Good afternoon, ladies! Only in the 40s all week with temps in the 20s at night. Burr!

I completely forgot to read your posts or make one of my own yesterday. I went to the Y and my water aerobics instructor is out on personal leave for an indefinite time. They have a new person to take over but don't know when. In the meantime, we had Water Zumba. I like it okay for something different for a day, but not for a class 3 times a week. I'm going to the earlier class tomorrow and give it a try. It's up one level from what I have been doing but I don't think I'll have a problem since I can do the Zumba okay. This is actually for the better because I'll be able to follow water aerobics with Seniorcise so that will be fun. I had Bible study last night. After our class, we had a woman speak who left today for Hati, her third trip. We have a group of 9 missionaries from our church who go and take school supplies, clothing, medicines, etc. for the city of Jackson which we twin with. Her stories of the squalor people live in were heart wrenching (and she didn't want any money). Her point was that as bad as conditions are, the people are still happy because they have never known anything different while many Americans have so many possessions and are looking for more and are not satisfied with their life. The last time they were there, they dug a well so they would have clean drinking water. This time she is going to help them set up a women's coop so they can make things to sell here, with missionaries, etc., bringing them back to the US and other countries to sell.

Maggie, it looks like you have competing dogs - I can carry the ball longer than you! We had a meeting topic 2 weeks ago, and your leader may have mentioned this, that we should not think of fruit as free but as 0 points. The difference being that free implies that we can have as much as we want but 0 points gives the connotation that there is a cut off point. I am like you, if no one answers the leaders questions and I know, I'll put my hand up. She doesn't know that I was a WW leader before I moved to VA so I have tried to keep up with things. I think when I get back to goal I'll apply to be a receptionist. WW paid really good when I worked for them.

Jean, have you found the calendar?

Faye, I'd drill a hole in the wall and put a hose to it and run some water into their place for a change. I hope you can get in touch with the landlord. I'd leave him a message that he could deal with it or face a law suit, whichever he preferred. How is Jack's knees? I feel for him.

Have a good evening. Biggest Loser starts tonight so I'll be in for some good motivation again.

Good morning to you ladies! Boy you are never going to believe what happened yesterday. After I posted yesterday, I put on a coat over my nightgown, put on my crocs and marched over next door. The water kept coming underneath the wall and I had used up about 8 towels already. I was as my mom used to say, "out for bear." They actually had their back gate unlocked so I marched up to their condo and rang the bell, which no one answered. The back door was ajar as was the storm door and the lights were all on so I banged on the door until the same moron that left Jack out in the cold the other night came to the door. I told him that his machine was leaking again, I had water all over my bathroom floor. I explained what it could be if not the machine and that he should call the landlord. He looked at me like I had grown two heads or something. I said, "Ok?" He just looked at me then shut the door!!!! Believe it or not, the jerk ignored me and continued to do laundry and I continued to sop up the mess, which put me over the top. I called the owner's rental company around 8 am. Luckily, his wife is on the board and I have a number for the board members. I got her on the phone, explained it all and told her what happened on Sunday. She couldn't believe they hadn't called them, but you will know why at the bottom. She said the woman on the lease travels all the time and I probably talked to her son. She took my phone number and name and said she would call the renter, call their maintenance man and if all else failed call roto-rooter. She promised to get something done right away. She said she would call me back when she found something out. She called late in the afternoon. The witch on the lease told the owner the'd had company since Christmas and were using the washer a lot but that she KNEW it wasn't a plumbing problem that her washer needed fixing for at least a couple months (this was when the last time it happened and Jack went over there and told her it was leaking.) I couldn't believe it when she told me that and I was seeng stars by this time. The owner told me she told the renter in no uncertain terms that the washer was not to be used until it was fixed and if I called her again about finding water in my bathroom they were going to have a serious problem. She told me to call if I had any issues at all and she would sic her husband on them and they did not want him to get in on this. I know her husband and he doesn't mess around. He is a nice man, but I think he would take them apart if they continued to use it. So we shall see what happens. From now on, I am going to call them directly and save the grief!!!!

Maggie: You are now part of our little Harry Potter family. I know a lot of church people are all over these movies about satanism and witchcraft and such, but none of them ever watched any of the movies or read the books. Her books are all about good versus evil and learning to respect others unlike yourselves and such. They actually have really good values for kids to learn like acceptance of others, that families without a lot of money (ie the weasleys) can be happy, and such. One of the things Mr Weasley says in one of the movies when Harry is having to go before the Wisomgomat (Ministry of Magic court system) He tells him not to be afraid, "Truth will out." It also teaches kids not to be afraid of bullies, which I like. As far as movies are concerned I love the movies. They are very entertaining to watch and you see the kids grow up before your every eyes with each movie. They are now grown ups and the girl is a sophmore at Brown her in the states I believe, the kid who plays Harry has now done several films as has the redheaded boy who plays Ron Weasley. If you have time, can you type up and post the recipe? I love Chinese food and would love a good low mein recipe that is WW friendly.

Susan: I laughed out loud at your suggestion to drill a hole and put a hose through to their side! The thing is, they had to have had water on their side too. It is raining here today and kind of chilly. The knees are not doing so well, but he just keeps on keeping on. He checked and he has 35 days of sick time, which would allow him 7 weeks off when he has surgery. It is going to take awhile before all that gets arranged though as the wheels of Tricare move slowly and we want to cross all the t's and dot all the i's so we don't have to pay for anything.

Jean: I don't know if you ever said, were you born and raised in Iowa? I don't know how you stand that cold. It would kill me. I have to get a congratulation card for Thomas for his arrow of light. I asked Jack if we should just give him money and he said yes, so money it is. Like Mr J Paul Getty needs it. That kid hoards his money until he wants to buy something and since his parents bought him the phone he wanted for Christmas he probably has quite a stash.

I got a Knit Picks catalogue yesterday and they has some really pretty new sock yarn. I am itching to order some, but I have a ton to use up first. I can't just go nuts buying yarn as I don't have anywhere to store it really. I will say if I ever get rich and buy a big house, I will have a room that is all about yarn and have tons of shelving and baskets and such which I can label for lots and lots of yarn!

It is white sale month and I ordered new sheets for our bed and new towels. I buy towels about every two years or so and the old ones I keep for coloring hair to sop up water.... and stuff. My towels are not all worn out so I am replacing 8 sets of them in some pretty pastel colors. I have all bright colors right now.

Well gals, I need to go. I had to do laundry again this morning so it will be back to the laundromat this afternoon. Thanks goodness we can file our taxes later this month and get the return soon so we can fix the car, but a new chair and get a new dryer! Have a good hump day gals! Faye

Good Morning, Flowers! It's a cloudy gloomy day in my neighborhood; the slight breeze makes it feel colder than it really is. I've been to get my nails done and thought I might have to babysit the phone in Bob's office while his secretary is gone for a couple of hours. As he puts it, he's been busier than a cat in a litter box! The other agent isn't busy so guess he is answering the phone because no one called me to come in. I'm going to attack a drawer full of pictures and "saved" papers I thought I couldn't live without.

Susan -- I hope you enjoy the different aerobics class and/or you can find one you do like better than doing Zumba all week. We have a couple of missionaries and Peace Corp members in our church. I always enjoy hearing their talks; makes me appreciate what kind of life we live here. We just had a Fair Trade Festival at church and did very well. Most things were hand made and made very well. Nope, haven't found my calendar. I just can't believe I threw it away, but maybe in my haste of decluttering I did just that.

Maggie -- I haven't seen the recipe on the site, but will look for it. I'm sure anything you make is good! I'm only going to whisper this . . . we haven't had nearly the snowfall as last year . . . but winter isn't over yet either. I am never caught up on my ironing and that's because I iron anything I wear in public as well as Bob's shirts and slacks that he wears to work, church, etc. He has a bad habit of laying (lounge around after work) clothes on the closet floor to the point where I tell they look like he's slept in them.

"Gma"-- Your neighbor's son must be an idiot! Her too! I'm glad you were able to talk to someone who has some power to do something about the problem. I sure hope Jack doesn't need to use all of his sick time for knee surgery. Do you think he will need it on both knees? Yes, we both were born and raised in Iowa. As we've gotten older it seems like it takes us longer to warm up! I guess we just are accustomed to cold and snow winters, as well as hot and humid summers. Where did you get your towels?

I need to get busy and get something done before lunch! Have a wonderful Wednesday and I hope the sun is shining on you!

Jean -- from Iowa!

Good afternoon, ladies! It's just 40 degrees and they are forecasting snow for Friday.

I went to the new water aerobics class this morning and really enjoyed it. I did find out that our instructor's mother came up for the holidays and became very ill and has been confined to his house and he is staying with her until she is well enough to be left alone. The class I did today was medium impact and a lot more structured and I may just stay there. I felt it was more challenging. I was thinking about doing another class after one and when I had showered and dressed, decided I was tired enough to just want to go home.

Faye, people are nuts! Only an idiot would use a leaking washer time after time. There'll be mold on their side if they don't dry it up. I'm glad you found someone to help. If T is miserely enough, perhaps he'll save enough to buy you a bigger house with a knitting studio. LOL!

Jean, I think your snow is coming here. Our average snowfall is 7 inches a year and we've had twice that already. I'm sorry about your calendar. I received a $50 gift certificate to Barnes and Noble for Christmas and spent a couple of hours looking for it yesterday...found it in my lunch bag's side pocket. What possessed me to put it there, I don't know.

Hi, Maggie!

Have a great day.

Maggie: I peeked in here and saw you sent the recipe and went and looked and found it so thank you. It looks yummy and I love Chinese food so this will be great!

I have decided to do something Maggie did to spur me on. First off, I am going to try really hard this year to cut out or cut wayyyyyy down on any kind of desserts, diet or otherwise. I am also going to limit my diet soda and then I am going to start myself a Pandora style bracelet from this great site I found. I am going to give myself a charm for every 10 lbs and so with the amount I have to lose I might just get two bracelets! I have wanted a Pandora bracelet for a long time but they are really expensive. This site sells the same kind of stuff for a lot lot less. They have some really cute charms, spacers, locks and such so it will be fun figuring out what I want the finished product to look like.

Well I need to go. Jack will be home soon and we have to do another run to the laundromat to dry all those darn towels I had to wash today. Have a good afternoon ladies!!! Faye

Good morning to you gals! It is a nice sunny day today and supposed to be in the 50's today. I just finished paying bills and grr thought we were going to get to pay our tags online since cars after 2008 no longer have to have inspections to get their tags and they set up an online payment center. Nope, as they don't take Visa only Mastercard, Discover and American Express! We can mail it in, but I am always afraid they won't get back here in time and you don't get the darn paperwork until the first of the month in which you need the tags. I am going to take it easy for the rest of the day. I got really sick yesterday and am run down today so am going to take it easy today. I think it was my diverticulosis as I wasn't vomiting, but I am not sure. It happens infrequently and I never know when it will happen so I just have to deal with it when it does. I am much better today, but like I said I feel really tired and just icky so rest is the best cure for that.

Jean: I had to giggle at your hubby's analogy of being busy! I never heard that one before. Jack's right knee has already had surgery. He still has a lot of soreness, mostly going from sitting to standing and vice versa, but we think the other knee now has the torn meniscus. The problem is, it can be repaired, but not replaced so..... He needs around 6-8 weeks after surgery to recover so he thinks it wil be knee first and next year the hand. He also has some sort of esophageal problem so may need surgery for that. He is just a mess! The knees are from walking around in boots on a steel deck of a ship for 20 years.

Maggie: I always eat breakfast or I would binge I think. I try to eat a serving of high fiber cereal or oatmeal, yogurt and fruit. I occasionally have eggs and such, but when I am taking care of myself I try and do the high fiber.

Susan: I think that boy will turn into a millionaire. He has just the brains and personality for it. He can then buy his Nonny a nice house with a yarn studio and I will make him socks, socks, socks!

Well gals, I am going to eat something and then sit and read a book. Love having the Iphone where I can download books and read from the phone. Have a great Thursday all. Faye

Good afternoon, ladies. A cold day at 38 degrees but the sun is out and that always makes me happier.

I worked today and tonight is First Thursday Bee with dinner at Anna's with 5 friends first. I have to go to WW tomorrow because Saturday I am teaching a quilting class in Gloucester. I just hope we don't get a lot of snow tomorrow.

Faye, are you back to feeling yourself? Sorry you have to endure this from time to time. Is the print small to read the books on your phone? I can't quite wrap my head around the concept.

Jean, everyone must know they can ask you to do anything and you'll do it. Maybe you should stand in front of the mirror and practice saying "Not this time!" a few times. You are a good women to do it.

Maggie, I'll try to divert the snow we are supposed to get tomorrow to you. I sure don't want it. I eat breakfast because it is important to keep blood sugars level. The expects also say that those who eat breakfast eat less in the evening. To each his own - it's what keeps us interesting.

Enjoy your evening.

"Gma" -- I hope you are feeling better tonight. I'm really surprised that the car tag dept. won't take Visa but will accept all the others. I do hope Jack can cover all of his maladies in one visit to the doctor, poor guy. I had forgotten about his hand.

Maggie -- When we go to MN, Barney gets to play with plastic milk jugs from all the neighboring cabins. (He is a long haired doxie belonging to my "sister.") He chases them around the yard, tosses them in the air -- just a hoot to watch. His 'dad' thinks it is the crunchy noise of the plastic that he's after and can't find it. I too need to clean out the bits and pieces from the freezer and the fridge; we are NOT good about leftovers. I should say I'm not good, Bob does better than I am. I love to read food magazines and cookbooks with pictures. My stuff never looks like the pictures though.

Susan -- I'm ready for some happy sunshine! It sounds like you have a few busy days ahead. Did you have to contribute to the dinner tonight? I'll bet you are an excellent teacher! What kind of a class do you teach on Saturday? Actually I did say, "no" yesterday. The church office called right before lunch and said the secretary had gone home sick. I just said I already had other plans for the afternoon when I really didn't but didn't feel like changing clothes and sitting the afternoon away. Come to find out she just had a melt down -- it seems that after her dad died right before Christmas her brother got it in his head he was going to force a sale of all their farm land. She is taking it pretty hard on top of losing both parents within 5 months. I rarely ever eat in the evening, usually just drink water which I pay for during the night!