We had our gc overnight. We enjoyed them. Our gd has just learned to ride a bike so she brought her bike and rode around in our cul-de-sac and our drive way. She's doing really well and looked so cute on her bike. Our dd brought us a couple plants and dh got to planting them right away so we didn't go out, just stayed around here, but he had to go out for potting soil and brought home doughnuts. They always look forward to his doughnuts. Then this morning he took them to a nearby park and they enjoyed that. My part is setting them up with movies on my computer (dh does it on the TV too), and getting them ready for bed and reading to them.

It got really chilly last night...dh added a blanket to our bedding. It was a little too much for me but I used it a little while. Still used my fan though and happily (for me) he didn't complain. I feel kind of bad but he covers up his head and can add blankets where I can't control my inner heat.

Sandy - I used the water to dilute the blood stream when my bs was high. Supposedly drinking a lot of water is good for dieting, and I try to drink at least 8 cups a day but don't push more...only if I'm actually thirsty. I do get a really dry mouth these days because of the diuretic meds I'm taking these days so that makes me drink more than I usually do I think. I am not so persuaded by pushing lots of water for dieting...for me food is the problem. I'm also not a believer in doing anything just for dieting that I won't continue forever...but then I'm not that successful at this dieting thing so what do I know? I just know what I won't do. I've lost a total of 16# since I retired..but have gone up and down within that range a lot. Only once in that 20 years have I gotten down into my "ideal body weight range" and I don't even think I got down far enough then. With my frame, I honestly could weigh anywhere from 108 to 152 but my previous doctor said the top of my IBW is 145 and that's where I got ONCE. Today I am 21# above that, but really I think somewhere between 120-140 would be better for me. Saying all this to say, I'm no expert at this weightloss thing. Wow with your outside work, you don't need to go to the gym! Happy for you (and a bit envious) getting so much sleep! I slept fairly good last night but woke up a lot because of the kids being here and just because that's what I do.

Lynn - Yes my dh has some hearing, thank God, but his loss seems to have gotten a lot worse even in the last year. The hearing aids help some, and hinder in some ways. Like false teeth they are good to have if you need them but they aren't like natural teeth. When I went off sugar I had a headache and general not feeling good feeling for almost a week before I felt better. I hope that is all it is with you. Sorry you have the problem with indigestion...that's one thing I have less than when I was younger. For me it was the fat in foods...milk and ice cream esp. I eat MUCH less ice cream now and switched to nonfat milk and that really helped me. Caffeine will sometimes mess up my tummy but that's about it.

Carol Sue - My dh has the TV going so loud so much of the time that it feels like my ears are being assuaulted! I really feel I am going to lose my hearing because of it. Something what does help is we bought a headset that is on a stand where it is constantly charged when not in use. It doesn't help our communication between the two of us, but at least the TV doesn't have to be so loud and he can hear better. I really miss being able to discuss what we are watching but we can talk during commercials. Dh also speaks louder now than he used to and I know it's because he can't hear so he thinks no one else can. In the theater the other night, I had to caution him about it as he doesn't realize how his voice carries.

Glynne - are you still on your trip? How you doing?

Mary, I know I will never get down to my proper weight range. If I did, I would have too much loose skin and I can't afford surgery to have it removed. I would be happy if I could get low enough to get off my blood pressure meds. I know I will always need my diabetes meds, but I hope to never need more.

I remember the nurses at cardiac rehab always told me to drink lots of water for my diabetes. I do it when I think of it. 8 cups of water a day is good. Not excessive, but enough to keep you from becoming dehydrated. I think that's all that's needed.

My grandson goes back to school on Tuesday. First grade. Their start was delayed because of some construction wasn't finished. I baked some cookies for him. I told him Mom could put them in the freezer and he could take a couple each day in his lunch. I made sugar cookies using red and white sprinkles on top for the school colors, oatmeal cookies and chocolate chip cookies. 1/2 recipe of each. They don't let him eat a lot of sweets, but they will probably help him eat them. Funny, but they allow themselves to eat as many as they want! LOL I guess that's the benefit of being an adult.

I have to get ready for church soon. My weight is stable. I was alone last night as son and dh went to watch some fight. It was an uneventful evening...didn't do much, cleaned out my freezer, spent some time online, was ready for bed when they came home. Seemed like I ate quite a lot trying to find something I wanted, even ate cereal which I rarely eat but didn't gain. My bs is not too bad this morning too.

Trying to decide whether to have a BBQ tomorrow. I'm rather tired of them but one kid asked about it. Another said, he might not make it. I'm tired of the usual BBQ food so not sure what I'd fix. Of course the kids bring things too.

My shoulder continues to hurt when I lay on it. Last night it was hurting clear down to my elbow after I lay on it a few minutes. So the shot has not really helped. I sorta felt at the time, that he didn't put it in deep enough..it was a very small needle which surprised me but I've never seen or given that type shot so didn't know how they do it. Not sure whether to ask for another one or just let it go.

Carol Sue - Yeah, I figure if I get past 140 I'll probably be saggy. Thats a good idea for the cookies for your gs. Realized after I posted yesterday that I said something that was not quite true. I have gotten down into my IBW range TWICE...but the last time was at 151. Some charts say I can be as high as 152, but really I think that is still way too much. However right now I'd be very pleased to be there again.

Ok, gotta run...you all have a good Sunday. It's cool here this morning but we are suppose to get back up into the 80s this week.

I called my step-son to ask if we could bring the cookies over today and he invited us to a cook-out. I think it's just the 3 of them, as her parents are at the shore. I'm making potato salad to take, and enough to leave some at home for DH. He loves potato salad.

I had a terrible night. Lately, I have been wearing a pair on sandals around home and they have a little wedge heel. I think that heel has thrown my back out of alignment. 2 days ago I started having sciatica pain, then yesterday it became low back pain. It was terrible trying to sleep. Every time I shifted position I got a shooting pain. I would find a position where it didn't hurt, but it wasn't a comfy position for sleep. I even got up during the night and read for a while and took 2 Motrin. Only dulled the pain a little bit. I went back to bed and got up again around 6. I felt OK as long as I stood bent over to one side, like a little old lady. I wore my regular shoes that are comfy and now I feel much better. I am able to straighten up. I'm going to donate those sandals to Goodwill. They are new, but not worth it. I am putting the potato salad together now, then I think I will sit with a cold pack, then take a shower. I will take a Motrin before I leave the house, even if I don't have pain, then another at bedtime.

When I was getting that bad hip pain it went away after I started eating kale every day. I haven't been eating it for the past month, but this morning DH went to the store and got me some. Maybe I need that for my back pain. It can't hurt me!

We are having our Labor Day/End of summer bbq. I'm keeping it simple as there will only be 8 of us this time. I'm making a Taco Casserole, a salad (from a bag), and I think a watermelon and/or cantaloupe, and some Oreo Thins. The kids really like the Oreos and so do some of the adults incl me! I actually like the thins better than I ever liked the regulars. Haven't bought them in years but had to try the thins. But with 6 or 7 eating them I'll be lucky if if I get one! And for me that IS lucky! I told the kids if they want meat to bbq, they have to bring it and cook it themselves.

Carol Sue - Wow that's a lot of pain from a pair of sandals! I would definitely get rid of them. I hope you don't have pain today. Hope the kale helps you again too. My shoulder still hurt last night but not quite so badly and I lay on it longer too. So maybe it is better.

You all have a good Labor Day! I'm off to the store to get the ingredients I need for my casserole.

MaryThis sounds like wisdom to me. I get tense at the sound of "diet" but am adjusting what I choose to eat. Snack just now was a banana that will hold me till dinner.

Picnic sounds like an easier one to prepare than usual. Good for you.

Carol What a lot of pain that is that Motrin doesn't even give you relief! Toss those sandals!!! Good old fashioned athletic shoes are the only thing I wear now. Black ones for dress that go OK with slacks even for church or funeral (or wedding, actually) and I can do more standing with them.

We lost our brother-in-law this weekend. He has been in terrible shape for several years and mentioned to his son and daughter how much he would love to be just left in peace, no rehab!!!

Talked with our niece and nephew. With her we were a very long time, so much to catch up on. Apologized that we won't be there for Wednesday funeral. Each understood.

DH and I really enjoyed watching great winning football from each of our local University football teams. Winning this first game and having each on TV was a real treat. Can't beat the good seats in our recliners with easy walk to kitchen or bathroom!!!

Better finish housework and laundry before DH wants to watch TV and it is blocked with furniture I moved out.

Sandy

My back was fine all day until it started to hurt right before bed. It hurt during the night with just 1 Motrin, but it wasn't as bad and the night before. I guess I will have to call my chiropractor for an appointment. This pain is different from the pain I get in my hip. I can lie still in certain positions and feel no pain, but if I try to change positions, I get stabbing pains. For most of my life I wore very high shoes that were for style, not comfort. The shoes I wear most of the time are slip-on athletic type shoes, or a boot-type with good tread in the winter. I rarely wear a dress or skirt and as you say, Sandy, you can wear comfortable shoes with pants. I just can't think of anything else I did that threw my back out. I don't do any lifting or moving furniture anymore. Even my exercise is gentle.

Sandy, which team were you rooting for? I root for PITT University, since we live near Pittsburgh. But I am not a die-hard football fan. I can really take it or leave it.

Sorry to hear of the death of you brother-in-law. May he rest it peace. It sounds like he was ready.

Mary, I hope you enjoyed your BBQ. Ours was nice. My step-son cooked on the grill, hamburgers, hot dogs, kielbassa and chicken tenders. He made a lot so he would have leftovers to take to work for his lunch. Good idea. They also had sliced tomatoes from their garden, and slices of cheese. And my potato salad. Next time I will remember to take a vegetable dish, too. I missed having vegetables with my meal. There were just 5 of us and 2 dogs, and we enjoyed the relaxing visit. John's school bus comes at 8 AM so he is probably on his way to first grade.

Our BBQ went well. Turned out there were 11 of us including 5 children and plenty food. I am babysitting today for probably 7 hours or so, so got up a little earlier to get some things done before they come. My weight remained the same as I didn't eat a whole lot and went to bed earlier than usual.

Carol Sue - Your BBQ sounds nice too. Glad you got to be with family. Sounds like we have changed our shoes as we have grown older and retired esp. I think I wore heels only once or twice after I retired and they weren't really high and were a block type heel. I keep them for some reason but never wear them anymore. I usually go barefoot or in my socks around the house, slip ons for going outside and either a slip-on athletic type shoe or tie on athletic shoes when I go out, and boots occasionally. I mostly wear stretch pants (yoga type for casual, sl more dressy kind for church, out to eat etc.) and T-shirts or sl dressier tops at times. Sometimes I wear skirts and tops and I now have a couple knit dresses I can fit but rarely wear them. In the summer I wear capris or shorts and in the winter I sometimes wear long skirts, but definitely pretty casual most of the time..

Sandy - Sorry to hear about your BIL but as Carol said, sounds like he was ready to go. That's the main thing to be ready when it's your time. I'm not really into football, but my youngest dd and sil are so sometimes we go to their house for the Seahawk games and root for them.

Well have to tend to these children now so better get off the computer. My dil called me back (after dropping off kids) to tell me she saw a couple stray dogs in our neighbor and one chased our neighbor into his house. So I'll be watching for them, hopefully they won't be around when the kids go out to play. Right now they are watching a Veggie Tales movie and on their phones and ipads....and these children are 3 and 4!

Mary One of our local young men play for Seahawk, Think his name is Kevin White, but not sure.

Your grandkids at 3 and 4 give me idea if I have almost 3 year old GGson.

Dressing casual except when going to Church. I mean really casual, but never shorts or capri type. I used to wear no top without a collar until fairly recently. As I grew larger, most of the tops were huge and hung off my shoulders if they were to go over my stomach and hips.

I love the cotton knit tops that have 3/4 sleeves, and few have collars but I've become used to that. Carry a sweater or fleece in car for those cold AC places.

Carol I grew up within walking distance of Marshall U, so I've always followed sports there. DD#3 graduated from there and some nephews, etc. the other University is WVU and son has his Masters from there. We used to travel up to Morgantown to watch games including WVU vs Pitt in past years. Now, that is too much walking for me, so we watch on TV.

We don't live in Huntington, moved when I was 10.

Good supper with fresh green beans, baked sweet potatoes, and fresh caught trout!!! Breakfast was garden peppers with scrambled eggs and salsa

Sandy

Sandy

Sandy the name sounded familiar to me (remember I'm not really into football) so googled him and looks like he's with the Bears unless something has changed recently perhaps. I'm cooking dinner right now...it's BBQ meat loaf, fried rice, and stir-fried spinach and red pepper.

Sandy, I was born in the Philadelphia suburbs due to my father's job. We moved back to the Pittsburgh area where my parents were from when I was 7, and since that time, I have never lived more than 10 miles away from there, even though I have lived in several different places. Same with DH. I haven't even seen much of the US.

Mary, I was really ready for it to be my time last night, but things look so much better in the light of day. I really need to see a chiropractor for my back and a physical therapist for my elbow/arm. The thing is, they all feel better during the day and only hurt during the night, so I forget to make appointments. I need to do that.

Back when us younger family members were still dressing "stylish", DH had an aunt who wore very sensible shoes. We called them "Aunt Agnes" shoes when we saw them in the stores. I now find that I need "Aunt Agnes" shoes. I gave most of my heels to my step-daughter. We wear the same size. I have a few pairs that I kept but I really doubt if I will ever wear them again. I don't even know if I will ever wear a dress or skirt again. I have a couple dressy pants outfits.

I am so hungry for meatloaf. A few days ago the ladies on another forum were talking about meatloaf and I wanted some, and now you've mentioned it, too. It's not DH's favorite but he will eat it.

I had some bacon and an egg when I first got up around 5 AM. Then when DH got up around 9 he made some for himself and I ate some of his, too. So, 2 breakfasts so far today. LOL Maybe I can consider the second one lunch.

Got up and dh was gone. I know he told me he was going somewhere today but I forgot where Funny thing, Halo has been in her bed (in son's room) the last two mornings when I got up! And the door hasn't even been completely shut so think it was her choice. Yesterday she didn't wake up until the kids came even though I was up and working around the house and today I got up later and have been quieter but I've been up more than an hour and she just got up.

The babysitting was only about three hours...I was expecting much longer. The kids were good (except wouldn't accept anything I had for lunch...just wanted junk food which I didn't have). The little one cried when she had to leave.

I didn't like the meatloaf but our son sure did. He ate a lot last night and took the rest today. I had to send dh out for more ground beef and he brought back the kind that is only 7% fat, said that was all they had. I think he just didn't look well enough, but I mixed it with what I had that was 20%. I don't like the leaner ground beef and I think that was the main reason I didn't like the meatloaf. But maybe it was just me partly too as nothing tasted good to me and I ate very little. But I'm not sick and my weight remained the same.

Carol Sue - I'm glad you feel better when you're up and about, but 5 am sounds like torture to me! I can do it when I have to but I avoid it as much as possible. I hope you can get in to see someone about your pain and get some relief ..that's really too bad.

Good evening GG's,

Back home again. Kind of tired ~ glad to have gotten to go places and all, but wishing for a lull in the activity. I would be content to stay put, but DH keeps us on the run it seems.

Went up to Ohio so I could get to visit my mom. I flew to Dayton, Ohio where my sister (who lives in Mt. Sterling, KY) came and picked me up. We then drove up to where mom lives in a nursing home in their memory care unit ~ north east Ohio, between Cleveland and Akron. Mom has dementia and after my dad passed 2 years ago, a prayer was answered and they had a bed come available right then and she was able to go to a nursing home we were familiar with and felt good about her being placed there. They take wonderful care of her.

My sister and I had fun getting to visit. My husband didn't go, so we could go at our own pace. He is a go, go, go type and when he is along, keeps us on the move ~ kind of burning the candle at both ends and I get too tired. So, it was nice to be able to go at a pace that felt more comfortable to us. It was still tiring ~ not so much physically, but emotionally. Hard to see mom this way. Her health is pretty good and she is up and around and all, but her memory is not good ~ she is not the same old mom. She does still have a good sense of humor and uses appropriatly at times. And she seems happy, so that helps some.

Thankfully by the time of that trip, the medicine helped so I was feeling a little better and moving better.

I just wanted to check in ~ please forgive me ~ I will tackle the personals later or tomorrow ~ feeling like I could fall asleep right now.

Hope you all have had a nice day.

Hi Everyone,

Sorry I've been scarce, but I had 20 papers to grade in the last 2 days. Still on Detox - finishing day 7 today. Feeling better. Still no cravings & not hungry.

Hope everything is good with everyone. Hope to check back tomorrow.

Lynn

Hello GG Until now I have been on the "Introduction Thread" and feel it's time for me to join in here.

I joined this site last Sunday and so far have lost 4 lbs. I do have a big Birthday Dinner to attend tomorrow so I'll likely go over my points for the day. I lost 50 lbs. many years ago using the old WW program and have all the books so this is what I am doing again now.

I am 73 years old; widowed, with one daughter and 2 grandkids all of which do not live near me which is kind of hard. I have my own home and I have a tenant which the rental income helps defer my expenses. My tenant is a 78 year old lady that I found in one of my church groups. She has been here for 10 years now and we get along great and share one meal a day most of the time. So, at least I am not too alone without my family living close by.

I am a homebody and it's like pulling teeth to get me out and about so I won't have too much to tell you day to day as it is quite boring LOL. I love gardening; cross stitch and genealogy. I also enjoy (would you believe) shovelling snow in the winter unless it is too heavy or deep but I have a snowblower I can still manage on my own.

I hope to share my progress on this thread for support; advice and encouragement.

Have a wonderful day ladies