Hi Chicks! I cleaned house all morning. Then I showered and ate lunch. Sister and BIL came over and Sister and I went clothes shopping and the guys stayed at home. We came home and she wrote me a check since she used my Perks card to save an extra 20% on all her purchases. Almost everything was 30% off and then and extra 20% off. She bought 6 tops and I bought 4. I don't even know how much I spent. I'll have to impress you all with my purchases tomorrow.

I'm so tired. We went straight from shopping to an early dinner and then we walked through a nursery because Sister wanted to look for windchimes and a whirly gig to scare away a woodpecker. She bought the most beautiful windchimes, very deep and resonant. Not like the cheap little ones. I think they cost her $70. They would have matched my house too but I think they would annoy me after a while. I told her that I would visit them at her house.

Then they came back here and chatted for a while. I was going to clean more after they left but I'm way TOO tired and my legs are tired too. So I'm off to wash my face and put my nightgown on. Then I'm going to lay on the couch until bedtime.

I'll have to catch up in the morning with my coffee. I hope you all are well. Light and love.

vickie, you have me wishing i had a sister. sounds like you and yours had a great day.

saundra, what a wonderful thing for the ww'er to say. makes me smile.

rose, it's good to have you back. i'm glad you had a fun, safe trip.

curtis and i are just getting in from our hummingbird watch. we sat in the swing and watched and watched. we had one little hummer tonight. life is good.

Rose - of course Ottawa is beautiful - but I am obviously biased! :) Where did you go and what did you see? Kanata is a lovely area - dh had a townhouse there - when we first met. We used it as our 'weekend cottage' ha ha ha - but sold it once we were engaged and bought a new house together.

Vickie - can't wait to hear about all your purchases - sounds lke you had a lot of fun - and got that cleaning done as well - good for you.

Maggie - I am so glad that you can do Core online - it will take a bit of getting used to but I know you will love it - esp w/all those delicious mangos! I love Mexico too - and have been several times to Cancun, Cozumel and Puerto Vallarta - I am proud to say I visited chichen itza and climbed the pyramid (never again tho!).

Sandra - cherries! I love cherries - can't wait til they are in season and cheap enuf to indulge in. Congrats on fitting into those shorts - I know that must feel great!

Patti - we have a few old MeatLoaf cd's lying around somewhere - personally I think he would frighten me a bit too if I saw him in person? ha ha ha

Melissa - hope your brain has come back to life and you found something good and healthy to eat.

I did visit the 'party' for a while - it was a happening place. Had a few pieces of fruit dipped in chocolate (gotta love that chocolate fountain!) and a couple of baked pita chips - and THAT'S IT!!! Except for a couple of glasses of diet coke.

Then off to take dd to therapist appt - what a fiasco that was. Still saying she 'didn't like her anymore' and was not going. I was freaking out of course - esp given the fact that I knew I would have to pay anyways as it was too late to cancel. Called and got therapist to call me back on cell phone as I drove home to try and get her? Told her what was happening - she was sympathetic but surprised to hear how stubborn dd was being.

Got home and told dd it was time to go - she still was being belligerent - finally MADE her go (let her wear her new shoes to compensate!)....but she was very uncommunicative - said she no longer needed 'help' - everything was much better now (like all of a sudden all our problems have disappeared into thin air?). Therapist spoke to me alone and to dd - decided to go ahead with appt w/dd, me and her dad (in a couple of weeks) - then decide on plan of action. I am very disappointed w/dd as she is just copping out - got upset I guess cuz at last appt therapist was setting some (what I thought were) very minor boundaries - which dd interpreted as 'taking my side' - of course she wanted everything to go her way - and when it doesn't she reverts to this childlike behavior - I can feel my bp going up and up today!

Then home and to a 3.5 hour dance class - dh and I and little ds went to movies where i had a hot dog and popcorn for dinner (not good) but I suppose it could have been worse? Picked her up at 9;30 and she was a basket case - does not do well when tired and hungry. Crying in the car about every little thing - I did agree to feed her (made her some pancakes but she did have a meltdown when she found out there were no chocolate chips!).

Now she plans to stay up til 2 am studying for exam tomorrow - and missing first period again probably? I am feeling so stressed out - can't imagine going to bed and even falling asleep.

But tomorrow is a new day (with rain expected in the am!) - and it's friday (and I HAVE to get those nomination docs in - hopefully the pressure will help me finish it up!).

Oh ya and did I mention the EXTRA $350US on my MC bill as I was charged for an extra set of guns n roses tickets I did not order!!! I can't wait to fight this one out!

Hi again: Actually we stayed at Constance Bay but drove into Ottawa to just see the sights and go for dinner. We used to go every summer to Ottawa when the kids were young. We would stay at the Château Laurier, it has changed some I notice. I guess the CN does not own it now. It was old but interesting to stay there.
Our son said the Brookside Hotel, in Kanata(I think that is the name) is a good place to eat. It looked expensive to me.
It was a beautiful day and we walked the beach at our son's place. There seem to be a lot of something coming off the trees. It looked like dandelion fuzz but there was no dandelions around. lol

We are going to our granddaughters dance recital this weekend. Gosh, I never knew it cost so much to have them in dancing. I guess you know all about that Froufie. I took tap, ballet, singing, and it hardly cost anything back in the olden days (as my granddaughter says)

Sandra I am so proud of you my friend, you are perking along. Please say a prayer for me as I feel like the jolly green fat giant. Not a nice feeling. I hated going away wearing my jackets (light) when it was so darn hot in Ottawa. It was 89 today.

Well enough, I must get to bed as it has been a long day.
Rose

Good Morning Chicks! Cassie woke me up with her barking at the Gas Man this morning. That's ok though. She's a very fearless watch dog so I never yell at her for barking. I really needed to get up anyway. I'd already had 8 hours and I've a million things to do that I blew off yesterday because I was too tired. So I'm here first with my morning coffee :coffee: while I try to wake up. I take Prevacid every day and cannot eat until an hour after I take it. So, my first hour is almost always dedicated to 3FC.

I was so tired last night that I didn't even read posts. I'm off to do that now!

Morning friends. Just wanted to stop in and say hi since I didn't get here last night. We've been so busy trying to do things around the house. Then we actually watched a movie together. There were pretty severe t-storms last night so we stayed up with them. :)
I hope that you are all doing great. I'm motivated to stay away from too much food today as we're going out for our anniversary tonight. 5 years ago today I married my sweetie! :love: I think I'm going to have a filet mignion, baked potato, veggie, and salad. :T And core to boot.
Gotta get to work, I have a ton to do today.

HAPPY 5TH ANNIVERSARY TO MELISSA AND AARON

HAVE A WONDERFUL EVENING

Wow! You girls were talkative!

Angela, I never heard of square foot gardening. I'd love to do just a square foot or two. A couple of tomato plants and maybe some red and yellow peppers. I will google it when I get a chance. My soil is awful. Is there a way to repair it? You sound like you have a "contact" allergy. I hope your garden isn't making your sick. That would be awful.

Frouf, I hope you find the pictures. I'd love to see one. It's not hard to post. Have one of your employees at work show you how! Or ask one of your kids. They probably do it all the time! I hope you get all your nomination papers done. You might actually win and then how exciting would that be? We'd know a famous Frougie! :carrot: Congratulations on not eating too badly at the reception or at the show. The description of the food in the boardroom had me drooling! All things considered, you were a VERY controlled Frouf. I'm sorry it was so traumatic at the Therapist visit and before and after. The Therapist needed to know all of that information so that she could factor it into her counselling. I think I'm a Spring Vickie. I can't remember wheat the colors are that are supposed to be good for me. I just know that I like bright colors and gem colors. I hope that you are work now with all of your paperwork done. I also hope that DD did not make your morning miserable. No one needs that.

Saundra, Welcome Back! I'm glad you had a great time on your trip. One MUST eat all the fabulous food at the B & B. That's a big part of what you are paying for. Congratulations to you for getting most of your gain off already. That's very impressive! You and Angela give me hope for maintenance. Now if I could just get there. I had heard about brown being the new black but I didn't buy any yesterday. I was into bright colors and stripes. Hey....if I'm going to be fat and least I don't have to be all in black! It's funny that your members keep you encouraged but I think it's you who is really a role model.

Kathy, so is the turquoise rib knit top the sexy one that Judd told you to return? I'm glad you kept it since it obviously was very cute! I'm glad that you're enjoying your pool. I can't wait until mine gets open for the season.

Niki, I'm so glad you're back. I was wondering where you were. I'm sorry to hear that your DD is sick. I was hoping maybe you were having fun somewhere!

Patti, Jim too was wondering how they got Prince to appear. Oh Poop! Patti, I'm making a thread for you.

Sandra, bummer that the scale showed a gain but I'm sure you're right about your diuretics. It'll all show up in the end. I loved the WW message. I think some of us are very bad at that. I've said it before that we let a slip/collapse of one meal or snack ruin our whole day or week. Congratulations on our huge NSV! It was a big deal to get into those shorts!

Maggie, that's great that you got to join WW online! I think you'll like it alot. Good luck and we'll be here to help as much as we can. I try not to use my AP's but I do usually use my WPA's every week. I lose more the fewer of them that I use though. I've never had a mango but I, too, am looking very forward to cherries. Yum!

Melissa, I'm glad your brain didn't die forever! Your meal sounds fabulous and very healthfully Core. Congratulations to you and Aaron. :cp: :hat: I bet the 5 years flew by! Here's to many more.

Rose, welcome back from your trip. I'm glad you had a great time. It's so hard to eat Core when you are "socializing".

Ok, it's time for breakfast and I have to go make two more threads first. I'll be back later during breaks. I still have mucho cleaning to do downstairs and I have to make my chocolate eclair cake. I also have no idea what is for dinner. Not good.

Happy anniversary, Melissa! I hope you have a great dinner out.

Vickie, sounds like you had a good day yesterday. The shopping was a success, and I'm like you with the windchimes. I like them but at other people's houses. We have a very large set that hang in front but fortunately they can't be heard from the bedroom. I'd much rather have a bird feeder hanging.

I'm running late today and Judd's not going in at all. He's playing golf with his friend today -- oh and he played yesterday too but I didn't know where. This morning he told me ... it was the same place where I was hurt and his first time back. He said he saw the exact spot where it happened and isn't surprised because there's a dip and a curve and a bump and a bad place in the path all at the same spot. I told him someone needs to tell the office because even if other people aren't getting hurt, it can't be good for the tires on their carts! We're still being urged to sue but that's just not us. It was an accident and they weren't negligent; they should really smooth out the area in question though.

I am starting a little project today so I must get going. There's a lady at work who's having a baby (remember the shower from a few weeks ago but I didn't go because she's a coworker and we were having one at work so they only invited out-of-towners, blah blah blah???). She went to the doctor last Friday and her BP was up so she was ordered to stay home until after the baby. This is her first and I know she's bored all day by herself, so I stocked up on little goodies and bags and cards yesterday and I'm going to start dropping them by her house anonymously every few days. Today is a foot scrub brush and some "tired legs and feet" lotion. I think she has a month before the actual due date so I'll be looking for more ideas. So far my list consists of: a plant, hair stuff, body lotion, a candle, this foot stuff, and movie tickets. She drinks Gatorade all day too, so I was going to make up a little basket with Gatorade, Goldfish, popcorn and that sort of thing.

Okay, I have to get going. I'll be back on whenever I finally make it to work. ;)

Kathy, Jim and I are not suers either but in your case I would DEFINTELY sue. They have taken no care and it sounds very dangerous. You don't have to sue for a million but what about some compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, the medical bills that insurance doesn't pay. I love what you are doing for your coworker. It is SO kind and thoughtful.

Good morning all! The doctor took one look at me yesterday, and said, "We need to get you on an antihistamine, sweetie." So he put me on Allegra. We'll see how it works. Already, my head doesn't hurt as much, which I consider to be a good sign.

We have a busy weekend planned. This evening, we're getting the boat out for the first time, and taking the girls out on a test spin. Then tomorrow we're travelling to the temple in Nauvoo, Illinois, to watch Allen and Lorena be sealed. (In our religion, we believe that families can be sealed together for eternity, not just till we die.) Anyhoo, that's 8 hours away for that whole thing. Then Monday we're going out on the boat, all of us, and having a picnic lunch on the beach. Should be fun, but I'll have to remember the sunscreen!

I'm on the wagon again, and am very proud that I resisted the one last cinnamon roll this morning. Instead of eating it, I divvied it up among my children, so it was gone...no more temptation.

Time to get some work done...
Angela

Angela, what a beautiful belief! I'm glad you got some relief and hope there is more to come. I didn't know that you have a boat. I'd LOVE that! The picnic sounds wonderful. Don't forget the cornmeal chicken cooked in the GF grill is FABULOUS LO and cold.

I didn't tell you all that they sell puppies from the nursery that we were at yesterday. I would NEVER buy a puppy from a place like this but I always love to look at them. I'm a LOYAL Scottie lover and believe in rescue or buying them from a breeder. OMG! There was the cutest Brown Cairn pup yesterday with the cutest eyebrows. He noticed me from the moment I started walking down the aisle. When I went up to the cage, he put his little paw up on the glass and siddled over to be petted through the glass. So cute! There was also a Scottie who could have cared less that I was there. She was more interested in her daschund friend that was in the cage with her. It was hard to leave. My Sister had to drag me away.

Ok, I've eaten breakfast and must get my butt in gear. First the Den where my computer is must get cleaned. Talk to you all later.

Thanks for all of the well-wishes! We're very blessed.

Oh Vickie, I am SUCH a sucker for adoption pets! You would have had to drag me away too! Last week there was a big open house for a new bank near us and it's on a large corner. Judd and I were going somewhere and happened to be stopped at the light at that corner, so we looked over and there was a little Chihuahua in a cage. He said, "You need to go over and look at that dog" so he turned the corner into the bank and parked while I went over to see it. He had said it was a little Precious (all black) but when I got nearer to the cage, I could see it was a little Zuki, black and tan. His name was Elvis and he was about 10 weeks old. The CUTEST little fella I've ever seen! I just nearly broke down in tears and told the lady it was a good thing my husband wasn't here, because we would be leaving with Elvis!

Angela, I agree with Vickie. That is a beautiful thing they're doing! I also second the "don't forget your sunscreen" comment. And Judd takes Allegra every day along with Flonase. He can sure tell when he misses it too. I hope you get some relief soon.

They've loaded me up with work so I'd probably better do a little of it. I'll be back soon.

frouf, your life is much more exciting than mine. i don't envy your bouts with dd, but i do see a silver lining ahead. there's something special between mother/daughter.

rose, i enjoyed our chat this morning. i understand about wearing more clothes than necessary. just dust yourself off and keep on doing what you know to do. you're a beautiful woman. remember that.

vickie, i hope you're refreshed today. i'm glad you get to come online early each am. i enjoy reading your posts. i see on your tracker that you've done a lot of exercising. congratulations.

happy anniversary, melissa!!! enjoy your special day with your special guy.

kathy, that's very sweet of you to have the daily treats for your coworker. she's lucky to have you as a friend.

angela, congratulations for being on that wagon. your dedication and determination are encouraging to all of us. have fun on the boat.

"our" hummingbird came up to the picture window where i was standing looking out and told me "good morning." i can't tell ya'll how much curtis and i enjoy this little guys. we got upset the other day because one had flown into one of our garage windows. curtis found him. our day was ruined. we're thinking he saw a bug and dove for it but hit the glass. so sad.

right now, we just have one hummer. we hope to have more soon. it's very relaxing (destressing) to watch them. it's also amazing to see how much energy they have. if we had just a fraction of their energy, we could drink sugar, too, and be small.

It's sort of a gloomy day here, but the weekend is looking better. We plan to take Natan out on Sunday. There's a large fair around here, so I'm sure he'll like that. We miss our special times with him when we're away. Just think in August we'll have two little ones to entertain.

I love looking at pups, but a pet wouldn't work for us. We like to get up and go too often.

Angela, what body of water is your boat on? I just love being near or on the water. The sealing of a couple is a wonderful concept. I hope that our kids are a result of that and will continue to be close for a very long time. It seems to have been the case for my parents, as we're still pretty close long after they've gone.

Frouf, I picked up my planter from Gables's Nursery. They did a great job, $64.00 later. I also bought some annuals, so the front is looking pretty good. Bernie seeded the back lawn and it's coming along too. Guns and Roses, I didn't think they'd be your kind. Hope you get it fixed up. Sounds like Emily can wear you down. Hang in there.

Rose, I understand you liking our fair city. We've been here over forty years, and it's a great place to come home to. Bernie worked in Kanata for a couple of years, and is now in Barrhaven real close to home. Brookside is a posh hotel, but very expensive. We had dinner there once, and found it too chere. The portions were also very small. Are you in Toronto?

Vickie, you sound tired. It's very humid here today which can be draining. Bernie wants to put the air conditioning on, but I'm holding out. It's suppose to get really warm and muggy here, so I guess Chicago is having it too. BTW, we looked into going there, but the combination of flight and hotel was pretty high. Maybe we'll drive there next year and combine southern Ontario with it.

Kathy, sounds like you're back into the swing of things at work. Is the foot holding up? Mine is still hurting, and I'm getting frustrated. I'll keep going for treatment for a while, and hope for the best.

Sandra, when will the roses bloom? I'm looking forward to some pics.

Sandra, we have a pair of humming birds at my sister's cottage, and I know what you mean. We can sit forever, just watching.:)

saundra, i have some rosebuds forming now. the deer are already nibbling. i'm going to spray "liquid fence" tuesday. it smells to high heaven so i'm not spraying on a weekend. i'd hate to put a damper on any outdoor grilling in the neighborhood. that stuff really really stinks. no wonder it keeps deer away. thank goodness we can't smell it after it dries. (the deer can)

Hi Sandra, well I had my lunch, the kitchen floor shines and I guess I should see what else I can get do before the company comes.
Hummingbirds eh? We have quite a few at the cottage and do they ever fight for the nectar. They are such little birds aren't they?

Saundra, nice to meet you, yes I love Ottawa and the surrounding area. I have heard my son mention Barrhaven many times but can not remember just where it is. I think our son will like Kanata, it looks nice but he is sad to move from the Bay, but it was too far for him to go to work.
We had beautiful weather when we were in C. Bay, guess it is more humid today. Actually it was warmer your way then it was down here, we are east of Toronto.
I should have known it was an expensive place to eat (Brookside) glad we did not go. It cost us enough to go to Tuckers Market Place. It adds up when there are more then two people.

So what are the rest of you chick up to? Hope you all are in the pink today.
I think I will go read and keep up with you all, it is not easy. lol This is a very active group.
Blue Skies,
Rose

We had a few hummingbird sightings last year in our garden. They're so neat to watch!

We just take our boat out on the river that runs through our city. It's pretty shallow, but our boat isn't very big (19 foot) so it usually works fine.

Angela

In the pink! Love it!

Angela - have fun on the boat - I'm sure the girls will have a blast...and enjoy the sealing ceremony - a very lovely idea! Is Allegra a prescription drug in US cuz here we can get it over the counter?

Melissa - HAPPY 5TH ANNIVERSARY TO YOU! Your menu choices sound lovely - I'm sure you and Aaron will have a wonderful time!

Rose - what dance school does your gdd go to may I ask? Hope you enjoy the recital! We got married at the Chateau Laurier and have stayed a couple of time since - quite a nice old fashioned experience!

Kathy - what a lovely gesture for your co-worker who is laid up for the rest of her pregnancy - I'm sure she will love it!

Vickie - so what did you get? We want a full description of all new clothing purchases.

Still have to find those pics - did not get to ask for them back yet!

Sandra - boring is nice - I would love to have a boring life once in a while - and do something relaxing and destressing like sitting and watching the hummingbirds!!!

Saundra - you're right I am not the GNR fan - it was for ds who was in new york city last week for the concert - so now I get the MC bill and of course it's all screwed up and I need to call NEW YORK - but can't do that from work - so hope they are open when I get home as I really need to straighten this out! (and yes ds owes me $400)

Had HUGE trouble falling asleep last night - very warm and muggy - yet we too did not want to turn on the a/c just yet. So lots of tossing and turning - and visits to the small alcove/loveseat in our bedroom - I think I fell asleep around 1 am - so getting up at 7 was a bummer.

Had a meeting with my team this morning - and of course lo and behold there appear leftovers from yesterday's party - I did very well tho - had lots of fruit (blueberries, grapes, pineapple, melon) and 2 social tea cookies (and that was my breakfast I guess?) with coffee.

Then got a call at 11:40 from ex-co-worker. He and I worked together at Agriculture a couple of years ago - and we were a great team - still keep in touch. Anyhow he spontaneously called me to see if I wanted to have lunch with him! Luckily I had no plans AND my 1 pm mtg w/director was cancelled so off I went. It was fun catching up and being able to vent about all my little issues! He has 3 little girls and I keep warning him about what's to come! ha ha ha.

I had a greek chicken salad, dressing on the side and a diet pepsi.

Now it's time to bite the bullet and complete all those forms - you may have noticed that I am trying to avoid dealing with them? I realize I will probably have to stay late - but I know how RELIEVED and happy I will be once they are sent off!

DD I think is having a friend over after school to work on some science project and I don't understand how she is not embarrassed by the state of her room (clothes all over the place - towels here and there too!), but she claims all her friends' rooms look like hers!

Tried to encourage dh to take something out for dinner? (either fish or chicken) so hopefully there will be something to prepare?

Later,

i love it being in the pink, too.

rose, do you have hummingbird feeders at the cottage?

frouf, i'm debating on whether to go bowl now or not. we have the grands tonight so my boredom will be over for a couple of days. lol

well, guess i'll close and go bowl. have a good afternoon, all.

Don't hurt your foot Sandra!

I'm just checking in before I leave work. I'm going to go home and make myself pretty. ;) Have a great night everyone!

Angela have fun on the boat. We have a 17' jet boat, the kids love to water ski. A river runs through your City, that is neat.

Melisa, have a great evening. Five years, hmm, I can not remember that far back what we did for our 5th

Sandra, yes there are lots of hummingbirds around our cottage and I do feed them. They fight when there are more then two around.

Froufie, my granddaughter does not live in Ottawa, she is only 6 years old. I can not believe how much the tickets are. I just hope our son is able to get us tickets as he thought his ex was getting them for us and she did not bother. He was some upset as he thought she had.
I know what you mean about messy rooms, my grandson's room was a mess. Our poor son is keeps picking up and I told him to just close the door.

Vicki did you get some new duds? I hate shopping for clothes. We are going out tonight with friends and she is 5'8" and weighs about 125. She has never had a weight problem and can buy anything.

Well take care,
Blue Skies,
Rose

Hey Chicks! I'm just here on a break. Man oh man, I need to take a deep breath and lower my standards. I am SUCH a thorough cleaner. The problem is that I don't do it often enough. I've been cleaning all day. There are a couple of things that I won't be able to get done today...like the inside of the refrigerator and I won't have time to pull it out and clean underneath it. I still need to wipe off the outside though. I have the guest bath and part of the kitchen to do. Jim has to wash all the ceramic floors. He uses that cool Hoover machine. It does a great job although I still have to wipe some corners. The house is basicallly sparkling. I just told Jim that I vote for a cleaning lady and I promised to cook at home more often to pay for it. This is too hard!

Anywho.....after my break I have to make my eclair cake. Then Jim can do the floors while I finish cleaning. I think we deserve pizza for dinner tonight. I just got hours of exercise. I'll try to talk myself into something more Core in the meantime.

Anyone have any good tips to clean vinyl blinds? I've neglected them and don't really want to take them down to wash them. Something I saw on line recommended 1/2 vinegar and 1/2 water on a microfiber towel. Hey...maybe it'll keep a headache away too!

Saundra, I love hummingbirds too. They remind me of my Mother. She used to have morning glories in our yard and I think they liked them. If you bowl, have fun but don't hurt yourself.

Saundra, I AM tired and sore! We turned the air on yesterday. It is so humid and hot here today and will be hotter tomorrow. I must sleep so the air is essential. I know you'll have fun with Natan on Sunday. We have no plans for the holiday weekend. I may just rest up and enjoy my clean house.

Frouf, get those forms done woman! Who wants to stay late on a Friday! I smiled when I read about your lunch. You actually sound like you got to do something fun for yourself for a change. Good going on the avoidance of the sugar demon's treats.

About my clothes.....I bought four tops and all are striped. I love stripes even though big girls should not love horizontal stripes! One is lime green, with yellow and white. Another is white with small black stripes, and a thin red placket with shiny square buttons. I actually bought another of these in a different color. It's red background with a thing navy placket and buttons. They both have contrast thread at the sleeves and bottom. I have 3 cute pairs of capris that will go with them. The last top I bought is solid red and has a very pretty red battenburg lace inset at the neck. Just a little risque and fancier than the other three. I'll probably wear it with black capris or white capris out to dinner or to a party or such. All four tops only cost me $60. They are having another sale on June 4th where the entire store will be 40% off for government employees. I'll be going back to see if I can find an outfit for Sarah's christening.

Rose, I don't hate shopping for clothese since Catherine's and Fashion Bug plus opened up. I don't like how I look but at least I can always find something fashionable. It helps soothe the pain of the size!

Melissa, have a great time and enjoy your steak. It's definitely a reason to splurge!

Kath, shame on them for working your so hard.

Ok, my break is nearly over. Talk to you all later.

Yup - here I am - 5:30 on a friday - all alone - BUT I'M DONE!!! YESSIRREEBOB! So some of the 'answers' are a bit fabricated - and some well I just didn't even know what they were looking for - and frankly I don't even want an award anymore - but I did it! and it's off to cyberspace (now of course there will be some sort of computer glitch and they won't get there by midnight right?). Maybe I should fax as well? (okay now I"m getting paranoid!).

Okay I was stressed but only ate 2 donut holes which I thought was pretty good! I am getting hungry now and dh has suggested dinner out which I think is a GREAT IDEA - have a hankering for red lobster - hope we can get in without too long a wait.

Vickie - good luck with the blinds - you are a super duper cleaner! Your tops sound lovely - I think I would like the black and white one w/red!

Melissa - have fun tonight - enjoy your steak!

Okay time to head out!

i didn't go bowling. my feet were both aching so i just sat in the recliner and watched a movie.

rose, have fun with your friends tonight. i can't imagine being 5'8" and weighing 125. :lol: must be nice.

vickie, could you come here and do some cleaning when you're finished? pizza tonight sounds well deserved. your tops sound cute.

it's almost time to pick up the grands. we're going to cracker barrel for dinner. life is good.

frouf, enjoy red lobster. wish we had one in western montana--but it just ain't so.

Hey, pals. I'm home and done with the pool, just sitting in the recliner now wondering what I'm doing this evening. The Mavericks play at 7:30 so I have nearly three hours before I have to stop and watch.

I'm trying to decide how to get another little goody bag over to the PG lady without being discovered, especially since her DH will be home for the next three days. It probably better be something that can sit on the porch for a while just in case they aren't home -- maybe tomorrow is a good day for the plant. And there's no way she'll suspect it's me because we aren't exactly regular friends, just work friends who get along. You know that type of work relationship, I'm sure. The only possible way is if she recognizes my handwriting but I tried to disguise it. This is a lot of fun and I can't wait until she finds out. Her DH also works with us (we are the only two married couples on the program) and he is one of Judd's golf buddies from way back. Anyway, it's fun. She'll probably think it's a neighbor of hers. And I can't tell Judd because he stinks at keeping secrets sometimes. ;)

My foot hurts. Sandra, I'm glad you didn't bowl. It was making me cringe just to think about you going. Saundra, I hope Niagara didn't do further damage but with the rain, maybe you didn't do too much walking.

I have to work tomorrow to get my carryover hours since the first week of the pay period, we have to have 44 hours due to the 9/80 schedule. I only have 40 for this week, so I'll get the extra 4 that will go on next week. At least I'll be off next Monday AND Friday, which is great!

Hey Chicks! Here I am for another break. Jim is cleaning the downstairs floors and I had to get out of the way. Tee Hee.....so I volunteered to come into the Den with the computer. Some sacrifice! My Chocolate Eclair Cake is made and looking very yummy. With my TOM looming large, that chocolate glaze frosting on top looks delightful even though it is just the thinest layer.

I finished cleaning the bathroom and still have a couple of small counters to do and the outside of the refrigerator. I think I'll do the outside of the refrigerator tomorrow. I'm just TOO pooped.

Sandra, you don't want me to clean for you. I'm outstanding but I'm slow and grumpy while I'm doing it! I'm kinda glad you didn't bowl either. Feet up in a recliner sounds like heaven to me right now.

Frouf, congratulations on finishing your assignment! Now I'll just keep my fingers crossed for you to win. What do you win if your program is picked? It would be nice if you got a cash award to take yourself on a lovely cruise or other type of vacation. I've never gone to Red Lobster. What's great there (besides the bisquits!). I like shrimp but haven't tried much other seafood, except salmon.

Kath, wow....is there really still basketball? I've SO moved on to baseball! It's sweet that you're enjoying your pool. It sounds like a great size. How often do you have to dump it? Or does it have a little filter? It's too bad you have to work tomorrow. I thought you were just part time. Did you go back full time after just one week? Sheesh....I am SUCH a baby compared to you. Did you do something weird to make your foot hurt?

We still haven't decided what to have for dinner. I guess we'll discuss it when Jim gets off the phone. Actually, Subway tuna on wheat sounds good to me too. Actually, all of a sudden I'm VERY hungry. I hope he finishes soon.

Oh heck yeah, there's basketball! This is the Western Conference finals -- we beat the S.A. Spurs in the semi-finals and are now playing Phoenix. Every night we have either Rangers or Mavericks. It's like this every spring because even when the Mavs aren't in the playoffs, it's usually the Spurs and I watch them too (second fav NBA team).

Subway sounds great! I have no idea what we're having because Judd played another 18 holes after finishing up with his friend. That's four rounds in three days and I hope he appreciates the fact that I'm NOT saying anything about it! :lol:

I was PT for a week and this week worked every day. I didn't get all the hours in but most of them. Next week it's really back to a normal schedule plus probably some OT too so that we can get things finished up. I didn't hurt it, it's just from being stood on more than it's used to. It's swollen very big right now and I'm hoping that by morning it'll be back down. I'm only working 4-6 hours anyway so that's not too bad.

I was just kidding. We always say that here now that we are so bad. You are a good woman to let Judd golf. I'm sure I'd be all over him about it, especially with your recent Vet bill. I'm so glad we have the air on. I couldn't have worked as hard as I did today without it.

You sure didn't ease back in very slowl, did you. I couldn't keep you pace. How's Kate? Is the job situation getting any easier? Is Shaun fully recovered?

I won't be back until Morning. I hope you all have a great Friday night. I'm going to eat and then go in for a LONG bubble bath.

Hi everybody, just dropped by to congratulate Melissa on her anniversary and to say to Kathy that I think what she`s doing for her friend is so very thoughtful and extra nice....
I did tried the oatmeal pancake recipe this morning and it was very good (I just loved the cinnamon touch!!), I think if I don`t use the banana and splenda, and add a little bit of ff milk, it would make an excellent crepe batter for salty crepes (mmm, I have some leftover chicken breast, and can add onions, peppers, mushrooms, arctichoke hearts... I`ll try it for tomorrow and let you know how it works)... Have a great weekend.

Maggie

Ohhhh, Maggie, I forgot about the oatmeal pancake! I haven't had it in so long. Did you do the one with FF cottage cheese? Hmmmmmm.....maybe I'll have it for lunch tomorrow. Thanks!

Woooo, Maggie, that sounds great! Let us know how the experiment is!

We decided on biscuits, gravy and turkey sausage for dinner so that's what I'm making. I wish we were going out somewhere but nah ... I'm at the stove. What's new? :lol:

I already have the weekend menus planned though so there will be more "what shall we have" dilemmas. I don't like that feeling.

Alright, off to watch TV now. We're flipping between big ball and little ball. :lol:

Maggie - sounds very yummy - would love to do crepes - let us know how it turns out!

Kathy - what fun - I love sneaking around and doing surprise things like that! Let us know how it goes. Enjoy your game watching but I am concerned about the swollen foot - is that normal? Are you still supposed to keep it elevated at all?

Vickie - red lobster has all sorts of fish (salmon, rainbow trout, tilapia, halibut) and of course seafood as well - I had the snow crab legs - not a lot of food to eat - but a lot of work cracking (little ds helped). Comes w/ a salad and side dish - I had a baked potato but they also threw some veggies on the plate (carrots, yellow zucchini, broccoli). Also had a glass of white wine which is doing me in (I'm such cheap drunk) - can barely keep my eyes open! (and dh went to pick up dd from friend's house just now cuz I sure don't feel like driving). Dh had the 30 shrimp dinner and little ds did not want the ice cream that came w/kid's meal - but dh told waiter he would have it (chocolate and could he please add some chocolate sauce too?). So waiter comes back with huge bowl of chocolate ice cream, covered w/chocolate sauce, whipped cream and a cherry (all no charge of course). Dh was in seventh heaven - and did leave him a very nice tip! lol

So vickie - what did you end up eating for dinner? And how can you even keep your hands off of that cake? I would have inhaled it by now.

Caught some Dr. Phil prime time show on addiction - which was pretty scary with these 2 drunk parents - who barely admitted they had a problem. And to make matter worse they have a child on a ventilator who can stop breathing at any moment so they have to be extra alert as parents and instead they are falling down drunk and even drive drunk with their kids in the car! WOW. (see http://www.drphil.com/shows/show/738/ )

May watch a bit more tv or read before going to bed! Have window open for fresh air - but sure hope we can sleep better tonight (at least no alarm clock to worry about in the morning).

Oh ya must remember to don my tooth fairy costume and pay a visit to ds' room - as there is a teeny tiny tooth under his pillow right now - he now looks extra cute with a tooth missing!

Good Morning Chicks! Here I am with my delicious morning cup of :coffee: made for me by Honey Lamb. I slept for 9 hours but had very busy dreams. Last night, Judd and I could have filmed an action movie! My muscles are very, very sore. Tomorrow I shall lay on my couch and eat baby carrots (it was more fun when it was bon bons!)

Almost everything is done. I just have two counters to wipe off and the outside of the refrigerator. I wanted to clean the inside too but that's not going to happen until after the party. It also needs to be vacuumed and pulled out but that's not happening either until after the party.

I'm going to start a menu thread and go see what you were all up to last evening.