Good morning everyone!

Well we finally got the rain we've been so desparately waiting for. We had 3.30" yesterday and subsequently had a lot of flooded underpasses. It was definitely needed so I can't complain too much. It's dreary here this morning but they're forecasting a sunny afternoon--we'll see if it happens.

Hope everyone had a good weekend. I didn't have too much going on. Worked at WW both Saturday and Sunday so the mornings were a little busy.

DH and I are planning a day trip on Tuesday to celebrate our 20th anniversary. Later on we'll plan a weekend away.

Hi Melissa. Congratulations on your 20th. Hope your day trip is fun, whatever you decide to do.

It's raining here today too but the temps are quite warm - the tail end of a tropical storm I think. We need the rain too, so no complaints.

I'm trying hard not to vent but my foot is STILL sore and I'm still not back to running. Starting to feel a little desperate. The pounds are creeping back on. I've resolved to stay away from the scale until life returns to normal (oh yeah, and to stay away from chocolate too). I'll really be ripe for Patch's challenge when it gets going.

I am reading a delightful book called Bitten which I bought at Costco last weekend. It's about werewolves but entirely from the werewolf's perspective - kinda the same idea as the Interview with the Vampire books by Anne Rice. It gives you a whole new way to look at a scarey subject - I'm really enjoying it.

Other than that, nothing much to report. Spent the weekend looking at carpet samples and paint chips. We're finally going to tackle the remaining rooms upstairs and get rid of that awful pink. Yeah!!

Hi Ladies,

Happy 20th Melissa. Wow. You are an inspiration.

Susan, paint chips - I am jealous. Next month, really.

I spent the weekend de-cluttering my house and spending too much money on clear plastic totes to see my remaining clutter. You should all be proud of me. I must have gotten rid of about 500 lbs of gack with another 500 to go to the dump.

Now, I need to put what I can back in order and tackle the back pantry and freezers.

You unplug the freezer before defrosting it, right?

Busy week, got my proposals signed and in three minutes out of my hands. Now to tackle other pressing work projects such as
a manuscript and deliverables....

yikes.

lala

Melissa, I hope you had a great 20th anniversary. That is quite an accomplishment. I'm almost there. It will be 19 for us Nov. 12.

Happy Tuesday and Happy Anniversary Melissa and hubby.

Well, we've chosen the carpet for the stairs and the installer should be taking measurements, etc. sometime over the next few days. Can't believe that cruddy gold carpet will finally be gone from my life forever Next stop -- paint store.

Lala: Don't be too jealous. We've lived with this pink paint in our living, dining room and entrance for 6 years - since we bought the house actually. We're not exactly johnny-on-thj-spot when it comes to some things. For some odd reason, it was easy to overlook the colour, but it really is time for a change. Actually, I'm jealous cause you seem to be making such good progress in your housecleaning efforts. I have one or two rooms that really need junking out; just can't seem to get started.

Myra: Are you settled in your new place?

Hi to Laurel, Domina, Patch.

Hi everyone,

The rain is gone. I am bummed. Susan, honestly we have not painted our living room and dining room since we moved in12 years ago. I don't think it was painted before that. For some reason, we have just lived with it. Now, I'm looking at doing white for the woodwork and plate rail and then a blue for the top part. We have lots of haida art that would stand out with the blue. However, when we do it is the question.

As for organizing, next time DH is on sea trials, go for it. Last night, I only did about 45 minutes, but hit the things that have been nagging me for the last eight years.

Tonight, something more interesting. Maybe dinner and movie with the neighbors.

How is everyone doing with the change of seasons. I am hating the quickly approaching dusk.

lala

Good morning everyone! Thanks for the anniversary wishes. We had a really nice day yesterday. Took advantage of the beautiful weather and took a ride south of here to an outlet mall and went to a gourmet food store and Harry & David's. Didn't do any major shopping other than getting some salsas and teas. We had a nice lunch out and I'm happy to report that I passed on french fries! That was quite an accomplishment since it's PMS time and I actually look for "comfort type" foods. I had a cajun grilled fish sandwich that equaled what I've had in Florida. Now if I can just figure out what spices or seasoning they use!

Lala: I'm green with envy! I wish I could get my stuff organized. Maybe this weekend I'll tackle that extra room that needs to be cleaned out. Once I get moving on it things will fall into place and I'll be motivated to continue.

Susan: It's always exciting getting new carpet/paint because things feel brand new. I bet you can't wait to get the new carpet installed.

Myra: You've got quite a few years under your belt as well. Time sure does pass by fast. Hope you're getting settled in your new place.

I'm not at all crazy about how quickly darkness falls now. I worked last evening at WW and we were done about 8:20 and it was already pretty dark--I'm not ready for that yet. I do enjoy the cooler evening temps and the warm days. The leaves here are turning brown/yellow rather than their vibrant reds and oranges. We've managed to get enough rain over the past weekend to bring our rainfall total up to our average for this time of the year. There's more rain in the forecast too but it's too late for our farmers. The grapes I've heard have been hit hard and that's a big blow to the farmers here because they supply Welch's and the local wineries.

Gotta get moving on some things from yesterday. I'll check back later on...