[gardenerjoy]

Today, I'll hike at Shaw Nature Reserve. Since the Hiking Club program is over, I'm going to have to make up my own route.

I checked the map and there are a couple of short trails that I've never taken. I can join them together to make it longer. They're way at the edge of the property. It will take a hike just to get to the trailheads. I'm hoping that will help me stay away from other people who might decide to spend a pleasant day during Thanksgiving week at SNR.

Exercise +50, 1135/1700 minutes for November
Wordcount +2007, 44,158/50,000 words for November

[BillBlueEyes]

Diet Coaches/Buddies - Spent the day smugly celebrating that I didn't have to go to the supermarket. DW reported that her stop at Whole Foods was jammed. So far, I haven't thought of anything that I've forgotten. My worry-wort side just assumes that I'll remember something on Thursday morning. Given that thought, I don't know where I'd go on Thanksgiving morning for an emergency forgotten item. Maybe would have to try the old-fashioned knock on a neighbor's door. "Do you have a spare green Bell Pepper?" Would be fun.

DW just stopped by my office - that never happens before breakfast - to say that we hadn't had our conversation about what we did when we learned that JFK had been assassinated. She'd been interrupted in an organic chemistry lab; all the kids in her college went home. I'd been in an engineering class; going home was too far, too long, and too expensive. I don't recall what we all did. Must have wandered about campus. I'd like to think that I used the extra time to catch up on school work, but that's not likely. It was a Friday; Thanksgiving 1963 was still six days away. Might have gone to the home of a friend who lived less than an hour from campus. Sometimes I wish that I could find those old memories in my brain. Sometimes I'm grateful that I can't.



Joy (gardenerjoy) - Hope your hiking wasn't too crowded. Just have to show you this:
maryann - LOL at the notion of "turbo puttering." Super Congrats for getting rid of a cabinet that just doesn't work for you. Love that your solo camping planning includes the turnout on Big Sur hwy 1 - views beyond belief.

Karen (karenrn) - Love your DH's notion that one should display the alpaca hats with the earflaps - they are a colorful sight. Thanks for the notions of how insulin gets thwarted by fat in the cells.

curlyjax - Thanks for the reminder concerning prediabetes, "that I need to do something about it NOW." Hope your dad makes it out of the hospital into rehab.

Readers -

Chapter 6 Stage 3 - The Challenging Situations Plan

Special Advice for Ordering In

Having said all that, if you eat out a lot and find that you are not losing weight (or you are gaining), it's likely that: . . .

• The restaurant has supplied you with misleading information. A Center for Science in the Public Interest analysis determined that some restaurants served meals that contained hundreds more calories than what was listed on their menus.

Judith S. Beck, Ph.D., The Complete Beck Diet for Life (Green book), Pg 150.

[gardenerjoy]

There was hardly anyone at Shaw Nature Reserve at 1pm when I arrived, but quite a few families showed up around 3pm as I was leaving.

I saw no one on the two off-beaten trails that I picked. One was so off-beaten that the fallen leaves obscured it to the point that I wasn't entirely sure I was still on the trail. The name of the trail was Whitney's Deer Trail, so it amused me to wonder if I'd, in fact, ended up on a deer trail. I saw no deer, but they usually don't make themselves visible at midday. I did see deer footprints, so it was aptly named. It was a delightful trail through oaks and hickories, crossing a ravine several times and overlooking Meramec River flood plain for one stretch.

Exercise +100, 1235/1700 minutes for November
Wordcount +959, 45,117/50,000 words for November

BillBlueEyes: Thanks for the 1904 World's Fair memorabilia. I went to college at Washington University in St. Louis. The oldest buildings are around the quad and were built in time to lease them for a year to the World's Fair for their administration offices. The other building that was completed in time for the World's Fair was Field House -- the gymnasium and the nearby athletic fields. That was the location for the 1904 Olympics, which were apparently very small and unorganized. I was told that Johnny Weismuller (later to be Tarzan) swam in the Field House pool, but he clearly didn't do it in 1904, since that was the year he was born. They've since replaced the pool, but I swam in the original one in the early 1980s. And, played intramural inner tube water polo, there.

Penny: I think of you every time I see or hear a story about what happened at Club Q in Colorado. Sending warm hugs to you and your family at a time that I'm sure includes a mix of grief, fear, anger, and more.

[maryann]

Good Evening, Coaches.

I am in Tahoe. It is beautiful. Ds, Mom and DH are here.I should be happy but I am furious with DH. I haven't said anything because i don't want to blow up and make everyone uncomfortable. I feel that our whole life has revolved around him: getting through his grief over the loss of his second father, The terrible farming situation around him, the prostate cancer, the grief over my son moving out. But here we are with my mother and I have asked him several times to do a few things and he has responded in his classic sarcastic attitude. I don't care if that is how he engages.. He knows I have trouble around my family . He doesn't care. He doesn't help and he is incredibly negative. I am doing everything I can to not spiral into rage. I feel so trapped. I don't know what to do. It is too cold to take a walk. I will probably go to bed early and lock the door so he can't come in. I have prayed for knowledge of God's will for me yet. I have taken my medication that is suppose to be as I need it for anxiety. i have maxed it out.

What does this have to do with overeating. Absolutely nothing except I have completely eat a box of movie candy. Food will not help me. Going to bed early is the answer. Maybe I will have a different point of view tomorrow.

Thank you for listening to me..

[BillBlueEyes]

Diet Coaches/Buddies - Excitement was picking up the (7 yo) DGD from 1st Grade. Picked her up at noon as school ended early for Thanksgiving weekend. Despite being chilly, she and her buddy ran non-stop around the climbing structure at their school. First she ditched her warm ski-jacket. Then asked DW to get her fuzzy from our car. Then ditched the fuzzy as the two girls did cartwheels. On the pavement, no less. I so admire their flexibility. On the drive to her house, she read us a book from DW's bag - one that she's never seen before. Just blows my mind that she just crossed the line and now reads. She demands full attention from DW at her house until her mother gets home from work and releases us.

Eating was on plan with no daytime snacks, CREDIT moi. Lots of options since food is being prepared to take to our DD's today for a dinner of our three families. After our dinner last night, I provided the muscle power to grind the orange and bag of cranberries to make DW's much-loved cranberry relish. It is so good. Naturally, the third ingredient is a ton of sugar - have no idea how anyone ever ate a cranberry without sugar. Now my job is to build the green salad for today. It's become my permanent job since I did it once a number of years ago. Apparently, do a job once and the world decides that that's what you like to do; that's what you're good at doing; that's the perfect job for you. It's always good enough to be gobbled up, so I keep doing it. Each year I get reminded which of my dear family doesn't eat avocado, which doesn't eat cucumbers, which doesn't eat pecans - by who discretely picks out which ingredient. No one complains, quite likely in fear that they'll be assigned the job.


Joy (gardenerjoy) - Neat that you had the courage to walk an obscured trail - as if exploring the outback all alone. Glad you liked the Saint Louis World's Fair poster. Thanks for the info about the buildings becoming part of Washington University.

maryann - Sending love, hugs, and supportive thoughts for finding your path through the heavy feelings even as you're in Tahoe surrounded by the folks you love most on planet earth. I'll be thinking of you today. So neat that your DS is there to give you the younger generation's perspective of what's going on in the world.

Readers -

Chapter 6 Stage 3 - The Challenging Situations Plan

Special Advice for Ordering In

Having said all that, if you eat out a lot and find that you are not losing weight (or you are gaining), it's likely that: . . .

• You may have to eat out less often. Remember that eating in saves you calories - and money.

Judith S. Beck, Ph.D., The Complete Beck Diet for Life (Green book), Pg 150.

[curlyjax]

happy Thanksgiving! My baby chicks are home safe and sleeping. I'm going to get up in a few minutes and get the turkey started, but am savoring this time to myself right now. I picked up DD Tuesday from Boston which was exhausting being during rush hour and thanksgiving traffic, and both of us were tired and cranky. Then I got DS yesterday early afternoon and the traffic wasn't bad considering. DS talked about his state of mind as a young adult man which was fascinating. It's true you can have the best conversations in the car. DD is working today at dinner time so I'm just preparing T-day foods and everyone will eat whenever. Saturday we will go to my widow friend's for a friendsgiving which will be very fun; I'm bringing pies to that. I love T-day foods so i'm making the turkey, stuffing, cranberry relish, mashed potatoes, squash and gravy and two pies, which we will eat for the next few days. We'll see how far I get! Tuesday I was feeling sad about missing DH, my mom etc but I got that out of my system and am feeling content today.
Bill-now I know how old you are I was minus 3 years when JFK was assassinated. That is very true that once you get good at a particular dish you are expected to continue with it. I discovered I forgot the celery for stuffing but I am not going to brave the store just for that.
Gardenerjoy-that sounds like a nice walk indeed. So interesting about your university and the World's Fair.
Maryann- so sorry you're dealing with this stuff with DH. Holidays can definitely bring out the family stress. Hopefully you have an enjoyable day today. I'm sure it is wonderful to have DS there.

[maryann]

Thank you all for your nice thoughts. I get a lot of support from here. I slept really well for about 12 hours. When I woke, I felt ready to talk to DH. I realized that for months now, I have been carrying part of his grief for him for his second father, the farm troubles, DS moving out. This weekend I needed to be carried. This morning, he listened carefully and said he would be better. He said I could lean on him. I felt much better. Credit for me not screaming last night. I am battling some shame for overeating. I am higher than I been since after the birth of my son. So today I am practicing giving myself grace. I have had a low carb breakfast. I will drink my water. I will take a hike.

The turkey breast goes in the oven at 10:00. It should be done at noon. The boys pick up the fixings from the local bakery. After dinner, we will go walk along the Truckee river. I am so happy there is gratitude in my heart this morning.

Happy T day to all.

[karenrn]

Good morning coaches,

My day was kind of scattered yesterday. When I did sit down to post I realized I didn't have much time so decided to wait until today. I did eat some off plan dates yesterday. I went to the store that has home made type vegan cookies and I bought two for today and then also some dates. I did hike yesterday and took Otis for a walk. After that I took my friend to the doc to get a steroid injection. My husband was also there getting one, but he is fine driving.

I woke up too early today but actually got enough sleep. No hiking, but I took Otis for a longer walk. It's really a beautiful day here. It's supposed to get to 71 degrees. I watched an episode of Rich Roll on You Tube this morning. It just came out today and is also available as an audio podcast. It's called A Masterclass on Plant-Based Nutrition and I really recommend it. He put together many of the previous episodes that he has had on to highlight a number of different physicians that I follow. I'm sure you would find it interesting, but it is a little over 90 minutes long and probably something you'd want to listen to after Thanksgiving.

Dh and I are going to the movie this morning and then I'll come home and do some cooking. It won't take too long and I've already chopped the onions in the Breville food processor. It takes less than a minute to chop up 4 large onions. I love that machine. I told dh if I die before he does to make sure someone who cooks gets it or remarry someone who cooks.

Curlyjax I'm glad your chicks are safely home. The house will smell good with the turkey roasting. It sounds like you're going to be wearing yourself out cooking, but I love to do that stuff. Holidays are certainly a time when we miss those who are gone. The whole Thanksgiving thru Christmas time can be a time of intermittently missing my parents and they have been gone a long time now.

Bill I remember doing cartwheels on the pavement but my hands hurt even thinking about it now. Your little gals both have a lot of energy. I was in the fifth grade when JFK was shot. My friend and I were talking about it yesterday when we were in the car. I went to Catholic school and I remember all of us praying. I think that's wonderful that you make the salad. Dh actually made a turkey once when I worked on Thanksgiving, but that was a miracle. He doesn't cook at all. When I asked him if maybe he would cook a bit once he retired and he said no but he might help with prep. My Dad was a mechanical engineer. He loved to cook and of course rearranged the kitchen once he retired. He used to make bread, make homemade pasta, Asian food of all sorts and I'm not sure what else.

Maryann I hope you are feeling so much better today. What will you be doing today? Are you cooking a big dinner? I know how much you love ds being home and I hope that helps to buffer things for you.

GardenerJoy Your hike in the nature preserve sounds lovely. I am my most happy when I'm out hiking with no one around. I kind of like the fact that I can see for miles though. We even have deer in our preserve although I'm sure the terrain is so much different than yours. I saw one bound across the trail just a couple of weeks ago.

Penny Thinking of you and your family and hoping you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

[gardenerjoy]

Our very quiet Thanksgiving is beginning to feel like a tradition.

Given that, I spent a fair amount of time this morning working through some grief over the inherent losses. Like karenrn, some of the loss that I'm feeling is grief over my parents, even though they've been gone for a long time now. I found my way to some gratitude that I have a hazy but warm feeling about Thanksgivings past at my parent's home. Since I read some of my old journals earlier this year, I know there was no guarantee that's how I would feel at age 60. I'm glad that we pulled off many great Thanksgivings before and after I went through an angry period in my 20s.

That cleared an opening for me to devise what could be my ideal Thanksgiving routine for the next few years. I can implement about half of it today and all of it next year. I made a list for my Tickler file so that it will pop up at the right time to make it happen.

Exercise +100, 1235/1700 minutes for November
Wordcount +959, 45,117/50,000 words for November

maryann: I'm so glad that things improved for you before I got around to posting this morning. I'm imagining your enjoyment of being around DS today.

karenrn: DH and I do the opposite most of the time -- I do the prep and he does the cooking. We have come to really enjoy the togetherness of doing it together.

curlyjax: That sounds like a good plan for you and your family to have the foods you want around, but not get hung up on everyone being at a particular place at a particular time if that's unrealistic. I wish I could send you some celery. I'll put two stalks in our stuffing, but I had to buy a whole bunch to get them.

BillBlueEyes: Your Thanksgiving Day plans sound really terrific. I'm looking forward to hearing stories about DGD and DFGD tomorrow.

Penny: Wishing you and your family a good day.

Waving to everyone else! I'm very grateful to the support that I get and give (I like feeling useful) in this group.

[BillBlueEyes]

Diet Coaches/Buddies - Thanksgiving dinner with both adult kids, spouses, and both grands was a worthy brouhaha. The (7 yo) DGD managed to handle her annoyance that the (2.5 yo) DFGD wanted nothing more than to follower her around and worship the ground she walked on. With lots of adult suggestions, small wooden building blocks were made into marvelous structures with creativity across generations. The younger was allowed to knock it down. My contribution was to realize that I didn't want to bring the salad in its serving bowl already constructed since I work on the visual layers; it doesn't travel well. So, I prepped each ingredient into its own container. Before dinner, I found a corner of a table OUTSIDE THE KITCHEN where I invited the two girls to help me make the salad. They were enthusiastic; worked hard at layering each ingredient. The DGD offered opinions about when an ingredient was enough. I couldn't believe the success. When served after dinner, it was announced as "The salad that DGD, DFGD and granddad made." They were bursting with pride. The best part was that at moments during the meal when diversion was needed, one or the other would sneak over to the sideboard and pick a blueberry from the salad as if they were stealing something unnoticed. Just a riot.

My eating was as planned, CREDIT moi. I had only one plate - a major concession when seconds were being had. I totally avoided the mashed potatoes; they're so unnecessary when sausage dressing with gravy is available. As planned, I had one modest slice of pie - when others were having a slice from each of the three pies. I had pecan pie (yes, we debated "peecan" vs "pecaaan"). Properly made with mostly pecans and small amount of gooey filling. Certainly the most caloric item of the evening but the best that I've had in years. When food was being divied up for taking home, I, with major restraint, refused the offer to take some of the pecan pie home. A second slice, even the next day, would not have been rare and unusual.



Joy (gardenerjoy) - So interesting that Thanksgiving also involves mourning. Neat that you're finding your ideal Thanksgiving day structure.

maryann - Congrats to both you and your DH for making the transition to a happy, grateful morning. Neat that you have a planned walk for after dinner.

Karen (karenrn) - Good friend you are to drive your friend for a doctor's appointment. LOL at giving your DH instructions to marry someone who can properly use your Breville food processor - an unusual Tinder ad that'll be.

curlyjax - Love the image of your "baby chicks are home safe and sleeping." So neat that your DS lets you know what he's thinking.

Readers -

Chapter 6 Stage 3 - The Challenging Situations Plan

Reality Check

If you are thinking: It's okay to go off my diet because I'm at a restaurant. Besides, everyone else is eating this way.

Face reality; It doesn't matter how much everyone else eats. Whatever calories someone else puts into his/her body has absolutely no effect on the calories you put in your body. Remember, it's your goal to lose weight and keep it off, so you're responsible for making it happen.

Judith S. Beck, Ph.D., The Complete Beck Diet for Life (Green book), Pg 150.

[curlyjax]

Happy fasting day I feel like there should be an official day after thanksgiving day, like Boxing day for the Brits. I actually didn't do too badly with grazing here and there. I did eat a generous slice of apple pie. I made and cleaned up everything but two pans, and destructed the turkey, so there is no major clean up today. The potatoes looked a little green so I ditched them and may buy some today because DD and I love mashed potatoes. I realize I spent all day in the house yesterday and am looking forward to getting out today. I booked a massage and may even brave the black friday sales, we'll see. Or maybe just go to the bookstore, its probably going to be craziness out there.
Maryann- I'm so glad you were able to patch things up and have a good day with your boys. We are a supportive bunch indeed!
Gardenerjoy- I actually found my celery after all- I had to buy a bunch for just two stalks too. I hear you on missing people. I'm so glad I have lovely memories of thanksgivings past.
Karen-that's awesome that DH will prep anyhow, that can be a chore. I find this holiday season tough too. Yes, it is nice to do a lot of cooking once in awhile, although at one point yesterday I was thinking why am I doing this
Bill- great that you only ate the one slice of pie, that's impressive! Pecan pie is a rare thing. DH loved it but I would be the only eating it now so I don't make it.

[maryann]

Happy Post T Day,

I ended up having a terrific Tday. It proves to me time again that I can't stuff my feelings. Once DH and I talked it made us feel even closer to each other.

The food we ordered was superb. I didn't over do it.
Yesterday I took a beautiful long walk in the snow capped mountains. Today is the opening season of cross country. I am not sure what the conditions will be but I am game. Credit yesterday for water and low carb breakfast.

I have been playing the hunting game for online Black Friday deals. More for the sport.

Wave to all

[karenrn]

Good afternoon coaches,

I'm using my phone for a hot spot since my husband has the electricity and internet off to replace the electrical plug in.

Thanksgiving was good. The Mushroom Wellington was really good. It serves 4, so we have 2 portions left. It will have to be reheated in the oven to hopefully kind of crisp the soggy pastry. The ice cream and cookie were also good.

This morning I went for a hike and just puttering around the rest of the day. Everybody have a nice weekend.

[gardenerjoy]

Our sous vide turkey drumsticks, stuffing, gravy, and brussels sprouts made a really yummy dinner. We were missing some traditional elements, like pie, but we had more than enough to eat.

Years ago, we were the family pumpkin pie makers for both of our family celebrations in November and December. We used Julia Child's recipe. We always felt like we needed to make a practice pie in early November. Then there was at least one pie for Thanksgiving and at least two for Christmas. We found ourselves eating way too much pie every year, especially since we were acutely aware of how much butter and cream went into a pie. Everyone else got to eat pie while pretending that all that pumpkin must be good for you.

So, we briefly missed our pumpkin pie last night, but agreed that we really didn't need it.

Exercise +70, 1360/1700 minutes for November
Wordcount +914, 47,555/50,000 words for November

BillBlueEyes: Loved the story about DGD and DFGD helping with the salad and their great pride in the work!

[BillBlueEyes]

Diet Coaches/Buddies - Eating was on plan, CREDIT moi, with minor afternoon snack. Lunch was a turkey sandwich that included sausage dressing and cranberry relish. Just the best. I crave that every year. This year I'll only get one; we had left the dinner at my DD's with just enough turkey for that one sandwich and one dinner for the two of us that will come later. All the ingredients of that sandwich were at least as good as they were when served hot.

Walked, CREDIT moi, through a subdued neighborhood. As if Thanksgiving took the wind out of our sails. Trip to the pharmacy surprised me to find a longish line to pick up prescriptions. Usually when I go on a weekday there is no line at all. I forget that the day after a holiday means that two days worth of drug store buying has to happen. The Christmas candy is out wall-to-wall. I look forward to the day that I notice the displays of facial tissues instead of the displays of candy, LOL.


Joy (gardenerjoy) - You sous vide folk seem to be taking over the kitchens of the world. I do understand the notion of needing to do a practice pumpkin pie. And how those calories can add up. Congrats for getting in some NaNoWriMo words on the holiday.

maryann - Always Kudos for "I didn't over do it." - wish that happened to me every celebratory occasion.

Karen (karenrn) - I'm drooling over your Mushroom Wellington - hope it reheats. Having your wonky electrical receptacle repaired is great.

curlyjax - Like the notion of an official fasting day on the Friday after Thanksgiving. More socially useful than cramming ourselves together in the big box stores for so-called Black Friday Specials.

Readers -

Chapter 6 Stage 3 - The Challenging Situations Plan

Confidently Follow Your Plan at Social Events

Many dieters tell me they sometimes avoided or dreaded social gatherings. They thought there was no way to say no to birthday cake without feeling deprived or guilty.

Judith S. Beck, Ph.D., The Complete Beck Diet for Life (Green book), Pg 150.