I think we are up and running again? I hope so. But if we disappear again, we all know that our wonderful Suzanne is working dilligently at trying to get us back up.

I am at work and dreading the ride home. I went out and started the car 1/2 hour early. It is like 0 degrees. This am it was 12 below. I got almost to work this am and the thing stalls in the road....panic mode sets in , but I calm myself put it in N and make it into a parking lot. Then I finally get it started and it's just not right!!! Hubby came to work to check it said I might need a fuel filter or fuel pump or something? I don't know. Of course the bonehead would not leave me his truck so I would be nice and safe and cozy!!! He said he needed to do somethings and I would be fine. We my fingers are crossed and hope I am, cause it is just to darn cold to break down.

I will be back to let you know how it goes...

Hi all! Wow, that was scary. I showed up this morning and couldn't get in. Various messages throughout the morning and then finally it worked. I was determined not to leave the keyboard until I was able to get in.

If any of you are talking to others from the thread that cannot get in, have them try http://www.3fatchicks.net/forum/ to login for the next little bit. Tell them to keep trying on the .com, but for the moment Suzanne has added us an in at that address. Something about all of our ISP's not being compatible right off or something. Yeah, can you tell I'm really into computers????? NOT!

Anyway, I spent some time this morning typing away at some recipes I found that you guys have posted. I had printed out a couple of threads to read while I was away from the computer and as I scanned them before throwing them away, I found some recipes. So I am off to re-start our recipe thread. Boy did that make me wish I had saved them all somewhere. Too much finger action!!! Now it's up to you guys to fill the thread up....I did my part!

Please know that if your recipe doesn't appear on the new thread, it's not because I don't love you, it's because I didn't have it at my fingertips to retype.

I'll try and get a picture page up too in a little bit.

Anyway, I will catch you all later. Love you bunches.

You just don't realize how much you take something for granted until you lose it!

Sandy: I remember when we lived in Maine. Sometimes it would get so cold that the car would just freeze up. I sure don't miss the winter!

Andria: I hope you hear good news about a job soon. Good for you for staying positive and on program!


Thin: Thanks so much for your hard work on getting this thread updated. God bless you!

Oh, I forgot to tell you guys. 2cute is going to the hospital today to get a Doppler done on her legs. Thank goodness she is taking care of herself!

How 'bout you, Tina??? Better see about those stomach pains.

Andria: Good luck on the job front. Boy, you aren't kidding that the 'bennies' are soooo important. #1 son is paying almost $400 a month for health insurance and he's single and living at home.

Connie: Good to see you, sweetie. I think we were all going through 'withdrawals' this week.

Sandy: OMG, you must be freezing! It's been just above 0 here for the last couple of days and I'm sick of it already.

Tracy: I went to the Discovery Channel site this morning (when this one was closed down) and was able to register there. It's not the distance to a weigh in site as much as visiting a busy mall on a Saturday that turned me off. I guess I will have to do this from home.

Terri: I'm so used to "determinedtosucceed" that when you were "TerriAK" I had to think twice about who was talking.

BarbG: I don't know how they can put a maximum weight on that study and then say it's because of the size of the MRI. There are many different "sizes" to 285#s. Hope all goes well.

Mary: Good job staying on program.

I think I'm caught up now. I've spent so much time re-creating that I hadn't done replies until now. If I missed you, it wasn't on purpose, please forgive.

The recipe thread is up and running and so is our picture page, so start filling them up with your favorites.

I'm off and running. I've sat here too long. It's after 3:30 PM and I haven't been out to work yet. Think I better go.

See you all later. Love you bunches.

Thin: Thanks for the update on 2cute. I've been thinking about her quite often and it's good to know she's going to the doctor. I'll be praying for her.

Things around here have been nuts lately. The alternator on my car went out Monday night. A brand new one cost 210.00 by special order only. Dh can put it on thankfully, if he can get the thing off! He's worked his a$$ off the last two days trying to get the blame thing off and he can't. I'm not trying to make him sound like a nimrod.... he knows what he's doing. He's put motors together and changed motors from car to car. He can repair just about anything, but my car is a Neon and everything in it is so tight, it is rediculous. He's having to practically take the car apart to get to it. He said the way the alternator is put in there, Dodge must have expected to never have it break. Not to mention, it's so cold that his hands are hurting and that doesn't help anything. He just came back from Sears with more tools and even these aren't helping him get to the bolt he needs to get to, to get it off. He is so frustrated right now that he said if he had a match, he'd drop it in the gas tank and I can't say that I blame him.

Not to mention that now that we're down to one car, our day is completely crazy. We all have to get up at the crack of dawn. Dh drives me and Brian (highschool) son to town and drops me off at work and Brian at school. He then drives all the way back home, (Trey's school is less than a mile from our house) and takes Trey to school. Then he comes back to work and picks me up and I clock out so I can drive him to work so I'll have the car to pick up Trey when he gets out at 3:00. Yeah, I know it seems like there would be a simpler solution but there's not. I have to be to work at 7:00 and Brian has to be at school at the same time. Trey can't be let into his school until they open the doors at 7:30, so we have no choice but for dh to take us into town and then bring Trey back. If he takes the car onto work, then I'm stranded. It's all a very big mess and I hate it. I sure hope he gets it fixed soon.

On the up side, I have been OP for the last 3 days which makes me very happy althought I have been so stressed I've wanted to eat a cow.

Keep me in your thoughts and I'll be back tomorrow.

Love you all!

Hi Girls -
I am so glad to see everyone back. I checked a few times over the past couple days and either the site wasn't up or I just didn't feel like talking. It's so comforting to know you are all here and I was sad when I couldn't catch up with you! I appreciate everything Suzanne is doing to keep this site up! You are my family!

I'll admit that my year hasn't gotten off to a very good start. I have not been able to get back to my exercise routine, food has been so-so - meals are ok, but snacking too much. I have still been feeling bad so I went back to the Dr. yesterday - I have bronchitis. I am on yet another antibiotic and she gave me an inhaler to help with the coughing.

I'm a little stressed out about my trip to FL next week and my dad's surgery. Neither one of them has said anything directly to me, but my brother and sis-in-law have told me they are taking this procedure very hard. Dad's very depressed an mom just seems to be breaking down. That's why I have to be there --- I would want to be there anyway, but she really needs me to help her get through the days.

I feel like lately I only come here in a bad mood, and I am very sorry for that! You are all such wonderful women and give so much and I want to give as well, I just feel like I am taking these days. I have to get myself back into a better place! I guess I am just venting more than anything right now.

This weekend will be filled with cleaning and laundry and tying up some lose ends at work.

I've gotta run for now.....I'll catch up with you tomorrow!

Love Ya!
Barb

Howdy, people! I guess I'm surprised that more of us haven't made it back in here, but then after you have checked and checked and checked again and the site isn't up, you decide to just wait it out elsewhere. Anyway, I hope that EVERYONE will get in here soon and see that we are all here.

Tina: OMG, car troubles are the worst. And the crazy schedule that you guys have to keep just for transportation is nutts too. I hope your honey can get that car up and running ASAP. [[[hugs]]]

Barb: Oh, darlin'. My heart goes out to you. You, your dad and your family are in my prayers. This will not be an easy time for you. * On the subject of giving and taking, let me get on my soapbox and say: I truly believe that in any good relationship there are 'gives' and 'takes'. My best friend and I were talking about this the other day. In November we will have been friends for 39 years! And what we have noticed is that through the years, there were many times when the friendship was held together by me calling her. And then there were times when we would not have kept in touch if it wasn't for her keeping us going. That's true in long marriages too. Some months/years, YOU may be the one that really 'works' it. And then there are going to be some months/years that it will be up to your hubby to hold it all together. That's just how good relationships in life work. Please don't feel bad when you are in the 'taking' mode. You have given so much while being here. It's ok to be the one taking sometimes. [[[[hugs]]]], sweetie. Know that we're thinking of you.

Gotta run. Did anyone see the new reality show tonight, The Apprentice? It's done by the same guy that does Survivor, Mark Burnett. It was actually pretty interesting. I'll have to see after next week if it's a 'keeper'. Well, gotta get back to ER. Carter is back home this week with his new honey. I'm not sure how well that's going to go over. :

Later, guys. Love you bunches.

Here just busy. I have company coming for the weekend so I HAD to clean!!!!!

Friday night it's party time - maybe I will get lucky!!!! NOT that kinda lucky - just the kind to meet someone who I COULD get lucky with in the future?????

Hey everyone

There is a lot going on out there in our group. I missed what is going on with 2cute. Someone fill me in?

Barb, sweetie, you have every reason to be in a frustrating place right now. Hope the antibiotic and inhaler help get your health back to normal, and I will be keeping your family in my prayers as well.

Tina, the car situation sounds nuts. We've had to do similar things before, and I know what you mean about there being just no other choice. Do what you have to and keep your sanity the best you can. Grats on 3 days OP!

Thin, do you have any clue how much we all appreciate your hard work? BTW, loved your new bio. I feel like I learned a lot more about you.

Joanne/homebound, thanks for the good wishes.

Sandy, just an idea for the car, but have you tried putting in a fuel additive? I had that happen with a car of mine once, and it turned out the problem was some water in the gas tank. It kept freezing up and the car would stall. The fuel additive solved the problem. Even if it didn't, it is a lot less expensive thing to try than a new fuel pump.

Hrm. I got interrupted for about an hour and a half. My girls are still being squirrely and not in bed, so I had better wrap this up! Take care all. *HUGS*

Andria

Ok guys, I'm ready to turn in for the night. I feel like I've been here most of the day.

Andria: "got to know me better"? Heck I thought everyone here knew all there was to know about me already. As far as 2cute goes, she was in here last week and wondered what blood clots in the legs might feel like. Well of course, we all told her to go to the Dr. ASAP. So that's where she was, getting a doppler on her legs today at the hospital.

Ooooo, Lucky might get lucky....Lucky might get lucky. Enjoy your company.

Going to bed. You all have a good night.

Ok, I came back. I found the notes I took when #1 Son walked me through turning pictures into .jpg files and how to re-size them, so I posted a bunch of pics on the picture thread. Beware, you may be sorry I figured out how to do this.

Night all.

Good morning ladies!

Yeah for Friday! I was awake at 4 am, fell asleep right before 5 am and therefore didn't wake up to do any exercise. My rationale is that I've done something twice a day for the last four days. My body needs rest this AM. That's my story and I'm sticking to it! I hope to walk the dog tonight.

We've done great with food this week. DH has lost 3 of what he gained over the holidays. That's good for him to see results because it will keep him motivated and that helps me because he's the cook. I, on the other hand, am retaining water so I've gained! I'm drinking lots of water and making many trips to the ladies room so its just the body being female.

Tina - Car problems suck! I think they make cars these days so that it is impossible for regular people to fix them and therefore keeps the mechanics making money. Look at it as more time with the family! Don't let it derail your efforts!

Barb - Its okay to come here and vent. That's what we're here for - to help each other through the good and the bad times. I'll keep you in my prayers and your dad. It took DH more than 3 months to get rid of his cough and stuff so keep up on the meds. Get some zinc too!!

Kat - How's your dad doing?

Thin - I loved your pics. When is the best time of year to go to Niagra? Maybe I can convince DH to drive up there for a vacation next year. I'll get some recipes posted this weekend to get that page going again.

2Cute - I'm so glad you got to the doctor. Let us know how it went.

Andria - I liked your commitment form. Good luck with the job!

Sandy - Hope you made it home okay.

Hello to everyone else. Ooops, time is slipping away and I need to get dressed.

Good morning chicklets.
Hope all of you are good. I am still OP. I still want sweets but I will persvere.

Guess what I have. 15 baby fish. Yes thats right 15 more baby fish. I think I need to have her fixed maybe a FISHTORECTOMY

I was off yesterday so I went shopping and bought a new pant suit for the seminar next Sat. I am working today.

better run just wanted to check in an dtell you I love all of you.

I know that lyric is from a song........but it is so fitting for Maine today with the temp being all of -12 below this a.m. at my house. No you did not read wrong......that is a minus 12. And with the windchill factor it is registering like 20-30 below 0 outside.

My car is back to it's old self again. Apparently it needed the drygas, and the drygas needed to word through the lines and wahlaa all is back to normal, no more spitting and sputtering and no more CHECK ENGINE SOONlight on. Hubby did pick up a new fuel filter to put in because he does not think it has ever been changed and there is 50,000 miles on the car. Time for a new one......the one I have is a 99' Monte Carlo, and we bought the baby brand spanking new with 1 mile registering on the odometer. Now, if this car is gonna start to peater and putter I think I want to replace it now before it cost me some big $$$$!

Barb: I second what Thin said, this is all give and take and you honey have given a lot, so please feel free to come here and vent or complain or just talk about whatever it is you need to talk about, we are all here for you. Your dad and your family are in my prayers and I hope all turns out great for you. Get yourself better too, with all the stress you are under that is probably why this cold is hanging on to you so long.....take care.

Thin: I loved your post about the give and take. Marriage, friendships everything....it's all give and take and you worded it so nicely. I love the pictures of the falls too, they were great.

Tina: I hope Ron gets the car fixed for you soon. I know what you mean about cars and how they put the stupid things together now a days. My friend needed a boost one day, not that I am mechanically inclined one little bit, but she is and we put the hood up on my car and the battery is way down in and you have to almost be an acrobat of some sorts to be able to hook the jumper cables up to it. Keep Ron warm also...the weather is sure frightfull. Whats the temps down that way? Hugs to you hun.

Lucky: Wishing you luck at getting lucky at meeting someone. Have fun at the party

Terri: Glad you and hubby are sticking to it. Don't you just hate that a man can drop the pounds right off and we have to deal with water issues and woman issues. But so long as your doing it together that will be a great help. How do you get your hubby to cook? Mine is allergic to the kitchen I think? And everyone in my house is allergic to the dishwater except me. Last night we had this discussion and hubby said why don't you go out and buy a dishwasher, and I said "I would, but it would sit in the cellar for 2 years waiting for my husband to hook it up" did not go over well. But I am so thinkking of the dishwasher. Keep up the good work.

Mary: 15 more fish, wow you got yourself some breeders there. Be careful, 1/2 those baby fish are girls and half are boys and you may be having lots more baby fishes. OH MY....

Andria: Thanks for the heads up on the fuel additive, I had already put it in but did not post about that part and that is what worked and yes it will be much much cheaper than a pump. Hope you got the girls in to bed. At my house bed time seems to be a 1/2 hour to 45 minute drawn out thing, guess kids are the same everywhere.

Well girlies, I'm at work and should be doing some work. I am leaving early today to get some errands done like, groceries, banking, post office, and oh yeah, got to stop and pay the oil company so they will be sure to deliver us more oil when the time comes to keep us nice and cozy warm with these fridged temps.

Hugs to all,

Mornin' girlie girls! Well, I guess it's not really morning anymore, is it? I've been out to breakfast with my cousins already this morning. I stopped in to pick up my cell phone that I left at home and decided that I could hear you all calling me so I had to login and say 'hi'.

Terri: How cool is that that your hubby is doing the program too? I wish I could get mine to do WW with me. He "thinks" he knows what he's doing, but hasn't got a clue. MEN! Ummm, the best time to go to Niagara??? We like the Spring (April/May) or the Fall (September/October) best for several reasons. 1. I'm a ***** when it's hot and those times of the year it's nice, and half-way cool. 2. The rates at the hotel are better. You can go on-line and check the rates (I just did for May) and they pretty much go up that week before Memorial Day and down as of Labor Day. 3. Because of the temps, you can get out and walk and site-see. It's actually prettier in the Fall because all of the flowers are in the fullest bloom. We have also been in January because I wanted to see it all frozen (BTW, the Falls never freezes). I will post a couple of pictures of that time of year and you will see that it's pretty grey looking. In the Winter it is too cold to get out and do much walking/shopping/or site-seeing, so I wouldn't go back again at this time of year.

Mary: You've got some pretty "busy" fish! My gosh, girl, you're going to need a bigger aquarium!

Sandy: I don't envy you your weather. We've been in the 'teens' here all week, but that's nothing like being below zero. Stay warm. It's funny, but the day you came and mentioned about your car sputtering, #1 Son came home saying he was worried about his car and he described the same kind of problem. I'll have to mention the dry gas to him. Anyway, the REALLY FUNNY thing is.....his car is a 99 Monte Carlo too that he bought new. What a co-inky-dink!!!!

Alright, ladies. Now I have to go out to work. You all behave.
Oh, before I leave, I want to post this prayer. It was shared in the moderator's forum by Jacob's Mommy the day Suzanne got the site back up and running. Now if you missed everyone, like I missed everyone when the site was down, you might want to say this prayer occasionally.

Dear Lord,

Every single evening
As I'm lying here in bed,
This tiny little Prayer
Keeps running through my head.

God bless all my family
Wherever they may be,
Keep them warm and safe from harm
For they're so close to me.

And God, there is one more thing
I wish that you could do,
Hope you don't mind me asking
Please bless my computer too.

Now I know that it's unusual
To Bless a motherboard,
But listen just a second
While I explain it to you, Lord.

You see that little metal box
Holds more than odds and ends,
Inside those small compartments
Rest so many of my friends.

I know so much about them
By the kindness that they give,
And this little scrap of metal
Takes me in to where they live.

By faith is how I know them
Much the same as you,
We share in what life brings us
And from that our friendships grew.

Please take an extra minute
>From your duties up above,
To bless those in my address book
That's filled with so much love.

Wherever else this prayer may reach
To each and every friend,
Bless each e-mail inbox
And each person who hits send.

When you update your Heavenly list
On your own CD-ROM,
Bless everyone who says this prayer
Sent up to GOD.com.

AMEN

Have a great day!

Thin: Loved the poem. Tell #1 son to try the drygas and go to a spot where he can open her up good and give her a good ride for her money....okay...no tickets. But mine just came right out of it.
Also, could you ask #1 if his Monte Carlo ticks first thing when he starts it up in the morning then eventually quiets down? My mechanic told me that this engine is just one that is known to do it and I was wondering if anyone else had this problem? Tell him good luck.

PS) thanks for the pic info.