Yes,I'm on a "banishing negativity" trip this a.m. A little hard as BIL having multiple things done at Hopkins today. Sissies meeting here. One/DH will be driving other to hospital, leaving a car here.

Anyway - great advice, ceara, but I was on phone I think I was on the very verge of rude to her but, as you say, she is rude - though I think she thinks she's being caring. She is a very lonely person, I know that. She also was in an auto accident years ago and was in a coma for about two months and I think there is some minor damage which keeps her from processing some things. She repeats an awful lot - yes, I know some of us elders do that but she's a good bit younger than I. I do just intend to cut off any conversation that verges on the subject. Trouble is that by then she may have triggered my grief button again. I CANNOT let her do that. I long ago made up my mind to be here to help her but I cannot let her put me on a backward path. She won't get fat from all I ate last night but I won't get thin that way either.

Oh, Wildfire, give your bean counters a hug from me - well, maybe best not give a physical hug Bean counters count hugely here! Though they may currently be a bane to thee............

Good action on the gym to banish negativity, Empress. I did go to pool yesterday and got nice workout but perhaps should not have done so as shoulder seems more unhappy today.

Some limited rain here yesterday and storms supposed to come today. Must also forage for some basics today as well. And back to the dreaded paperwork pile. Did do a decent job on first floor yesterday (a bit to finish up in kitchen but that's an "always" thing).

Well, must get me bucked up to welcome exhausted, stressed Sis and try to think of something to give her some further courage. Other Sis/DH being stalwart supports just as they've been with me.

And then need to find some specific joy - had my patio time already but limited due to schedule. Hmmm - think I hear a car so off.........

Wowza! What a beautiful morning! Cool, sunny, gorgeous! Even the crows cawing sounded good on the patio this a.m.

News on BIL was encouraging too.

So - how to spend a beautiful Friday? Tai chi, library, a few errands, maybe a little gardening. Sounds idyllic.

Managed to do a pretty good "clean" on first floor this week. Had done my b.r. a week or so back and DD had done some work on second floor generally when she was here. So maybe it's time for some fun. WHAT is always my big problem. Can always read on patio - that's always a treat but esp on a day like today.

Hang on to a light tether and have a high flying weekend, Royals.

The choc milk sounds like a real pick-me-up. I always feel better after I have milk (AND CHOCOLATE) and don't know why I don't remember it more often. Thanks for the reminder. (No fat goes w/o saying.)

Belated HB too, Arabella. I'll bet your health and fitness spirit makes you able to take a year off the total instead of adding on.

Yes, kat - too nice to be indoors. Hope you got all those floral goodies planted. I painted a back door this morning- it's been on my mind and I had to do some touchup on one I did a few weeks ago. Not a perfect job but who's going to look that close but me? I'll have to do a few touchups on this one too. For now, I must get me out to the garage and clean up the corner I tore apart when I was digging out tarps and dropcloths. A few will probably go.

Then I'm going to sit, sit, sit and enjoy my patio. Oh, after "Curb Appeal" of course. I did get to tai chi yesterday, and to library where I picked up some Maeve Binchy short stories which I finished last night. Boy, is my body tired. Didn't think one door would wear me out so much.

Anyway, loverly July weekend here. Will be hot and humid again soon so must not waste.

Loverly morning again today. Really enjoyed yesterday. Good on food until evening - I should just go to bed about five, I guess.

BIL has developed another problem but at least it's not the spread of the cancer they had thought last week. My sister too has been through the wringer the last 8 months - he's been so valiant too.

So for today, just an easy one. Lots of little errands to get ready for trip to Princessville tomorrow. A lot of patio time w/newspaper for now - that's honestly all I have planned for this morning - a real luxury. then the errands this afternoon followed by a lazy evening. Enjoying all before the heat returns.

Fly-by report: Day 1.

It never ceases to amaze me how a little flour and sugar can knock me off-P and keep me there. Not to mention those social events that seem to call for them. I was out for a gala dinner with my writing group last night and the chef actually gave us all free deserts. I could have turned it down... Anyhoo, have continued to exercise and am off the white stuff and wheat again.

That stuff sure piles the pounds on in a hurry. Am going to have to really dedicate myself to get the five off for this month...

Happy Fresh Start Monday, Queenlies!