Hi ladies,

I am so depressed... the weather is so beautiful, but I threw my back out again last Saturday night, don't ask...... and I can't do anything..

This is the 3 rd day, I am going to try to do some office work, maybe I can sit here long enough to get something done...the only place that is remotely comfortable is my recliner... and I watched HGTV all day yesterday, most of it was ok.. but I am just not one to watch that much tv... I was bored out of my mind.. tried to do some planning and organizing on paper but couldn't really do much without all my notes and etc.. which I couldn't get cause I can't bend or move very well.... anyway... bummed out.

How come no one has posted since the 6th...? And where is everyone? having a great summer I hope..

But Em wondering if they found those boys yet? And Pam how is your fil doing? and where is grandma G? sure glad a few of you are posting, it gets pretty lonely around here...everyone in my house is active and going here and there.. I was suppose to be joining them.. not fair...

well hope someone posts soon..

Dahlia

Hi Ladies,

Dahlia..that sucks sorry to hear that you can't get around is there no-one that could spend a few hours with you? I still have'nt watched HGTV i flipped it on that day that Terry mentioned it and i've never looked since Speaking of Ms T i think i'd better email her and find out why she is'nt posting

Nothing exciting happening here i spent all yesterday looking for flights..hubby and i are toying with the idea of going to the concert (rolling stones) in Toronto and then from there flying to England..that would split up that horrid 9hr flight from Vancouver and would give us a few days break in Toronto we could go to Niagara Falls while we're there...only trouble is is that it is more expensive to fly to England from Toronto than it is from Vancouver how do they work that out when you are half way there

Cat I know what you mean, isn't it silly how they work out their fares...where I live it is cheaper to go to Detroit and fly out west than to go from Grand Rapids which is only and hour and a half away from me and on the Lake,, while Detroit is on the other side of the state in the opposite direction .... go figure..

Don't get me wrong here,, there are people here all the time, it's just that they are in and out, and going places which I can't do, cause I have a hard enough time getting up and off my recliner to go to the bathroom... but it's getting better, I can actually move much better today... am hoping by the weekend to be pretty much back in the game...a bit slower but at least playing. Better be, dgd is having a Happy Birthday party, as she calls it... she will be 3...on Saturday, then next week have a luncheon with two of my sisters and our grandkids,,,,,then another anniversary/birthday party next Saturday.. then a trip to Chicago coming up... so lots to do... need to be in the groove...

Well, thanks for posting Cat, looks like it's just you and me around these days...

Dahlia

Dahlia- hope you are up and 'attem real soon! That is just the worst to have your back out. Especially when you want to be exercising and active! (Even if it's just going potty with no pain!!)

Cat- when is the concert and when are you thinking of going to England? Is your DH going with you? (is he from there too??I don't remember!)

Well, the funeral for our friend was yesterday- very nice, but emotionally draining. I haven't been overeating (ie. emtional eating...), but not really eating well. I've hardly had anything today, but know I've had a KitKat I know I need to take better care of my body!!
Still no sign of those boys. The air search was done Sunday and they are calling off the ground search today. They are presuming them dead. Now, hopefully soon they will at least find the bodies to give the family some closure. It's the saddest thing.

Still coughing, but my aches are gone so overall I'm feeling better.
Where is everyone????? Hopefully we here from you all soon!

Jelyn, sorry to hear you are under the weather... hope you are bouncing back soon... oh my heart aches for those parents and family of those boys... still praying they will be found alive and well...how sad... sorry about your friend... not a good time for you at all.. don't feel bad about eating a kitkat,, sometimes you just need chocolate.. or a comfort food.. don't worry about it.. just get back on your feet and start again... we are here for you..

Dahlia

Morning!

Dahlia and Emily, so sorry to hear you both are not well. Em, with all that sadness all around you lately, I wouldn't be surprised if stress is a contributing factor. I hope you enjoyed your KitKat as dieting should be on a back burner.

And, Dahlia, with all the social activities you have coming up, I sure hope you are back on your feet real soon so you can enjoy every moment. A 3-yr old's birthday party is a very special occasion as she's really into party mode by that age. When Katie was three, she was into Care Bears and Strawberry Shortcake -- funny how Care Bears are making a comeback 20 years later too. I think Chris was into Ninja Turtles and dinosauers. Happy memories!

Cathy, just saw your email -- thank you .

Sorry I have been AWOL, it's just been a crazy weekend with something around every corner it seems. And, then yesterday, as I was in the middle of a long post to you guys, the electricity went out and didn't come back until late in the afternoon. Just my luck! But, I was thinking of you all just the same .....

Emily, before the power went out, I did get to read about those boys. As Dahlia said, it's just heartbreaking for all involved. I hope they do find some closure and can move on. It must be so hard when there is no proof -- I guess time plays a factor and then you can't deny the obvious. I bet you must have hugged your boys a zillion times in the past few days. You just wish you didn't need someone else's sorrow to remind you of your blessings. So very tragic ....

Cathy, how exciting that John is going with you to England! Unfortunately, it's the popular flights that cost more, or so it seems as I don't think logic plays too much of a part. Any idea how long you will be gone? Plus The Rolling Stones and Niagara Falls -- I want post cards!!!!

I know you'll love HGTV especially all the landscaping and decorating shows -- some are pretty wild but others are really packed with good ideas. And, the way you are always finding soemthing to do in that house of yours -- a perfect match if I must say so myself. John will probably shoot me though!

Time for more coffee -- be back in a minute!!

OK, cup #2 -- love getting caffeinated!

Talked to Katie yesterday and it seems the wedding will be July 10th next summer up at a ski lodge at Mt Sunapee in New Hampshire. Any ideas on wedding favors?? Dahlia, she was thinking of doing little plants -- decorating the pots herself. Any thoughts on what type of plant??? Then her future MIL told her that the people coming from England won't be able to take them back, so it looks like she may have an assortment of favors. It's exciting to say the least .

Weigh-in was good this week as I was down 1.5 lbs from last Tuesday. I wasn't too sure because I indulged a bit more with the Fourth and Russ' birthday party. Amazing how weddings are such good incentives .

Well, I had better get a move on as I have an eye doctor's appt this afternoon and a messy house to declutter. I'm having my other cataract done July 17th. Hey, at least they don't grow back so once both eyes are done, it's over with!

Have a great day, everyone, and Dahlia and Emily, I hope you two feel better real soon .

Always, Terry

Good morning all
My cough seems to be a little better this morning so maybe I'm past the worst of it. Kept me up for awhile last night though and I was already exhausted so am tired (As usual) today. Out of diet coke so need to make a run to 7-11 after Ian's nap! (who by the way is now sleeping from 8:30 to 7!!!!!I really shouldn't be tired!!)

Terry-I think the plants are a great idea (if not a lot of work...) Ironically I was just reading on a forum on wedding favors and the consensus seemed to be to go with something edible- not something "tacky" with the couples name on it that won't get used or just thrown away (read:waste of money) Ideas were sugared or jordan almonds wrapped in tulle and a ribbon. Or mints....Actually one had a cute poem in it as well. I will look and see if I can find it again. How exciting and fun to plan a wedding!! And great about your upcoming surgery- you know what you're in for and the great result. You are probably looking forward to it this time!

Dahlia- hope you are feeling better today! CUte about your gd... Brendan still says the same about all holidays that start with "happy"- (ie. Is it still Happy Patricks Day??) They are sweet.

Well, I'm being industrious and pressure cooking 3 huge chickens I've had in my freezer for longer than I care to admit (meat is still good... ) I will pull of the bones and chop up and put back in the freezer so it will be ready for casseroles or chicken tacos! I love getting at least one of the steps out of the way. Yesterday I made lasagna and 4x my meat sauce. My freezer will be well stocked.
Have a great day. I'm doing well so far with oatmeal, cantaloupe, banana and water. I can do this!!

Terry- Strawberry Shortcake is back too- here anyway

Good Morning Ladies,

WOW..so many post to read thats great

Dahlia..glad to hear that your back is on the mend sometimes the frustration of not being able to get around is worse than the pain itself

Em..its the BIG concert in downsview park..the benefit one on the 30th July..i don't think it will happen tho' because the hotel package i had my eye on has gone plus the more expensive flight to England is a factor we're thinking of just going to Vegas for a few days and then to England later now hubby is from England btw.

Terry..congrats on losing another 1.5lbs what an exciting time for you getting perfect sight back and planning a wedding i wondered what you were talking about when you said "any ideas on wedding favors?" i have never been to a wedding that gives them (it must be an American thing) so if you decide not to bother the Brits won't be worried cos they don't know any better!!

I have been rather bad these last few days..i had a couple of beers on friday and saturday nights (as i planned) but when sunday came around i did'nt get into diet mode again but yesterday i made myself exercise after missing it on sunday and monday. I will do some today..no excuses!

Morning!!

Emily, I want to thank you again for the great wedding craft website as there is just so many wonderful ideas.

When Chris was born, I had bought two Care Bears one for Katie (who was 5 at the time) to give to her new baby brother in the hospital and one from the baby to his new sister when she came to visit him. I can still remember all that as if it was yesterday and not 18 years ago.

Hope you and Dahlia are feeling better today .

Cathy, I just looked at the date and this will be Katie's wedding day a year from now -- IF her intended doesn't ditch her because she's going nutso already . One of the traditions is that the wedding couple gives little favors (usually something like almonds in tulle or pens or match books with their name and wedding date printed) as a remembrance of their special day. She wanted to do something different hence the miniature painted flower pots and plants.

Stu's brother got married a few years ago so his relatives know all the traditions! Let me tell ya, they are a merry bunch who love to party too . This tiny New Hampshire town will never be the same again.

Good job on getting the exercise in yesterday -- the more days you rack up in a row, the easier it will be to keep the momentum going. Look at me, I havn't even racked up one yet ... I will though, soon, I've promised myself.

You'll have fun in "Lost Wages" -- bring along a Stones CD and you'll have the best of both worlds??? At least this trip across the pond, you'll have John to hold your hand. I'm going to Florida in October and just like you, I am not looking forward to flying. It sure beats driving though as it takes about two days with stops (24 hrs if you drive straight thru).

OK, Dahlia and Em, wake up!!

I'll check back in later -- have not heard from Carol in awhile -- must be enjoying her kids and their vacation. Miss Pam and Meg and Grandma too. Hope all is well, you tend to worry ya know.

Catch ya all later -- have a wonderful Thursday. Boy, this week is flying by fast ....

Always, Terry

hi ladies,

Hello Terry, I am awake,, I have the dgd and dgs over since last night... he is 17 months, she will be 3 on Saturday,, he weighs 31 pounds and is a real chunk,, needless to say I cannot lift him, so grandpa stayed home this morning to help watch them... my back is killing me,,, no matter what I do... slept with dgd last night and could not move,, that is the main problem...when dil picks them up at 1 I am going to try to take a nap.. then we are invited to supper at oldest son's and gf's house.. so will be nice, not having to cook, she is a good cook so will be a delightful meal...specially with no dishes afterwards...

For the wedding favors, I would suggest silk flowers in the pots as they will stay forever and be less trouble...how about kiss roses... they make hersey kisses into roses for each person.. or at one wedding we all got little candy stirrers coated in chocolate, the colored kind to match the brides colors. The usual favor was match books, but couples are getting more creative all the time... at our son's wedding they had little bells wrapped in tulle, when we rung them the couple kissed,,, and then we could take them home.. they had a banner with the names and date of the wedding on them... the other son didn't do favors as they were watching their pennies cause they were bothin the service at the time... so either way goes.... it's a personal choice.

My dgd is on my lap and so I have to go.. this is not working. she loves to work at grandma's desk... my poor desk calendar has so many pictures on it drawn by her....but they are cute... I wouldn't change it for the world..

take care,
hope to see more of you posting soon....
Dahlia

Morning Dahlia ...

Gosh, I was hoping you'd feel better this morning as I know you have so many plans coming up. What a sweetie your husband is to stay home with you though so you could still enjoy the grandchildren and they you.

You brought back happy memories because my mom would always let Katie sleep with her when she stayed over her house for "Girls' Day" as they would refer to their outings together. They still talk about that now and she's 23 and my mom is 84 --- good grandma memories are important.

Speaking of "good" -- I'll pass along the suggestion of silk flowers to Katie (which would be a great idea especially for those that live in England) . I also like the idea of the bells at each table -- classy touch. I guess you could spend a fortune on "classy touches" and favors alone!!

You need to frame one page of your desk calendar as a special gift for when she's older .

Better get a move on -- just saw that you posted and wanted to see how you were feeling. Let's keep our fingers crossed tomorrow morning is a better one for you ....

Terry

I'm awake too - went to bed too late last night again. We've been staying up late watching movies which isn't the smartest thing to do when you're sick! Last night was "Basic" with JOhn Travolta (yummy )- not the best movie ever, but he's always nice to watch
Yesterday was spent at the sprinkler park with a friend and all our kids- it was sure nice to not do anything but sit in the sun and visit! May go back today as it's supposed to be even hotter- if I get some work done first.
I should actually go do that- take advantage of all the boys sleeping in!
Dahlia- I sure hope you are feeling better. Have fun with your grandkids and have a nice nap! (maybe I'll do that today too!!)

Emily

Em -- Russ just rented that last night but we havn't watched it yet. Quick before tonight -- does he die in the end??!!! I told him I was getting tired of John Travolta movies because he dies in so many and I like happy endings instead! Enjoy the sprinklers -- it's so pleasant today with temps just in the low 70s.

Cathy -- get that bod out here!!!!!!!!!!!!