Hey Ellen - Once you're done with your kitchen floor, do you wanna drive up to Wisconsin and help me with mine please?

With Spring (nearly) comes The Flood. My dog garden is starting to fill up with water despite the foot of snow and ice out there. The basement sump pump is chugging away too so I guess this is "it". The lads from Natural Resources have lowered the water level in our two lakes by about three feet. Watch out Toronto - Lake Ontario is about to rise!

Spent the morning with Claire getting rid of my huge fabric collection and keeping everything suited to quilting. She's really happy and my sewing room looks great! I have visitation rights for my fabrics, by the way.

Dealing with a lot of Newbies right now so no time for personals but I do read.

Morena,

Ruth - visitation rights on your fabrics :rofl: May the fabric will come visit you in some other form. I'll bet your sewing room looks all clean and sparkly and neat now.
Newbies - must be spring up in the north.

Ellen - not much use asking you to do my floor. I'm about to rip out the old lino today. Theres a step in the forward direction.

Michelle - Jakarta is not that exciting for me - although I may get to visit some of the out islands of the area once in a while. This job is a fly in, fly out basis - 2 weeks up there and one week home flying business class all the way (thank you lord) until September. It will be hard yakka but I have to actually get it yet. And it won't start until May. This is one project that has actually thought about the trainers it wants before it actually needs them. Hallelujah!
When I say Indonesia is not exciting for me - it's not a place I really wanted to visit. It's sort of like Cuba was to the Americans. Has the largest concentration of Muslims on earth and although it takes $$$ of Australian aid and expertise, has no hesitation in putting down the Australians or making an example of them as thought required. Now that is a generalisation, some of the people of Indonesia are lovely folk. Can't actually say that for their politics though. And before you ask if it will be dangerous. No I don't think so. The politicians are all for extracting more money from the land and it's people so until the job is done and up and running, it should be fine. I'll tell you more about the job if I get it! No one has made an offer yet. As I think I explained some time back. I'm looking at three jobs, but no decisions as yet. This one was the last to come to me and the first to get back to me. Oh and another 'are you interested in working yet' phone call came up yesterday but I'm not sure if it will even get to be a job yet.

Oh Mel - not sciatica! That is so painful. You take care now you hear?

Carla - are you still on the 1st Biggest Loser Australia? We are in the business end of the third series. Bob and Jillian have just arrived. One thing about this programme, one gets to see the best and the worst of people. Last week they brought back some of the finalists from the last two shows. There was Adro, Kristy, Big Wal, Tracey from the 1st show and Damien, Patti, Courtenay and Munalita from the second. Big Wal looks hot. There was a rumour around that he had put the weight back on, but if he did, it is in all the right places. All of those 1st four have gone on to bigger, better and brighter things. Adro was complaining that previously he was always picked last because he was the fattest kid, now he gets picked last because he is the skinniest kid. He is not a big person any more.

Okay well what's up today? There is no gym because I've got time off for good behaviour. Weight is down this morning but I'll not publish it until it actually sticks.
Today I want to rip up the floor, take some more tiles off the wall (splashback), more plaster and sanding. Carla I think you asked about the holes in the walls, well some come from taking off the cabinets, some are the chips and dents of living in a place with two boys, two dogs, two cats and a DH for so many years and some are the repair of the builders boo boo's. And some are as my DS2 says because I am as fussy as all h*ll and find things that don't exist and plaster them anyway. Be that as it may, and even though some of the holes and gouges will be covered by cabinetry, I would like to think that if someone takes my kitchen out at some time in the future, they will not have to go through what I have to refinish the house. I daresay this is what comes of buying a spec house in a cheap neighbourhood, but it doesn't have to stay that way!

And with that, shower time, breakfast and on with the day. Umm Shaker - where are you? I hope the news from DH's back was not bad.

And I thought it would be a quiet night. Nope.

Shad
I'd be glad of any kind of a weight loss. It must be from all that movement in redoing the kitchen.

Mel
((hugs)) Feel better soon.

PW.
Contentment would be nice.

I'm looking forward to my day off tomorrow. I've done a lot of work these past few day's and I'm mentally exhausted. Ugh,forgot that I have a dental appoiintment in the morning. I'm no looking forward to it.

It's supposed to be raining this week end so I'm staying put.

Hello to every one else.:wave:

http://www.ricksteves.com/images/rick/rick_shutters.jpg
LOOK WHO HAS THE ROOM NEXT TO ME....RICK STEVES!!! I JUST LOVE THIS GUY. HE KEPT ME COMPANY ALL DAY TODAY. 6 HOURS OF VHS TAPE!! :rofl: I WILL READ YOUR POSTS, WATCH CLASS REUNION ON RV LAND CHANNEL AND GO TO BED. FEELING MUCH BETTER AFTER ASSORTED DRUGS...KIND OF LIKE A COCKTAIL!:dizzy:
IF ALL GOES WELL, I'LL GO TO THE SUPERMARKET IN THE MORNING. I'LL PROBABLY COMMENT TOMORROW THOUGH. TRYING NOT TO USE THE SHOULDER/BACK/WAIST. SEEMS LIKE ALL 3 ARE INVOLVED WHEN I TYPE. HASTA MANANA!

THE RAIN AND COLD CONTRACTED MY MUSCLES AND PINCHED THE NERVES ON BOTH BUTT CHEEKS! AND THE DR'S OFFICE WAS COLD. SOMETIMES SPRING AND FALL I HAVE THIS OR TOO MUCH WORK ETC. BUT ALL SEEMS TO BE GOING WELL....NOT GONE....BUT BETTER.

MICHELLE~ FREE COACHES:cheer: HOW WONDERFUL!! PUT THEM TO GOOD USE!! :lol3:

CARLA~ LOVE THE AVATAR. TALKING FISH??? :lol3: LOVE THE DIP RECIPE. SHAD WON'T LIKE THE DILL! :cry: THE BIGGEST LOSER AMERICA WAS IN AUSTRALIA AND I LOVED IT LAST NIGHT.

RENNIE~ THE TORTOISE WON THE RACE THOUGH! LOL

RUTH~ HAPPY QUILTING AND WITH THE VISITING RIGHTS DO YOU ALSO HAVE TO PAY MATERIAL SUPPORT EACH MONTH??? :rofl:

CEEJAY~ HAPPY DAY OFF AND GOOD LUCK WITH THE DENTIST!

SHAD~ HAPPY WRECKING!!! ENJOY AND LET THE FRUSTRATIONS GO ALONG WITH THE HAMMER :dance: HOPE THE DB IS DOING BETTER TOO. I AM SUITABLY EDUCATED WITH APRIL FOOLS IN FRANCE !! GOOD LKUCK WITH JAKARTA!!! :hug:

ELLEN~I TOO HAVE TROUBLE COOKING IN SMALL AMOUNTS...COOKING FOR ONE IS A PAIN!!!!

PAINTER~ YOU CRACK ME UP LADY. THANK GOD FOR SENSES OF HUMOR, NO???? :lol3: :lol3: CONTENT AND PORTIONS...THE MAIN CRITERIA FOR GOOD HEALTH!! BUT MOVE THAT BUTT A TAD ALSO!!

OK GALS THAT'S IT. GOING TO WATCH THE NAKED ARCHAEOLOGIST NOW AND GET FURTHER EDUCATED!!!
SWEET DREAMS ALL :cloud9: AND GOOD MORNING SUNSHINE :sunny:

If you ever want to get some serious exercise in at home, try taking up the lino in the kitchen, especially if it has been put in by a crazed carpet layer. I've finally got it up apart from a few bits and pieces where the glue was put on a bit thicker. Now I have to chisel off the white patches in the floor, but I am drenched from head to toe in sweat, my back aches, my legs have had a work out. My butt has been dented and bruised from where the vinyl gave and I fell over backwards and my arms are beginning to resemble the Terminator! I'm so glad I don't have a huge kitchen.

Whew - better go lie down for a while. It hurts to sit. I'll be back = still more work to do yet.

Shad
It is unbelievable how much work it is to remodel. Things that you think are going to be sooooooooooooo easy turn out to be nightmares.

Melody
I hope you feel better. I really have to wonder what kind of videos you watch lol.

HOT OFF THE PRESS

I have the job in Jakarta. It seems that I will be up there around 21st of April for a week and then back here. Now to see if I can fit in the Gemco stuff as well.

Just thought I would let you know.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b118/gunbo1/val1.jpg
Now to break the news to the cat, and then back to plastering.

Hi all,

Quick post for me, big important meeting tomorrow and I should have been in bed 20 minutes ago...

Shad :congrat: on the new assignment. I hope this will be an exciting one for you. You are due a good run. As for the floor, DH and I took up the kitchen floor in our first house. I know exactly where you are coming from - you have my utmost sympathies and deepest admiration. Passing the linament along to you...

I like the new avatar Rennie!

Mel - sorry to hear about your butt cheeks. Who is Rick Steves? Can you love a man who keeps his shirt on? :rofl:

Ick Ceejay - no one likes going to the dentist - even WITH the happy gas. By this time tomorrow it will be all over.

Ruth - seeing as how you are Welcome Wagon for April - we'll give you a fly by pass for the month, ok?

Michelle - happy belated anniversary. :congrat: If you have to delay the celebrating, hope you have fun.

Painter - I know what you mean about the fresh berries. Ummm. Have you tried sliced strawberries with Chocolate Cool Whip? Yum.. and not bad on the calories either - as long we don't eat the whole tub. Some people talked about freezing dollops of cool whip (dessert topping) - like ice cream they say. I don't know - but I'll be the chocolate or strawberry flavors would be good. I didn't like the French Vanilla one and I love vanilla.

Ok, time went off - I really need to get to bed as I have to be very alert and on time tomorrow.

Regrets to those I have missed. Will try to be back Friday or so. Be good or at least have fun being bad :devil:

Flyby again. There have been a few problems on the boards lately - Spammers have too much time on their hands.

I suspect Spring is really sneaking up on us as we are going way up to a torrid 45ºF today! I'm off to town shortly to get my new tires, drop off my 1983 sewing machine at the "spa", do a wee grocery shop and take my WINTER coat to the dry cleaner! I may buy myself some flowers while I'm in town to celebrate the good parts of April.

Shad, I remember taking the lino off the kitchen floor of my next door reno house! Oy! What a job! I finally ended up putting down a new plywood floor.

Mel, I am so sorry about your butt. It's one thing to be sore from "exercise" of a certain type but not from weather changes.

Diyana, listen hard when you meet with the dietician. Remember carb control is really what it's all about.

Happy, the problem we discussed has been resolved permanently! Think MOD Mafia.

Ceejay, too bad your day off has to have a dental appointment. Enjoy what's left of it.

Painter, I love reading your posts. Your humour shines through. You make me want to get back to painting.

I'm sure I missed a lot of folks but hugs to you all and here's a wee greeting from Hershey.

Good morning chicks :cofdate:

Ruth - thanks for your assistance :hug: I am just LOVIN that doggie pic. Sooooo cute. I might even have to "borrow" it for my collection but don't tell the cats :lol:

Sorry I can't stay and have coffee with y'all in the gardens today - I have to get my rear in gear and get into the office early.

Hope everyone has a terrific Thursday on their agenda :grouphug:

Howdie Chickies..............

I am so excited for the weekend to get here. Supposed to be 65 and sunshine!! The ground is too wet to do any planting and such, may clean out my flower bed and get it ready to go.

Feeling pretty good today, pooed my pants yesterday. hahaha. Lap Band has more bad side effects and problems than the Laproscopy surgery. That is why I chose the Lap surgery. Two years of research and getting the nerve up finally got me there. Now I don't know why I ever waited to do it.

DS & DD are in good spirits and trying to recover from there funk.

Work has been h*ll and has worn me out this week.

Hello to everyone, hope everyone is doing great.

Love and Hugs

Good morning ladies -

Meeting with the dietician went very well. I showed her my log of what I've been eating. She said I'm doing very well and making good choices and balancing my carbs, proteins, veggies, fruits and dairy. She wants me to have no more than 12 to 13 servings of carbs per day, and she says it looks like I'm doing 14 servings now...so a very minor tweak. She wants me to learn to be more flexible and to allow myself to indulge in a very portion controlled treat once in a while, and then check my blood sugar afterward to see how it affects me. I could go on and on about what I learned but not enough time. After meeting with the dietician, I went to the gym and tried doing the elliptical for the first time in over 2 years (since I hurt my back), and I was able to do 30 minutes! Then I did 30 more minutes of cardio using my usual recumbent machine.

Ruth - Glad to hear that spring is starting for you! It is here too! Good for you for going through your fabric collection and cleaning your sewing room! Got a laugh out of visitation rights for your fabrics! Thanks for the advice on the carbs - that's what the dietician said too!

Shad - Congratulations on getting the Jakarta job. Will you have access to the internet from your hotel in Jakarta so you can still post? I don't know if I could go two weeks at a time without your wit and wisdom! Congrats also on the weight loss!! And I'm sure you got workout enough doing the remodeling, but please don't hurt yourself!

Ceejay - Hope your dental appt. goes well and that you enjoy the rest of your day off.

Mel - I hope you're feeling a bit better today! Hang in there! I'm not familiar with Rick Steves, but he looks like a nice guy to have in the next room!

Happy - I hope your meeting goes well today!

A big :wave: to everyone!

Big Hugs :hug: and Terrific Thursday wishes to all!

I FORGOT TO SAY THAT RICK STEVES IS THE GUY WHO HAS A TRAVEL SHOW ON PBS TELEVISION. I TAPED A LOT OF HIS SHOWS AND WHEN I DON'T FEEL GOOD, I PUT THEM ON. YOU CAN FALL ASLEEP AND NOT MISS ANYTHING :rofl: AND HE IS SOFT SPOKEN SO YOU CAN JUST MELLOW OUT OR SNOOZE AWAY! :cloud9:
A FRIEND SHOWED ME THE ERROR OF MY WAYS THIS MORNING. PUSHING A SHOPPING CART ONE HANDED AND STEERING IT WITH MY FOOT WOULD JUST BE STARTING THIS WHOLE THING ALL OVER AGAIN. I HAVE SINCE GIVEN HIM MY BANK DEPOSIT AND MY SHOPPING LIST TO JEN. WILL GET SOME SUN AND FUN OUTSIDE LATER ON WHEN/IF IT WARMS UP AND THE WIND EVER LEAVES!!!! :tantrum: BIG STORM HEADED OUR WAY BUT SHOULD BE OVER SOMETIME SATURDAY MORNING.

HAPPY~ SENDING HUGS FOR THE MEETING AND THE BUSY DAY:hug: STAY STRONG MY FRIEND...THE WEEKEND IS SOON UPON US! :beach: I WILL SHARE A LITTLE SECRET...WHEN LIFE GETS IN THE WAY OF PC LIFE, I JUST START AGAIN AND LET THE PAST CORRESPONDENCE GO. LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO KEEP TRYING TO CATCH UP. BETTER TO BEGIN AGAIN AND NOT LOOK BACK. CAUSES TOO MUCH ANXIETY!! GOD KNOWS WE HAVE ENOUGH OF THAT ALREADY :rofl: :rofl:

SHAD~ :yikes: HOPE YOUR BACK IS OK. DON'T DO ANYTHING THAT CAN JEOPARDIZE THE JAKARTA JOB!! :rollpin: POOR SUNDAY!! POOR SON!!! HOWEVER WILL THEY LIVE WITHOUT YOU AGAIN...AND ALL THE DUST...AND NOISE...AND SORTING!! :dunno:
I LOVED THE GRAPHIC!! YOU ARE LOVED AS WELL :love:
FEEL BETTER! :hug:

RENNIE~ I WATCH CHARLIE CHAN, NANCY DREW(BLACK & WITHE OLD MOVIES) AND LOTS OF OLD ROMANCE AND NEW ROMANCE. NO BLOOD OR VIOLENCE FOR THIS FATCHICK! :lol3:

MICHELLE~ WOW!! ALL GREAT NEWS. DON'T YOU LOVE WHEN YOU CAN FIND A MEDICAL-TYPE PERSON AND CAN LEARN SO MUCH? I DEAL WITH A LOT OF RECENT GRADS OUT AT THE UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL. MOST ALL I HAVE LEARNED HAS BEEN FROM EITHER THEM OR THE COMPUTER :rofl: I AM GLAD THE VISIT WENT SO WELL AND THE EXERCISE WAS WONDERFUL!! JUST DON'T OVERDO AND HURT THAT BACK!!!

RUTH~ TAKE GOOD CARE OF THE NEWBIES!! IT MUST BE A FULL TIME JOB!! I REMEMBER VERY WELL MY OWN BEGINNINGS! MAYBE YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE ENCOURAGED ME!!! :rofl: MAKE SOME 'RUTH" TIME IN THERE FOR YOURSELF TOO!!! LOVE THE DOGGIE AND SAVED HIM TO MY PC!

ANNIE~ I THOUGHT OF YOU YESTERDAY WHEN I DECIDED TO POO ON THE TOILET SEAT AND THEN SAT ON IT!!!! :rofl: :rofl: AND I DON'T EVEN HAVE THE LAP SURGERY AS AN EXCUSE !!! GLAD THE KIDS ARE WORKING THRU THE TOUGH TIME. KEEPING MY FINGERS CROSSED AND SENDING GOOD HEALING THOUGHTS THEIR WAY...HUGS FOR MOM AS WELL :hug: I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS WEEKEND TOO :beach: