I am so lost on this board for some reason.... I know my way around a computer.... but just can't seem to get jiving.... I DID NOT MEAN TO POST A POSTER SIZE PIC OF DD...... Just a little image to show off my daughter sitting in her big girl rocking chair ( she is not sitting up by herself yet.)
So, just wanted to explain and appologize for the massive picture!!!!!!!

ange.

Never had time to get on here today. Just wanted to tell everyone to have a great OP weekend.

If DD goes back to college tomorrow, DH & I are going on a boat trip on the Ohio, sort of a scavenger hunt on boats and a poker game all in one, plus cookout and band. The other couple (who owns the boat) are sort of doing SB too, so we have all legal food planned. Now if we just don't overdo the drinks, we will be fine.

Haven't had time to rad the posts and I really hate that I need that motivation especially going into the weekend. Just send me good vibes and I will heed them.

Have a great weekend.

Jackie

I have a horrible headach & I think I'll go take a nap.

What a day! I'm back from the doc's office with GS Daxton who is almost 4 yrs old. The pediatrician said she could not tell for sure if the ear drum is perforated or not. Could not visualize the drum or the tube that's suppose to be there. Said it looks a mess regardless & gave him so antibiotic drops & called his ENT who did the surgery who said to do the drops & bring him in to see him next week. They tried to do a hearing test, but that didn't go well. It's hard with a 3 yr old regardless.

I thought I'd post the pic of my 4 GS since someone had asked how many I had. Daxton is the youngest.

Hi All



I'm so so glad it is Friday. Hubby and I are going out tonight. The first full week back to school has been rough. Just getting up 1 hour earlier, having dinner ready on time, homework, special projects, and then making sure everyone packs a lunch for the next day has kept me running. And gosh, wouldn't you know it...work was very very busy and time consuming. Early morning meeting, lunch meetings (so I can't even run errands then), and after work meetings.

I'm definitely running on fumes.

I feel so bad that I haven't kept up with anyone this week. Hope ya'll still want me here!

FRUIT: Way to GO on staying on track.

BOB... Feel Better

Pussywillow: We'd love for you to join us. I think you just might have been posting on the wrong board.

Monet...Don't worry about the icing and cake...who can resist that! Just get back on track.

Ange...LOVE the picture

Deb...I meant to tell you I thought you looked beautiful in the wedding picture you posted and Eli is very handsome. The kids looked wonderful too.

OH>>>to those who want to weigh in on Monday...I'm in...I weigh then for WW anyway.

To everyone else...Have a great weekend.

Anna
222/170/140

A quick post before I have to go think up some magic for dinner.

I left the mess from the cake on the table, went swimming then headed out to deliver the cake and pick up my daughter. After I dropped her at home, I went to the store to get a few prescriptions filled. My younger daughter called on my cell to find out where I was, and I assigned her the task of cleaning up for me! Brilliant! I came home and there was nothing left out to tempt me! I was starved again, though, so I made myself a couple of fried eggs, and ate a few cheddar triscuits with them. I was pleased to find Publix has organic eggs on sale. If any of you like eggs, you might want to check out using organic ones. The way the chickens are fed to make eggs organic reduces the Omega 6 fatty acids, which are bad, and increases the good Omega 3s. The taste is so much better as well. Organic eggs do not have that sulfury taste that talks back. They tend to be expensive, but to me, it is the one organic thing that I buy, and worth the extra.

I am hoping I see some improvement on the scale...my pants feel looser, and when I hopped on the scale this morning, late, it looked encouraging. If I leaned JUST so....

ANGE: Don't apologize for the size of the picture. What a doll she is! Thanks for sharing!

MELF: Thanks for posting a pic of your grandsons. Handsome guys! How old are they? Hope your headache is better.

JACK: Have fun on your boat trip! Stay out of the firewater! You know you will lose better without alcohol.

BEACH: I know what you mean about school! This was week two for us, and I am still adjusting! Thankfully, this is the last year I have to deal with school schedules. My daughter will graduate this year, and go off to college next year. I used to think I would be sad to have an 'empty nest', but boy, I can't wait! Tom and I are going to celebrate! tee hee!

This is my post from this morning - I will have to p/u where I left off with my quickie post this morning when I have some time

Good Friday Morning

Okay, I'm here, havent' had time to get bored yet and hopefully it won't happen. DM has a Dr. appt. this morning but called to tell me she'd be coming to replace me after she's done there whenever that may be, so I'll be able to get out of here earlier than expected, which is good because I do have a few errands to get done.

All went well yesterday, all but my eating, which of course, I'll get to as the pst goes on. I was just fine, not a tear until I saw my Grandfather and then I was weepy the entire time. I honestly don't feel like I was crying because my GM passed away, more for what my GF was having to go through and seeing him as he was. Also, my Aunt Esther, who I love dearly, and is NOTHING like her sister, it was hard on her, as was with her two brothers that were there, but most of all, my GF. THEN, my other Aunt, my Dad's sister kept forcing me to look at my GM in the casket, which they already had closed. She asked the funeral director to open it and kept coaxing me over. I really had no desire and it was pissing me off, but I think, under pressure of all others with eyes on me, I gave in. She looked so waxy. I much rather of kept my last image of her on Sunday than yesterday. The ceremony was nice-my Uncle spoke and had us laughing because some of things he said about my GM, he had the whole family nodding in unison-my GP's had a cottage in Rochester for 50 years and there was really only 1 true bedroom in that place, though my GP's had their bed in the front room which was the living room and a pull-out couch that faced the lake. It didn't matter who you were, if you slept there, come 4:30am the pots and pans in the kitchen, which is right next to the front room, you'd hear them starting to clank and no one could sleep through that racket or the lights turned on in there-so my GM would say, "that's your problem". I have to say, though my feelings for my GM were strained we all had a wonderful time at the cottage and she was definitely the "Hostest with the Mostest" as many would say. I am going to try and get a copy of what my Uncle wrote so that cousins who weren't there could see it because it was so well written, and so my GM.

Went to the cemetary - I swear, none of us ever knew there was a cemetary there, that it ever exsisted, but it seems my GP's bought this plot about 40 years or so ago. They have a fantastic spot, that I have to say. It's in such a pretty area, right by the road going through the cemetary under a huge shadey tree. I have to say, I did have a little chuckle-my sister had to bring the baby and "she let one fly" that made us all turn around It was short there, only about 5 minutes.

Afterwards, my GF had everyone join him at the bagel place. I swore I'd be good That idea went right out the door, and quickly, at that. I had already developed a tension headache, I was starving and of course, the first thing they set up was the desserts! I could of easily stayed OP, they had cold cuts, whitefish, fruit-but I went straight for the cookies, bagel, the junk, basically. It really wouldn't of been that bad of a cheat if I had left it there, but it went home with me Anyhow, I'm hoping today is a better day, AGAIN

Just spoke to my Aunt, she wants me to come over and see if there's any of my GM's clothes I'd like that I could fit in to. I do have to say that when it came to clothes, for the most part, my GM had really good taste and style and there were a few things she'd wear that I'd like to have, if they fit (she was taller than I). Will see if she has any shoes that could be for LAUREN that a teen could wear for dressy as LAUREN def. has my GM's feet-long and narrow.

Also told my Aunt that I'd like a copy of what my Uncle wrote and she said my Mom had it already, so I'll get a copy and mail that out to the family.

As for today, LAUREN is babysitting two little boys at our house because she has ANOTHER bbsitting job this afternoon for my neighbor who has 2 kids that she needs to take these kids with her and then come back with the 2 original ones - kid's making big bucks.

Tomorrow is our anniversary and I suspect ELI has forgotten the exact date. He knows it's coming up but he thinks it's sometime next week - but then again, I never know with him as he jokes a lot too and makes himself seem stupid at times (sometimes it just comes naturally though). He did forget one year, so I won't be surprised if he doesn't say anything tomorrow and I won't say anything to him if he doesn't first-maybe right before we go to bed, I'll give him his card, make him feel bad

Parents annivesary tomorrow as well - I only have a card for them but plan to get their anniversary present done while they are away as I couldn't come up with an idea better than a invitation to dinner. I decided to take all the old home movies and have them transfered to video. I hope it's not too expensive though-that may end up changing my idea - rest. cert. may end up being not so bad an idea-def. cheaper!

Going to get in some replies before it gets too late...

MONET, your friend is lucky to be so successful. I'm just not one to be pushy which down here it seems you have to be to make a sale. I think people who take the time to see a Rainbow demo have to love it and want it, it's just getting the interest. It sure never hurts to try it, you have nothing to lose! If you ever need another Rbow, check Ebay, they have them loads cheaper!! How'd the cake icing go?

JEC, I hope you get rid of that virus! I wonder, with the companies who make the virus protectors, do they do anything for you when this happens-at least an explanation why you got it at the very least? I thankfully just got the Norton 2003 professional vp from Ebay not long ago, so I was/am definitely protected!

COUNTRY, hey, I know things I could do better too It's interesting how some people get more hungry when they exercise and others it curtails their appetite. SB brownie points are sent your way

PANCHO, I love Ebay too. I used to be a seller now I'm just a buyer with a ton of crap to still sell, just have to get back in to it, though I keep saying the same thing. Just won a tie for ELI that I'll give him for Xmas-he has a growing collection of coffee ties. I've gotten a ton of books on there that have a million SB legal recipes in them-still searching for some. Hey, I can cut up the zucchini cake too, but that sure doesn't stop me from eating more than one piece - it's so good, just ask the gals who've come to a SB GET TOGETHER - it's always made for that occasion, along with my cheesecake and the quiche.

JACKK, OMG, well, thank goodness it wasn't broken, but sorry it happened. I went through that with MICHAEL about 2 years ago, his ankle/foot was soooo swollen and he too had to stay on crutches. I hope this won't affect school for her - when does it actually start? THEN, having to know that another DD had to have stiches? Lord, these kids have no clue what a parent goes through when we hear these things and see our kids in pain-you'd think they'd know better than to put us through all this I hope both of them heal quickly and properly and that nothing else happens with any of your family!!!! I take my hat off to you, you are a far better person than I was amist all the termoil going on, you stayed OP, I took the wrong road

TONI, most times you'll get a denser loaf when using ww flour, it's just the nature of the grain. I like a denser loaf anyhow. I have a really cool knife I found at a garage sale about a year ago that is adjustable and can cut different size slices-it's so cool!

GATOR, sounds like you got some type of virus? That happened to me on my old computer, I lost all of my computer stuff as it started to "eat away" at bits and pieces of stuff I had stored in the computer and did eat my e-mail addresses. Hope you figure out what's happening with it and that it's easily fixable.

ANGE, told you I'd be saying DUH! I think my brain was working on low oxygen or something of the sort. I know which building you are talking about exactly, don't know the name though, but do know it, it's on Brickell, right? Did you own it? I saw your stats, but since I'm working on this computer and don't have my info on it now, could you e-mail it to me [email protected] - are you small framed? That may be a bit too low of a weight for you. My goal weight was 129 and I'm 5 1 1/2" tall, but of medium build. E-mail me and I'll send some info.

LIBRA, well, you weren't the only one who was off plan yesterday, so you definitely had company with me, at least. What's done is done, we can't dwell on it. One slip up won't kill you, but you have to remember that slip up after slip up, as I've done WILL! Def. don't want to follow in my direction.

FRUIT,

TEENSY, I hope you don't have any closer experiences with the fires out your way. Honestly, what you said about your DM and her DM saying she loves her-if my GM had just said that to me it would of made the world of difference to me and lifted a huge weight off my shoulder. My Mom tried to tell me that a lot of that was acutally her talking for my GF, which I believe is all bull Even if she was saying all those things to me all these years, that sure wouldn't stop someone from at least saying it with some sort of affection, or in a nice way-and most of all, it didn't stop her from saying at the very end, "you know I do love you even though I never say it." No, I get "thanks for coming!" At least your DM's Mom redeemed herself.

BASHFUL, if you come visit down here we will DEFINITELY have to meet - OLE OLE is up in Plantation!!!! Ask your in-laws, it's across from Broward Mall off University and Broward Blvd. Do you have any future plans to come down? SB pancakes, there should be a recipe on the SB RECIPE BOARDS, or, if you can find FEARN SGWW Pancake Mix at your HFS, it's wonderful and you can make other things from it as well!!!! Tortilla's, I buy a brand from the HFS that is by CEDARLANE which are really good. There's also a recipe on the board for them as well and they are very easy to make. Popcorn, yes, you can have 1-2 cups, but make sure it's a popcorn not loaded with a lot of crap. Your best best is BEARITOS NO OIL, or to pop your own, even air-popped is a good choice, though I think it lacks taste. You can even add some flavoring by spraying lightly with non-stick spray and sprinkle with spices, or add some grated parm when it's hot (though watch those fat grams!)

MELF, do you THINK I cooked Nope, didn't get around to doing it, maybe tonight? Eggplant lasagna - yum. Just about anything with eggplant is good - hmmm, maybe ELI will make his famous eggplant dish tonight - at least I wouldn't HAVE to cook Yes, broke the toe, still a tad sore but looks like a box and wonder if it will ever look normal again-it's ugly AND bigger than my other toe!!!

BUS, WELCOME BACK of course we remember you-definitely have that mental pic of you from the pics you use to have posted, esp. the one on the horse Sounds like life is being good to you again - congrats on the new marriage. You'll have to give more details when you have time. Sounds like you and DH are doing well so far being back on SB - kuddos to you both

PUSSYWILLOW aka WILLOW, I hope you have found your answers on the boards, and here's my replies - SUBWAY, you could do worse, but the bread at SW, even though they say WW, they are not made with real stone ground ww flour. Any flour can say whole wheat as that's what it originally was before it was stripped of all the nutrients. Your name is just fine, we just shorten just about everyone who has a long name on the board -anything to keep us striking another key! I've shortened it to WILLOW, or even WILL like WILL lose is good!

Gotta run! Will post this when I can!

{{{HUGS}}}

Deb

Evening All

Guess what?!? I cooked tonight! No, not in bed I actually cooked, and even more surprising, it was edible!!!!! I made the Eggplant Gratin, which came out good, as usual and I also made the Blintz Loaf, which I had never made before, and even MICHAEL liked it! It's delish and tastes a lot like cheesecake, and easy too!!!! It will definitely be made again.

Waiting for ELI to come home, he's not feeling well, seems he's been fighting off something and it's starting to get the best of him, poor thing.

Went to see my GF today, he's doing better. He was like a ninja trying to get all these clothes out of the closets, and OMG, did my GM have clothes. I took a few things but didn't see the one outfit I really liked. Don't have a clue if once I try things on if I'll like them, or if they'll fit - my GM had all different sizes in her closets. I think all the clothes sorta disgusts my GF, he just never said anything, must of known to keep his mouth shut.

Actually did great with my eating today, happy to say

Want to try and get in a few replies before the old man gets home...

TONI, that's so wonderful to hear you are doing so well being back on track That's hot! Gosh, I'd plotz if it ever got that hot here, with the humidty it would be ridiculous!

MELF, how'd things go with the trailer - hope you get it if it's what you want. Love the pic of the GS's! Adorable!! How old's the oldest? OMG, how the heck does one fall right on their ear, much less have it happen with a Q-tip in their ear? I hope he doesn't have any permanent damage - dang that must of hurt! I LOVED the FF you posted

COUNTRY, did you say cool? What's that????????? Cute FF, thanks for sharing

PANCHO, did you get the baby to the Dr. today? What'd they say? Need to do the garage sales - down here you can get loads of baby stuff for dirt cheap, like 25cents a piece for great names - my sister goes all the time, though she doesn't need a darn thing! Kudos to you for seeing a new low-you're doing great!

LIBRA, I'd actually love to be on Extreme Make-overs, but my case would be called EXTREME CHALLENGE! I need EVERYTHING nipped and tucked! Glad to see you'll be treating yourself to some pampering. Good luck with getting your stuff from your EX's house

MONET, tomorrow's another day, don't fret over it, I'd of probably done the exact same thing.

BOB, sorry to hear you've got the squirts. Hope your relaxing in the 4-poster with your movies does some good. LMK how you like The Good Thief.

ANGE, SHE'S ADORABLE!!! What a smile! She looks as to be a very happy baby. It's not too big of a pic, don't worry about it-better we blind people can see her better

JACKK, good vibes being sent your way, with or without the boat ride - good luck if you go!!!! Have a great weekend!

BEACH, sounds like you deserve a night out with DH, I hope you enjoy yourselves. Of course we still want you - we all know how busy life can be!! Thanks for the nice compliment on the pics

ROSALIE, enjoy your evening with the GK's tonight! Thanks for the nice remark on the pic. Hope things settle down a bit for you soon-don't overwork yourself!!!

Gotta run take LAUREN to babysit again tonight. Will try to catch up a bit later if I can, otherwise, I'll p/u where I stopped tomorrow.

Deb

I actually cooked tonight also!! Sauted some shrimp with garlic in butter & added lemon juice. Very yummy! DH had fried down some okrs & squash last night so we warmed some of that in the microwave & chowed down. Then for dessert I nuked some canning pears in the mw & added Splenda & cinnamon. OMG!! was it good!

For those that asked, my oldest GS Dane is almost 16. He belongs to dd in Texas & is an only child. The other 3 belong to DD that lived with us for those 3 months after they lost their home for Hurricane Lili. They are 12, 9, & Daxton will be 4 in Nov. He's the one that I talked about earlier. What happened was he had thwe Q-tip in his ear & fell against the wall DD said. It's still bleeding at intervals but doesn't seem to hurt him too bad today. Sreamed bloody murder last night though.

Well I'm going to try to head to bed early tonight.

Tom went to Blockbuster and rented a couple guy flicks. I guess I will go to bed early. I don't want to watch any of the ones he got, and I don't feel like doing anything- especially not any cleaning. Laura is playing with the leftover bags of icing, practicing her writing. I want to stay out of there, so I am not tempted to eat any of it! I had one more lick, and dang if it is not upsetting my stomach!

MELF: The shrimp sounds yummy! I have a bag of frozen shrimp in the freezer, and I may make some like that! Poor Daxton! What an awful way to mess up your ear! My eardrum burst once from an infection, and it was SO painful!

DEB: Way to go on cooking! I had to snicker. I cook every night just about. I have a friend who has three pizza places on her speed dial! I was always so amazed by that. How can you get by without cooking? Does Eli cook most of the time, or do you just have what we call 'scrounge', where you find your own meal?

ANGE: I forgot to answer your question: no, it was not too dry. Not as moist as I like it to be, but not bad! I am not sure if I used enough lemon extract. My SIL, the chef, thinks I should invest in some fancy, expensive flavoring that costs like $80. I can't imagine how it could be THAT much better! So you like bow hunting? I have a bow, but I don't hunt. I am into target archery. (hence my avatar..) My daughter gave me a wooden recurve bow for my birthday this year. It has been loads of fun.

BOB: Feel better! I can relate to the lower GI problem. I have had to deal with that some lately. Not fun!

GATOR: I have a crysalis on my dill plant! I am pretty sure it was one of the swallowtail caterpillars. Now there is another kind of caterpillar on the almost totally stripped dill plant. My SIL thinks it is a Monarch caterpillar. It was too dark to see it clearly, but it looked darker, maybe browns?

Time for bed! I have to go buy a present for a baby shower in the morning, then go to the shower in the afternoon. Ought to be fun...and I always buy toys. I like toys. They are much more fun than clothing!

Hi everyone!

I've been in Texas for the past week learning how to use my new sewing machine, and boy oh boy, did I ever have a wonderful time patronizing Sonic.

For those of you who don't know, Sonic is a drive-in fast-food place with WONDERFUL frozen desserts. My personal favorite is the chocolate cream pie shake.

Anyway, we don't have Sonic in virginia, so anytime I see a sonic, I pay my respects and indulge in one of my cream pie shakes.

SO- I have just returned and have not yet dared to step on that scale.

When I checked my email, this was waiting for me:

Dear Ms. Gerstenberg :

Thank you for taking the time to write to Good Housekeeping. While we are
sorry to hear you were disappointed with the September 2003 article "Fad
diets: What works?," we appreciate you sharing your opinions with us.

Because Good Housekeeping editors are always interested in learning the
reactions of our readers, your letter will be circulated for them to read.

Best Regards,


Jennifer Wysmuller
Editorial Assistant


It figures this is the response, but I don't really mind because this chick is an ed. asst. meaning, she answers email.

SO- maybe I'll hear more from them one day.

Kelly

Morning All

I'm pooped. Been up since before 5am - heard ELI hacking away in the bathroom - sounds seemed to be coming out of every orifice There's not a soul who could sleep after THAT symphony!

As I mentioned last night, I made the Blintz Loaf - won't be doing that again any time soon - it was so good, and tasted so much like cheesecake that I ate almost the whole thing! Yes, it's SB LEGAL, but not in those amounts. That was on top of eating the eggplant dish - too many grams of everything last night - this is the reason I can't bake anything. But damn, it's a great recipe, or so I think-it was delish!

Going to try and get to some garage sales before I have to run home and get ready to go to the school this morning. It will be a zoo there for orientation and have to try and get as many volunteers to sign their volunteer sheets while I'm there-my last year of doing this!!!

BOB, did you like CHICAGO? Just think of LAUREN as MAMA, can you imagine!

MELF, okay, now I get the picture of what happened with DGS and the Q-tip-OUCH! Hope he's feeling better today. Your din-din last night sounded so good!!

MONET, first, I hate to cook and second, no one really likes when I cook. It's hard to find something everyone likes so everyone just about fends for themselves or I cook for LAUREN and MICHAEL gets something frozen, or vice-versa. ELI would rather cook something than have me cook, though I usually eat something quick and he'll come home and make something else-you can see, it's not easy to keep everyone happy in this house when it comes to food, one of the reasons I hate trying to do it by cooking! It was MUCH easier when we owned the pizzeria!

GROOVIA, welcome back! I've seen SONICS but have never been to one - not much in the way of a fast food eater-one of those mean Mom's that never takes her kids to Mc'D's and the like unless on a road trip and there's nothing else around. Will be interesting to see if you get a follow-up letter!

Okay, it's after 6am now, I've got my list of garage sales - not many, thankfully, this way I don't feel like I'm missing out. There's 2 that start at 7am in my area, so I'm going to go get ready and go there first.

Will check back later today-have a great weekend!

Debbie

Still pooped, but back home. Only went to about 10 garage sales, not much out there at all, disappointing. Did get my DM some battenburg covered decorative pillows for her bed up in the mountains (bed here is already adorned with too many). Got a new QUICKIE MOP for $1, slim pickins out there today

Going to go relax before I hop in the shower - will check in later.

Deb

Well Good Morning to all. Thank you all so much for the welcome back. It is good to know that some folks still remember me. It has been a very bad year for me ....the divorce.....dealing with folks not understanding about the divorce.....coming out about my sexual abuse as a child. I have been in counseling since last Sept. It has been an uphill battle. But I am happy to say that I feel better now than I ever have and hope to continue on this path. My DH helped me thru it all and now we are like two peas in a pod. I love him so much and he takes such good care of me. He is a paramedic and works every 3rd day for 24 hrs. He is trying to get on with one of the local fire depts. Please pray for him. He has wanted nothing else since he was a little boy and he helped his Dad with thier Volunteer Fire Dept. He also Volunteers now at the Local Fire Dept here. He loves it. I went on an emergency call with him one night. A lady had almost cut her foot off riding a go cart and slammed into a tree. He was something else.....boy your adrenline gets going. I am trying to decide if I want to try and get my first responders so I can go with him and help more. I need to check into it some more.
Our diet is going well.....I got back into some shorts that I could not wear all summer yesterday.....I always seem to lose inches before pounds....but thats ok....I like when my clothes feel good.
Need to run for now....house work calling. Please take care and happy SBing.


Debbie