Well dinner is over, but dishes not yet in dishwasher. I often do them right before I go to bed. I made an Asian beef noodle dish...the dish was ok (had garlic, ginger, spinach and carrots in it too) but the beef was kinda tough. Dh had to mince it up to eat it, and I just took out the meat and ate the rest. I'm glad I didn't use all of the meat...maybe I can tenderize the rest for another dish.

Today we finally got back to the gym...we are having a problem getting there these days. I know I need to be there and used to be dh was very disciplined about it so that motivated me too, but now he doesn't want to go because he's too tired and feels he gets enough exercise here at home...during the warm months he does but usually not when it's cold...and I'm tired too so it is just too easy to stay home so glad we went to day. After the gym we went grocery shopping at a couple stores..still very tired but pushed through it. Still need to do more shopping tomorrow as I just wanted to come home. Here at home I did the bare minimum but I didn't nap like I thought I would and I feel better tonight. Halo is doing really well at night now and we are sleeping better although it's still interrupted.

My latest problem: both my heels are sore...one more than the other. Being diabetic I was alert to it, but it appears just to be dry cracked skin, however I can feel a bump in the most tender one, so will get it checked. My feet have been extremely itchy, tingling, burning for a while now...on the sides, top and heels....I started taking mostly showers when our son moved in and when I was a tub bather my feel did not get this dry. I have started giving them more attention in my showers, followed by an antifungal cream and a diabetic dry skin lotion. It has helped some. I also injured another toe! What is up with this toe stubbing! It's healing ok, but every now and then one of these previously injured toes will burn for a few seconds...I think they take turns. :D All kinds of crazy things have happened since I got into my 70s!

Carol - I do the same thing only our casual meal is Christmas Eve. I serve different snack type foods with one main dish/meat. Ham sounds like a good way to go...I rarely serve pork, but dh loves honey baked ham and I like the idea of ham sandwiches. I'm getting old I guess..it makes me tired to have to plan all this.

On the meds, I think I've now outdid you even with meds..and it's not a competition I care to win! :^: I take 2 metformin twice a day, 1 Farixga in the am, and 2 Amaryl with dinner for diabetes for a total of 5 pills. I also take 2 different BP meds, one in am, one in eve, and 1 for cholesterol in eve and 2 Zantac also in eve for a total of 5 in the eve, plus early in the am I take 1 Nexium. Thats in addition to several different supplements including fish oil. I take 3000 of fish oil and it's usually in 3 capsules. I take one in the am and two at dinner. Like you I never thought I'd take so much meds. I took none until I has past 60 but have sure added them fast since then. My dad used to have a medicine cabinet loaded with meds and he'd keep some he wasn't even using because of finding out he was allergic to it. I'd throw it away but he'd keep it! :?: I keep hoping I'll lose weigh and maybe be able to drop some of my meds.

Sandy - The paintings sound lovely and I bet your home is lovely too with them! Carol must mean my dil, I know she likes to do crafts. My own dds do not although they have done a few things at times. One of my dd's used to like to decorate cakes but think she's too busy or lost interest as she buys her cakes now. ;) The other is an electronic musician/DJ and is always very busy with that. I sewed for my girls and even a bit for my oldest son but was never very good at it and quit when they got older. I'm more interested in computers, internet and reading. I'm trying not to spend too much time online these days though as I feel called to spend more time reading the Bible and praying. We have a lot of prayer needs right here in my family plus others. I've always felt this call but now I have the time or you'd think so anyway. I have to be very careful of my time as it is easy to get distracted.

We have trouble with Rusty barking so much when someone comes to the house, especially DH's one brother. He doesn't stop after a while like our other dogs did, but continued to bark and growl the whole time. We have a muzzle we bought when we had to apply cream to his back end but we don't like to put it on him. This morning my BIl came and is down in the garage. Rusty has started barking, so I put the muzzle on him and he wasn't able to bark. I only left it on for a couple minutes, and now he is only barking a few quiet barks and growls. If he gets louder, I just hold up the muzzle and he runs to lie down. I'm thinking we could use this as a training tool, as we are at a loss about how to stop this. I've been worrying about what we will do on Christmas when my guests are coming and going. We want him to bark and growl if a prowler comes, but not our invited guests.

Mary, it seems that when you go to the doctor with an ailment they instantly prescribe meds. With my BP, I wish they would try to find out why my BP is so out of control all of a sudden instead of just giving me more meds.

We don't entertain on Christmas Eve. When our kids were in their teens they used to spend Christmas Eve with friends, so DH and I started making it our time together for Christmas. Christmas Day was always very hectic when his mother was living, and then I took over after she passed away.

I thought it was your daughter who makes and sells clothes, or maybe she is just selling a clothing line. I guess I misunderstand something.

You really seem to be having a lot of physical difficulties lately Mary. A lot of mine started after I turned 50. I turn 70 next month so I guess this is what I have to look forward to. So far my feet are good, but I have a few other maladies that continue on.

Sandy, it would be so nice to have paintings in your home done by one of your own children. My step-son is very good at artwork but doesn't do much now as an adult. When he was in his teens he used to paint clothing... sweatshirts and denim jackets. His friends used to bring theirs to him with a picture they wanted painted on them. He was good and made a bit of spending money for himself. He's interested in other things now.

My artwork looks like a 5 year old did it. LOL

I'ts going to be another busy day. I have an appt for a manicure soon and dh is going with me as he wants to browse the mall. Then I have to go to Target to shop the registry for another gift for my new gd plus get wrapping stuff or maybe just a bag and bow. I often go that route. I've done most of my daily tasks here at home and if I can get a chance to vac the living room, we can put up the tree. Not sure though if I'll find time as may end up doing more shopping. Tonights dinner if I go with what I planned is a one dish skillet meal, ground beef, spinach, onions and garlic (of course!), and eggs. Not sure dh will like so may change my mind.

I did fairly well with my eating yesterday, got off a little bit in the evening but still ate much less than I was, but my weigh did not drop, even went up again .5#. I think it is because of increasing that med. I really don't like that med!

Carol - sounds like you've found a good way of training Rusty not to bark when invited guests come in. Halo barks a lot when she hears the door bell or even the ding ding (one of our security systems) but usually calms down once she realizes its ok, or they come inside. If we stand at the door to talk we can't open the door more than a little because she pokes her long nose through the opening in an attempt to get outside. She's a funny dog:) Some people are scared of her which is funny too because all she wants to do is love them up and/or escape the house!

Yes my dd just sells a line of clothes called LulaRoe. Speaking of artwork, my oldest son was sitting at the table doodling and before I went to bed I found a napkin with his drawings of a fish and some beautiful flowers. He used to draw a lot as a kid and was good at it but I haven't seen him draw in a very long time. Good to know he still has the skill.

Carol Your artwork sounds like mine! But, all artists need others to encourage and admire just as entertainers do. I enjoy doing that. Pat had a good evening of sales last night and was exhausted when she came in about 10:00 pm. Back out to her Booth today.

DD#3 came for supper and intended to go on up to Pat's Festival, but DH, DD and I began talking and were surprised when Pat came home. Then DH and Pat went to their rooms to sleep and DD#3 and I talked till 2:00 am!!!
I loved every minute of it even tho sleepy.

I took idea from Carol's Christmas ideas and just put healthy snacks of fruit, cheese, healthy crackers on table if any got hungry about 10:00 pm. Helped.

Mary Sorry your foot problems are such a bother. We don't appreciate what we put our feet thru until they begin to "yell" at us. I agree about putting really good moisture cream on during the winter season.

Carol Re your BP issues, I agree that the solution always seems more meds added. Note: DD#3 told me this good news, she is down 40 pounds, looks great, works out at gym regularly, and eliminated 2 drugs that had me scared for her internal organs. She only has issue with some diarrhea as she eats more healthy. I warned her about one of the fiber bars that has 9 grams of fiber and with her high fiber diet now, those bars are not a good choice.

Really cold this morning, but sunshine warmed the ground, destroyed the thick frost and it is fairly nice now. We get to stay home, thank goodness.

Gayle & Elaine How are you doing?

Sandy

Good afternoon GG's,

It is a nice sunny, but a little chilly day here today.

Head is aching today ~ Grrrr. I think it is possibly from having to use back up glasses because I lost my regular ones while on our trip. I think the back up ones are just enough different from my regular ones that it bothers my eyes.

The conversation about the meds ~ sadly, I think I win that contest ~ not a good thing. I take a med for high cholesterol, 3 for blood pressure, 1 for diabetes, one for osteo arthritis, 4 for rheumatoid arthritis, one for acid reflux, one for restless leg syndrome, then several over the counter ones that go along with some of these and then there are the as needed ones. Some of it is bad genes ~ I don't know if I could have avoided ~ like the blood pressure, cholesterol, arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, as my family on my mother's side had these things. Some of those relatives were tiny people, but had bad outcomes because of the genetics. I knew as a nurse where I was headed if I didn't change my ways ~ but kept on ~ always thinking I would get around to it some day. So, I guess in part I have done it to myself.

Some of these things are aggravated by my weight ~ the obstructive sleep apnea, the acid reflux. But even with these and the blood pressure and arthritis I didn't feel like I was in too bad a shape. It wasn't until the last couple years when my health took a big hit with the addition of diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis that I felt like I had stuff I couldn't fix. Especially the rheumatoid arthritis. 2013 was a horrible year with lots of family problems (a bitter divorce for my daughter ~ with her ex and his mother being horrible, and the death of my father where my brother was just horrible) that caused awful stress and caused the diabetes A1C to shoot way up, and triggered the RA to start up.

Some of the things I might be able to help by losing the weight, but the RA, I don't think is something that can be fixed ~ only helped by the meds.

It was interesting ~ people watching while on our trip ~ and sad ~ so many young people who were huge ~ way bigger than me. It made me worry for them, and wish I could tell them to fix it now, because the older you get, the harder it is to fix.

Carol Sue ~ hope Rusty behaves so you and your visitors can enjoy your Christmas gathering. Glad you had a good nights sleep the other night ~ love when that happens. We did the Christmas food like you described one year at Sara's. Had it set out on the counter and people could just go get something through out the day when ever they wanted ~ just kind of snacking all day long. We might have had a time where we kind of sat down and ate together, but the rest of the time just kind of grazed. It worked out well.

Mary ~ I hope your feet are ok. Thank you for the article about organizing. I haven't had a chance to look at it yet. I love getting my stuff organized. There is a lot to be done here. I love boxes for organizing things and was able to get a lot of them when I was working at the hospital. When I was working and wishing I didn't have to anymore, I joked around that I couldn't quit yet because I needed more boxes ~ LOL. Usually for my organizing I need to find several all of one size ~ so working at the hospital was perfect ~ an endless supply of same sized boxes. Maybe I have a little bit of OCD. :dizzy: Some of them I have covered to disguise the box and make them look pretty and use them on shelves.

I have some of those little plastic bags for the meds like you were telling about. They are like a little tiny zip lock bag ~ thicker plastic than the sandwich bags though. I use them when we travel ~ that way I don't have to carry along all those bottles ~ it takes up a lot less room. I have found them at Walmart, or CVS, or even in the pharmacy deparment of the one grocery store in our area.

Sandy ~ your daughters artwork sounds lovely. Glad you have some of it in your home to enjoy. I used to sew many of my clothes when I was in high school. I still sew, but now it is things (home decorating type things for Sara) or little outfits for Maddie. I don't often do things for myself anymore ~ I can't just sew from a pattern because it doesn't fit as it is ~ I have to tweak it and if I make a mistake and don't figure it right ~ then I cut the cloth and it is wrong ~ well......It is less costly/easier to just buy something ~ be able to try it on and know rather it will fit right instead of going to the time and trouble to make it and when it is done ~ find out it doesn't fit. Sigh.......My little granddaughter Evie has requested a matching dress for her and her doll, so I have that to work on for her birthday in July.

Welcome Elaine ~ look forward to getting to know you.

Hope you all are having a nice weekend.

is this where I reply

Yes

Good morning everyone,
Sorry you haven't heard from me for awhile. I took my computer in for repairs as it was freezing up on me and shutting down all by itself all the time. I took it to Best Buy and they did a back up of my hard drive and then re-installed my Windows Operating System. I got it back home2 days later; plugged it in and it was beeping at me so hauled it back again. The memory board was loose. After I got it back home I'm still having problems but by then I couldn't take it back as I had to go up north for my Christmas Dinner with my DD and DG. I met my grandson's G/F and she is very nice and easy to get along with. I just got back home yesterday and have now had a chance to give my computer a little workout. It is still freezing and shutting down on me. So this morning I'm taking it back to Best Buy as they have already charged me $259.00 for what they have done. I don't know when I'll be able to get back here if I have to leave it with them again.

I also got a speeding ticket driving up north doing 118 km. in a 80 km zone. Happy Day.....another $232.00 plus ? points. My very first ticket in my life. I hope my insurance doesn't go up. I'm thinking about going to court to fight it for a reduced amount and no points as this is my first time. Don't know for sure it I'll do that. They had a good laugh up north for "granny" to get a speeding ticket lol.

I'm afraid I can't do personals today as I need to update my banking online and get a few other computer things done (backing up) before I take this monster back to the store.

Mary - I copied your sweet potato Souffle....it sounds so yummy.

Elaine - Welcome to our group. I need to lose at least 50 lbs. and am having a very hard time with that as I don't get enough exercise. I'm 73 yrs. old and have a breathing problem so I don't last very long walking. All the ladies here are very supportive and wonderful. Mary explained very fully what we are all about ie: not just diet talk. I'm also fairly new to the group but just love it.

I'll post again just as soon as I can. If I have to purchase a new computer I'll need to reload a bunch of programs etc. etc.

Karrine

Karrine Glad you are ok. Best Buy did good job the first time I took it in. Sure hope you get decent job done and for NO MORE MONEY>

Good evening GG's,

It was a nice day today ~ sunny and bright. I actually felt like I had a little pep and was in good spirits.

Did a lot of cooking, so that will help make the next few days easier. A pot of soup, a bean casserole, two pans of roasted vegetables. Steamed some broccoli. Been looking for some warm dishes during this chilly weather. Made a breakfast dish with quinoa and apples ~ would kind of take the place of oatmeal. Saw a method of cooking a butternut squash that made it easier, so tried that.

Got to talk to my mom a few minutes today ~ was lucky this time, she was awake when I called. Got to visit with my sister by phone yesterday. Sara got home from work early on Friday evening, so she visited us for a bit. Jason stopped by for a bit on Saturday and visited. I love it when I get to see my kids.

Today is Jason's birthday ~ I called his phone and sang happy birthday in a voice mail message. So, he'll maybe get a smile when he takes his break at work tonight.

Now just kind of relaxing with what is left of the day today.

Karrine ~ hope you get your computer fixed without it costing more money. Glad you had a nice time with your family at the Christmas gathering. Sorry about your speeding ticket. A similar thing happened to me with the speeding. I was going to visit my daughter ~ she was in her own car ~ a few minutes ahead of me. There was a police car on the side of the road watching for speeders. She said she thought about calling me to warn me, but then said no, mom moves like a snail, so she didn't bother. Don't you know, I got pulled over. I wasn't going way fast, but just enough ~ a little over ~ to get pulled over. Thankfully I just got a warning. We had a good laugh about that after ~ mom the lead foot.

Hello Mary, Sandy, Carol Sue and Elaine.

Hope you all have had a good day.

I got a ticket one time. I was in my 20s. I was speeding and went through a red light. Got a fine, points, and lost my license for 15 days. Now I drive extremely slow when I do drive and not on the highway at all. I still drove when I lost my license because I had to go to work, but I didn't get caught. I used to drive very fast in my younger days, but now I am definitely a little old lady.

Gayle, I'm confused about who is your child and who is your grandchild. I know Sara is your daughter and the mother of Maddie, your granddaughter, but is Jason your son, and isn't there another grandchild, a boy? Now you're mentioned Evie. Don't remember hearing about her before. LOL Forgive me if I'm being too nosy for online. I'm just curious.

Your make-ahead food sounds so good, and healthy too. You both seem to be doing so well with this diet change. I notice the difference in how I feel when I don't keep up with eating my vegetables.

I had such great health before I turned 50 and expected that to continue. That's when I started to gain weight and I blame most of my healthy problems on that. I wasn't naturally thin and fit but I worked at staying that way. Somewhere along the line I just gave up and this is the result. I understand about the RA. I agree that weight doesn't seem to have an effect on that. I always want to tell younger people not to end up like me, and that's especially when I see them smoking. Some day they will probably want to stop and that is so hard.

Karrine, when our old computer crashed we took it to a repair man who fixed it for $100, but we lost everything on our hard drive. We didn't have anything important on it. After that, as soon as we started to notice problems again we ended up buying a new computer. We didn't want to keep pouring more money into a computer that was already out of date. We had had it for several years. DH uses it now for playing games. It's so helpful to have someone in the family who knows about computers, but unfortunately we don't have that. There are still some things I don't like about Windows 10 but I'm getting used to it.

Mary, all of our other dogs would bark when someone came but stop after they came in. This one never stops. If a person is here for 2 hours, he barks for 2 hours. DH doesn't like me using the muzzle for training, but I don't think it hurts him to have it on for a short time and I think he knows why I put it on him. The vets use them when they are treating a dog and they wouldn't do that if it was harmful. DH thinks an animal should be free to do what they want and I believe in training. He wouldn't want the dog to do his business in the house. He had to be trained to do that outside.

Sandy, I'm glad to hear that you got to spend some time talking with your adult children. As you get older, they become more like friends. Good for your daughter for losing the 40 lbs. That always seems to improve health when done safely.

Finally getting here...seems like the days are flying by! Christmas will be here before I know it. I hope you are all enjoying the season. Dh got the tree up yesterday and today I laid out all our traditional decorations and put some ornaments on the tree. Our son put the star on top as he's the tallest.:) I finally left the rest of the ornaments undone and went shopping. I bought a couple gifts for one of my gds and also bought another vacuum from Costco...it is the lightweight Rocket. Its ok but I still prefer my old Shark, so I'm taking it back. It is SO hard to repack those things! I was careful to keep all the pieces in the order I removed them, but it still took me a long time to get them all back in and I had an extra thing..one of those things that are kinda like an eggcrate. But at least I could close it, so I just put the eggcrate on top and will tell them that was the best I could do I guess.:o It's like a giant puzzle. The previous one took me even longer but I managed to get everything in and the box closed, and I thought this one would be easier...smaller, less parts etc, but no it was not.

Carol Sue - I was skinny until after my 3rd baby...I didn't gain any more weight with him than the others...always 25-26# gained with each of my babies but I did gain it faster in my pregnancy, then slowed down instead of doing the usual. I had a lot of burning pain in my upper abdomen with him though as he seemed to stretch the area more although he wasn't big, only 6 lbs 8 oz. It was also that pregnancy that left me slightly numb on top of both thighs. Anyway back to the weight...after he was born I was just right. I weighed 124# and looked really good. I was 26 then, and gradually as I went went into my 30s, I began to put on weight. Seven years later, I think I was about 146# maybe when I became pregnant with my 4th child. Again I gained 25-26# but after delivering him I didn't go right down because I never ever lost weight while breast feeding and I was still breast feeding when at 19 mo later I was again pregnant...so going into that pregnancy I was still on the heavy side..and ended that pregnancy about 174#. That was the beginning of my weight issue for real. Before that I never thought much about being overweight I was just glad I was no longer so skinny! That seems pretty dumb to me now as I was always very healthy when I was skinny. Well, thank God, I remained healthy even after gaining weight for a long time. I didn't start having health problems until I was past 60 in fact.
During that time I dieted a few times briefly and at 60 I was actually down to 145#. My doctor said I was fine, I had planned to keep going to 140 but when he said that I went back to my bad habits and gained weight and since then have only lost once down to 151# with Medifast, but got sick of the food and up my weight went again. I stayed mostly around 160# for years just bobbing up and down a few pounds...until last year when I was put on Amaryl and gained 10# in 2 weeks. Now I've doubled the dosage and have gained 2#...not sure the 2# was the drug but I do believe the drug is keeping me from being able to drop down now. I believe I can still lose but I have to eat much less and am struggling with that still. I do fine for a while but then I have a day when I'm not on my usual schedule and I hungry and grab whatever is near. Then as my bs is high I begin to feel starved (carb hunger)...I do try and get protein and fiber with my carbs ...but at times I can't and it becomes a vicious cycle...at least now I understand what is happening. I have to allow myself to be hungry and stick to my balanced diet getting the protein and fiber I need along with the low/slower acting carbs.
Sounds so simple.:dizzy:

The TV repairman came yesterday...Halo loved him and wanted to follow him around all the time even though he really didn't encourage her at all. Finally I was able to get her to lie down so he could work. He said what happened to our TV is something he hardly ever sees. So we now have HD TV again...to tell you the truth I can't really tell much if any difference. We could have paid the $200 for nothing as far as I can tell just looking at the picture, but I know we can connect by HDMI which we couldn't before.:dizzy:

Glynne - GFY getting things done in advance. I don't do much of that as I'm afraid I will overcook them when I heat them up, but I know my dd precooks some of her dishes when we eat there and they are fine. In our case though we don't roast veggies much as dh prefers stir-fries...so mostly I chop right before I add them in..I have occasionally sliced the veggies and meat ahead of time, but usually, I start the rice first, and while it is cooking (rice cooker), I slice the meat and veggies and when it clicks off I start stir-frying. So I have my own system. Whatever works I say. The quinoa and apples sounds good, I haven't tasted quinoa but have heard good things about it. I love oatmeal with apples in it. I tried to find the book your diet is based on but couldn't, but I know I had it and think I still do somewhere unless it got given away when I decluttered. I'll keep looking. I'm sure it would be a good way for me to eat if I could do it and could do it so dh would do it too. I refuse to fix two different meals.

Tonight's dinner was good...I made a beef stir-fry with lots of veggies...onions, garlic (those two are routine!) red and yellow peppers and mushrooms. So easy and very tasty. I could do without the sauce but dh cannot and tonight I did enjoy it. I had a small helping and ate about 1/3 cup rice with it. Our poor son is on vacation to hunt this week but still got called in to work tonight. I has been pouring all day and I sure hated him to have to go. He left him some to eat later.

Karrine - How the computer now? Sorry about the ticket...it actually might be lowered if you go to court. Depends on how far and how much trouble it is for you I guess.

Hi Sandy - How are you doing?

The Slim Me - I seemed to remember you from a few years back...am I right? Welcome! How are you doing? Look forward to hearing more from you.

Hi Everyone,

Long time no post!

Sorry for being mia. Have been going to a new health doctor - no meds, just diet & vitamins & herbs & meditation. Feeling a lot better. Not gaining, but not losing either. Will check back in here after the holidays when I will get serious again about losing weight.

Hope everyone is having a good December.

Take care,

Lynn

Mary, our tree isn't up yet. Our living room is small so we normally don't put it up until the last week before Christmas. I was going to do it with my grandson last week but he didn't come. We have decorations outside, though.

I like eating all the vegetables from Joel Fuhrman's book but I can't/won't give up animal protein altogether, like he suggests. He said to use very small portions as condiments. DH would not do it either. In fact, I can't get him to eat a lot of the vegetables I eat. I like grilled fish, either Talapia or Salmon and DH doesn't like it, so sometimes when I want them I will grill a steak for DH. That's as close as I come to cooking 2 different meals. We share the rest of the meal, vegetables and potatoes or rice. If I didn't do that I would never get to eat what I like. It's not really a big bother to me because I'm used to it.

I like quinoa but I use more water than the box calls for and cook it a little longer.

Hi Lynn, good to see your here. You will have to tell us more about the new health doctor and how the supplements are helping you.

Carol Quinoa is higher in protein than oatmeal according to what I've read. What to you add to the water when you cook it?

With Pat going gluten free, our cooking has really changed. I miss the pasta dishes most. We use lots of rice and the Quinoa sounds like it would be a better substitute at times. I bought some and will try it.

With DH doing most of the cooking, I'm rather out of the loop. I miss some of the dishes I prepared often. One was the Carrot Salad that I love. When we had the Church Dinner after noon Mass Tuesday, I took a double receipe of the Carrot/Pineapple/Date salad in a pretty blue pottery dish. It disappeared so fast DH didn't get any. I'll take it again next month when they have the "Lunch Bunch" on the third Tuesday, again after Mass.

We've had lots of fish recently thanks to our Son sharing the fresh trout they caught in Virginia trip. So delicious. DH is good to serve Broccoli, Asparagus, lightly cooked green beans, or Korean Spinach with the meat or fish he fixes for Dinner.

I'm actually sick of all the sweets from the dinners, and the stuff we had here in the past month. Last night was a midnight snack of onion cheese as I tried to finish my schedules to e-mail to others regarding Christmas Even and Christmas Day people who take turns praying in the Prayer Chapel.

I usually do that for Thanksgiving but failed to do so last time and it was a real mess as some came and some didn't. to bed by 2:00 am and with short sleep, hard to stay awake.

Back to house cleaning and Laundry now that I'm actually home all day for a change.

Sandy

Our temperatures are going to be in the 66-68 degree range over the weekend. I hate to say I wonder when winter is going to get there because I'm sure it will arrive sooner instead of later
1

Finally getting here...it's been a busy day again and little time online. After doing my daily work I went shopping and purchased three gifts and three ornaments going to two stores to do it. Then stopped for a few groceries. When I got home, my son was fixing lumpia (a Filipino appetizer) and that's what we had for dinner. I also fixed rice but then forgot to serve it and dh didn't even ask for it...very strange..:) He usually wants rice with lumpia and most everything. Anyway I have rice for tomorrow already prepared which is not a bad thing. Dh also made a rice cake which was so yummy! It was a smaller one and we ate it all! It was nice not to have to cook tonight.

I am also shopping online...and have dh's gift now. He usually waits til the last minute to get mine although I wish he wouldn't because I hate to have him go out into so much traffic.

Our temp was up to 51 today, rainy but not so heavy. There is flooding in parts of Portland and also in a couple towns about 30 min from us. Our son's gf lives in one and she is here tonight. The roads were closed to going back home but one lane is now open...of course that probably means a long line of traffic so she may just spend the night here. Her home is ok though, it is just up a hill from all the flooding. Landslides are a threat though. Thankfully my dd in Portland is high enough to not be flooded too. We are high enough too and have never had any problem with floods.

Carol Sue - Your temps sound like our weather last winter. Mostly it was more like spring...and even better, cause we got no rain! It was certainly nice for a change however we realize that living in the NW means we need to get enough rain too. As long as it doesn't snow I'm ok. I'm like you about the all vegetable diet...just can't do it. Have you tried Rock Fish? It's white and mild similar to Tilapia but I like it even better.

Lynn - Is this another new doctor or the same one? Glad you're feeling better.

Sandy - Sounds like you lead a healthy life..much better than I these days. I'm trying, but never seem to quite succeed as I'd like. Here's a posting from our foundational pastor who lost 50# a few years back and has kept it off. He's very into health and is such an inspiration. This post esp spoke to me.

You have BRAINS in your HEAD,
You have FEET in your SHOES,
You can STEER yourself
any DIRECTION you CHOOSE
Dr Seuss

Wonderful outside while walking this afternoon!!! I agree to celebrate because we had snow this day last year. Our daughter who has returned home after decades in Oregon mountains is confused about weather here. She loves that she keeps getting in "one more hike" as weather has remained good for most days this fall.

Supper by DH was fresh trout, broccoli with toasted sesame seed oil, and green peas. Absolutely great. I ate and savored every bite. Still amazed that I'm not doing the cooking. He fixed french toast with healthy whole wheat bread this morning and honey. No wonder I can't get rid of this weight.

We get to stay home all day tomorrow. So glad.

Mary I shopped on line and am constantly amazed how simple it is. Your son's cooking is quite a treat!!!

Good evening GG's,

Sun is coming and going today. 73*

The other day, I got down into Onderland ~ for about 10 seconds ~ LOL. Back up a little the next day. Oh well, one day I'll get there.

Had a nice day yesterday. My last day of physical therapy. Hopefully, I won't fall back into my old habits and not keep up with the exercises I was taught. I don't want that the sciatic pain to get bad like it was before the therapy.

Went shopping and got some things for my mom for Christmas and ingredients for a macaroni salad for Jason. He has been asking me to make some ~ like I made when he was a kid. I didn't have a recipe, just put stuff in it that made it colorful. He says it had tuna in it ~ I thought it was spam. I found a recipe (that sounded similar) to help me with the amounts.

Had one of my klutz moves at the store. I went to sit down on a bench to try on a pair of shoes, and I guess I was preoccupied and when I sat, had misjudged the length of the bench and went down ~ not all the way ~ I was up against the shelf with my arm and side. Had a hard time getting out of that position. Kind of sore ~ now ~ thought I would have a big nasty bruise, but didn't.

In the evening, I went to a Christmas party with my former coworkers. It was fun to get to see them again. It was a small group ~ maybe a dozen people. I like that better than a large gathering. The young woman who hosted it is big into couponing ~ she has turned a spare bedroom into a storage area for the things she gets from the couponing. As we left, she took each one of us in there and filled up a gift bag with things ~ body wash, lotion, shampoo, laundry detergent ~ she said lets go shopping and let us pick a few things ~ what ever we needed. That was so sweet of her.

I did a little sewing today (machine). I guess that chair, or the position I hold my right leg in to press the pedal ~ aggravates that sciatic pain. It is hurting pretty bad now. Grrrrr. I'll have to try to think of a way to do it differently.

Almost time to get some of the supper made.

Hope you all have had a good day.

Guess you're probably all busy with the season's activities. We babysat last night. They were good and we enjoyed them. Today I went shopping again, but didn't do as much as I was hoping...I picked up a couple gifts I had ordered and bought one gc's ornament and DVD for maybe watching on Christmas eve. Checked on cost of roast I want but it is just too much money at New Seasons, so now I'm considering Costco. But if Costco won't let me buy a small one it will be about the same. So not sure what I'll do. Can't remember what I did before last year when I reserved at New Season and just picked up. So easy!:)
Also haven't decided what to serve on Christmas eve yet. Just can't seem to get my mind to focus on it this year.

Glynne - You have done amazing on that diet, I'm proud of you cause I know I couldn't do it. And like you say, one day at a time. You know you can do it if you've come this far. Ouch that fall would have made me sore too, even if you didn't fall completely down. Glad you didn't! I got sore just from getting down on my knees and cleaning out some lower cupboards, where I had to stretch way back to reach things. Doesn't take much these days. The party sounds fun and that's a nice gift bag to take home! We missed a party the other day...I forgot why..LOL..think we were expecting a service man maybe.
Sorry to hear the sciatic pain has started up again. My pain seems to go in cycles but maybe it's something I do too, I don't know.

Hi ladies,
I'm back and hopefully for good this time. I got my computer back from Best Buy yesterday. I had them load on Windows 10 for me and so far I have found several problems in that the browser I like doesn't work and there is lots I can't do as it says I'm not connected to the internet. So it looks like I'll have to take it back for the 4th time to get fixed while it is still on warranty.....however.....I hate the thought of lugging this thing back again especially with all the Christmas traffic so my daughter is having her computer guy access my computer remotely tomorrow to fix up these problems. I hope he can do it and also redo the networking to another computer. Luckily my Google browser works so I can at least get here and to other sites.

I put up my Christmas decorations yesterday but still am not in the Christmas Spirit. I'm all ready for Christmas with presents purchased. I just hope that we don't have inclement weather for travelling or I might have to stay home.

I have myself committed to joining Weight Watchers after Christmas. I'm not getting anywhere on my own especially since I can't do much exercise anymore. I still can't get past 12 minutes on the treadmill but I have been laxing on that too. I think I am depressed. Weight Watchers just announced a new program 2 weeks ago that is called "Smart Points". I guess I find out more about it when I go to the first meeting in January.

I sure hope we won't be sorry for all this nice weather once the snow does come.

Gayle - that is great that you just got a warning when you were pulled over by the police for speeding. I'm happy for you that your sciatic pain is overwith now and keep up with the exercise you have learned.

Carol - good thing you didn't get caught when driving without a license for 15 days - good for you. As for Windows 10 - I don't have any comment yet as I'm still learning but I'm sure not happy about the new problems I am having with the installation of it.

Mary - sounds like you are just about all set for Christmas and are as busy as ever I see.

Lynn - hang in there and hope you get back to posting after the holidays. Your new health doctor sounds very interesting. Tell us more.

Sandy - that carrot salad sounds good...would you care to share it with us?

After church today I plan on spending more time learning how to get around in Windows 10.

Have a good Sunday everyone,
Karen

Hello Everyone!

It is so unusual for us to have this warm weather last so long. Next weekend the highs are going to be in the 30's and that will feel more like the December I know. I don't mind the cold, and I like snow and would miss it if we never had it. I don't like to have to drive in it, but snow is much better than ice for driving. Now that we are retired we don't have to go out in it for any reason.

Karrine, When I had my old computer fixed the guy who fixed it loaded Firefox and I liked it, so that's what I like to use. When I bought this new computer I got a 6 months free offer of Kaspersky's Security. It seems that Kaspersky's doesn't like Firefox so there is a bit of problem with it. I don't particularly like Kaspersky's so I will probably not buy it when my free offer runs out. I know a lot of people like Chrome and I did have it for a while, but DH also used this computer and doesn't like change, so I am sticking with Firefox for now. I had a very hard time getting him away from Internet Explorer. I hope you get all the bugs worked out.

I did WW for a while and I was able to lose on it, but couldn't stick to it if I didn't attend the meetings and the cost was too much for me. I guess I could afford it, but I felt that I was spending $4X.XX per month to have someone weigh me. I still get emails from them. I read recently about their new plan and they are starting to recommend eliminating some foods, whereas before any food was allowed as long as you stayed within your points. I encourage you to continue with your treadmill even if you can only do 12 minutes. If you can do 12 minutes twice a day that's even better, and eventually you may be able to work up to a longer time.

Gayle, I never actually followed Eat To Live because with DH's eating habits, I find it hard to eliminate animal protein and dairy. I have mostly eliminated starchy carbs and have greatly increased my vegetable intake. I do notice a different now that I'm eating more vegetables and a wider variety. My pain has diminished somewhat. My nails are healthier, they grow longer and stronger. If these obvious things have improved then I figure there must be other underlying improvements that I don't realize. It has not helped with my psoriasis or weight loss. Probably since I am not following it by giving up animal products. You have done a very good job on your weight loss, I see. I too hover around the 200 mark, sometimes above and sometimes below. Can't get it to keep going down. I was wondering if you have noticed an improvement in your blood sugar. I have Eat To Live but I also have The End of Diabetes, which is similar, but geared more toward blood sugar control. I pick that up and read it once in a while, as it makes me more resolved to fill up on those veggies. It's a good thing I like them!

Mary, I think I would like Filipino food, but DH would not. He does not eat any Asian food at all. He is a potato eater the way your DH likes rice. I googled Lumpia and saw a couple different recipes for it. Some used shredded carrots and cabbage with the pork and some did not. I'm wondering how you make yours as I think it would be authentic.

Sandy, your trout supper sounds good. We haven't had trout for years, since we quit fishing.

I'm glad you and Pat are enjoying getting out in the warm weather, enjoy it while it lasts.

Lynn, it sounds as if we are all waiting to hear about your new nutrition doctor. Don't keep us in suspense too long! LOL

Carol SueFilipino food sounds good to me, too and what I've had was really outstanding.

Regarding Foxfire: Pat thinks that is the only way to get on the web. Internet explorer is slow and kicks me off at time. Chrome is ok.

Love this warm weather. Lots of cloudy days but nice and warm. Walking in neighborhood is relaxing, but after Mass with being Reader and processing in and our, then to Walmart's supercenter - what I wanted was at all four corners of store so I"m tired.

Trying to corral the lids to plastic storage containers I use for left overs or when freezing DH's good soups. Trying a shorter shoe box that may solve the problem so all the lids don't end up on the floor.

Well I've only got a few gifts left to purchase. Once I get them wrapped and under the tree, I am hoping to feel up to baking my Christmas bread. This morning on top of the itch problem I started having bladder spasms again! After a couple painful episodes I took the OTC product and went back to bed. Surprisingly (to me) I got to sleep and I slept until 2:30 pm! So missed church but think I really needed the sleep. Even when I woke up I felt I could have gone back to sleep but wanted to be sure I could sleep tonight plus I needed to do some online shopping. Dh was going to go but I felt I needed him here so talked him into staying home too. After I got up I felt much better (no more spasms), but the kids came over and we forgot to go to the Christmas concert tonight. I was kinda disappointed about that. I did get my online shopping done though.

Sandy - I have never found a good method for coralling my plastic containers and lids. Hope you have found one. I also need to get back to my de-cluttering to make more room for the things I actually use.

Carol Sue - We make our lumpia with ground beef, onions and garlic, shredded carrots and cabbage. Filipinos do it different ways...often with shrimp and/or pork. Dh eats that, but I don't eat shrimp and prefer not to eat pork although I do some. Most Filipinos use a lot of pork and seafood in their dishes. Filipino food can be healthy but to tell the truth it usually isn't in my experience. With lumpia we prefer it fried in a little oil but not deep fried. There is a fresh lumpia version though that is not fried. Might be healthier but not as tasty to me. In most cases I do try to make the food healthier though as many recipes call for a lot of fat and salt.

Karrine/Carol Sue - I may have mentioned this before but I keep three browsers on my computer. I mostly use Chrome but now and then use one of the other two for some reason...IE, and Firefox. I used to like Firefox really well but for several versions now I haven't liked it as well, and prefer Chrome, but I think it's mostly what you are used to. If someone else uses my computer (rare) they can load whatever browser they want to use. IE has been said to be less secure in the past but I don't know now.

Sorry you've had problems since installing Win 10. Other than updating some drivers (free) and a Centurylink fix on my DSL connection (not sure what they did), I've had no problems at all. I do not use the IE browser that comes with it, prob fine, just no reason to use it so far. BTW, I was in my settings today and noticed there was an upgrade so I upgraded Win 10. Just trying it out now. Took about 20 min (they said, I didn't time it). So far haven't noticed much difference. Will let you know if I discover significant differences, it said there are some new features when it started up.

Diabetes - I have increased Amaryl as instructed by doc. So far no problems but also not much change in my bs. Maybe a little, but I'm also trying to be careful with my eating.

Karen, good luck with WWs! It works for a lot of people. So far the program I like best is Food Lovers Online but I haven't done well sticking to it even. But that's my fault. I think ALL weightloss programs work, it's the person who doesn't always. :o

Yesterday I was baking cookies and when I took one tray out of the oven I was holding it with one hand wearing an oven glove and it started to tilt. My first instinct was to grab it with the other bare hand, but I realized how hot the pan would be so instead it tilted and the cookies when all over the kitchen. A few went on the floor, some on the open oven door, some inside the oven and 2 went through the vent holes down into the flame of my gas oven. DH helped me pick them all up and he got to eat the ones that got damaged. Later on he opened up the oven and pulled out the 2 that fell into the flame. They look like charcoal briquettes. LOL I still got 6 1/2 dozen out of the batch. Into the freezer until Christmas.

Sandy, I have a lot of plastic containers but don't use them much. I have a few that I use regularly to store leftovers, but I don't have a lot of leftovers since DH won't eat them. I try to cook the amount we normally eat with no extra. The only exception is holidays when we have the family over. They like to take leftovers home so I make sure I cook extra of everything. For that I keep foil pie or cake pans on hand, and also containers from things like Cool Whip or Cottage Cheese. I tell them to bring containers but only my daughter-in-law does that.

Mary, I think the first Lumpia recipe I saw is closest to yours. It did use pork instead of beef, and it was fried in a bit of oil, not deep fried.

I think my doctor will probably increase my Amaryl even though I don't want him to, but I've been taking extra sometimes so I'm going to run out before it's time for a refill. I am becoming more and more sensitive to carbs. I know if I would get back to my exercising that would help, but I'm too busy right now to take the time for exercise. I know that's a poor excuse.

I heard that some areas out your way got a lot of snow. Did that effect you? It was really warm the past few days but I heard that we will have highs in the 30s by the weekend.

Good morning GG's,

It is a nice sunny day today ~ I think kind of chilly outside though ~ it felt chilly in the house when I got up this morning.

Got to go visit my son on Saturday. Took him a container of macaroni salad he'd been asking me to make. It didn't taste exactly how he remembered it. I never had a recipe, just kind of put stuff in ~ it maybe wasn't even exactly the same each time. We had a nice visit.

I spent the day yesterday sewing name labels on the clothes I got my mom for Christmas. The nursing home asks that we put name labels on their clothes. Then I began working on removing a broken zipper from my son's work jacket so I could replace it.

Trying to figure out with Sara what we're doing for Christmas. We used to all get together at her house. Us, our son Jason, her ex, his parents and brother. But now ~ we have no desire to be around her ex (she let him come back and live with her) or his family (don't miss that part at all ~ didn't especially enjoy spending time with them even before all the divorce difficulties happened), and she has had a falling out with Jason. It makes the holidays difficult and kind of a sad time. Sad for me because she and Jason don't get along anymore.

Mary ~ sorry you had the bladder spasms again. Glad they went away and that you had a good sleep and felt better. Sorry you missed the concert you wanted to go to. Glad your shopping is almost all done.

Sandy ~ good idea ~ organizing the containers and lids. I sort of have mine organized, but every once in a while, I have to re do it. DH puts stuff away sometimes and just stuffs it in where ever. Here lately, he has been letting me load and unload the dish washer and so I can put stuff away where it belongs and avoid the redoing of the organization ~ LOL.

Carol Sue ~ we had IE for a long time, then ~ I don't know if you remember back along when a bunch of us had trouble getting on 3FC with IE and some people recommended Firefox. I kept the IE on the computer, but had DH add Firefox. I continuted to use IE for everything because I was used to it, and used Firefox to get on 3FC. Then some weird stuff happened with Firefox ~ like it let in some kind of virus or something and crashed my computer. So, took that right off my computer. Father-in-law and his wife swore by Chrome, so we started using that. Glad you did not burn your hand on that hot cookie sheet. You still got quite a lot from what didn't fall. I feel kind of like you about the exercise right now. Doing it does not come naturally for me ~ I have to make myself. So, putting it off comes easy, but is not good for me. My hope is to do the minimum of those physical therapy exercises (for now) to keep that sciatic pain at bay. Then after the holidays, add back the rest of the stuff. I guess a better plan would be to do as much as I can every day instead of putting it off ~ we'll see. I need to make taking care of myself a priority instead of always puttint it off. But that is a major change for me ~ gotta work on that.

Karrine ~ Glad you got your computer back ~ sorry that there are still some problems with it. Hope the guy your daughter has asked to help, can fix it so you don't have to haul it in yet again one more time. 12 minutes on the treadmill is great. I don't know why, but it seems harder to me ~ walking on the treadmill than walking outside. I can walk outside and do the ½ hour. On the treadmill ~ 10 minutes is about it ~ so if I want to do ½ hour on the treadmill, I have to break it up into 10 minute chunks.

I just went and added some candy canes to our little christmas tree. Maddie has eaten several of what were on there last year, so I needed to add some more. We don't use the big tree anymore. Don't feel like going to the bother. Our house is so cluttered up and no where really to put the regular one anyway. No kids at home anymore, hardly anyone coming over to see it anyway. So, we got a little 3 foot tall pre lit table top one which I decorated with little red velvet bows, a little garland, a mini tree skirt, a glittery star on top and some candy canes that are in between the regular sized and mini sized ones. I found all these things at the Dollar Tree store. We're happy with it.

Guess I'd better get off here and quit procrastinating. Hope you all have a good day.

Here are a couple pictures ~ our little Christmas tree, and a gift Maddie made me ~ she is so creative ~ we have a box of stuff, and she takes stuff out of it and makes her creations.

Gayle Candy Canes on the tree? I'd forgotten how much our kids enjoyed hooking them on the tree back when young. Safe for them to add. Our dog got tangled up with the cord, tree fell down and he ran.

Ted's mom's beautiful glass ornaments from Poland were demolished. I cried and cried.

We used the candy canes that year with Pat still in the play pen and not walking. She is #3 born. After that we gradually added some delicate decorations in the upper part of tree and used the needle point decorations and unbreakable at their level.

Maddie is indeed artistic.

CarolSue Cookie disaster. I've never cooked on gas and had to think what would happen to the cookies that fell thru. Charcoal for sure!!! Hope you didn't get burned. Fast thinking.

Mary What turned you against eating shrimp? We've used shrimp boiled and dipped in horsradish/catsup sauce as a special treat for birthday's or other celebrations. When Danny was in, that was the main dish because he does love Shrimp and so do we 3 here at home.

Supper was delicious tonight. Broiled strip steak, baked sweet potatoes (I eat my plain) and Shredded carrots cooked fast with very little water and a bit of Amish butter added when put in bowl. Pretty and one of my favorites. I used 8 carrots for 3 of us and no leftovers.

Today was very much healthy. It is about time I did so. Last night I munched on an entire box of rice crackers as I watched a movie. Not smart.

Karen Noticed the different name. Is this what you prefer? Sympathy as you struggle to learn new ways on computer. Seems too much is a struggle at times. Today was on and off rain but surprisingly warm. I started for walk several times but never made it past the mail box. Food good, exercise non existent. Finances and Laundry with machines burn few calories.

Good morning,
Well.....the man my daughter recommended for my computer issues took a look at it remotely yesterday. The Edge and other apps don't work because my computer doesn't think it is attached to a network when it is. He recommended that I take it back to Best Buy while I still have it under the 30 day warranty. So I took it back yesterday and Best Buy was very nice and just said they will delete the Edge Browser and everything should work fine. Got it back home and that wasn't the problem...it still exists. So back I go again this morning with the beast to tell them that "my computer doesn't think it is attached to a network when it is which is why the apps don't work". I think they will have to reinstall Windows 10 as I shouldn't be having these problems.

Carol - As for Weight Watchers....so far I have refused to join because of the expense but I'm so depressed at being unable to control myself that I feel the $$$ is worth it. I'll be saving quite a bit from not dining out so much and buying junk food and fattening casseroles which should offset some of the expense. Glad you got to save some of those cookies.

Mary - good that you got rid of the bladder spasms which sure did interrupt your sleep. I hope you don't get that very often. Like you, I have 3 different browsers on my computer and I still like Internet Explorer although I use Chrome quite a bit too. Thanks for the vote of confidence with WW.

Gayle - that's great that you get further walking outside versus the treadmill. I don't like walking outside because of the uneven sidewalks and I have tripped too many times with sidewalks that need to be replaced. I'll try to do the treadmill twice a day after the holidays.

Sandy - Karen is my real name but I go by Karrine on the internet. I'm fine with both names and am sorry to have confused you.

If Best Buy keeps my computer you might not hear from me for a few days.
Karrine

Karen, I hope you get your computer fixed soon. It sounds very annoying to have to keep taking it back.

I hope you do well with WW. There was more than money that made me quit. I am a home body who doesn't like to go out, and didn't like having to go out for the meetings every week. Also, I didn't care for the leader at the meetings I was going to. That was the only AM meeting in my area. There's another meeting in my area but it is at 5:30 which is not a convenient time for me. Sounds like I used every excuse in the book! LOL

I used to walk outside years ago, but now that I have all these heart problems I'm afraid I will get halfway through the walk and get sick and not be able to get back home. Then there's the people who let their dogs run loose and have chased me, barking. And you cannot go more that a block from my house without encountering a hill. Lots of excuses for not walking outside, too. I like the treadmill because I can watch TV while I'm using it and if I don't feel good I can stop right there, and I'm home. A lot of people find a treadmill too boring.

Sandy, sometimes I put candy canes on my tree, but no one likes to eat them so I quit doing that. One year when I took the tree decorations down out of the attic I found last years candy canes in the box. LOL

My mother had some tree ornaments that had been on my father's tree when he was a child. When she started getting grandchildren she gave one to each of the grandchildren. Because I didn't give her any grandchildren I didn't get one. I would bet my last dollar that none of them still has their ornament, and I would have treasured one and kept it for a lifetime.

Mary, DH will not eat shrimp or any shellfish.

Gayle, I'm sorry to hear of the family problems putting a damper on your Christmas. It makes it hard when people can't get along. I am of the feeling that personal feelings should always be put aside on a holiday, but everyone is different. I think my step-daughter and her husband will be the only ones coming to my house this Christmas. It will be a quiet Christmas. I think my sister-in-law is mad because we didn't come to her house for Thanksgiving, and my step-son and his wife are going to her parents for Christmas. My brother-in-law might not come because of Rusty. They don't like each other. I think Rusty is going to be spending Christmas in the basement as he doesn't know how to behave around company. Poor Rusty.

Holidays bring up so many issues that can delight us, or confuse us, or worse give us anxiety attacks.!!!

Now that I'm officially retired as chief cook for the entire family and my son and grandson have taken up the slack, I feel so relieved. My largest problem is they each live on a very, very steep hill almost 20 miles away on narrow roads. Driving home after dark is scary!!! I used to have our main meals at 2:00 pm so all could be home by dark, or kids home for taming down before bedtime.

Can't complain to be free of all that cooking, cleaning, and expense, but do wish it was scheduled for earlier. Since that is my largest problem this year, I feel fortunate.

Sunday we have a friend coming to join us for Church, then a special Asian restaurant near by then back to that area for special afternoon event. The 3 of us enjoy each other so much over the years. I'm looking forward to that time together.

CarolSue I hear how disappointed you are not to have a special ornament from your Mother that you would value so highly. I wonder how I've caused hurt to one of our children in a similar way and didn't recognize it. Our younger two had no children, and perhaps with so much emphasis on the grandchildren of our older two kids I may have caused some pain.

Thank goodness those younger two are dating fine young men (young to me but near their ages.) Both daughters spoil their nephew's son every chance they get. Anthony really loves the commotion of family and even if sick remains a smiling child. We are so fortunate.

Walking outside, It is overcast, but I believe I'll go for at least a walk of 1/2 mile before the weather turns colder. Our roads are for walking in this quiet neighborhood, we have no sidewalks, but if they are heaved up and dangerous, those sidewalks are useless.

In the area going to our Son's home, the road was widened and sidewalks installed for the main drag in the past 10 years. So many are out walking, running or pushing baby carriages. A turn off goes to the county park with lots of gravel or grassy pathways that are some in sunshine, some in shade and delightful paces to walk. Wished it were closer than 16 miles from here.

sandy

I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed right now! I'll get through it and I'm sure everything will get done that needs to be done, but right now I'm feeling way too old for holding two big dinners! Our regular meals are only two or three dishes and much more than that is hard for me anymore even though the kids are each bringing a dish I think. I know my dil is bring her special mashed potatoes on Christmas day which will really help as mashing potatoes is sorta a bother in the middle of everything else.

I'm done with shopping, waiting on a few packages, wrapped a lot last night, all I could but there's one gift I can't find...I know it's here somewhere.:o sure hope I find it.

My bs is NOT dropping so far with this new med...thinking it might be the infection though I haven't had any more spasms and the itching is less. So am going to wait until that's over (or the two weeks of meds at least), to update the doctor.

Carol, do you do anything different when you bake cookies for freezing? Like bake a little less time? Or do you freeze cookie dough? Thinking about doing it but scared they won't turn out well. I usually bake snickerdoodles, chocolate crinkles and/or cowboy cookies. In recent years I've been making the snickerdoodles from a mix. Does that make a difference?

I'll try to get back with personals when I can..

Good afternoon GG's,

It is off and on sunny here today. 74* ~ I like that

Woke up with a headache ~ but it's my own fault. I had some M&M's yesterday. They didn't used to bother me, but the last couple times I had some, I had a headache after. Guess I'd better not do that anymore.

Got a couple more things to do (hem the pants) so I can finish up getting my mom's Christmas package ready to mail.

Found a new crochet afghan/blanket pattern on Pinterest yesterday that I would like to try. It makes a square blanket and to me is prettier than the granny squares. I don't care so much for the open spaces in the granny square ones.

Sandy ~ sounds like you have a nice day coming up with your friend ~ enjoy. We are lucky that in our area, they keep up the sidewalks nicely. They don't run right beside the roads, but are kind of set in a bit with some trees in between the sidewalk and the street. Makes for a pleasant walk.

It is hard with the kids sometimes ~ you do the best you can and someone still ends up with hurt feelings.

Carol Sue ~ I like your set up with your treadmill and TV. Mine was like that, but the TV connection stopped working and we can't get any programs on it. I have waited patiently for DH to fix it, he has been so busy with other stuff, so, I understand, but he says he doesn't know if it can be fixed and why can't I just listen to an audio book or the radio like he does. I think I could maybe do the whole half hour on the treadmill if I could watch a TV program while doing it. Hopefully maybe he will be able to fix it.

Sorry about your disappointment about not getting one of your father's christmas ornaments.

Maddie did eat some of the candy canes, that is why I had to get some new ones this year.

It is ok about how my family is at Christmas. I would rather them not try to be together than for them to try and it be all uncomfortable. I understand why they don't want to be. I just keep praying that one day they might be able to forgive each other and get along again.

Karrine ~ wow ~ you sure are having a time with that computer. Sorry for the frustrations. Hope they get it straightened out for good this time. I understand your not liking to walk on the uneven surfaces outside. I don't feel as steady as I used to ~ I carry my cane along just in case.

Mary ~ I hope you can relax and not feel so stressed and be able to enjoy the time with your family. Everything will turn out ok. Glad that your bladder infection is passing. Wish your blood sugars would drop for you.

I guess I'd better get off here and get some stuff done. Hope you all are having a good day.

Mary, I bake my cookies the way I normally do. Let them cool and put them in a plastic container lined with wax paper. I don't usually freeze them for longer that a couple weeks. No one has ever complained that they had freezer taste and they all get eaten. I am really surprised that my husband eats them and likes them because it's almost like eating leftovers. LOL

CarolSue How funny that your husband doesn't think of those cookies as leftovers, you must be a good baker!!!

Gayle Figured Maddie would eat the candy canes. I found some in some decorations we haven't used in ages - tossed them in trash. Who knows how old they were.

Mary Would you consider some of those sturdy and pretty disposable plates and bowls to make your day easier? The year we did that was delightful to be able to toss them, and simply sit around the table talking without dishwasher clanging nearby. Even DH was not objecting.

Today was so busy I haven't had time to eat anything I shouldn't. I'll be gone from 8:30 am till 6:00 pm tomorrow. Be exhausted when I get home but kinda glad I can get so many things done on one trip.

Sandy

Good morning,
When I took my beast back to Best Buy yesterday they hooked it up and had me go behind the counter to show me that everything works just fine which shocked me. It turns out that after 5 trips now that the problem is at my end. They recommended I get a new network cable and if needed, a new modem. What I don't understand is I am connected to the internet and all my other browsers work just fine so why do I need a new modem. What doesn't work is it still says I am not connected to a network....when I am which is why my Windows 10 apps don't work. Sheesh.....I'm getting so sick of this.

Carol - I am a home body too but so when I need to go out it is almost always in the mornings ie: groceries; appointments etc. I'm going to go to a 10 am WW meeting and the other good thing is my leader is a fantastic person and is the same one that was there 15 years ago the last time I went to WW. I lost 50 lbs. back then but I was younger; more active and no health problems. I feel the same way as you do about walking outside. On the treadmill I can stop anytime and be right at home. I also have a TV I can watch while on it.

Sandy - You'll have to be very careful driving home after dark at Christmas which I find difficult too but great that you don't have to do all that cooking. Good for you in being able to walk 1/2 mile outside!!!

Mary - Sorry you are feeling overwhelmed. I truly believe that the older we get the more anxiety we feel especially if we no longer entertain as much and getting out of practice.

Glynne - did you purchase the new afghan pattern? Being able to do that is a great hobby. Using a cane outside for extra support is a very good thing.

It looks like my next step is to go to Staples and purchase a new network cable. I'll try that first before doing anything regarding the modem.

I haven't heard from my DD in a couple of weeks so am not sure about the planning for our trip on Christmas Eve Day to Trenton ( about 3-1/2 hrs. from me).

Have a good day everyone
Karrine

Mary, since my MIL passed away I have hosted every holiday, by choice. It seemed that the family was going to fall by the wayside and everyone was going to go their own way without her. I started to host because no one else offered to and I didn't want any family member to stay home alone on a holiday because they had nowhere to go. So I invited everyone to come if they had no other plans. If they came OK, if not OK. I never went all out, just did what I could with only DH to help me. There was always plenty of food, but it might not be fancy. Then the kids decided that I shouldn't be doing it all every holiday and they said they were going to take a turn. The problem is, they don't like Uncle Mark, who can be very strange, but he never hurts anyone, just has some weird ideas and behavior. But he is alone and he is DH's brother, so I always invite him. Sometimes he comes, sometimes not. When the kids hosted Easter and Thanksgiving they didn't invite Mark. They didn't care if he sat home alone with no holiday dinner or family. That made me angry, but I don't have the right to tell them who to invite to their home. We decided that we are going to go back to hosting every holiday, and all will be invited. I think you can put up with someone you don't like for a couple days out of the year. It's not like he's drunk and disorderly. It's a lot of work and I get really tired, but I have cut back and just do basics, and anyone who doesn't like it can go elsewhere, or pitch in and help. I know your situation is different. I know you have others that host sometimes and also bring a covered dish to help out. But you should just do what you can do and make it as simple as you can and not put too much burden on yourself.

I'm thinking my bil and sil will not come to our house for Christmas because we didn't go to their house for Thanksgiving. I will have to see if my step-daughter knows what they have planned. In a way, I prefer that they don't come. They bring their own alcohol and they both drink a lot, then they drive home like that. I'm always afraid they will get into an accident and we will be responsible because they did the drinking at our house. DH will not tell them not to drink or limit them in anyway. It just scares me.

Sandy, there's not very many things that I'm good at, but I admit I am a great baker. I have learned over the years what ingredients and brands work best for me. When my kids go to a party or get-together they ask me which cookies are mine because they won't eat other people's baked goods. When it comes to cooking, its a different story altogether. LOL I have a few things I make well, but also a lot of flops.

Karen, I'm confused. I don't know much about computers but DH told me that the newer computers don't need modems because they are only needed for dial-up, which most people don't use anymore. But of course, I might have misunderstood what he meant because I am very technically unsavvy. LOL

Gayle, I think since you have started this new way of eating healthier your body is rebelling against the M&Ms. In the long run, it's good that you get that headache because that will keep you away from them.

Good evening GG's,

It's been a busy day. I finished hemming mom's pants last night and got her Christmas package ready to mail. I waited a bit this morning after getting up, to go to the post office, hoping that the time (9:30) I went was maybe after people had gone to work and there wouldn't be a long line. Well, I didn't guess right. The line, I think was the longest I had ever seen it. So, I decided ~ no way, was I gonna stand there for who knows how long. I left and planned to come back later and hoped the line wouldn't be as long. I went back about 1:30 and the line was still kind of long, but not as bad as it was in the morning. I really wanted to that package mailed, so I stayed. Surprisingly, the line moved along fairly quickly. Glad to get mom's package on the way.

I had a cooking day today. Made a pot of soup. The last kind I made, we liked really well, so I made that again. Made a Quinoa casserole. I left out the spice the recipe called for that we didn't especially care for the last time I made that dish. I liked it better this time. It is supposed to be an alternative to macaroni and cheese. And more roasted vegetables. I kind of like doing it that way ~ spend one day cooking a bunch of stuff, then all I have to do for suppers is warm something up.

The lady I like how she cuts my hair was working today, so I went and got that done.

Worked on Jason's jacket (replacing the broken zipper). The one side didn't come out like it should, so tomorrow, I need to redo that. Hope it goes ok, so I can finish that and get it back to him.

Carol Sue ~ I think you're probably right about the reason for the headache after the M&M's. The way you do the meals for the holidays sounds like a good plan. You wouldn't be able to enjoy it very much if your wore yourself out from lots of cooking. When we did get together, I told Sara she was the matriarch now and I would be her assistant. I have never been an “in charge” kind of person ~ was always more comfortable being the helper than the leader.

Karrine ~ I hope you can get your computer troubles figured out. I can understand why you are frustrated. I was lucky and that afghan pattern I mentioned ~ I found on the internet, so no cost. I find a lot of things, craft ideas, patterns for crochet things, recipes ~ by way of the Pinterest web site. And that helps too, I can save them there and only print them when I decide to use them.

Sandy ~ we did what you suggested ~ the disposable plates etc ~ one year at the holiday. And it was nice not to have to clean up all those dishes and just enjoy spending time with people. Hope you didn't get too tired with your long day today.

Mary ~ hope your bladder infection is clearing up and that your diabetes med starts working like you hope it would. Hope maybe your kids can help you out a little more with the cooking and all for your gatherings. Please take care of yourself.

Maddie has one more full day and just ½ a day of school on Friday, then off all next week. We're trying to think of some fun things to do. Maybe the zoo if there is a sort of warm day. And there is a seasonal ice skating rink that she has been wanting to go to. Maybe a day trip somewhere.

Hope you all have had a good day.

Good evening GG's,

It has been a nice sunny day ~ a bit chilly, but that is better than those blistering hot Texas days. I'll take it.

Finished mending Jason's jacket. Worked on some Christmas cards. Just have a few more to do. I had a lot of years when I wanted/hoped to get some sent out, but was working and was too tired and ran out of time ~ then was gonna send a new year greeting just to stay in touch ~ but my talent for procrastination messed that plan up and before I knew it, it was Christmas time again already. I lost track of a some of the people I knew. I have re-connected with some of them thanks to finding people with Facebook.

My head has been kind of achy all day, but finally is better now. No M&M's this time. Maybe that isn't what did it the other day. I sort of remember other months where at a certain time of month, I would have headaches for a few days in a row ~ and it wasn't because of chocolate. My sister feels that the phases of the moon have something to do with it ~ more achiness in general around that time. Or the barometric pressure. Nasal stuffiness usually goes along with the headache ~ so who knows.

Maddie has only ½ a day of school tomorrow. Wonder what adventures we'll have tomorrow?

Hope you all have had a good day.

We babysat overnight and the parents plane was delayed twice so they weren't picked up until almost 7 pm tonight. I have a table being held at Walmart I will pick up tomorrow (if we like it..haven't seen it)...it will be for the kids on Christmas Eve and esp Christmas Day dinner. While the kids were here, I didn't accomplish a thing toward the holiday but did enjoy them. We baked Christmas cookies (frozen variety) and the kids decorated them and we played a new game and had a lot of laughs...mostly at me...as it was a memory game and I should play it more often. I got better than I expected though as I played. :dizzy: Even the kids were proud of me...I think the oldest esp was feeling kinda sorry for my poor memory. ;)

Glynne - Don't think I'm going to get to Christmas cards this year. I'm the opposite of you...while I was working, I was able to send out cards but now I can't get to them...second year now none sent.You're doing a lot of things for family...that's nice and I'm sure they appreciate it. I have had no more spasms even though haven't taken anymore of the OTC so not sure it is an infection or just spasms. I was watching the Farxiga commercial and it mentioned my symptoms as possibly being adverse reactions to this drug.
I don't feel it's helping my bs much either. The itching is better though there a little. Tomorrow I take the other pill. But tomorrow I go to my urologist. I'll tell her about all this and she may check me.

Carol - I honestly don't stress over much anymore, however when I've got big meals to plan anymore I do until I sit down at the table. I don't verbalize it except to my dh before the holiday but I shouldn't as he doesn't appreciate it! :( It just seems to put pressure on him. When I saw how much it was affecting him, I prayed and asked for wisdom for what to fix...cause see, I was stressing about what to fix...my mind was blank even about what I served last year on Christmas Eve for the most part! Still can't remember, but I felt like I was to fix the little turkey roast I bought, make a casserole...haven't decided between beef spinach lasagna and Taco casserole...but probably one of those, a veggie tray and cookies. Suddenly peace about that...but I still am a little anxious about getting everything ready...usual cleaning, shopping and prep of foods, even some wrapping still to do. Will continue to pray and I'm sure I'll settle down when it starts to roll next week. ;) The stress is because I tire easily anymore...just don't have the energy I used to have, so I worry I won't get it all done in time mostly. I always have but still I worry I won't.:dizzy: It was so nice when someone else was fixing the meal and all I had to do was show up with a dish or two. :) Appreciate all your supportive comments.

Another thing bothering a little is that my son is going to be moving out soon. Of course we always knew his being here was only temporary, but it is not easy to see him leave. He will only be about 30 min from us though. It's been good having him here but somehow I feel some things I'd hoped to accomplish haven't happen...like it's left undone or something. But he's an adult and I have to trust He will find his way and I am proud of him in so many ways.

Family issues at the holidays would be rough I'm sure. Usually we don't have that problem, but you may remember we did last year. So far this year looks like those involved are working things out and we will all be together, so I feel blessed.

Carol/Karrine - I have a modem...it is a wireless modem, so the only wires attached are to the DSL/outlet and the power. Maybe you could call it a router?

Sandy - I don't like to eat off paper plates, even the nicer ones but I might consider it for Christmas Eve since that's the most casual meal. Thanks for the idea as I hadn't thought of it. Good for you on eating well. After three or four days of eating fairly well esp in the evenings, I've eaten terrible today and yesterday! My bs was a little better this morning but haven't tested since.

Off to bed now. Hopefully I'll get more done tomorrow but it's not promising because of being out to Walmart, doctor and maybe nail place. I need a whole day at home to clean and bake.

Mary, I didn't know a router could be considered a modem, but I think you might be right. My BIL wanted a computer he could use on dial-up and in order to get that he had to buy an older refurbished computer. DH just said the newer computers no longer have modems inside. We have a router that I use when I download ebooks from the library. Also we have a router from the cable company as we have TV, Internet and Phone from them.

I used to use good plates every holiday and still do, but one year my BIL told me to use styrofoam plates for Christmas since the meal is more casual, so I do that and my family is OK with it. I don't think I would do it for a more formal sit-down dinner. Certain kinds of foods don't do will with disposable plates. My DIL has a set of casual reusable plates she always uses for company. She has some very good china she got as a wedding gift but I've never seen her use it.

I have a set of cloth napkins that match my one good tablecloth and I have matching napkin holders. My brother in law told me not to use them anymore but just get paper. LOL He said they were too nice to use for wiping his mouth.

My Christmas card list is getting shorter and shorter. There were some people I used to send cards to but I felt that they only sent me one because they got one from me so I dropped them from my list. Now it's mostly family and a couple close friends. I was sending a card every year to DH's elderly aunt who lived out of state. Finally I quit getting a card from her, but I still sent one thinking she was just too old to send them anymore. Now I found out that she passed away in 2010. So I have been sending cards to some strangers who now live in her house and I guess they are just throwing them away. I had my return address on them, but I guess they didn't bother to just have the card returned to sender. They will not be getting cards anymore. LOL

Gayle, I think it's so nice that you do the needlework. It's supposed to be relaxing. I should get back to it. Maybe after the holidays.

I was getting headaches every day for a while. Usually I never get them. I found out that it's a side effect of the new BP meds I take and after a week or so they stopped. I guess my body is used to the med now.

Mary I did hear of that side effect from Farxiga. You may have to stop taking it, especially if it isn't helping BG much.

I was never one to enjoy entertaining. I get nervous about everything turning out right, and I worry that my house isn't nice enough. Every holiday I get stressed out on the day, thinking that everything isn't going to get done at the same time, and keeping things warm. Getting the table set, etc. I know I could do that ahead of time but I never think of that. My mother-in-law did it every holiday for years, at least 30 years after I joined the family. She never seemed to worry about anything. She had things that didn't turn out right and she just laughed it off. Now I'm realizing that my company is just so happy that I do it and they don't have to do it that they don't care. So as long as my house is clean and there's plenty of food to eat, I'm going to relax and not worry about it.