Them gnawing little mousies sure can make a lot of noise in your walls! something about the walls amplifies the sound. I heard something on the roof about the size of a bear. I went running out to see what the heck it was and it was our cat strolling around on the roof.

You all were talking about tools a while back. I would love to have a power nailer. I cannot hit a nail straight to save my soul. I waste nails and time...I just don't want it attached to the air compressor because it is too much trouble to move the whole rig around. I watch all the home improvement shows and I see all these things I could do if I could drive a nail.

Jayell, what do you do with your power washer? My DH has one that he uses to clean his lawn mower and other yard equipment. I am now wondering if there is anything I might find it useful for.

We are gearing up for our trip to Italy in about a month. My son and his family are there for six months for his work, so we are taking the opportunity to visit. My DIL says there are many little shops within walking distance of their apt which sell baked goods, deli stuff, all food, of course. Yum. I am planning on walking to everything to make up for all the Italian bread and salami I intend to eat. I have been studying Italian. It's fun. Io non parlo l'Italiano.

Jay - glad you made it safe and sound. Thanks for sharing your insights regarding your sister's routine. Those thin folks definitely are different from the rest of us! Organically - really.


Linda - hope you have a WONDERUL trip!!


Gail - your trip sounds AWESOME! I can't wait to hear about it!

We are heading to the lake Michigan shore this weekend for some hiking and microbrewery visitation. It should be a fun weekend and a good balance between activity and drink and food.

I hope everyone is having a great week! Happy "hump day"!

Jay-Sounds like you're having a great trip. I hope the mice or other creatures are gone when you return.

Gail- Italy is one of my dream trips. I'm anxious to here all about it

Counting- Have afun time hiking and microbrewing. I love a nice microbrew- so much better than the mass produced beers. Beer is definitely a non no for me as I'm on the South Beach induction again.

Hi to everyone, have a great Thursday. Lori

Quick fly-by to say hello. I will be back online on Sunday night (hopefully). Hope everyone has a GREAT weekend!

Hey everyone!

Yesterday we took the narrow-gauge railway train from Durango to Silverton and back again. What an amazing ride! It was built to connect the two towns during the mining era, and has been kept going ever since. Real old steam engines that burn coal take you through the amazingly beautiful canyon of the Animas River. This is wild Western country!

We rode in an open car--had a roof, but was not enclosed on the sides (except about waist high for safety, with a railing--and of course seating, which was cushioned and comfy). It meant getting a bit of soot, and it's rather cool compared to Florida but we dressed in layers and were quite comfortable. There is nothing like the spectacular views! And moving at train speed is a wonderful way to see the sights, instead of zipping by them at 60 mph.

When we got to Silverton we walked around, had lunch, checked out the shops. I really like being slimmer--I could actually go for a good walk in between train rides and it helped get the kinks out.

Today is a day at home, and I am ready for it. We had to drive for two hours to get back to my sister's place, after riding the train all day.

Hope you're all doing well!

Jay

What a nice outting. We traveled by car through that area years ago. I remember how cool it was and how different than what we are used to.

And hey, gail! welcome back! haven't seen you around in awhile.

The rodent problem hasn't been solved yet, btw. I guess I'll have to see what's up when I return. We called one animal removal place that came out and said they can't do anything for us. Guess I made a bad choice with that one!

Jay

Oh how I love Morro Bay!!!

Sorry, Jay but I don't like San Francisco! I know all of the advantages of a big city, but they do not appeal to me. I don't like cultural stuff or football. The only thing I liked about it was dim sum!! I am ordering a dim sum cookbook from Amazon.

Hi Pals, I'm back; got together with a friend I have not seen in over 20 years! It was great to see her again! But I could have done without the San Francisco thing!

OK - back to lying down and recovering!

jo

gailr42, I use my pressure washer to clean the siding on my house. In Florida we get a lot of algae, especially on the north side. The pressure washer is 100 times better than trying to scrub it off by hand, and it doesn't use too much water, either. I have a small model that is electric and cost me $100. Has paid for itself!

Hey Spinymouse! Sorry you don't like SF.

Bye for now--it's time for bed here in Colo.

Jay

Hi all - we are back The trip was great - we really need to schedule more of these weekend get-aways. We hiked about 8 miles and walked the beach and harbor area for another 5. DH loved the micro-brewery, and they had some really nice vegetarian food choices too

Jay - sounds like you are having a GREAT trip! Thanks for posting some of your experiences. Colorado is on my radar for a future trip - we have never been there (except a layover at the airport - which doesn't count).

Jo - I LOVE SF! But, we really enjoy doing our own thing there - I love the botanical gardens and GG park, and the beach, and the ethnic neighborhoods, and ethnic restaurants, and so many neighborhood parks! I can't wait to see the new aquarium - it sounds fantastic. Hmmm, I think I am more psyched for our trip next month than I thought, sorry for the ramble ...

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

Hi A quick fly by. It sounds like everyone is enjoying their trips. I love San Francisco, but haven't been there in years. I really want to travel once I retire. Have a great week everyone. Lori

Good Morning, Sort of cool this morning, and seem like it's constantly damp. At least we're still getting some sun during the day. I'm so annoyed! My back is out again and i'm walking with a limp. Not only embarassing, but painful! And there goes the exercise for awhile, again! At least i can continue my weights. They are my saving grace!

Gail, italy, my dream trip. I'm looking forward to hearing of your experience there.

Jay, Isn't it nice being able to move more freely. Makes you remember why you're going through all the agrivation of dieting and exercise, doesn't it? Continue to have fun and let us know all about it.

Laurie, It's really hard to find good lf/lc food anywhere, isn't it? Do you have any favorite restaurants? I find it kind of difficult to eat out wityout ourdering a salad or soup.

Jo, It's nice seeing old friends again, isn't it? I try to keep in touch but most of us are so busy it's difficult. Worth the trouble though.

make it a good day, freda

Iit was a really great weekend . . . but OMG, I am soooooo tired. Should have tried to do a little more sleeping and a little less talking I guess.

Definitely feels like nap-time, again . . . see you later . . .

I am at using the pressure washer to remove algae from the siding. That is one problem we don't have here in the desert.

The trouble with rodents in the attic is that they chew the electrical wiring. Othewise, I wouldn't worry about them. I kind of like hearing them running around up there at night. I know, I'm wierd. Since we haven't had any significant rain for a couple of years, the rodent population has diminished considerably.

We went to the peach orchard on Saturday. It is always fun to pick peaches and they are so yummy! I want to make some more peach chutney, but we will probably just eat most of them.

I like San Francisco. I grew up in Berkeley ( think I already mentioned that), so I spent plenty of time in SF. Before I was old enough to drive, friends and I took the commuter train. Then we drove. It was safe for kids to do that then.

Gail - I forgot that you were from Berkeley - DS1 is still at PSR. We are heading out next month for another visit. I can't wait to get out there again. The rose garden and all the GREAT ethnic food and sunsets and well - just FUN!

Linda - oh, for a nap - I'm jealous. It was one of those days where a nap would have been glorious!

Freda - I actually like trying mom 'n' pop restaurants rather than chains. They usually are willing to "altar" menu items to my taste. DH and I always split an entree or appetizer so we can mitigate the damage. It is like a scavenger hunt - to find something we both like, feel like, and is healthy. And - it must be our age showing, because we are a LOT bolder about asking for custom items. Can we have xxxx without the yyyy or with zzzz on the side? And, I think it is pretty common these days - many places actually bring the "split entree on two plates or in two bowls.

The weather is still beautiful here in northern MI - I am trying to soak up every single bit of it while it is here - winter is coming much sooner than I care to admit

Hope you all had a wonderful day too!