Hi ladies,

Sue - I did some shopping with JCP myself, using my free shipping on some 340 thread count Egyptian sheets that was marked down 40% already, and on a 2nd order, used the 40% code on some sweaters and shoes for winter. I just love a bargain! Glad you're enjoying the melons. I've got them literally right out my back door.

Mindee - a big woohoo for you losing the 9 pounds. Keep up the good work. Hope Marissa is better by now.

Marti - the fair here starts next Monday, the 23rd. Gina entered Jackson in the baby contest so we'll for sure be going to that. My niece Dani has an exhibit in the 4-H building, in photography, so I want to be sure and check that out while I'm there. Hopefully I can stay away from the funnel cakes, lol.

PJ - have you ever used fat free or low fat Italian dressing to cook your chicken or turkey breast? It is sooooo good, and helps keep the meat moist, too. Just a thought.

Cristina - hope you're having a good week.

A big hello to anyone else reading this.

I've been busy the last few days. We're adding some shelving units to the craft room for the DGKs to keep their books, puzzles, and coloring supplies, etc. I've also been doing some crafts with 8 y/o Mackenzie Jo, especially bookmarks. She made identical ones for herself and her BFF, lol. Seems like I've had lots of company, which is always fun. I tell family and friends that if they want any tomatoes, corn, cabbage, green beans, peppers, etc, to just come on out, so that's why I'm getting more company, lol. Also, I've been working with blackberries, making juice for jelly. We have a bumper crop this year.

I've been OP, drinking my water, taking my vitamins, and using the elliptical. I'm not progressing as fast as I thought I would on the elliptical, but at least I'm still doing it. All of the fresh vegetables and fruits is making this easier. Summer parties, weddings, etc. are a challenge.

Well, ladies, I hope you're week is going well. Toodles for now.

just a quick fly by post for me.

we were suppose to be going to my GMIL's birthday party on August 25th, but now we are not. They are still having the party, but we just aren't going. She doesn't want any of the great-grandchildren to come. So, Tommy said to his mom that if his kids aren't invited then he isn't going. It all started out as a surprise party for her, but then she got clued in on every thing, and now she doesn't want the great grandchildren to come. Tommy's mom and dad went to a meeting with her brother and sister about it, and all heck broke loose. Tommy's dad (mind you, he is not in the best of health....they think he has bladder cancer on top of having possible prostate cancer) got into it by telling them that if his grandkids are not invited then he might not show up as well. Which means that if we don't go, then he won't go.

Marissa is doing much better. I gave her a breathing treatment today and she has done great since then, so I haven't given her any more. But if she gets congested again, then she will be getting one.

Jane~ Thanks for the nice words of encouragement!

Sue~ great job on the riding!!

Pink Jane~ I can't wait to see pictures from your trip!

Hi Ladies...

SUE...WTG on the 7 miles! That is GREAT! WE got sod! YIPPEE! Our yard is done! Okay, the sod is, lol. WE have some trees to plant in the fall. Woohoo, a pergola! I love those things! You guys will too!

MINDEE...sorry about GMIL's party...I can kind of understand not having the kids there. Maybe she thought it would be too much for her to handle...I wouldn't hold it against her. Hope little Marissa gets to feeling better soon.

MARTI...yeah, that was crazy. But I know with our insurance if we have to see any type of specialist we have to get a referral first, or they can deny us. Seems like we pay out the arse for insurance and we have to get permission to get/have certain things done, doesn't seem right. The insurance companies have all kinds of ways to get around paying for things.

PINKJANE...wow, I am impressed! You are tiring me out just reading all you do and 2 hours on the treadmill, yikes! I think it would kill me, lol. You'll be at goal in no time at all though.

JANE...must have been shop at JCP day, lol. I bought some walking/exercise shorts for me and DD yesterday. It has been too hot for capri's or pants even at 7:30 in the morning.

HI to everyone else

It is hot here and I just spent almost 3 hours at the pool! Yikes! Hope I didn't burn...don't think I did. Me and daughter spend an hour floating on our stomach and then get out and lay an hour on our back to get an even tan, lol. We ended up staying an extra hour (don't usually stay more than 2 hours, one hour on each side) chatting with a neighbor. Her little girl was sooo very cute with her little floaties and lifesaver. Anywho...

I weighed Monday and decided then that I was going to weigh everyday to see how my weight flucuates, why? I don't know. So Tuesday I was down 1 pound from Monday. Today, I am down 2 pounds from yesterday. Curious to see what I am at tomorrow. Not really counting any of this until Monday...hopefully it sticks. Funny how much it flucuates though and not really sure why I am doing this as I am only doing it for the week, until WI on Monday.

Went for my walk again at the park. Went a little earlier this morning since I knew it was going to be hotter today. I love that park because I can get in a good walk with walking all the ins and outs and just going around the park once...it's 3 miles! Did that yesterday as well and 2 on Monday. Feeling really good too!

That's about all I have for now. Have a good day ladies!

Hi ladies- It's so nice to hear everyone sounding so perky and happy. Must be the nice summer weather.

I got in a 4 mile ride this morning and I must admit I feel good after I ride. Well, it takes a few minutes for my legs to quit feeling like noodles, but then I feel good.
Mom and I went to Wally World for some peach tea and coffee. Did not stop and look at ANY clothes. Then we went to my BFF's house to see her lilies. Oh my goodness has she got a bunch and they are so pretty. I think she said she had 78 just around her deck. Now I have to get DH to till up a spot behind the house because she is giving me lots of ferns. I have decided that I want more daylilies too. Especially around one tree. DH has the arbor about ready to set but the guys who need to locate our utilities haven't come yet. I won't plant my clematis until Spring at the arbor.
Anyway, that's been my day...along with fighting an earache and sore throat. Ugh!

BBL to report my evening ride. Might get to individuals....

hello ladies.....nothing new on this end....just relaxing some. Tommy got out of work early again today. So it is nice to have him home a couple hours earlier then usual. But, now it is rainy again, so looks like no walking for us!

Cristina~ Right now we are planning on not going. If we find out after the fact that the other great-grandkids were allowed to go, then we will be very mad. She has a tendancy to play favorites with them.

Hey Ya'll

Having a blast in Mrytle Beach. Perfect weather, no rain, today was a little too hot so we cut our beach day a little short. You should see my tan! We've been out till almost midnight every night so tonight stayed in the condo watching the ocean waves from the sliding glass door as people are setting off fireworks out over the ocean. Fireworks are legal in SC. Tomorrow the guys are playing golf and the gals are heading to Calabash, NC (only a 1/2 hr drive right over the NC/SC state line to go to meet the shrimp boats when they come in first thing in the morning and pick up about 5-6 lbs of shrimp to take home and steam. Calabash also has a huge gift shop to browse. Then we will go back to the condo, eat lunch and head to the beach for the rest of the day. Then on to the Sugar Shack at the House of Blues to listen to the live band and have a few drinks. Last night we went to Jimmy Buffets Margueritaville for dinner and they also had a live band there. Trying to eat sensibly but overdid it at a seafood buffet Monday night. Hopefully my long beach walks every day and night will make up for all I eat! Take care ladies, thinking of you as always!

I rode another 3 miles tonight for a 7 mile total again today. Planning to try 8 miles by the first of next week and then 10 miles before the summer is over. *fingers crossed*
Did fair on eating today...back to no snacks after 8 unless it is a few walnuts. Also cut my bread intake..see if that helps. Lots of fresh fruit right now and I love that.

PJ- You are doing great and getting closer to WDW too.

Tammy- I envy you so much the beach walks. Have fun!!

Mindee- Nice to have the DH home a little extra I am sure. Hope you got your walk. We have storm warnings here, but so far nothing.

Cristina- Yay for the sod! Sounds like things are coming along nicely. Glad you are enjoying the pool. Is it a neighborhood pool? Are you in a gated community? Just wondered as they do usually have pools and other activity areas.

Jane- I didn't end up buying anything from jcp. Just browsed. I need to go to the store and look at the items for the house. Just can't be sure of the colors online or by catalog. Sounds like you are keeping busy.

girls.

hello ladies.....we were not able to get any walking in tonight since it was raining on and off all night. plus, the kids were all asleep by 8:45pm! *knock on wood* they are all still asleep as well! the only one that will wake up again will be Marissa.

Sue~ Great job on your walking! I really miss my exercise bike that I had.....but now I have no idea where in the world I would put it! We have to figure out where we are going to put Marissa's crib in our room since she is getting too big for the bassinet.

Pink Jane~ I am a Pooh fan! I have a tattoo of Pooh Bear on my right leg.

Tammy~ It is great to hear from you! I hope you continue to have great weather while you are there!

Good morning, ladies,

Mindee - I can't imagine that your kids (or any of the great-grandkids) wouldn't be invited to a family birthday party. I for sure wouldn't go if my kids were left out, and although I'm not one to hold a grudge, it would be hard for me to forget that. Come on down and visit me, instead. Your kids are welcome here.

Cristina - I weigh every day, just to see if I'm making any progress, but the flucuations can be discouraging. I only count the weight loss/gain on Saturdays. The older I get, the harder it is to lose! Wow, sounds like you had lots of fun at the pool. And a big yay for the sod! I know your home must be absolutely beautiful. Btw, I took a picture of the coneflowers that are by our shed, and will try to post the photo for you here.

Sue - if you do get daylillies, try to remember to divide them every 3 years. You wouldn't believe what a difference that makes! I've found JCP catalog colors to be very true to life. Before we moved into this house, I ordered lots and lots of new rugs, curtains, etc and was impressed by the accuracy.

PJ - I'm always looking for new ways to fix the old stand-bys. Neal is such a picky eater, though, that it makes it hard. He doesn't like green pepper or any types of squash, prefers no chucky tomatoes, doesn't like cooked brocolli or cauliflower, etc, and those are the basics of low-cal eating!

Tammy - girl, you're living the life of Riley! It all sounds wonderful, and I know you worked hard to enjoy such a nice vacation. Drink something with an umbrella in it for me, ok?

Jules - did you get a package from me? You should have gotten it by now....

Hello to Marti, Jodi, Vann, Mary Kate, Sassy and all the other JL's, and anyone else reading this.

Ah, peace and quiet today, lol. I had Caylin yesterday, and we went shopping - lots of fun with that. The a/c went out in my car, and I thought I would melt. Thankfully, Neal recharged it before I went to town last night for an initiation to the Eagles auxilary.

Today I've got to tacke Mt Washmore, and also organize the new shelves Neal put in the craft room. I'm going to put the DGK's puzzles, etc on most of them.

Hope you're having a good day!

Good Morning Ladies--

Just a quick one this morning, I still need to hop in the shower and primp up for the day!

I got in my walk this morning. Yesterday I did an ab workout and a buns workout.......... feeling it today!!

I believe that when I moved (way back in April) I lost my desire of staying in control and getting healthy. Well I'm trying to get back that drive I had before the move. Get all amped up and excited to stay fit. Have to say it's pretty darn hard. But I'm trying.

I would like to see myself lose 5lbs by my vacation. (3rd week of August) Start small.....if I lose more --bonus, if I don't lose, then I need to work harder.

Ok...shower is definitely calling my name so I need to scoot. I will do indi's the next time around.

Have a fabulous day!

Happy day to you all. I am being a little lazy for now. I did a 3 mile ride this morning and it was soooo humid. I am already dreading the evening ride.

Made breakfast and cleaned that up then did some housework, one load of laundry and (still) re-arranging a few shelves in the pantry and closet. I know I am magically going to make everything fit one day. haha

My nephew came by for a short while with his little girl and his fiance's little girl. Mom had a bench to give him and we had a few other things he could use. Hate throwing things away if someone can make use of them. My niece came by earlier in the week for a comforter set I had from Vegas. So...slowly weeding out some things.

I have eaten really OP so far today. We are going out to dinner and I planned my meal OP too. Now, if I don't get greedy when I see the menu!!! I am having grilled chicken and green beans (ala Jane) with a side salad or soup..depends on the soup today. I keep telling myself I know I can do this, but there are days the willpower is just kapoot. I KNOW what I need to do and I am equipped with the hints and tips from all you wonderful ladies. NO excuse to do what I do. *end of mini rant at myself*

Tune in later to see if I managed to be good and if I rode another 4 miles for my 7 today.....

Nothing new here today.....it is raining again, so no walking after dinner. But hey, I have been doing great in every other aspect. Now, I just have to find something on ONDemand to work out too. They have some upbeat workouts, so I figure if I check out the dancing ones, then it won't feel like exercise to me and I will enjoy doing it even more!

Jane~ Thanks for the hug and the invitation! The funny part about the whole thing was that it was suppose to be a surprise party for her, and somehow she got clued in on all the details. She didn't like any of the ideas that were tossed around before, so now they are back to square one and not having a place to have it at. They were going to have it at a park so that the kids would have something to do while the party was going on. Then they scratched that and wanted to do it at a restaurant, and now they are back to not having ideas again.

Marti~ Good luck with your mini-goal before your vacation!

Cristina~ Marissa is doing good today. I gave her a double treatment this morning because she was really gunky sounding. Now, she is laughing at Logan getting his diaper changed. That would be a great honor to present that flag to the family.

Sue~ Great job on your ride! good luck at dinner!

I finally decided to officially join y'all. I have been lurking and just playing the words games so far. Today is my 4th day and I have done really well, have not cheated once. I am nervous though cause historically the 3rd or 4th day has been the danger zone for me. I told my family to keep an eagle eye on me, to not leave me alone for a second for the next couple of days.

I have not started exercising yet. I decided to get my eating under control first and then work in the exercise after a few days. I am a bit obsessive/compulsive, okay, alot "ocd", and I will make myself crazy if I don't ease into this a little.