Good Evening, Flowers!
It has been a nice, sunny day and even warmer (27*) than yesterday. Our church had a service they called The Hanging of the Greens this morning. It was mostly music and readings to explain what different parts of the Christmas symbols in our church mean. . . . no sermon today. I stopped at Penneys on my way home to see if I could take advantage of their big Sunday sale. I did find a cute outfit for Ian! It's nice to be able to look for boy stuff. The rest of the stores didn't open until 1 so I came on home -- their loss!

Seren Dee -- Maggie gave you some good advice on the previous thread. Since we can't undo what we have done, forget it and move on. The word for the month is FOCUS and you can do it, one minute at a time if you have to. Your schedule sounds like busy one; just don't forget some "you" time in there.

Maggie -- The car is brand new and the only miles on it were from where the dealership had to go and pick it up. One of the cars on the lot had a phone in it; I kept looking for it and finally asked the salesman where they hid it. (I expected to see an actual phone hanging somewhere.) The on/off button is on the steering wheel and the speaker is located on the rear view mirror. There is no actual phone, just the button and speaker "holes." He said that more and more states are outlawing the use of cell phones while driving and so the car makers are making voice activated phones. The thing I would miss would be my phone #s that I have stored in my cell phone. He demonstrated the OnStar feature and that is really a weird feeling; we drove to DH's office and the operator could tell exactly where we were and gave us the street address. Modern technology really boggles the mind sometimes.

I need to decide what I am going to wear to school tomorrow. We have two full weeks plus one day of classes and then it will be four days of semester exams before vacation starts on the 20th. I can feel that I am behind already! Bob put the tree up today and it has lights on it. I'm not so sure when the rest will get done; my heart isn't in decorating this year. It's a good thing Ian won't know the difference or I would really feel guilty!

Have a marvelous Monday and a great week Flowers!

Jean -- and FOCUSED in Iowa!

GOOD MORNING MAGNOLIAS

A beautiful day in the neighborhood. We are going up to go to Ojai this afternoon and I will visit my old WW group. Horrah! for a gal named Mary for she has been handed the reigns to chair those meetings. She is good and has lost about 80 pounds and looks terrific. Her 13 year daughter had become my new best friend and it will be fun to see her again. We will stop by Barts ~ the outdoor used book store that we love so much and do some more errands in that area. Probably stop by and visit a spell with my folks aslo. I am FOCUSED and have a roast, potatoes and onions cooking away in a crock pot which will be dinner when we get home from all our running around this day.

JEAN I know of all those gadgets in new cars now and that makes Big Brothers watching a lot easier. Between those cameras at the stop lights and them being able to pin point where your car is they can track us with ease now. And if your car is stolen they can find it within 24 hours. It is a weird feeling for sure. Guess it will help them track the "bad guys." I do wonder when all states will outlaw using cell phones ~ I think it is coming to that quickly though because there are too many accidents. You can get a hand held computer that does what your "on star" tracking system does and we have an 800 number to call with our system. They have it all covered. Does "on star" control the phone system also? Or do you have to sign up with a compnay like you do for your hand held cell phone? I am sure those car phones store your numbers. It is all voice activated. If you want to call "Suzzie" push the on button and tell your mirror to "call Suzzie" and it will make the call.

Have a wonderful Monday everyone.

Good Afternoon, Flowers!
It has been a cold, windy day around my neighborhood. The sun was hiding this afternoon so it is kind of gloomy out. I will be glad when spring is on the way!

I must get started on my Christmas cards tonight. We got our first one on Saturday! Of course it was one that the person only signs their name; I kind of figure why bother if you can't include a little personal note.

Maggie -- I'm not sure if the phone works with on star or not. The onstar lady asked if we wanted to sign up and we said we were just trying the car out on a test drive. I do know that there was some free time included in the purchase of the car but then the salesman said that all of the different packages would be handled by credit card when they expired. I think I would like the "air bag" one where if the air bag comes out, they call and ask if you are ok or need help. There were 3 Mexicans who robbed a bank in Nebraska and then stole a vehicle that had on star; the authorities had them arrested in less than an hour. It was pretty funny.

I need to go check out what's for supper -- leftovers, I know. Have a terrific Tuesday!

Jean -- from Iowa!

Hi All,
It's a sunny and cold day in the WV hills. Supposed to start snowing tonight and continue tomorrow, so things should be a real mess by this time tomorrow. I'm roasting a turkey breast to get me through the lousy weather and keep me OP. I"m supposed to have a CR-V delivered tomorrow to test drive for a couple of days. The nearest dealer is 40 minutes away, but the salesman I've always dealt with is engaged to a woman over here, so he spends alot of time over here, so that makes life real convenient. I've been online and gone through Consumer's Reports with a fine toothed comb, and I'm almost positive I'm going to get it. I can put two mountain bikes in the back and my kayak on top, so things are good to go.
Keep my friend's daughter, Kara, in your prayers. She's 25, has had pleuresy for a month, and yesterday the docs decided to send her to the Cleveland Clinic to see if they could figure out what's causing this. Two things which were mentioned are Rheumatoid Arthritis and Pulmonary Fibrosis.........neither of which is good, so I hope the tests are negative for them. Needless to say, her mom's a wreck, and rightfully so.
Tomorrow's hump day for you:~}
fondly,
bubs

Good Afternoon Y'all

I've been busy. Too busy for my own good. But - I am FOCUSED . I weigh in on THursday and fairly certain I will show a loss. If I stay good between now and then.

Jean - I love shopping for new cars. They are always so clean and smell so good. We bought a Dodge truck, 4x4, last fall with the 0% interest. It's going to pull our trailer when we travel. I like the idea of having that "on star".

Maggie - I don't know if I've mentioned we finally have a trailer. A cargo trailer with a lot of windows added. It will haul our other toys, ATVs. Now all we have to do is fix up the "living area" in the front half of the trailer. Looking forward to being on the road. We are taking the last few weeks of the year and going to TX I think. Going to Big Bend NP for a week then to San Antonio to visit DH's family.
I like your word for the month. That is what I am - focused. Almost to the point of being obnoxious about it. I'm sure my friends get tired of listening to me figuring out points for everything. But oh well - that is the only way I'm going to reach my first destination. The second is to maintain for a lifetime!!

Bubs - A new car, too? Cool!!! I will keep your friend in my prayers!!

I guess I've taken enough time for my break. See y'all later.

GOOD AFTERNOON MAGNOLIAS

It has been another lovely day around here but it doesn't keep me thinking about how gorgeous Christmas lights look when they are reflected in the snow. Montana on my mind! I have a pot of spachetti sauce simmering on the stove and it is going to be tasty. I had a good time at my old WW meeting last night and do belive my friend Mary is going to make a good leader. I plan on visiting there at least once a month. I got on the scales and was surprised to show a loss. Well .1 is a loss folks and it is early for my weigh day is Thursday so I will keep my FOCUS and be fine.

JEAN that is great they caught those bank robbers. The cops told us that the trick the car thieves are using now is to steal a car then take it to a shopping center parking lot and leave it there a couple of days. If it isn't found by then they know it didn't have one of those tracking systems built in it.

BUBBLES I sure hope you do have some nice weather to test drive your new car. How nice of them to deliver it to you.

JOYCE that is neat that you now have a trailer and are making it to fit your own needs. I think I am going to make FOCUS my word for the year of 2003, might as well for I use it enough. I am looking forward to see what I can accomplish during that year. I am pleased what I did with 2002. For once I can look back and say I lost a chunk that won't come back. What a great feeling. We have to be selfish about ourselves and do maintain what we want most even if it does become tiresome to those around us. this is for us after all. Only we can be the of what is best for our program.

Have a nice evening folks. We are all gonn be......

I am so excited - I got an early Christmas present tonight. Someone came to the door about 7:30. DH went to answer the door. In walked my son that's been in Alaska going to college. Was a weird feeling, like he or I was in the wrong place. Haven't seen him since we took him up there last September. I started crying and hugging. DS's twin brother's wife bought the ticket to surprise us all. I was the last one to find out. He'll be here a week so I have to arrange time off. I won't have a problem. Can you tell I am HAPPY.

I'm planning on staying FOCUSED this week too.

Maggie - Yes, you have done well this last year. It's a great feeling, isn't it!!! Love this feeling of accomplishment!!!

See you all tomorrow!!

Good Evening, Flowers!
I've been to a jewelry party, had my evening nap with a cat on my lap, and now am wide awake! DH has a meeting in Des Moines and will be home tomorrow night. The house is too quiet!

Bubbles -- I am always surprised when you talk about snow. To me, you are much too far south for snow! Your friend and her daughter are in my thoughts and prayers. As I get older I appreciate my over all good health more and more. OK, what is a CR-V? I'm not too informed on vehicles as you can tell. I love the smell of new cars.

Joyce -- Do you plan to retire and travel in your new trailer or just take extended trips for the time being? On any given day I am ready to retire and then when I stop and think about it, I think I should hang in there for a couple more years. What a nice surprise to have your son come home for a visit! I know you will enjoy your time with him!

Maggie -- We haven't heard from Bob's MT brother in a while so I don't know if they have had snow or not. They live in Billings and often the snow storms seem to blow right over the top of them. I'll bet it is pretty, with a fresh snow, in the wide open spaces and the mountains in the background -- it is definitely an awesome sight.

Guess I will go soak in the tub and head for bed. Have a wonderful Wednesday! Boy, this week is flying by fast!

Jean -- from Iowa!

GOOD EVENING MAGNOLIAS

It has been a lazy day for me. I read the Tom Clancy novel Clear and Present Danger and it is so good I want to see the movie now. Finished eating my 19 points with a pasta dish tonight and it was soooo good. Alfredo noodles with Italian meat balls. I am looking forward to the mornings weigh-in.

JOYCE I am so very happy for you. That is one of the most wonderful gifts a mother can receive is to see her son from far away come home for the holidays. I just know you are on and will be there for awhile.

JEAN I know that about Billings and really prefer a town about 150 miles west of there called Bozeman that gets more snow and is in the mountains and is in a much, much prettier area. But all of Montana is beautiful ~ that is just my preference. Or up West-North from Billings is Great Falls and we have a freind there also who we may visit one day soon - after we come to Iowa.

Happy shopping.......

Good Evening, Flowers!
My late night, last night, is fast catching up with me and I am heading towards bed. DH is home again so the TV is cycling through the channels again tonight.

We got a couple of inches of new snow today -- in our driveway! Different parts of town got different amounts for some reason. The airport is just south of us and didn't have any when DH drove by on his way home. Strange!

Maggie -- BIL and family travel to Bozeman quite often. I think they ski and do some trout fishing in that area. They have relatives from the other side of the family who live there which makes it nice for them. We traveled to MT in '90 and would love to go back again. I never get tired of the mountains.

Have a terrific Thursday, Flowers!

Jean -- from Iowa!

Good Morning

I decided to come into work for a couple of hours this morning. My boss is very good to me when I need to rearrange my schedule. I do need to finish something for him though.

Jean - We are planning on retiring in 2-3 years. We hope to take extended trips - 2 to 6 weeks at a time. I can hardly wait. My mom always tells me that my chance will come and to quit wishing my life away. I think she's right - again!! Mom's are always right, right?

Maggie - It is indeed a wonderful gift. I thought I would have to wait til next summer when we are going up. Don't know if we will drive with our new trailer or take a plane.

We had a good day yesterday. Except - we ended up eating out lunch and dinner. Lunch was a "skinny" enchilada and dinner was a steak shared will DH. We went to pick up his cousin who is a senior in high school. They are very good friends. She didn't know DS was coming home either. She was very shocked. It was a very good day yesterday!! I thank God every day for my many blessings!!!!

GOOD MORNING MAGNOLIAS

Another beautiful top down day in the neighborhood. Ya'all must know by now why I wanted that convertable. The Iron Monster smiled down on me today and said I showed a loss of 2.6 POUNDS now that is terrific I would say for getting through Thanksgiving now I will gear up for the next holiday meal. This is a high point day for me so I enjoyed breakfast at Burger King. WOW did that use up a lot of points.

JEAN that Madison river that flows out of Yellowstone to Boseman area does afford the fisher person some wonderful places to have a great time. I love the mountains and am definitely not a flatlander.

JOYCE that is neat that a cousin could also join in the surprise of your son being home. I am so very happy for you and know that your heart sings.

Everyone - we are only given a moment of time to live at a time so lets make use of every moment.

I'm just dropping in for a quick "hello" as we are going out for a quick supper. I kidded DH and told him it was his night to cook.

I have bell choir practice at 7 and then will gear up for Friday when I get home. I think the gremlins come and visit while I am at school. I don't remember leaving so many "unfinished" projects this morning! If only I could get myself organized at home like I am at school!

Have a super Friday! It's going to be a busy weekend for us as we have both of our Christmas parties plus an open house on Sunday. Oh well, might as well get it all over with at once, I guess.

Jean -- from Iowa!

WEIGH TO GO MAGGIE

[SIZE=huge]GOOD MORNING MAGNOLIAS[/SIZE]

It is snowy, cold, and early!!!!! We had DD#2 and her 9yr daughter here overnite. This 9yr old likes to get up early--5:30AM. We have had a ball. They are the ones who put a second floor on their house..ongoing since June. Last phase is having the old first floor wood floors redone. Thus they need to be out of the house Thurs., Fri., & part of Sun. Since kids are still in school today they spit up, women here and men to her in-laws.
We have had the dog all week..til Monday. DGD was up early and made muffins for us for breakfast before getting ready for school. They are off and DD is involved with the school's Christmas Bazaar today so now it is quiet and I feel like going back to bed.
As I said it snowed overnight 3-6" and I finally got the outside lights done just in time. It has been hectic here with all the medical goings on. Between my Lazar eye surgery and now DH had to go in for a root canal yesterday. Had an abcess above a bridge where there are no teeth. Found out that the roots were still there!!!! Well that is all done and it turned out well. So maybe we can concentrate on Christmas.

MAGGIE: I knew you could do it. That is some number..to be down 60 LBs. Just think what '03 will bring. Keep enjoying that top down weather!!!

JOYCE: What a wonderful surprise! Knowing that the kids are grown and out on their own and living the life the want to lead is one thing but missing them does not leave. DS lives in NC and I still miss him at holidays. We do see him once or twice a year but it is not the same. Thank goodness the girls are nearby. You will love retirement if you are anything like us. We have been retired, 11yrs for DH and 5yrs for me. Love to travel and just do what we want when we want...that is if the babysitting chores don't interfere

JEAN: Oh those unfinished chores..if it weren't for list making I would never be finished. All men must have that same clicking gene. One of the reasons I don't watch much TV. Enjoy your new car.

BUBS: A new car! WOW, I just love the smell and feeling of a new car. Ours is two years old but I still consider it "new"--sort of!

Well, I guess I have spent enough time on the computer and should get myself in gear and see what I can get done before the weekend gets here.

Gloria in MA.....back to work.