip-on shoes was right around the time that I was leaving, so I didn't have to worry about it. I like to be able to just slip my shoes on and off. Very few tie shoes in my wardrobe.

A semi-lazy day...it's very cold so we didn't want to go out. I'm catching up some on housework but don't stay with it very long at a time. I stop and go online or read/pray in between jobs. Today I got a present in the mail I'd bought for my dd. So now I have six gifts, all but one are just small things and I may add to them for the recipient. I like to spend about the same amount on each kid. :dizzy: We have 22 people to buy for this year.

I tried to eat a piece of pumpkin pie today, cut a small piece but could only eat 1/2. Strangely some sweets I can't eat anymore...they set my teeth on edge and make my head buzz. Others that seem to be just as sweet don't do that. It's been almost an hour now I think and I still don't feel so good after eating that little bit. The Costco pumpkin pie isn't that good anyway IMO, so I didn't mind skipping it. Think next year I'll make my own..maybe..

Carol - That's funny about the cook doing the same thing...at least I didn't put ALL the brown sugar into the sweet potato mixture. So I didn't add anymore brown sugar to the topping as I figured the dish would be sweet enough. Turned out wonderful and looks so pretty in the new baking dish dh bought me!

Your company sure were strict and well as indecisive (LOL)! Wouldn't like that. When I started my nursing job, I worked on the floor so had to wear a uniform, but in 1991 I was given a job of Resident Care Coordinator and I got to choose my hours and I also asked to wear civilian clothes. The DNS really wanted me to continue to wear a uniform but I assured her I would keep a lab jacket to pull on when I did the admitting assessments, so she agreed. I loved being able to wear regular clothes to work and at that time had quite a nice wardrobe. It's funny because I weighed about the same as I do now but now my belly seems much higher, larger and heavier and I don't think I could fit into those clothes.:?: I guess our bodies just shifts over time. Between then and now I did lose 33 lbs and ended up giving those clothes away but now I've gained the weight back again and still don't feel I could wear them.

Karrine - How fun to have your gs and am I understanding correctly that his GF is coming too? That will be fun to meet her for the first time. She is perhaps a bit apprehensive too but hopefully it will work out fine. My understand is that yams are just a different kind of sweet potato but they are usually redder and maybe sweeter. The person who gave me the recipe said she always used yams so I did too, but I now like it better made with sweet potatoes.

Sandy I will post the recipe for my Sweet Potato Souffle here. I it is NOT a diet recipe but if you like sweet potatoes and pecans, it is very tasty. I think I like it better than pumpkin pie now.

Sweet Potato Souffle

3 cups mashed sweet potatoes
1 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1/2 cup melted butter
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Topping
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup flour
1 cup chopped pecans
1/3 stick of melted butter


Mix ingredients and pour into 9x11 baking dish (I used a 7X11 and it was perfect), cover with topping. Mix topping ingredients thoroughly and spread over potatoes. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 mins or until brown and heated through.

Mary, I saved that recipe. My family might like it. I will cheat and mash up some canned yams. LOL

I heard that we really don't get real yams in the US. In our area the dark orange ones are called yams and the light yellow ones are called sweet potatoes. But when I see someone make a sweet potato casserole, it's usually the orange ones they use. If I order a baked sweet potato at Texas Roadhouse I get one that is dark orange. Confusing. One year I made scalloped sweet potatoes using the light yellow potatoes and no one liked them.

You sure have a lot of people to buy for. We just have DH's two kids and their spouses and 1 grandchild. I exchange a small gift with my friend from high school, too.

Karrine, I hope you get your computer fixed.

Well we have four children, two of their spouses, ten grandchildren, one blended in grandchild and a new gf with two children of her own and each other.

Hope you enjoy the sweet potato souffle as much as we do. I prefer to use the regular sweet potatoes rather than yams. This time I used the darker brown sugar because that's what I had. Whatever it was I think it was the best I've ever made it. I'm not sure how canned yams will work, might be ok, but sweet potatoes cook up quickly and mash easily so doesn't take much time really.

On the last page of the recipe area (of the age 50+ area - in the sticky note section) I had posted a recipe for a Thanksgiving pumpkin dessert. I don't especially care for pumpkin pie, but lone this dessert. I also posted a recipe for a casserole - it says chicken, but I use the turkey leftovers in it. My family likes it real well.

Hi Glynne, welcome back, I've missed you here! I'll check out your recipes, esp the pumpkin dessert. I love pumpkin pie if it's good...so many just aren't that good I think, but I think my sweet potato souffle has kinda taken it's place. We had only enough Thanksgiving leftovers for one lunch and that's the way I like it..I even shared mine with my son as I forgot to get any for him. He was going to his GF's for the weekend so I thought they'd get their own. It was ok, cause I get tired of turkey really fast.

Today we went to Costco in Portland as dh wanted to return our GPS and buy another one on sale. While there I looked at the vaccums. I've been loaning out my small Shark vac to some one without a vac...its the one I used on the kitchen floor (goes easily under cabinets) and for quick jobs on the carpet. It's getting kinda old and run down but still works well so thought maybe I could just give it to her and get a new small vac for me...I was hoping for a light upright with the ability to remove the cannister when using the attachments. My Dyson is great for vacuuming but very awkward with attachments and it's the same with the small vac I have.

So I bought a Shark Liftaway but I'm going to return it...suction was fine but same problem...awkward using the accessories. It also felt much heavier than the Shark I have now (the one I loan out), and it made my back hurt. So will still be looking some more..I may try a different model of Shark or some of the smaller/lightweight Dyson models. Some are on sale now but I'm hoping they may get cheaper closer to the holiday. Want a really good one but hate to spend too much as it's a want more than a need. I have my big Dyson and a Swiffer vac now. The Swiffer vac is not very expensive but it isn't very powerful either and has to be replaced about yearly. The one I have right now doesn't seem to work as well as my previous ones did too. :(
And I just don't like to use my big heavy Dyson for a quick job.

Putting all the pieces back into the box to return it was the hardest part..it always is! I finally got them all in but it took me a long time and I know they still aren't in like they came. Had that problem with something else one time and Costco told me, most people don't even bother to try to get them in right. Made me feel better.;)

It was REALLY cold today...temp was 32 when I got up and 38 when we were in the car but they said it felt like 26 and I'd agree. We have gotten used to such unusually warm weather that we can't take it now. I am curious to see how this winter will be. Last year I think we had a few weeks of really cold weather and then it was very mild the rest of winter and continued to be warm and dry from then on. Some people thing it's going to be an extra hard winter this time because of that....

I need to get the kids want lists and get started shopping more online to be assured of getting everything in case it is because I don't don't like to go out in the cold. Funny I'm rarely cold usually when everyone else is cold but when it gets that cold outside I'm a whimp.

Hope you all had a good day. It was a my weekly cleaning day but didn't happen except for vacuuming the family room.

Mary Our family, also has grown. Some years ago I let them know I'd stop Christmas gifts to those over 18. It helped. We would send big checks when they graduated from College or got married. Even that would be difficult now.

We will get little Anthony a present, I already have one here for him.

Yams vs Sweet Potatoes. Our newspaper agrees with Carol and says the markets have only Sweet Potatoes. Yams from my childhood were far lighter in color, and very dry. I didn't like them. We have Sweet Potatoes at least twice a week. thanks Mary for the recipe.

Karrine Hope your weekend was even better than you hoped.

Ours was so much fun!!! Our Grandson had his new Dining Room set up for all 10 of us and the noise of conversation was very high. I sat between him and our daughter-in-law with little Anthony across from me and beside our daughter Pat. DD#3 brought her boy friend so I made sure he was sitting near our son and DH. All were fishermen who had no trouble finding lots to talk about. I spent an hour with our granddaughter who was recovering from liver biopsy. (Keep her in your prayers, please)

Food was fantastic! Every one brought our best dishes that DGS made sure he told us what he valued. Then he cooked lots of veggies in unique ways, had good wine (doggone I was driving and couldn't try it).

After 3 Thanks givings I've been afraid of the scale.

Gayle Still need to find and copy your pumpkin pie

The men are here putting in our new door. So far it looks very nice from inside. I'm glad it's warmer today...52 right now. The men who are installing it are the same ones who installed our windows, so we have come to know them a bit.

I've been doing this and that cleaning through out the house. Not sticking to my agenda at all really but I'm already behind my schedule so anything helps a bit I guess. Ever since we returned from the coast there has been what looks like grease on my kitchen floor in front of the fridge...I have mopped it several times but could still see it. Today I used some Pine Sol and mopped it again. It looks a lot better although not sure it's completely gone. May need to do it again.

Need to shop for my newest gd who is coming in Jan. They have moved up her delivery date by a week and the baby shower is Sunday. I'm so lazy about going out!

Sandy - I have thought of cutting back on our family giving but actually have increased it instead.:?: I love giving gifts and feel as long as we are traveling and giving to others, I should give to my kids too. I know that if dh goes before me, it will have to decrease or end though. And as great-grands come I can't keep upping the amounts! Our children who live nearby give to us too. At least I don't shop for all of them...all the kids 16 and above get cash and one who is 15 prefers gift cards, at least that's what his mom says. That leaves 16 to shop for...and occasionally dh and I skip a year of gift giving to each other.

Glad you had a nice Thanksgiving day too.

Mary, were the sweet potatoes you used the ones with the yellow flesh? I could use them. It's just that I already have a large can of canned yams in my pantry.

I missed the part of your story where the oven shut off for a short time. I got my new stove right before Thanksgiving a couple years ago. It is push button digital control and I wasn't used to that. I accidentally pushed the off button and didn't realize it, but it was only for a couple minutes before I realized it. I can just imagine if I didn't realize it. I normally look in the oven periodically so I would have know it then, but it would have put me an hour or two behind. I'm still not 100% used to it. I really would like to get rid of the stove and refrigerator and get new ones, but we spent a lot of money on them.

DH and i rarely give each other gifts. Any time there's something we want we buy it, so there's nothing we need. Wants are different, and most of our wants are out of our price range. LOL If someone asked what I wanted for Christmas I couldn't think of anything. I would like to have a new cover for my Nook. The elastic straps that hold it into the cover are all stretched out. That would cost $5 at Five Below. LOL Or someone could go to Barnes and Noble and really splurge and get me an official one especially made for the Nook.

We never exchanged gifts with our own brothers and sisters, but gave gifts to each other's children until they turned 18. Then when they got married we gave gifts to their children until they turned 18. Now those kids are in their 20s and none of them have children yet. We have one grandchild who is 7. We will not be getting anymore, and I doubt if we will live to see great-grandchildren, unfortunately. I enjy those who have big families and lots of kids around on the holidays. It sounds like so much fun, but it just didn't turn out that way. Our holidays are rather quiet.

Good evening GG's,

We have been gone several days, so I haven't posted much. We just got back early this evening. There's no place like home ~ LOL.

We went to Disney World with Sara and Maddie. Maddie's brother Corbin got to go when he was about her age, so we wanted to help Maddie get to go. It was fun ~ a lot of planning work went into it ~ I can't take any of the credit for that ~ Steve is the traveling planner. It was lots of fun, but exhausting.

Up early each morning to get ready, catch the free breakfast at the hotel then the shuttle bus from the hotel to the park at 9:30 am. We stayed all day had lunch and supper there then came home on the last bus of the day at 9:30 pm. And walked, and walked, and walked.

The hard part for me was standing in those lines. I brought a long a little stool to sit on while I waited, but they did not allow using those, so we ended up renting a wheel chair. That helped a lot. I didn't ride in it all the time. Mostly I used it like a walker ~ something to hold on to while walking to make me feel more secure. And loaded it up with our backpacks ~ lightening our loads. Then used it to sit in while waiting in the lines. We did the "Fast Pass" thing on some of the rides ~ making the wait time shorter. Then chose other things where the lines weren't so long. When I was pushing it, a lot of the time Maddie was the rider. She even fell asleep while riding along one evening :yawn:. When Sara's feet were hurting badly (she brought what she thought would be her most comfortable shoes, but sadly the ones she left at home were probably the ones that would have been most comfortable), Sara rode. Steve rode sometimes too.

On the second day there, I lost my glasses. I was pretty sure I lost them while going into the dinning room at the hotel. I checked with the desk every day, but no one had found them and turned them in. Thankfully, I can see to get around, but not to read ~ when I had to read the park maps, I would have to get out a little magnifying glass (a credit card sized thing) and I could make out enough to find my way. From now on, I will carry along a spare pair of those Dollar store reading glasses just in case.

Steve lost his shoulder bag, but was luckier than I with my glasses. He left it on a ride and was able to call the lost and found the next day ~ it had been found and they will mail it to him free of charge. Thankfully there was nothing of value in it ~ it had sentimental value as it had been a gift from Sara.

So, our Thanksgiving was there at the Magic Kingdom. There was a restaurant that served ~ kind of family style ~ turkey slices, ham slices, pot roast, a nice salad, cornbread and rolls, green beans, mashed potatoes, stuffing and gravy. Then a sort of pie with ice cream on top. It was delicious.

Anyway, glad to be home.

Sandy ~ if you click on this link, it will take you to the page where those recipes are. http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/age-...recipes-9.html It is posts # 131 and 132 ~ posted on 12-3-2013

Here is a pic of us with Mickey and Minnie :)

You can tell when I'm being lazy, I post more! LOL Glynne sounds like you had a trip. We should make another trip to Orlando before we are too old. We always enjoy it but even now I think the standing would be hard on dh.:( Since it's was just the two of us last time, we got a multi-day ticket and just took our time, going back to the hotel to nap in between visits to the parks. It was expensive (this was after we first retired I think), but I bet it's a lot more expensive now!

Our new door/entry is now in. It looks pretty, and for the most part I really like it. There are a couple things I was disappointed in though...1) they didn't stain the inside wood around the entry. I thought they were going to but when I look at the paper we signed it says they don't stain. Funny thing is that was one of the things we chose this company because the salesman told us they did all the inside stuff too...well, they did except for the staining. Shouldn't be too big a job though for dh, it's just that we paid a lot for this door/entry so thought they would do it all for us. But we signed the form so can't do anything about it. 2) I love that I can see clearly out the sidelight, but I was told those outside could only see inside fuzzy...not true, they can see me as well as I can see them. Those two complaints aside, it is nice to have a pretty new door, no light showing through on the top, and a nice new threshold. Our wood threshold had been cracked for years. And the glass is very pretty. It was the only company that would put the same design glass in our sidelight as the door and that was important to me. Now to start saving for exerior siding. :dizzy: So many things we need to do in our old house.

I was thinking tonight it would be good to get dh to some place warm for a week or so too. Like maybe Hawaii..wish I'd planned it sooner, but the cold spell kinda caught us by surprise...even though it IS winter..:dizzy: If it stays cold maybe we can do that later on. We have put our trip to PI on hold as we need to be sure everything is ok with his teeth but I wouldn't be concerned going to Hawaii and he hates the cold, really affects him.

For dinner tonight I fixed a new recipe called Cowboy Dinner. It was sorta Mexican like...ground turkey and had usual seasonings plus corn (frozen), salsa and black beans, and cheese...with a cornbread topping. We all liked it.
Would have been good with a salad but I didn't have the fixings. Best of all my BS was great after it!!

Carol - I know you take one of the same meds I take, Amaryl. Do you take it before your meals? My doc told me to do that and it has really made a difference in my BS. I used to take it right after my meal but this way the insulin is there waiting for food and acts on it right away.

Gayle, it sound like you have a nice little vacation. other than the walking and standing. I can't do that anymore. You have a very nice looking family. Maddie is getting so big, she will be as tall as you pretty soon. I enlarged the pic so I could get a better look at everyone. LOL

Mary, I try to take the Amaryl before I eat, but sometimes I forget, especially when we eat out, and I will take it in the middle of my meal. I am good at taking it before breakfast. It's dinner where I forget sometimes, and that's when I seem to eat more carbs. I have a little pillbox I keep in my purse and have at least 1 Amaryl in it all the time, along with BP meds in case we are out longer than expected.

I would like that Cowboy Dinner you made but not DH. He doesn't like Mexican. He will eat soft tacos, but I can't make them spicy. And he does not like food that's mixed together. He wants to see a piece of meat, a glob of potatoes and some vegetables, all separate on his plate. There are only a few combined foods that he will eat, like Lasagne.

Our front door is old fashioned. I would like a new one, but it is in good condition and DH says it is good solid wood and to replace it with the same type of door would be very expensive now. It does what it's supposed to do, keeps out the cold, keeps out the villians, at least so far. Remember Mary, winter doesn't really start until Dec 21. It is still considered fall. We have been having unseasonably warm weather, but it's been raining for a couple days. I know we are going to get an artic blast eventually, probably sooner than later.

39 degrees right now, but warm inside. Dh had an early appt for a bone density scan this morning, he invited me to go to breakfast with him afterwards but I chose to stay in bed, but then my doctor's office called to change my appt so I got up then. I still need to shop for the baby gift and so once I get some menu plans and a grocery list made up will go out for that and groceries.

Dh drove to Portland to the company office and complained because he noticed they did not apply the proper trim to the outside of the door. I had not noticed this. Really glad he did! One side they put a light tan trim at least (similiar to the inside we need to stain), but on the other side it is very unfinished. There is a board there but also a hole down the side of it not covered at all! Dh went to the store so he could look at the door they have there and saw what it is supposed to be like. Should be the same trim as the door. So they said someone will be coming out to look at it. Although I like the door I am a little disappointed in some ways. I liked our old door and would have liked to keep it but it was so warped on top and had settled down so it wasn't tight and air and light got in plus the entry itsself was all worn, warped and cracked. So even though the door itself looked ok, we have needed the whole entry redone for a long time. I haven't seen it yet from the street, but it should enhance the looks of our home although I'm sure it looks rather strange with still the old worn out siding.:dizzy:

Carol - I don't have a pill box (good idea), but sometimes I put my meds in my purse or pocket to take at the restaurant. Most of the time I still forget though so still end up taking after I get home. Your husband's eating sounds like my youngest son. He has branched out a bit mostly due to his work taking him to China and having to eat with the company people there but he still won't eat a lot of things I fix. Funny thing, I have been wanting to fix my oldest son (who lives with us) some chicken and dumplings because long ago I made them and he loved them. So I finally made them (think I mentioned it on here), and I put in the chicken liver (chopped up) without thinking since I don't mind it...yesterday my son took some for lunch at work and while eating he got the liver and he lost his appetite! I felt badly because I really wanted to please him with this dish, but I just didn't remember that about him and he is not picky about most foods. I asked him if he liked it otherwise and he said he did so next time I have to remember no liver. On the other hand, I accidentally picked up his glass with the remains of his beer thinking it was my tea, took a sip and had to run to spit it out!! He thought that was VERY funny!

Yes I know winter isn't quite here per the calendar but it sure feels like it here! And the snow on the mountains has made the skin industry happy. Last year wasn't good to them.

It's 50 degrees here now at 4:20 PM. That's warm for us for December.

I hear you talk about your cleaning so much that I have to tell you about mine. DH started mopping the floors in the kitchen and bathroom since I had my surgery, but he doesn't do it the way I would. I don't complain because I really appreciate his help. Well, today I cleaned the bathroom, scrubbing the floor on my hands and knees, which really hurt, getting into all the corners and behind everything. I even took the toilet brush holder apart and scrubbed it inside. I feel so good knowing that my bathroom is now spotless! DH came to the door and said "What are you doing in there?" I said "I'm cleaning. I know you don't see this too often." LOL

I take so many pills that I have a big pill box that has a section for morning noon, evening and bedtime for each of the 7 days. I had an old one that you could remove the section for the whole day and put it in your purse and have all your pills for the day with you. That one broke, so I had to get a new one, but I kept one of the daily sections and I keep that in my purse to keep pills in it that I might need throughout the day. It's very handy.

I love chicken livers so I wouldn't have minded that they were in the chicken and dumplings. It makes me mad that sometimes when I buy a whole chicken they don't include the liver. My husband won't eat Mexican, or Asian and I like both. A really nice Greek restaurant moved into town recently and I can't get him near it. One of these days I will order take out for myself and he can get take out from wherever he wants, and that might be McDonalds. LOL I always tell him that the next time I get married I'm going to marry someone who will eat whatever I put in front of him. I am very adventurous about food and will try almost anything, except for bugs and grasshoppers.

New Here
 

Hi all... new to group. 57 and have over 100 lbs to lose. Sigh. Grateful for any and all support.

Elaine

WELCOME Elaine I understand the feeling that the loss of so many pounds sounds like an impossible task. I've made very little progress and will never even try to get back 100 pounds less altho I weighed that in my 20's. Now 1/2 century beyond that time I'd be glad to lose 30 to 40 pounds and actually KEEP them OFF!

Carol & Mary I love chicken livers, too but no one else in our family does. Occasionally I used to make them for my lunch, but now that DH is retired, too, I skip them. Tried some at a resturant recently and that will do me.

Gayle I missed seeing the picture of you all and will go back and check that out.

DD#2 is setting up her booth at the River Festival to sell her beautiful art work, including the cutest little paintings sitting on an easel that can hang off a Christmas tree. Sure hope she does well on Friday evening and Saturday.

Sandy

Gayle Found it and copied it, thanks.

Your very, very long days with Maddie sound like fun, but also exhausting. Glad you remember the good parts.

It's been a good day. Passed my vision field test again so still no glaucoma dx even though my pressure is high at 21. He said next time he do this high tech exam that shows the tissues and everything. He says everything looks good though with his usual exam and my vision hasn't changed. I told him my eyes are more painful than usual and he agreed with me I need to start using the gel eye drops again and probably also increase the times/day. So time to set the alarms again.:( The trick is to take them often enough to not have pain but despite the pain I can forget/get distracted and not take them.

Welcome Elaine! So glad you have joined us! I think its best to set small goals that are a little challenge but definitely doable and go from there. Although I want to lose all my extra weight, but I know I'd probably be healthier even if I only lose 10 or 15 lbs., so that's what I set as my goal and go from there. Even then if I look too far ahead, too many pounds it is overwhelming. I haven't been doing well for about 1 1/2 years now...as I got discouraged when a new med made me gain 10 lbs, then recently had to double this med! I've been the highest I've been in years and it doesn't want to budge..up and down 3# but that's it. Now I can't find clothes to fit or look good or be comfortable in so recently I told myself (once again!) that my belly has GOT to go, I hate it...plus I'm diabetic and need to eat better for that. I have not been in diet mode for quite a while now and it's not easy to get back into but just know I have to. So just know that we understand your challenge and how difficult and discouraging it can be and are here to support you in your journey. The thread is not just a diet thread though...we talk about everything just like old friends yakking. :D We often talk about our aches and pains/medical issues so hope that doesn't bore you. I suspect we may have lost a few people because of that, but we are getting older and it's kinda nice to be able to share these things too. We don't dwell on them, but do complain a bit, then on to other things, you know? We used to be a large group, but now we are few and like getting new members. I look forward to getting to know you.

Sandy you must be very proud of your artist dds. I have forgotten, do they all paint/draw or is the other one a different type of artist. If you ever get a chance, post a picture of their work.

Finally had the chance to look at our new door from the street...it looks very nice even with our old siding except it looks kinda unfinished because of the sides I described yesterday. Hoping they will correct this.

Dh has turned on the Christmas lights inside and out but the ornament boxes and tree are just setting in the living room until I'm in the "spirit." :D I need to vac the living room before I will feel like setting up the tree.

Carol, a clean house does feel better doesn't it. Even just a well organized house even makes me feel more calmer. Have to admit I usually just use my Swiffer with a wet pad to mop the bathrooms, however now and then I get down and clean a bit more thoroughly behind the toilet where it doesn't get so well. I'm so far off my cleaning schedule lately, things are far from how I want them, but I do a bit now and then. Dec is going to be very busy, what with babysitting at least two times, appoinments, service calls and church activities, shopping, and planning and cooking. Looks like I'm responsible for two big meals.

Wow you must take a lot of meds. We each use two weekly boxes, mostly they hold supplements but also a few meds. I try my best to avoid mid day pill taking as too hard to remember. I've heard of those break off day kinds, but have never used them. Once I talked to a lady who had tiny bags for her pills...she said you can get them at medical supply places. I thought that was a good idea to take to restaurants...hopefully I will remember to take them though!

Today I bought two little jammie outfits for soon to be gd. Wanted to get her a little dress too but didn't find anything really cute. Yet I saw all kind of cute baby boy stuff...don't they make pretty dresses for baby girls any more? Also plan to pick up a pack of diapers but forgot today, so shopping more tomorrow...plus haven't bought groceries. :dizzy:

Ok, gotta run...dh is ready to go out to eat. We are on Halo duty tonight so hoping she'll be a nice quiet, sleepy dog...;) Hoping you all have a restful night too.

Just had to post this as I found some very good ideas here...I have already put to use the magazine holder for food wraps. Some I hope to use later on, some I don't have space for in my pantry but perhaps you someone else can.
http://www.onecrazyhouse.com/16-pant...ization-ideas/

Hi Elaine. Welcome to the thread. Mary hit the nail on the head when she said we talk about everything, not just our weight loss. It helps you get to know the person better, like a treasured friend.

I tried every diet known to man but can't stick to them. Now I've given up dieting and am trying behavior modification. I eat when I'm hungry and stop when I'm satisfied, smaller portions. I limit starchy carbs because of my diabetes, but do eat some in small portions, and no food is 100% off limits. I feel better, and I've come down a few lbs, because I'm eating less. No more discomfort from stuffing myself to full capacity!

Mary, I take a lot of pills daily, but most of them are twice a day so it makes it easier to remember which ones I took when I use the pill box. I take 2 pills for diabetes for a total of 4 a day. 3 pills for blood pressure for a total of 5 a day. One for cholesterol, one for triglycerides, one aspirin and 2 fish oil. I remember when I worked at the mail-order pharmacy I used to feel bad for patients who would send in 17 prescriptions at a time, and now I'm getting close to that myself. I'm hoping that with weight loss I can get my blood pressure under better control. 5 pills a day is ridiculous.

I had a very good night as far as sleep is concerned, and I didn't take anything for it. I slept straight through until 5 AM without any wake-ups in between. That's unusual for me.

My grandson is not coming tonight for his sleepover. He has a birthday party to go to this evening. I was thinking that a party for a 7 year old wouldn't run that late that they couldn't bring him over after the party, but they live an hour away and probably don't want to make that trip. I was going to have him help me decorate our Christmas tree since he will be going to his other grandmother's for Christmas Day. That leaves our weekend open and I plan on starting my cookies for the holidays. I will bake from now until Christmas and put them in the freezer.

I will be cooking on Christmas, but our Christmas dinner is very casual. I bake a ham and make potato salad. The rest of what I have is finger food and snacks. There is no set time to eat, everyone just eats when they want, ham sandwich and potato salad and my guests usually each bring a snack item, too. Lots of dips with crackers, cheese and pepperoni, deviled eggs. That type of thing. Most of them also have other places to visit.

Glad to hear that your eyes passed the test!

Sandy, both you and Mary have daughters who are good at crafts and handiwork, and Gayle is too. I am odd man out, it seems. I used to crochet and make afghans, but I've gotten away from that. One of our dogs used to always want to sit on my lap and it was hard to crochet with him there. LOL Now I just can't get back to it.

Carol what a great solution for Christmas Dinner!!! I've always felt frustrated at guests arriving at different times, your idea would make this problem null and void.

Also, amazing to sleep all the way thru a night. Truly something to celebrate. Sorry your grandson won't be there to help decorate the tree.

Mary Wonderful news that your eyes are still OK. Eye problems are scary. Our almost son has Glaucoma and with his hours of driving I worry about Danny. He manages meds as he does his business - very carefully. It shows he is just my "almost" son, because I'm not a great organizer.

Our middle daughter paints with oils (magnificent large landscapes or of the human figure, I have several and they are beautiful.) She has recently begun painting with acrylic so she can price some lower with the fewer steps and much shorter time to produce. She is concentrating on mountain streams and botanical paintings. Her prints and cards sell very well, but she wants to sell some of the large paintings that fill the small trailer she brought from Oregon.

DD#3, paints with whatever is available, loves collages and has sold more of those than anything else. She loves abstract and mixes her colors in beautiful forms. Some of her paintings are in doctor's offices, and of course I have some of her's here.

My walls are full of fantastic art!!! 12" x 12" blocks of flower blooms climb up by the fireplace and across the door arch. My hall is a gallery of Art, mostly by family.

I used to love working with wool and needlepoint. Probably why my arthritis is primarily in my hands. (I developed an allergy to wool and was devastated. It is hard to be warm without wool sweaters and pants.)

I sewed for myself and the girls until the business moved out of the house with the Engineering office and I began as administrative assistant 10 hours a day.

As I did serious cleaning of our large dining/family room, in the corner on the floor I saw the wood puzzle of "There was an old woman who swallowed a fly." It is just right for our great grand children now. Next time I get one or more of them here I'll show them and tell them the story and let them put it back together. It is on it's 3rd generation.