Good morning everyone,
I made another chicken dinner yesterday so now will have leftovers for a few days again. I only report my weight here on Mondays but today when I got on the scale it shows that I gained a pound. Yikes!! I have to shovel snow this morning (not much but I like to keep the driveway clear) and I need a few groceries which I'll go get if my ankle isn't too tired after doing the snow.

Sandy I too have an extra large winter coat that I won't depart with as it fits while I am at this heavy weight.

Gayle It has warmed up here and I sure am glad to be rid of those frigid temperatures. Your breakfast salad looks very tasty and healthy. Everyone has to do what works for them regarding treats. I don't seem to have the willpower or disciple to eat properly when I am out so that is why the once a month dinner treat works for me. It sounds like you had fun moving your stuff around when you got in the mood to do it.

Bobbi - your outskirts of town home sounds wonderful especially since you can see all the wildlife around. I bet your floors are beautiful now that they are resanded.

Mary - Happy Belated Birthday wishes to you!!! I'm glad you had a wonderful time. My daughter called me yesterday and told me she has been diagnosed as pre-diabetic and will be sent to a nutritionist. My mother had to take insulin and I am also pre-diabetic so it runs in the family. You never know, perhaps if you do go to see a nutritionist you might get some new tips about weight loss. I'm sorry your meds interfere so much with weight.

Carol Your exerciser looks like fun and fairly easy to use. I think I would like something like that but don't have the room.

Have a good day everyone,
Karrine

Karrine, the Cloud Walker folds together and doesn't take up much room, but I do have a whole room to use for exercise equipment. Now to get down into it and use it.

Bobbi, I forgot about your Yorkie!! How's he doing? I think Gayle has a 2 wheel bike. I saw a really nice one at Goodwill but I don't have anywhere to ride it. I would have to haul it somewhere to ride.

Sandy, I'm sorry you have family worries. I will pray for them.

This morning my step-daughter called and said they were having a covered dish lunch at work and she forgot to bring something, and did I have anything on hand? LOL I threw together some macaroni salad, and I mean "threw together." DH delivered it. She works a mile from our house. They won't be eating for 2 more house so it will have time to sit and meld the flavors. What we don't do for our kids!!

Went with dh to his dr appt. They did an EKG because of his recent poss angina pain. Thankfully they found no changes. He does want to schedule him for a stress test. He said that sometimes an esophageal spasm or a BP problem can cause pain that might be eased with nitro. Doubt either of those caused dh's pain but suppose it is possible. I know I sometimes have chest pressure/pain from my hernia and/or esophageal spasms but I have never tried taking nitro for that. When I had my previous hernia, I had so much gas and it followed the nerve path upward to my left shoulder and the pain was horrible, but dh had mild achy pain and also warmness and it wasn't in his shoulder, it was on the under part of his arm. He passed his previous stress test with flying colors LOL so I hope he does as well with this one.

I wore my new longer top with leggings (that my dd gave me) to the clinic. I felt rather like I'd forgotten to put on my pants, but I did it. ;) I was glad it was all (except for nurse) older people there and no one seemed to notice me. I am not usually concerned with what others think about me but the problem is I'm not sure I feel right dressing like this. I feel I'm too fat and too old. But I was very comfortable in them and while, I'm not quite ready to walk the mall in them I likely will get used to wearing them out in time. I wore a short denim jacket and ankle boots with them. My dd said they'd look good with higher boots but I don't have any that are in good shape.

Glynne - Your salad looks really good to me..I love fruit.

Carol - Your are fortunate to have room for exercise equipment. I plan on getting the treadclimber soon but two machines in one room is really really overcrowding!

Karrine - Sorry about that pound, but you'll probably drop it soon. I stayed the same this week but am still 1.5#above what my tracker says. Your chicken dinner sounds good. We froze the rest of the chicken adobo, and now are eating turkey leftovers. Will probably freeze what's left of it soon.

On snacks - I just can't have them in the house. Now and then I eat a snack or even a dessert when out. Dh and I usually share if it's dessert. Sometimes I will eat a serving (usually 2 or 3) of dh's caramels, but I really shouldn't I guess. Sometimes he brings home other sweets too ...I'm so happy he can eat them...but they are too tempting for me, so I prefer he hides them. I'm not usually tempted by the Filipino treats so if he'd just stick to them I'd be fine.:D

I THINK Glynne has a 3 wheel bike too...but I maybe wrong. I have thought about getting one.

Good evening GG's,

It has been a beautiful weather day here today. Up in the 70's. Steve asked me to go out in the yard tomorrow and help him get up the pine needles and stuff like that so they can go out with the trash on Friday. That will take care of the stuff on the deck I had mentioned I wanted to clean up.

Is there something new about this web site? I'm talking about advertisements. There seem to be some right on people's posts. I think back along it was said that if you weren't a member ~ just kind of checking out the site, that you would see this kind of thing. But if you were a member and logged in, you wouldn't see advertisements on the posts. There are/have been advertisements at the top of the page and along the side ~ I don't mind those ~ am used to them, but the ones right on the posts is kind of annoying.

Mary ~ I do have the three wheeled bike. I tried to use a 2 wheeled bike my son had here in our garage, but I fell off right in the driveway. I was scared about going out in the street with it, so I got the 3 wheeled one. I love it. I still could tip over with that one, but less likely to do so than with a 2 wheeler. I bet you looked nice in your legging outfit. You were probably just self concious because you are not used to that kind of outfit.

Carol Sue ~ your cloud walker thing looks similar to my Gazelle. The arm pieces aren't too much trouble really, you move your feet and just hang on to the arm pieces and move with them as they move (the feet move them) so you just hold on. Made me smile when you were telling about Rusty giving your toes doggy kisses.

Karrine ~ take it easy with that snow shoveling ~ don't want your ankle to get worse. Your chicken dinner sounds good. You'll get that pound back off ~ the shoveling will probably help with that.

Bobbi ~ too bad that Levi didn't enjoy the bike basket ride. Maddie used to ride in my basket sometimes ~ but she grew ~ LOL.

Sandy ~ I'm sorry you are having worries. Is it the grandchildren with the health problems? Praying with/for you to ease your worries and help who ever of your family is needing the prayers.

Not as peppy today as yesterday ~ that is how it goes with the RA. I have gotten a few things done. Gotta save it up now for the yard work DH asked me to help him with tomorrow.

Hope you all have had a good day.

Here is a picture of my adult "tricycle". This picture isn't my actual one, but one like it ~ mine has a basket behind the seat that is not shown in this picture.

I see the ad in my post too, Glynne...not sure why. Oh and now looking back I see ads in some other posts too.

Good morning everyone,
Until I started this diet I never drank pop of any kind but now, in order to curb my appetite a bit, I have a diet coke every afternoon along with popcorn. I'm always hungry around 2:30 pm so this really helps me get through until dinner time. I also make sugar free jello a lot. Nothing really planned for today so far except go to the bank so I'll see how it goes.

Carol That's wonderful that you have a spare room to keep all your exercise equipment in. So nice of you to make that salad for your step-daughter and I bet she really appreciated it.

Mary I can remember when legging were in style many many years ago and I used to wear them but now I feel a bit like you in that I'm too old and fat to wear them. Good for you though as you are now in style and I bet they look nice on you.

Gayle How lucky you are to have temperatures in the 70's. I don't get ads in the posts. Very nice picture of the adult "tricycle" you posted. I might be tempted to get one but have no place to put it as my garage can't handle any more than my car; snowblower and lawnmower.

Mary I see an ad in your most recent post for the first time. I hope it doesn't continue.

Have a good day everyone,
Karrine

OH NOOOOOOOO......I see an ad in my post above. Nuts!!

So far, no ads. I had them one other time and had to change something to get rid of them but I don't remember what it was. The only different I have is the box to type your message is much smaller.

Back when leggings were in style before, I bought some, but I got them in the full figure section at KMart so they were so big they fit more like knit pants and didn't hug my leg. I have some others that I bought on a clearance rack recently but only wear them around the house. No too many older women wear them around here. DH doesn't really like them. He is very reserved when it comes to clothing. He was waiting for me in the front of Target and a young girl had on leggings. She dropped something and bent over to pick it up. There was this couple walking by and the guy was staring at the young girl's butt. His wife asked him if he got a good look. Jerry was laughing. Jerry probably got a good look, too. LOL I used to dress very stylish when I was single and would probably try them if it wasn't for Jerry's not liking them. My top is much bigger than my bottom. I like to wear wider pants to balance myself out.

Gayle, before I bought my Cloud Walker I tried a Gazelle in a store and almost fell off it. I couldn't balance myself on it. When I saw the Cloud Walker that didn't have the moving handles I bought it. Remember the old Nordic Track ski machines that you moved your feet and also your arms? I couldn't use them either. I guess I can't walk and chew gum at the same time. LOL

Carol Sue ~ I don't know what makes the ads show up ~ it shows one on your last post. Maybe it has something to do with which browser a person uses? And they seem to all be Jenny Craig Ads.

You mentioned the Nordic Track thing ~ I had one of those. I did ok with it at first and enjoyed it, but of course as is my way, I thought I would use it all the time, but I lack self discipline. Eventually, as I got older, I got so I didn't feel like I was very stable on it ~ felt afraid I would fall off of it.

I had one of those step aerobics things ~ that looked fun too ~ a bunch of people in a room all doing the same movements to music, stepping up on this platform. They had videos to go with it and TV exercise shows you could follow along with and do it. I still have that ~ have trouble parting with some of the stuff. :dizzy: But even though that looked fun, it hurt my hips ~ stepping up over and over again.

There was a similar thing ~ you did the same kind of step aerobics moves and stepped up on a wedge shaped thing ~ it was called ramping. I thought maybe that one would be easier on the hips. I liked that too, but after getting so many things and not using them as I thought I would ~ I didn't get that one.

Same thing happened with an elliptical machine we have. I used one at the 'Y" and liked it. But it went by the way ~ same old same old ~ lack of self discipline. Eventually, as I got older, it also hurt my hips and was uncomfortable to use. It was supposed to be easy on your knees and I guess it was good for that. We still have that, Steve uses it to now after his heart blockage and stent operation. He was doing cardiac rehab for many weeks. He was discharged from that and now uses the treadmill to warm up, then the elliptical for the faster part, then back on the treadmill to cool down. I had wanted to get rid of that piece of equipment, but glad we didn't because now Steve uses it. He wasn't an exerciser (said his kind of exercise would be laying on a table and letting someone move his arms and legs for him ~ LOL) but after that cardiac problem, he does it faithfully now.

I have tried so many diets and exercise equipment. Looking for the "magic" one that will finally work. Steve has been nice to me about that ~ he has let me get these different things ~ in my attempts to help myself. He hasn't been nasty to me when I haven't followed through like I hoped to. Maybe for him, that is one of the "for better or worse" parts of being married.

I had one simple manual treadmill ~ it was called a walk and roll. It had a series of rollers where you stood ~ it was slightly inclined, so you kind of rolled back as you walked on it. I tried to find a picture of one of those, but couldn't. I think I saw it in a magazine ~ that was way a long time ago ~ before internet.

The people who advertise these things make it look easy and fun. And they aren't hard to use really, it is just my self discipline problem that gets in the way.

My rheumatologist several years ago told me to ride a bike to help my knees. I got a recumbent exercise bike. I loved to ride that and watch TV, but because of the angle of the seat ~ when I got done, my back would be killing me. I need to get rid of that one. I bought an upright exercise bike and like that much better.

Thank goodness for second hand stuff ~ I don't feel quite so bad if I don't end up using something as much as I thought I would, if the thing didn't cost me a lot of money.

I guess this was a TBT (Throw Back Thursday) trip down memory lane of exercise equipment.

I'm procarastinating ~ I need to get off here and get dressed. I have been invited to go out in the yard with Steve and do yard work. That is about my least favorite thing to do.

Hope you all are having a good day.

So far it's a quiet morning, gray looking outside but no rain. Dh is making kimchi and I'm sitting here drinking my tea. Soon we will get ready to go to Costco. I want to return the juicer I bought...I bought it to make my mochas in primarily but it doesn't work well...it is a pulsar kind and it won't start and then will suddenly start and makes me jump! :D I don't need that in my life. LOL Also my son's GF gave me a Cuisinart juicer. She was going to give it to Goodwill, so if I don't like it, I'll give it away, but thought I'd try juicing...I really haven't tried that much. I washed it yesterday and it is now taking a lot of space on my counter. I don't have a lot of counter space so that is an issue, esp if I don't use it much. I think all I need for my mochas is a simple inexpensive blender really like my previous Oster. I know Costco has a Cuisnart but not sure if I'll get it or look around for another cheap Oster.

Our son popped in for a few minutes last night on his way to where he now lives. It's an hour drive to his place now and we are about half way. Halo sat at his feet in adoration as usual.

About the ads...is it happening with all of us..how about Bobbi? Are we all using the same browser? Probably not. I use Chrome.

I was watching Biggest Loser the other night and noticed the step exercises they do. I could do that with my small step stool. I have a stretch band for arm and leg work. I have my recumbent bike and I plan on getting a treadclimber...plus I have videos I could workout with. I can also do stretches and cardio on my own. I have no excuse not to exercise. Like Glynne said it is the discipline I need. Same with my eating. I did well yesterday and dropped 1.5# overnight so back to the 171 finally at least.

Glynne - I think I'd be more comfortable with an upright bike too, doesn't hurt my back but I keep sliding down and have to reposition frquently. However I do feel my recumbent bike may work my lower abs better. All the bikes hurt my knees a little. My son said the treadclimbers are now at a special discount...still probably more than my bike was but should be pretty good. Just have to go through him and haven't had a chance when he's had his laptop with him. Steve sounds like a smart man..when he sees the need for something he does it. I wish I were more like that. In more than one area of my life I need to be that way. And I think he really cares about you and wants you to be healthy too so he is willing to buy these things for you.

Carol - I have felt the same way about balancing my body out, however my legs look better in straighter pants. If I didn't have my fat and I were slender and more fit, my legs would look fine in them. When I wore jeans I always preferred the straight jeans. The fuller legs make me look short and dumpy. So in order to get jeans I liked I had to buy low rise which I don't like because of my muffin top. Now I've just given up on jeans. I don't think my leggings are extremely tight once I get them on but they do feel tight when I start pulling them on my lower legs. I think the reason they are not quite so tight on me is that I wear a larger woman size (because of my belly), and have a smaller women's legs. They are very very comfy like wearing PJs. I have another pair that is a large print...might feel better in them but they also will attract more attention, so I don't know... But I definitely will wear a long top with both pair to cover my butt and belly. I love the tops I bought from her but some of the longer tops and those sorta shawl like things with sleeves...not sure what you call them....took me some getting used to...I had one that wasn't quite so long but have rarely wore it. For these tops I need a longer one. I didn't buy one but think I will cause when I saw them on me at her house, I thought they looked pretty good. Think it really depends on how you style your outfit and my dd is very good at that. Style is something I'd sorta given up on...thought it was all over for me, but I'm kinda rethinking that I guess thanks to my dd. I didn't even know that leggings have already been in style...I do remember leotards or tights but I never wore them except around the house.

Well, dh is probably wondering when I'm going to get ready to go to Costco.
Talk later.

Went to Costco to return the blender but I forgot a few pcs......so had to bring it home and will have to return it another time probably tomorrow. I looked at the Cuisinart blender and have done a little researching online...I don't think I want it....still think I'll probably go for another one, maybe an upgrade in power however the one I had worked fine. I've been online too much today.

Leggings? I bought a very, very cheep pair in K Mart to wear UNDER a pair of pants like long-johns. Forgot I had them. My legs are very, very large. Each leg, tho short, holds over 1/3 of my weight. I'm going to look short and fat no matter what I wear.

Today we had Noon Mass and then Lunch Bunch. Some women made Chicken Pot Pie and the rest of us brought side dishes. My carrot/pineapple salad always goes so fast that I simply brought it again. Went very rapidly and was good color with so many other things rather colorless.

Met more new people, but it was funny all at our table had begun coming to that church rather recently from 4 other churches. We drove 18 miles to go - 2 miles east instead of 16 miles west. What is two extra miles when we like everything about this church. Priest is even better to listen to than he was 25 years ago when I first met him. DH enjoys everything here. So glad he insisted we try in late October. Today we sat with a woman & her husband - she is in our book club and I enjoyed her so much a few weeks ago.

We are getting out with people far more often and each of us are enjoying it so much. DH belongs to Men's group at other Church and never misses their Saturday get-togethers. I still help run Prayer chapel by making calls so someone is there during the hours we are open. When I call it gives me an opportunity to ask how that person is doing and 'catch up" Volunteering has always been a huge part of the lives of all the females in our family.

Sandy

Good Morning Everyone,
Another Friday is here and I feel like I've wasted the week as I haven't done much of anything except cleaning; reading and quick runs to the grocery store. I think I'll just have toast and eggs for dinner tonight as I've had poultry the past few days and need a day without meat. I sure am glad I love chicken as that is best for this diet.

Gayle I too, have tried and have spent hundreds of dollars on exercise equipment only to let it go by the wayside. I now have a treadmill in that spot in my rec room which I do like so far and will get back on it as soon as my ankle is all better.

Mary I hope you find a juicer that you like. Good for you in losing that 1-1/2 lbs. I used to have a beautiful wardrobe when I was working even for very formal occasions but now I don't even own a dress or skirt. I have a few very dressy pant and top outfits that would fit me again if I could just get another 15 lbs. off. If I can get my weight down to goal I would like to purchase one of those very long skirts that are in style now with a nice top.

Sandy care to post your carrot/pineapple salad recipe?

Have a good day everyone,
Karrine

Karrine I don't use a real recipe for the salad. I grate 6 large organic carrots (they are sweeter), Drain 1 can unsweetened pineapple tidbits, use 1/2 cup of pineapple juice and add 1/2 cup (approx) raisins to it and heat in Microwave to plump up the raisins. Add about 1/2 cup organic yogurt to juice/raisins, about large pinch salt, squeeze or so of honey, less than 1/4 c lemon juice. Add liquid & pineapple to carrots and refrigerate. I stir it up several times because the juice goes to bottom. Next day I stir it all good and put in beautiful blue pottery dish to really show it off. No exact measurements, sorry.

I don't own a dress and haven't for years. In fact, we almost never go any place I dress up for - really dress up. I wear nice clothes to Mass, of course, but rest of the time I'm in casual clothes. Being retired is such a blessing.

Stevia: A workshop on herbs had some stevia plant for us to taste the leaves. It was sweet. In fact, just for fun I may put a plant or two among my day lilies this year. I drink coffee and tea black, but perhaps the stevia

We have a good natulaus treadmill that has platform that gives slightly with each step. It folds up to take up less room when not in use. DD uses it almost daily. DH has a Nautalis Gym set in Garage that is covered with kitchen appliances now. With the exercise bands we have plenty of equipment that we could use.

Today's walk in temperatures above 50 degrees was extra special. That is the best I've felt waking in months. If it is nice tomorrow I hope to go again. Back to laundry and check writing. Sandy

I had a dizzy spell last night. I often feel a little dizzy when I first get up but it doesn't seem to be my bp when I check it. Usually my head feels full (like sinus) and I have a slight headache too, but this was different. I didn't get up fast (dh saw how slowly I got up and confirmed that), but I immediately was so dizzy I had to grab the bed near me and remained somewhat dizzy all evening. I did not have the other symptoms other than after I lay down I felt a slight headache for a very short time. My BP was good. Ok this morning though. Dr mentioned once it could be my bs causing these spells but it was no higher than usual..in fact I had fairly good bs most of the day yesterday. Not always normal but not really high. I did notice a little of that abdominal discomfort I had before last night but not very bad.

My weight dropped again so it is now 170.5. Not changing my sig until it is down at least a week though. I have been very intentional with my eating and working in exercise whenever I can.

Sandy - Glad your family is using Nautilus products as my son works for them! :) I like the folding idea...will ask my son about that. If they still make it.

Karrine - I never had a lot of formal dresses because I didn't have much use for them, but I did used to have a lot of very nice dresses. Wish I could wear them now but of course they'd be way out of style. I was thinking perhaps I could wear the two dresses I have with leggings except the leggings I have don't match at all so I'd have to buy more. Don't want to get too many til I know I will wear them often. I think they can be worn every season except summer probably. My problem is having the tops/dresses to go with them all. I'm not good at matching them up like my dd is.

The long shawl type item I was telling you about is called a kimono, but it is more like a shawl you put your arms in and it is long enough to cover your bottom and probably more. I'd like to get a couple if I can match them up with other things but they cost $45 each so want to be sure I'll wear them. I'd like one in black and one in perhaps beige.

Sandy - I've seen women with large legs in leggings. They usually stick to the darker colors but with longer tops and perhaps a kimono they look good.
The ones that don't wear longer tops don't look so good though. I think it's just knowing how to wear them. I went to a site for women over 40 (which seems so young to me!) but there were also some women my age who posted about wearing leggings and how they wore them. Of course, they sounded like they were slender but I got some good ideas there and was happy to know there are older women wearing them. Actually I think in a lot of ways they are ideal for older women because they are so comfortable.

Yesterday I wore a top I'd bought at Pennys and hadn't worn yet...and realized it is probably long enough to wear with my light leggings although I didn't do that. Doesn't exactly match but the style with the leggings seems to be not perfectly matching. Won't match the other two at all though.

Need to go back to Costco today to return the blender/juicer...I found the pcs we forgot yesterday. Might look at Target or someplace for another Oster.

Good morning everyone,
I ended up with a different dinner yesterday than planned. I went to the fast food place near me and got a pulled pork sandwich. I looked up the points for it before I went and I had enough points left for the day so I got it. The new winter jacket I purchased from Sears arrived yesterday and it fit me perfectly so I'm happy about that. It is black with brown fur on the hood. My old one is too shabby to even give to the Goodwill and once when I was out shopping in it a young teenager said "nice coat". He was being sarcastic of course but he was right lol.

Sandy Thank you for the carrot/pineapple recipe. It does sound to be very good and I like all the ingredients. I wrote it down to try one day.

Mary Sorry you had that dizzy spell last so long. So far, I haven't experienced anything like that.

Bobbolink So sorry to hear about Charlie and cancer. Pets become as close as human beings and so sad to see him in any pain.

I think I'll make a steak with potatoes and veggie for dinner tonight. It is just a cheap cut of steak so I wrap it up in foil with a little dry onion soup sprinkled on top which helps to tenderize it and put it in the oven for 3/4 hr. depending on it's thickness.

Have a good Saturday everyone,
Karrine

More about the ads that are now showing on the posts.

I asked the question on another thread and got some replies and a reply from an administrator named IBobi (Paul).

I think this started the other day ~ I tried to get on here and got a message that the site was shut down for maintenance. When I was able to get back on, that is when I noticed the new thing with the ads.

The first people that answered, had noticed the change too, but didn't know why it had taken place. Then the guy Paul came along and explained a little. He said that he wasn't expecting the ads to be so "obtrusive", and said he would ask for them to be modified a bit.

I guess that has taken place now. One lady noticed that the ads now seem to only be on the last post on a thread. That thread only had one page. I looked back at our thread and it seems that the ads are on each last page of the thread. That isn't so bad. It is tolerable like that.

Waiting for Jason to come over. He wants to wash his car (money is tight for him, so he is trying to save money by doing it here instead of going to a car wash). Is a good chance to visit with him a little while he does that.

Be back later.

I am going to knock on wood, but I'm still not seeing the ads. The only change I see is that the reply window is noticeably smaller. I use Firefox. In fact, I used to see ads on top and on the sides of the posts, but they aren't here anymore.

Bobbi, Poor Charlie. The older dogs seem to just get too tired to fight with the younger ones. When it's time for Charlie to go, you just try to hold on to the good memories.

Mary, I get dizzy off and on. Most of the time it's when I first lie down in bed, or when I first sit up in bed. It lasts for a few seconds then I'm fine. One time it happened when I got up to walk around, and another time while sitting at my computer. I haven't had it the past few days when I went to bed. Someone on another thread said it could be dehydration causing it. Some days I try to drink a lot of water, but not if I'm going to be going out somewhere. I need to be near the bathroom. It could also be caused by my heart valves, but I know if I tell the doctor about it he will put me through a barrage of tests and maybe even in the hospital. It is supposed to be accompanied with shortness of breath, and I'm not having that, so I will hold off telling the doctor until it gets worse.

There was a very large young woman where I worked who wore black legging daily. She wore long tops, and I think they suited her best. No one seemed to think she was too big to be wearing them. It bothers me that I have to wear elastic waist jeans, but I feel better in them when I go out. I prefer the straight leg, not fitted and not flared. I also like having a pocket for my phone. My husband calls me when he can't find me in a store. By the time I take the phone out of my purse he has hung up. LOL

I have been having a carb fest the past few days, so my BS has been up. I had spaghetti one night and mac and cheese the next. So good, but so deadly for my BS.

CarolSue Re: Jeans. Catherines shop has jeans that finally fit me!!! I wear large size but with huge bottom and much smaller waist, usually jeans are bunched up with a belt to fit and feel awful. Catherine's jeans come in sizes to fit real women. Pat would wear the ones for straighter body, DD#1 and 2 need, as I do, ones that can be 12 to 14 inches smaller in the waist than in the bottom area. I also like straight legs if the legs are large enough for very large legs.
One pair elastic waist pants has bell bottoms, and I feel terrible when I see myself, but they are so comfortable I choose them anyhow.

See add on CarolSue's post, the last post on this page. Doesn't cover anything.

Mary Sure hope you find help for the dizziness. How frustrating. I've had that for a few days occasionally, and luckily could stay home at the time. While working I never experienced that problem, wonder why?

Bobbie Sorry to hear about your beloved dog having cancer. We can really love those rascals and it hurts so much when we loose them.

Gayle Re-read about all your exercise equipment. How do you have room for the family?

Given a choice I prefer to be outside to walk or garden, but in the winter time I'm housebound far too often. Now that we changed churches we are attending functions there almost weekly beside the Sunday Mass. Both of us enjoy going and have met delightful people. This week has been warm enough that DH and I walked outside again today, only .6 of a mile, but I feel better to be really moving. Sure walk slower than I used to. At the rate I go I would be getting just a bit more than 1/2 what I used to do. Sometimes it is not good to stay in same neighborhood for so long that I've gone from young person with 3 preschoolers, to a retired woman with 4 great grandchildren. Realize too well how much weight I've gained and how much movement is not longer possible. However, I'm really in relative good health and must remember I'd be better with just a bit more effort.

Sandy

Dh went to the mens prayer breakfast at church. Our son has been going with but wasn't feeling well, so dh went alone. I often feel dizzy...when I turn my head quickly, when I first get up etc....just mildly dizzy usually though. I do not know what causes it. I used to think my bp but it doesn't seem to be it.
ETA: Once when I had this dizziness my previous doctor said he thought it was a virus as he had other patients who had it too. It finally went away other than the occasional kind as I described above.

Yesterday I did some dusting in my office and the family room, then vacuumed the carpet throughout. Our carpet is getting very dirty. I bought that carpet cleaner and have only used it a few times. Need to get to it! Besides the usual dirt, Halo has also been tracking in a little mud these days.
Our son came home last night for dinner. We had eaten but it was still slightly warm. He never wants it heated. He seemed tired and distracted so we didn't talk much. Halo of course loves having him here and being able to sleep in his room beside his bed. He left again very early this morning...dh said around 3 am. His drills are really different than dh's were.

There is going to be a big multi-dealer online sale for LulaRoe starting Monday and will last through Wed. I have signed up and hope to find a few matching pieces for what I have already bought. Since there are more dealers there should be more options in colors etc.

Today I plan to go to Bed Bath & Beyond to look for another Oster blender. I've been using my Ninja system in the meantime, but it is more awkward to use and I'd prefer another Oster.

Reading a good book on building both your physical and spiritual core. Couldn't sleep last night so got up and read it for a while, then finally got to sleep. I've also been reading it this morning. Going to do the exercises she recommends when I'm done here. My weight was down another 1/2# this morning. Hope this trend continues.

Sandy - I would love to have a small waist like you. I guess we all have our problems with finding clothes to fit though. I'm glad you've found a shop that has jeans that fit. I hope one day I can wear jeans again. Of course I can buy elastic waist jeans but the legs are all way too big on me. For now I'll stick to stretch pants and leggings. I wore my leggings out yesterday...still felt a little wierd but no one stared. Sometimes I think they may even notice my colorful top more than they do my legs. I too prefer to walk outside...wish you were all here and we could walk together. The temp isn't bad and the sun is shining today and best of all, not rain!

Glynne - On the ads...last night I tried IE and still saw one ad, so don't think it is the browser. From what you said, it sounds like the administration is allowing it. It doesn't bother me too much, but I'd prefer they stay on the sides. Yes when I tried IE I only saw the ad on the last post on the page too.
He probably had just changed it. I deleted the post. It is interesting that with Firefox, Carol isn't seeing ads at all. But the ones on the side don't bother me and occasionally they are even interesting and I check them out, not often though.

Karrine - Your dinner sounds so yummy! I have made that before and we enjoyed it. Glad your new coat fits well!

Bobbi - So sorry to hear about Charlie.

Good afternoon GG's,

It has been a beautiful weather day here today.

Jason came and worked on cleaning out and washing his car. He planned on waxing it too, but when he started reading the directions on the wax container, discovered (and he hadn't realized) that it was wash and wax all in the same liquid. You were to spray it and wash it like usual, and the wax was built right in, so waxing separately after that was not necessary. He was disappointed, but actually was running out of time, so it was probably for the best. I helped him some, and kept asking what else I could do to help, but mostly, he just wanted me to visit with him. I always enjoy getting a chance to do that.

Got the deck cleaned off the other day, so now can enjoy sitting out there on the glider when it is nice. That will be enjoyable until the time when the mosquitoes start coming around and find us.

There is a presidential campaign thing going on in Houston tonight. Steve sort of would like to go, but I fear that it would be a lot of standing/waiting and I am just not up to that. Hillary and I think former president Bill Clinton will be here ~ the public can attend. I hope Steve doesn't try to guilt me into going somehow. Between the standing and crowds of people ~ I just can't get excited about it.

Mary ~ I hope you are feeling better and that this dizziness thing would go away. Hope you can find a blender that you like. Glad for you that the weight has dropped a little more. Way to go

Sandy ~ most of the exercise equipment I told about we don't have anymore. We really only have 4 pieces left. The elliptical, the treadmill and the exercise bike are in what was meant to be a dining room. We use it kind of like an exercise room. The Gazelle thing is in the family room. Other people would look at how we use the rooms in our house and think it is weird, but as long as it works for us, it doesn't matter. We aren't entertainers ~ Sara and the kids and Jason are about the only ones who come over. I'm glad for you that it has been warm enough that you could enjoy getting to walk outside some. And your opportunities to get together and do things with people from your church sounds really nice.

Carol Sue ~ hang in there. Maybe now that you've had some of the spaghetti and mac and cheese ~ you will have had enough to feel like getting back on track. I know how you feel about drinking water when you are going to be out and about. My family kind of teases me about knowing where all the bathrooms in the stores are.

Karrine ~ glad your new coat fit ~it sounds real pretty. Your pulled pork meal sounds good ~ good for you ~ making it work with your points. The steak meal you are going to prepare sounds good also.

Bobbi ~ so sad about Charlie. It is hard to watch our beloved pets decline. {{{{hugs}}}}

I think I am gonna tip back an close my eyes for a bit. I have gotten up earlier than usual for a few mornings, and feel kind of tired. I do better when I can sleep until I wake up on my own.

Hope you all are having a good weekend.

Good morning everyone,
Nothing new to tell you today. Same old, same old. Have no idea what I'm having for dinner tonight....will decide after mass.

Gayle yes, the ads seem to just be in the last post of the day or page. I'm looking forward to waxing my car in the spring. It is an old car but I can get it looking really nice with a good clean and interior run shampoo.

Carol Mac & Cheese is one casserole I am really missing as I love cheese so much. I might make it on my monthly treat day but I prefer to just not cook and go out to a restaurant on treat day.

Sandy That's great that you have started walking outside now that your weather is warmer. I think I would be able to wear a spring coat today with a sweater underneath rather than my heavy winter jacket.

Mary Hope you find a few matching pieces at that big online sale you signed up for.

Have a good day everyone,
Karrine

Our temperature went up to 71 yesterday. We couldn't figure out how to turn off the heat in our new car, but we finally figured it out. LOL It's supposed to get cold again, and maybe snowy.

I don't understand why I'm still not getting the ads, and don't even have the ones on the top and sides, but I'm not complaining.

We got new cartridges for our printer and now the printer won't work. I think the cartridges are in right because it will print a test page, but if I try to print something from online it doesn't print. We are going to try uninstalling the printer and setting it up again as if it's new. It's terrible not to have someone who can help us with these things.

Gayle, I hope Steve didn't make you go to the rally. Just say no! LOL

Sandy, I have always had trouble buying jeans because my butt and thighs are so small, but my waist is big. It was like that even when I was 130 lbs. I had to try several different brands until I found some that fit, then I would buy a couple pairs of them. It's the same now. Some elastic waist jeans are baggy in the butt and legs and others aren't. I have to keep trying different ones til I find some that look OK. I could probably wear a size 14 and they fit in the butt and legs, but I can't button them. If I want to button them, I need to buy a size 18, and they are way too big and baggy! So I settle for a 16 with elastic waist. I could never wear pants labeled relaxed fit.

Mary, good for you on the weight loss! You must be doing something right.

Well, our printer is working. I deleted it from the computer, then DH re-installed it. I should have stayed here and watched while he did it because he doesn't really know much more about it than I do. If we look in devices, it says we have no printer. But I tried printing a document I wanted and one that DH wanted and they both printed, so I guess that's all I care about. Don't know why it doesn't show the printer in devices. I'm wondering about when he put in the new cartridges, because sometimes he skips steps that he doesn't think are necessary. He might have done something, but he'd never admit it. LOL

Mary, you made me want to go to Bed Bath and Beyond. I don't need anything but I would like to go out and look around. Did you look online at their blenders? You might see ahead of time if they have something you would like. I was looking through their clearance mdse. A few nice things. But I don't NEED anything. LOL

CarolSue You are another who keeps thinking about NEED as apposed to WANT. That was the hardest lesson to teach the kids, and strangely enough, I seem to go the wrong direction. DH marched me to womans shop last spring because my wardrobe was in dire need of help. I kept thinking "I can do without." He said I went way too far. Now my closet is the most full it has ever been in my life.

Strange about the printer working but not showing up as a device. Rather this problem than the other way around.

Karrine. We went to Mass with my spring jacket over top of long sleeve lined top and I felt fine. Amazing for February. Priest really had a great homily that has DH and I talking about it even yet.

We just finished DH's great cabbage rolls. Nice not to have to cook and yet enjoy such good stuff.

Mary, are you feeling any better today?

No dizziness today, but I started getting that discomfort/mild pain in my upper abd again last night...this time on my left side, however I don't have all the bloating so far. The pain goes around to my side and back. It did some of my PT exercises hoping that would help. I probably need to lay on ice but haven't done that yet. I have a small fatty tumor on that side and I'v been itching around it a lot...but I continue to itch kind all over so it may just be dry skin or whatever is causing the other itching. My weight was down again this morning.

I didn't get to BB&B yesterday as we had a nice surprise visit from our oldest gs. He just drove down to see his other grparents and stopped to see us and his dad as well, but this is his dad's drill weekend, so he stayed later than he planned in order to see him for a little while. He didn't stay for dinner but dh made a rice cake and we enjoyed that together. For dinner (just us and his dad) had baked cod with spinach and rice. I ate only bout 1 1/2 T of rice and very little of the spinach as I got the sauce too salty, but the men seemed to enjoy it.

I did some upper and lower body exercises on my new mat I got on Amazon. It's nice and thick so cushiony but it kind of smells. The smell is slowly going away though or I'm getting used to it, not sure which.;) It felt good to do the exercises although some I can't do very well. The exercises I'm doing are from here http://www.kristenfeola.com/ and I am reading her book and following her program as well. It isn't an eating program..it's just a Bible study and exercise program. She does encourage fasting which I'm interested in as well.

Carol Sue - Yes I plan to look at the BB&B site before going. You and I think a lot alike;) I'm still getting along with the Ninjas and probably should just stick to them. There are three sizes and so far I like the med size best. When I bought the set I wanted it for chopping up veggies, cheese etc., but figured I might also use it for a backup to my blender since I knew it was liable to break down soon. Well it never actually broke down, I could just buy a new jar but the new jar with shipping costs almost as much as I paid for the appliance. Dh always says when repair cost more than 1/2 of the buying price, if at all possible, just buy a new one. I have the exact same problem with jeans. There for a while in my 40s I could find Liz Claiborn jeans in a 16 that I could actually button, but I haven't for a long time now. Leggings are most comfortable. They do not roll down (so far anyway), I can pull them up over my belly if I want and they fit my legs. They are not tight around the waist so I don't have a muffin top and with the long tops my belly doesn't seem to show quite so much. I think the patterns in the LulaRoe tops also kind of distracts from it too. I'd like to wear the leggings all the time now but I'm still a little shy about it. I think if I can lose more weight I'll feel better.

Glynne - glad you got to enjoy some time with your son too. I am so happy to have our son back even though he is just here off and on. I think he's coming back this afternoon or eve but not sure whether he will spend the night. He is badly wanting to find a new place to live as where they are all living right now is too small.

Hi Sandy! Hope you are continuing to be able to walk outside. Sounds delightful!

Good morning everyone,
Today is reporting day for me here. I lost the 1 lb. I gained this week plus I lost another 1-1/2 lbs. I'm looking forward to next weekend and "treat day" LOL. I'm going for a pedicure this morning and then I'm going to call the doctor as it has been 7 weeks now and my ankle is still very bad. I would like to get an x-ray done just in case this is something else or perhaps it is just taking so long because I'm on it all the time and it will just take longer to heal. I sure am sick of this though.

Mary I wonder if Pennington's sell leggings here where I am. I'll have to look into it as reading what you post they seem to be very comfortable. Good for you in having your weight going down again. This diet business sure is hard to keep up all the time. One of the good things that I find happening is that after 2 full months of dieting now, I find that I've formed some good habits and am much more aware of what "not" to eat.

Have a good day everyone,
Karrine

Good evening GG's,

It is a rainy dreary day here today. Supposed to be like that most of the day I guess.

I felt kind of crummy yesterday ~ sneezy, scratchy throat ~ thank goodness, feeling better today. I just kind of rested and napped. I think that helped. Sometimes, I think you just need to do that.

I have a doctor's appointment to see the new rheumatologist today ~ to get established with her.

Today or tomorrow I need to do some cooking. Maddie helped me make a pot of chili on Friday. We used up the first pot and she kept asking for it every day after school for a snack. I didn't want to make another one right away ~ didn't want her to get burned out on it.

The people at mom's nursing home are so wonderful. Mom needed a new pair of shoes. I live too far away, so the nurse offered to go get a pair and then I could reimburse her. She went on her lunch hour and got shoes for mom. That was above and beyond the call of duty to me. They are so wonderful to her.

Steve did go to that campaign thing to hear Hillary Clinton speak on Saturday evening. He was frustrated with me that I didn't want to go and was kind of snippy to me when he left, but I didn't feel so great and wasn't up to standing in line waiting. He called me after he got in ~he had waited in line (a slowly moving line) for 2 hours before he got in. He said it was another hour before all the people were in and the thing started. Standing like that is so painful to me.

I am working on trying change my thinking and trying to be more positive. Each day for me is another day of worrying over my kids and feeling discouraged because I can't “fix” the things they are struggling with. Jason with his job worries and Sara with the ex husband thing. I'm trying to make myself feel that instead of another discouraging day where I am powerless to “fix” it for them, that it is another day where I can pray about it for them.

Bobbi ~ I hope for Charlie that he has a while yet and that the time he has left he will be comfortable.

Karrine ~ way to go the 2 ½ pound loss. Ooooo ~ that treat day to look forward to. The leggins do sound comfortable ~ hope you can find a pair and try them out. I am not brave enough. I do have outfits that are knit ~ matching top and pants. They are comfortable but not tight like leggins.

Mary ~ I hope you are doing ok. Glad you didn't have the dizziness yesterday. Wish those other pains would go away too. Glad you got to enjoy some time with your grandson.

Sandy ~ what a treat that your husband cooks. And it sounds yummy. Hope you have some more nice weather days so you can enjoy your walks outside.

Carol Sue ~ glad you got your printer working. If Steve wasn't here for that stuff ~ I'd be sunk. I don't have a clue and would probably make a royal mess out if it if I tried to fix something.

Gotta start getting ready for that appointment.

Hope you all are having a good day.

Here is a pic of Hillary at that town meeting thing on Saturday.

Gayle You were smart NOT to do all that standing in order to hear Hilary speak. Nothing is worth that much time on your feet at this stage of our lives. Was he pleased with what he heard?
Keep us posted on the results from the doctor.

Karrine. Can't believe you are still having trouble with that ankle. That is a very long time to put up with it. Let us know what you found out. How very good you are doing to drop the pounds, and with a bad ankle it is even more impressive.

Bobbie What are you doing to keep from feeling so bad over poor over Charlie?

Mary You are worried about hiding your belly, and I bet most people wouldn't even pay any attention to it. I noticed a woman in Church that was huge, but she was smiling and greeting people and each person seemed glad to see her. My Mom used say that a friendly nature and big smile distracts people from every thing else. I believe she had a good point.

I just did something I never thought I would. I cut down a small twig that I know will grow 10 feet tall, but it it right against our fence on our neighbor's side. It would shade the new plants I just put in on our side of the fence, and is a seedling from our 10 foot shrubs. Normally I'd never do such, but our neighbor loves free plants and she hardly has walking space in her back yard from all the shrubs. If it didn't come from our shrub and I know it so well, I wouldn't even think of reaching over the fence to cut it down. Another one of these shrubs is just as close to our fence but it is already taller then me. We'll have to trim it several times a year to keep it's growth down, but at least on our side at that place I have some cinnamon ferns that can take the shade. She is a great neighbor and I wouldn't want to hurt her, but it was so hard to dig up the hard ground and plant the 3 day lilies that need lots of sun. Didn't see that seedling till this winter.

She had a horrible invasive vine growing last summer that we kept cutting back as it came over the fence and was getting into my very expensive Red Maple Tree 3 feet in on our side of the fence. She finally dug it up and told me that it was fun watching it grow but it was mostly just a problem. Sure was!!!

Pat is at the Capitol in a lobby to get Art education back into our schools and art grants restarted for artists living in the state. Glad she has a day in the 50's because she had to park so very, very far from the buildings.

I'm very glad to just be home. I can make phone calls, and can pray, but I'm resigned from going out to help fight for good causes. Did it when I was younger and stronger.

Sandy

Had a painful night and continue to hurt but glad to be up. This is the first time this pain has lasted so long...most of the time it's just uncomfortable but now and then it really hurts. Got up early because dh had an early appt with his denturist (they cancelled last time) in Portland. I didn't go with him but Halo was up and barking so I got up to tend to her and felt I needed to move a bit, but still hurts. She was acting kinda wierd but is now settled down looking out the living room window. She did a strange thing last night too...she had a pee accident on my new exercise mat! We found it just before going to bed and not sure when she did it but I think soon before that even though she had been out. I noticed she was hiding under the table when I went to bed like she was guilty but didn't discover it til I went in the office to turn off my mouse. She had never seen the mat before and it is smelly...wonder if it was because of the smell and/or she was marking her territory? From what ds has said, it was not nearly as big as he described her full peeing to be just like her other two accidents. I washed it well and put it up on the office bed to dry. Even so, I could tell she wanted to go into my office this morning (where mat is) but the door was closed. I am hoping the strong rubber odor will go away soon. She is very concerned with odors..all dogs are I guess but I think even more so because she is a hound....loves the laundry hamper and the garbage!

Glynne - Sorry you've been sick...seems like so many people are right now. That chili must be good!:) When you have time and feel up to it, could you post the recipe? We can't take care of our grown children...I pray and turn them over to the Lord every day sometimes more often. Sounds like it was a good call not to go to the political thing. I wouldn't like that either.

Karrine - Congrats on the weight loss!! You are doing very well. You have to expect some ups and downs along the way but you are definitely dropping. It often seems to take me at least two weeks to drop a pound and even then can go up and down. Yes, I think you need an x-ray...the doc should have done that when you saw him. Take care of it, do you apply ice and elevate it now and then? You could also try alternating heat and ice, but only for about 15-20 min at a time. The sale is going on on LulaRoe now with ten consultants to participate although it doesn't appear they are all on there yet. I have already ordered three pairs of leggings...dk green, tan and purple and I ordered a top in drk blue. Things are selling fast..people are practically begging for these clothes! When you see something you want you have to reply with sold and your email quickly. The sizes go up to 3X if anyone here is interested and the sale goes through Wed. Shipping is free.

Bobbi - Understandably. I'm glad you have the little dog too but just like with people one does not replace another.

Quinoa Chili

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Yield 6 servings

This vegetarian, protein-packed chili is the perfect bowl of comfort food that you can eat guilt-free!

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, diced
2 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (4.5-ounce) can diced green chiles
1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder, or more, to taste
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 1/2 cups corn kernels, frozen, canned or roasted
3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Juice of 1 lime, optional
1 avocado, halved, seeded, peeled and diced
Instructions

In a large saucepan of 2 cups water, cook quinoa according to package instructions; set aside.
Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium high heat. Add garlic and onion, and cook, stirring frequently, until onions have become translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
Stir in quinoa, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, green chiles, chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper and 1-2 cups water, making sure to cover most of the ingredients; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Reduce heat to low; simmer, covered, until thickened, about 30 minutes. Stir in beans, corn, cilantro and lime juice, if using, until heated through, about 2 minutes.
Serve immediately with avocado, if desired.

Notes: I used less than the recipe called for of the chili powder, cumin and paprika. I did not use the cayenne pepper at all. I omitted the green chiles and used a regular green pepper instead. I also did not use any salt and pepper, lime juice, cilantro or avocado. I did top each serving with some shredded cheddar cheese. I used one of the empty bean cans and filled it with the corn.

Good morning everyone,
I called the doctor at 9 am yesterday morning and the nurse said he wouldn't be in until the pm. and that she would get back to me. Then at 2 pm she called to tell me she has just sent a requisition for my ankle x-ray to the lab. I went to the lab right away and the waiting room was full with at least 30 people so I had to wait an hour before they could take me in. I should have the results sometime today or tomorrow. I sure hope that the x-rays show up something as I'm at a loss as to what else to do to help myself here at home and going forward. I had to purchase a new Keurig Coffee Maker yesterday as the one I had was really acting up and not making coffee properly anymore. My tenant came with me to the store as she drinks the coffee too and helped me get the new one out to the car. She also paid for half the cost. This new one has a touch screen menu and in my opinion my old one was easier to use but I guess I'll get used to this new one. All this new technology sometimes really confuses you.

Gayle The people at your mom's nursing home are really wonderful to have gone the extra mile for your mom. Not many do. So sorry that worrying about your kids is taking such a toll on you and I hope things improve for you soon. Thank you for posting the Chilli recipe which really looks good.

Sandy I don't blame you for cutting down that small twig that could grow to 10 ft. if not removed. I have, on occasion, trimmed back a few branches that were growing too far on my side of the fence line and were interfering with cutting the grass. My neighbour didn't mind me doing it.

Mary sorry you had a painful night and hope last night went better for you. I keep my foot elevated as much as possible and use heat when I'm in my recliner chair but I haven't used ice yet. I also wear one of those elastic supports but I don't think it helps very much. It sure is an awkward place to have an injury as you can't help but to walk (limp) to get things done.

Have a good day everyone,
Karrine

Mary, I'm so sorry to hear that you're having so much pain. Maybe it's time to get this checked out. I hope it's nothing serious.

Gayle, that recipe looks delicious! I copied it, but I know DH would not eat it. He's not crazy about Chili as it is, but has to have meat in it. Also, he won't eat leftovers and that would make much more than we would need. But who know, some day I might try it, and make it in a half quantity. I think I would use the diced tomatoes with the green chilies, which doesn't have as much as using a whole can of them. It's great that Maddie likes it so much. It's so healthy for her!

Karrine, I'm sorry you had to wait so long for your x-ray. Is it always a long wait like that in Canada? We seldom have to wait very long. I hope they can find out what's causing the problem.

Sandy, just this morning I was reading about body fat, and they said that lower body fat, in the hips, buttocks and legs, is healthier compared to fat in other parts of the body. People who have lower body fat have a lower incidence of heart disease, diabetes, and many other ailments. So you can be happy that you're in that category!!! I think most women are built that way rather than top heavy the way I am.

Bobbi, I'm glad Charlie is getting spoiled from you. I'm sure he loves the extra attention. My dog is not allowed on the bed and he learned that the first couple days we had him. He runs to me for a hug every night when I go to bed. I pick him up and let him sit next to me while I hug him and sing him a little song. If I forget, he puts his paws up on the bed as if to say "Hey Mom! Where's my hug?" They give unconditional love.