Lynn your list of food you eat sounds like our DD who lives with us. Glad to know the arthritis pain is far less.
Glad you can afford the extra for your beloved kitty.

Carol sue I agree, sitting outside on a covered porch and listening, smelling and seeing the rain has always been a favorite activity. When a child we had a huge swing on that porch and I spent many hours there on rainy days reading, singing, etc. Now we have a 3 foot concrete porch that at least is covered and has wide eves so we can sit in the Adirondack Cherry chairs. Only 2 chairs and 3 of us so we take turns.

Is it cooler in the basement exercise room?

Mary Our home is from the 60's and altho we thought we'd build our dream home some day, we've adapted to this one and am grateful we stayed here in good neighborhood with flat land and not far from a pretty river. Single story, no basement and even the garage has become a room so cars sit in driveway. My husband would love to have a car port, but 13,000 for a decent carport is way beyond our retired budget so we'll be scraping windows again this winter.

We just returned from trip to our oldest daughter and had such a good time. I drove most over, and all back because I am less anxious driving than in passenger seat. I knew the routes and really didn't even need map help after checking out google so we could get to the new house they moved into in late spring.

Home is arranged so well with DD and DSIL having their room on one side of the house, and ourgranddaughter's room on the other side with open living area in the middle. DD also has a great office in front of the house with good windows to the front yard, lots of light.

Love the sun room where DSIL has his tred mill (that he uses, too.) The guest bedroom has bunk beds for the grandkids but they put them both on the ground level for us. One bed is full size, other is twin. DD is a bit leary to stack the beds yet, one greatgrand daughter is 7 but the other only 2-1/2, and greatgrand son is only one. They usually just have 1 or 2 at a time, but if the boy comes, he is usually in bed with DD because she doesn't trust him to stay in bed.

In the basement DSIL has his shop, and special areas. They also are putting bookshelves around the area under the sunroom, about 12 x 12, so she can put many of her beloved books there and probably a comfortable chair so she can have her own library.

How I loved the hours we spent talking, telling stores, some familiar and some new. DSIL cooks and had a whole fresh ham in oven that smelled so great. A neighbor ad made a walking area among the trees behind her house and on behind our daughter's too. Can't bee seen from house, but she put benches, a few painted surprises as the path winds among the trees. delightful.

Glad to be home, but won't wait so long to visit them again.

It's been a good day but was spoiled a little by my saying no to babysitting the next two days. I have things I want to do in preparation for my dd coming and at my age I'm a bit slow getting things done anyway, I do not want to have small children here at the same time. I also want to be free to run out to the store or whatever without dealing with car seats etc. My son said I agreed to Monday but I think he probably planned on asking me and then forgot because I was never asked and I wouldn't have agreed. I am forgetful at times but I know I did not forget that and he never asks me that far in advance anyway. I have on my phone the last time he asked me and I did babysit that time. Anyway he's upset with me I'm sure but he needs to plan these things or at least accept my no sometimes. I will always babysit in an emergency of course.

We watched a somewhat predictable but still good movie last night called Last Chance Harvy starring Dustin Hoffman. It came out in 2008 but we usually watch the older movies. I don't care for many movies but did like this one.

I just found out something fun about the browser, Microsoft Edge, that comes with Win 10. There is an icon on the upper right that enables you to write on or highlight something on a webpage. Very cool!

Lynn - Dh came home with ice cream yesterday and I think I have eaten enough for you and me! He ended up not liking it so I ate most of it. I do eat mostly organic meat products, vegetables and fruit. Although I'm not a big meat eater I usually get my 5 fruits and veggies a day if not more. Recently I have been drinking some non-organic (not on bottle anyway) milk because I like the new filtered milk and it is easier on my diet. However at least weekly I buy organic milk too which is higher in cal and carbs, so kind of switch back and forth depending on where I shop.

Sandy - Your dd's house sounds lovely. We like you have adapted to our old house and it's just fine for us. There are improvements we'd like to make but we may never get them all made, esp as dh in the past has always done the work and from now on we'd probably be paying for them to be done. I used to not understand why old people let things go in their houses, now I understand. It's ok, we feel blessed to have what we have and no debt. Having no debt enables us to travel some and that is a double blessing.

Carol Sue - How you doing? I'm glad you have your good doggie. It seems you really got a good one. He sounds like a good companion for you. I'm realizing Halo sleeps so much better when our son takes her for a walk and wears her out. I also suspect she would sleep all night if she had the full run of the house. I hope when our son does move out he can find a place that will take her though as I don't see how we can keep her. Her strong scent is very offensive to us and she is too strong for me.

The is evening has gone very fast. I need to do a few things before it's time for bed.

Lynn, I got Rethinking Thin from the library yesterday and started reading it this morning. Very interesting. I knew that a lot of the current diet plans started years and years ago. I always felt that Intuitive Eating was just "normal eating" but didn't realize it started so long ago, even though they didn't call it that. After my bowel surgery my surgeon told me I had to chew my food very thoroughly, and I did lose weight, but didn't credit it to that.

Mary, a friend of mine just got a dog and has nowhere to bathe her, so she bought some waterless dog shampoo that she uses on her and says she smells great. I'll ask her what it is. Her kids told her the dog is supposed to smell like a dog! LOL

Sandy, I know some people who like to have a library and keep their books after they read them but I pass them on as soon as I finish them. The books I read on my Kindle are borrowed from the library and automatically go back to them after the lending period, and the actual books are either bought used or given to me used. Some can read a book a second or third time, but not me. Occasionally I will start to read a book and after a couple chapters realize that I already read it and set it aside. I make a trip to the library to donate a couple times a year. When I worked, I would take the books to work and set them in the lunch room and by the end of the day they would be gone. Now I have no one to give them to. They might not be the lastest best sellers, but if they are something I haven't already read, they are new to me.

Carol Sue I agree that fiction is read and done. Non-fiction I may re-read several times. Each time I re-read one of my books I date it. One is so informative that I've read it 4 times and it is getting rather worn.

I have Julia Morganstein's SHED Your Stuf, Change Your LIfe from our daughter's library - and I can keep it.

Yesterday I began a plan to create some space in my file cabinets. Luckily I have a shredder with wheels. Was amazed at the old charge card statements that went back to 2006. All shredded but 2 statements that show when we purchased large items we still own.

I begin with 2011 statements and will keep going. Finally that file drawer is beginning to show some SPACE! Now I can file the pile on top.

I'm asking myself what are my treasurers, Pottery for example. I use most of what I have, but I do have some pottery that I am willing to donate or give away. Hopefully our Church Fall Festival will take it, or Goodwill if they don't.

Dermatologist gave me a clean bill of health for another year. She did freeze off an itchy growth on my back that is so irritating. Won't itch now.

Enjoy your day,

One of those painful nights...I was glad to get up and moving. Still hurt but not so badly. Much to do today and getting off to my usual late start plus tired from lack of sleep and meds.

About books...I have quite a few books, fiction and non-fiction that I have loved and that have spoken to me in a special way at different times in my life. I read them over and over again although some I go years between readings. One of my favorite fiction books is The Mirror. I love it so much that I now have three copies of it because once I gave it away and regretted it so much as I couldn't find it for a long time. I read it about every year or two. The last time it wasn't as interesting as it once was but I still enjoyed it. I'm sure there are some in this collection that wouldn't have nearly the same impact if I read them today. If I find I don't care about them, I will give them away.

The ebooks, so far have not meant that much to me...I just read and delete. I just don't seem to be as impressed with many books anymore as when I was younger. I also have a huge collection of books in my office! These are the ones I am still trying to read...but since mostly I read on my phone, ipad or kindle, I am extremely slow at getting all these read. I usually have one I use for a devotional, and one in the bathroom and only read these at those times.

Well I need to get busy, talk later...

Sandy, I missed your question about my exercise room. In the fall and spring I notice most that it is cooler downstairs than upstairs, when we don't have the air conditioning or heat on. There is a heating/cooling vent in the room. I like having the air conditioning which helps keep the humidity down. The humidity really gets to me. But in the winter I have to close the vent because with the heat blowing the room gets too warm for exercising. I just have to remember to open the vent when I'm finished. DH heats the basement so the pipes don't freeze. I can remember when I used to walk outside when the temps were up to the 90s. I was much younger then and couldn't do that now. Age is a poor excuse though, because my friend is 6 months older than I, and she walks outside a lot, and it's up and down hills.


Mary, my pain is always worse during the night than during the day. When I'm in bed, there are certain positions when the pain is less than others. I agree that your son needs to be more understanding when asking you to babysit, and have a back-up plan when it's not convenient for you. My son needs to do the same, especially since John is getting older and it's not as necessary that the babysitter be a family member.

I'm making stuffed peppers for dinner tonight. I love them! Guess I should get them started.

Carol sue When we were younger our own systems were far more efficient. Now those systems seem to rebel at times.

At home I have a thermopedic adjusable bed that will go in the best position to elevate my legs. I can only sleep on my back because of bursitis in hips and knees. I sleep pretty well for 3 to 4 hours at a time at home.

At my daughter's home the bed was comfortable but flat. Pillow under my knees didn't help. I began to ache everywhere. Finally climbed down from that very high bed and too 2 Alieve that allowed me to finally sleep. Next time I'll take the pain killer BEFORE getting in bed.

Strange that at home with the adjustable bed, I rarely have a problem with pain unless I've been very active in garden.

Mary Good for you looking out for your OWN NEEDS even tho your beloved son was disappointed!!! Hard for our kids to accept a "no" but just as necessary for the adults and it was when they were youngsters. Even when I was working 6 days a week in the family business, sometimes our son would ask me to come over to watch is 2 pre-schoolers so our son and dil could go out. Sometimes I said yes, but I bet I said "no" more often. After 60 to 70 hour week I needed to catch up on home duties and to rest.

Surprised that I walked over 5,000 steps yesterday even tho never left our property. Did get lots done.

We had a huge storm last night that dumped losts of rain after dark. Today I certainly don't need to water the garden. Thank goodness DH mowed the yard yesterday before the rain came.

I got a lot done yesterday but today is another busy day. Our oldest dd and her son, somes today. Suppose to arrive about 4 pm. I still need to change the sheets on her bed. Gs will sleep on a sofa. Also want to do some more weekly cleaning and more laundry. Kinda let my laundry pile up more than usual recently so have a lot to do now. Not sure how that happened. Also want to cook a nice dinner tonight. I bought a beef tenderloin but then realized I don't even know whether she eats red meat. My plan is Asian Marinated Beef Tenderloin, Asian green beans and rice. Also need to run to the store as our garden green beans did not do well this year.

Carol Sue - I too have a lot of pain at night and sometimes all day. If I have it at night it usually feels better to get up and move around, but other times it hits me after I'm up. I can't figure it out, but I think the doctor is taking the wrong approach. I don't think the regular leg pain is arthritis. Now the hip pain, that probably is, but that's a different type of pain and is less often. I do notice it still a little when going up stairs or stepping off a curb.
Last night the pain hit about 3 am again, and I needed sleep so I took ASA and a Benedry. I did get sleep after that but uneasily still with pain. It is better now though.

Ok, gotta run, hope all is well with Glynne and Lynn. Glynne hope your pain is not worse. How the kitty, Lynn?

Mary, it must be hard for you when your daughter changes her eating habits back and forth like that. When I cook for family, I try to take into consideration that people have different tastes, but going from vegetarian to a meat eater is a big change. I hope the meal wen well and you are enjoying her visit.

Lynn, I finished the book. I couldn't put it down. It's funny, but I secretly thought that in the end there would be some big revelation about how to lose weight and maintain. Although I did keep my first weight loss off for 10 years, it was a struggle, and I have always been of the mind that no one can maintain a big weight loss. Although I would like to be thin, I think it's ok to be overweight and health is more important. My cardiologist never says anything about my weight, probably because my labs and other test results are good. He just encourages me to exercise.

Sandy, you do a good job getting those steps in! I don't come near to your average. On Monday I didn't feel well. I did a lot of sitting and reading, and also spent a lot of time in bed, watching TV. I only had 624 steps that day, but I burned 1547 calories. I think my blood sugar was up, and that makes me feel sluggish and just yucky.

Our dd and gs arrived last night. Can't go into details here but as usual with this dd it was very stressful. She and our son really got into it and I don't blame him. She was really acting crazy. This morning is better however she still won't come in the house except to eat (hardly), fill up her water and use bathroom. She says she has to stay outside with the dogs since dh and I don't want them in the house. Our gs was going to sleep inside but she insisted he spend time with her and kept him in the tent so long he fell asleep. Considering the stress she brings, perhaps it is best for her to stay out side but I do wish I could have a normal mother/dd relationship with her and wish we could have more time with our grandson. Praying the rest of the visit will go peacefully as I am really glad to see her and our gs. Tomorrow is the BBQ and praying for a good time for all.

Halo is staying outside quite a bit now because she likes these dogs. They are good dogs...the one she's had for years I think it's a beagle or something like that. The other is a pit bull, lab mix and she is a little strange looking but is really a good dog. She has scars from past abuse and dd feels she needs lots of attention right now. Even though they are good dogs, they are used to being free to run around in the house and being on the furniture and I don't want three dogs in the house. So our dd stays with them day and night, however she will be going to Portland this afternoon and I sure hope the dogs don't bark with her gone Our neighbors will not like that. Esp since we will all be gone for at least part of the time.

My weight is stable even though I am still not keeping to my eating plan very well. Start out well but early afternoon or evening I start cheating. I rode my bike for 33 min last night. I was doing something on my phone and was amazed how fast the time went. My thighs are kinda sore today. I used to ride that long at the gym all the time but haven't for a long time.

The beef tenderloin turned out really good. We didn't eat much because wanted to keep it for our dd and gs and they were late. However when they came they didn't eat much so still have one steak left. Tonight I'm fixing salmon but suspect they will be at our other son's house for dinner so will just cook it up for us three and ds can take what's left in his lunch.

Not much housework to do today. I have most of it done and a load of laundry in the dryer (from yesterday) and a load for my son in the washer. I may run the vac over a few rooms but otherwise I'm done. Going to the store for last minute things for the BBQ. It is very hot again today but supposed to be in the 70s tomorrow, thank God!

Mary Sympathy that your relationship with DD isn't what you want and need. How frustrating that is. I had a period with each of our 3 daughters when we just seemed to but heads, but gradually as we all aged, we are now in very good comfortable relationships with each other, Thank God!!!

CarolSue All my tests are very good, also. I'm way above weight but remain active most of the time so my internalist (who has been my family doctor for decades) has never pushed me to diet, just to keep moving!

Today was my rare day with car, and the first and last appointments cancelled leaving me with Gym and 2 appointments for middle of the day. At gym I forgot my settings at home, for the strength machines so just road the recumbent bike then went to the library.

The Library is one of my favorite places to spend time, especially when I'm not rushed. Found 2 books of non fiction by favorite author and read till my phone buzzed it was time for Massage and I drove on.

After last appointment I was so hungry, 6 hours since last food. Stopped at great cafe with comfortable booths, good food and coffee. Read, ate, read and drank coffee, and read some more. Quiet time for the cafe and most that were there were doing what I was doing or working on their laptops.

Didn't even check the clock, but noticed the rain pouring outside and felt safe and comfortable.

Finally rain stopped and I started home. Rain came again and I chose NOT to stop at grocery store for eggs and came on home. Good thing. DH and DD had gone out and bought fruit and eggs as well as meal out. None of us are hungry for our usual supper time.

May you each have good evening, sleep well, and wake up refreshed.

Sandy

PS Gayle: 2 more weeks and you can resume your RA meds. How are you doing now?

Lynn: are you still around?

Mary, you always remind me to do laundry! LOL We have a lot of clothes so we both can go a longer time without washing them, but socks and underwear are a more pressing manner. I try to do full loads, so I don't have a regular schedule.

I'm sorry to hear of the stressful situation with your DD. I hope it goes well for the rest of her visit.

Sandy, my doctor only stresses exercise, which I know is important. I would not continue with a doctor who pushed me to lose weight.

It sounds like you had a restful, relaxing day.

CarolSue With each of our doctor's encouraging us to keep moving, it seems to enforce the need for us to follow their directions the best we can.

I was surprised I walked as much as I did yesterday but I was really enjoying the day.

Today I tackled the Mail Box Garden that had been neglected a while. Lots of deeply rooted shrubs and even a Maple tree. as well as the normal chick weed, poison ivy and Virginia creeper also Japanese knot weed with thousands of seeds!!! About the time I was getting sore and tired, the rain began. I was very thankful.

Inside finished a great book and began the laundry, good thing, because DH's favorite fishing pants were in that load and he leaves tomorrow to go for 3 days with our son and grandson to Virginia to a spring fed fishing pond and cabin.

Mary I miss your normal posting, but with company you must be busy and tired.

Yes I 've had a busy day. Cleaned house..with my focus on the kitchen and dining area. No laundry for me today, Carol Sue. Glad I'm useful for something even if it's only reminding you to do laundry. Went shopping for last minute food items for the BBQ tonight. Only thing left to do is wipe down the patio furniture but with two dogs out there it won't stay clean...one esp loves to lay on the chaise lounge., so I'm waiting until almost last minute. He even pees on our patio! Halo does not do that. Other than that though they are very good dogs.

Here's our menu - son is cooking ribs..tasted last night after he smoked them and they are the most delicious I've ever tasted and they still didn't have the BBQ sauce on yet! So he'll be finishing them up and either he or my dh will grill the hot dogs for the kids. I cooked the eggs last night and deviled them this morning, so they are ready. My local dd is bringing her spinach salad (very tasty), and my other son and dil will bring Chicken Pasole. I bought potato salad, will heat up a canned of beans, and for dessert I have watermelon and all kinds of fruit bars and fudgsicles. Should be more than enough food. Now praying for good dispositions and pleasant easy conversation.

Ok, gotta run..have a good evening.

Yesterday, I washed whites and today or tomorrow will wash my colors. I guess in a month or so I will be putting my capris away and go back to wearing long pants.

Last night I was playing a computer game and before I knew it, it was 1 AM and DH had gone to bed. I got engrossed in the game and lost track of time. It was Bejeweled. Anyone ever play that? I told DH to never do that to me again, to let me know when it's our normal bedtime. I did sleep until around 8 AM, but that's too late for my old body to stay up and I will be dragging all day. That's not good for a Friday. DH always wants to go somewhere.

I like everything on your bar-b-que menu Mary, except I don't know what Chicken Pasole is. I never met a chicken dish I didn't like. LOL I hope everything went well. Don't be angry with the dogs....they don't know not to pee on the patio. Sometimes in the winter when there's snow on the deck our dog will pee on the deck, but it's in the snow. When we first moved here, it was our first experience with a sliding glass door. We had 2 dogs, and one was confused about being able to see the back yard and he would stand at the door and pee on the floor, thinking he was outside. It took some training to change that habit.

EDIT: I googled Chicken Pasole and it is a soup, right? Is it Asian? I never heard of it.