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#16

GailR , 08-01-2011 08:54 AM

Happy Monday everyone! It's been a busy few days. Granddaughter #2 spent Saturday and that night with us. I took her school clothes shopping on Saturday afternoon. I spent time with both of my daughters, drinking coffee and chatting on DD#2's back deck on Sunday. Wayne and I went out to dinner at Applebee's...and yes, I stayed on program just in case you were wondering. I've started walking on my treadmill again. Just too hot/humid outside for me to walk and it's difficult for me to breathe sometimes but that's because hayfever season is starting for me. Both Dads (down in VA) are doing okay. Note: I said "okay". Dad's Parkinson's is not going to get any better and even though the strength of his meds have been increased he still has problems and that's just the way it is...quite frankly. My FIL complains he hurts...in his back (still recovering from that cracked rib...and other issues there) and his leg but that's because he's not following doctor's orders which he has appt tomorrow. I know the orthpedic surgeon will fuss at him but my FIL will only tell us what he wants us to know. My FIL is NOT doing physical therapy! I can go on and on about that but what is the use. It is what it is and it's just a matter of time we get a phone call that he's back in the hospital because he's re-broken his leg or some other bone because....are you ready for this....he actually danced on Thursday night. Slow dance for sure but then he has the audacity to complain how badly his leg hurts the next day! The rest of us in the family are doing well...and that is a blessing.

I'm driving down with my daughters and grandchildren at the end of August to Va. Beach and I plan on going to the beach with them. I have bathing suit, cover-up, sand chair, beach towel, sunglasses, and sun block and I'm ready to go! I just wish Wayne could go with us but he's got to stay behind and go to work. We'll stay with my Dad since we'll be able to walk to the beach from his house.

I'm back on program and it feels good to be back in control.

As usual I'm behind in reading the posts....

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#17

GailR , 08-01-2011 08:55 AM

Donna, I'm sorry to hear about your sister, Alberta. She will be in my prayers for sure!

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#18

Maggie , 08-01-2011 01:04 PM

Marvelous Monday
GOOD MORNING MAGNOLIAS

It is fixin' to be another 3 diget day here in the Heartland. YIPEKIO I am down 2 pounds this weigh day. Something is working for me. I cooked a roast in the crock pot and we had sandwiches out of it for dinner last evening. I had slathered minced garlic on it and then dumped an envelope of onion soup mix over it then sprayed it with water and crock potted it. I had put it in when we had gotten back from lunch and it was all done nice and tender after church last night. We watched a real neat program, at least we liked it, about the ancient Roman Empire. Interesting how things transpired back then. Will just came in with about an inch of paperwork he has to read for his "volunteer" job on the board of First Call. The mail man just came and I got a package...

DONNA FAYE The slippers came and I love them. They are perfect and such a beautiful melding of colors. Thank you so much ~ I will think kind thoughts of you each time I wear them. Sad thing about your sister Alberta. I will certainly have her in my prayers. And here I thought I was the only one that made a mess cooking dinner. I use my whole kitchen. Lets hope that Branson will be a lot cooler in 7 weeks time for you to really enjoy your vacation.

JEAN Tricia lives out in CA as do my imediate family. I have other relatives scattered across this USofA though. Do you think they will end up cancelling that ballgame? How do they let everyone know if they do? What ~ no cool breezes at the lake. That is not good. It does zap your strength when it is like that for sure. Better cooler days will come.

GAIL What fun to take your grand daughter shopping. Did you find some suitibale things she wanted for school? Applebees does have some yummy OP items on their menu for sure. I don't doubt that you made good choices. Sounds like you have a fun excursion to go to the beach when you have all the equipment. Yep, slather on that sun block. Days are gone when we cooked our skin with coco butter and iodine.

Everyone have a lovely Monday. Type at y'all later.

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#19

GailR , 08-01-2011 02:10 PM

I love getting mail! And it will be a sad day when the US Postal System cuts back on how many days they make home deliveries because...

Thank you Donna, for the beautiful slippers you made just for me! They are sooooo cute! I love how the colorway worked out and both of them match each other exactly! You have a talent for knitting that's for sure. Your knitting reminds me so much of a wonderful friend I have here in Delaware. She's been knitting for about 5-6 years and not only can she knit well, she knits fast...like you! Again...thank you so much!

And thank you Maggie, for the exercise sheet for arms! How did you know I needed that?! Of course you printed very distinctly not to bend and of course my postman...who is NOT a nice person (and I'm not the only person to say this) bent it anyway getting it into my mailbox but there was no damage done. Especially since I tuck all my clippings and things into those clear page protectors. Thank you. And congrats to you on your weight loss! Good job.

Today has been a quiet day. Its warm and kind of humid outside. I made myself a strawberry and banana smoothie for 2 points. Just plop a heaping cup of frozen sliced bananas and strawberries into the blender. I put in 2 packets of Splenda. Pour 8 oz. of fat-free milk. Blend. Magic! Yum. It's not rocket science, ladies!!

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#20

Maggie , 08-01-2011 03:39 PM

Back To Yack
GOOD AFTERNOON MAGNOLIAS

I came back to my office to take a break. I just pealed and cut up 2 cling peaches, 2 bartlet pears, 2 red apples, 2 navel oranges, 3 kiwi and 1/2 of a fresh pineapple and tossed in 2C of fresh blueberries. Sprinkled some lemon juice all over it and it is all in a large tupperware bowl chilling in the fridge. I usually like to put strawberries in it but they didn't look so good this time we bought fruit. I don't usually put bananas in because they get to soft. I also took a basket of blackberries and sprinkled Splenda over it and have it chilling also. I did't want to put them in with the other fruit so they wouldn't get squished. We may just eat them by themselves with some low point cookies tonight. For lunch we had roast sandwiches. I also like to have some condiments with it and 4 of the Mezzetta jalapeno large green olives is only 1 P+ and I like them so well. They are zero points for just one but I need more than just one! Really like them. Tonight I am grilling pork chops and serving it with some of my rice mixture and sliced fresh tomatoes out of our garden. That is my day of food.

GAIL You know how I love smoothies! I could just taste that one you talked about. Yum. You are quite welcome for I just figured everyone needs some arm work. Even that gal in that picture doing all the exercises. I am going back to the kitchen to get those pork chops out to thaw.

Type at y'all later.

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#21

QuilterInVA , 08-01-2011 08:12 PM

Good evening, ladies. It's cooled down to 88 degrees but the humidity hasn't been too bad. Apparently it stormed while I was gone but there were branches all over and water standing. It was so hot over the weekend! July was a big month for rain. Normall we have about 3.5 inches and this time we had 9.5! I can hardly believe I still have green grass and it's August!

Faye, my slippers have arrived yet - told you I live in the boonies. I can hardly wait. Fortune is nearly as spoiled as my cat was. LOL. I certainly hope its cooled down a little by the time you go on vacation.

Jean, I remember sitting outside when I was a kid and it would be too hot in the house. Only problem with that was we lived on a farm and if the wind was blowing in the wrong direction, you all got to smell manure.

Maggie, I got the exercise sheets today. Thanks! I'll use them on days I don't get to the gym.

Gail, your FIL sounds like he won't quit until he has to be in a nursing home. You just can't reason with some people. I hope he doesn't get in a prediciment where he has to stay with you again.

There was a new exercise class that started today at the Y I could do - chair Yoga. It was wonderfully relaxing. Next week is the big week - PT here I come.

Have a great evening. I'm still tired from my weekend so will go to bed soon.

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#22

Jean , 08-02-2011 12:19 AM

Good Night, Flowers! I'm on my way to bed after our trip to the baseball game. We went through Sioux City to drop off Beth's camera and it was 102 over there. At the game site it was only 100, but there was a breeze. It was a hot breeze but it did help.

I've got the gift shop and Neighborhood Night Out tomorrow -- have to bake cookies in there somewhere between the two. How do I get myself into these things??

I'm not reading former posts tonight; maybe tomorrow I can get caught up with your news. Hope you all have a terrific Tuesday tomorrow!

Jean -- from Iowa!

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#23

gma22 , 08-02-2011 08:17 AM

Good morning ladies. Same old story, hot and sticky here and no end in sight. Poor Jack had to work out on the pithog all day yesterday, which meant out in the middle of a sewage lagoon and in over 100 degree heat and 108 heat index. He came home wiped out.

Have mercy, this is from the Commercial Appeal this morning and this address is less than a mile and a half from our house:

Body found on roof of home in Fox Meadows
By Jody Callahan
Posted August 1, 2011 at 8:25 p.m.

Memphis police are investigating the discovery of a body on the roof of a house in the Fox Meadows area.

A homeowner at 5353 Derron found the body around 7:30 p.m. and called police. The body appears to be that of an adult man, but police don't know anything about how he died yet.

We are still waiting on our car. The part hadn't shown up yesterday to finish fixing it. Hopefully, they got it yesterday afternoon and can install it today so we can get it back. It is costing the insurance company a bundle in rental fees I know that. As long as we have a car, we are not sweating it too much, but I would like my suv back.

Maggie: Tx for the printouts. Glad you like the slippers

Susan: I imagine yours will be here today. I told Jack last night since one arrived on the east coast and one in the midwest I figured they would all be delivered on the same day, but ooops my mistake! Fortune is terribly spoiled and when Jack goes back on a fall schedule it is going to be murder to readjust him I think. I don't exactly know how to do it as I have been holding him off for almost a month now and he still barks at me to feed him before 6, usually around 5 or so. Ahh well, I will just keep working at it. He is quiet now, having gulped down his food he is asleep, the little bugger!!! He got me up at 2:30 to go out then drove me nuts wanting to eat until I finally fed him around 6:30. I noticed we are now hearing about tropical storms a brewin.' Hope you don't have anything this year.

Jean: Sounds like you had a hot and exhausting day. This heat will take it all out of you for sure. I read these great murder mysterys by a woman called Diane Mott Davidson. Her main character is a caterer and she includes wonderful recipes in each book. If you ever decide you want some cookies that are different, I have several recipes I copied and put in a file of her stuff. She has some chocolate ones that sound wonderful and a spice cookie that sounds really good too.

Gail: Glad you got your slippers. I do hope they fit. Like I said, yours were the ones I was concerned about as they were the smallest size and I did them first. Have you ever heard of Portuguese knitting? I read an article yesterday then watched a couple utube videos on how to do this. For one thing, it puts way less stress on the hands and arms. It is an unusual, though not difficult technique involving the yarn either going around the neck or through a "pin" attached to your clothing. I guess this makes perfect tension, then the way the stitches are knit allows for very little movement of the hands, mostly just a thumb so it is great especially for those with carpal tunnel or hand problems. It was really interesting. If you are interested to see what it is like, just google Portuguese knitting and it will come up with videos and such.

I have a clean house, I put the other sock on needles and am waiting for yarn to start a cool project for a birthday this winter. I had fun deciding on the the colors and finding the right project. So, guess I will knit today and listen to my audio book and finish it up. I changed my library lending to just one week and since I can only take out 2 at a time, I already have two ebooks finished and am about a 1/3 of the way through the audio book and they will "drop off" my library account on Friday so no sweat.

Everyone have a good Tuesday and keep cool if you can. Faye

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#24

GailR , 08-02-2011 10:10 AM

Good morning everyone! Hayfever season is here and I woke up not feeling so great but thanks to modern medicine I'm feeling fine now.

Donna, I have never heard of Portuguese knitting! I'll have to google that and find out about it.

Jean, its hot and humid here for sure but we've been lucky that we've been able to sit out on the back deck in the evenings. There seems to be a nice breeze at that time so we're taking advantage of it.

Susan, my FIL made it clear to us how much he dislikes Delaware, our home, and living with us. We are boring (but WE like it that way). I feel its just a matter of weeks (or days for that matter) until he does something foolish (like not continuing physical therapy) and finds himself back in the hospital. He has an appointment today with his orthopedic surgeon and I would love to be a fly on the wall when they talk!

Maggie, that is one of the major things I like about summer (because I love the fall so much better than any other season) is the fruit! Yum.

Not a lot planned for today. It's quiet. Boring (but I like it that way).

Y'all take care....

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#25

Maggie , 08-02-2011 04:47 PM

Titilating Tuesday
GOOD AFTERNOON MAGNOLIAS

It is another hot day comin' here in the Heartland. I am so thankful for air conditioning and floor fans. I have all my morning chores done this day and this afternoon I am going to tackle the upright freezer. I am going to pull everything out and put it on the diningroom table so I can sort it according to type. I will in the process get the things that are showing too much age tossed. I do this about every two months so I can stay on top of it or it gets away from me and then is a real pain to deal with. So anyone one of you that wants to help come on over and we can have a good time doing it together. During that process I can figure out what to make for dinner. After I get all that done I need to check my glass supplies. I already have a couple of orders that came in to build for christmas and I need to get them made so I will be able to handle other kinda last minute type orders. They trickle in usualy starting late October. I am glad these two came in so early so I can get started.

JEAN I hope you have now recovered from that ball game you went to. Yep, be thankful for a breeze for when it is still it is not pleasant. Cookies, what kind did you decide on making?

DONNA FAYE I feel so sorry for Jack. I can just see him out on that island in the middle of all that yuckey stuff. How on earth did a body get up there on that roof in the first place? When you find out please give us "the rest of the story."

GAIL They have come a long way in meds to help those with hay fever. So glad you have found one that works for you. The fruit I cut up is being eaten with every meal and ooo so good.

Type at you good ladies later

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#26

Jean , 08-02-2011 05:56 PM

Good Afternoon, Flowers! I'm trying to catch up on reading posts and emails. I have about 1 hour before the neighborhood shindig starts. I hope it doesn't last very long. It is somewhat cooler only because the humidity is way down today. The sun has been in and out all day; we could really use some rain.

"Gma" -- I am so sorry to read about your sister, and will keep her in my prayers. Is this the sister who just lost her husband? We do have a window air conditioner at the cabin, but with 3 big sliding glass doors and people going in and out the doors, the ac doesn't do much good. The cool air doesn't reach the bedrooms at all. My slippers have not arrived yet. I hope your car part comes soon so you can have your car back. I, too, feel sorry for Jack having to work outside in such hot weather. Branson should be cooling down by the time you go. I don't bake cookies very often but would love new recipes.

Gail -- How fun to school shop with your granddaughter and spend time with your daughters. Your FIL will probably push to the limit until he does more damage to his leg or something else. My mom had hayfever so I know how you can suffer with that. A trip to VA Beach is something fun to look forward to also. on being OP and walking on the treadmill again!

Maggie -- on losing another 2#s! Yes, they did have the ball game yesterday. Jason is a coach and he was literally wringing wet afterwards. He had to pitch, which he doesn't usually do, so was putting some extra effort into the game. Thanks for sending the exercise sheets if I haven't thanked you before.

Susan -- Our humidity is down somewhat although Bob just came home and said it was way too hot to be outside. Enjoy your green grass! We need rain badly; our grass if mostly brown but the weeds are green. I'm sure you are looking forward to starting physical therapy next week. Will you still have to wear the brace and be on crutches?

My cookies are baked and I need to put them in something to travel next door; I'm thinking a paper plate so I won't have to bring it home and wash it. I have laundry going and the washer should be done. Have a nice rest of the day and enjoy!

Jean -- from Iowa!

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#27

QuilterInVA , 08-02-2011 05:57 PM

Good evening, ladies. It's HOT. I'm cranky. I really need to do some outside things but I can't stand the humidity. Oh, well.

Today was work and then I went to the Y and did my upper body weights.

Faye, I got my lovely slippers today and they fit perfectly. They certainly will be toasty come the cold weather. Poor Jack! What a nasty job on a good day. Fortune is probably getting frustrated that you are taking so long to train that when he barks you get what he wants immediately. It's a battle of wills - and the most determined one will win. I've read all those books. If you like them, you would probably like Joanne Fluke's. They are along the same lines and have recipes. I'm praying for your sister and will put her in our prayer book at church on Sunday. Then others will be praying for her and we also pray for the intentions in the prayer book at every mass - a daily occurence.

Jean, you always have lots going on. What do you do at Neighborhood Night Out? You posted while I was typing. I will be rid of the crutches and long brace and just have a knee brace. I can't wait until Monday at 8:30 am when I go to the doc. PT could start as early as that afternoon, but soon after anyway. I have a sunroom and skylights - very nice when you are chosing it but very hot in the summer. Since I got the new windows, however, it stays a lot cooler but still warmer by about 5 degrees than the rest of the house.

Maggie, could you come and clean out my freezer! I'm thinking about buying a smaller one. Mine is just too big for one person.

Gail, you can rest easy knowing you did all you could for your FIL. You lead the horse to water (PT), but you can't make him drink. He'll just have to learn the hard way. I'll bet he fed the doc a line of bull unless PT ratted him out.

I'm have a pork chop, steamed broccoli and cauliflower, and a lovely yellow bell pepper for supper with a few heirloom cherry tomatoes.

Have a great evening!

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#28

GailR , 08-02-2011 06:24 PM

Good evening...

Susan, as you recall the last two weeks my FIL was with us I was driving him to and from physical therapy. When I told them on the last Friday he was here that he would not be coming back the following week because he insisted on going home, the physical therapist was not happy at all. I asked him to send a report to the orthopedic surgeon as quickly as they could since his appointment was 8/2. The physical therapist said he would do that and I'm hoping they did. My husband has not phoned his dad to see how the appt went today. Here is another thing my FIL did that I think was not a good idea. He cancelled his long distance with his phone company because he had ("had" is the operative word here) a cell phone. Wellllllll...he lost his cell phone (which was one of those that you prepay)...and now the man cannot phone us here in Delaware! Just keeps gettin' better doesn't it?! Hubby is going to phone him but he's at a meeting right now and it may be too late to phone. And yeah, I know I can phone my FIL...but he will talk more to Wayne than to me. I think I annoy him!

Jean, I looooove going school clothes shopping for my granddaughters and this is the first year that I bought school clothes for my grandson. He's starting Pre-Kindergarten this year. I have the oldest to buy for now and my oldest daughter (her aunt) wants to meet us at the mall. My youngest daughter (the granddaughter's mom) does not like to shop so she's excited that is one thing she doesn't have to do. I'm like you, I don't bake cookies often and when I do it's usually during the holiday season. I am so excited that Christmas is falling on Sunday this year! I love the holidays at church. I'm looking forward to the Fall. I'll join back up with Bible study on Wednesday evenings. And there will be a Christmas Tea for the ladies and I'm looking forward to that as well. And then there is the children's pageant and they are just so cute and I love the refreshments afterwards. Can you tell I'm excited? I love that time of the year. I can just ramble on and on...

Maggie, I'm feeling so much better than this morning! I felt like my head was just going to roll off my shoulders!

Well....I might as well go do something around this house....y'all take care....

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#29

Jean , 08-02-2011 11:16 PM

Susan -- I must say I think there is a change in the weather happening! We had a nice breeze (no bugs) and it has cooled down considerably tonight. Neighborhood Night Out is where the police try to build community support and encourage neighborhood meetings around town with host families. The host family in turn invites neighbors to come and bring some type of food to share; sometimes it is a potluck, sometimes snacks, sometimes a dessert. A police officer comes and explains about the local crimes, drug scene, gangs, etc., then will take questions and concerns from us. If he can't answer then he will find the answer and call back the next day. The fire department comes with a fire truck and the ambulance with the paramedics to explain their duties. Basically it's to meet neighbors you don't know and to watch out for suspicious activities that might go on in a neighborhood. Our little area probably has 80 - 100 homes; we used to know everyone when Jason had the paper route but there have been many who have moved in and out over the years. I will be thinking of you on Monday morning!

Gail -- I'm not a good shopper either. This year I gave each of the kids their own money and told them that it was to be used for new school clothes. Maddy's birthday is next week and she wanted to use her's at the amusment park. Kolby thought he had enough to buy the convertible he wants when he's old enough to drive. That's too bad about your FIL's cell phone getting lost. Perhaps he will find it, or you will find it if you visit when you are there. I love Christmas too! Every year I plan to be more organized and it never seems to happen. I do have good intentions though.

I'm heading for bed. See you all tomorrow!

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#30

gma22 , 08-03-2011 06:30 AM

PLEASE GO TO #37

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