Happpy
Remind DH to take frequent breaks from this heat. Heat index got to 111 degree's here yesterday. It was like walking into a sauna when you went outside.

Annie
Don't worry about taking those classes. If someone as old as me can still pass a test so can you. It does take a little more effort than it used to.

Mel
Smart idea on staying in from the heat. I haven't melted yet but I'm retaining fluid like crazy. Maybe I need to drink more than 64 oz. of water.
I had trouble with the edit mode yesterday also.

_____
My sis will be in tow some time today. I left her a text message stating that I left the house unlocked for them. I can't wait to see them. I told my supervisor this morning that if he see's another car in the driveway at work this afternoon it will be them.

I slept on the futon last night. I must say I got a decent night's sleep. I got up for a potty break at 4 a.m. put the other sheet's in the dryer so I could make up their bed before I came to work this morning. This futon makes out into a half bed. I'm thinking of keeping it out for awhile to see if I like it. My house was clean when i got home last night. Felt good not having to rush around to get things done.

Happy Hump ladies!

So much to catch up on! So...warning....long post ahead.


Yesterday, I did Ball Zumba followed by Strength Training class, which included 2 30 second planks. It was my first time doing strength training that wasn't specifically moves my PT has shown me. I modified a lot of the moves that looked too "ouch" because I'm really trying to be smart about what I do to and with my body so I don't have a setback. I was a little stiff/sore all over after class...and I wasn't sure if it was a "good" sore or a "bad" sore. Actually, I was pretty sure that I would need to use my cane to walk around work today. When I got home, I took a nice warm shower to loosen my back and hips, and then put on some liniment as a precautionary measure to try and keep the muscles from getting really tight/sore/stiff as I rested. When I woke up today, I can definitely tell that I worked some muscles yesterday...but so far it seems to be a "good" sore. Yay!

My plan for today is to do some water walking against the current in the lazy river at my Y's new indoor water park. Tomorrow, I have PT and then I'll go to the gym for some Ball Zumba but I'll skip the strength training that follows Zumba as I get plenty of strength training at PT. :-)

Despite all the rain we got earlier this week, the lawns around here still have a lot of brown. I'm okay with rain as long as it does it in the evenings and preferably only on weekdays/nights.

So far, the plans for this weekend include more website work in the mornings, and fun stuff to do with DMIL in the afternoons!

***************************
Shad - Counting down the days, hours and minutes, huh? Less than 1 day left if my calculations are correct. You definitely deserve a couple weeks off before your next gig...hopefully you'll get a brief (not too long) break. Sheesh, you ARE having cold weather!! Dang, girlfriend, do you need some of us "Northern" chicks to send you some "real" winter clothes? I may complain a bit about the heat, but I'm not ready for us to have temps as cold as you are...not for a few months yet. I'm definitely taking it easy on the gardening, and actually with everything. Before I do ANYTHING, I stop and think...could this possibly cause me a setback with my back, and if so, how can I do it so it doesn't. I guess I'm learning.

Mel - Glad you and John have worked out some sort of arrangement. Sometimes agreeing to disagree is the best you can do. My dad and I used to do that A LOT when it came to politics! Enjoy your farina and stay cool. Love the hydrating smiley! No using the Christmas gifs because I'm NOT ready for winter.

Happy - I finished the section of the book prior to the book club meeting. I'll post a picture of the planter ring this weekend (or sooner if I can). After work, I try and stay off the computer...just too tired. So after I get home from the gym it's eat, shower, and relax. I don't bend over it or plant in it anymore after the first time I tried. So cool about the ventilation system in the new house! Wow, your pool water is really warm! I hope you and DH are staying cool as you continue to pack and get the house ready for sale.

Ceejay - Dang, 111 degree heat index! Try and stay cool and STAY HYDRATED! I hope the excessive heat and humidity ease up for you and Happy. We have mostly perennials planted in our blower beds: Shasta daisies, black-eyed susans and balloon flowers. They haven't filled in yet...but they should by next year. Have a great visit with your sister and bil.

Annie - Glad no more cooler duties for you for a couple days. You must freeze in there cuz you aren't as "well insulated" as, for example, I am. Speaking of cool...has it cooled down any for you? Yesterday was lovely with highs in the mid-70s and very little humidity and today will be the same. Good luck with the classes and the test! I'm sure you'll do great! I have the utmost confidence in you. That's so exciting to be getting certified...definitely good "candy" for your rezzie. I didn't know DD could give you the B12 shot, I thought that was something you'd have to see the doc for. Don't you worry about me, darlin'. I maybe be busy as heck at work, and with rehabbing my back, but I'm able to relax a couple hours at night, and get a good night's sleep. I apologized to DMIL that I was getting home late every day this week because of going to the gym...I didn't want her to think I'm anti-social...I just am finding I feel better when I move a little rather than just sit at the 'puter all day/all night/all weekend. She said she doesn't mind that I'm home later, and in fact she's thrilled that I'm able to work out a bit. I've never used Dawn to wash my doggies...but I do sometimes use baby shampoo, and it makes 'em smell so fresh. Mmmmmm. I hope you and Sam enjoy the Harry Potter movie. I really would like to see it this weekend too. We'll see what DMIL wants to do. So nice of your co-worker to treat you to Starbucks today.

Laura - Yesterday was hot and humid for you? The muggy weather must've stopped at the WI/IL state line then. Be patient with yourself when it comes to the Zumba moves. It really takes 4 to 6 weeks to get the hang of it. Just keep moving and have fun...those are the two most important things to remember. I love the music we dance to, and I agree, it is more fun when the music is integral to the workout rather than just background. Good luck on your shoe quest. How was the movie "Larry Crowne"? From the previews, it looks good. Good for you for working out at lunchtime! Did you try out your new bike yet? I need to ask DH to put air in the tires and grease the gears. Not sure what a bike computer is....sounds like your bikes are a lot fancier than mine.

Okay...now that I've finished this novel, I'd better get some work done!


Much love and many hugs to all,

Morning all.

Shad - Keep warm! That's pretty chilly for Down Under. I certainly hope you get to take a couple weeks off after this grueling assignment!!

Ceejay - Glad the AC is working again. I know that when I was hosing off the screens last weekend, it felt really good to have the mist hit me. It was a hot day and I think that part of the window washing project is what gave me the motivation to even tackle it, LOL.

Annie - Hope having the Louisville boss in town isn't too he11acious.

Mel - Been meaning to tell you that I love your animated avatar and signature!! Painting those windows would be a major PITA. I'm not even sure where I'd start. Well, I know the old paint would first have to be wire-brushed and scraped where it's cracking and loose, but how to paint the edges of the frames, and the insides of the jamb? Same issue with painting a door, I guess. Ugh. These are old awning type windows. Maybe there's some sort of trade to be made with all the Worldlies - I'll wash your windows, just come paint mine!!

Happy - I've been surprised by warm ocean water when I was in Miami a few years ago, but it still felt refreshing to me. Then again, I was just splashing around, not doing any serious swimming... Hope you and Ceejay get a break in the heat and you get to enjoy your pool. Wow, that's a lot of weight for dh to lose, but he's been doing a lot of physical work for months now!

Hellos to Michelle & Ellen.

We've had some cool air come through my area and yesterday evening we shut off the AC. Today is going to be in the 70's - ahhh. Nice change.

I did 28 min. on the elliptical yesterday, but it was still rush-rush as usual by the time I finished, showered, dressed, and grabbed lunch to bring back to my desk. Still, I'll try to stick w/ once a week. Just have to bring my lunch on those days!!!

The movie Larry Crown was enjoyable and entertaining, but really didn't have any meat to it - just light and frothy. It didn't dig into any of the plot lines in much depth. But it was generally cute. I didn't tell bf that it sort of made me want to buy a scooter, LOL. (Tom Hanks rides a scooter in the movie.)

Tonight I'll go to an exercise class - I think. I'll have to leave early if I want to get to the 6 pm step class...

Okay, better get cracking!

PS posted a photo that shows those old 3-season windows in the background. It's an old photo, so it's before we got our new soffit/fascia/gutters and windows (on the rest of the house).

Morning ladies.

I've been just hanging on these last few days. My allergies have been really bad and I've had a headache everyday for almost a week. I ran out of meds and need to get more...just don't want to have to run out to the store.

DH worked a 24 hr day yesterday...needless to say I was worried and up half the night. His boss was with him and dropped him off at 5am (day trip to Rockford earlier in the day) They were almost home when they got the call that the servers went down in Addison. He has to go back in tonight to check everything and make sure it is all working, but at least he can sleep a little...Bigger problem is keeping the kids quiet...may have to run them over to mom's for a while

Welll, this headache is bothering me will go for now. Have a great day everyone!!

Laura - We shut off our A/C yesterday too...and last night was perfect sleeping weather. Good on ya' for working out on your lunch break yesterday. 28 min. on the elliptical is fantastic! Have fun at step class tonight. I'd love to buy a scooter. If only I lived a little closer to work. I used to have a moped in CA that I drove to work. I could almost use it year 'round there.

Happy - Congrats to your DH for all the weight lost!!

Ellen - My allergies are just FINALLY getting better. They've been awful for nearly 2 weeks though. That's a real bummer that your DH had to work a 24 hour day yesterday. I hope the kidlets are quiet enough so he can sleep.

Ceejay - Enjoy the visit w. your sister & bil.

Michelle - I'm glad you had a "good sore" after your zumba/strength training yesterday. The lazy river sounds nice, but not for walking against the current, just plopping on an innertube and letting the current take me. We have a pool in the next 'burb over that has one of those...even though I'm not keen on getting into a swimsuit, that might be a good idea for this weekend - supposed to heat up again. Anyway, I digress. Have a good workout tonight.

Ellen - Sorry you've had headaches this week. Hope you get some relief from them SOON!

Hi chicks,

First of all I am so JEALOUS of those of you with 70 degree weather right now. What I wouldn't give for that - even if it did put the kabosh on the pool. Shad - I told the people at work that you are in almost record cold at 36 degrees and they all laughed and asked if you might somehow bottle some of that up and send it here across the pond I can see you won't be visiting me in any months that end in "ary" or "ber" I have some nice fleece stuff I can lend you temporarily. Hope you don't get any ice - that would surely be a disaster of mega purportions and tie up traffic for days.

Laura - don't be concerned about the swimsuit. Most people are not teeny any more and for those that are, give them 2 years and they will look like us so go enjoy the lazy river - that sounds like alot of fun - as long as you don't have to climb a ladder 3 stories high to start the ride. DH told me yesterday that I would probably not like the new (lady) neighbor next door. Apparently she likes to strut around in her bikini and lay outside in the sun. That's ok - do it while you can and then 20 years from now wonder why your skin is all leathery and wrinkled. We went over to introduce ourselves to the husband who was working the yard, she did not come out nor has she come over to say hi. 'tis ok. We are moving. Keeps in line with current neighbors who have little to do with each other.

Anyway Laura I had a secret smile thinking about you coming home with a scooter (surprise!!!!!!!) after BF pulled the trick with the bike. However, I am sure you are too practical for that but it was a fun thought. That grass looks so soft and cool and green in the picture - makes me want to take a lay-down right next to Coal! Looks like it's a nice room. for your workout on the eliptical - that's the big pain about working out at lunch - all the time needed to "un-sweat".

Ellen - I hear you on the allergy season - it did seem rougher than usual - get thee out of the house and go get those meds. That's a bummer with DH's work schedule. Hopefully he can get some decent shut eye before taking off again.

Wow Michelle - 2 planks! That's really good progress!! I'm sure the warm shower and linament helped unknot some of those muscles. You are really getting back into the workouts again. Bet that feels great. Ahhh your weather sounds sooo refreshing. And the book club at work idea sounds like a nice one. I wish people did things like that here. Everyone gets so silo'd into doing their own (often over) work that there doesn't seem to be an exchange or dialog of ideas any more. You will be happy to know that I am still funding your retirement by shopping the Kohl's sales.

Ceejay - how exciting to have your family visit I can't believe you'd leave your house unlocked either but I guess I have to get used to that concept again. I hope you have a wonderful time with them. It's nice that you found the futon to be comfortable, I find that if I'm not sleeping well, sometimes a change of sleeping areas - even if for just a night - helps things out.

And now that I'm talking about sleeping, I've gotten really sleepy at the moment. Excuse me a sec Don't cha wish that sometimes you can just crawl under your desk and take a 20 minute snooze?

Annie - how nice for the coffee treat this morning. Bummer on losing the co-worker. I think us peons have to band together to fight the evil bards and lords - the wrong people are in charge I sometimes think. I hope today was not so bad on the day job with the boss in town. Hate those scramble days. I'm glad the big wigs never come slumming to this part of town.

Oh Mel - you are so funny - using Shad's cold weather as an excuse to break out the pics You just can't wait, can you? And don't be thinking about the food you can't eat although I know that it's probably the only stuff that you want. Are you still eating soft foods? Does that include Dairy Queen

I guess lunch is over with. I need to take a 5 minute walk and wake up. I had some lean pork roast, a veggie salad and some corn for lunch. That's not too carb heavy but I could just pass out about now. Wish I had brought that pineapple with me that's sitting in the refrigerator. Be good kids...

Laura - Believe me, floating down a lazy river sounds wonderful. I've set a goal for myself to workout for at least 30 min. a day/ 5x a week by this week...so it's water walking for me today. Go enjoy your community pool/lazy river. I'm sure I look you look great in a swimsuit, and certainly a heck of a lot better than I do. Happy's right...people aren't teeny anymore and those that are will look like us in a few years.

Happy - Bummer about your new neighbor (lady) being anti-social. You'll be living next to great neighbors soon. The work book club is actually part of our employee development program and employees are encouraged to participate - though not forced, which is nice. 2 or 3 times a year they offer book clubs for a few different books. The time commitment isn't that much. Our book club is only meeting 3 times. Glad to hear you're still keeping the Kohl's sales up. I hope they have a Kohl's near your new house. I often wish we had a "nap room" like we have a "mother's room" in our building. Now I'm getting tired too...and I've got a meeting to prep for. Lots of meetings these past couple days. But at least I have a fun workout to look forward to...yes, I am enjoying moving again, and I'm finding my back feels better when I do a bit of smart, safe exercise.

Morning all,
Day Zero has dawned. Hard to believe that this is the last time I will be driving into town for a while. I might have to get up in the dark a couple of times just to go watch the stars, which are putting on a glorious display on these cool mornings. Orion is directly outside the front door and when I step out from under the verandah, Jupiter is putting on a display. Then there is Canus minor and major and the Milky Way is just to the right. I have a million star view in the mornings and I just love it when this bunch roll into the eastern sky because there are so many of them.

Not so cool this morning. Up to 7C this morning and heading for 20C and it seems we have got rid of that mean cold wind that was coming in from the desert last week.

Mel - if the appetite is coming back, maybe you are getting better and better. Glad to know that you and John are making the most of the final days. I wish him well in his retirement.

Happy - I can bottle this fresh air stuff. Maybe we can market it as Downunder Dew - not too sure how good it will smell tho'. We had a few bad drifts a couple of weeks back and apparently someone in the next street complained to the council about the house next door to them. The council came and took away 5 truckloads of junk and rubbish. Haven't smelt anything whiffy since. No doubt the people will let the rubbish build again and the council will need to come back. I knew I paid my council rate fees for some purpose. I can't even get them to come and fix up the utility box on the corner - eyesore that it is.

Michelle - it's good to hear that the back is improving and you are back to exercising again. Long may it last. And yes we are better off moving our bits and pieces - what's that saying - Move It or Lose It.

Annie - move it or lose it goes for brains too. We need to keep that active and alive otherwise we end up like my Mum and that would be too sad to contemplate.

Ceejay - enjoy the visit with the family. I must try and catch up with mine soon. Obviously they are not in trouble, need feeding or need money. I haven't heard from them since May.

Laura - gosh you are being good. Exercise at lunch time? Well done. I'll come over and paint the windows for you. No problem. I can find something for you to do for me - how does insulation in the attic sound to you??

Ellen - sinus' can be a real problem. I live with mine always. Seems I have a lo grade infection in there that nothing seems to shift. So I use nasal sprays and such - guess I am addicted.
Poor DH. 24 hr stints are **** on the body. Hope he doesn't have to do those too often.

Well time to go and get on with the day. I have a couple of jobs to do. Lunch to attend with friends from previous jobs. Timesheets to prepare. So off I go to finish the job. See ya - next time you see me I will be unemployed.

HAPPY THURSDAY/FRIDAY CHICKLETTES

HERE'S SOME COFFEE TO GET YOURSELVES GOING THIS MORNING.
I AM RISED AND SHINED FOR ABOUT 2 HRS NOW. WENT TO BE EARLY AND GOT UP AT THE CRACK OF DAWN.
WE HAD A FEROCIOUS RAIN STORM THAT LASTED ABOUT 2 MINUTES WITH HUGE WINDS. SCARY.
BUT IT COOLED THE TEMPS DOWN AND I WILL SEND SOME OF THE COOL WINDS TO HAPPY & CEEJAY!!
IT MADE THE AIR SMELL NICE TOO SO I AM GOING OUTSIDE TO MEET JOHN IN A SEC.
TALKED TO JEN BY PHONE AND SERVICE IS TERRIBLE. HAD TO RECONNECT 5-6 TIMES.
THEN RICHIE DROPPED BY. ALL IS WELL WITH THEM AND ME TOO. NOTHING NEW TO REPORT.
HAVE A SUPER DAY



ANNIE....HOPE THE MANAGER WAS NICER THIS TIME. I HEAR YA ON THE "SOMETHING COMING ON"??
STARBUCKS??? rofl: WISH I HAD A FRIEND BRINGING ME STARBUCKS....I'D HAVE SOMETHING COMING ON EVERY DAY!




HAPPY.............MAYBE WE SHOULD ALL GO OUTDSIDE AND HELP DH.....IT SURE WOULD BE A GREAT WAY TO LOOSE WEIGHT.
I ONLY HOPE DH HAD 30 LBS TO SPARE!!! I WISH I HAD A DQ NEARBY!
I WOULD SEND RICHIE THERE EVERY NIGHT BUT ICE CREAM SEEMS TO MAKE THINGS WORSE




SHAD....FINALLY THE JOB IS DONE!!! DID YOU DECIDE WHICH ONE YOU'RE TAKING YET?
OR ARE YOU & MICK DECIDING STILL? THE SKY DOWN BY YOU MUST BE BEAUTIFULLY LIT UP WITH ALL THESE
STARS & PLANETS SPINNING AROUND. ALL I SEE IS SMOG I AM HAVING GOOD DAYS & BAD DAYS STILL.
BUT AM SUSPICIOUS OF A SMALL BLOCKAGE SOMEWHERE. WE'LL SEE WHO IS RIGHT NEXT MONTH.




CEEJAY.......GLAD THE HOUSE IS ALL READY FOR COMPANY AND HOPE YOU LIKE THE FUTON SLEEPING.
HAVE A GREAT TIME WITH YOUR SISTER AND ENJOY THE COMPANY & ABOVE ALL.....RELAX




LAURA......OH!! I NEED THAT ROOM AND THE DOGGIE!!! I'LL EVEN PAINT THE WINDOWS IN RETURN FOR A MATTRESS IN THERE
I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO ANOTHE LIGHT TOM HANKS MOVIE...LAST ONE I THINK WAS ALL THE WAY BACK TO YOU'VE GOT MAIL
I WASN'T KEEN ON HIM CHASING THE DEVIL AROUND....TWICE!!
GOOD JOB WITH THE EXERCISING!!! WE'LL HAVE TO MAKE A POST-IT FOR YOUR LUNCHBAG!! AND A SCOOTER
ANIMATED PICTURES ON THE PC AMUSE & AMAZE ME STILL AFTER ALL THESE YEARS.
I LOVE LOOKING FOR AVATARS AND JPEGS. BUT I GUESS YOU ALREADY KNEW THAT





MICHELLE........GLAD YOU GOT ONLY A GOOD SORE OUT OF ALL THAT. IS THE HOUSE QUIET WITHOUT THE COMPANY??
HOPE THE DMIL ARRIVED SAFELY HOME. BET SHE WAS RELUCTANT TO LEAVE. HOPE MISCHIEF'S BLOOD WORK CAME OUT OK TOO!




ELLEN........HOPE THE HEADACHE AND SINUS GETS BETTER VERY SOON. I KNOW THAT'S NO FUN

Good morning ladies,

Another hot one for us. Remind me how much I hated this when I'm shivering

Mel - I think two of the best smells are linens air dried out on a clothesline and the smell of rain washed air. Glad you got a sniff or two before it got funky again. Glad all is well with the family at the moment. I think everyone can do with less drama.

Shad - that's interesting that you can see Orion - I thought you saw different constellations on your side of the world - although I guess as the earth tips the axis, we each get a glimpse of each other's skies. We can see the Milky Way clearly from the porch of the new house - the night skies are gorgeous. Enjoy your ride but don't be star gazing while driving I'm sure you will be glad to leave the bustle behind for a bit and recharge the batteries. Has Mick rounded something else for you or are you just going to take a few weeks to yourself?

I didn't get a swim in last night. Had to hustle and figure out my Flex Spending account which is always complicated and fun (NOT). Then I ordered some things from Kohl's. Since you can't get a discount on top of using Kohl's cash, I had to do some creative planning to get the best price for my stuff I think I'm going to make DH walk around in a swimsuit since his socks and underwear cost so much DH grilled up some chicken last night and we tossed it on top of a salad - yum yum. My coworker gave me some tomatoes and cucumbers from her garden which made it taste even better. She also shared with me one of the few of her precious carrots. It's a cute little stubby thing. Almost a shame to eat. But I will

Anyway I need to straighten out a few things in the kitchen before I leave so I will check back tonight. (Going to lunch with a friend today).

Have a good Thursday peeps. Hugs to all that need 'em

Another crazy busy day....fixing stuff, and got a HUGE new project dumped on me...it's not due for 3 weeks...but will take nearly 200 hours of development time. Ugh.

I'll check back later.

Hi Mel see your egg light on this morning.

My sis and bil are sleeping in this morning. They were both exhausted last night. They got here around 4 p.m. yesterday. We ate at Huddle House. And one of the department head bosses and his wife came in. I introduced my sis and bil to them. Today we are going to Paragould to eat lunch with the uncles. It's been a while since she has seen them.

Michelle
I'm glad you are listening to your body on the exercise.

Laura
Sounds like you are getting back into your groove also with the exercise. I think you and Michelle have the right idea in doing different activities. It doesn't get as boring this way.

Annie
The doctor asked me if there was someone who could give me my b12 but there isn't. So I'm making the trip to doc's office.

I'll be back later company is up.

Good Morning Everyone.....

One final meeting/training this afternoon with the bosses, then they all LEAVE...yeah!!

My garden is doing really well. I am sure to have tomatos, all coming ripe at once, enough to stock a grocery store. They are all about the size of of baseballs, or a tad smaller, and green. I have two zucchinis almost ready to pick. Altho the package said yellow squash when planted, it is certainly zucchini. That is what I get for buying the cheap seeds. lol. Bout ready to start plucking my second go round of spinach and lettuce. Radishes come about 5 at a time. Don't even know why I planted them, guess just for the fun of it. Have had several banana peppers also. What fun!

Oh, I bought this little carrot/celery/hummus packet that was on mark down at Meijer for a buck...looked good. It also had sunflower seeds to mix in with the hummas. I have finally found the combo of hummas/sunflower seeds, I like best....my goodness it is good and I can't quit thinking about it.

Happy....I think that is a good idea you had for Laura...altho maybe not buy a scooter, but borrow one and fake BF out. See how he responds.

MELLIE...up by the crack of dawn, I also call that Dawn's crack. lol. I woke up at 2am and was up til 4. Couldn't sleep, so I watched Soapnet, and got my soaps in.....Usually when I wake up, Hella B wakes up and bugs me, but not last night, she snoozed right on through....silly dog.

Shaddie..you sky sounds lovely at that hour. I know a few of the stars but not many.

Chelle...I can tell you are feeling better and exercising is making you happy. Just the tone of your posts sounds more upbeat and positive...YGG.

Laura...proud of you sista for all your exercising you are getting in...I may skip Larry Crown and wait till it comes out to rent.

Ceejay...enjoy the family when they get in town....nice when they come and nice when they go....wink.

Ellen...sister, you need to get to feeling better...see the doc before it gets too awful bad.

That's it for now...gotta get some packets together for an enrollment meeting tomorrow morning at 7am...shu that will be an early start.

Have a marvy day/night.

Love and hugs

Ceejay...I give me my own shot in the arse when sissy is not around...you can do it. It is not hard. Have them show you how.