Love that picture Gayle!! Have a great time at the beach!

Rosey, great NSV!! You can just hear how happy you are!

Rie, sorry to be so long getting back to you. I use this link to resize my images when I need to and it works really good. http://www.shrinkpictures.com/

Need to get going this morning again. Gosh, I need to get back in my Wii routine---still didn't lose any weight this past week and I know it is because I am not using the wii!! Maybe I can go through the housework this morning and get some exercise in after. We have shown the house 4 times in the last two days!!

OK back later.....

Hey GGs,
Just going to say Hi! Everyone, to let you know I stopped by & read all the posts. Haven’t been able to get my morning nap in all this week (I really tried, just couldn’t go back to sleep). So, with just 4 or 5 hours sleep the last five nights, I can’t concentrate on much. Think I’m just going to eat some dinner, & then try going to bed. Thank goodness it’s the weekend & I can sleep in tomorrow.

KarenFL, I’m so glad you’re home & stopped by here to let us know! Hope you feel better really soon, because the “GG gang” is just not the same without you.

Gotta go, can’t even think straight right now. Have a great weekend y’all!
NCNancy

Hello everyone! Here I finally am and it's almost time to start dinner. Not sure what I will have. It will either be Chinese Salad or Chili and cornbread. Have a feeling dh will want the Chili. We slept in again today. Next week we HAVE to get back to the gym!! He went yesterday but I haven't been since the kids came.
I have started to gain back what I lost with them here, but am trying to keep it down. I'm still not really counting but my bs has been pretty good. Today after doing my daily work in the house I went out to the RV and tried to clean some dark areas on the ceiling which is carpeted. Not sure but suspect these
areas are caused by a mixture of dust and kitchen grease, even though I always open a window and usually use a fan when cooking. At first I was afraid they were caused by moisture accumulating under the roof but there has been no leakage and no musty smell. I just started noticing them a few years ago since we have been living in the RV 3 months a year. I also spot cleaned the carpet (will get it professionally cleaned if someone buys it) and mopped the oak floor in the kitchen. It looks nice. I threw out the old kitchen throw rug and now think I'll buy a inexpensive pretty one as that will make it look nicer. I emptied one drawer in the living room. I forgot to clean out the spice rack so still need to do that. Left the little vac out there as I know I'll need to vacuum after people who come in to see it. Then here in the house I cleaned my tub and shower (dh cleans his own). I rarely clean my shower as I only take baths but after visitors I do. Then I mopped both bathroom floors. Boy, they were dirty! Guess I don't clean them often enough. Also my dd has long hair and spends a lot of time brushing and fixing it, so lots of hair. I don't mind though as I love to have her here. Then I cleaned the large appliances in the kitchen, just surfaces and decluttered the top and front of the fridge. Tonight I hope to clean out some inside the fridge too as I didn't get to that. I also typed up the ad for the RV and hope to get it posted tonight so people can start coming this weekend maybe. We feel very sad about selling it and go back and forth about it...not sure we are making the right decision. When I do my pro/con list it says sell, but If it doesn't sell or we can't get a decent price for it we'll just keep it. It's a nice rig even though it's old. Anyway I felt good getting all this done today.

nancy - sorry you can't sleep well. My dh and I are like that a lot. I think that's why I feel so tired a lot anymore. When I get a good sleep and then keep busy (active) I feel so good.

Rie - Sure hope you feel better soon!

Glynne - Have fun at the beach! I'm really itching to go somewhere!

KarenFL - So glad you checked in! We have been worried about you! Please take care of yourself!

Jess - I hope my kids never have to take care of me. I think it must be like having children again but even harder in some ways. I never had to take care of my parents but my sister did manage our dad's money and visit him in the nursing home. I lived too far away. Guess I lucked out in a way but yet I would also like to be able to say I did my part too.

Bobbi - Too bad about your tree but guess no other property was damaged? If so, that's good. We have a few tree stumps around our yard too. My dh smooths off the tops and uses them to rest on when he gets tired working in the yard.

Well I've been typing this off and on for a long time and the cornbread is almost done and the chili is heated so we will have dinner soon. Have a good evening everyone!

Good Morning Everyone,

Yesterday was my annual family duty day. My sister owns a dance studio that my nieces teach in and my great-nieces dance in. For the past 45 years (since my nieces were little), I have been sitting through the recital almost every year. Two hours driving up there – three hours sitting through the recital – two hours driving home. Got home at midnight and fell into bed. Put the car’s AC on high to keep me awake driving home. Every year I promise myself it will be the last time I do this – every year I guilt-myself into going.

Today I have nothing scheduled. Did my 4 miles on the treadmill this morning (65 minutes) and plan to take it easy for the rest of the day.

Lynn

Hi Donna,
Your mother sounds like my ex. He was a GREAT GUY to his friends and co-workers – even to my family members – he was just nasty and violent to me.

About that pound – I visualize it as a rectangular metal bar – HEAVY – that I have to carry around on my chest. On the other hand, I visualize my cravings as little vicious pac-men with extremely large and sharp teeth.

Hi Rie,
That barstool comment is no compliment – just a snide/rude “jealous” comment. Watch your back with that person.

Those thunderstorms hit us early morning on Friday – really scary. One was so loud and strong that the alarm went off on a car in my parking lot. The crack was followed almost immediately by fire engine sirens.

Hi Zoe,
These Atkins (chocolate) cookies are pretty filling – and are NOT so delicious that they tempt you to eat more. Note my suggestion that you need to warm them & sprinkle them with Splenda.

Hi Rosey,

I ABLSOLUTELY agree with you – don’t bring it home and have food available that’s good to eat. My latest treat is a whole wheat baked pie shell filled with sugar-free vanilla pudding and topped with blueberries mixed with Splenda. Easy to make, low calorie & lo-carb.

Hi Mary,

I hope you are feeling better. I just read that summer colds last longer than other-season colds. Maybe it is the same with UTI’s.

Hi Karen,
SO HAPPY to hear from you. So SORRY to hear about your surgery. I am sending all my best wishes for a smooth and quick recovery.

Hi Rosey,
BUY something new! As you are losing, it’s important to start seeing your new body in new clothes. You are changing and your clothes should change too.
Hi Karen,

What did I miss? What house? Are you moving again?

Hi Rie,

Glad to hear you are going to the doctor. Any new medications/vitamins? Whenever I don’t feel good, I suspect my meds first.

Hi Nancy,

Sorry you haven’t been able to sleep. Hope you can rest up this weekend.

Hi Mary,

I never took care of my parents (both died young [61] and unexpectedly). However, I did take care of my DH for 2 years and it was VERY difficult. It was DEFINITELY like having children again – but children with no hope of growing up. After his stroke, I could not leave my DH alone for 5 minutes. Couldn’t even take a bath unless someone was here to watch over him. He had no ability to make sensible choices.

Sitting here drinking my mocha frappe. Dh fixed my breakfast and I had a fried egg and about 1 1/2 T. hash browns but turned down the brown and serve sausage. He said he used 1 T of light margarine for both his and my breakfast so hopefully I didn't get too much of that but It did taste a little fat and salty. My weight is up again so I am back counting calories and carbs. So far ok on both. We got the ad for our rig posted on Craigslist kinda late last night, and so far no inquiries. We are both fine with keeping it if no one wants it or they won't give us enough for it. Today looks like an easy day...after my daily housework (almost done) and a few other jobs are done, I want to wipe out the spice shelf in the RV, then maybe go to a store for a small box or gift bag for my gd's other gift (unless I find one around here) and a birthday card for our "adopted" gd. That's about it.

Rie - I hope you find the answer soon to your heart burn. I think I told you I use Prilosec OTC? I have a very large hernia, which was repaired but broke open again. I have had this annoying drawing sensation in my throat almost ever since the surgery which has just gotten worse and worse. It's not really painful but still really gets to me so I finally started taking the OTC med per doctor advice. After 3 months it helped me so keep taking it. He said to try now and then without it but so far every time the discomfort begins again. I actually don't get what I would call real heartburn very often so I did not realize this was GERD until he said it was.

Hi GG,
I’m back from my roller coaster trip. DD and I had a blast. One day was lousy eating day. Fried chicken strips for lunch and chicken penne pasta at Applebee’s for dinner. The cool part is I was right back on track on Thursday when I got home. That’s a rarity for me. Usually it takes me a week, month, year, decade to get back on track. So I’m HAPPY about that. The roller coasters were a blast but the coolest part was the killer whale show (Shouka) and the dolphin shows. Watching the animal trainers and the animals was amazing.

I’m going to surrender to not doing personals. I have read the entire thread but this is a prolific board! A couple notes. I was entertained by my swimming length conversation. Do you all remember the old game of telephone and how you say something and by the time it gets back to you, the story is changed. I swim a quarter mile a day and I saw half mile and a mile in the thread. It reminded me of the old game. BTW, I can swim a mile but I do a quarter mile. I don’t consider swimming my exercise. Several years ago I did and I hated my pool by August. So I use my treadmill, elliptical and bike for my aerobic exercise and hiking with my dogs for my morning exercise. Swimming is just for my entertainment because I LOVE to swim.

I’m keeping KarenFL in my thoughts. It’s very scary. I’m glad you are starting to heal.

Zoe, I’m a morning muncher too. I came up with saving part of my breakfast for 10:00 am and it really helped me stay on track. Also the go-karts are pretty cool. DD found an indoor track when we were in CA. I think she had as much fun doing the racing as the roller coasters.

Wow, Rie, some of the comments are rude. Some people are so dumb – they never think before they open their mouth. Too funny about "rotten aging". I hope you feel better soon. I agree with the others - suspect those meds.

The jumping off pounds – I can visualize that – since I definitely have seen them jump back on without much effort.

Mary, WTG on the weight loss. Great job!

Karen31, thanks for the link to the shrink pictures. I will try it on my Shouka killer whale picture and post a pic of the cutie.

Donna, enjoy your massage. I am jealous. And not even of the dinner – just of the massage.

I know I missed lots of personals but I'm starting fresh from here. I think I make that resolve as often as starting fresh eating on plan.
Marie

am still moving....heart is fine atteries clear just got a deffective value.Oh well 1st one lasted 71 yrs. Meds have me bleary eyed. Thank u for your payers....k3

Here's Shouka doing a back dive during her show at Six Flags near SF. The show was amazing.

Sorry shrinkpictures.com rotated the original and won't let me rotate it back...

Karen, it's wonderful you were able to post your progress. Here's praying the fixed valve will last another 71 years...

Hi everyone..busy day getting ready for my guys to get home.they're always starving when they walk in so fixed oven fried chix,potatoe salad,and strawberry shortcake. fixed my chix breast seperate of course. its been a joy to have Tyler here and hes going home tomorrow. he helped me do alot of projects i had put off,beat me at mexican train dominos every game. reorganized my books alphabetically( as its drives him nuts my books being helter skelter ) and makes me laugh as he likes to joke around,talk about books,and we like the same movies.he informed me when im gone he gets my books,he always says it like it is and cracks me up.ill miss him. we dont eat bear meat yuk but so it isnt giving its life for nothing we give the meat to friends who love it.hoping your weekends awsome rosey

HI GG's,

I've had computer problems the last few days. CAught a virus and had to take it in. All good now. The computer guy actually told me that he didn't believe in anti-virus programs, didn't think they worked. I've always been told they were a must. Do all of you use them? Can't do all personals, but read all of them. Thinking of you.

Karen, So glad to see you posting again. You gave us quite a scare there chicky! Glad to hear that you are coming along. Is that southern? Yes I guess it is, but then again, so am I!

Have a good night all,

Freda

Hi all,

Have been reading the latest thread notes, but too overwhelming to do personals. Some things that stick in my mind…

love the pound descriptions…so creative!

KarenFL – So happy to hear that you’re ok and on the mend.. take it slow and easy!

Z – Sorry to hear about your friend. I have a client that gives me loaves of banana bread, and of course I hate to throw them away so most get eaten.

Rei – Hope the Dr finds out what’s causing the tummy blues and gets you back to being hunky-dory.

I had one of the best days so far this “summer”. Went to one of the Cape’s 360 fresh-water lakes (Scargo lake) and swam 10 laps..first time in the water this year. I figure that was equal to about 15 laps of a 50 yard pool. Once I was up to 50 laps so I have a way to go. The sun was out, the breeze was blowing, I read my book and enjoyed the day. Had blue fish for dinner.

I have been tracking my exercise, weight, meditation, and my mood on a chart for about 2 weeks, and it seems to help me get more motivated. I am doing ½ hour to 45 minutes of yoga most days, and strength training at the gym 2-3 times a week.

Bye for now. Love to all my GG friends.

lyn

Today has been pretty lazy - I'm still getting very tired from doing very little - I guess I'll call my Doc on Monday about this increased dose of BP medication he has me on. We grocery shopped this morning, came home and cleaned out the refrigerator, put everything away, and I've been washing & hanging my clothes for work next week (Well, the washing machine actually washes them of course...I just shake 'em and hang 'em.) Mostly I've been sitting in front of the TV watching back episodes of "Brothers & Sisters" - I discovered it awhile back and am soooooo hooked! Tomorrow is supposed to be a beautiful day, and dh & I are planning to go down to the lake and do a little walking and a little sitting in the sun. Maybe have a swim if the place isn't crowded.
Thought I'd try again to post some beach pictures. We'll see how that goes...
I probably won't manage to get to everybody since this is a kind of a quickie, but I'm thinking of all of you...glad you're doing okay, Karen3...and Marie, saving some breakfast for 10:00 makes sense; I will definitely give that a try! As for the Atkins cookies, Lynn...I believe that my eating is mostly psychological. The cookies may be very filling, but I've never let some silly thing like feeling full stop me from eating every last one. I'm better off just not eating anything sweet at all. Some day I hope to become as disciplined as you are about eating. Exercising, too.
Hoping everyone here has a nice day tomorrow - neither dh nor I have a father living, and of course he has no children of his own. Mine will probably drop off a card and gift for him - from the "grandkids", but other than that, we'll be on our own.
Rie, I'll be glad when you can see your own doctor! What kind of lazy non-diagnosis is that? Telling you to continue the antacids? I swear, doctors nowadays want to charge an arm & a leg just for you to walk through their office door. Blah.
Okay, hugs to all my lovely GG's...

Z