Worldly Chicks singing their way thru Spain!
 

:carrot: San Sebastián :carrot:
On the shores of the Cantabrian Sea, this city in the Basque Country is one of the most beautiful in northern Spain. You will see for yourself strolling through the Old Town, with its traditional taverns packed with delicious pinchos (miniature culinary creations) to try; or relaxing on majestic beaches such as La Concha Bay; or enjoying the local festivals; or exploring the surrounding area, with beautiful fishing villages and stunning natural landscapes. A perfect holiday plan, for sure.


This city, also known as Donostia, lies along a white sandy bay between the Urgull and Igeldo hills. Fishermen's houses, a smart suburb and modern districts make it one of the most attractive cities on the Cantabrian coast. The Museum of San Telmo, the Peine de los Vientos (Comb of the Winds) and the Kursaal are examples of how the city brings together modern and traditional features. Meanwhile, the province of Guipuzcoa, of which San Sebastián is the capital, blends sea and mountains, offering the traveller landscape, sports and cuisine, as well as interesting monuments. Basque cuisine has a recognised international prestige.

HERE'S A GREAT SITE:
http://www.spain.info/

THE SUN IS SHINING :sunny: AND THE TEMPS ARE BETWEEN 85 & 96. GUESS IT'S WARM ENOUGH FOR OUR MISS HAPPY TO TAKE A DIP! :swim: THINK I'LL JOIN HER AND WE CAN ALL SIT AND BAKE AWAY OUR ACHES AND WOES IN THE SUN :beach: OH WAITER!! WAITER!!!
WHERE IS IGOR WHEN YOU NEED HIM :tantrum:

Good morning chicks,

The new place looks stunning - thanks for setting it up Mel.

I hate to start the new thread out on a sad note but my aunt passed away last night. She went downhill fast. I can only say that I am soooo glad that I got to talk to her last week - it was just like old times. So give a hug to those you love - don't put off to tomorrow what you can do today lest today be too late. I will be going up for the funeral. Not sure if I'm flying myself or if DH and I are making the long drive home. There's lots to do in a short amount of time so I will probably be gone most of the week.

Love to the chicks - enjoy the long holiday for those of us in the states and I will talk to you later...

OH HAPPY WE ARE SITTING HERE SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR AUNT. SENDING MANY HUGS AND CARING THOUGHTS TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY FROM ALL 3 OF US. SAFE TRAVELING MY FRIEND. :hug::hug::hug:


KIDS GOT THE DVDS. ROMANCE AND ACTION. THEY EVEN GOT SOME HEALTHY FOOD. I MADE TURKEY MEATLOAF, STEAMED RICE AND VEGGIES. LET THE HOLIDAY WEEKEND BEGIN! OLE!!

Happy-- My sympathies and condolences to you. I completely agree that staying "current" and loving to important is a worthy goal. Since we can't predict the future, we can at least live in a way that we don't rue the past! Hugs to you.

Mel-- hope you are having a sultry tango party in your head... and sweet dreams.

Shad: hope the external drive has the sense to mend its evil ways... or that you have a satisfying rant at your IT person!!

DH is putting a new battery in his truck. When he finishes, i think we're going gallery browsing... or I might FINALLY act on my threat to buy oil paint supplies! (At least I don't plan to EAT them.)

Best to all.

((((Happy))))- glad you had a chance to connect last week.

Lovely New thread Mel!!

Been listening to Kalan all day- so I have been singing in Ontario with Kalan.

How Many Roads? Kalan Porter with Randy Bachman

All my chips are on the table
This time around
No turning back
Win or lose
No regrets
No promises
Just a passionate heart
To pull me through

How many roads
'till I find my way
How many roads
If I leave today
How many roads
From the one that I've always known
How many roads
Until I find a way home

Long days
Try to make a change
Made a lot of choices in my life
Some right
Some wrong
But the best is yet to come

How many roads
'till I find my way
How many roads
If I leave today
How many roads
From the one that I've always known
How many roads
Until I find a way home

I've come so far
Life is one big road
Which way to turn
And still I find my way home
I'm on my way
No matter what it takes
I know I'll find my way....home
'till i find my way

How many roads
How many roads
How many roads
How many roads
How many roads
Until I find my way home

Morning all,
Quick check in before I go and wake up the neighbours by mowing the lawn and chopping the edges and hedges.

Happy, so sorry to hear about the Aunt but it did sound like a quick and merciful release. My best wishes and special hugs to your Mum because she will feel it most.

Been putting up some more photos on the website of our tour of USA and Canada. The external disc drive was doing it's thing and not my thing so I was getting very grumpy with it by the end of the day. I'll try to get some more up there today, but won't make any promises since the external drive and I are not having a good relationship. Time was when people made things that worked!!!!!! But anyway, enjoy Lake Louise, Banff, riding a helicopter and Tennessee.

Nice place Mel. Now that you have the hang of it, there is no stopping you is there?

Gotta buzz. Coffee is finito. Go do something

Good morning!

MEL is our new Lady of Spain and now I've got that as an ear-worm! Some things are best left in the back closets of the mind!

Happy, so sorry to hear about your dear Aunt. You are right to be glad you visited with her - I will try to get to see my dear Aunt Rose (96) this week.

Hollyhock, I don't share your "passion" "obsession" for Kutie Kaylan but do like those lyrics. What do you think of the current Idol crop? The smiling blond guy drives me nuts!

Painterwoman, my fall painting class starts in a week. I'd better check my paints (acrylic) and join you in a trip to the shops. Saw the Renoir exhibit at our National Gallery this summer and have my groove back.

Shad, sorry I missed you. Lucy and I were cuddling in the back room with the TV. (I must get a phone out there.) By the way, BIL Peter's sale and show went very well. He raised over $7 K for the Stephen Lewis foundation. I did buy two paintings.

My sweet Lucy is home, still wheezing, but back to being her usual perky puppy self. She's living for the moment as usual and I intend to help her as long as she is comfortable and happy. Today we are going back to the Hyper Pyper Farm again and they will be able to run free and get into doggie mischief in the pond and woods. We'll be back tomorrow afternoon and settle down to Real Life.

My clean eating challenge is still floundering but, effective Monday, there will be no more Scotch during the news, a single glass of wine will suffice for dinner, and the chip wagon at the corner has lost one of their best customers. (Actually it's only been six times since June - I guilt-track!) I said I was going to lose 20 pounds by January and still have not started! Five pounds a month is reasonable, right? This will be Veggie Focus Month.

Time for coffee and a healthy breakfast which will include Fiber One and peaches. Then I'm off to Church before we leave for our wild mini-weekend! Dogs really do know how to enjoy life. When Lucy meets her littermate, Bailey, they go completely bonkers and Mother Hershey joins in.

Enjoy the rest of the Labourless Weekend - Laborless in the USA! :rofl:

PW~OIL PAINTS! YOU JUST REMINDED ME THE WATERCOLORS ARE STILL SITTING IN MY CLOSET! :lol3: HAPPY PAINTING!!

HOLLY~ SITTING THERE SINGING AND TYPING!! ENJOY THE WEEKEND! :belly:

SHAD~ DID THE NEIGHBORS TOSS OUT OLD SHOES AT YOU?? THE LADIES HERE GET PISSED OFF IF SOMEONE TURNS ON A HAND HELD VAC!!! :rofl:

RUTH~ GIVE LUCY A CUDDLE FROM US TOO! :hug: GLAD THE SHOW WENT WELL FOR THE BIL!! :cheer:
AND I LOVE EDDIE FISHER!! EVEN IF HE DID LEAVE DEBBIE REYNOLDS FOR LIZ!!! :dance:

LET'S SEE...WE WATCHED MUSIC& LYRICS WITH HUGH GRANT AND DREW BARRYMORE. THEY DO NOT HAVE THE CONNECTION THAT HE HAD WITH SANDRA BULLOCK OR JULIA ROBERTS. BUT A CUTESY ROMANCE NONETHELESS. THEN WE HAD THE OLD FLASH GORDON SERIES. :rofl: FUNNY TO SEE THE OLD SPECIAL EFECTS BUT SO LESS TRAUMATIZING TO MY FRAGILE NERVES. I LOVED THEM.
THE TURKEY MEATLOAF CAME OUT GOOD..THIS TIME I ADDED SOME WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE. TASTED MORE LIKE BEEF. THEY ALSO MAKE A SAUCE FOR CHICKEN THAT I MARINATE THE CUTLETS IN AND THEN BROIL(GRILL). YUM!! GUESS I AM HUNGRY AND BETTER GET THE OATMEAL OUT! HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY. CAN'T WAIT TO SEE WHAT THE KIDS HAVE PLANNED FOR TODAY. :rofl:
HAPPY SUNDAY :moped:

:goodscale: THE SCALE CANNOT MAKE UP IT'S MIND WHETHER I WEIGH 182.5 OR 181.5. I TRIED IT 4 TIMES ALREADY AND IT SAID BOTH #'S TWICE. I'LL HAVE TO WAIT TILL TOMORROW AND TRY AGAIN. I CAN'T TO THAT TRICK ANYMORE TODAY of standing bent in 1/2! :rofl: SO I EITHER LOST ANOTHER 1.5 OR 2.5 LBS. I'LL TAKE EITHER ONE!!!:cb:

Morning!!

French toast consumed. Time to get dressed and get cleaning. Starting in the office and dining room. No excuses. I will NOT get sidetracked.

I am feeling very ready for the clean eating challenge. My goal is no salty snacks or sweets and cheese once a week and walk 30 min 5 times a week.I want to lose 10 lbs before I come to see Ruth!!!! That puts me below my lowest weight since having kids.

LOL Ruth- more like obsession. I picked Brian Melo as my fav in the top 22 and still like him best. There hasn't been a "Kalan" well, since Kalan, no big "star" IMO.
Melly- congrats!!!!

Last night I got the kitchen quite clean and mopped the floor and then we went across the road for a campfire with the neighbour, his kids and his parents. We have lived here 8 summers and have never just gone over to the neighbours. I love it!!

We are having a summers end campfire tonight. It is always an open invite. Looks like LOTS of people are coming. "The guys" are coming out from the city. A bunch of families from here. YIPPEE!! Having a weenie roast.

HUGS!!!

HOLLY~ I CAN THINK OF A FEW WEENIES I'D LIKE TO ROAST :flame:

Ya me too MEl!!!

Upstairs is done.That makes the whole house as clean as it ever gets!! Can I lock the doors and keep hubby and the kids out?? Even for just an hour???? :devil::cool::D I could at least enjoy it in here. :carrot:

Kitchen needs to be cleaned up but first I will mess it up some more. Need to cut up veggies and sandwich stuff.Make dill dip. I have wieners and marshmallows to roast and Jiffy Pop to cook on the fire.I have a Mac and Cheese in the freezer for supper at 5pm.

Beer, wine, pop and juice are on ice already :D

A lot of the old gang is coming out from the city. I am very excited. It has been a long while.Lots of the new gang from around here are coming too.

Hubby is cutting the grass.

Okey dokey I have veggies to cut up.

Morning all,
Here we are again back in fine but definitely cool weather in Perth. Uneventful flight back - nothing like going over to Brisbane. I had a deaf old man next to me. He couldn't hear me but was pleasant enough and we communicated for a bit in a sort of sign language. Got in around midnight and read for a bit and was totally annoyed when the alarm clock went off this morning. However I did force myself out of bed and out into the cold for a run. Didn't go as far as normal and the weight is up again this morning, but I think it is called aeroplane bloat. In a couple of days it will disappear I hope.

Ruth - so pleased to hear that the BIL's painting show went off well. Are they still coming over to Aus in November? Amazing thing about dogs. They have no conception of being down and out! They just go on and on and on until the time comes when they can go no more. Gotta love them for their loyalty, power, grace and sense of humour. I just figured that you had already gone to the Hyper Pypers and I had left it too late and I seem to have difficulty talking on voice mail, I never expect that someone won't answer the phone!!! :faint: Silly me, I can't think of what to say at that point. Get those paints out and start using your talents.

Mel - Our lady of Spain, oi now I have re-reminded Ruth of THAT song when she really wanted to stay in the closets of her mind. :rofl: You get those paints out as well. Get on with it. Wasn't that last years winter activity?? Congrats on the weight loss whatever it was. You are off to a flying start.

Holly - you and Ruth need to challenge each other for those 10lbs. Me, I know my limitations, I'll stick to my 2kg. Get on with the housework will you and then you can come over and get stuck into mine. I have a rent inspection this week. I can think of a few weinies I wouldn't mind toasted either.

Painter - get out those paints. Paint yourself in a garden full of flowers. Oils!! :yikes: you must be good. Ruth and Mel can do the same. I look forward to the results.

Time to get on with the day. See how they got on with out me on Friday. Wonder if they actually did anything.

Back from the week end in Paragould. It was busy. I cleaned the carpet in the family room for my aunt and uncle. Went shopping and then for a walk in the woods. I'm jealous theygot a good 2 inch rain last week.

It rained on me coming home today but soon ran out from under the cloud.

Ruth--Enjoy the time with the piped pipers.

Happy ((hugs)) Condolances to you and your family concerning your aunt.

Mel--Thanks for setting up the new thread. Spain is going to be exciting. Congratulations on those pounds lost. See what clean eating will do.

Holly--Enjoy the time with friends and neghbours.

Shad-when you get through mowing, weed eating and trimming the bushes come to my house.

PainterWoman--I also look forward to the results of your oil painting.

Everyone enjoy the day off tomorrow. Think of me, I'll be working.

Hi all,

Thank you very much for the kind thoughts - they are very much appreciated. I am in a tizzy - the clocks hands spun really fast and I didnt' nearly get enough done. Might pull an all nighter here and just sleep in the car on the way up.

I won't have access to the internet so I will catch up with you at the end of the week. :hug: to all. Don't forget to sing!

:hug:HUGS BACK TO YOU HAPPY AND HAVE A SAFE TRIP.

:wave: MY EYES ARE TERRIBLE. I'LL BE BACK SOON :moped:

Morning Ladies! Here I am all measured and weighed. It’s not a pretty sight but everyone has to start somewhere, right? My official challenge start is not until tomorrow but my Weight Watchers online week starts on Monday so I am going to “unofficially” start today. Here’s my plan:
Write down everything eaten. I’ll probably record them in WW online.
Drink at least 6 glasses of water
No sugar, no fried food.
Eat some veggies and fruits everyday
Complete 5 workouts a week – two of which incorporate weights.
5 Get Out of Jail Free cards that can be used for 1 drink or 1 dessert.

Mel~ Thank you for setting up the new thread. I love Spain. St Sebastian is apparently the centre of a new Spanish gastronomic renaissance, so hopefully we can avoid temptation! Good work on losing weight (whatever the amount). :lol: Hope your eyes repair quickly. Go rest!

Happy~ I’m so sorry to hear the news of your aunt. Take care as you make your journey. :hug: To all of your family.

Painter~ Do buy those oil supplies! How exciting!

Shad~ Have fun annoying your neighbours. You aren’t one of those people who are all energetic at 6:30 in the morning, are you? And welcome back to your work week.

Ruth~ This seems to be something in the air. Glad to hear that you are taking an art class as well. Veggie focus month sounds like a good idea. Fall is a time for a new beginnings. This can be all of ours.

Holly~ Hope the party was a good one. End of summer is sad but the cool fall nights are so nice.

Ceejay~Welcome back from your visit. Hope you have a low stress day at work today.

All this talk of art has made me promise myself that I will sign up for that drawing class I have been eying. I’ll do that tomorrow. I really need a hobby. :D I was sick yesterday and slept through most of the day - but I feel better today. One more day of lazy summer leisure and then back to work.

Here is the ugly truth:
weight 183
chest 41
waist 37
hips 45.5
thigh 25.5
bicep 14

((Ruth)) How is Miss Lucy today??

I slept til 1pm :D Was up til 4am. Hubby got the kids brunch. :D It was such a good party. I counted 17 kids and then about 22 adults. The kids has so much fun. Lots of joyful noise. We had fireworks at 10pm. I served food after that. We roasted weenies and marshmallows all evening.
My sides hurt from laughing so much. It was a perfect mix of longtime friends and new friends. Nice way to end the summer. Kids and hubby are water sealing the back deck. I have some tidying to do and pencils and pencil crayons to find and sharpen for tomorrow. I am so sad the kids are going to school.
Need to do some laundry and plan supper. I may need another nap.

Feeling deeply happy.


oh...I am swearing off wine too. I managed not to over do it before 1am when the kids went to bed but went downhill between 1-4am. LOL!! my head is tender.

This is my newest clean eats for the month

Exercise=Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, gym= walk 30 minutes and weights 20 minutes
--------- Friday, Saturday, use pedometer to gain up to 2.0 miles. Rest on Sundays.
Food= fat grams=40 grams, fiber 30-35 grams
water between 48-64 oz
Weigh in on Monday.
Stay on schedule.

Measurements
Bust=43
waist=41
hips=44
I’ve lost some inches this month, yipee. Sure will be glad when I see the 30’s

Weighed this morning at 181.8

Happy--Have a safe trip.

Goodness we have a lot of artists. Paint away ladies.

Work was a little busy around 9.30 a.m to 1. p.m. The lights flickered here and knew that the phone would soon start ringing. 2 of the water guys also had to fix a water leak. Had one customer that went off the deep end about the wter being off in her area, where the leak was being fixed. Told her to call back and talk to Debbie.

Enjoythe holiday.

Morning all,
All these artists or artistes or whatever. I'll just plan and organise the gallery display so we can get some money for Christmas!!! :rofl: Seriously, I think it is great that so many of us are so artistic in one way or another. Me, I can fix machines!! I've also shorn sheep and shod horses and I can knit, sew and crochet although I haven't done anything for a very long time. I used to sketch at one time but I was never very good. I envy those whose drawings I can recognise.

Happy - safe travels. And extra :hug: for the family. Not to mention DH who will be stiff and sore when he arrives after all that driving.

Mel - those poor eyes. What can we recommend apart from rest and de stressing. Sleep well, listen to an audio book or something rather than trying to watch tv and fathom out those deep and meaningful Korean silences.

Madcat - it is never a pretty sight when we first weigh and measure. But just visualise it at the end of the month when we get to do it all over again. We'll be inches less and weighing less as well. Just know it.
And yes, I am the annoying pest who wakes up all cheerful with the first sign of the sun and wear out during the day.
Get up and at it!!!!!!!! Coffee is a perkin'

Holly - so pleased you had a grand end of summer party. Sounds like it was fun. Now take to aspirin and repeat after me. 'That was the last time I get stuck into the wine for a whole month'
You must be one of the few mums who don't like the kids going back to school. :faint:

Ceejay - I forgot to measure myself at the beginning of the month. I'll try to remember to do it tonight. Good job on delegating the moaners to someone else.

I was wondering why I don't get advised of posts anymore, that is I was wondering until yesterday when I found that the ISP has decided they are spam and according has put them all in my spam folder. Such is life. I would never relegate you lot to the spam folder.

Anyway, the day being what it is and me having to go downstairs for some UAT testing/training stuff, I'd better get on with the job. I think I may have to take time out of the training/testing where it doesn't impact on me so I can get some work done.

Be seeing you. Apologies to anyone I haven't mentioned. Didn't see Ruth there anywhere did I?

September 3
 

Happy-I'm so sorry about your Aunt. It was nice though that you got to share a recent conversation with her. Leaves some good memories in your head. :hug:

Ruth-:hug: Lucy will let you know but I hope she gets lots of good times with you before then. It is awful when our animal family gets unwell.

Mel-I'm sorry things are acting up again, I hope your eyes get their rest. Fabulous new thread you have started. Love it! You mean to tell me those paints of yours are STILL in the closet? You have to let your inner artist out!

Shad-Sounds like you got stuck in at home with the garden! Power tools and the hedge ;) and waking up the neighbours to let them know you are home. Glad your trip back to the work site was a calm one. Is shearing sheep as tricky as it looks on television? Got to have some muscles to flip them about and keep the snippers going:dizzy:

Holly-Glad to hear you are deeply happy, if not a wee hung over:o Let this not be a mind link :lol: Kids back to school tomorrow here. Should be fun, back to the up and atom!

Madcat-nice goals, good luck with the hydrating. Have you tried those new Lipton tea-to-go packets that you can put in the water to jazz it up a bit? I liked the iced-tea one and the tangerine flavours. zero calories but helps to make the water go down :)

Ceejay-Congratulations on losing inches!! Doesn't it feel good to have the trousers a bit looser? One day that will be me :D Best of luck with your challenge goals, they look doable. The hardest part in making yourself a priority and thinking you are worth the 1/2 hour of sweat. That is my latest thoughts, I can take time for me.

PainterWoman-I painted a large white poppy the other day with left over house paint :p no excuses, prop up the canvas and blend those colours ;)


I've been keeping up with the exercise. Biking, 30 minutes. Back into school full time, doing the kid stuff. Fingers crossed I don't let this renewed energy/exercise momentum slide.

Good morning, Worldly Women!

Happy, safe trip and we'll see you when you return.

Madcat, I guess I should measure too. Maybe doing it in metric won't be as traumatic. I must say that my ticker is correct today after weeks of blipping.

Hollyhock, shall we do a five pound challenge? I'm aiming for 20 by January 1 which should be doable. That's not to say we won' drink wine when you visit! MEL, you poor eyes! Do get out the watercolours but don't strain your peepers. Maybe big paintings - use a housepaint brush. :lol:

Meadow, I love the though of a big white poppy in house paint! Yes, I'm sure Lucy will let me know when it's "time".

Ceejay, I'll bite. What the heck is Paragold - store, city, spa?

Shad, no Aussie trip in the future since the wedding (and maybe the relationship) is off for now. Lucy is blythely carrying on being a dog - "loyalty, power, grace and sense of humour" certainly sums it up. I've swithched my weeping to smiling.

Had a wonderful and completely relaxing time at the Hyper Pypers! I read, swam, chatted with Margo and her family and even got into my crappy old bathing suit and got into their pool. The Doggage had a wonderful time! Hershey would run around and then get into the pool, swim the circuit and hop out to carry on with dog stuff. Lucy was just fine! She chased cats and pigeons and tried to maintain her Portuguese "Land" Dog status by ignoring the pool. Margo finally gently carried her in and she did get in a few swims. We got home after dark last night and went straight to bed.

Delightful surprises this morning when I checked my phone messages. Dear Friend Claire and her husband have all the Fair schoolwork off the walls at the Hall and have it sorted and ready for return! That's a huge job that I did not get done last week with dog stuff. Claire also used her key when I was away and fixed my toilet tank. Like Shad, I know how to do this stuff but just didn't get at it on Saturday! I'm blessed to have such supportive friends.

Time to crank up the generator and get on with September. Hasta la vista.

Miss Ruth-Paragould is a city thatI grewup in and where my uncle's live.

Shad-I'm up and at it this morning, to work that is. Food is planned, going to the gym after work.

Holly--Glad you are in a happy mood. It must be the fall air.

Had to radio the light office to switch over the phone this morning. Those ladies get spoiled to an extra day off. The August reports are completed.

I've decided to weigh every day this week and do an average at the end of the weeks.

The weather men ar predicting rain by noon. I'll wait and see. The high today is 85. I do have a sinus headache this morning this is usually my prediction that the weather is changing.

Let's do it.

Thanks, Ceejay. I guess I could have googled it.

RUTH~ PARAGOULD IS NOT JUST A CITY SHE GREW UP IN BUT ONE I THINK I WOULD LIKE TO MOVE TO!! :rofl: GLAD YOU HAD A GREAT TIME AND ALL IS WELL THIS WEEK SO FAR!! LOL

MADCAT~ NICE LIST FOR THE CHALLENGE!! GO MADDIE GO!! GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR GOALS!! I'LL BE THE PACE CAR AND WE'LL GO OUT RIDING TOGETHER THIS MONTH!! LET ME KNOW WHAT DAY IS GOOD :moped:

SHAD~ YES THESE ARE THE PAINTS FROM A FEW YEARS AGO AND I BUY MORE EVERY YEAR :rofl: I AM AN AZZHOLE..WHAT CAN I SAY> :lol3: HOPE YOUR WEEK AT WORK WILL BE A GOOD ONE. :hug:

CEEJAY~ TODAY NO ONE IN THE OFFICE WAS REALLY "HERE" MENTALLY! ROFLMAO NOT SURE WHEN ANYONE REMEMBERED TO TAKE OUR PHONE OFF THE ANS. MACHINE!!! LOL HAPPY TUESDAY!

MEADOW~ PEDAL YOUR LITTLE HEART OUT!! NOW THE KIDS ARE BACK FULL TIME YOU CAN PEDAL ALL DAY!! :ebike: I'LL HEAD IN YOUR DIRECTION AND YOU HEAD IN MINE!! oh so lo me ow to you also....too funny!!! :hug:

HOLLY...GLAD THE PARTY WAS GOOD AND YOU ALL HAD A GREAT TIME. SUMMER IS TOO SOON OVER!!!

DID SOME OFFICE WORK THAT WILL LAST ME A MONTH!! MENTALLY THAT IS. I MUST REMIND THEM TO GET MY EXTRA CHECK READY. YOU WOULD THINK BY NOW THEY COULD DO THIS THEMSELVES!! JOHN WAS MORE THAN GRATEFUL FOR THE HELP LAST WEEK. FUNNY WE ARE GETTING CLOSER.....WHEN HE FIRST CAME HERE ALL WE DID WAS OPPOSE EACH OTHER. :rofl: EYES ARE BETTER THAN THE OTHER DAY. LET US PRAY!! :lol3: THE WEATHER HERE IS GORGEOUS BUT SINUSSY. IS THAT A WORD? LOL
I EVEN GOT FOOD SHOPPING DONE.
DID I SAY JEN HAS A CAT? BLACK AND WHITE WITH A HITLER MUSTACHE. CUTE AS THE DICKENS. THE FIL WAS GOING TO THROW HIM OUT AND LEAVE HIM BEHIND...JEN WENT OUT AND CAUGHT HIM AND BROUGHT HIM HOME CRYING.....JEN NOT THE CAT. THE AZZ OF A CAT SWALLOWED A NEEDLE AND THREAD. THE THREAD WAS WRAPPED AROUND HIS TONGUE SO TIGHT THE KIDS COULDN'T GET IT OFF SO THEY RUSHED HIM TO THE VETS AND HIS TONGUE WAS TURNING BLUE,,,,THE CAT'S NOT THE VET'S . THANK GOD CAUSE THE VET PULLED THE THREAD AND GOT THE NEEDLE OUT!!! BUT KITTY HAD TO STAY OVERNIGHT FOR OBSERVATION. COST OVER $200....LIKE WE HAVE THIS KIND OF MONEY!!! :rofl: THE BIRD ONLY COSTS MONEY FOR FOOD!!! I TOLD MY GRANDSON HE IS HOMELESS NOW!! HE CERTAINLY CAN'T GO AND LIVE WITH JEN. HE SEEMED RELIEVED AFTER OUR TALK:lol3: :lol3: I CAN'T EVEN REMEMBER THE LAST TIME HE FLEW TO HER LIKE HE WANTED TO EVEN GO HOME!! IT'S MUCH QUIETER HERE ANYWAY. NO NASTY FOOTBALL REFEREES BLOWING THOSE DANG WHISTLES THAT SCARE THE CRAP OUT OF HIM FOR SOME REASON. :rofl: GOOD THING WE LOVE EACH OTHER AND WE'RE BOTH CONTENT TO SHARE THE APARTMENT!
OK RAMBLED ON FOR LONG ENOUGH. THINKING OF HAVING A DAY TO MYSELF TOMORROW. WE'LL SEE.
HAVE A GREAT NIGHT!:scooter:

Morning all,
Well the days are flying past in a bit of a blur. The project is ramping up. The Change manager is desparate to get some more Tech writer/ Trainers and has come up with a name! Guess who.... yep Mel got it in one TFG. She asked for references. I was very restrained. She's desparate for trainers however when I mentioned my rooster again she tells me he hasn't enough experience. Like that mattered with my other two. Okay enough whinge about the job.

The good weather didn't last too long. We're in for another wet spell. Then fine on Friday and back to rain over the weekend. Wouldn't ya just know it. I was hoping to go out to Araluen one day of the weekend. Tulips are out down there and are reported to be a grand sight. I'll have to work one day of the weekend. So I'll have to gamble on the weather. The rental agency is to do an inspection of the apartment tomorrow. Tonight will be finishing off the housework and no doubt whinging about it as well.

Ruth, glad you had a great time at the Pypers. Fancy having to carry a 'water' dog into the water. I had a land dog (Shad was Kelpie/ Shepherd, herded sheep, cattle, chickens, geese (who wouldn't cooperate) and people) but he would have loved being a boatie dog. Gunbo was a pedigree Shepherd and he had too much style (his attitude not mine) to do more than paddle out, retrieve half a dozen sticks at a time and paddle back. Then look at me as if daring me to do it again. They all have their funny ways and personalities. Gotta love Claire and Doug. Please say hello to them from me. Friends such as those two are worth their weight in gold.

Ceejay, good on you for being up and at it and doing that exercise. Keep it up.

Mel - get on their back and demand the check. I mean to say they expect you to leap to it as soon as they call, but they take their time to pay you. Not on. Poor Jen, poor little kitten. Some people are so crass to animals. Tell Jen I love her, she's such a generous soul.

Anyway, gotta go and get on with the day. I'm about to become Madame Lash with the troops. After all if I have to get it in the neck, then so do they.

Hey, we have your President in Sydney at the moment. The Sydneysiders are not all that excited about that. I guess you will get to hear all about his visit on your news broadcasts.

My first day of clean eating went well. I did not eat cheese, salty snacks or sweets and I did sit ups and yoga. I really wanted to snack last night.
Kalan was on Idol last night. I watched it at 2 different time zones. Made my whole month!!:carrot:

HOLLY~ CONGRATS ON YOUR FIRST DAY!!

SHAD~ I HAD A FEELING WHEN WE WROTE LAST THAT THIS WAS COMING WITH THE TFG!! :rofl: CALL ME A WITCH BUT WHEN YOU SAID THEY WANTED PEOPLE I COULD SEE IT IN THE CARDS :lol3: :lol3: OF COURSE EASY FOR ME TO BE LAUGHING!!! WE WOULDN'T MIND A BIT IF YOU KEPT BUSHIE OVER THERE FOR AWHILE LONGER!! OR MAYBE FED HIM TO THE CROCS. TAKE HIM TO GROOTE AND LEAVE HIM. :rofl: HOPE THE JOB GOES WELL! :hug: I WILL PASS YOUR MESSAGE ON TO JEN.

I WOKE UP FEELIING TIRED SO I LEFT THE PHONE OFF. TAKING THE DAY FOR MYSELF. I WENT TO SEE THE CAT FOR MYSELF AND MAKE SURE HE'S OK. JUST FROM A DISTANCE MIND YOU, DON'T NEED ANYMORE EYE IRRITANTS! :tantrum: HE IS SO ADORABLE. YOU PICK HIM UP AND HE'S LIKE A SACK OF POTATOES. LIMP AND SOOOO CALM. I THINK THEY FEED HIM DRUGS. I HAVE SEEN LAID BACK CATS BEFORE BUT NEVER ONE LIKE THIS. NO WONDER JEN WAS SO UPSET. HE COULD NEVER FEND FOR HIMSELF OUT THERE IN THE REAL WORLD....HE'S TOO STUPID :rofl: :rofl:
I AM OFF FOR SOME BREAKFAST, SHOWER, CLEAN NIGHTIE AND REST UP.
HAPPY WEDNESDAY :moped:

:wave: WAVING AT MISS HAPPY EVEN IF I KNOW YOU'RE NOT RIGHT ABOVE ME!! :hug:

and by the way.....WHERE IS MISS CARLA....THE QUEEN OF CLEAN???? ISN'T THIS HER CHALLENGE????
JUST ASKIN' MISS CARLA :lol3:

Yes where is Carla----

Holly-day one completed and on a good note.

Mel--Poor cat. Keep reminding them about your check. Seems some want you to work for free. You are welcome to join me when I retire. I'm thinking about moving back to Paragould, but I need to be near one of my siblings.

Went to the gym last night as planned. Completed 21 minutes on the treadmill and did four weight machines for 19 minutes. I was tired. The rest was good.

I don't see anyone singing.

Carla's been lurking while she recovered from the latest visit to the SM. (Speaking of which, I do think the other meaning of S&M is both interesting and appropriate...) Anyway, the trip went okay and was mercifully short.

Yesterday was day 1 of clean eating. I really wasn't sure if I'd be on board or not. But the mornign weigh-in had me only half a pound up from my signature, so that was the encouragement I needed. With all the Halloween candy in every store, some kind of plan is the only way to survive. For some reason I have trouble resisting large bags of fun-size chocolate bars. especially when they're on special. I may just have to stay out of drugstores until mid-Nov.... My challenge is to try to stick to my food exchange plan, which allows a certain number of each food group per day. And, of course, wine is out of the questionpè^;0g
$# Oops - my big cat just decided to add his opinion of my post. More later - can't really type properly with a lap full of cat and laptop as well.

Good morning - just barely. I did the gym thing this morning from 8 to 9:30. Wow! Missing Monday really showed. The rest of the morning has gone down the tube with emails and phone calls.

I am off shortly to do pet therapy at the clinic. Lucy is really dragging so I will most likely take Hershey. This afternoon I will tackle those blasted plum tomatoes. I have my garden club meeting tonight and must go to avoid getting roped into working our display at the International Ploughing Match later in the month. I'll be working in finance in an air conditioned trailer instead which suits me. I'm debating about the garden club - several rather snotty people in it! I hate that.

On with clean eats! My ticker is finally not lying! Now I need to tackle Splash Mountain.

Morning all,
Mel, I doubt that the TFG will get here. I sent a message to the style **** stating that yes I had worked with him and that I have never seen him train anyone but have had reports that he is a charismatic trainer. But that I could state that his tech writing while okay had never been known to meet a deadline and if she wanted further info, to speak to me. She did, and she said she had already been having some doubts about his CV (Resume) because he professed that he had worked for the company before putting in a program called Business Warehouse for Plant Maintenance reporting. Well since the style **** has been here for years, she worked out that we don't use BW for PM, we only use it for Finance. Now here is a real point of interest for all of us who have to use a CV to get work. Never lie. This is such a small world that everyone knows someone or something that knows someone else.
She showed me the parts of his CV where we worked together at Wollongong, Groote and Townsville, and it is very cleverly written to assure the reader that he was perfectly capable of writing doco and training such things as Plant Maintenance, Supply Chain Management and Finance - with a little HR thrown in for good measure. In actual fact he only wrote a few finance docos and trained a few basic things. I went out to lunch with my friend Zen (no not Carla's cat) and we had a good laugh about it. Zen was his team lead on the last two projects. She wants to know who his referees are. So do I for that matter. This could out to be fun. I know, I know, I sound all *****y and spiteful and revengeful etc. etc. Not like me really.
Glad to hear the kitten is coming along. Some cats are totally laid back. I've seen some of those Rag Doll Cats that just go totally limp when you pick them up and then they go to sleep and you have to tote them around with dangly legs and head.

Sounds like the challenge is off to a good start - well for the rest of you. I'm having some motivation problems at the moment and I've been busy cleaning the place because the Rental ****s are coming in to check up on me today. I have no doubt that they will pick up on something somewhere. I'm also working 10 hour days and will be working one day of the weekend. Life doesn't get to be all that much fun at this stage of the project.

Carla so you are into S&M with the SM. Oh dear what an exciting life you lead. *snork* Whips, leather, chains, bondage. Oh what a life. Did you leave her tied up or did you only want to do that?

Time to get out of here and get on with the day - even if it is only to set an example for the troops - whom I gave some deadlines yesterday. Think they were a bit surprised.... and worried. I gave myself some too, so I'd better meet them or else.

soooooooooooooooo tired..... work , hockey, skates were too tight, crying boy, first ever piano lesson, end of year soccer meeting that went on for 2 *yawn* hours.....kids stayed at piano teachers/friends house til 9pm...borrowed skates for tomorrow....arranged school council meeting, set class lists for Sunday school....arranged with hubby for him to take off work early to take DS to a goalie clinic from 6-8 tomorrow...I work til 7:30pm and then Chair the School Council meeting from 8-9:30.........I need to wash pots and pans and put something together for the crock pot tomorrow, feed the critters.............
I did not over eat but did have a cookie. No cheese yet and i may still do some sit ups................ My neck and shoulders are all bunchy right now.....
breathing..........

:wave: I'm drowning in tomatoes! Help!

CEEJAY~ I BET THE FAMILY WILL LOVE YOUR MOVING BACK IN RETIREMENT. GOOD FOR YOU WITH THE GYM. HERE'S A SONG JUST FOR YOU:
I'm comin' home, I've done my time
Now I've got to know what is and isn't mine
If you received my letter telin' you I'd soon be free
Then you'll know just what to do if you still want me
If you still want me.

Tie a yellow ribbon 'round the old oak tree
It's been three long years
Do you still want me?
If I don't see a yellow ribbon round the old oak tree
I'll stay on the bus
Forget about us
Put the blame on me
If I don't see a yellow ribbon round the old oak tree

Bus driver, please look for me
'Cause I couldn't bear to see what I might see
I'm really still in prison, and my love she holds the key
A simple yellow ribbon's what I need to set me free
I wrote and told her please:

Now the whole damn bus is cheering
And I can't believe I see
A hundred yellow ribbons 'round the old oak tree
I'm comin' home

CARLA~ SORRY THE SM IS SUCH A DRAIN. :hug: BUT YOU CAN'T JUST LEAVE US TO OURSELVES WANDERING AROUND IN THE DESERT ALONE. YOU KNOW HOW HAPPY AND SHAD CAN BE BAD INFLUENCES ON THE REST OF US. JUST THINK OF ALL THE TROUBLE WE CAN GET INTO :beach: :belly: :cheers:

SHAD~ I DIN'T KNOW WHETHER TO LAUGH OR CRY!! :rofl: IT'S JUST A SHAME THEY WOULDN'T TAKE YOUR RECCOMENDATION OF THE ROOSTER. I HAVE KNOW MANY WHO FUDGED ON THEIR CV'S AND GOT GOOD AND CAUGHT. THERE IS ALWAYS SOMEONE SOMEWHERE WHO WILL ACTUALLY MAKE THAT CALL AND BACK CHECK!! :dance: GOOD LUCK WITH WHOEVER GETS THERE :hug:

RUTH~ I HATE SNOTTY PEOPLE TOO....BUT THEN I CAN BE A REAL SNOT MYSELF! :lol3: POOR LUCY :hug: HAVE A GOOD DAY IN THE TRAILER!! MAKE SPAGHETTI SAUCE!!

HOLLY~ KEEP BREATHING...I HEAR IT'S GOOD FOR YOU!! :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: WHEN I READ YOUR POSTS I AM ALWAYS GLAD JEN IS 39!!!!

OFF TO THE SUPERMARKET. IT'S ALMOST TIME. NOTHING NEW TO REPORT. HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A GREAT DAY. I HAD A LIVERWURST ON A HARDROLL TUESDAY....NO ON MY PLAN!!! :faint: I LOOKED INTO MY CRYSTAL BALL :wizard: AND I SEE A LAXATIVE IN MY FUTURE! :rofl:
HAPPY THURSDAY! :moped:

This is me mostly venting. Why does everyone start everything this week????? What is wrong wiht the 2nd week of Sept anyhow. I bet it feels lonely.

Ruth- I want to make salsa this weekend!! How's Lucy.
HUGS Mel- today I am looking forward to looking back and laughing about days like yesterday.

7am-Feeling frazzled. it took me an hour last night, laying in bed, to relax the tension in my body enough to fall asleep. I felt so guilty about DS’s skates being too small and he was upset and consequently was nasty to me, the goalie equipment was not great I was upset and mostly kept it in check.........

There is a free goalie clinic tonight. Hubby is leaving work early and taking him. Another dad dropped me off 2 pairs of skates last night to try and another goalie mom is bringing some goalie skates to the rink tonight for DS to try. I bought new mouth guards last night. My reason for being upset is partly because I know jack squat about hockey. Hubby has played all of his life . He knows what is required. I am constantly asking questions and am 1 step behind. He at least didn’t go off on me when we got home last night. He knew the skates were too small and didn’t do anything about it. He had all weekend ( or summer) to outfit the boy.

And if one more parent or kid asks me why DS was not at the goalie camps or power skating camps this summer I will scream. They are $300.00- $500.00 each. The regular season is $1000.00. We are poor. How can these people fork of $16,000.00 for sewers and then put their kids in 5 different camps all summer.Many of these people farm or work in trades like us how can they possibly afford it.

oops...I vented............

I work from 12-7:30 today. Between 9-11:30 I have sooooo much to do. i can take some paperwork to work to work on when I am not busy there.

9am-Still feeling frazzled but the kids are off to school and they have healthy lunches and snacks and appropriate notes were sent, behaviour mod done while waiting for the bus :D sucessfully!, good convo with the kids this morning, healthy breakfast ingested, DS practised his piano............
Kids loved their first piano lesson.

I am feeling less stressed already...............

Here's a tomato or six to pitch, Hollyhock! I'm half done the bushel now. I may persuade Claire to take some. Her darling DH did two dump runs for me this morning and that could be a sort of thank you. ~~~ evil laugh ~~~

Mel, I adore liverwurst and keep taking it off the shelf and then putting it back when I see the fat and calories. I just may make some spaghetti sauce - I have peppers and onions and some frozen ground chicken and beef. I love having it on hand in small servings for those winter nights when I need carbs. I have a spaghetti squash baking and may make a couple of squash and tomato casseroles for the freezer.

Carla, where does SM live? I need to know so I can avoid her. :lol:

Shad, I love it when somebody gets their comeuppance. Dumb a$$ guy!

Ceejay, thanks for cluing me in on Paragould. I Googled it and it looks rather nice. 22,000 people is about the right size for me now that I'm a country chick.

:wave: to Meadow and Happy and PainterWoman.

I did take Lucy to do pet therapy yesterday and she did OK. My local vet dropped in during the afternoon and brough me a good book about pets living with cancer. Apparently chemo for dogs is not as horrible as it is for humans and Leslie asked me to keep an open mind about it.

Whoops! Just realized I need to iron the Church linens this morning before it gets too hot. I hope to heck I don't manage to get tomato stains on them.

Well, I'm back, after having been so rudely interrupted by a large grey moulting mooch... But Mel's right - you lot need me to keep you all in line. :coach: :rofl:

Today's weigh-in reminded of something I already knew but chose to ignore - bbq'ing and eating large Italian sausages is not a scale-friendly activity. And cooking an extra sausage 'for tomorrow' just leads to over-indulgence tonight. Oh well. Lesson learned, at least til next time, and once the salt and fat have worked themselves thru the system Mr Scale may be my friend again. At least it was very, very good. So far today has been OP, and I do have lots of the right kind of foods on hand, so no excuses.

Exercise is still in the planning stage - felt quite proud of myself on Tuesday to use a coupon for 2 months at a local gym at a reduced price. Hmmm - isn't signing on and paying enough? Do I really have to get my dimpled butt over there? Sheesh! Maybe later today... The weather today is a little on the steamy side after several days of coolth (new word - do y'all like it?), so I'm thinking about a quick trip to the lake.

Ruth, I sure wish you were close enough for me to zip down and relieve you of the excess tomatoes! I just love making simple greek salads - just cukes, tomatoes, feta, olive oil and lemon and oregano. Yumm.
I'm glad to hear that Lucy's doing well. Do you do the pet therapy with adults, kids, seniors? I've been thinking my big grey cat would be ideal as a therapy cat. He's gentle and absolutely loves attention and meeting new people. It might cut his boredom and make him happier. Who did you contact to find out how to get involved in it?

Shad, what delicious revenge on the idiot, who no doubt thought no one would ever know how creative he'd been on his CV. Hoist on his own petard, right? Do you think your rooster might stand a better chance now?

Mel, Jen's kitten sounds adorable. I can't believe anyone was just going to discard the poor baby without trying to alleviate its pain. They do get expensive, as I found out to my shock, but still... Between my boy's anxiety/boredom/self-mutilation problem and my little girl's missing tear ducts and the discharge and rawness and discomfort it causes her, I think I've probably helped the local vet renovate her house. And of course neither problem is even slightly corrected. Grrr. Does this mean that your grandson will now live with you all the time? :crossed: Lovely for both of you if that's the case! Company for you, and a smoke-free environment for him to be spoiled rotten by his nana!
Did you get your cheque yet? Maybe if you send them a written request, using the British/Canadian spelling, they'll be so thrown they'll meekly cough up the cash... :lol3:

Happy, I'm pretty sure you're still away, but I did want to send my condolences on the loss of your aunt. :hug: Like the others here, I'm so glad for you that you had had the chance for a long talk with her not too long ago. Drive carefully, and come back to us soon.

Painter, I had no idea just how many in this gang are artistically inclined! Except me, of course. No talent at all around here! But it is an ability I'd love to have.

Holly, sounds like you had a frustrating few days, but things are looking up, right? As for the people who seem to have bags of money to pay for goodies, I often wonder the same thing. Their credit cards and lines of credit are probably maxed out keeping up with the Joneses. I'm more like you - don't want to spend what I don't have.

Ceejay, you're right that there's not a lot of singing going on, although I noticed Mel's doing her bit. Maybe we're all too busy exercising and counting calories and writing it all down to type up our lyrics. Here's a short excerpt for now, in honour of my return to work tomorrow :tantrum: :
"I don't want to work
I just want to bang on the drum all day..."
I did say it was a short excerpt... ;)

Madcat, I do like your plan, with the get out of jail free cards. I'm glad I didn't adopt it though, as last night would have used up at least three of the five... :yikes: I'll be working for a few days in TO late November - let's both do really, really, well with our clean eating for the next while, and then we can get together and have guilt-free drinks while we ooh and aah about each other's tiny waist and dress size... :hat: :yes:

That reminds me - I had an NSV yesterday. My jeans are too big, and while I haven't found new ones yet, I did buy a new pair of casual pants in size 14 that fit extremely well! Lots of stretch in them, of course, but still...

Bye all. :wave: to those I've missed - there's always someone I forget.