Afternoon all.

Dee – How nice to give the prom girls a nice fat discount on your services! Smart too – it comes back to you in further business down the road. == So you must be feeling pretty healthy if you’ve taken on that work?? I certainly hope so!

Happy – Sorry the allergies are giving you a hard time. I’m doing mostly alright on my Flonase, singulair and maintenance inhaler. A couple times in the past couple weeks I’ve taken a dose of generic Sudafed to dry up fluid in my ears. I’m sure if I spend any significant time outside, I’ll probably have to use some eyedrops, but not so far. Better life through medication! == It’s sad to hear about people divorcing, but it’s not surprising when you really think about it. In long-term relationships, the couples got together when they were really young. Have young people become “who they are” yet when they’re in HS and college? Many times, no. Over time they do find their way and become who they are. And this might be very different from who they were. And another thought - people change over the years. So here’s this couple that may no longer be compatible, and are never able to work it out, or for various reasons, don’t want to try. Deep thoughts, lol. == Have a lovely time with your mom!!

Susie – Good job not letting life get in the way of your exercise goals. == I’m glad you’ve distanced yourself from those people who treated you badly. Sometimes keeping a professional distance is for the best. == Yes, I’m sure I can ask for a look-see at the other fitness center. Maybe I’ll pop over there this weekend. That facility is actually closer to home, however, they don’t have the fitness classes there, so that’s why I’ve never been there. == I think it’s great that you will do a 5k that supports a cause for which you feel a strong connection!

Shad – Hello busy lady! == Yay that nothing negative came up in all those medical appointments!! == I hope it all works out for your neighbor with her move. == Yes, I need to fuel up the car and it won’t be pretty. Tomorrow morning I'll be right by our warehouse club’s gas pumps and will fill up then. The warning light’s been lit for several days now, but this week I’ve either ridden my bike or driven the car only a few blocks to the train station parking lot and back, so I wasn’t worried about it…and yes, our prez did something that is the cause for the rise in gas prices. But here in the US, we’re also at the time of year when they switch over to a different fuel blend for the warmer months and the switchover always causes a blip in the fuel prices. Or at least that’s their excuse… == Did you and R party on the verandah?

Annie – Enjoy the chair massage tonight! == How did Sassy do with the teeth cleaning and mani/pedi?? == The meetings this week actually do impact our entire department, so they were necessary. Soooo glad they are done now!!

Hi Ceejay!!

Everyone have a good weekend and a lovely Mother’s Day!

==

TGIF. Last meeting this morning was a good one. Yay, they are done.

Having breakfast tomorrow morning with former co-worker. He’s no longer working with the employer where we worked together, so I get to hear the scoop on his departure. What else? Gonna pot a houseplant or two for my mother – need to go home and dig up a couple pots which she will no doubt want to switch out with something else to suit her taste and decor. I’m pretty sure I have some basic clay pots in my stash that will do for the time being. That will be part of her Mother’s Day gift. The rest of it will likely be a gift card of some sort because she doesn’t need me giving her something she doesn’t need that will take up precious space or requires returning/exchanging. Oh, and maybe a loaf of the rye bread she likes from the bakery.

Okay, I’ll get this posted and get myself ready to leave the office for the weekend.

Hello Everyone.I hope everyone is enjoying their Mothers Day.

I like to wish all women a Happy Mother's day, even if they dont have children. Friend, sisters, Aunts all play a big part in other peoples kids lifes, so I honor the inate nurturing in us.

I was raised by a dad who was Mom and Dad to be and my brother. I beleive we are all called to be a help to each other...this world is challenging.

I am finishing switching closests over today. And doing laundry and a bit of house cleaning. DH is grocery shopping and will mow the lawn. I also need to get my workout in. I was up at TOPS and very unhappy about it. It comes down to that I just had too big of portions.

I will be back later today to post personals. I took a break as going through the bins of clothes wears me out...I can see that I shop to much!!

Good afternoon...boy today got away from me. Do this, don't do that, if you please...a song for HAPPY.

Wonderful weekend. Lunch at Outback with my son. Great gifts from my daughter and flowers from C. And cards from all, even the grands Sam finished planting my flowers. My son took care of the rest of the bathroom plumbing, hopefully that fixes it. Fingers crossed.

The chair massages are just what I needed. I am continuing them twice a week for the next few weeks then probably move to once a week. Things are limbering up more and more. Let's face it, it has been years of stress building up. lol.

Not doing personals this time, have to get back at it as I am leaving a bit early today. It is Jacob's end of year program at school. Oh boy!!

Love and hugs

Hellos to all of you. Don’t feel like I got much done today. Gonna try to post before I leave work for the day.

Susie – Hope you had a nice Sunday and Mother’s Day. Ugh, closets and house cleaning. I have a lot of clothes I should get rid of… == I’m sure this week at TOPS will be better for you. Knowing where you went wrong is half the battle.

Dee – Re the discount - I understood you applied the 50% to the girls' finished alterations. I was expressing that the discount was not only was a nice thing for you to do for them, but that it also creates goodwill that comes back in the form of future work and word of mouth referrals. == Glad the mini meals are working for you. == I’m glad you enjoyed your pickleball match.

Annie – Sounds like a nice weekend and Mother’s Day for you. Yay that the plumbing is done, and fingers it stays that way. == Awesome you’re getting more massages!!!

Hellos to the rest of you!

==
Nothing much to report. I had breakfast with my former co-worker. He’s no longer at the company we worked at together, got laid off. He’s using the outplacement services they offered, but even if he doesn’t get the type of position he had, he’ll be okay financially. He’s spoken to social security and the 401k company and he doesn’t need to work. He’s a bachelor who saved and lived frugally for most of his life, so he’ll be just fine. He does intend to get some sort of job because he needs to do something.

On Saturday after lunch, bf and I went to the other fitness center within our park district. It’s got a roller blading rink in it, some basketball courts and the fitness center. The fc seems fine, i.e., has a water rower. This facility is closer to home, and I think I’ll get signed up for a membership this week and get going on the rower.

I spent too much of the weekend sitting on my sofa watching tv, and my back was sore this morning from that. I finished the 3rd season of Outlander. I began watching another older tv series - ended in 2012.

I potted up a couple houseplants for my mom on Saturday and brought them over to her on Sunday. It turned out to be a decent day, and we went out on the walking path around the ponds in her community. Mom needs to frequently stop and sit at the benches that are placed along the path, but I think if she gets out more frequently she’ll work up to more walking and less resting.

Somehow our cell phone billing got back on paperless and now the most recent bill is overdue. And the amount is higher than it should be. All related to switching to the new phones – they charge an upgrade fee? Bleh, I’m disgusted with how much of a PITA it is dealing with this kind of stuff. BF will be getting this fixed.

Okay, gotta get out of here and get my train. TTFN.

Good morning! I am on the recumbent bike this morning to get my workout in because the two oldest nieces have choir recitals to tonight and I wont have time this evening to workout.

I had a very nice surpise on Mothers Day, the neices stopped over to hang out a bit and wish me a Happy Mother's day. The oldest brought them all over.

Annie: dont you just love in when at work they keep coming at you with their needs and you are in the middle of something ?! Lol

It sounds like you had a nice Mothers Day.

The chair massaged sound wonderful. Where are you getting them done at?

Laura: I am sure your mom enjoyed you spending time with her and the flowers you potted for her. So very kind and throughtful.

I hope the cell phone thing gets sorted easily. I hate dealing with cell phone changes.

I am looking forward to hearing about your towing when you get started.

Shad: you are very busy in your retirement. It iz good to remain active!

I am happy to hear all the test came back clear!!

Dee: I have never heard of pickle ball, so I am glad you explained it. It sounds like fun and you get to spend time with your friend.

I know that my weight comes off easier when I eat about 4 to 6 times as day of nurtious food and protein at small portions.

Hello to Happy and Ceejay!

Good Lord this day has gotten away from me again. Sheesh. Not much to report. Hope you all had a great day/night. Hugs

I'm hyping on the tablet so no personals today. I left my laptop at home.
My niece didn't work or go to classes yesterday. SIGH,could have stayed home. Next week I will, Getting tired of this.
Walked on the treadmill this morning at the recplex for 30 minutes. I'm like SUSIE I'm getting in my fitness.
Messed up my hair again so I went to smart style in Wal-Mart and had one of the beaticians fix my problem. It's short. But it will grow back out. When will I learn not to do that!!

Not much to report here. Hot, Humid weather. Not griping about it tho. Started off the day's travel to work seeing two dead geese on road, a dead black and white cat and a dead bunny. Made be think how precious life really is. Hope everyone is having a great day/night and healthy. Hugs.

Hi ladies,

Well that scratchy throat turned into a raging sinus infection. I spent most of my trip sick. My sister suggested several times to take me to "doc in a box" - urgent care and I said no... it's just allergies, sinus. I'll be ok. Well the over the counter Mucinex did nothing. Neither did some borrowed allergy pills from my nephew. I had a dry choking cough and was gobbling down throat lozenges which in turn upset my stomach. Was not a good trip although it was great to spend time with my sister. We took a 3pm siesta every day. I hope to get back again this summer for a longer period of time. I did meet one friend one night for dinner only because I misunderstood and thought she'd be heading out to retirement in Arizona shortly and I wouldn't get to see her again. We had a long talk. She is one of those wonderful people who always seems to have bad things happen to her. Over and over again. She said her husband is in alot of back pain and wants to get out of Chicago which is notoriously hard on aches and pains. But together they only have about $100,000 in retirement savings and I said that is no where near enough money to make such a big move across country to a place with very little opportunity for jobs (like here). She has a really good job right now and seniority and great benefits. She said yes, every ounce of reason is telling her to stay put, so far she is holding fast.

We picked up my Mom on Saturday. She is getting on my sister's last nerve. DH suggested Mom come up here for a while to give her a break but Mom said no way. I do understand that it's too hard and too far for her to travel but my Mom who is becoming over the top stubbornly opposed to ANY suggestion we give her insists if she gets sick up here that we have no medical facilities other than the local medicine man on the reservation. My sister is under tremendous stress, I feel badly for her.

DH managed to immerse himself in a bunch of activities so the house was not too ripped apart when I got home. Although I did order him 3 Hello Fresh Meals. I left him a note before hand AND when they got delivered on Tuesday I also told him go through the bags, remove the potatoes and tomatoes which should not be refrigerated and put the meat and the ingredient bags in the refrigerator in the basement which I had cleared out room in advance for. So I come home and there are 2 of the 3 bags sitting on the counter - he made one meal. I think he left the meat for a couple of days in the cold packs in the box and obviously left the rest of the stuff on the counter. So sour cream packets, fresh cilantro and parsley, fresh cheese and withered vegetables - all spoiled. I said WHYYYYYY didn't you put these away??? He said there wasn't enough room in the refrigerator. Well of course he filled the upstairs fridge with several gallons of lemonade and never went downstairs to look. What can I say?

It's supposed to be in the 80's today - unbearably hot for here. We are supposed to go to a cooking class at a pig farm tonight. I was really looking forward to it but I sound like I have the Bubonic Plague and my stomach is upset from all the meds. Hoping to shore up and make it tonight but not sure. I do have to find the energy to unpack and do my laundry. Was supposed to help out at the senior center today and had to cancel that, cancelled my dentist appointment for yesterday and I think I'm taking a pass on bingo tomorrow night also. I really should have gone to the doctor sooner. Live and learn.

Seems like things are steady with you folks.

Ceejay - ouch on the haircut. Seems really easy to just do a trim but I find it hard to do on my own head. Especially when you can't see the back to be accurate. Better to treat yourself to a beautician. Unfortunately it sounds as if your niece has grown tired of school. I hope you sister can light a fire under her to get back on track again. I would not be making it easy for her, especially if it means you have to be away from your own home.

Annie - I'm glad you are taking care of yourself with the massages. Like physical therapy but a whole lot cheaper. Good to hear that it's working for you to release those painful knots.

Laura - the new fitness center sounds like a nice one. I've never heard of a play that allowed for roller blading! I passed several fitness complexes by my sister's they are almost mini cities in an of themselves. Huge!

Susie - I totally agree that we are all called to help one another in life. In fact, that is my personal philosophy about the meaning of life - to help one another through it. Glad you are keeping up with the exercise. The friend I drove in with has organized a small group of ladies who do fitness walking in the pool at a local hotel twice a week. I am excited they invited me to join them and if we have a group (we pay $6 each time to use the pool so we are paying customers too) - if there is a group at a regular time they will allocate the pool to us so we can do our thing without randy little kids disrupting everything.

Dee - you must be feeling much better if you are playing pickleball - that's good news. It's a rather rigorous sport. My bingo partner has a outdoor driving range and a pickleball court. It's very popular up this way and he is an avid player himself. I agree with your doctor's suggestion of mini meals. I really do think that's a great way of eating for weight loss.

Shad - I'm not sure any of us PLANNED on being so busy in retirement, it just seemed to work that way on it's own. Glad you got the all clear on the medical front - will take much more to bring you down. Friday night veranda meals and chats with friends sounds like something I'd really look forward to.

We will have to decide if we are going to plan the commune visit earlier than oh say late August so I have time to figure things out. Earlier in September would be much better than October only because the winter chill comes fast up this way. I'm delighted we are getting warm weather now although I dare say if I go out back in the woods, I might find some shady patches that still have a touch of snow on them! I should walk the yard looking for morel mushrooms. Usually they come in April but with our delayed spring, I think they might be a bit behind as is everything else. Our landscaping is starting to bud and bloom - not half dead as we first suspected.

Best for me to get off this computer and get something accomplished. Later chicks.

OMG Annie - what an awful way to start the day

Afternoon all. What a nice day today. I went out at lunch and it was about 70 degrees and sunny. I didn’t want to return to work!

Susie – Good job fitting in your workout at an alternate time. == Nice that your nieces remembered you on Mother’s Day. I thought that might be the case….

Ceejay – Yay for the exercise!! == You’re brave to cut your own hair…If it turns out alright, you save money. If not, you get a pro to fix it. I get mine cut every 8 weeks, so it’s not a big deal. It’s the touch-ups every 4 weeks that add up financially. == Gosh, you’d think your niece would just want to get the classes over and done with. I think you need to make her give you her planned schedule for the week and if she makes changes for anything other than an emergency more than a set number of times, stop giving her your time as a driver.

Annie – Ugh, what’s with all the dead animals??!! Hope the rest of the day was better.

Happy – What a shame you were so sick while on your visit home. Bleh. Smart to opt out of your activities and stay home and get well. == I guess I sort of agree with your mom – it sounds like you have to travel a bit to get to a facility with more extensive medical care. Too bad for your sister, I think I might go a bit nuts if I had to spend major amounts of time with my mother. == Shaking my head re your dh leaving the HF ingredients on the counter instead of making room in the fridge or checking the one in the basement.

Gotta run, so I’ll get this posted.

Good Thursday to all...

The trip to work was less gross. Nothing dead on the street. Someone did remove the 2 huge geese on the road.

My friend here at work, her hubby was diagnosed with a very aggressive liver cancer that has mastazied (sp). His blood work yesterday was awful. Supposed to be at a 7. His cancer markers started out at 1800 and is now 3300. Chemo not working. They told him to get his affairs in order. I am so sad for her. Please say a prayer and send good thoughts for them. Karen and Gregg.

Went for my chair massage last night. Wonderful news the stress BALL is gone. Now just super tight in the neck area. She is working on that. My next appt is Friday. I am going on Weds and Fri. Would really like to go T, TH but she doesn't work on Ts. For 30 bucks a week plus tip is cheap considering I can move and not feel pain. Wish all body parts were this way. For you also HAPPY.

I fixed Keto fried chicken, mixed veggies and broccoli cheese rice. Didn't eat the rice. Dessert was fresh strawberries. I just love the keto fried chicken. Tonight of course will be chicken salad with the leftover fried chicken. Like who didn't see that coming.

Got on the scale at work this morning..clothes on of course. It was not pretty. I was 163.4 at home this morning, making the same 8 lbs I need to lose from the past too months of lazy KETO. But at work with my clothes on I was 166.66<----yikes, God intervention here please. Do not need the devil sign.

HAPPY...bummer you were sick while in CHI. That stinks. Now you are still trying to get over it. Glad you are taking time off of your duties to heal. You need to take care of you sister!. Men and groceries. Bleh. C does put things away sometimes but places frozen things in the fridge and they spoil there also. No one does it like momma does it. Sad to say the older momma gets the MORE stubborn she will get, beware! Get to feeling better, hugs to you.

LAURA...our weather is quite wonderful the past few days also. Not to hot and humid. 75 and cloudy then the sun pops out the last half of the day. Gotta love that. I went out at lunch also, walked to a meeting and back, almost lost my way to the office on the return. Glad you found a gym you might like and closer to home too!

CEEG...good for you sticking up for yourself about niece. She needs to get her hours in and get done. Um your hair, it will grow! Do NOT cut your own hair again. That is all!

SHADDIE...hope you are getting all things done you set out to do! Praying for your friends. Cheers to your Friday adventures.

SUSIE...good for you getting your exercise in before work. That has to be tough as I would rather just lay in bed longer. Oh, wait, I do. Exercise? What the heck is that? Good luck tonight at TOPS if you can make it. Glad your nieces recognized you for mother's day. That was very sweet of them. I am getting my chair massages done at the same place I get my hair done. Hotheads. She is licensed or certified or whatever it is. Different person than hair person.

DEE...we just did a commercial loan for a person opening up a pickleball place. I forget which state. So I am now educated as to what pickleball is. Good for you to be able to do that.

Bout it for me. Gotta get this day going. Healing hugs to all.

Last out first in...

Drama last night. The neighbor boy two doors down came blowing up my doorbell. When I went to the door he said call 911 my dad is hurting my mom. Indeed they were fighting. I called 911, got all 3 kids and dog out of that house (they were downstairs, fighting upstairs). He was drunk and probably had been smoking weed. Cops came, went in for a while, the dad had to leave for the night. He is accusing her of having an affair. I have no idea, don't want to know, not my drama. So that was the excitement for the night. Didn't get to bed til 10:30. Yeegads.

I did manage to fix a pizza for dinner and do a load of laundry and clean up the kitchen. A woman's work is NEVER done! Tonight is my chair massage at 5. So glad for that. Going to make the chicken salad tonight for dinner. Didn't feel like putting the effort into it last night. Man this life is flying by so fast. I cannot believe this month is half over already. Mom wasn't kidding when she used to say the older we get the faster time flies.

Hope everyone has a marvelous weekend. We have 2 ballgames tomorrow. I will miss my Sat meeting as the games are at the same time. Church on Sunday. That is about all for me. Hugs all.

Morning
I agree that the niece needs to get her priorities straight. She is on her own this weekend. She has become dependent on us. Her mom and me have the weekend off. Sis's hubby turned 65 yesterday and sis also had a doctor's appointment. She is working at home today to catch up on her charts.
Going to mow this afternoon and will use the rider in the back yard.

Happy
Sorry that you got sick on vacation but glad you got to spend time with family. Take care of yourself and feel better soon.

Annie
I promise that I will not cut my hair again. I feel like I've been scalped but that's my own fault. Got agitated with sis's comment about me having a psychological problem when I cut my hair. I told her politely "I've been trying to tell you that for 2 years. lol" Thank you for being a good neighbor and helping those kids.

Hellos to the rest.

On the phone since Microsoft has done an upgrade and now I can't open much on the computer so will have to sit with it tonight and try and put it back together. So no personals just now. Today is the ROAL WEDDING. You'd think the American press is organising this along with the two million Americans who apparently know her intimately.😂. At last you have a Princess 😌. It seems the British have been doing it all wrong these last two thousand years and they are about to be shown the error of their ways. I just ROFL listening to the ways Megan is going to modernise the monarchy.
Dog and I are out in the garden. I'm pruning and he is digging. It's a beautiful late Autumn day here. Warm, in the high 70s and the sky is a beautiful blue and there is a light wind blowing. Later I will go to the plant shop and get some more weed killer since the neighbours insist in letting their weeds invade the neighbourhood and I don't want them here so while they are not looking I will drop a bit over the fence and get them away from my yard.
Other than that there is little to report. The neighbours house sold for a little less than she put it on for and she has a long settlement date. The young couple over the road are cleaning out their garage and having a loud argument in Romanian and the lady over the other side is speaking to her sister in Czech. She really doesn't need a phone, I can hear it all and I am part deaf.
Okay, drink time over so it's time to go get on with the work.o