Hi everyone - not much to report here. I ate a bit too much last night. I bought a package of Breyers ice cream cups (100 calories each). But I didn't need to eat two of them -- geesh!!! Trouble was they were GOOD!!! Excitement in Vancouver our hockey team is going to the second round in the playoffs. My sweetie has a signed jersey that he offered to let me wear to work-- I told him only if they make it to the third round. Although yesterday there were tons of people on campus wearing jerseys -- and our dress code is rather lax.

Luflic - to the Golden Girls

Lynn - horse back riding how cool. Last time I went was in 1990 and it was the trail ride from **** -- I was ok I had a great horse and it was a good thing my husband was such a fabulous rider.

Ella - glad things are going well -- sorry about all the troubles with the RX-8 - silly car to purchase but men and their toys LOL. Quite honestly I am on my fourth Mazda (three sedans one SUV) and I love them to pieces, but lemons are lemons.

Bobbi - LOL I suffer from low energy 7 days a week. Give Carter a huge GOLDEN hug for me and I love thinking about you driving that car singing "Go Granny Go"!!

Nancy - to the Golden Girls. I was where you are Jan of 2006 I ate my way out of all my clothes. I had previously shed 40 pounds and threw out all my "fat" clothes when I moved. During the Christmas vacation I lived in my yoga clothes. So in January my sweetie had to listen to my "clothes don't fit FIT" every morning. It took me a while but I finally dug in my heels -- started an online journal -- recorded every thing I ate and started to exercise. It took me 5 months to get rid of 35 pounds but the best part is they are still off -- now I need to get moving again to lose another 30 or so. You can do it too!!!

Moxie - the old classic bikes are making a huge come back -- take it too a good bike technician and get it in good order -you will be the envy of everyone.

Theresa - doctors blame everything on being overweight -- yes we know its a bad thing to be but we are doing what we can!!!

Karen - I am so very sorry about your husband losing his job. Same thing happened to my friend at the end of Mar. He is 57 and needs to work another 8 years (they just took on a new mortgage). I called him last Friday to go for a walk with the dogs. He said I had good timing because he is starting a new job on Monday -- so I will send good vibes your way. I am doing all I can to keep my job for another 3 years and 6 months -- that is the earliest I can retire with penalties. Keep us posted on how you both are doing.

Mickey - I look forward to seeing you post your loss

Big Hi to Cheryl, Phyllis, Paula and everyone else I may have missed -- oh the Golden years LOL

Here I am again! Dropped the car off, DD picked me up and brought me home, I went for a 30 minute bike ride, and then went for ANOTHER 30 minutes after lunch. Yes, yes, I am wonder woman....LOL....my butt didn't hurt as much today. It must be toughening up.

Cheryl, you were wondering about problem areas. Hmmmm. Yanno, when I get heavy, it seems to spread out pretty evenly, but it DOES tend to spread most, it seems, into the boobies. I feel like a freaking HEN....with this big, grandmotherly chest. Next comes the belly, which, when I exercise & keep my weight at reasonable limits, stays fairly flat, but when I'm heavy, it expands rather unpleasantly. OH! Then the ARMS. Ack! Really got the batwing thing going on. I don't know if they're going to snap back this time; I'm just hoping for the best. My legs don't get too big. The result is that I end up looking kind of like a flamingo, doncha know?

Hey Bobbi...you were wondering if any of us found those flat out thingies. Well, nope and nope. I went to two different WalMarts, and neither one had them. I finally ended up with a wheat/high fiber/low cal tortilla which I don't think is exactly the same, but it's okay as a wrap. I also buy high fiber/low cal pita bread. It satisfies my bread cravings without being too fattening.

Hey Theresa...you're doing really well! Keep up the good work, girlie!

Paula, my daughters ALL used to be that way (I have three) but once they got married and had babies, they haven't been quite so skinny, and I've noticed that they tend to eat more than they used to. None of them is the slightest bit heavy, but they're not the teeny tiny little whisps they were in college, either. As for weighing yourself three times a day...awwww... c'mon... you're just weighing the fluctuations in water and stuff, aren't you? Well, whatever works for you, I always say. If you're losing (which we know you are) then it must be working, right?

Jay, don't feel bad 'cuz I got on my bike first. It's really a lot of fun! Go for it, girlfriend! Oh, and yep...ahuh...I guess the ole' tummy does adjust to less food or something, because surprisingly enough, you really CAN'T eat a whole lot at once when you've been cutting back for a while. And I think it IS a good thing. Keeps us honest, eh?

Moxie! You'll LOVE riding the bike...I think. I do, anyway. It 's worth a try! For me, it's much better than walking, because I have a pinched nerve in my right leg, and when I walk for too long - or even stand for too long, or lie in bed with my leg straight out, it REALLY hurts. But with the bike, I'm exercising my legs but I'm sitting so I'm not putting my full weight on it. AND, even better, when you've pedalled a bit, and you're on a slightly downhill incline, you can COAST and get a little break that way. OH, and Moxie? Get RID of those clothes!!!! You're going to stick with us, take off that weight, and NEVER look back, right? (Right).

Sharon! Three pounds! Congrats!!!!! Great job!

Karen...I hope everything's okay. I'm thinking of you.

Mickey, Wulf, Nancy Mac and all you Golden Girls....have a great day! I even went over to Youtube last night and watched a few of the Golden Girls show snippets. They were so teriffic!!! Had to love 'em! Wonder where they all are now...????

TTFN,

Ella

HI Karen, I am so sorry to hear about your husband losing his job. Good luck with sticking to your eating and exercising goals during this difficult time.

Hi Mickey & Luflic & Nancy, Nice to meet you both.

Hi Paula, Charlie is 9.

Hi Cheryl, Just checked out your weight loss ticker at the bottom of your posts. Over 80 lbs!!!! That is FANTASTIC!

Hi Ella, I think that once you begin eating right, your body really rebels when you eat the wrong stuff. Hope you're feeling better.

Hi Joanne & Bobbi & Moxie & Theresa & Phyllis & anyone else I've missed.

I went to my diabetes class this morning. It was all about nutrition & there was not 1 thing that was new to me. Makes me feel really foolish - it's not that I don't know what to do - it's just that I don't do it!

I hope we all have a happy and healthy day,

Lynn

Lynn, that's why were here.......we know what to do but need the group support to encourage us and keep us on track.

We will win the battle......Phyllis

Thank you so much for the wonderful warm welcome.
karen I too would love to add my support to you emotionally. I know we sure can't afford for my husband to retire yet either. Michigans economy is terrible. Some of the others have worded it so well. Hopefully new and wonderful opportunites will come your way.

Paula would love your sweet and sour cabbage soup recipe.

I too get rid of fat clothes when I lose weight. For the past two years I lose 30 pounds flounder and slowly gain it back. Something wrong with this picture. I am determined this time no MOre!!! I was on Weight watchers in past years but too cheap now to pay when I know what to do. Matter of doing it. That is why I love the support here it is free. So thank you!!!

I tooo am a jeep driver. Love my jeep.

I have been out walking the past two days it has been beautiful here.

Hello Everyone and Thanks so much for the great words of encouragement! It has been kind of a shock to us but we have decided that we can't worry about what has already happened. I think that we will probably take off here in the next few weeks and go to MO. to visit my Dad, he is 87 and then to PA to visit Tim's Dad who is 89. We thought this might be the way to go because if Tim gets another job right away there will be no way that we would be able to get a vacation this year. And we feel it is so important to see our Dad's while we still have them. Then when we get back we can get a plan of attack made and figure out what to do. Tim is 60 and I'm 55 so I'm not real sure what type of jobs that might be available but will cross that bridge when we get there. Who knows ----- we may just tighten our belts for the mext 1 1/2 years until Tim can retire.

Like I said lots to think about but wanted to Thank everyone for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers.

Can you believe we have about 16 inches of snow on the ground!!! YEP!! It started in the night last night and is still going on. We also have lots of winds with it so the snow is drifting in to 2 and 3 foot drifts!! Springtime???

Take care everyone and I'll get back to you tomorrow. Karen

Karen, you are right to go visit your parents while you can. And when you get home maybe some doors will have opened for you. Just remember that God does not put more on you than you can handle. (Some times He has more faith in me than I have!) But as some of the others have said, I am not too good with words, but please know that I will remember you in my prayers.
16 of Snow! I can't imagine that!

luflic, I understand about going up and down. You are correct about needing support, and I think this is a good place for it. You have my support, and if I can help you...please let me know how! We just have to take one day at a time. Can't do anything about what we did yesterday, too early to worry about tomorrow, just plan for today and stick with it!!!

Phyllis, thanks for keeping us reminded that we not only need the support of other, but must remember to support the rest of the group.

Lynn, you are right. We all probably know what we need to do, just don't always put it into practice. We MUST do that if we are to succeed.

All you other Golden Girls, hope you have had a good On Program Day.
I have a busy day tomorrow so need to get to bed!

I have a good crock pot soup I will share later...

Goodnight to All! Wanda (Mickey)

Laura's Quick Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

Rated: 5 out of 5 by 93 members Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 4 Hours Ready In: 4 Hours 15 Minutes
Yields: 4 servings

"This is an easy chili recipe that you can throw in the slow cooker and forget about all day. Great topped with Cheddar cheese, crushed corn chips, and a dollop of sour cream."
INGREDIENTS:
1-1/2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1/2 pound ground turkey
1 (10.75 ounce) can low sodium tomato soup
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
1/2 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained
1/4 medium onion, chopped
1 tablespoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 pinch ground black pepper
1/2 pinch ground allspice
salt to taste

DIRECTIONS:
1. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place turkey in the skillet, and cook until evenly brown; drain.
2. Coat the inside of a slow cooker with cooking spray, and mix in turkey, tomato soup, kidney beans, black beans and onion. Season with chili powder, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, cumin, black pepper, allspice and salt.
3. Cover, and cook 8 hours on Low or 4 hours on High.
I use Rotel Chili & Tomatoes (mild) instead of Tomato soup for a more spicy taste, and I use F/F sour cream on top!
Hope you enjoy!
Servings Per Recipe: 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 289
Total Fat: 8.7g
Cholesterol: 42mg
Sodium: 689mg
Total Carbs: 32.9g
Dietary Fiber: 11.6g
Protein: 21.1g

Good Morning Ladies- I can't believe I didn't write yesterday. I must not have, because I can't find the post.
I spent the day yesterday sewing my special orders. I got them all finished and in the mail. Before I went to bed last night I got a rush order, so I will spend my day making it today. I have to clean my house sometime since I'm having the Red Hat ladies here tomorrow.

luflic- It was Bobbi that has the Cabbage Soup recipe. Maybe she can share it with the group.

Nancy-

Mickey- I look forward to seeing you post your loss tomorrow.
The Turkey Chili looks good. I'll have to put it on my recipe list.

Karen- Sorry to hear you hubby lost his job. I hope he find something else very soon. It's nice that you are planning on visiting you parents while he's off work.
YUCK!!! Please keep that snow on your side of the country. I don't want it here in the Northeast!

Joanne- Here's wishing your hockey team good luck!

Ella- WOW you are going to be another Lance Armstrong if you keep all this up. I'm proud of you!

OK, I'm off to get my shower and then into the basement to look for wedge wood colored fabric. If I don't have any in stock it's off to WalMart to buy some.

Good Morning Gals!
Last night I heard about all the stranded people in Colorado, isn't mother nature full of surprises! Karen... Did you and Tim get out of there before the storm hit? I agree about taking vacation now, you never know when you'll see your Dads again at that age.
I spent yesterday cleaning out my clothes closet, folding up winter clothes and organinzing dresser drawers. Today I'll put my winter dress clothes down stairs and exchange them for summer. I always enjoy that job, I also have some clothes I need to get rid of. They still fit but I haven't worn them for a couple of seasons.

Moxie... I think that quote is outrages, 10%? I just figured out how much I could have spent before DH retired and no way! I think those percentages come from wishful clothes manufactures. I've been retired for 9 years (early retirement) and I live in Blue Jeans. I take pride in the fact that I buy lots of expensive dress clothes for church and get all of them on the clearance racks. We have a Herberger's department store that has beautiful clothes and permanent sales racks, most of the time they have coupons in the paper for additional percentages off. My high heels I buy pretty cheaply too on E-bay. The clothes industry would go broke if everyone had my spending habits.
Theresa... You've averaged 1.57 pounds per week for 11 weeks, that's awesome! The recipe I posted wasn't for cake, it's a very light, fluffy dessert that has very few calories.

Cheryl... Yes, you can fold in flaked coconut with the pineapple, I think I'll try that. But the calories are going to take a huge jump. One ounce of sweetened coconut has between 134 - 142 calories per oz. Just be sure to fold it in after you've doubled the volume of milk mixture.

Mickey... Good luck on your weigh in on Thursday. You probably know this, but don't eat salty foods the night before and stay away from popcorn. I weigh myself every Monday morning (used to every morning while losing) and I always give up my nightly popcorn on Sunday nights and I would eat a light meal too. It's amazing how much water retention we have after eating salty foods.

Ella... My car runs on very little gas too, I used to fill it up once every 5-6 weeks before DH retired. Now that he's retired we use my car for trips into town, his pick-up is a gas guzzling 4 wheel drive. He complains about my car every time he drives it too, the shape of it makes for a blind spot by the back windows. It was quite a shock driving it after owning a jeep that you could see the whole world in. You can google Flat Outs and it'll take you to their home page where they'll tell you where you can purchase them. Wal*mart isn't the only store that carries them.

JayJay... I'll hug "Carter" when I see him, the reason he's so big is because Tiffany has two cats and he eats the cat food. I told her to put it up on a countertop but she said she didn't want the cats on the counter. That gave me a belly laugh since you can't tell cats where and when to go.

Luflic... I'll dig out my recipe for "Sweet/Sour" soup later today and post it.

Hi everyone I missed!
DH is hungry for eggs this morning so I better get going.

Wow Karen that is a lot of SNOW!!!!! Stay warm. I also agree with the others that your trip would be a nice thing for you two to do and give you lots of time to work on your future plans.

Bobbie, you sound like the type of lady I need to go shopping with when I lose about 10 lbs. I too look at the sales racks but right now all the good deals are in smaller sizes but I'll get there again.

Lynn, horseback riding....I use to own an American Saddle horse (back in the day) I loved riding her we lived in Southern Alabama and near a forest (my first dh was a Forester before he died) with lots of trails. Afraid I would break a horses back at this weight!!!!! lol

Ella, I went to Walmart, had the flatouts on my list and totally forgot to look for them....duh!!! Guess that is a senior moment...

Paula, you sound very very busy with making the costumes....I bet you are swamped closer to Halloween. Hope you find time for your Red Hatters, I know you will. Our church has a group I may check into it, I was asked to join when they first started it up. I love seeing a group of Red Hatters out at a resturant, they always have such a good time.

Mickey I have almost the same recipe for the Chili but I add a package of fresh sliced mushrooms to mine and add a bit of cinnimon now to add a little different flavor. My dh loves Chili so he'll eat it any way I fix it.

Welcome to Luflic and Nancy. And hello to everyone, so nice to see you all posting so much....this is a GREAT group.

Phyllis

Hi all,

I'm Lyn, from LeRoy, NY...in my mid 50s so, yes I'm "Golden". I used to post in the TOPs support group, but i see it has vanished. I am doing WW (since Jan) and have lost 5 pounds there. Previously and currently also doing TOPs (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) in LeRoy and have lost about 5 or 6 pounds in 5 or 6 years. YES, it's excruciatingly S-L-O-W. But I exercise daily (mostly walk and eliptical) and some yoga.

I need a place to come on-line to get and give support. Hoping to get to know you all.

Lyn

Happy Wednesday to everyone!!! Ok I did it I finally did it -- I made up my mind a while ago that if I hadn't got my act together I was going to register for a fitness bootcamp. So starting Mon I will be going 3 days a week in the evening and its pretty much like it sounds -- hard work and fairly intense -- although I called her and told her I will not, and cannot run -- so will that be ok and she says the classes are based on the person's individual fitness level. If they are running I walk and catch up -- I don't mind better than updating my will What was wonderful that making up my mind to do register also made me be extra better with my calories for yesterday and for the first time in a while I was within my target of 1600 - 1800 calories for the day -- that deserves a

Ella - another bike ride -- way to go you and yes I will be on mine soon enough maybe on Friday I am taking the day off and both vehicles are booked for service - -just have to see what the weather is like.

Lynn - I have felt that way so many times - -I know what to do and eat I just choose for too long to not do it.

Phyllis - I agree and really enjoy all the support here -- I look forward to cheering for successes and helping with tough times.

Karen - great choice to go see your dad's!!! Not sure about CO but right now our economy is thriving and most companies are looking for the 55+ workers. They are experienced, more flexible with hours, and not wanting to be president within a few months like most of the 20 somethings that have grown up always having instantaneous gratification with everything they do.
Oh and 16" of snow -- YIKES YIKES YIKES!!!!

Paula - you should do a photobucket slide show of your work - I only wish I could sew -- fabulous talent!!!

Bobbi - I need to get my clothes organized. I am positive I will have a few more large bags of clothes to donate. I moved them to another closet and they weren't worn these season so if I can muster the strength to let them go -- out they go!!!

Lyn from NY -

Hi Wanda and any other Golden Girls reading this.

Hello everyone,
I guess I just wanted to get on say hello and let everyone know that I decided to change my exercise goal ticker from 4000 minutes to 3000 minutes for this month. I really didn't want to do that but with the last few days that I didn't walk I knew there was no way that I was going to meet that goal. It's going to be tough enough to meet the 3000 minutes for this month! I just finished doing 200 crunches on the Ab lounge and still need to get my walk in.

We have 45 degrees today and the snow is melting away fast and leaving a muddy mess for a driveway!!

Everybody have a good day and I'll get back later to chat. Karen

Hey y'all,

I'm back at work today not that I hate it or anything like that, but I think I have an advanced case of spring fever. I'm absolutely dying to be outside. Yesterday was soooo great. I may have to take a week of my vacation time just to hang about the house, go on little bike rides, and maybe (ack) do some serious spring cleaning.

Karen, I think I would go mad if we were still having snow. They'd have to commit me, and that's the truth. I swear, the older I get, the less tolerant I become of snow and ice and all that yukkie stuff. Sixteen inches of snow in late April! Omigawd! Well, I guess it's lucky that we all enjoy different things - otherwise, we'd all be trying to crowd into one little part of the country, right? Well, you'll be doing some traveling before long, so at least if it snows in May, you'll probably be over here in the east, right? Wait! 3,000 minutes of exercise a month? That's like a hundred minutes a day, right? No WONDER you're losing quicker n' ME, lady! You're working MUCH harder at it, so you DESERVE to lose more and lose it faster! Good grief, I got an HOUR in on the bike yesterday total and about ten minutes on my trimrider thingie, and trust me, that was an exceptional day. Usually, it's just been ten minutes on the trinrider morning and evening. Now, if I can get a half hour in on the bike after work, I'll feel pretty good about it. MAYBE the trimrider after supper if I'm not too pooped out. I mean, you GO, girlie!!!!! I'm right behind you...just much slower!

Bobbi - YAY, Yay & YAY!
I googled Flat Outs like you said, and found that they have them at a market not ten minutes from my house - the "Big Y". Now I won't have to drive 15 miles to the super WalMart. We have other, closer WalMarts, but they're not super stores - don't have a grocery market attached.

JAY! Boot camp? Oh, jeeze. You guys are really SERIOUS about this stuff, eh??? Ummm...no....I mean that's great!!! (I guess). Boot camp? Wowie, zowie, girl. You've got courage! Congrats on staying in the right calorie range! Keep up the good work, m'dear!

Mickey - I'll have to post MY chili recipe, too. I had to develop it over time, as my DH was born & raised in Texas, and considers himself a chili connosieur (I know that's spelled wrong, but you know what I mean, right?). He claimed that New Englanders can't make chili. So, naturally, when he threw down THAT gauntlet, I had to prove that we could - AND that we could make it better! Now he brags on mine all the time, and the best part is that he doesn't even realize that it's low in calories & fat and high in fiber!

Hey Phyllis! How're you doing down there in Flawridder???? My sis lived in Palm Beach for 25 years and they used to vacation up in the mountains of North Carolina. Now, they've retired up there, and love it. I love it, too - been trying to talk DH into getting a place, but he keeps pointing out that 3 of my four children live in Massachusetts, and when we lived in New Hampshire for the first year we were married (we've been married for five years) I was miserable. True enough, but I sure wish I could talk them ALL into moving down there with us!

Hiya Lynn, how are your classes going? Did you find a place to get riding lessons yet? WATCH what you eat, okay???? Diabetes is nothing to fool around with. But you know that, right? Just be a little more careful - we like hearing from you, yanno?

Paula, Lance Armstrong doesn't have to worry about any competition from me, trust me! I just chug along, moving my butt around to avoid PAIN, and coasting down the down slopes (I love that about bike riding....in some spots you have to pedal pretty hard, but then you get a nice little rest on the downslopes). The pain IS subsiding some, now, tho. Yay!

Hey, Luflic...stick with us, kiddo, and we'll all get there sooner or later....
Just as long as we keep doing this:

Hiya Cheryl....Mickey.....and welcome, Lyn.....

TTFN,

Ella