Thru Thick & Thin is a group that was formed to give and receive support on our journey to take off the excess pounds and to keep them off. No matter who you are or where you are from, you're welcome here with us. We'll stand with you while you're losing and stand by you if you're not. We all have ups and downs and we need support in both.

Hello Everyone

Hope you are all having a good weekend. I spent about 2 1/2 hrs at the new Super Walmart yesterday and last night I went thru old and new mail. I have to finish it up today plus balance the check book, something I'm not looking forward to and I have a funeral visitation to go to today.

I brought up Internet Explorer to start the new thread. AOL won't let you copy and paste to another thread for some reason. It is one of the things I don't like about AOL.

Has anyone made a "Dump Cake" before, the one where you dump a can of crushed pineapple, pie cherries or whatever else other fruit you want and then pour a cake mix over it and top it with nuts and pats of butter and then bake it? Someone told me it needs to bake 30 mins but I saw a recipe that said 70 mins. I'm making it for a family get together after my uncles funeral tomorrow.

Marlana, sewing on a machine is something I'm no good at. I've got a sewing machine at my mil's. I have trouble understanding the tension and anytime I start something and then have trouble, I'm totally lost on fixing the problem. I hope you catch lots of fishies today. I don't mind eatting fish but I've just not been much for the fishing part, well, I don't mind holding a fishing pole and reeling a fish in, but the worm or bait part and taking the fish off the hook isn't my thing. I guess I'm a sissy.

Skeeter, I stopped by the fish section at Walmart yesterday and I was in shock at how they have those fighter fish in those little bitty cups with lids on them. I'm surprised they are even alive. Some of them looked really sluggish to me. If I get one, I will go to this fish shop they have in town. Oh I bought the stuff for the pumpkin fluff except I couldn't find the ff/sf pudding. I have one more store to check out to see if its there. Walmart has their brand of cherry pie filling reg & sf, for $1 a can and I stocked up on that. You know how I love cherries. I really didn't do to badly with my wallet yesterday cause I had trouble finding some of the groceries I needed. I'm sending dh over to his moms today to get some things from her "grocery".

Teresa, sometimes you just have to give in to those temptations just to keep going. Could be worse, you could of ate the whole thing but you just had a small bowl so pat yourself on the back for that. I never could totally deprive myself when I was gung ho on my food plan. Dh has discovered "cookies and cream ice cream and will not settle for the ff/sf or even just the low fat kind so when its here I have a very hard time resisting. I'm going to make some of that pumpkin fluff if I can find the sf/ff pudding I need.

Tammy, how you doing, girl? Good to see you again. I have stolen your "talk to you lighter". Couldn't remember who used to use it but I use it quite often now. Stop in again and see us.

Well, I've got to get in the shower and get dressed. Talk to you all lighter.

Hey Everyone

Well my tummy is much better today but not the head. Hubby told me that was normal though.

Teresa~I also ate more than I should have last night. When my tummy quit hurting, it was like I just couldn't resist the treats. After I ate the pumpkin fluff with the s/f cake, I had some low fat pretzels. I just had the veggie soup and f/f crackers for lunch and am feeling stuffed and sleepy. It has been hot the last few days here and the a/c in running day and night again. The low 80's is nice weather though and I don't complain.

JoJo~I can't believe that your Wal Mart doesn't have the f/f s/f puddings. That's where I get all my stuff. Talk to the manager the next time that you go there. Did you see the little 2 gallon plastic Aqua Tanks in the fish section? I only paid $16 for my first one and $19 for the second one. I thought that they were so cute. All of the stores have the betas in those little cups. Then they will sell little bowls that only hold about a cup or two of water for them to live in. I hate to see them in those small things. Thanks for starting a new thread, I didn't realize that the old one had gotten so long. Marlana is the one to answer the questions about baking stuff. Try her email since she has already been on the board today.

Marlana~These fish are very easy to take care of. They don't have to have the air pumps and can live in a gold fish bowl or a large vase. You only change the water once a week if the container is a gallon. The smaller the container the more often you need to change it. You also have to be careful with the city water and the chlorine in it but you have a well that you can use the water for a fish. They eat little pellets once or twice a day and can even go without food for a weekend. The best selections are at Petsmart. I just couldn't believe the colors there. They also guarantee the fish for 14 days or your money back. A lot of those places have small containers that betas can exist in but it is not a good life for them. It would be like us living in a closet. You could get a bowl for under $5 and put some colored gravel in the bottom and maybe a small plastic plant and still not spend very much. The sugar free angel food cake is the Wal Mart brand in the bakery. We tried a few different kinds and that is the best tasting one and also the least amount of points. I eat ice cream over it too when we get some of the good low fat no sugar added stuff.

The figure skating has started and I want to watch that. Y'all have a good day.

Hello everyone. Boy that pumpkin fluff sounds great! I love pumpkin so I will have to try some.

I'm still learning the new ropes on this website so give me some time to respond to everyone in a little bit. I hope everyone is ok and I'll talk to you soon.

I forgot who asked about the dump cake but their is a fruit cocktail cake and it takes 45 minutes. The recipe sounds similar.

Great Day in The Morning to Ya~~I feel really good this morning, ready to go. I've already been busy that's why I'm just now getting in here to write. I baked a black walnut cake for the man who let me pick up the walnuts. Boy does it smell good. I'm going to bake hubby one later. I'm going back to finish up the job of picking up all the nuts as soon as I'm finished writing in here. The good news is that this week I lost 3 pounds. I guess those walnuts helped me to lose. I didn't get into the 60's but maybe next week.

Jo Jo~~Thanks for starting the thread, I guess I'm the guilty one for going over 25. I always go to the site from a email where someone has posted. I guess I need to go the other way sometimes. Sorry to hear about your uncle's death. I haven't made a dump cake, but I've heard of them. I bet they are good. I've been sewing since I was 10 years old. I started with making doll cloths out of my dad's old socks. I have more trouble sewing now than I used to because I don't do it enough, but I can still sew what ever I want to, it just takes me longer. I didn't get to go fishing yesterday. The B. pressure was too high and it would have been a waste of time.

Skeeter~~Enjoy your day Knot Hunting!!! I have a question about the Pumpkin Fluff, I haven't made it yet because I don't have the right pudding mix. I told my friend about it and she made it...sort of. She tried to call me, but I wasn't home. Do you just 2 cups of mile in the pudding...I thank yes...she didn't. I don't use the well water in my house, I'm on rural water. That well water would kill anything a live. Would I let the water set out for a couple of days? The bowl I know would be cheap, how much is the fish for me to kill? I used to want a reg. fish tank, but just never got one. Now you got me thanking about it again.

Tammy~~Good to see you back this morning. Just give yourself some time and you'll learn how to get around in the site. How's the kids? Glad you decided to join us again. I do hope you can do really well at the tops meetings. Have you ever been to one before. Years ago I belonged to Tops. I liked it OK. It's too for to drive for me to belong to anything.

300~270.75~167~29.25~ 103.75 TO GO!

Hello Ladies

I had such a busy weekend that I didn’t get a chance to come in and post. Friday night dh and I ended up going to a pub in our area. I did pretty good too. I only had one drink (a Chocolate Monkey mmmmm) and then I had club soda and coffee (not together of course). After there we went to check out a bookstore that is open late. It was a pretty nice evening. Then Saturday was spent at the gym and library. The evening was filled with cooking and hockey (watching not playing). I decided to make a pumpkin soup. Well I first had to cook up 4 pumpkins before I could even get started. It took over 2 hours cook this soup. But it was worth it. Let see then yesterday, I did a run and spent the afternoon shopping. Finally got my MIL’s birthday present. I was so tired yesterday that I went to bed at 9:30. That was after having a nap in the afternoon and also dozing on the couch in the evening! Oh well.

Mb: Sounds like you had a busy weekend planned. How were the shows? We didn’t end up going to see any movies. Just went to the pub instead. I think the rain may have passed (for now). It was sunny all weekend and the sunshine is just pouring through my window right now.

Marlana: Sorry to hear of the passing of your mouse. May it rest in peace (or is it pieces?). I also hope that I don’t have the same problem when I get my wisdom teeth pulled. It should be okay. They are referring me to a specialist to have them done and they are going to put me fully under. That is the part that scares me a bit. I have never been “knocked out” before. Hey I think the rhino looks pretty good in that thong! I just read that you finally got some of our rain. FYI you can keep it! I am enjoying this sunshine! I am not even sure I know what a black walnut is. How is different from the regular variety? (Besides being black?!) ohhh I have just a big smile on my face I just read your good news. CONGRATULATIONS on another loss. You are doing such an amazing job!!!!

Jojo: We didn’t end up seeing Monster Inc. Since it was opening weekend, dh thought it would be too busy and too many kids. We will probably go in about 2 weeks. We can’t go next weekend, as my BIL will be here. He will be on a stop over from San Francisco to back home in Northern Ontario. I have heard mixed reviews of the movie. Oh well I still want to see it. Sorry to hear about your uncle. I have heard of dump cake but have never made it before. 70 minutes seems like way toooooo long. I would bake it for 30 and keep testing it every 5 minutes after that. Let us know how it turns out.

Teresa: Sorry to hear that you are having such a tough time. But I am glad that you are coming in here and sharing. That’s what we are here for. Stay strong! Everyone needs some “me” time. Right now I am able to escape to the library on the weekends. It works well for me. It’s also good because they don’t allow food in the library. However, I do sneak in a bottle of water. Shhhhh

Skeeter: 3 little ones now. Congratulations! What is the name of your new guy? My hubby is a shortie (for a guy that is) too. He is about 5’8” or 5’9”. Just perfect for me. Tall enough to reach things for me but short enough to properly hug. My wisdom teeth are bothering me. I have one that is fully through and it scrapes along the inside of my cheek. Some days it gets so raw. As for the others, there just isn’t enough room in my mouth for them and they are starting to shift my other teeth. Dh is one of those lucky ones who was actually born without wisdom teeth so he will never have to worry. I do plan on getting loaded with gas before my root canal. They have already offered it to me. And when I get my wisdom teeth out, I am going to a specialist who is going to put me under. Yep my mom is a shortie like us. I think she is about your height. Oh I just read about you poor tummy! Hope you are feeling better today!

Jen: Glad to hear that you actually had an entire weekend off. Do battle with those leaves should give you some good exercise!

Sally: Hope you had a good weekend and a nice shopping trip. Did you guys like Monsters Inc.?

Tammie: Nice to meet ya’. Hope you stop in often.


Whew I am pooped from all of that writing. Well that’ll teach me for staying away for the weekend.

I hope you all have a HAPPY and HEALTHY day!!

Tobey

Good morning gals. It seems like I was so busy this weekend, but really didn't get anything done. Saturday when I tried to mow the leaves, of course the lawn mower wouldn't start. Seems to be a theme around here. So I started raking, but I had pulled too much and hurt my hernia. So I called dear bf to rake while I burned. That takes forever. Then we went out for a late dinner. Yesterday was football day. Again I stayed away from the greasy food at the sports bar and made some acorn squash in the oven. Yummy. Today it's back to work. I can see that by the way you guys keep raving about the pumpkin fluff that I'm going to have to stop at the store and pick up the stuff to make it.

Jojo- Sorry about your uncle's death. I have heard of dump cake before, but I don't know how to make it. I agree with Tobey, 70 min seems long. I have seen the little fish in the cups with lids too. If I knew where I could safely keep them away from the cats I would get a couple. I don't want them to turn into kitty sushi.

Skeeter- Glad you're starting to feel better. Those fish are easy to take care of. I had one years ago when I was catless.

Marlana- Congrats on your 3 lb loss. Tomorrow is my weigh-in day. I'm a little nervous. I haven't peeked at all this week. Can't say I've been really good at all this week. But I'm gonna kick butt today! I was wondering the same thing about the fluff, do you make the pudding with milk or just the powder? That black walnut cake sounds yummy. Heck, any cake sounds yummy. Just for the record, last week you asked if raking leaves counted as exercise. Definately yes. I was so sore yesterday!

Tobey- Sounds like you had a good weekend. From my experience, the worst part of being "knocked out" is waiting for it. They have to hook you up to monitors for your heart, bp, and IV fluids first while you're just laying on the operating table. I get really goofy with the drugs. I'm sure I'm plenty entertaining. Once when I was just starting to feel it I told the surgeon that I felt like I was on drugs! Then when I woke up I told the nurse to thank the anesthesiologist 'cuz "that was some good ****!" Some people wake up crying for no reason, others get nauseated. Depends on the med they use. Just ask that you have something for nausea to go with it, just in case. And try to enjoy the trip!

Gotta get going, want to walk, brush the dog, do a little reading before work.

Happy and healthy,
Jen
149.5/147.5/140

Hello Y’all

First regarding the Pumpkin Fluff, according to our WW leader 1 cup = 1 point. Also, you just add the box of pudding mix, NO MILK. It ends up being very light a fluffy…the milk would make it too watery.

My weekend was as busy as it sounded. The craft fair was fun and I came away with some great ideas and I bought myself a Victorian white top and a petty coat. I’m going to make myself a black velvet skirt to wear with them for the holidays. The problem with the craft show was the food…I had a small bag of those cinnamon-coated almonds and then one of those puff pastries stuffed with spinach and cheese. My girlfriend and I then went to Applebee’s where I had the small Southwestern Salad. When I got home I couldn’t stop myself from eating the left over Holloween candy…way too much of a good thing! The devil was certainly out and on my shoulder Saturday cause that little voice in your head was telling me it was ok.

My basket show went well also, got 2 and possibly 3 bookings for new shows. The best news in this area is that for the month of October is that I was #1 in Sales for my branch. That’s a first for me, most of the time I’m lucky if I make it into the top 10!

Jo Jo, I go to the craft shows mostly for the ideas myself. I got a great one for my new baby niece’s Christmas gift. I’m going to get some fancy pants to cover her dipper and paint on it ‘princes’. I must say the ‘patriotic’ theme was everywhere and a little over done if you ask me. Especially the prices they had on the items, way too high! Sorry to hear that your Uncle passed away, its been awhile since I made a Dump Cake and I know it took a long time to cook but 70 minutes seems excessive. Why not start checking it after 45 and judge from there!

Teresa, you sound like I was a year ago. As some in this group know, I’ve had issues with my hubby and we’ve been trying to work things out with the help of counseling. Part of the problem is related to money and how we both spend it. They always seem to forget that they spend when they shouldn’t also and it just not us. The depression is something we both battle and I for one have found that it is an illness that I have experienced most of my life. It just took 40 years to realize it and get the proper treatment. I’ve also learned that I’m a depressive eater, I eat not only when I’m lonely but also when I’m depressed and those two really go together. It sounds like part of yours this past week was due to PMS, another real illness that too many people don’t treat as such, especially men. Any way, hang in there, just cause you buy yourself something is not a reason to feel guilty. Guilt is a powerful emotion that can contribute to the depression, which just starts that cycle all over again.

Marlana, Congratulations on the 3-lbs. loss you are doing so good! Keep up the good work.

Skeeter, when you send the walking stick info to Tobey can you forward to me also. I was looking at them at the craft show, remembered that your hubby makes them and would rather get one form you.

Jen, Tammie, Sally and anyone else I may have missed I hope your having as good as Monday as is possible! Will check in tomorrow after the WW meeting.

Marybeth

Hi Everyone.

Well, the dump cake, its probably going to the dump. It just would not finish cooking on the inside and the outside was getting burned. I think where I made my mistake was I mixed it all up in the pan and another lady that makes it says she just pours the cake mix over the fruit and puts pats of butter on top. Oh well, I made dreamcicle puddings instead cause that always goes over well at get togethers.

When I get off here, I've got to get dishes done. I'm the type who is a messy cook. Plus I'll use a spoon and then throw it in the sink with the rest of the dirty dishes forgetting I'm not done with the spoon yet so then I need a new spoon. Needless to say, I go through a lot of silverwear.

I've got physical therapy today. I'm supposed to go for 3 weeks but my back is feeling much better so I'm not sure I'll need 3 wks worth.

Marybeth, oh, I know all about the food at craft sales. I like the ones that have the drips that you can "sample" and I end up making several trips over there to "sample". My samples turn into a small meal. Yeah, I can imagine everyone scrambled to make stuff to sell that was patriotic. I bet they sell a lot of it to. I'm thinking about painting my own flag and then sanding it down to make it look old. Kinda folk-artish, I guess. I'd like dh put it on the front of the house.

Jen, the worst part for me when it comes to being knocked out is getting the IV. I have the worst veins and they always have trouble. My SIL works for the surgery dept and when I had my hysterectomy, she picked the anestesiologist for me and I told her I wanted to be good and doped up and usually I remember going into the operating room. Well, I remember heading to the OR but I don't remember going into the room. One surgery they couldn't get a vein and they decided to wait till I got to the operating room. I want to be doped up well before to give me a little relief from the worrying.

Tobey, whats a chocolate monkey? It has to be good if its chocolate. Have you ever heard of a duck a$$ drink? Its kaluah and 2 other liquors and is pretty potent. I'm not much of a drinking, 2 beers a year will do me but once in awhile I enjoy a mixed drink like a mud slide or something similar. Is pumpkin soup a sweet soup? I've heard of it before but have never had it.

Marlana, well, as you probably read, my dump cake didn't come out. Oh well. I got to thinking yesterday after seeing all my cousins and aunts & uncles, I don't see them enough. My cousins all have kids that I wouldn't know if I walked by them on the street and some cousins have grandkids now. Its kinda sad we only see each other during funerals. (there hasn't been a family wedding in quite a few years) And my moms brothers and sisters, well, they all are pretty much in bad health and looking kinda frail. I was watching one aunt today and it was like seeing my mom again. I did stop at my moms grave, its been awhile since I've been there. I have a hard time making myself go but someone told me that she isn't really there and that made me feel better about it. Sorry your BP is giving you trouble again. I hope its better today. Congrats on losing 3lbs. Thats good for your bp to. You'll start seeing a difference as those pounds keep coming off.

Skeeter, your dh sounds like mine as far as the comment about your head. Walmart had the sf/ff pudding, just not in butterscotch. Oh well. I made it with the regular pudding. No, I didn't check out the fishie tanks while there. I've got the urge to get me a fish so I'm sure I'll check them out one of these days. I'm going to have to try one of their angel food cakes to.

Well, I'd better get going now. Take care everyone.

Good Evening everyone. I want to eat!! I already hit my calorie limit so I thought I better come here! MARLANA congrat on your 3# lost thats great!
I still have that eating problem when I let the dog out! Remember how I would complain about it? I joined TOPS before and I lost since I have to face the scale it helps!
STARKEEPER sorry, the cake didn't turn out. I hate it when something I cook doesn't turn out. I hate throwing food out (that's probably part of my weight problem
MARYBETH I know what you mean about the Halloween candy! There's a bowl a few feet from me calling my name!
JEN oh the leaves, I know it's hard work. I'm lucky my husband like yard work!
TOBEY I never had pumpkin soup it sounds like a lot of work buy sounds yummy!
Well, got to help with the boys homework.

Hidy Ho Ladies~~I ended up back asleep in my chair this morning, so I'm getting a late start this morning. I had a pretty good day with my food yesterday. I say pretty good, because it wasn't perfect, I was a little picky. But I will have a much better day today. I ended up making 2 Black Walnut cakes, I made one for hubby too. I didn't eat any of it, but I did have a small taste of the frosting.

Tobey~~I've been so busy the last week I hardly have time to pee. It's beginning to get to me too. I need to take a little time for me. I thank tomorrow I will go and get Brett. (3) and spend the day with him. He won't be little much longer, and he likes to come over here so much. I've never had pumpkin soup, but I seen Martha S. making it the other day. I'm kinda glad my mouse died, this new one is so much better. I was having a hard time winning any on the little games on the web where you have to use your mouse. My old one was hard to direct. A black walnut taste totally different from English walnuts. Black walnuts are so good, and well as they should be as hard as they are to clean up and crack. I bought a walnut cracker, it cost me $50 but well worth it, it will also crack pecans. The inside is not black, just the outside.

Jen~~Your luck with the leaves is about like mine. The leaves here are so wet it will take 2 weeks without rain for them to dry out. Girl with that hernia you have no business raking leaves at all. You just got a few more days until you get that fixed don't you? I bet you'll be glad when it's all over with. I have never eat acorn squash. I know what they look like and that you bake them. What do you put on them to eat them, there must be something. I guess I need to buy one and give it a try, we could grow them here. I sure hope you have a nice loss today when you weigh. Your so close to your goal.

Marybeth~~Thanks for Pumpkin Fluff info, because I would have put milk in. I can't wait until I go to town again and can get some pudding mix and try it. Congrats on being #1 selling the baskets. I always feels good to excel in something.


Jo Jo~~I bet your mistake was mixing all the fruit with the batter. I don't know if your suppose to put it one the bottom or the batter on the bottom. If you put the batter on the bottom and fruit on the top, I thank the fruit will end up on the bottom when the cake is done. My aunt use to make that all the time and it was good. My Mother used to make a cho. cake that was so good, you wouldn't believe it. She put the cho batter on the bottom and a cho syrup of some kind, (homemade) on the top and when that cake was cool all that sticky cho. was on the bottom and so so good. She also put pecans in it. OH yes, my blood pressure is find. I was talking about Barometric pressure, I'm sorry, I just assume everyone knew what I was talking about. Barometric pressure has to be in a certain range or the fish doesn't bite very well. That is a lesson in fishing 101.

Tammy~~ I remember you dog letting out problem very well. Didn't you say you was joining Tops on Wed. You don't got much time left before you have to start being a good girl, even when you let the dog out. Doesn't seem like it should count in the middle of the night, but I thank it counts double.

Skeeter & Sally~~Missed you this morning.

Time to go and get a little something done. Have a good day.

Hello ladies

Well the sun is shining again today. However it is nice to be sitting at my desk – the sun is pouring in over my desk but I know that it is coooold outside. So I am quite happy to be right here. Some of you were asking about my pumpkin soup, so I thought that I would post the recipe here. The recipe is actually calls for butternut squash but you can substitute for any type of winter squash (including pumpkin). If you don’t feel like cooking up all that pumpkin, just used canned. That is if you can spare any from your pumpkin fluff!

Butternut Squash Soup

4 Servings

1 onion
4 cups butternut squash, cooked
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon crushed red hot pepper
1 1/2 cups no-chicken broth


Chop the onion coarsely. Spray a large saucepan with cooking spray and heat. Stir the in onion add the salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, and cook until the onion is very brown but not burned, about 30 minutes, on low to medium heat. Stir frequently and keep covered. Add the cooked squash and stir in the broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for at least 45 minutes, covered, on low to medium heat.

If the soup seems too watery, simmer uncovered until it reduces. Serve hot, topped with cilantro or parsley (optional).

Amount Per Serving
Calories 104 Calories from Fat 4
Percent Total Calories From:
Fat 4% Protein 9% Carb. 87%

Nutrient Amount per Serving % Daily Value
Total Fat 0 g 1%
Saturated Fat 0 g 0%
Cholesterol 0 mg 0%
Sodium 355 mg 15%
Total Carbohydrate 22 g 7%
Dietary Fibre 2 g 9%
Sugars 0 g
Protein 2 g

Vitamin A 222% Vitamin C 54% Calcium 0% Iron 7%


Jen: At least BF was around to help. I am sure that you both earned dinner that night. I love baked squash! Mmmmmm Guess I should just sit back and relax and enjoy my legal “trip”. I don’t know yet when I will have them removed – probably not until the new year. I have to have my root canal first which is scheduled for December 19th. I will be getting some lovely gas for that.

Mb: Congratulations on being number 1!! That’s fantastic news! Your holiday outfit sounds absolutely beautiful. I have that little devil as well. I find that when I start munching something “not so healthy” I end up going overboard on everything! I catch myself saying – why stop now?

Jojo: I am also a very messy cook! Especially when I bake. I also do the same thing – throw something in the sink just to realize a minute later that I still need it. Good to know that I am not the only one out there! Glad to hear that your back is getting better. Oh a chocolate monkey is sooo goood. It is vodka, banana liqueur, and crème de cacao. The problem is that you can just gulp them down because you can’t taste any alcohol. I’ve never tried a “duck’s a$$” before. Does sound good though. The pumpkin soup isn’t sweet at all. It is very savoury. In fact it taste like a cream soup but there is no dairy in it and no fat! Even dh likes this soup and he is not a big soup eatin’ guy.

Tammie: I find this board a good distraction when I want to eat even though I’m not hungry. Your dog story sounds interesting….

Marlana: I think it would be great for you to spend the day with Brett. Those walnuts and walnut cakes sound sooooo good. I am so bad for nibbling as I bake. I am always tasting the batter – and I still haven’t given up licking the spoon. It is still as much fun as when I was 6! That is a lot for a nut cracker. But who am I to say anything? I spent $30 on a water bottle and $12 for a pair of socks. The only fresh nuts I have (right off the tree that is) are hazelnuts. My grandparents had trees at their house and cottage. I sure have a soft spot for those. In fact I think they caused some of my soft spots!

Okay I am getting giddy so I think I should go. I want to run to the bank downstairs. I have been collecting my change for a few months and have collected over $200. So I have decided to open a savings account for it. I’ll keep collecting and then dh can do something special. Haven’t decided what yet.

Happy day!

Tobey

Hey Everyone

I have two days to catch up on here but will do my best. We went knot hunting yesterday from about 9:30 until almost 4:30. We really had a great time and never saw another human being the whole time. We very seldom run into anyone in the woods. Deer season starts Saturday so we won't be going into the woods like that until January. I am sure going to miss it too.

Tobey~Sounds like you had a busy but fun filled weekend. I usually hit the book store when we are at the mall and manage to pick up good books on sale. I have never had pumpkin soup and can't even imagine how it would taste. Hubby named the newest fish Moby. I just can't get over how pretty he is. I am hoping that a picture turns out well enough for everyone to see him. Or everyone can go to Petsmart and check out all the bettas and look for the really light colored ones. I'm sorry that your wisdom teeth are bothering you. It's best to get them out once they start hurting. Hubby is working on all the sticks but it will take a while before they are finished. I will take a picture of a few tomorrow to get it on my present roll of film. Of course finishing that roll of film could take a while also. Isn't it great to have someone around that can reach things? I have the stools but get so tired of having to use them. That's a good idea with the change. My husband has always collected change that way. It is amazing how fast it reaches large amounts. A few years ago, we offered a contract on house that was only 11 months old. We gave the realtor a check for $1000 but the owner wanted another $1500 on the contract. We didn't want to touch our savings or checking account so we started rolling the change and quit when we got to $1600. We couldn't believe that we still had change left and he had only been saving it for 2 years.

Jen~I agree that raking leaves doesn't sound like a good thing to be doing with that hernia. You'll love the pumpkin fluff, I think I'm addicted to it. My mom used to bake squash with brown sugar and butter. I use summer squash in my WW veggie soup and I also like it raw on a relish tray. That's the only kind that I have ever eaten and don't have a clue what winter squash is. Oh, all this talk about trips and not really going anywhere. Sounds like the 70's. I just love the funny nose at the dentists, it almost makes the dental work worth it.

Marlana~WTG with losing 3# more. You are doing good. My scales are the same as last Monday. I was sure hoping to at least drop one pound. What is in your well water that is so bad? Your city water would have chlorine that would kill the fish according to that website. It said that you can buy drops to eliminate the chorine but I don't know about setting it out for a few days. I let my water set but it's mostly so that the temperature is the same. That site also suggested keeping the Ph at about 7.2 so I bought a little kit. My friend has kept hers in distilled water since last Christmas and he is doing great. Supposedly, that is a big no-no but these little guys are very forgiving about their upkeep. The fish only cost $3-$4 everywhere. Petsmart is selling them for $2.50 right now.

Marybeth~Thanks for the info again on the pumpkin fluff. I have been counting it as 2 points for each cup but will have to start eating 2 cups. My husband didn't care for it and boy was I glad. Now I get it all to myself. Congratulations on being #1 in sales. You are starting to realize a lot of accomplishments lately. After losing over 50#, I would think that you deserve a day to celebrate once in a while as long as we get back OP the next day. Otherwise, we could end up back where we started from. That is what I have to keep telling myself anyhow. I'll send a picture of the sticks to you too as soon as I get that roll developed. I can send a larger picture that way instead of making it so small for an attachment here.

JoJo~How do you make the dreamsicle puddings? We have been buying Blue Bunny No Sugar Added Fat Free Creme Bars that taste like dreamsicles to me. They are only 1 point each and come in orange/vanilla and raspberry/vanilla. The box says that it is sweetened with Aspartame. Your dump cake sounds like what my stuff turns out like. That's why I gave up trying. I don't know what I do wrong and how to change it to make a difference so I use the easy way, box mixes. I also think that most good cooks are also messy cooks. My kitchen almost clean by the time something is in the oven, so what does that tell you? I'm sorry to hear about your uncle dying. It's typical for most families to see each other only during funerals and weddings though.

Tammie~We are glad to have you back in the group. It looks like you learned the new board pretty fast. I think that everyone hated it the first couple of days but have grown to love it and can't remember it being any other way. All the new features are so much fun to play with also.

Hope everyone has a wonderful day. It is a gorgeous sunny day here with a little cooler temps.

Good Morning. I had my weigh-in today. I lost 2 lbs. At least I'm setting a good pace, 2 lbs a week. I was incredibly good yesterday. Just veggies, fruit, and a healthy choice dinner after work. I even turned down rice crispies and brownies at work.

Marybeth- I am definately going to have to make that pumpkin fluff. It sounds sooo yummy. I always get caught up in the food at the craft shows too. The last one I went to I got white chocolate almond popcorn! Very good, but probably not on the plan!

Jojo- If they say 3 weeks of PT you should do 3 weeks of PT, even if you feel better. There is a reason they pulled that number out of the air. (Sorry, the nurse just took over!) Usually the anesthesiologist has to start my IV. I have Raynauds disease, which when I get cold, and the surgical suite is always freezing, my circulation to my hands, feet, ears, etc pretty much cuts off. I actually look like I'm frost-bitten, turn white and numb. I usually don't freak out til I walk into the OR and I'm on the table getting hooked up.

Tammy- Good choice coming to the thread instead of the fridge. I hope it worked!

Marlana- I've got til the 15th for surgery. I can't wait to get it over with (and have a few weeks off of work!). My grandma came up with a great idea about the leaves. If she's on the far side of the yard, she rakes them onto an old bedsheet and drags them to her burn pile. When I bake acorn squash I cut them in half and scoop out the seeds. Put in a little butter (lite) and brown sugar, sf pancake syrup along the edge and bake about an hour. Sometimes I'll toss in some walnuts or diced apples too.

Tobey- Your soup sounds good, but I'll probably go the canned pumpkin route. Looks like I need to go to the store and get a few cans, between the soup and the fluff, I'll turn orange!

Skeeter- My dear bf has already offered to come back and finish the leaves. My biggest problem is the burning restrictions, mon, wed, and sat 8-5. I work every mon, in class all day wed, and work every other sat. I guess it's his deal now! I love summer squash. I slice it up with some onion, green pepper, mushrooms, tomatoes, whatever I have and throw it in a dish on the grill. The mushrooms make a nice juice.

Well, looks like I'm about done here, need to go get ready for work again!

Happy and healthy,
Jen
149.5/145.5/140

HOWDY TO ALL OF YOU

I was in here a week ago and we are already on #114!!!! Where does the time go? I know this is unusual for me to ge here during the week. Well, I am home tonight. Basketball doesn't start for another two weeks so I have some time tonight and decided to surf the net. I did that for a while and wanted to come in and see how things are going. Of course, I haven't read all the previous threads, I will have to try and do that over the weekend some.

Our play went very well. We had the shows on Thurs.-Sat. It is nice to be finished with the rehearsals and have a little more time. This week on Wed. and Thurs. night and Fri. morning we have parent/teacher conferences. Then I can concentrate on getting the house straightened for Thanksgiving. I will have 16 people here on Friday, Nov. 23 for "Christ-giving". We will have our traditional dinner and then open presents. My dad and 3 of my sisters are going to New Mexico for Christmas to my other sisters so we are doing the celebration over Turkey Day weekend. I am still trying to decide if I will put up the tree for it. It would take an afternoon. Could wait and do it the Wednesday before or do it Thanksgiving night when some are here to help. Now that is a new idea Anyway, I am making some sf desserts for it as well as doing the main course. Everything will work out fine.

All of you seem to have been busy over the past weeks. I just have to get in here and try to keep up better. I tried to get in through my puter at school, but it wouldn't take and I don't know why. It said I had to register and everything again. Well, I didn't have my password with me, so I better find that. I have too many to remember them all.

Oh, dh is working for a fellow in construction. He drove by last Monday and saw him working in the yard and called him that night. He asked if he was working and offered him a job. Now dh doesn't know too much if anything about carpentry, but this guy is willing to work with him. The other job is done and I was wondering how things were going to go. He would have been able to get unemployment. It just shows that worrying will not get you anywhere. We will just see how this goes.

I better go for now. I know that I didn't write to any of you individually. I just feel that I have been out of touch and almost butting in because I don't get here as often now. I know that some of you have been struggling with life a bit more. Keep at it and things will get better. Enjoy every little success you have no matter what that success is in. Everyone have a great week.

I forgot to tell you, I weighed in tonight and have lost another 4 pounds, only 15 more to go! Marlana, congratulations on your loss. Way to go!

I'll try to talk to you later in the week. I should go to the old threads and try to catch up. That may take a week or two in itsself the way I am going.

Take care everyone and remember you all are worth the effort.

CAROL