Happy
I have a few people I really consider friends. A few I have met here on this site and 3 girls I went to school with since first grade. Everyone else in my life are what I really call friendly acquaintances. That is what this woman is. Since my 3 best friends live in other states they aren't here to help me if I ever need help. Those here, well you all can't hop through the computer so what you give, while it isn't physical help, is more valuable than I can say. You all give emotional and spiritual help. I am almost painfully shy off the computer so I tend to be the one that lends a helping hand but other people don't really notice unless they need help. Yes, a thank you would have been very nice. Maybe she just wasn't feeling well enough to think about saying thank you. Maybe when she gets better she will notice all she doesn't have to do. I know she will smile sometime when she notices she doesn't have to do this or that and that will be enough thank you. I am going to have to have the pool I had taken out when I bought this house put back in so I can have some sexy eye candy too lol. I love them, don't they look so cheerful down there cheering me on.

Oooooooh, Happy, your fall sounds awful. I hope you aren't to bunged up and stiff.

Shy -- you sound like a saint doing all that cleaning. Hope you got lots of "points" from the people who do matter to you.

I had my own adventures since you last heard from me. Fried Computer and pseudo "ER" visit. The stories are here.
And it snowed just a little while ago-- nothing like drifts or anything AND it's supposed to be in the 50's tomorrow, so it won't last. I think if I weren't a night owl, I wouldn't haved even seen it.

RENNIE~ SOME PEOPLE JUST DON'T KNOW THE WORD THANK YOU! I TELL JEN THAT THESE THINGS ARE SCORE POINTS FOR HEAVEN WHEN DONE FROM THE HEART!! :rofl: NO WONDER HUBBY WAS MAD.

HAPPY~ DID YOU SEE THE LITTLE WORM? I THINK 3FC NEEDS TO HAVE HIM TOO. http://www.anchoredbygrace.com/smileys/popworm.gif I HAVE TO ASK...ARE YOU RUNNING A "SAVE THE FROG" SHELTER IN YOUR POOL? :lol3:
DID YOU LIKE THE ICE TEA WHEN HOT?? ROOIBUS. I WILL HAVE TO LOOK AROUND...WAS THAT THE ONLINE STUFF? INQUIRING MINDS NEED TO KNOW THESE THINGS. AND CONGRATS ON THE GOOD DAY FOODWISE! :cheer2:

PAINTER~ GLAD TO READ NO PROBLEMS WERE FOUND. MUST HAVE BEEN A HELLUVA JOURNEY! :yikes: MAYBE IT'S YOUR TURN FOR A KICK IN THE BUTT( my daughter gave me one recently)...BUT I'LL WAIT TILL AFTER YOU GET SOME PAIN MANAGEMENT IN FIRST. I DON'T WANT TO ADDD TO THE PAIN YET! :rollpin:

:rain: RAIN AND TIREDNESS. SO I' CANCELLED SHOPPING. THURSDAY WILL BE BRIGHT AND CHEERY. A MUCH BETTER CHOICE. WILLY WILL BE HAPPY. HE HAS BEEN VERY ILL AND ISN'T 100% YET. I HAVE WASH TO PUT AWAY. AND THE LINEN CLOSET COULD USE A TIDYING UP WHILE I AM IN THERE. AS THE DAYS GO BY, I AM BECOMING MORE INTOLLERANT TO SUCRALOSE ANYTHING. I STILL HAVE PROTEIN POWDER CANNISTERS. SO YESTERDAY I GAVE THEM TO JOHN WHO WAS THRILLED TO TRY SOMETHING NEW. I HAD ELIMINATED ALL ART. SWEETENERS EXCEPT FOR THE SHAKES AND BARS. IT SEEMED TO BE OK BUT NOW... :dunno:
IF I DON'T START MOVING SOON I WILL GO BACK TO SLEEP LIKE THE GRANDSON. IN KNOW HE HEARS ME BUT HAS HIS HEAD TUCKED UNDER HIS WING AND IS REFUSING TO GET UP!! :tantrum:
HAPPY TUESDAY!! GOT TO WATCH THE BIGGEST LOSER AND GET MY MOJO RUNNING FOR THE WEEK :moped:

Good morning chicks,

Aww Mel. Wish I could send you some of the Stevia to try but I'm afraid if I send white powder in an envelope, Tommy Lee Jones and all of Mr. Bush's men with earplugs and guns will be after me :lol: I do see that they carry it in the grocery store now in the sugar section by the packets of the blue and pink stuff. Stevia is an extract from a Paraguayan (sp??) plant so it is natural and is something like 200 times sweeter than sugar. Even Splenda has some artificial stuff in it. I am still experimenting with it - I think all of that stuff gives me intestinal distress. I'm thinking better to just wean down the sugar gradually. I still say the best plan is to stick with everything natural as much as possible. Particularly if you are very sensitive to things which I think intensifies anyway as we get older (and better ;) ). As for the frogs Mel, I guess they are there just to remind me to think of you and smile once in a while :D

Painter :yikes: Oh my. You've had an ordeal, haven't you? I am reminded of my cousin's wife who said the chemo settles into all little nooks and crannies in the body and does all sorts of wierd things that people who haven't gone through it just don't understand. I do hope you get to feeling better very soon :hug: As for the snow, had to look at your blog to see the picture as the post on 3FC didn't work. I've always thought that nighttime snow was the prettiest. Something peaceful about it. Perhaps it's the way it naturally muffles out the noises or maybe it's the way the snowflakes catch the light and sparkle. I hope you saw this at 11pm and not 3am!!! Glad you didn't have DVT - that's a very serious problem, didn't realize that's a possible after effect either. Be good to yourself and keep moving to "keep the old parts greased up" :D

Good heavens Rennie - you gave me a startle. You were talking about sexy pool guys and then something about them cheering you on :yikes: :yikes: :yikes: - then I realized you had switched subjects and were talking about your smilies! :rofl:

We are supposed to get some mucky weather today. Cold rain and some snowflakes. Nothing to stick but it's just a cold morning where we'd all like to stay in bed a bit longer and the old bones are protesting. There was a VERY LOUD birdy outside singing it's heart out sometime around 5:30am. Probably the mockingbird. Or maybe the cardinal. Couldn't have been any louder if it was standing under my window yelling - GET UP LAZY BONES. That's the thanks we get for feeding the little stinkers. :lol:

Well I'm off to leave my stamp on the world today. You do the same :D :wave:

Good morning ladies!!! YOU are a chatty bunch, will try to catch up reading this afternoon. Dh is working evenings for the rest of the week, so we are going this morning. Other than that things are normal here. have to do laundry and vacumme the whole house...even have to move things in my kitchen as we have been getting ants. will have to move the refrigerator and the stove...at least I will get double exercise. I hate having carpet in my kitchen...can't wait until we can replace t he floors. still cold, but the snow they predicted for yesterday never came, supposed to be cold all week, then warm up to mid 40's -50's next week. Can't wait!!!

Happy~hope you are not too banged up!

SHuweeeeeeee, finally made it to the beach. Got delayed a bit, but made it.

Aloha everyone, oh what fun we will have.

Had a blast on Friday night dancing and whatnot. Slept in till 11:00 on Saturday, then took a nap in the afternoon, then went to bed early. I am getting too old for this buiness.

Spent Sunday with my parents, it was their 60th wedding anniversary. I can't believe they made it as both are in terrible health.

Have a super, fantabulous day everyong.

Hugs & Love

Aloha ladies --

I was kinda busy the last few days and was late for the flight to Maui. But I'm here now. It came down to....go to the gym or post. So I went to the gym. Things are a bit less stressful today at work, so I'm taking a moment to catch up with my Worldly Chick friends. Sounds like you all have enjoyed the Maui sun! Ahhh, I can feel the warm breezes and sunshine now.

I've been doing GREAT with my WW points. And I've been getting to the gym about 5 days a week! And I've never felt better! My pants are starting to get very loose, but I'm not seeing huge victories on the scale yet. The NSV are wonderful though!!

I just heard some sad news for me and millions of Packer fans....Brett Favre has decided to retire. He's had such a long successful and legendary career. And he's such a hottie (IMHO). He will definitely be missed by all Packer fans. I'm sad, but I will keep this in perspective. It is, after all, just football.


Happy -- Happy, I sure hope you're feeling better from your awful fall. Yikes! And I loved the photo of your bake off entry! I would've voted for you fer sure! Good for you for volunteering at the humane society! Now that my work schedule is much less crazy than it used to be (40 to 45 hour work weeks instead of 65 to 70 hour work weeks), I am going to volunteer too. Almost nothing brightens my mood more than spending time with animals, which is why DH took me to a Pet Expo a few weeks ago and a local dog show this past weekend. I got to pet all kinds of loveable doggies (and kitties at the pet expo)! :)

I'm so envious of your warm weather. I'd love for it to be in the 70s and be able to work in the garden. I'd even settle for temps in the 50s. Looks like we've got another month or so of snow. I'm SO looking forward to spring and seeing the crocuses, tulips and daffodils.

Shad -- I have laminate countertops too, and not even scratch resistant. I'm sure yours are a lot better. Please post photos of your new kitchen when it's done. The only corian thing I have is an AWESOME corian cutting board in the shape of a penguin (DH and I collect penguins). The corian makes it not absorb food bacteria or stains, and easy to clean. It's wonderful. I've had it for 10 years and looks as good as new. You are definitely motivating me to clean out all my closets and cupboards. My house has limited storage space and it's full of stuff I hardly ever use. Thinking good thoughts that your DB2's life continues to improve.

Ruth - Congrats on the successful drive! I'll bet it feels wonderful to have your wheels again!

Hollyhock - Glad to see you got out with the kids despite the wintry weather. I think all of us northerners are all very tired of it.

Rennie - 65 degrees yesterday in Ohio....oh I can feel spring coming up here...I just know it is. Especially since the other day, we listened to baseball on the radio (okay, spring training baseball, but it still made me feel a bit warmer). You should've at least gotten a thank you for all the work/help you did for your friend.

Ceejay - Congrats on the purchase of the new outfit. It sounds lovely! I'm not ready to purchase new clothes just yet, but I'm going to go through my closet and see if I have smaller sizes still, as my pants are getting very loose. Yay!

Painter - I'm glad no problems were found after your ER visit. What a scare though!

Annie - Your weekend sounds like it was lots of fun! That's awesome that your parents celebrated their 60th anniversary!


Well, I'd better sign off now. Sorry for the long post, but I wanted to catch up.

Here's to a great day for all of us!

Hugs,

0 Point Soups!
 

Hey chicks --

Some of you may already know about this, but I just found it this past weekend at the grocery store.

Progresso has 5 different Light Soups that have 0 points per serving.

Italian-Style Vegetable
Vegetable & Noodle
Homestyle Vegetable and Rice
Savory Vegetable and Barley
Southwestern-Style Vegetable - This is the only one I've tried so far and it's excellent! (just a warning, it's a little spicy) :hungry:

diy
Many of those sound yummy. The only reason I don't eat anything but homemade soup is because can soups have so darn much sodium in them. Wonder if those are lower in sodium than other soups? We still have a few weeks here that the weather can turn horrid. You don't even count on spring in my neck of the woods until the second week in April lol. Oh don't you just love when spring training hits. The balls, the bats, the cute bums in those uniforms :) makes life worth living. GO INDIANS.

happy
I have to admit sexy pool guys would sure cheer me on lol.

Painter
What I got was my husband yelling for what seemed forever that he is sick and tired of me being a mat for everyone to walk on and that he is putting his foot down. I am loved lol.

Quickie to just say the red car driven by a wild woman with a curly dog and a wiggly knee is now home from her trip to the surgeon in Brockville - pop. 22,000. (You'd think it was a trip to Toronto rather than a 30 minute drive!) I must admit I'm pretty tired out BUT....................my surgeon is "amazed and delighted" with my progress. (No, I didn't table dance for him.)

Once again he went over the massive amount of work he did and showed my my X-ray and the X-ray of a patient with a regular knee replacement. There's still lots of flex needed but he is really pleased with my progress and nearly swallowed his teeth when he realized I drove there myself! I'm on my way so will just stop whining! Next check-up is April 15 and he guarantees there will be signs of spring by then.

My life is slowly getting back to normal.

Rennie - Spring may not hit here until middle to end of April, but I'm SO hoping it comes early!! I'm tired of the snow and the cold. It's been a long winter. I'm looking forward to going to some Brewers games and tailgating when the weather is warmer. The boys of summer will be back home soon.

Ruth - My DH had knee replacement surgery about 5 years ago. It helped him a lot. He has an issue with scar tissue messing with this one particular nerve in his leg. But other than that, he's a lot more mobile than he was before the surgery. Best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery. Are you doing physical therapy?

This is quick. Had a terrible night last night. The power went out while the plant was in operation. Had about 4 foot of water down stairs and the phone was constantly ringing. Had to call the boss. L had to come inside this totally dark building.

I finally got to see it snow. Mind you it was very little but at one time the flakes were big enough to enjoy.

The past couple of day's a couple of water/waste water guys have been in training. Think the boss is expecting the unexpected from my "know it all" co-worker.

PainterWoman--Enjoyed the blog.

Hello to the rest :wave:

Morning all,
 

Mel - don't know much about Tempeh but here's what I got from the 'net.
Tempeh is a fermented food made by the controlled fermentation of cooked soybeans with a Rhizopus mold (tempeh starter). The tempeh fermentation by the Rhizopus mold binds the soybeans into a compact white cake. Tempeh has been a favorite food and staple source of protein in Indonesia for several hundred years.
But tempeh is now rapidly becoming more popular all over the world as people look for ways to increase their intake of soybeans and isoflavones.
They discover tempeh's versatility and delicious taste. Especially vegetarians and vegans find the structure and protein content interesting. Tempeh has a firm texture and a nutty mushroom flavour. Tempeh can be used in different ways. Normally tempeh is sliced and fried until the surface is crisp and golden brown or tempeh can be used as ingredient in soups, spreads, salads and sandwiches.
Sounds like tofu gone wrong. Rooibos is a South African tea which is minus caffeine. I've tried it - all the S.Africans around here drink a heck of a lot of it and are for ever trying to get you to have some. I don't have any at home. I look forward to Happy's tea reviews. I'm into the linen cupboard soon. We can toss together.

Happy - you can come to the dump as you please. It is not very exciting. Here we have the wheelie bins for the everyday rubbish and once in a while the council has a rubbish clean up day for stuff that is too big to go in the bins but I can't wait for that to come around - always provided I knew when the next one is. So I bung things into the back of the car and trundle off down the road and recycle some, ditch some. They have a recycling plant and market down there. All profits go to the Mayoress' charity fund. They raise around $2million per year through that. Just goes to show what some people throw away.
Well done on the perfect ON-PLAN day. Let there be more of them.

Rennie - sexy pool guys :faint: Must send you my picture of the local car wash - that is if I can shrink it enough to fit into the limits here. You'd have thought the husband could have said thanks anyway even if the friend is too sick to notice. Oh well, there's nowt sa quare as folks as they say in Yorkshire.

Painter - I went and read your blog. No wonder you get a bit down and despondent from time to time. Glad to hear there was no DVT. My SIL had that and was nearly dead when they got her to hospital. It has taken her a long time to recover from that.

Ellen - carpet in the kitchen. :faint: :faint: Wouldn't do in my house. I'm a messy cook. I need gumboots in there some days.

Annie - big congratulations to the folks. Sixty years is some achievement. Glad you enjoyed the concert.

Michelle - good news on the NSV - that always makes one feel as if something is happening even if the scales don't move and sometimes they move upwards for no apparent reason. Darn things.
I have a small house and a big collection of stuff. However I am learning that I don't need most of it to live so everything has a shelf life now. If it is not used within 6=12 months and it is not antique/ valuable/ sentimental then I don't need it. I have the memories.

Ruth - well done. You have taken hold of the barrow and it is going at breakneck speed again. Remind me to have you over for the Anakie to Sapphire barrow race next year. I reckon you might take out a prize.

Ceejay - you finally got snow. Yeehaa. You've been hanging out for it for a while.

Yesterdays list got finished so now I have to dream up a today list. And breakfast, gym and coffee are done for the day. Tough going at the gym, but I managed to burn around 640 calories (according to the machines and my maths) - that's the end of gym for the week. So I weighed in before the shower and am down to 78.1. I did see 77.7 once this week but alas no more. I'd better go change the ticker.

Thanks to all who went and read the un-DVT saga. I'm a bit shell shocked still, but will see the primary MD tomorrow about pain management... and exercise/stretch/flexibility plan I think I've found a yoga instructor/PT specialist. I'd at least like to keep the kinks in my hip and ankle from getting worse.

I'm a bit surprised at the Primary results here in Texas. But apparently the Democratic hinterlands went either for Clinton, and the cities went for Obama. Texas has LOTS of hinterlands. And cows.

MICHELLE...I JUST SAW THEM ON OPRAH WINFREY YESTERDAY WHEN BOB GREENE WAS ON. I'M GOING TO CHECK THEM OUT. WELCOME TO MAUI!

ANNIE....THE BIG 6O! CONGRATULATIONS TO THEM :encore:

RUTH...MAYBE NOT A TABLE DANCE BUT DID YOU LAP DANCE???? :belly: I AM SO GLAD THINGS ARE GOING SO WELL!! HOPE THE PAIN LEAVES AND THE FLEXIBILITY ARRIVES SOON!:hug:

CEEJAY....SNOW, 4' OF WATER AND POWER OUTAGES!!! WELL WHEN YOU GUYS DO IT...YOU DO IT BIG TIME! :faint: WHEN THE SNOW FALLS ISN'T I JUST SO CALMING? I LOVE THAT FEELING. HOPE YOUR PLACE IS DRYING OUT NICELY. HOPE TOO THAT YOUR BOSS ISN'T DEPENDING ON THE WRONG PERSON!!!

SHAD~ WOW! GOOD THING YOU GOOGLED THE TEMPEH!!! THAT'S THE LAST THING I NEED IS MORE YEASTY, MOLDY STUFF. I ASSUMED IT WAS LIKE TOFU AND NOT FERMENTED STUFF. :yikes: WELL I WON'T BE MAKING THAT DAGWOOD SANDWICH ANYTIME SOON!! IT TOOK ME 5 YEARS OF DANGEROUS MEDICATION TO END AN OB-GYN PROBLEM AS YOU RECALL(?) CERTAINLY DON'T WANT TO UPSET MY OWN "ECO" BALANCE :rofl: I NEED TO BE MORE CAREFUL!!! CONGRATULATIONS ONN THE SCALE CHANGE :cheer2: nice job!! I WILL MEET YOU AT THE LINEN CLOSET:hug:

PAINTER...I AM WONDERING IF THERE ARE CERTAIN FOODS TO AVOID WHILE ALL THIS IS GOING ON. MY MISTAKING TEMPEH AS A GOOD FOOD CHOICE FOR ME JUST MADE ME THINK OF IT. THOUGHT I READ ONCE SOMETHING ABOUT THAT. BTW...YOUR PICTURES ARE COMING ALONG VERY NICELY. LOVED THE CAT AND THE TULIPS...WILL WE SEE THE END RESULTS TOO?

:rain: IT JUST CANNOT GET ANY DARKER OUT THAN IT IS. BANG BOOM...THUNDER AND LIGHTNING LAST NIGHT. TONS OF RAIN. LOTS OF WIND. MAYBE THE WORKERS CANNOT POUR CEMENT TODAY :dance: THEY DID ALMOST ALL OF YESTERDAY BUT THANK GOD HAVE SWITCHED TO A DIFFERENT MIXTURE :cb: :cb: MY LUNGS AND NOSE ARE FOREVER GRATEFUL AND ALSO FOR THE CONTINUQL WIND THAT BLEW IT ALL SOUTH AND I AM EAST!!! THEY ARE SO CLOSE I COULD SEE ONE GUY NEEDED A SHAVE!!
I THINK AFTER ALL THE WASHING AND CLOSETS, THAT ME AND MY SINUSES WILL TAKE A DVD BREAK TODAY. EVEN THE GRANDSON IS TIRED. STILL HE SLEEPS.
I HAVE TO TRY AGAIN AND GO BACK A PAGE. DIAL-UP IS A BIT SLOW THIS MORNING. HAPPY MUST BER BACK THERE SOMEWHERE..............:dunno:
HAPPY WEDNESDAY/THURSDAY :moped:

I HAVE FOUND OUR HAPPY HERE ON THE OTHER PAGE...
HAPPY YOU MADE ME LAUGH. TOMMY LEE JONES :lol3: :lol3:
AND IF I WERE YOU, I'D HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR MY RACOON GUN AND SHOT THE D A M N BIRD RIGHT OUT OF THAT TREE! :rofl:
I HAVE HEARD A LOT ABOUT STEVIA AND AGAVE BUT DECIDED AGAINST THEM AFTER A TALK WITH ONE OF THE DRS ABOUT 3 YEARS AND WENT WITH THE UNTREATED RAW SUGAR. I USE IT ONLY ONCE IN A BLUE MOON AND STILL PREFER HONEY WHEN I NEED SWEETENING UP! LOL STAY DRY MY SOUTHERN FRIEND. LOOKS LIKE STORMS ARE FLYING ALL OVER THE COUNTRY THIS WEEK! THE MARCH LION IS ROARING!! :hug:

We have ice coated windows on the east side of the house and more is happening. Hershey came back from potty all covered with ice pellets which she immediately shook off all over the kitchen floor. Today will be an at home day because it's pretty crappy out there. Stupid Irish ancestors for deciding to settle in this part of the world!

I read your log, Painter. Scary stuff! I do enjoy your paintings although they make me feel a bit guilty for not keeping up with mine. Quilting sort of side tracked me.

Not much on today's agenda, thank God! Hersh and I are going to cozy in with some sewing and other wee tasks. I do have to write and print the Church Bulletin and start some Fair stuff but nothing is pressing.

I do have a phone call to return from a woman who wants me to train her dog! It's a Portuguese Water dog but not one of mine - she was too impatient to wait for a Lucy litter and bought from another breeder. I think I'll take my time returning her call. The dog is two now and sounds spoiled rotten. I also eats eyeglasses which makes me wonder if Lucy is in there somewhere!

Off your butt, Ruthie.

Good morning chicks,

Michelle - I did see the Progresso soups and I actually have a few. However, as Rennie said - the sodium is high - actually Campbell's soups have less sodium. I did have one can of Progresso low sodium minnestrone but it's twice the calories of the 0 point soups -which comes out to 2 points a serving so still not that bad. And a quirky thing about the 0 point soups. They are 0 points for a half can - 1 serving but if you have the entire can which is about 2 cups - it's 2 points. So how can 1 serving be 0 points? :dunno: :dizzy: Bottom line, they are good in a pinch but it seems the scale is always up the next day because of the salt. I'd agree with Rennie and try to make my own (Swanson's FF low sodium chicken broth is a good base) and freeze some portions or make 2 pots and alternate them all week long. Congrats on doing so well living within your points and you're making good progress on the weight loss too! :congrat:

Ceejay - 4 feet of water and in the dark - sounds like you had a miserable day yesterday :yikes: hope today is better.


Mel - I'm glad you averted an almost disaster with the fermented stuff. I remember the troubles you had a while back. Sounds like a good day to stay inside and pedal. I too had heard about Stevia. Mixed reviews for me. I have a friend who switched to raw sugar and said she noticed a difference too.

Painter - I saw the election results this morning. Looks like the 2 candidates just about split the delegates with Hillary barely squeeking ahead. I hope you can get some pain relief. Your painting are coming along nicely - glad you're back at it again.

Shad - for the calories you're burning you are really doing an intense workout at the gym - :yay: for you - no slacker there! I like the word "bung" - I need to change my password today at work and I'll have to work that in there somehow :D

Ellen - I could never live with carpet in the kitchen either - hope you get those new floors soon.

Annie - congrats to the parents on 60 years together. That is amazing!!!

Today is my wedding anniversary. 31 years and still going strong. I can't believe that much time has passed so quickly.

Time to go earn a few bucks so we can go to dinner tonight.

Hellos to Shaker and Rennie and Ruth and anyone I unintentionally missed.

Happy Anniversary, Happy! 31 years is a record in these days. Here's to 31 more of the same. :cheers:

Happy Anniversary, Happy!!

So I tore up the carpet in the kitchen and discovered that there is tile underneath...still will re-do the floor, but is livable for now. Need to keep working on one section from the threshold where it is nailed to the cement underneath, and it is very difficult to get it out. My sis helped yesterday, and I think we only got about 5-7 out with both of us working on it. Th e meatal from the threshold is in the way so I can't get the hammer underneath to pull up the nail. Because of our exciting discovery DH is ready to think about new cabinets...will have to figure out how I want the kitchen set up. Off to rest two days at the gym, then pulling up carpet, and my body is screaming at me!

Later chicas

Good Morning Ladies --

I had great news yesterday evening and this morning. Yesterday, I went home and tried on some old pants prior to going to the gym because my size 22 pants were getting way, way too big. I didn't have any size 20 in the closet, but I had size 18. I figured what the heck and I tried them on -- THEY FIT!! Woooo Hoooo!! :cheer2: And this morning, I got on the scale, and I'd lost 2 more pounds - down a total of 10 pounds now!! :goodscale: :yay: Yay!! I'm absolutely thrilled and feeling great! :cheer::cheer:

Last night, at the gym I tried using the treadmill for the first time in two years. I haven't been able to do more than 5 minutes on it because it made my back pain really flare up. Last night, I worked my way up to 30 minutes...I wasn't breaking any speed records and am not going fast enough to make it my every day calorie-burning workout....but it's a great start and a great accomplishment for me!! My back is obviously getting a bit better with this exercising I'm doing.

CeeJay - Snow, power outage and a flood downstairs?! :yikes: Sheesh! I hope the situation has improved for you. It's good that you got to see snow. Snow can be very pretty and peaceful. It's just the shoveling it and the driving it that's not fun.

Shad - Congratulations on the weight loss! :congrat: That's wonderful!! :yay: You are so organized with your lists and your morning routine! That's awesome!! And I really like your "shelf-life" philosophy. I think I'll try using that while I'm clearing out my closets. Thanks for providing me with inspiration.

Painter - I, too, was surprised about the primary results. I didn't think Clinton would take BOTH Ohio and Texas. You're tulip avatar is just lovely. You're very talented (of course I'm sure you've heard that lots before).

Melody - A DVD break is a great way to spend a stormy, rainy day! Enjoy!

Ruth - Rain is okay, snow is okay, but when ice coats everything - Yuck! Makes getting into your car and scraping the ice off and especially driving no fun at all. Good idea to just cozy in. I can just Hershey covered in ice pellets. I love all dogs, and Portuguese Water Dogs are adorable. I have 3 Miniature Schnauzers, one Salt & Pepper, one all black and one all white.

Happy - Congratulations on your anniversary! :congrat: 31 years - that's wonderful!! Good point about the sodium in the soups, and how if you eat the entire can (which I usually do) it's 2 points. Crazy. I guess in my efforts to lose weight, lower cholesterol and reduce BP, I should also start to look at the sodium in food. I've also tried the Campbell's Soups and was surprised to find the Tomato Soup is more points than the Vegetable Beef. I'll have to start making 0 point soups from scratch - like WW Garden Vegetable Soup recipe. In the meantime, you're right, the canned soups can be good in a pinch.

Ellen - Good for you for tearing up the carpet in the kitchen. I know what a job that is. I did it last summer when we replaced the carpet in the family room with laminate (so much easier to care for when you have 3 dogs). How nice for you that there is livable tile underneath!

Here's to a great day for everyone!

Hello Chicklets...........

Some nasty crappy weather we had yesterday. It was an ice storm going home from work. Wipers broke, had to stop at Autozone and get new ones. 22 bucks I didn't want to spend on wipers. Took me 2 hours to get home-a normal 25 minute ride. All is good today. Quite cold, and more wintery mix expected tomorrow. Bleck, I am sick sick sick of this weather. The good news......next week we are supposed to be in the upper 40s all week. YES, bring it on!!

Congrats on the pants NSV Diyana...whew whooooo

Happy..Happy anniversary baby, got you on my mind....a song I cannot sing.

Ruthie..sounds like you are getting somewhat back to feeling like a normal person...good for you. My son goes next week for his knee appt, after last weeks MRI to see what is going on with it.

Ceejay..hope you have recovered from your "wintery mix" what a mess.


Mel..keep those recipes coming I am truly enjoying several of them. Yum.

Better get back to work. Line is forming at my cubical entrance. hahahaha.

Be healthy and happy.

love and hugs

Annie - Whenever I heard the weatherman say "wintry mix", I just cringe. Yuck. I so hate ice storms. Glad you made it home safely even if it did take you awhile.

Michelle
I love those kind of results more than the scale. Congrats.

Annie
Fortunately we didn't any thing but the snow flurries.

Ellen
I love the demolition part of a new make over. It's a great stress reliever.
Was the dh suprised by the results when he got home?

Happy
Wow 31 years to the same man. You diffinately need to celebrate. Congratulations.

http://d21c.com/AnnesPlace/Anniv/HapAniv8a.gif



http://d21c.com/AnnesPlace/Anniv/TableFor2.gif


AND A GUITAR SERENADE FROM THE HUBBY~

See the pyramids along the Nile
See the sunrise on a tropic isle
Just remember darlin' all the while
You belong to me

See the market place in Old Algiers
Send me photographs and souvenirs
Just remember when a dream appears
You belong to me

I'll be so alone without you
Maybe you'll be lonesome too, and blue

Fly the ocean in a silver plane
See the jungle when it's wet with rain
Just remember 'til you're home again
You belong to me

Fly the ocean in a silver plane
See the jungle when it's wet with rain
Just remember 'til you're home again
You belong to me

WEATHER PERMITTING I AM GOING TO THE STORE TOMORROW...IF FOR NOTHING OTHER THAN TO GET OUT OF THE HOUSE!! :dizzy: WHERE HAS SHAKER GONE TO? WONDER IF SHE GOT LOST? THOUGHT I'D DO PERSONALS NOW INSTEAD OF TOMORROW. IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE LOVELY OUTSIDE AND I'D LIKE TO SPEND SOME TIME WITH THE BIRDS AND THE BEES. :dance:

HAPPY~ I'M SITTING HERE LISTENING TO THAT GUITAR RENDITION OF THE SONG RIGHT NOW....
http://d21c.com/AnnesPlace/Anniv.html
AND WISHING YOU A WONDERFUL ANNIVERSARY AND TO THE DH AS WELL. :hug" :hug: :cheers:
YOU WILL LOVE THIS: AN OLD GENT CAME UP TO METO THANK ME FOR MY HELT THIS MORNING AND HANDED ME A BAG. INSIDE IT WAS A STUFFED FROG! ROFLMAO!!
I BURST OUT LAUGHING AND HE SAID TIMIDLY..YOU LIKE IT NO? I SAID I LOVE IT!!!!!!!! BUT I WAS CRACKING UP!

MICHELLE~ WTG ON THE WEIGHT LOSS!! WTG ON THE SIZE 18'S !!!!! AND WTG ON THE TREADMILL!! YOU ARE DOING GREAT!

ANNIE~ I WILL TRY AND SEND SOME OF OUR SUNNY
50 DEGREE WEATHER YOUR WAY AS SOON AS IT GETS HERE :rofl: :rofl: :sunny: :beach:

CEEJAY MADE ME LAUGH!! 31 YRS WITH THE SAME MAN! :lol3: :lol3: :lol3: :lol3: :lol3:

RUTH~ AFTER YOU GET DONE TRAINING THAT DANG DOG..CAN YOU PLEASE GIVE ME A HAND WITH THE MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT???? :faint:

OK CHICKS...HAVE A GREAT THURSDAY TOMORROW AND STAY WELL. :scooter:

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...versary001.jpg

Happy Anniversary Happy and DH. After all those years does this mean you know what the DH will give you on this day??

Today (being March 6th over here) it is my DS1's Birthday. He is 34. I have to type that small cause I don't know how he got to be so old. I thought he was around 15 or 16 last time I looked.
Happy Birthday lovely son.

Painter - you have every right to whinge and carry on when you are in constant pain. Once you have seen the MD and got some of idea of what you face, then you can start to re-evaluate things. I hope something will come out of this which will ease things for you. I have enjoyed looking at some of your paintings. Can I send over the cat for an extended stay so you can paint the little madam??? Shaping up to be an interesting Democratic vote up your way.

Mel - I've always believed that the food and other chemicals and substances we put into our bodies does have a profound effect on how we perform, how we feel, and how our minds work - or don't work as the case maybe. Honey when you need sweetening up :rofl: :lol3: :rofl: :lol3::rofl: :lol3::rofl: :lol3: Better not let the maintenance guys see that entry. It's a wonder they aren't lined up down at the supermarket and in the Health food section to buy a carton of the best honey they can find!!!

Ruth - Ice pellets on Hershey. Oh wow! does winter ever give up in your neck of the woods. Oh yes it does cos I was there last summer and it was beautiful. I can understand the cabin fever you guys suffer at this time of year. Surely the dog should have had training at 6 months - that's the age we start them in puppy school over here, some places as low as four months. Obviously has some of Lucy's ancestry since it has a predilection for glasses.

Happy - for all that I am burning it doesn't seem to make things move faster. I know that I am impatient, but the continual up/ down/ up/ down is really driving me crazy.

Ellen - good onya for pulling up the carpet in the kitchen. My tip for the nail in the cement is to get a hacksaw or metal saw or a pair of pliers which cut (electrical ones will do the trick) and burrow under the carpet to chop off the nail just above ground level or if it okay to leave the darned thing in there, cut it off at ground level. Just be sure there are no sticking up bits of it to puncture little feet or big ones for that matter. The trusty hammer is usually good for this.
When thinking about how and where to put the cabinets, I would suggest a trip to the nearest kitchen place. They have lots of good ideas and up to date knowledge of new things and coming up things. I'm not sorry I did. They gave me some great insights into what to put where and what not to do as well as some why not think about this!!! And you don't have to buy from them. Just get ideas. Try 3 or 4 of the showrooms. They all have something different and they all can be incorporated into your own overall scheme.

Michelle - :woohoo: on the pants problem. What a wonderful surprise. Bet that made you feel good for the rest of the day. 2lbs down is magnificent. I really like the treadmill at the gym. I always leave it to the last so I can leave on a good note. I tell my doctor that the best thing about the gym is when the exercise is finished and I can go home and shower.

Annie - this weather will be over soon. We are definitely going into Autumn here. Soon the sun will be up and doing and you'll be complaining about the heat. I will remind you of this conversation then.

Okay - today I am having some time off. DS2 is home and still sleeping, he has follow up results on the hand accident today. Seems like he was pretty lucky - he has lost some feeling in the top of the finger but it functions very well.
I'm having lunch with some friends so I have to go to the big smoke today. I'm trying to decide whether a car ride to Mowbray Park and a boat ride to North Quay or train from Banoon to Roma Street. These two are working in the west side of town and it is a long way from the CBD and not the easiest place to get to. I don't want to take the car into the city. Parking is chaotic and expensive in there. Oh well I have a couple of hours to decide.
Other than that, more cleaning and clearing of the main bedroom, we have a visitor coming for a week and I'd better get a move on in there. Some more rose bushes need to be rescued from the invading weeds and grass. There is a mountain of washing to be done - we must be the dirtiest folk on this planet - and I need to plan out some shopping for food for while he is here. I also have to work out what to do as far as taking the old kitchen apart and checking out progress by the floor man and the door man. I'm still waiting their quotes. Dang men - can't they do anything in a hurry? No don't answer that one. Now I also need to get the telephone man out to change some jackpoints for me. Arrrrgggghhh that will take months. I guess I should just do it myself - even though it is not legal. It is simple tho'. Okay I am off.

Happy, congratulations on 31 years marriage - to the same man! ;)

:love: :love: :love: Wow. I'm both impressed and envious! What's even more terrific is that you can still look at your DH and see a sexy pool guy! :love: :love: :love:

OMG - was I supposed to be married to the SAME man? :lol3: Just kidding DH. :D

Thank you very much for the well wishes. It takes a while to get to 25 and after that it zips by. I got stuck working a bit later tonight - it's my "get stuff done for month end" day so I wasn't able to sneak out 30 minutes early like I wanted to. But I got home at a reasonable time and we went out and had a nice dinner and conversation. He had steak and shrimp. I had stuffed shrimp with a side of the most delicious fresh asparagus with a touch of a creamy vinagarette sauce. I was sceptical at first but it was just a hint and complimented the asparagus perfectly. Now I will have to search the Internet for recipes :lol: We skipped dessert in favor of a cappachino which I'm sure I will regret when I lay on the pillow in a bit and I am bug eyed wide awake. And then we came home and picked out colors for the new front door and trim. He picked out "man colors" and I gently persuaded him (no way in bloody heck buddy :lol: ) He wisely selected a wood grain to match the interior stairs :D and said since it's fiberglass, if we don't like it, we can always paint it later. I said yes - that's a great idea ;) And then I made us a cup of tea, we chatted a bit and that's our exciting day.

I just keep getting later and later out the door in the morning. Instead of beating myself up, I am taking a step back to examine what things I could do to get to work earlier - I am getting behind and would rather come in early than stay late. Besides the obvious get up earlier (which requires it's corollary go to BED earlier), I think I may have to post at night instead of in the morning. So I'm going to try that for a bit.

Shad - happy birthday to the DS1. Be very GLAD he is not 16 :lol: As far as the up and down weight - you have been in a situation of constant change and more than a bit frustration - if not outright stress more than once. I think that also has a bearing on the weight. If you can stay home for a bit and get to your "normal" routine, I think you may see things stabilize. At least I hope so and if not, I am glad I won't be there if the hammer goes flying :lol: Go give a tap across the water and wake Shaker up - will you? Or is she off having a fun outing with the family?

Thank you Mel - for the pretty song. I was humming it all night. :D I am glad that other people can recognize the frog lover in you :love: Hope you get outside tomorrow and get some fresh air and a few good for you fruits or veggies. Enjoy your shopping. And stay away from that chorizo recipe - that's the last thing you need - well that and a frappachino chaser :yikes:

Annie - glad you made it home ok. I remember cringing and listening to the weather forecast. Snow I could handle - even if it meant 2 hours to travel 10 miles but ICE. :no: :no: :no:

Michelle - that is so awesome about skipping a whole pants size. :carrot: :broc: :cb: AND the treadmill victory too. I know that means alot to you. I didn't realize your back had gotten so tender. I was wondering too if you still had your beloved pups.

Great find under the carpet Ellen. Sometimes it pays to peek around. Wouldn't new cabinets be wonderful? :cloud9:

I need to get to bed before it gets too late - just hope that cappachino won't keep me up.

Hello to Ceejay and Painter and Rennie and Patty and Holly and Road to Recovery Ruth! :D

Happy seems funny that you have been out and about and had a nice dinner and I am just about to think about ours. No hurry yet. It's just after 4.00 Dinner isn't until around 6.30 and I know what we are having. I think I know what we are having.
I had lunch with the girls today and raised a glass to you and DH and wished you another 31 years. They all choked on their water and said OMG 31 years. One of them is about 3 years married, the other about to get married.
I'll be ringing the DS1 soon. I will pass on the birthday wishes. Have a good night. Clever girl, passing on dessert.

Hard to believe my friend that DH and I were making the goo goo eyes at each other - he in ugly plaid pants and I in my halter tops that I couldn't quite fill out - while at the same time, halfway around the world you were off having babies. And then 25 years later, we'd bump into each other on the Internet. Isn't life strange sometimes?

HAPPY ~ I AM GLAD EVERYTHING WAS SO NICE. I LIKE THE WAS YOU "PERSUADED" THE DH!! :rofl: TOO FUNNY!
I WAS SINGING ANS SEEING PYRAMIDS ALONG THE NILE ALL NIGHT AS WELL! :belly: I THINK POSTING AT NIGHT WOULD LEAVE YOU MORE REFRESHED AND READY FOR WORK IN THE MORNING. I SOMETIMES FIND THAT MORNING POSTING "DRAINS" MY BRAIN. BUT THEN I AM AN EMOTIONAL PERSON....AND THINKING ....I MEAN KNOWING....YOU ARE THE SAME. BETTER TO RIDE THE TIDES OF FRIENDSHIPS AFTER A DAYS WORK AND NOT BEFORE. :hug: SEND ME THE FRAPPUCCINO....I MEAN THE CAPPUCCINO :cofdate:

SHAD~ GLAD THE HAND HAS TURNED OUT SO WELL. I WAS WONDERING WHAT THE RESIDUAL DAMAGE WOULD BE IN THE END. GOOD LUCK TO HIM :hug: YOU ARE JUST THE BUSIEST GAL I KNOW OF. I'LL DO THE WASH AND YOU CAN MOVE ALL THE FURNITURE. MIGHT AS WELL SEND THE WASH HERE, I'M ON A ROLL IN THE LAUNDRY ROOM!! JUST FOUND A PAIR OF PANTS I WORE WHEN YOU WERE HERE!! SO I MUST BE NEARING THE END! :lol3: :lol3: IS IT WINTER THERE YET? NEED TO BORROW MY PONCHO??? :dance:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DS
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DS
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR DS
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DS!!! :hb: :gift:

IT'S JUST BEAUTIFUL OUTSIDE. GOT DELAYED THIS MORNING SO I WILL FOOD SHOP TOMORROW. SINUSES LET ME OVERSLEEP THEN I JUST COULD NOT GET MY BUTT GOING. BUT EVERYTHING IS STILL LAID OUT READY FOR TOMORROW. GUESS I NEED THE ALARM CLOCK NOW SPRING IS COMING. :faint: TODAY IS CLEANING INSTEAD. THEN NOTHING SCHEDULED FOR THE WEEKEND I HOPE. WILL HAVE TO WAIT AND SEE. GOING TO TOSS ONE WINDOW OPEN AND GET BACK TO WORK. THE SUN ACTUALLY COMES IN TO MY APT NOW MUCH EARLIER IN THE AFTERNOON :sunny: LOVING IT!!
THE GRANDSON IS TOSSING SEEDS INTO MY KEUYBOARD.
HE LIKES TO SIT ON THE EDGE OF THE DESK NOW WHILE I SIT HERE. THINKS IT'S HIS NEW HOME. I GAVE HIM SMALL CUP OF SEEDS AND WATER. NOW WE EAT TOGETHER. HE IS MUCH MORE SOCIABLE NOW THAN HE WAS. HE GETS LONLIER MORE TOO I SEE. HE CHECKS TO MAKE SURE I AM WATCHING WHILE HE EATS. I THINK IT'S BECAUSE HIS EYESIGHT IS CHANGING. JE RELIES ON US MORE NOW BUT IS STILL "UNTRUSTING". THEY ARE FUNNY THINGS. ENOUGH RAMBLING NOW.
HAPPY THURSDAY/FRIDAY!! :moped:

Oh Mel....

Make the latest recipe for me and deliver. I love love love Pesto, tomatos and mozzarella. Yummy yummy.....

We are having yet ANOTHER snow storm tomorrow, I am hoping the weatherman gets it wrong. 4-7 inches of snow. Good thing I was borned and raised in this hick state and know how to deal, drive and curse this stuff. haha. Hoosier.

It is one of my manager's BDs today. Last night the other managers filled his floor about 2 feet deep with blown up balloons, can't even walk in there. He just cracked when he saw it.

Not much else happening.....

Stay healthy and happy.

Love and Hugs

Thanks for the recipe Mel - I may have to try it on no meat Friday tomorrow. I am so excited. It appears our tiny cafeteria has revamped their menu. While they have the traditional southern catch it, batter it and deep fry it - they have also gone to some lighter foods.I didn't notice until I got the mannicoti that they now have wraps in the cold case - roasted vegetable :T chicken salad :T :T and turkey :T :T :T - all on whole wheat tortillas with lots of veggies, no sauce. There are also more vegetables on the salad bar (tho half the bowls are still too far in the back out of my reach :mad: but it is nice to see these healthy changes.

Even tho I had a glass of wine with dinner last night, I have been trying hard to make good choices and not exceed my points for the day. I am about to go take a walk around the building to earn and burn some activity points so that I don't have to eat a traditional weight watchers "I've used up all my points so I'm having FF/Sugar Free hot chocolate and air popped popcorn for dinner tonight" :rolleyes: I cringe when I see people doing that. Eat a plain veggie salad or a nice vegetable soup instead. :nono:

Oh Annie - I'm sorry you're getting more snow. We might get some too - they say they are predicting 12 inches in some spots in Arkansas. :yikes: Nothing like that here but we might get some accumulation which means it will be :censored: on the streets here. I hope you escape it.

Mel - that's too funny about the grandson dining with you - watch out for those stray seeds in the keyboard - you might wind up cussssssssssssssssssssssing us one day with a stuck key :rofl: Are you saying you JUST found a pair of your pants from Shad's visit in June? Are you THAT backlogged on laundry or did you stuff them wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyy in the back of the dryer? :lol3:

And I am NOT goofing off on work time. It's my lunch - so there :snooty: :lol: Off to :dancer: now

Greetings all!
Thanks for the support and good cheer.
The MD gave me AWESOME DRUGS. :lol: and I'm feeling much better.
Shad: Send a photo of your kitty and I'll practice painting her/him. My cat sort of looks gelled and moussed... not "soft and furry"... but I'm working on it.

Diyana: CONGRATS ON TEENSY PANTS!
Mel: Thanks for the reminder about food choices. Perhaps the constant "medication" of Cadbury eggs and KitKat bars won't be "necessary" any longer.
CeeJay-- We're getting snow now.. my neighbor's room looks like it ran into Martha Stewart on a tear with powdered sugar.

New medical report:
Went to PCP for more thorough diagnosis of why leg was hurting (even though thrombosis has been ruled out). Found out it could be: arthritis, disc/back problem, Tamoxifen side effect, Lipitor side effect. She sent me for x-rays to rule out (or in) arthritis. She gave me AWESOME NEW DRUGS! I think I said that before. They are prohibited for people allergic to codeine. No wonder I like them: Codeine is my old friend!! I should have a report on the X-rays by tomorrow. And if things don't get better w/o the Tamoxifen, I'll probably have to re-start that, but eliminate the Lipitor. THEN, if it's all still the same, they can do the $$$MRI to see if there is a herniated disk.

Anyway, the drugs, cold weather and pain relief are really helping!!
Depression lifting....

Guess you can blame me on the lastest snow, that is if we get any thing. The weather channel says we are and the local weathermen are all excited.

Happy
Memphis is supposed to get some snow too. Good thing it's the week end.

Painter
Glad your MD is listening to you. Glad you are feeling better. Pain can be very depressing when no one believes in you. Have you been to Borders lately?

I could really use a nap about now but I still have some things to do. ugh.

When I was at the grocery store my neighbor spoke my name. I finally have held her baby. She is 11 pounds and almost 6 months old.

Every one have a good day. For those who have snow,I'm jealous.
Take care.