Annie - thank you for including the ingredients list for the Airborne. I guess I could give it a try. I have always had issues when taking vitamins that had zinc in them - gives me a bad tummy ache. But since this is herbals and vitamins, I don't see the harm in that. I have started to shy away from the over the counter cold meds - except for Nyquil and that's only because it knocks me out. I hate that just fall asleep feeling and then get woken up by violent coughing over and over again. Nyquil takes care of that. Like booze but no hangover in the morning - just fog :rofl:

Laura - if you have some selection at your library - see if you can get a Gaiam yoga video by Suzanne Deason. She gives a more intense workout without having to bend into a pretzel. I also like Ana Cabon for Pilates. Maybe you should try some hot yoga since you like to sweat. One of my friends up here has a daughter who teaches hot yoga at Schaumburg - I could hook you up :lol: She's very intense and has the yoga body to prove it! As for the washer I had to call Sears again and yes I yelled on the phone - they just don't LISTEN. They are sending someone out Wednesday. I think the circuit board they put in on Saturday is faulty. We were able to drain the machine but have to keep unplugging the power and letting the error reset. I told them on the phone today that my concern is that the circuit board is faulty and they are coming 1/7 to replace the agitator and will find the circuit board is bad and that will be another 2 weeks for repairs without a washer. My washer is 8 years old and I just paid $400 for an extended warranty for the washer and dryer - still cheaper than replacing the units even if I only get 2 or 3 more years out of them. I was telling DH today that I was actually quite pleased that the washer held up as long as it did. It's just that the basket was clunking when washing a heavy load like towels. When we moved to TN in 2005 I got a new Maytag washer which at the time was new with the low water High Efficiency concept. Had the washer 18 months and noticed an awful mildew smell in it. Turns out the entire interior was covered in mold due to a design flaw. We just chucked the washer - I just missed out in getting to be a part of a class action lawsuit. We replaced it with a similar Kenmore model that got high marks. And I have to say that I have been pretty pleased with it. My biggest issue has been getting decent repairs on the few things I've needed. Sears is really hurting for repair people. Part of how far that company has fallen out of favor. And we didn't have any better luck when we used Lowe's home repair for an appliance after we decided to switch from Sears for something different. The young repair guys seem nice enough, they just aren't getting very good training. :( Frustrating. Funny you mentioned the potpourri warmer - I just found mine too in a box of Christmas stuff. I'm not so sure I like the chemicals in the premixed stuff so when I do use it I just add some orange peel, cinnamon stick, some cloves and spices to water and let it simmer. Especially if we've had fish for supper. I got a Balsam candle from Bath and Body Works and while I really liked the light scent in the hand soap, I found the candle to be very cloying after a few hours - and that's WITH a stuffy nose! Also you talked about the meat grinder on the Kitchenaid. I toyed around with buying one after we moved here. Don't we all dream of making our own sausage :lol: And then I read reviews about the meat sticking in it and general dissatisfaction. I'm glad I didn't buy one. People said you are better off with a regular meat grinder over the Kitchenaid attachment. How about you lend me the meat grinder and I'll lend you my sushi making kit that I just noticed in the basement ;) :lol:

Phone's ringing... back later.

Hi Ladies,

Internet was down two nights ago. :tantrum: Yesterday, I went to the gym and then went to the bar to watch the packer game with my friends. Such a stressful game. But I'll bet my Wisconsin friends could hear me cheering 2000 miles away. I was so tired after the game! Last night, I got a text from Santa's groomer reminding me about the appointment this morning...good thing because I didn't have it on the calendar. I dropped Santa off and then went to workout with my trainer. I really need help with lunges and balance on my training "off days". After strength training, I did 45 minutes of cardio, then showered and ran some errands. I was still in Target when the groomer texted me that Santa was ready. Santa and I are now home and have both eaten lunch. For some reason, eating still makes me tired. :dunno: I'll ask my surgeon or nutritionist tomorrow at my follow up appointment.

Tomorrow, my plan is to take Santa to day care, go to the gym, go to my surgery follow up. Then I have to drive to San Francisco to have lunch with a friend of mine who I haven't seen in nearly a year. She doesn't have a reliable car at the moment, and I don't get up to San Francisco all that often. After lunch, I'll stop at Stanford Hospital to see Bob since it's on the way from SF to San Jose.

I'll try and get back here later.

Much love,

Michelle
Sounds like you are keeping busy.

Happy
Don't blame you for "yelling" at Sears. After all you do have the warranty. Every once in a while I will smell the mold in my washer so I use 2 cups of vinegar and run it through the clean washer cycle. Sounds like you may have the flu.

Dee
Wow home made patio furniture! Have fun giving the puppies a bath.
Your Christmas sounded like a fun day.

Annie
Good for you to just eating one Snicker doodle.

Hello's to the rest:

Don't know what is going on in my stomach/intestinal tract but it's getting checked out Friday. I've made up my mind I'll be going to the emergency room if my doctor isn't open or to a doctor in Jonesboro. Last night's episode scared me.
I pulled in the drive way after I got home yesterday and remembered that I left my house/work keys at my uncles. I have an emergency number to call the land lord so I did that and he came and let me inside. I have a spare key. Then today at work I asked the boss if I could take the gate key off of the chemical room key chain to use this week. I called my aunt to tell her that I would come back this week end to get them.
Rode the bike for 24 minutes and 10 minutes of strength training last night. Food hasn't been bad but not excellent.

Happy Girl~ we luv ya & want U to b well sooo take the 'Airborne' like Annie told U :coffee: Just do Not drink 5 cups or more of Green tea in 1 day because 4 yrs ago I had a bad cold & I drank about 6 cups to heal it. My jaw & mouth went totally numb & we didn't relate it to the caffeine level of my green tea; dh took me to the hospital ER thinking I had a stroke. The green tea caused it & I was told ppl shouldn't consume over 5 cups daily unless they r big soda/coffee drinkers. I told the doc I can eat a large bag of M&M's & binge on other chocolate candy & I'm ok; so that didn't make sense to me, I usually drink only flavored coffee & herb teas. It took me about 24 hrs. to have all my feeling back in my jaw & mouth & I had cuts inside my mouth from biting myself during the numbing. Happy just b careful w what U put inside U to 'heal yourself'. My dh's doc says his acid reflux is from eating 3 citrus fruits daily, oranges/grapefruits + coffee @ work. Yep, get out that 'pasta roller' & let dh play chef too; it makes yummy lasagna noodles too, fresh & inexpensive. Chris on Cook's Country says don't make your noodles w/o eggs, the eggs add protein & add great flavor & he's right. Hey, U can send your 'sushi making kit' across the pond to me when U get tired of it ;) I've never tried making it, I luv eating sushi; we all need to go out to CA & eat fresh sushi w Chelle. Do U have a local laundry mat to use when your washer goes down? I wonder how much it costs to was a load now days & dry it...

Annie~ TY for the comment about your dIL & me having fun sewing together. Her items could b good sellers, there's a need for everything & the web makes it easy to get good info for Entrepreneurs now. If I can b of any help to her, she can reach me here/PM my 3FatChicks & we can trade e-mail/phone#. I don't have my website anymore, I get too busy to take extra orders. Re: ravioli.. It's easy/healthier/inexpensive 1. Make the dough & chill it or let it rest depending on the recipe. 2. Crank it through the rollers giving u strips like noodles, only wider. 3. Drop cheese or cooked meat onto dough strips & lay another strip on top. 4. Seal the edges together. 5. Cut strips into squares. 6. Freeze or drop in the pot to cook. :p It's quicker the 2nd time u make them, so yummy. Your chicken cauliflower casserole sounds good, please share the recipe or recipe link. Your Christmas pendants from C sound precious, a angel & a cross, maybe he was hinting he'd like a similar pendant matching yours... Will the Airborne work if I use warm water w it, like to soothe a dry or sore throat when I get one?

ceeJ~ :hug: I'm sorry that your still sick & added U to our prayer list to get Good News when U see your doc Friday. Huge bummer about getting locked-out in this bad weather & @ night & all your keys on the same chain. Maybe U can think of a sneaky place to hide a spare key for your home, or put a house-key on your truck key-ring to keep your work-key separate? It was especially fun playing 'Pictionary' @ Christmas because everyone could play together; our 3 1/2 yr. old wiped us out laughing w his drawings :lol: Congrats on sticking to working-out while U feel terrible. How has your appetite been? Have U ever had any GI surgeries, to eliminate internal stuff breaking :?: Docs say 'stress' can make us sick.... Too bad U & me can't jump into a Yoga class w the girls here, do U do Yoga? I'm putting 'Learn Yoga' on my '2015 Challenge' list w my 'Learn to Crochet' so I can make cute soft beanies for cancer patients w/o hair.

Laura~ a sausage grinder for your Kitchen-Aid :D Dh got his own electric meat grinder after burning-up the motor in my Cuisinart when we were dating, his folks own a farm & he ground sirloin burger & venison TY for mentioning 'grinding chicken breasts' I think I'll do that & add boneless thighs for some yummy chicken patties :burger: This thread is a Mystery Box loaded w Good Advice & recipes :wizard: Have U used your Nesco roaster yet; I gave my DS a 18 qt. after he kept borrowing it every summer when they do big cook-outs & use it w his gas grill. In the fall he & his 'Iron Chef' pals use it to make BBQ sauce, veggie recipes, :stir: & then they 'can' their creations in Ball jars, their wives r not allowed in the kitchen . How did your 'potpourri warmer' work out using your scented candles?

Chelle~ It seems like U r doing soo much @ the gym Post-Op w your trainer right now, along w your busy life. Does your trainer take your vitals, BP/pulse before & after training sessions? I hope U get Great news @ your surgery follow-up tomorrow :hug: along w lots of healthy advice on your Post-Op care. By any chance do U work @ Concentric/XO Communications, just wondering because my oldest DS worked there about 8 yrs ago, he quit his job to move back here when he learned his 2 grandparents had less than a year to live. Then he took a great job in Milwaukee after their deaths & is not nearly as cold as our Happy is. It would take a family prob for me to leave your beautiful weather like my DS did, I hope U never face the single digit temps :brr: again like when U were a 'cheese-head' yrs. ago :cheese:

Hi Terra & Shad & Susie~ :cofdate:

Dh stopped snoring so I can prob fall asleep now. Everyone have a Warm & Cozy week :grouphug:

Evening all,

Photo is of todays healthy lunch. Wholemeal toast with cottage cheese and home grown tomatoes along with some fruit and a cup of Traditional Afternoon Tea. Tonights dinner is the last of the Massaman curry I made yesterday. Love Massaman curry.

Today has been hot again - 33C or around 94F but without the humidity of yesterday that just about drove me crazy.
I hopped in the car at midday and went down to the local store to get fruit and veg. That meant at least 10 minutes each way in the airconditioning. There are some good bargains in the fruit today as everything is coming ripe at the same time. So I got 4 mangos and a kilo of cherries. Limes are cheap as well so I got a packet of them which I will zest and juice and freeze. The cherries will get halved and some of them pulped, others frozen as halves. Should have some good stuff for winter this year. Yeehaa. Nothing like summer fruit in the middle of winter when there is only apples, oranges and pears around.

Dee - don't need warm and cozy. I've already got toasty. Which means that outside work must be done from 5.am to 8..30am and from 4.30 to 6.00pm. Otherwise you are just sweating profusely. Even sweating sometimes at 5.00am.

Ceejay - time to get the gut checked out. It's been going on too long now.

Michelle - you aren't the only one with balance problems. I have a terrible time with the tree and aeroplane poses in yoga. Hope your friend Bob is recovering okay.

Laura - I've chased the geckos out several times. They were the ones that killed off the electric motor on the gate. Found a couple of them all cooked up in there. How they get in I don't know, but those things seem to be able to slink in to very small places.
Our local supermarket is not selling all the brands it used to either. I guess it depends on how cheap they can get the product. They seem to be going for a brand called Chobani at the moment. I tried it but it seemed very grainy and not smooth and creamy so I gave up on that and now I only use certain brands - of which we no longer get a full range. That probably means that they will phase out the product eventually - in which case I may well shop elsewhere as well.
Good that it is quiet at work although that can sometimes get boring. I laughed at you veging out on the couch while B/F was out raving.

Annie - Thank you I am feeling 100% again. I've only got the normal morning sniffles left and they go away after about 7 sneezes and a lot of nose blowing. Its been that way for ever, so I am definitely over the cold. Took long enough.

Happy - hope you are feeling a bit better today. Good idea to cancel anything which would have stressed you out and made you cough.
I don't know much about your brand of washer, but when mine gave up pumping - many years back, I detached the hose from the drainage pipe and laid it out flat on the floor and into the drain in the floor. You can also do it into a bucket or out the door if the hose will reach. Gravity then decides that there is a way to sink lower and will drain out slowly but at least it will drain and will prevent that dreadful smell. Water always finds the lowest level to drain to.

Annie - sounds like you had a good Christmas. Since it is not my favourite time of the year I don't give a darn about which day we celebrate it. It comes and it goes, and if it wasn't for the children, I would probably sleep right through it.

With the going down of the sun, the humidity seems to have returned, so I am off to shut up the house and turn on the aircon. Occasionally there is a nice breeze, but it is not constant and I am tired of waiting for it.
Have a good one.

Good Morning All....

Last night was leftover tacos. I think we have enough leftovers for about 3 more meals. As funny as it sounds we are going to taco Tuesday at Alcapulco Joe's Restaurant today. Huge beef or chicken tacos for 2 bucks a piece. One is enough for me, I chop it up and make it into a salad on my plate. So yummy. I did take a pan of enchiladas over to my next door neighbor. They had a baby boy on Christmas morning. He is so cute and has a ton of black hair. Named him Joel Finley. I like that.

I have an eye doc appt today after work to get checked and new glasses. Hard to believe it has been almost 3 years since I had my eyes checked and new glasses, if needed. May get them anyway since I pay for vision insurance, might as well use it.

DEE...here is the cauliflower recipe.

Loaded cauliflower & chicken casserole
[FONT='Times New Roman','serif']Ingredients[/FONT]
· [FONT='Times New Roman','serif']3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked & cubed[/FONT]
· [FONT='Times New Roman','serif']2 heads cauliflower[/FONT]
· [FONT='Times New Roman','serif']8 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded[/FONT]
· [FONT='Times New Roman','serif']8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded[/FONT]
· [FONT='Times New Roman','serif']2 bundles green onions, sliced[/FONT]
· [FONT='Times New Roman','serif']3 ounces bacon pieces[/FONT]
· [FONT='Times New Roman','serif']1 clove garlic, minced[/FONT]
· [FONT='Times New Roman','serif']Salt & pepper[/FONT]
[FONT='Times New Roman','serif']Instructions[/FONT]
[FONT='Times New Roman','serif']1. [/FONT][FONT='Times New Roman','serif']Preheat oven to 350 degrees.[/FONT]
[FONT='Times New Roman','serif']2. [/FONT][FONT='Times New Roman','serif']Steam cauliflower until tender.[/FONT]
[FONT='Times New Roman','serif']3. [/FONT][FONT='Times New Roman','serif']Meanwhile, combine cheeses in a large bowl. Remove ¼ of cheese and set aside. Stir chicken, green onions, bacon, and garlic into remaining cheese.[/FONT]
[FONT='Times New Roman','serif']4. [/FONT][FONT='Times New Roman','serif']Stir cauliflower into cheese mixture and season with salt & pepper. Pour into a 9x13 glass baking dish. Top with additional cheese.[/FONT]
[FONT='Times New Roman','serif']5. [/FONT][FONT='Times New Roman','serif']Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.[/FONT]
[FONT='Times New Roman','serif']6. [/FONT][FONT='Times New Roman','serif']Remove foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes.[/FONT]
Yes you can drink the airborne in warm water and is a good idea if you have a sore throat. I didn't have time this morning to drink it this morning before I left for work so I brought the tab with me and will have it later this morning.

SHADDIE...what is curried massaman?? I get the curry part but what is massaman? The picture of your breakfast is right up my alley and would love to join you. Looks delicious. I am missing my fresh garden catch right now.

CHELLE...If I were a betting woman, I would say eating is not making you tired. What is making you tired is when you finally sit down for a minute to eat, your body goes into relax mode from all the running and exercising you are doing and THEN you feel like eating is making you tired. You are fine and it is not the food. If you need a pick me up, eat some protein and you B12 could be on the low side. In the beginning when I would get my B12 shot, I would instantly get energy. You are welcome...love Doctor Hoh!

CEEG...if you are feeling that badly and are talking ER if you doc is not in, I think you should go anyway. Doesn't sound like you should be playing around with your issues. Since C has been on the eating plan for the haital hernia, his intestine and stomach trouble is very very minimal. I will send you a copy.

HAPPY....I seriously doubt C would wear any type of jewelry or even to match mine. lol. He doesn't even wear a wedding band because of the type of work he does. That is all we need is for him to go missing a finger or two. Oh I guess that was DEE that made that comment, oh well I am not retyping it. lol. Dang repair people, it is hard to get an honest, hard working repairman these days. Just someone that knows what the H they are doing is a miracle. Altho I did find an honest heating and air place, that I just love. Mom and Pops business with sons and cousins that are trained properly. Gotta love that.

LAURA...we do have a library that I can get loaner dvds etc and it is just down the street from me. I used them when I was trying to spif up my interviewing skills. Evidently it worked. Just easier to buy them on Amazon. I think the yoga dvd I want is 6 or 7 bucks. I don't drink, smoke, gamble or go on vacations so that is my little happiness, buying dvds. lol.

SUSIE...hope your world is good. How is DH feeling after his colonoscopy? May will be here before you know it, I need to buckle down and lose the remainder of this weight before our KI trip. You in??

TERRA...where have you been? Taking it easy over the holidays?

Whomever starts the new thread, I have a name and it honors our SHADDIE.

Worldly Chicks JOYously Jaunt into January...how is that for corny? lol

Make it a great Tuesday/night.

Good Grief let me repost the recipe...don't know where all that font business came from.

Will get to it in a bit. Will just have to type it.

Loaded Cauliflower & Chicken Casserole

3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cooked and cubed
2 heads of cauliflower
8 oz cheddar cheese, shredded
8 oz monterery jack cheese, shredded (I used colby jack)
2 bundles of green onions sliced, I used one
3 oz bacon pieces cooked
1 clove garlic
salt & pepper

Preheat oven 350
Steam cauliflower until tender but not smushy
Combine cheeses in large bowl, Removed 1/4 cheese and set aside. Stir in chicken, green onions, bacon and garlic into the remaining cheese.
Stir cauliflower into cheese mixture and season with salt & pepper
Pour into a 9x13 glass baking dish. Top with additional cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and bake additional 5 minutes.

Morning all. Brrrr, chilly out there today. I layered up and bundled up!

Dee – Yes, we used the Nesco roaster on Christmas Eve for the prime rib. I was worried about using it for the very first time on a piece of expensive meat, but we were very happy with the way it turned out. We will likely use it for ribs the next time we use it. I haven’t used the potpourri warmer for melting candle wax yet. I just popped the frozen wax out of the jars yesterday after work. Actually, two of the leftover candles were soy candles and the wax didn’t get nearly as frozen hard as the other candle. I will test out the melting tonight.

Shad – Yum, you’ve got me jonesing for some cottage cheese now with your latest lunch photo. Once again, there’s one brand I prefer, and now they don’t sell it at one store that used to. Another store does sell it, so I’ll have to get over there to pick some up. I do enjoy it, but gosh does it have the sodium! But the salt plays off well against the sweetness of the fruits. Nice you caught good deals on the fruit! LOL that you said bf was out “raving”. Mostly he just likes to hang out with friends that he doesn’t get to see very often and drink beer. I don’t mind being home when he’s out – he likes to stay out late and I don’t. And when I think about it, it’s nice he was seeing friends at a party for a change. Lately it seems he’s been seeing friends at funerals... Re geckos - like so many other creatures, I do believe they can squeeze into the tiniest of places.


Ceejay – I’m sorry your gut is still feeling so bad. Definitely get to a doctor or ER! Bummer about leaving the keys at your uncle’s house. On Thanksgiving at his brother’s house, bf was checking something in his mom’s car that she was having trouble with. When he was done, he put the keys into the wrong coat pocket! Naturally the person who had the keys didn’t discover them until he was well out of the area and wouldn’t be back for a day or two. Thankfully his mom had the spare car keys right in her purse! Now I can’t recall how she got the other set back – if they were mailed to her, or what. I’ll have to ask bf. He sure felt annoyed at himself for that. Good job on the exercise Ceege!


Annie – Yum, leftover tacos. We had leftovers from our Christmas Eve dinner last night, though I had some ham from bf’s mom’s Christmas dinner instead of the beef – left that for bf. As for going out for tacos – we love tacos/Mexican food that much that we could have our homemade “American” tacos one day and go out for more authentic Mexican food the next. Awww, your neighbors had a Christmas baby. :bb: At the party on Saturday there was a discussion about celebrating Christmas/near Christmas birthdays on the half-birthday date (i.e., summer) so that it wouldn’t get overtaken by Christmas. And at that same party there was also a cauliflower/cheese casserole served. It was better than I thought it would be, but I still wished it had been potatoes instead, lol…maybe if it had the chicken and bacon in there like your recipe… I want to say Massaman is just another blend of the various spices that go into a curry – different blends from different regions of India. Shad, I’m sure you can be more specific. But now I want some curry! The Thai place we go to most often has a Panang curry dish we like. LOL, your little happiness is buying dvd’s. :lol: I like the new thread title you suggested!!

Michelle – You sure are keeping busy these days – do you ever wonder how you had time to work?! Guess you’ll be figuring that out next week! Hope the surgery followup goes well today!

Happy – I’m glad you’re happy with how long your washer has lasted, and it’s good you have that warranty. I assume the repair visits are being covered by it? Yuck re the mold! I’m glad we have our washer in the basement and can just leave the washer door open to dry it out after using it. We never had a problem with that. Well, we already have the meat grinder attachment, so I imagine we’ll give it a go, but thanks for the heads up about meat sticking in it. I’ll check out our library for the yoga and Pilates videos you mentioned. I’m not sure about the hot yoga – I sweat enough during my workouts! But I could definitely see the benefit to working out with warm muscles.

Hellos to Terra and Susie. :wave:
--
Nothing much to report. I didn’t do much of anything last night except watch the tube. Tonight I suppose we’ll figure out what we need to buy and need to do for our little gathering tomorrow night. Thankfully we already have quite a bit in the house and I told some guests we would probably order pizza. I really wouldn’t mind having a quiet night at home with just bf & doggy, but it’s not to be. It’ll be nice to just hang out and play games, and I also have a 4-day weekend after that to enjoy. :)

Morning all,
According to Wikipedia Massaman Curry is as follows:

Massaman or Matsaman curry) is a rich, relatively mild Thai curry that is an interpretation of a Persian dish.
Massaman or matsaman is not a native Thai word. It is generally thought to refer to the Muslims with earlier writers from the mid-19th century calling the dish "Mussulman curry"; Mussulman being an archaic form of the word Muslim.
According to Thai food expert David Thompson, as well as Thai journalist and scholar Santi Sawetwimon, the dish originated in 17th century Central Thailand at the cosmopolitan court of Ayutthaya, through the Persian merchant Sheik Ahmad Qomi from whom the Thai noble family of Bunnag descends. Other theories contend that massaman is a southern Thai dish, influenced by Malay and Indian cuisine, or that its name is derived from the Malay word masam, which means "sour".
Due to its Muslim roots and therefore Islamic dietary laws, this curry is most commonly made with beef, but there are also variations on this dish using duck, chicken, mutton, goat, or, less commonly so, pork. As pork is haram meat - forbidden food in Islam - this last variant is of course not eaten by observant Thai Muslims. Vegetarians and vegans have created their own versions of this dish.
The flavours of the massaman curry paste come from spices that are not frequently used in other Thai curries. Cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, star anise, cumin, bay leaves, nutmeg and mace would, in the 17th century, have been brought to Thailand from the Malay Archipelago and South Asia by foreigners, a trade originally dominated by Muslim traders from the Middle East, Indian subcontinent and from the archipelago itself, but increasingly threatened by the Portuguese, the Dutch and French East India Company. These are combined with local produce such as dried chili peppers, cilantro (coriander) seeds, lemongrass, galangal, white pepper, shrimp paste, shallots and garlic to make the massaman curry paste. This paste is first fried with coconut cream, and only then are meat, potatoes, onions, fish sauce or salt, tamarind paste, sugar, coconut milk and peanuts added.] Massaman is usually eaten with rice, in a meal together with other dishes. There are also traditional versions using oranges, orange juice, or pineapple juice as additional ingredients

I first had it in Townsville at a motel I stayed at. It was a dry curry and it was absolutely delicious. I've had it in other places as well and it varies from sort of dryish to swimming in sauce. I have made it from scratch but these days I prefer to buy the paste and add my own coconut milk and cream. I've also figured out that if you use fillet steak as one paste suggests, by the time the potato is cooked, the steak resembles old boots. So now if I make it, I slow cook it with a much cheaper cut of beef or as last night I used lamb which I fried off and then threw back in at the end of the sauce cooking. It's mostly quite mild and that's okay since I don't like a lot of chili.

I have a bunch of cherries to process today as well as some limes. So I can't stay here long and better get on with it before the heat gets here. I got up early this morning and pulled out the tryffid tomatoes and I have a stack of green ones and a few more ripe ones. I will dig over and fertilise the soil and cover it with mulch for much of January and then replant some

Annie - yum on the taco night and the enchilada. Congratulations to the neighbours.
I will see what I can do about the title. Sounds good although Joyously might be relative for a few days to get over the festivities for some.

Laura - Cottage cheese does seem to have a bit of salt, however I usually compensate for that by not using any salt on the tomato or avocado or whatever I am eating. I use a low fat, low salt brand which fortunately the supermarket still stocks (as opposed to replacing everything I like with it's own brand stuff, much of which is imported.
Lol on B/F seeing friends at funerals. My Dad used to say, after he turned 65, that he was becoming a professional mourner.

Okay, better go sort out these cherries before the heat gets into the kitchen. And it's time to finish cleaning the lounge and clean the microwave and start thinking about packing my bag for next Monday morning.

Annie
I'd appreciated you ending me the diet sheet. I'll p.m. you my new email address or you can snail mail it. I thought the doctor gave me one but can't find it.

Where is Susie and Terra?

Shad
Wish I liked cottage cheese but don't.

Dee
Thank you for adding me to your prayer list. I am feeling better but this problem still needs to be checked out for my peace of mind.

Laura
Are you doing any challenges during January? I'm thinking about more push up. These won't be on the floor though, just counter height.

------
I'm feeling a lot better today. I had another sick stomach Sunday night that came with a very bad pain in my gut. Don't mean to be gross here but I threw up blood and this is what scared me and why I'm going to the doctor. I've switched from Nexium 40mg to Zantac 150mg because of the higher dosage. My stomach is still very sore and burns when I eat something but nothing compared to last week since I've switched otc meds. The job I have doesn't let me take off unless I have someone to relieve me. They don't like it at all if I call in unexpectedly. Plus no one knows about this incident but me. My co-worker knows about the stomach pains.
Road the bike for only 8 minutes last night. That's all the stamina I had to give. Hopefully I will feel like more tonight.

Hello Everyone. I didn't realize I hadn't posted since Christmas (or maybe it was the day after).

We didn't get good news on our 2006 Sonata. It needs a "short block" replaced. They see minute flakes of metal shavings in the engine. They said that it wasn't that bad yet but it will just quit one day...might be 100 miles or 100,000 miles.

The short block and the work could run us $3,000 to maybe $9,000!! YIKES! So we are talking to the salesman that sold us that car and our current Sonata to find us a pre-owned and pre-certified with the balance of the factory warranty on a Elantra . Eithier way we need to make payments on a car or a loan for the engie replacement if it would be $9,000. I would rather make a payment on a newer car. We still owe 2years on our 2013 Sonata.

There goes my raise I got a the beginning of December. Oh well, He always provides.

I went to the Chirporactor today as I have been dealing with what feels like a pulled groin muscle that has been bothering me a lot and yesterday and today it caused pain going down my leg.

I got a lot of relief from the adjustment and I'm getting another one tomorrow and then on Saturday and he gave me stretches to do along with advice about not doing things that rotate my hips out. I don't remember doing anything to strain my groin and he said it's all due to my hips being out of alignment. I sort of thought so as I have had issues with that off and on for years.

Dee: It sounds like you had a nice Christmas. I smiled when I read that you played board games with the kids. I LOVE to play board games and play them often with my nieces and nephews.
The gifts that you and DH got one another sound very lovely.

Ceejay: Please, please go to the doctor ASAP! They are most likely send you for tests but that is ok. It is time to get you on the road to healing with these tummy issues.

Michelle: You are very, very busy and I'm sure that is making you tired. I thinkg that Annie gave you some very good advice about the B12 and things.

Annie: I am ready to get on it for that May KI trip....rollar coasters here we come! I like the name for the January page.

Laura: Are you loving your fitbit flex? Let me know your questions and I'll be happy to try and help you. You can link it to your MFP account; that is a pretty cool thing. Congrats for being down a few pounds!

Shad: I'm glad your cold is gone and you are eating so healthy. I thought I would let you know that I shared my sugar creame pie with guests and only had two pieces of it in a week. They were yummy! I appreciate you keeping me on track with that.

Happy: This cold you have is a tough one! Hopefully you will turn the corner soon. I have read that in the winter we should up our Vit D because we don't get enough of it and it helps ward off illness. Also, I have read that using a saline soultion spray in your nose during a cold is helpful so that things don't dry out and to also do that in the winter due to the dry air and being in places where everyone is all closed up. Doing that keep the mucos membranes moist and help to ward off viruses in the air from getting into our bodies.

I think the Airborne product is good. I hear a lot of good things abou it. I think it has a lot of Vit C in it because I used it one time and it flared up my IC in a big way. IC and Vit C don't mix so I have to be very careful with it.

I also got your FB pm with your address and I plat to get to the post office on Saturday to mail out the bag to you. I will let you know for sure when I send it so you will know it is on its way.

Hi Terra: I hope all is well with you.

Tomorrow is DH"s birthday. We and 10 of our friends will have dinner at The Montgomery Inn (famous for their ribs) and then everyone comes back to our house for birthday cake (I make him an angel food cake with white fluffy icing--it is his favorite), ring in the new year and then everyone is gone by 1:00 a.m.

I was planning on wearing this darling cable knit dress with my knee high boots but I can't the boots due to this issue with my leg and groin...so it will be black dress pants and one of my new sweaters for me.

Happy New Year everyone!

HAPPY 2015 to SHADDIE!! We are not quite there yet.

SUSIE....Happy birthday to DH!! Love Montgomery Inn. Indy used to have one but it closed long ago. Our groceries still sell their BBQ sauce and that makes me happy, it is by far my favorite BBQ sauce. YUMMY for the TUMMY!! I am sure you will look fabulous in anything you wear. Have a great time tonight and be safe. The car repairs sound too high to spend. I think I would also just get another vehicle. Good luck finding what you want.

CEEG...you almost sound like you have an bleeding ulcer. Girl go get checked out. You are making me worry too much about your health.

LAURA...you should of joined me for breakfast. I heated up a leftover soggy taco. It really wasn't too bad. Just made me want another one. lol. Hope your party tonight goes well. Sometimes hosting can be a bear.

We are off to Kentucky this afternoon to ring in the new year at my nephew's house. He is serving seafood and I can't wait. Shrimp, steamed crablegs just to name a few treats. I may make a crab dip to take with. We are staying at a hotel as there are too many guests staying at his house and I do not relish sleeping on the floor or in a chair.

Happy New Year and here is to a fabulous, happy, healthy, prosperous, blessed 2015!!!!!

Hugs and Loves

For Shad:

http://i1330.photobucket.com/albums/...ps41ea804a.jpg

Morning all. All’s quiet here.

Shad – Thanks for the info re Massaman curry. I always associate curries with India, and I never bothered to research them – even though I sometimes wondered why curries always appears on Thai restaurant menus, hahaha. Hope your 2015 is off to a good start with a good night’s sleep (as of the time I’m writing this, it’s almost 1:45 am by you)!

Annie – Much as I love big salty breakfasts, and much as I tacos and all that spicy stuff, it just doesn’t appeal to me to eat spicy foods in the morning. I’m glad you enjoyed your leftovers – most leftovers I bring home are consumed by my bf. Safe travels and enjoy that seafood feast tonight! It’ll be a nice little getaway for you and C. Is Sissy dogsitting Sassy for you?

Ceejay – Thanks for bringing up a challenge – that’ll be good to get me jumpstarted back to doing more exercise. A pushup challenge is a good idea. I'll probably go with the easy 30-day pushup challenge I did before - starts with 3 pushups and works up to 20 pushups by day 30. BF used the front bedroom (the spare/sewing room) as a staging area for all the tools/supplies needed for the half-bathroom redo and there wasn’t even any room for me to do my pushups. I seriously fell off with my daily set of pushups. Back to it! Scary about the latest gut problem – definitely best to get the doc to do some tests and figure out what’s going on in there. Was the Nexium an rx that your doc wanted you to take? Even though we know our own bodies better than the doctor, I always worry about veering off their instructions. Bf’s mom often plays around with her BP med dosages and I think she makes things worse at times.

Susie – Wow, I’m sorry to hear about that potentially whopping car repair bill! I too would prefer to put those dollars into a newer vehicle. I’m glad the chiropractor sessions are bringing you relief. I’ve been feeling like I need a good stretch out – I’m looking forward to getting back to some classes like Pilates or yoga. I keep acting like it’s a done deal, but I haven’t actually consulted the park district’s program catalog or registered for anything. I better get on that SOON! As for the fitbit – I haven’t done any more than open the box. I have a long weekend ahead of me and will get it all set up this weekend. Thanks for telling me I can link my fitbit up to MFP – one less thing to manually enter, I hope.

Hellos to the rest of the Worldlies!
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Nothing much to report on my end. It’s really chilly today, but I believe the forecast is for us to get back into the 30’s tomorrow, so that’s nice.

The train was rather empty today, and it’s quiet here in the office. I’ve got my fingers :crossed: that the powers that be let us go earlier than our already early 3:00 pm closing today.

That’s about it for me. Everyone have a great day!!

Ceejay - GET TO THE ER! Do not wait until Friday. Vomiting blood is nothing to fool around with! Don't make me get out the cattle prod.

Annie - Cauliflower chicken sounds delish! I could even eat that now!! I am looking for bariatric friendly recipes. I'd love some pulled pork, but I know that bbq sauce can have a lot of sugars. I'm just so tired of "cold" food...canned tuna and chicken for 4 weeks. I also want to try and find a really good Chicken Tortilla soup recipe so I can overload it with chicken to up the protein. And Chili is a good option too, as long as there is more meat than beans.

Sorry...I'm up to my eyeballs in cleaning/organizing for the New Year! I am also taking down the Christmas decorations even though I normally wait until after New Year's....I just have to get all this stuff in order. I'd like to have a clutter free home office before I head back to work.

D and I might go out for dinner and an early movie tonight...but since I'm not a night owl, I doubt I'll be awake at midnight, so we aren't going out to a party or any late night festivities. Tomorrow I'm going to the gym, then to see Bob, and then tomorrow evening, my yoga teacher is having a Celebrate 2015 with Yoga event which I'm going to.

My 6 week follow up went great! I've lost 25 pounds since surgery. The dietician wants me to incorporate more veggies (problem is after 2-3 oz of protein - which I'm supposed to have at every meal, I'm really full). She said I'll probably be able to eat a little more in the coming weeks. The surgeon wants me to stay very active and strive to lose 12 pounds a month for the next 3-4 months. My next follow-up is in 6 more weeks.

I wish all my wonderful Worldly friends a very safe and fun New Year's Eve...and a happy, healthy and blessed 2015! I'm so thankful for your love and support and encouragement! I love you all!

STOP
Don't post here anymore. Click http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/supp...ml#post5110101 to go to the new thread.

Happy New Year.:newyear: :newyear: :newyear: :newyear: