Hi from 'drizzly' sunny California!
Our weather is so wierd!! it goes from a scorching 82 on Saturday to drizzles today, still supposed to be warm, just yukky!

liz I have made a few soaps, just using the block of soapstuff from Michaels and some cherub molds, and at Xmas I embedded some things in snowglobe soaps... not my favorite!
And yes I enjoy doing ceramics, also making porcelain dolls. My dh decided when I started making the dolls that I needed my own kiln, so I have a pretty nice set up and able to do my own firings, which saves some money, although he is afraid we will have one of those famous rolling brown outs in the midst of a fire. I do almost all of my firing after we go to bed though, which is not when they have them I really enjoy making the ceramic eggs this time of year, and have sold some thru a local shop. I also put names on them and use them for placecards for Easter dinner. (always a hit) I have some 'not so good'photos of them on my Homepage, I'll send you a PM with the address. In case you would like to take a peak.

Must get with it! much to do today! .
I have a truck load of cans to recycle before meeting Linda for our soap shopping and then have to finish last minute sprucing up the place for company.

Have a great OP day!
This is a quiet Monday morrning!! Where is everybody?!?!
Bye

~~~
JOYce

Hi all! Sorry to be awol, but things have been really hectic, lots of grant deadlines and such, and moving into a new office.

Texaslady, I'm so glad your dd found her house! What an exciting time for her. Sounds like she made a good deal, too! Way to go, cleaning out that pantry; isn't it a great feeling to get something organized? I used to keep things *so* cluttered it was unreal, but now that we've spent a little time making permanent "places" for the stuff we need, and throwing what we don't, I find I have much more peace of mind. Our historical society is having a huge garage sale in May, so that gives me another good opportunity to clean up!

Patti, how was the retirement luncheon? I agree with you about New Orleans; it's unique, and just has an aura about it. Are you and your dh going to look for a house near downtown, like in the Garden District?

Rebecca, way to go on the ten percent! Hope your Mom is feeling better now? And no, it doesn't sound silly at all not to tell people how much you've lost; I don't share that outside this group, and my dh. It's amazing how many people will ask outright, though! I usually say "not quite enough, yet, but I feel so much better now." That clues people in w/out offending them, I hope...

Carol, your weekend sounded great! Wish I could have been there with you; I love antique stores and mills. And I'm so glad to hear that you're taking some time for yourself; you put in way too much overtime. Re: that tornado, whew, glad it missed your house in Florida!

JOYce, now you're making soap too?! Is there anything you can't do? I am so amazed at all your talents. You know, I met a lady at a country fair in Nova Scotia who was selling her homemade soaps; they were just wonderful, and I bought a bag full as gifts. She said she was on an Internet discussion list for soapmakers; isn't the 'net great?

Saara, your words are like sunshine, I can't read them without smiling and feeling better myself. So glad to hear your statistics class is almost over!

Liz, the orienteering trip sounded like great fun! What a clever way to exercise both mind and body. Did you and your friend camp out? And you're going to start birdwatching too? That sounds like fun; there are lots of "birders" down in S.Texas, too. You'll have to come down here some day and see what you can spot! Do you know, we have a pair of Great Horned Owls nesting behind our house? They're huge, and make such a resonating "hoo hoo" each evening.

Janet, how are things going in Mississippi?

Had some friends over for dinner last night, and tried out a new recipe on them, Lemon Grass Lobster Soup. No fat at all. It was absolutely wonderful, if I do say so myself! Will post that tonight from home.

Everyone have a great Monday!
Jan

Good morning ladies!! Are you all adjusting to the time change? I expected to be bothered by it this year since I get up so early, but so far it hasn't been a problem. Of course, I am the perpetual morning person!
Joyce, when are you and dh going to New Orleans? If you said, it slipped by me somehow. I can't believe you make soaps too! You are such a talented lady! I've always wished I could do that sort o thing. I have a question to ask you- I'll send you a p.m. Enjoy your company- and try to find some time to relax too!
Texaslady, send me your 80"s!! Please!!! We're back in the 30's today, although yesterday was pleasant in the mid 50's. But I'm ready for a REAL spring! This cold weather is downright depressing! I can almost feel your dd's excitement with her new house- first houses are so special! I laughed at your comment about her wanting "instant gratification"! That seems to be pretty typical of our daughters' generation- I see it with my "kids" all the time too! Want it yesterday!!!
Liz, I'm glad you enjoyed your orienteering adventure! Birdwatching sounds like fun, but I don't know if I could be still and quiet long enough to not scare then away!
Saara, I'm sorry to here that your computer is still ailing, but I'm glad you're keeping in touch with us anyhow! Any word on the Finnish test or the exchange thing? I'm glad you're finally geting some warmer weather and sunshine! Enjoy your new self confidence- and your jacket!!!
Jan, it sounds like your life just keeps getting busier and busier!!Lemongrass Lobster soup sounds delicious- let us know where you post it! Did you see the 3fc recipe of the day today for crab and asparagus casserole? That sounds so good to me- I think I'll try it this weekend.
Janet, where are you hiding? Is your body surviving daylight savings time? I know you said you aren't a morning person anyway! How's Motley doing?
Patti, how was the retirement luncheon? Were you able to stick to your good and healthy intentions?

Hi to Rebecca, both Nancies, kendra and anyone I may have inadvertently forgotten at this early hour!
Have a great day, everyone.
Carol

Morning everyone! Back to work today. Had yesterday off and was able to get a little more done in the house. I am trying to get as much done as I can so that when the good weather finally gets here I can spend time outside. So Texaslady, if you can send some of those old sun rays myway I would really appreciate it.

JanetMae, that owl sound so beautiful. I have to admit that I know nothing about birds except that the cats and I plan to do a lot of bird watching this year. I did sign up for my "birding for Beginners" at the nearest NJ Audobon refuge.

Joyce, I am looking forward to seeing your porcelin on your webpage. I am always so jealous of creative people. I don't have a creative bone in my body.

Gotta run and catch up on all my emails from yesterday.

Everyone have a great day

Good morning, girls!

Saara - I can tell you are feeling so much better about your self image! It definitely comes through in your postings. Only one more statistics class - whoo hoo! When do classes end for you there? Pretty soon, I bet. Won't be long now.

Joyce - your musings about your ceramics kind of makes me miss it! I used to do it a LOT when ex-dh was still in the military. Haven't done anything in years but I always loved it - still do, I guess. My next craft project is gel candles. I wanted to make them as favors for dd's wedding in October but her step-mother wanted to do something to help so we let her make a different favor than the gel candles. But I do think I will make some "mock champagne" candles in wine glasses to give to each of the wedding party and anyone else who contributes in some way. I have never made them, but it doesn't look too hard from what I can tell from the web sites I have been lurking on. Oh, and thanks for the little injection of "Texas" you sent to me via e-mail. It made me smile and tap my toes!

Jan - You are once again a very busy lady! Gosh, teaching is going to seem "tame" to you when you don't have so much rushing around to do. When do you "officially" leave your current position? And you find time to good such amazing meals too??? I'm jealous. I guess I have the time, I am just too lazy to cook after I get home. I do sometimes cook on week-ends, though, when I get a burst of "Betty Crocker"!

Carol - Wish I could send you some of our weather! It was 75 when I left the house this morning before daylight! But muggy, muggy, muggy! Typical weather for this Humidity City! Supposed to be in mid 80's today w/chance of showers this afternoon. You can just about copycat that weather report everyday this week per the weatherguy. Are you still traveling to Virginia several times a week! I am keeping my fingers crossed that spring makes it to your part of the world before long. Winter is TOO depressing, I agree.

Liz - Seems you are off and running on your own now! I am so proud of you for trying new things! That's a big plus for single-ness! Will try to push some of our Texas weather up north for you, too! Spring always seems like such a good time for new beginnings - whatever they be!

Patti - Haven't heard from you in a few days! How's it going? I didn't have private school tuition to pay in high school but my dd attended a private university and talk about $$$$$!!! Good thing her Dad chipped in half or she would have a whole batch of student loans right now instead of buying a new house!

Went over to the new house last night to meet the Inspection guy and see what he had to say about the place. He found several "problems" but none were major - and almost 100% of the things SHOULD be repaired/replaced/redone by the builder since the house is less than one year old. For instance, the doorbell didn't work, there were a couple loose shingles on the roof, the AC vents weren't all cooling the same (air flow problem), the starter wasn't working on the gas log fireplace, and there was a vent pipe left unattached in the attic. Because she purchased the house new, I am guessing the Seller never paid for an inspection so she wouldn't know some of these things. The only problem I see will be getting the Seller to contact the builder to get the things done since she is now residing in California. The inspector even realized that she never even had the telephone line connected! The wires are just hanging loose outside the side of the house! The phone company will have to string a line to the nearest pole. She really didn't live in the house very long and I am guessing she depended on a cell phone for communication.

Gotta go. Have a great day! Will check in again later.

Hi everyone,

Well 2.8 more pounds gone forever!!! My total is up to 14.2!!! This just seems TOOO easy this time. And still NO soft drinks......I'm amazing myself.

And yes I did behave myself at the luncheon. The grilled catfish was wonderful. It was blackened and really spicy!

TexasLady - I'd love to live in the garden district - but it is vvvverrry expensive. We are probably going to stay on the Westbank of the Mississippi River since my husband and I both work on that side.

It is finally warm here. And the strawberry festival is this weekend in Pontchatoula. We usually go - but....there is so much food there. But I know I can handle it.

My office crew is going to a local seafood restaurant this Thursday night. I can't wait for the crawfish, crabs and shrimp.

Well, my son registered for college Saturday. He is going in the fall but got to do early registration because of his high ACT score. He got all of the classes he wanted and also took a writing test and got 3 hours of English credit just for writing a paper. So he will start with Sophomore English. He is going to major in Fine Arts - Studio. He wants to be a graphic artist.

Joyce - I love to do ceramics. I used to go to a class here but the girl gave it up. I'd love to start again. Right now I'm into scrapbooking and card making using dry embossing and rubber stamping. I used to do cross stitch and have loads of stuff that I need to get rid of to make room for my new hobbies. I have carpal tunnel just bad enough to keep me from cross stitching.

Well, hope everyone is doing great OP!! Talk to you all later.

Patti

Good morning again!

Patti: I am clapping for you and your 2.8 lbs! Way to go! I wish I had your will power when I go out. Tomorrow I have to take the customers for their "entertainment". We limo them into New York for dinner and a play. I love the restaurant that we take them to and can't even visualize being op there! They have a preset menu there (customers get to pick from each section) and not one thing is even anywhere near a good choice. And look at me rambling so much about this food!
Ponchatoula! What a great name. It made me start thinking about the differences in region. In norther NJ we have names like Mahwah and HoHokus and Waldwick. The Indian influence combined with the German settlers.

Texaslady; What are gel candles? They sound kind of neat. You seem to have some of that creative juices flowing in your veins too!

Joyce: I went to your webpage and your ceramics are beautiful as is your family.

Jan: Could you send me some of that Lobster soup! Is is hard to make? I am always looking for something easy and different to have when the cooking bug hits me. Not that it does too often, but it does occasionally

Carol:I'm with you being a morning person. of course it does make it difficult on the other end of the day when I am ready to go to bed at 9pm.

Saara: Your happiness absolutely jumped out of the computer. You go girl!

Have to run now. Hi to everyone I missed.

Good Morning Everyone!

Well, I left for my meeting and had to turn around. We are having freezing rain and the roads are very slick. I decided to wait and see if it gets nicer this afternoon and then my dh and I can go and I can hit the evening meeting. Although, I know that the outcome at the weigh in will not be that great...guess I felt like I was invicible since I hit my 10%! I ate like a crazy woman. Just finally got under control yesterday. Scary. Anyway, if I do go, I hope that it isn't as bad as I am suspecting...

Saara- Congrats on the jacket! Wear it with pride!! I know what you mean about the self-confidence with weight loss. I find myself smiling more and I am more outgoing towards people. Guess if we feel good about ourselves, we radiate it to all those around us!

Jan- That soup sounds wonderful! I love trying new recipes, don't you? Sometimes I have major flops, but sometimes you find that one that will forever be a family favorite.

Patti- Congrats on the 2.8! You are doing wonderfully!! You sound like you love to craft. I do too. I scrapbook (am doing one for my mom and dad, with all their 30th anniversary stuffs and pics from their trip to Hawaii), I am thinking about doing one with all the pictures of "before" and "after" with this weight loss trip when I reach my goal. That way I have some thing to look back on. I also cross-stitch. I love it, I find it so relaxing and then when I see the finished product, I feel pretty good about myself. I am a junky though, I have more stuff and I just keep buying and buying and never seem to get it all done...

Well everyone, I guess I better get a move on. You all have a great day and I will talk to you later.

Rebecca

Hi everyone! Just wanted to touch base- it's been a very long day in a very long week, so this will be short!
Patti, hooray for you an th 2.8 pound loss!! I wish I could say the same- I'm in a holding pattern! You are really doing great!
Liz, good luck on surviving the dinner and play! Just jump right back op tomorrow!
Texaslady, your candles sound wonderful!! You are so talented!! I'm envious! I'm in VA 3 days this week- resulting in the first 3 days this week being 12 hours long each plus the commute. This too shall pass!
Rebecca, now don't go getting carried away with yourself now that you've reached your 10%!! Hang in there! Sorry about your freezing rain, but I'm glad it missed us. Our upcoming weekend is supposed to be lovely and springlike.
Janet, WHERE ARE YOU??!!
Ladies, I hate to run, but I'm so tired I can't think straight. Hi to everyone I missed. I'll talk to you all later.
Carol

Good Morning Everyone!

Just a quick note to let you know that I did make it to my meeting. I didn't get a chance to stay for the whole thing, but I did weigh-in and had a chat with my leader. I lost .4 and I am VERY happy with that. I was expecting a gain, so a loss was very nice to see.

But I better go. I have an appointment to get my hair cut. You all have a great day, keep up the great work everyone!!

Talk to you later.

Rebecca

Happy Thursday everyone - and you KNOW what' s the best thing about Thursday, don't you? Tomorrow's FRIDAY!

Rebecca - Congrats on your loss this week! It's always a pleasant surprise to have a loss when you expect a gain. Unfortunately, for me anyway, that gain usually comes the NEXT week! Just as I am patting myself on the back for losing even though I wasn't OP, it "catches up" with me the next week. So make your plan now to get back and stay OP so you will have a super week next time. It is so hard for me to visualize your icy weather - gosh, it was 73 here this am when I left for work BEFORE DAYLIGHT. And 100% humidity - so sticky, sticky, sticky. We have some kind of haze hanging over the city which the news said was coming from Mexico. Of course, add that in to the usual pollution and its pretty thick!

Liz - Gel candles are those made with a gel wax (which is clear) as opposed to regular wax which is opague. You can purchase the gel ready-made or mix it yourself. You just heat it and pour into the container with a wick and any objects you wish to imbed in the gel. For instances, those jar candles which look like "home made preserves" usually are made with some gel. Also I have seen gel candles poured into fish bowls which look like water and you can imbed glass fish, shells, etc in them to look like a mini fish tank. I plan to color the wax a champagne color and pour it into champagne glasses to make a candle for the wedding attendants. We will add a strawberry and decorate the glass stem with ribbon and a little thank you message. The are really cute.

Carol - Sorry to hear that you are so tired and having to travel so much. You must be careful or you will find yourself flat on your back again! The doctors USUALLY know what they are talking about - so don't overdo now. And tomorrow is a better day........... At least it seems you will have a nice weather week-end. Good weather always seems to pick up everyone's spirits.

I may actually try to cook something this week-end. I bought a pound of oven roasted turkey breast at the deli last week-end and I have been existing off of turkey sandwiches each night. Getting a little tired of it so guess its time for a change. Maybe something warm and nutrition - now THERE'S a thought!

Time for me to go and get back to work. Hi to everyone -

Good morning, just a quick note.
texaslady your gel candles sound like they will be quite lovely!
I look forward to seeing gorgeous pictures of the whole event!
I think it is great that your dd and fiance have found there new home ...how exciting! I remember our first!
<<<<sigh>>>>
Jan have you posted the soup recipe? I didn't see it yesterday when I looked. It sounds so good!
CarolI agree with texaslady, be careful with all your traveling that you don't get your back out of whack!
OUCH!
rebecca it sounds like you are doing great! good for you! It's good, at least for me, to at least weigh in, when I can't stay for the whole meeting.

Our company is here, it is a rare occasion for all 4 brothers to get together. We spent all afternoon and evening at b-i-l's home yesterday, the brother's all ended up in the computer room , solving the worlds problems and reminiscing, it was such a joy to here their laughter as they told tales on each other! We wives just stayed in the living room and played Mexican train dominoes, we had a good time! today we are going into L.A. to see the Gene Autry museum with them. My sil that is visiiting from OR is a painter and she enjoys seeing the artwork and we have never seen this place, it is supposed to be really nice and is not too awfullly far away.

I do ramble... must go and fix breakfast... folks are beginning to stir.
Have a good day.


~~~~~~~~
JOYce

Joyce & Texaslady, do you guys have crystal balls or something?? The back, as you both forecast, is indeed "out" again. I worked this morning, and I'm "flat on my back" this afternoon hoping it will ease up because I can't miss work these days! If it's not 1 thing it's 10 others, isn't it?
Rebecca, congrats on the .4 loss!!!
Joyce, I'm glad you are enjoying your company! I'll bet the Gene Autry museum will be fun- I loved him when I was grwing up.
Texaslady, finally it sounds like our weather will be nicer than yours! Our weekend is supposed to b beautiful- thanks to a front from Texas, they say! Sunshine and highs in the 70's, close to 80 by Sunday. Now if I can just get this back to cooperate so I can enjoy it!!
Hi to Jan,Janet, 2 Nancies, Liz, Janet, Kendra, Saara and anyone I may have forgotten! Have a good weekend, everyone!
Carol

Hi y'all...sorry to be away so long, but things have been hectic here. I've started a post everyday at work, but never got to finish and I've intended to post at night but haven't even turned the computer on at home. There have been a flurry of activities relating to graduation next month, and we have been busy making sure that all college forms are ready. Krysten is being awarded several scholarships and they all have forms and deadlines to adhere to. I feel like my head is spinning sometimes trying to remember everything. I'm going to miss all of these activities and excitement when DD starts college. I know that she will still need me, but I know that it's going to be different. She had her senior prom last Saturday and we had so much fun getting ready for that. Her dress last year was fully beaded and fitted, but the one this year was very different. She calls it her "Cinderella" dress. She had even bought glitter to wear in her hair and she and our hairdresser had so much fun "playing." Rita (our hairdresser) is a friend of mine, and she had glitter all over her when she got through. All the glitter reminded me of that time Krysten had flag/guard competition in Memphis and I had glitter in my car for days and days from DD and all her friends. I didn't think I would ever get it all out. Her boyfriend's prom is next week (he goes to a different school), so we get to play dress-up one more time. My mother and I even got invited out to eat with them and their friends before the prom last weekend. Of course, my mother ended up treating everyone so there may have been another motive for that invitation.

Everything is going great on the weight-loss front. This was my third week back OP, and I had lost 9 pounds as of Monday. I have slipped a little this week, so I will probably show a gain next week. I also have a party to go to Friday night, and there will be lots of tempting food there. I'll just have to plan ahead and leave plenty of points for that night.

Carol, I am so sorry that your back is out again. Rest this weekend and take care of yourself. I know that your DD has your precious grandson to take care of, but can she come over and lend a hand? You've got to get well so that we can paint the town when I fly up there. We are both such wild women!

Liz, that orienteering weekend sounded like so much fun. I love things like that, but had never heard of that before. I admire you for planning a trip to England on your own. I haven't even mastered the art of dining out by myself. Of course, I'm ONLY 46, so maybe I will be braver by the time I grow up!

Patti, I have a lowfat cookbook that has some wonderful recipes that you might be interested in...crawfish etoufee (sp?), several creole recipes, etc. The cookbook gives the fiber, calories and fat content so it would be easy to figure out the points. Let me know if you have any favorites that you want me to look up.

Rebecca, way to go on your loss...especially when you were expecting a gain. I've given up trying to predict what my body is going to do each week, but sometimes I get a pleasant surprise. It's a great feeling.

Speaking of great feelings, it is so great to know that you are so happy lately Saara. I agree that your happiness just jumped out of the computer. It made my day!

Texaslady, I've seen those gel candles. They will make lovely gifts. You are so creative and talented. I try, but it's a struggle!

Jan, have you started your new class yet...or will it start next year? Tell your dad and DH hi for me!

JOYce, enjoy your company. It's so nice when whole familes can get together, but I know how difficult it is when everyone is spread out and busy with their own lives. I envy you having your own kiln. I used to do ceramics and loved it, but it got to be a hassle trying to take things back and forth to have them fired.

Well, I had better get back to work. It's almost time to go. Yeah!! This has been a long week. Hi to everyone I've missed...Nancy, Nancy, Kendra...have I missed anyone else?? We have had beautiful weather this week, but it is supposed to rain this weekend. We did have bad storms last night and parts of the state flooded after getting up to 12 inches in just a few hours. I got a little apprehensive because the sky had that same look yesterday that it did on the day of the tornado. This is our bad time for tornadoes and I think I will have a new found respect for them this year.

Have a great Friday!

Janet (Kudzu)

Morning, everyone. IT'S FRIDAY!!!!

Carol - Uh-oh! I was afraid of that! No crystal ball here but I know you have been working extra hours and stressing too! I think the combination is probably what has gotten you down. I hope with some rest you will be bouncing around again soon.

Janet - Proms are SUCH FUN! Lucky you get to do two of them - and the dress gets worn one more time! We had a lot of fun during my dd's prom, too. Its kind of a rehearsal for a wedding (prom x 20!). But my dd & her date would have dropped dead before they would have invited me along for dinner - even if I WAS paying! Congrats on the scale loss too! That's great news.

Joyce - Guess Melissa's prom should be coming up soon, too, right? Glad you are having fun at your family reunion. How long since you were all together last?

Patti - You have a senior, too! Is he going to prom? If so, is everything ready? I guess its not as big a deal for a son as a daughter - tho there is still the tux thing (at least the guys here wear tuxes for prom but guess it could be different elsewhere).

Jan - Where are you? Still busy with the move?

Not too many big plans for the week-end. Guess dd and I will go furniture shopping. Her favorite furniture store is going out of business (and NOT because she didn't support it over the past 5 years!) and she is hoping to find some good bargains for the new house. And the spending begins................ They are under contract for the house and have had an inspection done. They are waiting to see if the builder will fix the glitches. I don't think that will be a problem, but you never know until its done! Closing is currently set for May 1 - it could be a few days later if the loan paperwork isn't complete by then.

Hope you all have a great week-end! Take care.