Just a pop-in to say there is a space reserved just for your group in the stickied Bio thread at the top of the page, if you'd like to share your bios.

Have a good day!

Hi, Jane! Hope you are havin' a good day also!

Sword Bearer! Ye are doin' great and hope ye enjoy work today.

I am forcin' self to take today off, at least, just a little space until Sacred Bootcampy Weigh-In Day. I guess I'm doin' a small bootcamp o' mine own these days, walked two hours today, cals down for past two days.

Wsw, glad ye had such a good friend from the old days to do the medical test thing with ye. Congrats on a good result.

To all, mentioned 'n un ... ye know!

Queenlies! The memorial service was good yesterday, if extremely difficult. I went to a gathering at his aunt's place afterwards. I learned that he had not been in touch with his family for over 10 years -- just too ashamed of his addiction and afraid of disappointing people again. But I also learned that he was in a community program that he contributed to and was surrounded by supportive people. He'd caught a flu and then I guess his heart just gave out. The body can only take so much.

Addiction is a terrible thing -- makes me more determined to let go of mine.

I'm doing well, moving forward. Not leaving anything behind but just determined to make the most of my life.

Gotta go -- love ya, tho.

Ah, Wood Nymph, a good mantra for us all.

"I'm doing well, moving forward. Not leaving anything behind but just determined to make the most of my life. "

'Tis good you were able to go to service and to aunt's and to learn more of what has been going on in his life.

wsw, glad that's behind you. And what a wonderful friend you have.

ceara, glad you're back with us. Hope things are looking more resolveable.

Empress, a respite beith good and willhelp you on your bootcamp path. I missed my "official" weighin this week but a day late I was down to .8 of a lb above the elusive "hit it once and I will again" number. Probably blew everything since then though.

I am personally in the "Nightmare from the Money Pit" or something like that re installation of appliances. Can't even begin to waste words describing what's gone on here. Made it tough to manage food - no working stove, microwave, d/w (but who needs that when you can't cook anything). Stuff cut up, out - a stove standing in the midst of the traffic pattern. I do not anger easily but I am being sorely tried. Today a handyman is coming to do a long list of other little (and some slightly bigger) things for me. Turmoil but, this too will be sorted out - 'tis not life and death - just more ways in which I can practice being ly. Supposedly all will be accomplished tomorrow but I can tell you one appliance dealer whose reputation will be suffering.

Went to funeral with sis yesterday. Fellow died from same cancer her dh has and they all met through support group. Hard, hard.

So today will be busy, hectic but I hope it will be as nice a fall day as yesterday was. When I was coming in last night, Mr. Full Moon was flirting with me and I almost responded to his seduction. Maybe tonight (if I'm not so tired), I can respond and spend a little outdoor evening time admiring him.

Again, my condolences, Wood Nymph, but ye seem to have found a sense of closure and determination to go forward with your own progress and I think that's great and also love your mantra.

Ah, Anagram, I also be in the money pit, for different reasons, but been there before 'n know a few secret passages out o' there. Huzzah.

To all, unmentioned and mentioned ... ye know the drill.

Another strange day. Handyman and son are on second run for parts. But he's done many small things so 'tis progress I 'spose.

I've also got more done than usual, outside, computerwise and clothing-sorting wise. So day not a total waste. Hoping the boys will soon get back from their jaunt and get a little more done though it looks now like the list will be far from completed today.

I will need Fresh Start Monday though it may indeed be Tuesday as kitchen still in mucho disarray. Friends offering to cook for me, feed me, etc. but I live in the land of restaurants within a mile or two and can forage for myself quite nicely. I'm laughing, really, about how these supposedly simple things have become quixotic quests. Not life and death, folks. Just not supposed to be so complicated and/or hysterical.

Looks like walk won't be happening unless just at dusk. If they're gone by then. I'll just have to go jiggle around a little bit to get in some exercise. Really cold out there; may finally be turning on heat tonight. Come to think of it, dusk walk might be nice (if cold) as I have a tentative date with Mr. Moon.

Oh, sweet Arabella...I'm so sorry for your losses, and so inspired by your words. Yes, I'm ready to make the most of my life. Time to stop letting "life" dictate my actions and seize control of my ship! (and a mighty ship it is!)

Anagram...My fingers are crossed for all to be back in order for you ASAP. I know only too well the chaos you're living at the moment. Washing dishes in the bathtub was not fun as I recall!

wsw...So glad to hear that your colonoscopy went well, and that your friend was there to support you. As a newly-turned 50 year old, I know that I'm supposed to be having one done soon. Too much going on right now, definitely next year!

ceara...How I look forward to the day that I can kick work-related stress out of my life too! Hang in there til you can!

Hugs to all...mentioned and un- I still have much to do today. Haven't even been outside yet and I don't want to miss out on this glorious fall weather! I have sworn to myself that I will get out there for a walk. My battery is somewhat re-energized, I'm trying to get my house in order...which really helps me to function better...when the house is a mess, so am I! Am finally doing the summer/winter clothing switch over and a mini fall clean up of the piles of papers, mail, & magazines that seem to accumulate on every flat surface in this house. Practicing feng shui as best I can...

Today, so far, has been a stellar day of eating all the right stuff...will call it an un-official Day 1. Looking forward to new royal holiday thread...nothing like a change of season to "start over..."

Happy day to all!

Just had a lovely frosty morning walk. So nice.

So now I'm girded for the appliance installer battles today - assuming they show up. Handyman showed up yesterday - got about half done. To return Saturday (and maybe Sunday).

However, stress took its toll..........I must learn to deal better. I wasn't falling apart any other way - got lots of stuff done too. But food - I know, a comfort, a reward for the irritation, etc., etc. I think I'll have to turn in my crown and work to earn it back. I know food will not take care of this problem, only time and sternness will. And I'm quite capable of that - so JUST DO IT.

So I will, I must, I shall, I am.

Fresh Start Tuesday for me this week. Have three new appliances finally installed, mess mostly taken care of.

So today I'm devoting to recovering from stress. To be another lovely day and I WILL get in a walk in the red maple treed park. WILL make it to either the new supposedly fab grocery store or at least Wal-Mart. WILL relax. WILL get ready for my trip tomorrow to Princessville. WILL smile, will eat in a more healthy mode, will refurbish healthy pantry, WILL, WILL, WILL.

As I type, my baby bro is in a hospital in San Diego preparing for gastric bypass. He WILL be on my mind all day. I hope he's doing the right thing. He has lost 40 pounds already in the "prep" stages for the surgery. I'm thinking "just keep on doing those things" instead. But if there's anything I know, it's just how tough that is to do. Only one person of the surviving 7 among my siblings is at a good weight - and he's just finished yet another long siege w/Nutrasystem. Whatever it is/was, nature or nurture, it's been a battle we've all shared. Currently, I am at the low size for the females though the sis whose husband has cancer was until this latest battle.

Don't mean to make this a me-me, just rambling as I don't want to leave the palace...........my second home. s to all Royals as we approach the end time of this challenge.

Make it a TERRIFIC TUESDAY, folks.

Yesterday was better. Didn't let self eat sitting on the couch, which is often all it takes to keep self from going back for seconds or thirds.

Lots of work to do and my mom wants to come for a visit so I'd better get to it.

Walked to gym, did circuits, came home for a set of tai chi. Bah. End of month.

Love to all!