Happy 4th!

Feeling better other then a headache and pressure when I bend over LOL so asking kids to get the bowls out from the bottom cupboards LOL

Well we have all the kidlets home!!! & I'm excited!!!
the boys took youngest with them early this morning before anyone else woke up........they wanted to get dad a grill for father's day but they didn't get around to it since none of them were here for father's day....so they went and snuck off and got it for him this morning so he could grill today on it!!! He was so happy & surprised!

I made angel food cake and cut it up and made it look pretty in a glass bowl.....with ff cool whip and fresh strawberrys & blueberries so it is red, white & blue!!!

I also made two of my hazelnut cheesecakes.....with ff cream cheese & ff sweetened condenced milk! if it has high calories at least it is low in bad fats!!! LOL

I also made turkey burgers but we ribs & chicken as well as pure hotdogs, brats, smoked sausages.......
Pasta salad with tons of fresh veggies and ff raspberry vinigrette dressing, Broccoli slaw with ff ranch dressing .....so other than the meats the fat content today will be low LOL

I am finally back down to my low weight......hopefully I can maintain this through the weekend till monday's weigh in...

For everyone in the US - I hope you have a great 4th of July!

I meant to get more time to post today, but I am heading to my BF's for the weekend and spent a good bit of time this morning helping him work through some ex drama. I have to say that I am really lucky that things went so smoothly with my ex, although I also wasn't married.

I don't know if I will have another chance to check in before Sunday, but I am definitely back on board! Last night was tough and I was a bit more snacky than I like to be. Thank goodness for sugar-free popsicles.

Just posting a quick one, before heading off for our Saturday morning shop.

I hope everyone in the US had a wonderful July 4th. Also... a belated happy Canada Day for those in Canada.

My choir performed at yesterday's assembly and everyone LOVED them. I knew, as I was conducting/directing (I am not good at 'formal' conducting yet, but trying to learn) them that they were producing some beautiful sounds, but it wasn't until the applause and cheering erupted that I knew it wasn't just ME who thought they were wonderful. After an 'interesting' rehearsal Thursday morning I wasn't really sure how they'd go, but they pulled it all together for the performance. Neil (hubby) said that another teacher commented to him that the audience had never been so still and enthralled in all the time he had seen them at assemblies. That is a pretty difficult thing for about 700 kids from 4 years old to 13.

Anyway... after that back-patting exercise... I also wanted to post a little funny comment that one of the Grade 7 girls said to me afterwards. There were a few jackets left behind and she offered to pick them up for me. I thought that was really sweet until she said, with a HUGE grin, "You don't want to have to bend down that far, because your arthritis might play up." I had to laugh! She is such a gorgeous girl and we joke around a bit during rehearsals, so she wasn't stepping over any line. I told her that I will have a LOT of rehearsals to get her back for that comment.

Well, off for a quick shop. The weather isn't going to be too good today, with showers and possible storms, so we probably won't be doing too much other than the grocery shop.

Take care,

Zelma

Oh my, I'm quite tired today. I switched off to a cardio day today to see if my wrist would be better. It is, but I still felt it a bit lifting the watering can up for some hanging plants. Now that I'm doing (if possible) my cardio outside it means that I go outside, work in the garden, break for 30 mins and walk circles around the pool... then repeat.

So today I pruned trees, hammered in stakes, watered a lot, and a few other things. I notice a big difference though as I make a point not to sit down when watering. There are a lot of pots to water and I fill a 7 liter watering can. In the past I would either sit down while filling the can or try and just run around fast with the hose. This method takes just a little more energy, and I have it. That's a good thing. Tomorrow will either be a cardio day or a rest day (right now I've set food for a rest day). I'll see what I feel like in the morning. I'm still playing around with the idea of a purposeful maintenance week, so I might start that on Sunday. We'll see. I suspect how the wrist feels will be more of a determining factor.

Oh yes, and somewhere during the day I committed to having a party for 15 or 20 of the neighbours. I say that number now, but I suspect it will get a little larger. I don't really have an issue with this, and I know it will be fun. I think we decided on a drinks/nibbles type party on the 19th. It started as an idea for a birthday party, but the honoree won't be around for the next 10 days or so. Then it was 'maybe we should just have people over anyway'. I'd almost rather do dinner, but our patio can be really hot in the late afternoon/early evening, so an after dinner thing is probably a better idea. That way people won't be fighting over shade... unless it gets truly hot in the next few weeks.

So, no personals tonight, but I do hope everyone is having a great day and that it continues over to the weekend!

HI...well i ended up having my lazy day yesterday and i think i want another one today.LOL
food was good yesterday and on plan.Today doing BLTs for lunch and have a tomato out of the garden for them! YUMMY
Keep us in your prayers as hubby isnt doing very good right now. July is always his worst month.
hugs to all
debi

Debi-Folks on those kinds of meds often have trouble when it gets hot. The therapeutic level is often narrow, and getting hot makes you sweat more. You drink more which can wash out your meds, or the sweating can actually rise the levels to toxic. My former roommate had to change meds when we moved to Florida. Her worst month was May as the seasons started to change. Just hang in there. I'm sure winter is around the corner.

I'm sticking with my new take small bites attitude. I've even got himself on board. Advocating so publicly for the mentally ill can make you a target. Just a few months after we were married, one of his friends went off his meds, and called threatening to kill him. He called the ACT team which is a social worker/police unit that deals with the mentally ill. This gentleman was naughty to the policemen when the came, and spent 6 weeks in the lock down ward at the hospital until they got his meds stabilized. They had to be more careful with him because he has a black belt in Karate.

Anyway, he's in the 25% of schizophrenics that can't stay stabilized even if they stay on their meds. Part of his problem is that he's gone off so many times that he's caused some permanent damage to his brain. After he got out of the hospital, my hubby helped him publish a book, you know the weird alien Lutherans in the 13th century book I complained about having to type. He did it for the public lending rights stuff. When you have a book published, even a bad one, you get over $1000 a year for the rights collectively for libraries to loan it out. A couple of months ago, when his rent was increased over $1000/month because of the oil boom here, himself got him at the top of the list for a $600/month subsidized condo run for those with mental illnesses. He and his wife passed on it because it didn't allow cats. He's been really trying to help them even though he got threatened.

Anyway, yesterday he called and left a message that he was going to sue us. He thought originally it was because this guy thought his book sales were going to be a million dollars. After I calmed himself down, I just told him to call and leave a message that it was okay if he wanted to sue us, that was his right, he just wanted to know what for.

So while he's in Red Deer today this guy calls and says that he's suing us for $100,000 because while he was in the hospital, that they did something to him that will keep him from being thin for the rest of his life. The meds are bad about weight gain, but he's thinking more along the line that the staff implanted something in him. Plus, he says he wanted to be taken to court instead of put in the hospital. To be honest, so did the cops because he kicked one of them in the head. Himself refused to press criminal charges at the time. So I'm certainly calmer now.

We figured if it was financial, he could get a lawyer to take it, but this, no lawyer is going to touch, so he'll have to go small claims, and you can't sue for $100,000 in small claims, plus I doubt he has the money for a lawyer. I'm looking forward to doing my first legal work in Alberta. I will of course represent us, and have fun doing it, if it actually goes before a judge. The moral is, anyone can sue, and if they find the money for a lawyer, you have to also, and chances are even if it is dismissed, and you're awarded fees, you won't be able to get it out of them. We have decided after this, that he is off our invitation list permanently. That's the ultimate punishment, no invites to Catherine's parties.

Julia, I used great northern beans, 4 chicken breast, one chopped up green pepper, 1 large onion, chopped, salt, pepper, garlic salt, poultry seasoning and one of those large boxes of chicken broth. It turned out really good. I shredded the chicken instead of chunking it up too. Made it thicker, it was more like a stoop!

Carol, see, that wasn't so bad with your friend,huh? I'm sure she will be really happy for you even when your suit's on. Relax!

Ratkity, I love to mow believe it or not, and I'd rather walk it than use the riding mower. Hard to believe, huh? I love doing the yardwork and making new flower beds and even my veggie garden. So ok, I'll be right over to do yours!
It didn't rain at all, but there was a threat of it. It was really nice and the parade was a little longer this year. I wish I was a kid again because of all the candy they score. We went to the logging competitions afterwards, and then the craft fair which was not very good this year. Only about 20 booths and most of em were food. Stayed away from that! Today is back to rain though, so don't think we will be getting any yardwork done. ;(
Your dinner sounded really good with all the fresh veggies. Have fun riding today!

Catherine, your book has touched so many lives in so many ways. That in itself, is sucha reward.
Have fun repesenting yourselves in court. You'll do a fantastic job and the guy will be sorry. I wouldn't invite him any more either.

Bernice, glad the head is healing. Your dinner sounded so good!! That's wonderful what the kids did for their Dad!

Nancy, have fun at the BF's place!!

Debi, I'll be thinking of you guys and hoping he can settle down.

Today we gotta go get the paint for the deck. We were going to go to the street dance tonight, but if it's raining, I doubt it. Other than that, it's just a lazy day. I'm selling my banks on ebay, but so far, no takers, darn it!
have a wonderful day,
Debbie
p.s. I will get my 5k in today!!

Hi Ladies...

It has been a while. Almost a month since the last time I was on here.

Alot has happened.. First my computer finally could not take the virus anymore. Or whatever it had. So I was over a week without a computer, while Hubby and I fixed it. Backing up files and reinstalling programs. It is now all better and ready to go.

My brother finally got moved out. That freed up my living room!! He seems ok with where he moved. I seen him yesterday on teh 4th and there is a little distance. I think that he feels like I "kicked him out" I could be wrong not sure. But he lives with a friend that really needed the help and it it close to work.

Things have changed with raising my cousin. Things just have gotten too bad with him here. Sooo his cousins mom by marriage has agreed to take him for the next year til him mom is out. I felt so bad and guilty at first, but I know he will be fine there. He sees them all the time so its not like they are strangers. He will move before school starts.

After all that stress gone you would think I'd be happy..NOPE! I have not been to the gym in almost a month. The little weight I lost..I dont know how much just know I felt better, is back and my foot is more swollen then it ever was. SO....its back to the gym in the morning. I am also going to have to really start back with watching what I eat. The pop thing has gotten out of hand again!

Why is it we always fall off the wagon???

I sat and cried this morning so bad..like that will help.

Well I know that yall understand thanks for listening to me..and as long as no more viruses ...I am back for good!

Cyn -

Hello Chicks!
Well I am checking in quickly to let you know that I appreciate the wonderful comments on the hubby! He is doing well. I am so proud of him. The picture is awesome. I will add the other one where daughter is in too. He had surgery several years ago where he had his stomach stapled. It worked for a little while then he started eating things that were not so good for him. He is not a veggie or fruit person. This time he is learning to eat more fruits and veggies and is determined that this lifestyle change will be worth it. We are all changing the way we eat and are learning portion sizes. That has to be the hardest. So he is bicycling, treadmill and weights. He is doing so well. The last couple of days I have been enjoying the outside more and really riding the bike alot. I used to only do a couple of miles but this week I have done 3-4 and yesterday and today I rode 12 miles!!!!! I know I am boasting some, but I am proud of me too! This is something that I had never thought I would be able to do. The girls have been riding some too.
Carol-I get the PB2 at a rocery store called Hy-Vee. There is a website that you can order it from too.
Also I am really enjoying the fitflops! The weather has been perfect. I did have a "real" smore last night. But was able to control after 1. Check in in a couple of days. Hubby was nice to let me have the laptop for a few minutes.

Just stopping in sorry no personals but I did read & congrats on all those NSV!!! also praying for those having turmoil in their lives.

Well as you all know I had taken my poodle to the groomers before the kids got here....since he was looking so shabby. Well, the groomer nicked his "manlyhood" didn't break the skin but kinda skinned it and pinched a piece of skin.....he was sooooo miserable and kept licking at it so by this morning his entire backside was raw and inflamed! Dh took him to the vet and they said it happens sometimes and for us not to be mad at the groomer. They gave him a med to keep him from being itchy and they also discovered his ears were infected so they gave him antibiotics and some ear drops. The worst part is they put him in one of those cones to keep him from being able to lick his backside so that it will be able to heal!! I feel soooooo horrible watching him walk around. I take it off when he is sitting in my lap and while he eats......but everytime I leave w/o it when I'm not watching he licks so he has to keep it on!

Our BBQ turned out very nice! We had around 15 people show up and everyone ate a ton but we still have a ton of food! thank goodness we are having our bible study group over tomorrow night!

Today I was really bummed out..........Army son came in early on thursday so him & his g/f were here for dinner and all day friday.........however alot of his friends came to the BBQ so I didn't get any one on one time with him. This morning I woke up around 9am and they were getting ready to leave..........I knew they were leaving today but thought they were sticking around till noon or two......So I said my goodbyes.......and then a few hours later he called his dad and told him they were having a picnic at the lake here in town and had gone to the mall ........then he showed up at the house unannounced because g/f left something........he talked to dad and almost walked out w/o saying anything to me........dad had to tell him to give me a hug......I gave him a hug and couldn't help crying........I guess I thought the visit would of gone differently.........We had no time to talk he spent time with each of his siblings and his dad alone....running to the store or doing stuff during the BBQ.....him & his g/f even snuck off a couple of times during the day to "talk & be alone" .........just disappointed.

better get to bed gotta get up early
Bernice

Cyn, so sorry that things didn't work out with the nephew. Glad the brother has freed up your living room! Hey a good cry is the best medicine sometimes, better to let it out rather than bottle it up & fester, holding it in can cause lots of nasty symptoms- aches & pains & bowel problems, so you have a good cry!xxxxxxxx
DMPLS, sorry about your son, they don't always think, my son never even told me about his accident! I'm sure as he grows up he'll be more close to you, after all at his age his gf & friends are his world! At least you can write to him & keep his letters to read when you're feeling a bit sad or lonely.xxxxxxx
Dusty, thanks for your kind word I laughed at your pics, not in a horrible way, but at your hair, it's a relief to see other women who have wild & wooly hair too! I really like yours straight, I have to put tons of stuff on mine to make it 'calm down' but I really can't be bothered to straighten mine, I'm too lazy!xxxxx
Nancy, so GREAT to see you back!!!! So happy that you are happy & hey you gained a bit back but you're back! It must be great to have someone there to share the weight-loss journey with and maybe exercise together, whether walks, Wii-fit or whatever.xxxxxx
Ratkitty, wow you are CLEVER!! & yes at the moment I'm looking for ANY job. How is your parrot? Can you post a pic? I love birds but my boys are a bit young to get a small or big bird, they'd either scare it to death or get a nasty bite!xxxxxxx
Anne you are busy in your garden, it's great exercise & you get the health benefits AND a lovely garden, I envy you! It's raining really hard today & I need to get weeding my flower beds & planting seedlings. I might even try to grow some veg next year, it's hard as my two boys kick balls all over and often damage flowers, maybe I can fence a bit off as a 'ball-free' area? Wish I lived closer as I'd love to sample some of your exotic sounding jams!xxxxx
Zelma, what a card! Glad you laughed about it! Are you going to be doing the same job next year or are you back to being a regular class teacher? I hope you're all better now.xxxxxxx
I forgot who else I wanted to 'talk' to, so sorry. Hubby finds out Monday if he's in line for redundancy, I've heard nothing back from any of the jobs I applied for, not a happy time! Luckily Aiden is better, he lost so much weight his jeans fell down! good job he was 'chunky'! I had to take the elastic in on his trousers & jeans (button adjustable) wish I was doing that on mine!!! I'm worn out, running around after him last week was torture! He was not a good patient, wanting drinks & his bed making in the middle of the night and generally whining. No matter what I did it wasn't right, thank goodness he's back at school on Monday & I can get on with job hunting & housework!
xxxxxxxxsharon

Hiya Peeps - all the company is gone now. We had two great days of pool parties with lots of fun. I was not completely OP but this morning the scale shows I am up over 10 pounds - so today I will get back to drinking my water since I've slacked on that. Today I'm looking forward to a nice quiet day laying in the pool and a nice big grilled chicken salad. My body really misses the veggies when I don't get my usual fare of them in. I will post pics later today.

Hope you are all doing well.

Hugs,
Carol

Greetings my Peeps!

Hope everyone celebrating Canada Day and Independence Day had good picnics.

My parents are here until tomorrow. We are having a lazy Sunday reading the paper. We have gone to all the big area malls and walked several 5ks!! Mom and I rode 10.3 miles yesterday and our 5k (6.25 miles) the day before. We have also gone to 2 local farmer's market and gotten some good produce. My frig has never had so much food in it! They also brought their own pantry of food because they are both on low sodium diets. Poor Dad has been just reading his books while MOm and I run around everywhere. We did drop him off at my gym and he was there over an hour working out. That made him happy.

Catherine, it sounds like your book has stimulated a lot of people and like you said, showed many folks empowerment! I can't wait until mine arrives. Just by your writing here, I can feel your balance returning. I think frozen hotdog chunking is therapeutic and should be mandatory for anyone off-balance with life! Your former friend of Himself sounds like a sad case of meds that are hard to control. Lots of empty threats. I'm glad you aren't fretting about his lawsuit threats.

Debi, sorry your 4th was rainy, but BBQ'd chicken sounds yummy.

DMPLS, sometimes kids have no clue how little things effect their Moms. I used to call to speak to Dad when I was in school to talk to him about my ailing car, and it would hurt Mom's feelings (I was young and in college...I had no clue). Dad made a tactful mention of this and I believe my relationship with my Mom started getting stronger from there. I just needed someone to say something. Like I said, kids are clueless. Hugs to you. I can feel the strong love you have for your family. Ohhhhh, so sorry about your sweet poodle. I'd be mad at the groomer too. Poor baby.

Zelma, too funny about your kids. I know you are so proud of them! We've had storms on and off here.

Anne, I'm glad you are putting on the party for so many people!! hehe.. I love going to them. I'd lose my mind setting up for one. My big sis has that "coordination gene" for parties. I don't have it at all.

Debbie, I don't mind mowing either. Ewwww painting the deck.. have fun with that. I guess it's a necessary evil, like the rest of the chores around the house.

Cyn, there you are!! Wow, you've gone through a lot of changes in a month. You'll find your footing soon enough. I am glad your brother moved out. That was one burden you didn't need. He'll come around to realize that family is all you got. Just takes time.

Penny, w00h000000000 on your cycling!!!! I'm proud of you too! The time goes by quickly when riding. BTW, I like looking for pennies on the ground as I ride.

Sharon, I'm glad Aiden is feeling better. My sister's boy is 9 yrs old and isn't a good patient either. He's autistic, but very functional. My sis and her hubby have to work extra jobs to pay for his special schooling which runs $22,000 a year. The kid is smart and has made the honor roll every quarter since he's been there. I have some pictures of Buford around here somewhere. He's a trip! He's been screaming above everyone talking while my parents have been here. Buford will bite!! He's a rescue parrot and not well socialized. http://animal-world.com/encyclo/bird...ngedamazon.php shows a picture that looks like Buford.

Hugs and Luv to all! I shall be back later!
Ratkitten

HI...
didnt go to church today. Decided I need to be home to keep an eye on hubby. He seems a little calmer but still dont want to take my eyes off him for a few days.
I cleaned the hall closet and bathroom drawers and cabinets. Now im starting on youngest daughters room again. She is a slob!! She just doesnt get the idea if you try it on then hang it back up and put it away..shejust throws them in the floor. I thought i would just leave it and let her do it..well she is working all the time and I cant take it another day!!!
So IN i go.............LOL
Have a great day everyone...drink your water and move!!