Over 50 and Getting Healthy #10
 

I thought I'd start this over here because, with the crash, we were back to our old haunt in Support rather than Support Groups, where they'd put us after they upgraded. I'm hoping everyone will find us! We'd just gotten Jacquie back when we crashed, and Kate came along after November, too.

Boy, I had 3FC withdrawal yesterday. I'm so glad they worked hard to get us back up and running. I remember I'd just posted with a story about my Dad so I will start there, I guess.

The other day, I went to give my Dad his mail and knocked on his door. After knocking several times, I opened the door and peeked in to see him sitting in his favorite chair in front of his desk, with his TV on. I called "Dad!" loudly a couple of times and still no answer. My heart just about stopped. I ran back into our section of the house and opened the bathroom door where my DH was sitting on the pot. I told him I needed him to come and help because I was scared to check on my Dad. My poor DH had to finish his business in a hurry! While he was zipping up, I thought, hey, this is my Dad, I need to be brave. So I went back and got really close to my Dad and yelled "Dad!" He starts, and says, "Huh?" I've never been so relieved! He swears he wasn't asleep and that I must not have knocked loud enough. Yeah, uh-huh, right! My grandmother had a stroke in the same chair--my Mom re-covered it, then I re-covered it last year and gave it to my Dad because it was his favorite chair and he'd sat in it so much he'd sprung the cushion. So, I have some strange memories of my sister and I finding my grandmother, and I had a major flashback when I saw my Dad sitting there. Pretty scary stuff.

Well, we had a "major snowstorm" that dumped 4" on us. Now, anywhere else I've lived in the past 15 years, that's just a sprinkling of snow. Here, it's a major event that the news stations covered all darn morning, causing me to miss my noon soap opera, "All My Children." I only watch that one show during the day, so I get grumpy when it's preempted by news about snow. I mean, you can only talk so much about snow, in my opinion, but they managed to stretch it out until 1:00 pm. Sheesh!

I hope everyone is doing well. Jacquie, how is your Mom? I really hope she's doing better. I'm sorry about your friend's sister. That's so darn young to go. And Charlotte, your SIL is so romantic, although that was rather a dangerous stunt! I do hope he gets home by Valentine's Day. It was pretty scary reading about what he's been going through. He's in my prayers as is Jacquie's mother.

Good to see you!
 

Hi.......WOW what a mess for 3fatchicks! I feel so bad for them. They worked so hard on the new site! We'll pray real hard for them......

Sheila...I know that was a scare for you with your dad. Did your DH get to back to the bathroom?:dizzy: Poor guy. I know you must have several scares with your dad...he's very fortunate to have you.
Thanks for the concerns for my SIL. He's sending emails almost daily...getting so anxious. I just hope he keeps focused on what he's suppose to be doing, & doesn't get careless. I worry a lot. They're so happy....she's already called ahead to Oklahoma & rented them a house. Of course, that's what she's suppose to do, if he is coming home. I just don't want them to get disappointed. He sent her a long email today of what he missed about the kids & her. The things that doesn't cost any money. How he had wasted time that was precious, & was planning the future. I'm going to be very nervous til he's home.

SunnyD...good to hear from you in pm, & here. It's been a long, long day. Finally got water thawed up. We extended "Tennessee Valley Now" to one hour....so I get home later. Also, I was working only 3 days a week. (most of the time) Now, I go in the other 2 days in time for that program. It IS better....just not for me.:o Glad holidays are over, so I'm not so tempted with the foods. You asked about my treatment in the pm....I'm doing ok, now. Only the very cold weather does affect RA a lot.

Well...need to do a few other things....hope everyone is back soon. Have a great evening.
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Okay, everyone, come out, come out wherever you are!!

We need a roll call!

Hey, it was my first day back at the gym today and it felt great. The snow is almost gone, and the temps have gone back up to a normal 40 degrees at 8:00 am.

Gotta go, but hope to see others posting soon!

ok.....I found Loodie...but, somebody HELP I can't find KATE!! http://www.emotipad.com/emoticons/Dunno.gifhttp://www.agifs.hpg.ig.com.br/criancas/menina7.gif

I've sent a private message to all I've named...is there any I've missed? http://www.emotipad.com/emoticons/Banghead.gif http://www.techhelpers.net/e4u/comp/comp03.gif

YAY, I found you!!! I couldn't sign on last night. Finally got that fixed, but by then it was late. What a shame for 3FC and so much work to get everything running again.

Angel: It's very cold here too. It's been windy and that cuts right through you. Single digits tomorrow and Saturday then into the 20's Sunday. That will feel like a heat wave. I will keep your SIL in my prayers. I know how hard it must be for your family to have him so far from home and doubly hard for him being separated from all of you.

Sheila: Your heart must have been pounding to find your dad like that. I'm glad that everything turned out all right. It does feel good to get back to exercising. How often do you go to the gym? I made it to Curves 3x this week:cb:

SunnyD: We live near Lake Ontario so I know all about lake effect snow too. Haven't had too much yet. Last year it just kept coming and coming! I could do without another winter like that.

Hi to Willow and Puss and everyone else:wave: Hope you'll be back soon.

Tomorrow is weigh-in day for me. I'm looking for it to be a good one because I've cut down drastically since my December feeding frenzy and have exercised regularly. Hope I won't be disappointed.

Take care all,
Kate

It's a good day
 

Hi everybody!
Geez! 3fc really took a tumble, huh? What a shame! I wonder what happened? They worked so hard just recently to change everything around too.

How has everyone been? I've been pretty good except for this blasted hip.

Charlotte, how did you get our info to send us PM's? hanks, by the way for sending that to me. I knew where you were, I've just been so busy I haven't posted. Anyway, I thought you had to find a post from a person in order to send them a private message. Or did you do a search on everyone?

I'm going to send you all a PM with my e-mail address in case this happens again so we can keep in touch.

I'm sure the rest of them will find us. It's the same as before, except they will have to log on again.

I think I told you about my friend and co-worker, Brenda, who suffered the heart attack last Thursday.

I've been working overtime this week, or rather I did Tuesday and Wednesday. I turned it down for today and tomorrow but agreed to work Saturday from 5 AM until 1 PM. I was soooo tired yesterday and I couldn't get warm! I sat down to answer messages and fell asleep sitting up!

I've been exercising every morning for 45 minutes.

Good Lord Sheila, what a scare you had with your Dad! I remember of that happening once before and you got a good scare. Poor hubby! He was probably glad he WAS sitting on the toilet! :lol:

Hi Sunny! Glad you're back here! Is the mister back to work now so you can spend some time with us? ;)

Hello Jacquie, Kate, Bonnie, Loodie, Puss, ... Hope I didn't forget anyone.

I had 1230 cals today.
Brkfst; = 1 c. mixed bran cereals, kashi cereal, cheerios and wheaties, (no milk) and 1 1/2 c. green grapes.
Snack; = 1 mozzarella stick.
Lunch; = peanut butter sand. of 2 sl. sprouted grains bread and 2 tbsp. natural peanut butter.
Supper; = 5 oz. skinless, boneless chicken breast cubed, made into stir fry with broccoli, onion, red sweet pepper, pea pods, green beans. 3/4 c. acorn squash with ICBINB spray & 2 sl. sprouted grains toast.
I started this a week ago today, and I weighed this morning and I was down 4 pounds. :cb:

When I got up this morning I almost fell because when I started to walk, my hip hurt so bad I couldn't step on that leg for a while. I tried to do my exercises and I couldn't even do those. So, I grabbed my 3-pound weights and leaned myself against the arm of the couch and stood on one leg most of the time and did upper body exercises with my weights. I kept stepping on that leg more and more as I got ready for work and was able to walk on it at work today but I'm really limping bad. I called my DR at Mayo Clinic, (or rather his secretary) and she's going to set up an appointment for me. I'm hoping that he will still give me that steroid injection into the hip joint. I'm scared to get it, but I'm desperate for some relief so I'll try anything.

Brenda's brother came to work today and said that they moved her to a local nursing home today and anyone who wants to see her is welcome to come, but to keep it positive for her daughters who are there.
He also said there are no brain waves, and we may see some movement and not to interpret this as a positive sign because it is only involuntary movements and sounds.
They have her off everything except a heart monitor and they're giving her morphine. He said it will probably be a couple of days yet.
I can't make myself go see her. I last saw her when we worked together one day and she left early that day, and I want to keep that memory of her as my last one.

I have a bunch of e-mails to answer and I want to get to bed early again tonight.
I even remembered to gas up my car (how about those prices!!??) and take out the trash. Wow! I'm cookin' tonight!
See ya all!

So good to see everyone!
 

Sorry, but this will be brief tonight. Hubby is home and he likes my attention.

*******

Yep... he's back to work WILLOW, so I will be able to post during the days again. Just won't be nights or weekends very much (when he's home). You see... http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/11/11_1_103.gif it's just the two of us and all we have is 'one another' (no children) & he works long hours and has meetings some evenings (meeting nights I can post or like now when he's taking a cat-nap), so when he is home we like being together. Right now he has dosed-off on the sofa and so I snuck in to check before I shut down for the evening ;)

WoW WILLOW,
down 4 lbs!!!! I am so very happy for you!!! As happy as if it were me! :bravo:

Oh... I sent you my e-mail address through the PM, but didn't get yours? http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/23/23_1_36.gif

Hi KATE, Good to see you! I wasn't able to get to know you before, just didn't have the time to post then, so glad for the oppertunity now :) I go to 'Curves' too! Love it there. Boy, am I feeling the pain from today's workout - I had not been in over 3 1/2 weeks! You are so good to keep going! :cp: My next weigh-in won't be till Feb. now *note the bottom of my post*

SHEILA, It was my first day back to exercise after the holiday's too... it did feel mighty good - didn't it! Good for us both!!! Good for us all getting back on track!

ANGEL, That is so cool that you PM'd everyone to bring them together again... it is so frightening to think we could lose touch with one another after becoming friends. You are just such a cool lady! So smart!

*******

Well, I hear my hubby stirring and my three boys (my kitties) are letting me know they are hungry & it's time to feed them all. I feed them their snack 'wet' food at night, so they let me sleep longer in the morning ;) --- it really works!

So happy to see everyone coming back!!! Hope that BLUET finds her way back, I am worried about her :o And PUSS, LOODIE & JACQUIE too!!!!! Where are you all?

Till tomorrow... Sleep well everyone!
Luv's,
:sunny: SunnyD

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KATEY DID!! KATEY DID!! KATEY DID FIND US!! http://www.whittibo.com/files/happy24.gif
Oops....sorry for the pun, Katey....just got excited!:o I hunted everywhere for you, so I could pm you! So glad you made it. I DON'T LIKE COLD WEATHER! Guess I don't have much choice right now, though.

Willow...glad to hear from you. Thanks for answering the pm. There's no address there, though. I did send you mine. I have mine all over the place,even on almost every page in my other website....so, I don't mind. I trust all of you, anyway. Everyone do be careful for awhile. I wasn't really surprised about the crash here. One of the pc's at the station crashed...my sister's crashed....I had a LOT of trouble with mine the other night. Gateway said they had been bombarded with calls. Someone is messing with emails. Not just a virus.....but, also, people wanting to do all kinds of things to pc's. http://www.stopstart.fsnet.co.uk/mica/MiscPC.gif
Sorry about your friend & co-worker. I know what you mean about wanting to remember her the way she left that day. If she knew you were there, it might be different. But, as it is, it would just bother you & not help her.
Good job on the weightloss!http://www.techhelpers.net/e4u/animal/1118.gif
Take care of that hip.

SunnyD...I understand about being with your DH. I would be with mine....but, he just watches those news networks all the time...they really get on my nerves. He won't talk...wants to hear every word they say.:^:
Thanks for the compliment....but, it wasn't a big deal. I just went to the old messages & at the bottom of their posts I clicked on the pm & sent them a message. Just couldn't find a post of Katey. Almost panicked! Gotta check in the morning to see if anyone from the other thread may be lost. I sent one to Fatpuss, Loodie, Bluet, & Jacquie....so, maybe we'll hear something from them soon.

Sheila...hope you're doing well. Gotta go...getting sleepy. http://www.chubbuddies.com/forum/uploads/624_kitty3.jpg

Hi Everyone,

Yes, I found my way.. Since 3fatchicks upgraded and now the crash it is more like trying to get into Fort Knox.

Sorry I have been so negligent, it hurts me that I am so over whelmed at work and have had a couple of viruses to go along with it and have not had the energy to post. I have been reading along though to keep up. It helps me to keep my sanity, other wise I would feel like I am floating alone with my troubles. You all keep me grounded

Thank you Charlotte, I will pm my email address to all of you so we never loose touch.

It is almost eleven pm and I am really tired and must go to bed. I have been going to bed at eight every night this week, but fell asleep in front of the TV tonight. We have one more Christmas visit to make with DH's family this weekend and then we should be done. I will have some time this weekend to post.

Take care :grouphug:

Bluet

Missing my chums
 

Having a problem getting a reply box up but hope this gets to our page to let you know I will have another go after work tonight.
Best wishes to everyone
Fatpuss xx

Yeaay! Got there!! Am I getting Old Timers or did we not have a dialogue box before the crash? Has everyone got to click 'Reply to this thread' in order to get a box up or is the box visible on the screen when you read the posts?
Angel - I emailed you before I managed this because I noticed the site hadn't updated my new email address from weeks ago, you are a good little shepherd! I am now late for work so must rush and will speak to you all tonight, good friends.

Fatpuss!! So glad you got back! I sent you my email address. Thanks for the pm. I don't remember what all we had before the crash. "sometimers":lol: I have hard enough time trying to keep up with the present.:^:

Well, girls.....almost crashed last night! I have Windows XP, so apparently it's not just Windows 98, as Gateway thought. I sent my daughter an email....almost didn't get it sent, as it kept stalling. Then, that message about the virus came up...like it did at the TV station! I wouldn't click it...then on top of it came SEVERAL pop ups! Wouldn't stop! They were things I had no idea of. Things about viruses. I was afraid to click to take them off, or to shut down my pc! It was late, but, I called my sister. She's my pc guru :lol: (even though hers crashed!) She said not to touch anything until I call MSN. I did....& they helped me get rid of all of them....but, then the internet went off & wouldn't come back on. They had me to turn it off & back on, & it came back. This morning I found they had upgraded my MSN (was supposed to wait for CD), & I haven't had any problems, so far. No pop ups at all. That was too close!:s:

Bluet glad to see you made your way! Sorry you're feeling so bad. There's been some kind of flu or virus going around here. I've been very fortunate. Of course, with all my meds, I guess all germs are frightened off!:lol:

Hello to SunnyD, Willow (got your pm, thanks), Sheila, Loodie, Katey, Jacquie......have a great day! http://www.agifs.hpg.ig.com.br/animais/leao2.gif

Hi there!
 

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Well Hello BLUET :wave: It's so good to hear from you today... I received your PM today - Thanks! I saw that allot of groups are exchanging their e-mails at the thought of never hearing from one another again if this site were to crash again. I think it's a great idea. Now I have your e-mail in my address-book and will send you mine on Monday when I next get the chance to post. I try to get in when Joe is busy (like now) or not home.

I am so sorry that you are feeling so down - I wish I could do something to pick you up and bring you Joy again. Although, I have found it a bit harder to stay positive in this very dark and cold temps here. It is so very cold! Seems to be that way everywhere. It makes me feel sleepy... I just could not stay up for my favorite shows last night, I was in bed and asleep by 10:00! Feel better Bluet :grouphug:

Evening ANGEL, I guess I am lucky when it comes to what Joe watches, he pretty much likes the shows I like. He is not a big TV person at all - I am more then he is. And since I got my new Radio/CD player for Christmas I listen to music more. It really perks me up. I have two favorite stations - one is Christiian and the other is Big Band & Swing music - just beautiful to listen to, sometimes they play some old jazz music too. I hear allot of Dean Martin, Fred Astair, RoseMary Clooney... you get the drift. It is so mellowing to listen to. I needed it today!!! I spent the whole day downloading UPGRADES from MICROSOFT and my new ANTIVIRUS for the year. It took all day!!! Whew! So glad to hear that all is working better with your cp again. I still have a huge upgrade to download (3 hours!) but am going to do that another time next week. I am done for now.

So good to hear from you PUSS! It is so concerning right now that people won't find us... so glad you did. Hope the others find their way too! I don't think I understand what you are asking as far as the forum goes. Sorry I cannot answer your questions... Hope to see you back again soon. I really do miss reading your posts - you always have such a neat way of telling your stories :)

*******

I got so much done today! I backed up all my files and folders so if something were to happen to my computer I will not have lost everything (I have so many pictures!). I had to pay bill's (yuck! :p ) and balance my checkbook for the last two statements! I didn't do last months, so I had double duty today. I wrote some e-mails to my family. Did the MICROSOFT UPGRADES & ANTIVIRUS UPDATE... And I made two appointments - one is for a mammogram on the 20th of Jan. and the other is an appointment for my Left eye to be checked again on the 19th of Jan. I am okay with that eye... no pain or anything, just pray it stays healthy and I don't lose it to cancer. And they are rechecking my new glasses - I don't think the right eye is right. So that's what I did today :^:

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Well ladies, I must be joining my hubby for the evening & relaxing... You all take care of yourselves now and I will try to get in a post over the weekend, if not I will be here on Monday. Have a wonderful weekend with your famililes.
Luv's,
:sunny: SunnyD

Picture for you...
 

More...
 

One More...
 

Wow, you've been busy!
 

Hi everybody!
Today was ok except for about 1 1/2 hours after lunch when the time just dragged.

I stopped and got my new license tabs and put them on, then stopped at the grocery store and picked up some salad fixin's and some veggie burgers.

I have to work tomorrow from 5 AM to 1 PM which means getting up at 3:30 AM, but, next week I'll be glad I did.

I finally discovered something I really like for a meal, and I think I'm going to start taking it to work because it's so simple. Dry mixed cereals and fruit. I mix several kinds of bran cereals, Kashi good friends cereal, cheerios, wheaties, and have a cup of that for breakfast with some kind of fruit, Today it was green grapes, and green tea. Really easy to carry.

So far today I had 970 cals. I might have an apple yet.

Charlotte, sorry to hear you've been having problems with your pc. I know there are people who do mean things on the 'net, but I'll never understand why. What good do they get out of it?
I wouldn't know how to do such things. I can barely do the ordinary stuff.

Hi Bonnie! So glad you made it back here! Don't worry about it if you can't always post a lot. Just so we know you're alright. We'll be here waiting for you! :D
I don't know what your private troubles are, but, if you don't feel comfortable talking about it here, you can always e-mail me. I'm here to be a friend and to help if I can.

Puss, as far as I know, we've always had a box to type our message in. I'm not sure I understand what you were saying. You haven't been imbibing any of that wine, have you? :lol:
Anyway, I'm glad you made it back here. Did I send you my e-mail in a PM? I have forgotten already! :shrug:

Sunny, I LOVE that radio and clock! That room is going to be sooo cool!
I also think you're a very pretty lady. Love that pic of you holding the card. You have those enviable high cheek bones.

Well, 3:30 AM will come mighty fast so I better get to bed. See you all tomorrow. Have a wonderful evening!
Let me know if I didn't send my e-mail address to you.

Hey! The 'Reply' box is back at the end of the page!! It's the grey area to the right of 'Quick Reply' and 'Your Reply'. It was missing yesterday and I had to do the little icon on the same line as 'All times are GMT' etc. Anyway, enough of this, I am begining to bore myself, never mind you girls. One thing though, when I did manage to get back in, they had my old details for email address on here even though I updated my new one weeks ago so I didn't get any emails from Angel or Willow. Probably saved me from hackers though. My new one should be there now.
Sheila - I love you having that baby GD as your icon. I could just kiss her to bits (though I know it would not be good for her, bless her). She is such a beautiful little doll. You had an awful scare with your dad, we would all be very sad if anything happened to him, I fell we know him and his little antics well now so I think he should be a proxy member of this site.
Willow - so sorry to hear about your friend at work. I can understand you wanting to remember her as she was. Well done on the 4lb loss - fantastic. I hope you get some good treatment for that hip, it must drag you down somewhat because there's no way of avoiding using it say like a sore elbow.
SunnyD - you little style-setter you. Your radio/CD is lovely, and your clock. I hope your eye examinations go ok, you have certainly had it so rough health-wise. Your DH reminds me of my late FIL who always watched the news on TV but fell asleep within 5 minutes of watching it. DH and I would change channels after a while and he would wake up immediately and say he was watching the news. It was bunkhum cos he wouldn't have been able to hear it through his great big snoring session!!
Angel - I must have missed some posts. Is your SIL coming home from Iraq? Your DD must be thrilled. Thank you so much for gathering all us sheep back to the fold after the crash.
Bluet - I know how you are feeling right now. I have been so desperatly tired all week going back to work. Take it easy and post when you can. I know you like English bodice-rippers and I have discovered a new author who writes about a fictional Victorian detective in London. She injects the story with social manners of the time, politics and living conditions (Oliver Twist days) and is easy to read and un-demanding after a day's graft. Her name is Anne Perry and her books include The Whitechapel Conspiracy, Southampton Row etc etc. You may enjoy one I browsed at a bookshop last week about a young man being sued for breach of promise (still law in the 1960s) who would not give a reason for reneging on a promise to marry a London heiress.
Kate - Wow, at Curves 3 times this week! Well done. I have done nothing this week. I didn't go to aerobics on Wednesday as I was so shattered and went to bed early. How did the weigh in go?
Jacqui - Hope you are ok and can post when you are able.
I had a late night call from my best friend up North asking if DH and I fancy flying over to their place in Marbella, Spain next week. They have a holiday apartment set among the playground of the rich and famous (that's definately not me!) and I would love to just get away right now but both of us are snoozed under with work so it's not possible. It's a shame because her DH suffers with health problems and depression and he needs cheering up.
For some reason he finds me funny (I am begining to think that my mother's madness may have evolved in me in a different form!!!) and my friend said he needs cheering up. Weather is lovely and warm in that part of Spain right now too so it is a shame. It was a huge shock to the system for DH and I going back to work after a long break but now that all borders have abandoned ship and it's just us two, we plan to hibernate for the weekend and read and have siestas. Bliss!
Take care everyone, xx
PS - still no weight loss but will go back to swimming and exercise next week, like Scarlett O'Hara I will think about that tomorrow.

and they wanted us to go

Hi everyone...still having problems.:s: Not going to stay here long. Gotta work on pc.

SunnyD...you look beautiful in glasses! They're a lot like mine. I love the smaller frames we have now. That clock & radio is great! I can just hear the music, almost. Only, I'd be tuned to the classics of the 60's....like "Roses are Red" by Bobby Vinton.:lol: Your kitchen will be a showplace. Mine is suppose to be apples...if I ever have one.:^: I have all kinds of things bought for it. I wish I lived close to you. There's a store here that's real reasonable on prices that carry mostly the antique-looking things you are needing. You'd love it! It's called Roden's.

Fatpuss...yes, as far as we know, my SIL is due back around Valentine's Day (middle of Feb) He has to be careful what he says in emails....but, in decoding :lol: ...his name was on a list of ten people who are over units to come back at that time. He went ahead of his unit to Iraq to prepare for their return...so, he would return ahead of them, also. It will be a year in March..so this does make sense. He reminded Gina of how he had surprised her in the middle of the night of Valentine's Day (Feb 14) after being gone for 1yr to Korea! So, she got the hint....& has a house already rented at Fort Sill, OK for them. She will be leaving in about two weeks. I dread her & grands going...but, had rather them all be together, than for my happiness. He gets out of the army in 7-8 months, so they'll be coming back "home" then. He's been in the army for about 10 yrs....was going to retire as his dad did, but, this is too much...being away from his family & not helping raise their children...so, he's getting out.
It is still scarey, though. That helicopter that was shot down with 9 people in it this week, was his unit, & some of his men! He's still in such danger! I worry about all the military. Every morning when I turn on my pc & read how many soldiers have died while I was sleeping make me cry.
We think his dad is returning also. We heard his orders had been cancelled. I hope so. He's not in the best of physical condition.

Willow...so glad you made it through your first day. Did you get your steroid shot yet? I can't imagine getting up so early to go to work. I do get up that early sometimes, when I can't sleep. I get on the pc, though...don't have to go to work.

Hello to Sheila, Loodie, Katey...anyone I miss...I'm just in a hurry.

Gonna go work on pc, & I too, have to pay bills, etc, SunnyD! http://www.bigfatbaby.com/newfun2/joke/baby6.gif

It's been another very chilly day here. I've been content to stay inside and get some housework done after I ventured out this morning to Curves. It was tooooo cold....I hate to hear the snow crunch.

Angel: Thank you so much for trying to find me after 3FC was up and running again. I'm so glad that I found this thread. You're all wonderful, very welcoming and I'm enjoying getting to know all of you. Hope your computer problems are fixed. I hate it when something goes wrong because I don't understand any of the technical stuff:?: I can imagine how stressful it must be waiting for your SIL to get home. Prayers are surrounding him.

Puss: I'm sure that you could cheer anyone up....your posts always make me smile! I lost 4# which makes me so happy, but I'm finding it harder to stay on track now that I'm back to work--not during the day, but evenings. Last night was our out-to- dinner and grocery shopping night. I ordered chicken and brought half of it home. However, I ordered a cup of New England clam chowder to go along with the dinner so I should have been full:o Hope you're have a relaxing weekend. I love it when I can curl up with a book and read all day!

Willow: How was work? I bet you're really tired tonight. I like cereal in the morning too. Right now I'm into "real" oatmeal with some sunflower seeds and a wee bit of brown sugar:T Got your email address--thanks! I'm so sorry about your friend Brenda.
Have you heard anymore? How's the hip?

Sunny: Your picture is great! Did your uncle do the drawing on the front of the card? It's very good. I love all the pictures you insert in your posts...so cute. You have a great idea for your kitchen. Like your clock and radio. We remodeled ours a few years ago and I went with a flower theme since I love to garden.

Bluet: The holidays are such an awful time to be sick because there's so much to do. There was a lot of flu and sickness around before the holidays this year. I read in our local paper the other day that they think it might have peaked already. Hope that you're able to get lots of rest this weekend.

Hi Sheila:wave: Hope you're having a good weekend!

There's nothing on tv tonight so guess I'll read a couple magazines that I haven't gotten to.

Take care all,
Kate

Hello!
 

I worked by myself today and the day went by pretty well actually. Usually overtime does go by fast for me.

on breaks I made out my menus for next week and a list of "to do's" for when I got off work. I got most of them done too.
I stopped at a couple of stores, including the health food store. I'm going to go broke in that place. Their smoked chicken is soooo expensive, but it is also so very good!

I had split pea with turkey ham soup for supper and it really hit the spot.

Puss, glad to see you made it back. I'm sure the rest of them will get back eventually too.

You passed up a chance to go to Spain?!?!?
You must be a ritzy-type person with all the traveling and rich sounding people you hang out with. :D
For some reason though, every time I start to picture you as a ritzy lady, I immediately have a mental image of you waiting at the airport for Sheila, sitting on your hubby's shoulders waving your feet in the air. :spin:
How is your Mother doing since she went home after the holidays? I bet it seems quiet at your house now, doesn't it?

Charlotte, I pray that your son-in-law makes it home safely. I know you have got to be under a lot of tension while he's over there.

No, I haven't seen the Dr yet about my hip. I'm waiting for his secretary to call me back. I thought she would have called yesterday but she didn't. I had a call on my cell phone on Thursday and I'm assuming it was from Mayo because the number was from that town, but they didn't leave any message.
I'm doubling my celebrex now to see if that helps.
Another woman I work with had arthroscopic knee surgery recently and she is as heavy as I, and she told me today that her Dr told her that Glucosamine Chondroitin is effective, but you have to take a larger dose than is recommended on the bottle if you're obese or overweight. He told her to take 2500 mg a day. She said she did and had relief within 2 weeks. So, maybe I'll go back to that. I had taken it for a couple of months and didn't notice any difference so I quit taking it and threw it away.

I will be glad when I can go to my pc any time I want to without worrying about getting up for work the next day.

Question; And don't laugh either! Have any of you ever experienced a sensation of something crawling in your abdomen? Alright, cut it out!
I know it is NOT gas. It is a slithery fluttery feeling and every once in a while it feels like a jerk, like something is tugging on it from within. I swear, it's true! You can actually see it moving!
I thought it might be spasms of the diaphragm or esophagus because I have GERD with that hiatal hernia. Anyway, it doesn't hurt at all. Just gives me the heebie jeebies.
All I've got to say is it sucks to get old! You have to be really brave to do it.

Kate, it was pretty nice here today. Not too awfully cold and the sun out a few times, but tonight sitting here I can't stay warm. Must be some air getting in around a window or something. This house I live in is eight days older than dirt so I'm sure I'm being fuelish as all get out.

I love the sound of snow crunching. :D I think snow makes everything look clean.

Yup! That's the kind of oatmeal I have too. The old fashioned kind that you have to cook longer and it keeps it's shape. Mmmmm!

Yes, I've heard more about Brenda, and the more I hear, the more I think they're doing this too quickly.
Yesterday after work seven of the women from work went to see her. She is a big Bono fan and a totally dedicated Vikings fan, so they were talking about things such as that and they said she reacted to them with a wide-eyed smile and raised herself up in the bed. They said she looked at each of the seven of them by making eye contact and holding it for a while. All around her bed, from one to the next. When the nurse administered medicine, she made a face like it didn't taste good. And when they were getting ready to go, her closest friend Kay kissed her and said I love you and they said she started crying really loud for about 3 minutes.
I don't know how someone can do all those things and not have any brain waves. I think I'd wait a while yet to see if there is some improvement. But, it's her families choice. I bet it's going to be more than a couple of days though.

I do need to get ready for bed. I am tired. More tomorrow while I'm doing laundry.

Hi, everyone!

Bluet, glad that you made it back, but sorry that you're ill. I hope you feel better soon.

SunnyD, I love the glasses! And that new radio is wonderful--the color is great. So are you going to put in a dinette set with those silver chairs and stuff? Like the old '50s diners? I've seen a couple of kitchens like that and they are really cool. Hey, I should have saved the old formica floor from my house--it was quite popular in 1957 when this house was built.

Willow, I shudder to think how early you have to get up to be at work at 5:00 am. I couldn't do it. I can count the times I've been up really early like that on one hand, well, maybe two hands. Oh, I got your PM, but the e-mail address wasn't in it.

Puss, that's such a bummer that you can't go to Spain. It sounds like a wonderful place to vacation. I hope you're enjoying your hibernation weekend with DH.

Last night I went to meet four women I went to high school with. One of the women is the receptionist at the salon I go to, and the other three I haven't seen in 30+ years. I was kind of nervous about going, but I rested, took 1/2 of some medication (followed by wine--really mellowed the old muscles out!), and put a Therma-Care wrap around my neck and wore a turtleneck under my red sweater. I recognized everyone right off--isn't that funny! Everyone looked 18, with just a few wrinkles and two of us had grey hair. If you ignored all that, we could have been in high school again. :) We made about as much noise as a gaggle of high school girls! I had such a good time, and we're planning on getting together again in the spring, inviting mothers (I'll have to share--I'm the only one who no longer has a mother) and some other girls we knew in school.

I was thinking I'd be a couple of hours at the most, but we ended up spending more than three hours at the restaurant. I'm proud to say that I didn't go hog wild with dinner--had 1/2 piece of thin-sliced garlic bread, didn't finish my ravioli, and tried to scrape the dressing off my salad (should have ordered it on the side, but I forgot), and drank only one glass of wine. Somehow the carafe that three of us were sharing was emptied, but, hey, it wasn't me!

I was in quite a bit of pain when I got home, but a massage by DH, more medication, and a good night's sleep helped. I'd started taking this new medication at night earlier this week. It's supposed to have a sedating effect, which isn't what I'm really looking for, but I thought I'd try it. Every night I've taken it, I've had incredibly wild dream and haven't felt rested at all so I didn't take it last night, just my usual medication, and I had a great night's sleep. That tell's me something!

Today we took the dogs for a walk. My 17 year old dog just isn't walking the way she used to, except when we see a squirrel. So we're getting a pet squirrel and teaching it to walk on a leash. We figure we'll put it on a leash longer than the dogs' leashes so it will walk ahead of them, and the dogs will walk fast to try and keep up. Doesn't that sound like a good plan? :lol:

Charlotte, hope you get your darn computer back up to snuff!

Oh, dear, more weight again today. DH got some Kentucky Fried Chicken n chips last night and although I don't really like it, well, you know what I am saying. Kate, I agree that food-wise we do better at work and the danger zone is when we come home and relax in the evenings. Even if I eat a meal already prepared, it must be that I feel I deserve a reward because I will have some cake or chocolate later on when I know I can't be hungry. My sub-conscious must convince me that I have survived the gauntlet of the corporate world or something and I must be rewarded. Speaking of KFC, we saw a TV programme last week about America's fattest people who are to be found in Houston, Texas. It was really good and one section compared the size of a fast food meal 10 or more years ago from the same company with the size of the one they serve today. It was twice the size! I know that no-one forces people to eat those quantities but the companies do have a lot to answer for. I know my uncle in Florida (ex New York) said that eating out is cheap in the USA but I never knew how cheap. One lady on the show ordered pizza delivery for delivery to her home and it was half the price of over here. Her young son of 8 was very obese too, poor lamb, but I couldn't help think that in Texas surely the steaks are relatively cheap and she could do him steak and salads. I know my lad would have loved that. One poor lady was over 42 stone and had had a stomach bypass reversed after having problems. It was an interesting programme because they say over here that what America does today, we do tomorrow and I can see it in the fast food outlets (though we don't see a fraction of the companies you have over there).
It is a fact though, that everyone I know who has been to the States on holiday, the first thing they say is how big the food and drink portions are compared to ours. Another interesting point made was that for everyday, Americans eat out and for special occasions they will cook at home. In the UK it is the opposite way. I don't know how true that is of the USA as a whole because it's such a massive place and I can't see little out-the-way places being so different to us.
Angel - brilliant news for DD and SIL! How clever are they talking in code! My friend's DH fled Iraq more than 30 years ago after persecution and is pining to return to see his aged sisters but is still too frightened yet, such was the terror under Saddam.
Kate - I love the US way of taking home from a restaurant food you don't finish. We never do that here and I am wondering if it is a portion issue again. Also, if DD and I ever leave anything on our plates at a resaurant, DS and DH fight it out over who is going to eat it!!
Willow - you have got to be kidding me, a ritzy-type person, me?? I am your hokey fenokee (?) swamp thing who has never managed (or tried) to lose her provincial Northern accent in 30 years of living all over the place. I am that girl who prefers a working man's cafe to the latest over-priced, place-to-be-seen wine bar or cafe, and at 5' 1" you can't get more down-to-earth ha ha. You could dress me in Chanel and I would still look like a rag bag. I have had that crawling and grabbing sensation in my lower abdomen years ago and thought it was a small hernia. I was really painful for a minute or so until I felt it return to where I think it came from. It usually happened when I was trying to squeeze a zip up on my jeans. I hope your pain is not too bad right now. Quicker you get to the Mayo the better, eh?
Sheila - sounds like a great get-together with your high school chums. I went to a huge renunion some years ago and it was interesting to see the snotty-nosed admirer I had who no one fancied had turned into a Tom Sellick at his best lookalike! The school heart throb who was tall, thin and had long, sunny-blonde hair had gone bald and must have weighed 20+ stone. Oh, life is cruel. I loved the pet squirrel idea, you can take some of ours back when you come to the UK. Since my lovely Alfie died, they raid my garden in pairs. I am sorry you have had a lot of pain, curious that the meds made you dream like that. Every night I have either nightmares or dreams where I am on a quest and so detailed I recall it all the next day. No wonder I am always tired, I am saving the world all night.
Best wishes to SunnyD and to Bluet, Jacqui and Loddie wherever you are.
Special kiss to Sheila's darling x

Good Sunday morning to my friends. I worked on pc all evening Saturday....so, with all the downloads...I'm going to try again. My pc is faster...I sure like that. It had gotten really draggy. The best thing I downloaded is "Window Washer". It cleans out all your files & you can set it to clean automatically. Cost is $30.00 yr. I highly recomment it. That's when my pc started running faster. I thought when I deleted my files, they were gone for go....not so...it showed me they were still there! Just hiding for hackers to go in & see where all I go. I also unplug my phone line to the pc (I have a separate line) when it's off. This keeps anyone from going in through my connection & downloading things I don't want. Yes, that was being done to me....I still suspicion the same person as before. Just can't prove it. I hope she didn't crash my sister's pc. If so, I hope I don't find out.:s: I'd hate to turn her in to authorities.......but, I would. Her dear mother was such a good person & loved me sooo much....& passed on last year......& I miss her soooo much. Too bad her daughter didn't take her traits.:(

Get back to the good life here:
Fatpuss.....Yes, we do have large portions here in restaurants. More than I can eat. Since I've been taking the chemo (I call it my Thurs. night "junk") , I can only eat a little at a time. So, every Sunday, when we go to our favorite restaurant...I get the buffet salad (love it!) I eat half of it....& take the rest home. That's my supper! I usually have DH cut me off a bit of his (very large) steak...& I'm full. I get amazed at him eating.:lol: He gets the salad (all you can eat buffet)...A large steak, baked potato, 2 toasts, & tea! Eats every bite! Never is more than 10-15 lbs overweight. He loses any extra weight on the larger jobs he works on.:D
Not everyone eats out most days & cooks on holidays....but, it is true of a lot of people. Most DH & DW work, so it's easier to just pick up fast food or go out than to cook. We go out most of the time on Friday nights...then on Sunday after church with pastor & wife. Some nights, when I'm really tired...I'll pick up fast food. Wow! You're right....& it tells on tv a lot of times about the way the U.S. is overweight.
I wouldn't think it would be safe, yet, for friend's DH to go to Iraq yet. There is so much killing over there between each other! There's some that are fighting the change taking place.......ungrateful for the soldiers being there to help......& Al Quada still trying to stop it.

Sheila...sounds like such fun you had with your school buddies! I got irritated at a table full of ladies cutting up at a restaurant the other day. I'll try to remember next time what fun they must be having!;) You made me stop & think. Thank you.:) I'm glad you enjoyed it. I still think of myself as that age, & when I see a school friend (which is rare) in town...it's as if we're in school! Time certainly gets away.:dizzy:

Willow...I've heard that Glucosamine is really good. Maybe you didn't take enough of it...or long enough.
I take it that the "movement" in your stomach is the upper portion, since you thought of the hiatal hernia. I had a hiatal hernia about 10 yrs ago that inlarged & was pressing on my heart. They had to go in & "repair" it. Rough surgery. Cut through stomach & chest wall...like heart surgery. Now, they can do it by lapryscope. But, before it got so large...I was having that feeling of fluttering & crawling. Dr said it was the hiatal hernia slipping up & down (kind of) as it was growing. Sometimes it would cause me to cough or choke. Once at park with DH, it choked me until I threw up. Very embarrassing!:o Since the surgery, though, I haven't had any more problems with it. Believe me....I'm not laughing at you..........although, I WAS tempted to tease you.......just a little.........ok........:p I won't.;) Just be sure to tell your dr. Wouldn't hurt to check it out.
That was really something about your friend. Sounds like she does know what's going on...at least sometimes. Or, could be, she was given that opportunity to say "goodbye". I've heard of it before. I'm sorry for your sadness. Praying for you.

Katey...thanks for the prayers. Please keep them up. I get more stressed as time gets closer. This same daughter lost a boyfriend a few years ago in a car accident. He was on his way to pick her up for a date & hit "head on" with a truck going around a curve. They both were driving too fast (Scottie always did.) She has never fully recovered. Still goes to his grave. So...we are very protective of her. I believe this is one reason Chris is planning on getting out of the army when his time is up. He has about 7-8 mos left. Been in service for about 10 yrs.
I kept a small gold trunk of their "things" for her all these yrs. It was in the storage unit where our belongings were all stolen. She asked her twin, Trina if the trunk was there.....Trina told her she didn't think so....that it was probably in the shed here at the house. She's never asked me. Trina lied to her. She feels like we shouldn't tell her until Chris is home safe. I have mixed feelings. I don't want to keep it from her...but, know how it's going to effect her. I sure do dread telling her. I also feel guilty......told her it would always be safe.

Well, ladies...I've got to get ready for church. Have a great Sunday. http://www.sacredpages.com/Atyourside/girlkitten.gif

Hi, ladies!

What great photos, Charlotte! Looks like you had a great time. Your DH doesn't look too thrilled, but maybe he doesn't like his photo taken. He's a good lookin' guy, though, out with his beautiful wife, so he should be smiling! :) I like the one of you at your desk, too. That's so sad about your daughter's boyfriend, and such a shame about the trunk. I'm sure she'll understand that it was out of your control--please don't feel guilty. Be mad, be very mad at the person who did it.

Fatpuss, that's so funny about the people at the reunion. I went to a 10 year picnic, and haven't gone back to any reunions since. I do remember seeing a kid who was not all that great looking in H.S. who was absolutely gorgeous later in life. As I was telling my friends the other night, though, the H.S. football quarterback and basketball star lived where I used to live. I saw him once, and, dang, he still had all his hair and was tall and athletic-looking with a gorgeous wife. It wasn't fair! I saw an article in the news about portion sizes here, too. I know that portion control is a big reason for my weight gain. We're just too used to supersizing everything. I'm interested in seeing what Dr. Phil does with his Teen Weight Loss Challenge, and I heard he was really putting money into reversing childhood obesity. Lots of kids are getting adult problems like Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure that are directly caused by being obese.

Got "needled" today by the acupuncturist. Definite reduction in pain afterward, and this time she didn't hurt me too bad--no burning (did I mention that?) or making me scream because she was "stimulating" the needle. I really need to go lie down with a hot pack, though, to get the maximum benefits. Instead I'm here--oops!

My daughter comes home from Chicago tomorrow. She called in tears because she's leaving her boyfriend and doesn't know when she'll see him again, if ever (he's got 3 more months of training, then he gets his assignment). She really wants to come home right now, but then again she doesn't.

We had a kind of watery sunshine yesterday so we took the dogs for a walk along the beach. They enjoyed rousting the seagulls, and were quite intrigued with seagull poop. Today it started out pretty sunny, but it's clouding up nicely. I'm just thankful it's not snowing and it's not 18 degrees!

The doorbell just rang. I went to the door and there was my Dad standing there. He'd forgotten his keys, so he'd locked himself out and couldn't even get in his car because he'd forgotten his car keys, too. Poor guy! Makes me doubly glad it's not really cold outside. At least we were home this time. The last time he did this, it was in the 30s, and we were gone for about 1.5 hours so he sat on a bench by the front door until we got home.

Hope everyone is having a great day.

Good evening,
Is anyone else having trouble with the forum again? It's not remembering me so I have to keep logging in.

Angel: I enjoyed your pictures. It's nice to put a face with a name. Your daughter has gone through some rough times. I can understand your concern about telling her about the trunk. It certainly wasn't your fault though and as upset as she might be that it's gone I'm sure that she won't blame you. You've actually had someone you know hack into your computer? Unbelievable what some people will do.

Sheila: Glad you were home to "rescue" your dad. Maybe your visits to the acupuncturist will get better each time. I hope so. Your poor daughter...she'll be having some hard days ahead. Is her boyfriend from your area so that he will be able to get home before he leaves on his assignment?

Puss: Portions here are large. And one of my problems is that I was always made to eat everything on my plate when I was growing up. It's hard for me to break that habit. Some people I know just immediately ask for a doggie bag when their meal comes and put half right away to take home. I'm not that disciplined! If I really get full I will ask for one though.

I've been doing so bad since Saturday. I just had such a hankering for sweets and I gave in to some chocolates. Then one of the ladies at work had a b'day today so there were treats. I literally forced myself to go to Curves...had no desire, but I knew that I had to work off some of the extra calories. I hate when I do this to myself. I know what started me off. DH decide this weekend that he's going to Munich in 2 weeks with our DS. We finalized the plane reservations yesterday. I'm nervous thinking about him going which triggered my eating. At least I know the problem...now to stop it!

Hi Willow, Sunny, and Bluet:wave: Hope you've had a good start to the week.

Take care,
Kate

Short weekend
 

Back to work today. One day weekends are simply too short.

I didn't get any exercising in this morning but I did do some stretching exercises for about 15 minutes.

When I got home from work today I rode my stationary bike for 30 minutes, then I did 2 miles of the WATP tape.

Brenda passed away on Saturday, and so did Rita's father. Rita is the woman who is going to start exercising with me. I hadn't been able to get ahold of her and found out today it was because she was out of town at her parents house.
Brenda's visitation is tomorrow and the funeral is Wednesday.

I have to get up at 3:30 AM tomorrow to be to work by 5 AM, then I have to go to the visitation for Brenda at 5 PM, then my little 5-year old grandson is in a program called "winter sing" at 7 PM, so tomorrow is going to be a long day for me. I may not get a chance to post tomorrow.
I think I'll get my breakfast and lunch for Wednesday ready tonight so all I'll have to do when I get home tomorrow night is shower and go to bed.
I'm suppose to work overtime all week again, but, we'll see how I feel.

I need to go get ready for bed. Have a great day everyone.

Willow...I'm so sorry about your friend, Brenda. I thought about your post of her looking around at her visitors, then crying at the good-bye kiss. She must have known she was saying good-bye. I'm sure she care a lot for you, also. You are in my prayers, my friend. If you need to talk privately....pm, or email. I love you, as if I've met you in person...want to help you any way I can.http://gilly.0catch.com/emoticons/fuzzyhugs.gif

Katey...glad you enjoyed the pics. I know in a way it wasn't my fault about the trunk. But, I feel I should have kept it with me. The apt we had to move to after the fire was only two rooms & a bath, & one small closet, though. So, we put everything of value in the public storage....thinking it would be safe. My dad's things were also in there...lots of sentimental things. What I think about, though...when Scottie was killed, Gina wouldn't have anything to do with me. She would push me away...at the viewing...the funeral....weeks afterwards. She was even cruel to me...the way she would lash out. I didn't understand. She was young & hurting...figured she just had to take it out on someone. It wasn't until 2 or 3 yrs ago that I finally asked her why. Her dad worked out of town a lot in those years, & I had to say what they could & couldn't do. The twins had just started dating pretty regular....& I had to be the one to say yes or no to everything. DH would come home & get loving & be loving, then leave again. I loved Scottie & was fairly free with their dating...but, still, firm. The night he was killed, there was a hay-ride at church. That's where he was headed. Instead, I showed up to tell her he was dead. She said it was as if I was saying....you can't date him anymore! She said she didn't know why she felt that way....& apologized. I didn't need the apology...just wanted to understand. Of course, she was young & didn't know how to handle her feelings. But, it makes me nervous to tell her about the trunk. She trusted me with it...now, it's gone forever. I don't know if she'll blame me...I do. I can't help it. If I blame myself, then, why shouldn't she blame me. I just can't stand the thought of her turning against me. I know she's older now & more mature. A very beautiful & responsible young woman, with a good head on her shoulders. But, she still has deep feelings on this subject. Just need prayers. I'm going to spend a day with her soon...& tell her.

Hi Sheila....thanks for the compliments. DH was having a great time. He doesn't pose very well for pictures! I've been working on that with him, lately. I think he tightens up, or something. I've just gotten used to it, I guess. Only thing, I seem to look the same in every pic....just different clothes. :lol: Thanks also, for the encouragement. Maybe it'll work out.
Sorry about your daughter's sadness. If she gets to come home to talk with mom, it will help her a lot.

Hi Fatpuss, SunnyD, Bluet, Jacquie, Loodie...hope I didn't miss anyone. http://www.gifs.net/animate/a-garfb.gif

Dear me! Dialogue box on page 2 but not on this, page 3. Kate, I had to log on all over again too. Anyway, just glad we are all back again. Have to get ready for work but will call back tonight.
Have a nice day, everyone.

Oh, Willow, I'm so sorry about your friend Brenda. I had thought maybe she would get better since she responded to her visitors. You will have a bittersweet evening having to go to calling hours and then to see your grandson. I used to work in an elementary school and got such a kick out of the little ones. It's such a cute age. It sounds like you'll have a very busy and emotional week. Don't let yourself get rundown. And remember we're here for you to share if you need to.

Angel: You'll know when it's the right time to tell Gina about the trunk and the right words will be there for you to comfort her. Since she hasn't brought it up to you maybe she suspects and isn't ready to talk about it just yet. It's so hard to know what people are thinking. You're her mother and I don't think she'll turn against you. It's something that was out of your control and as hard as the loss might be for her I'm sure she'll see that. Don't be too hard on yourself.

Puss: How was work today? I didn't have any trouble getting into the forum tonight so hopefully you won't either. We're in a deep freeze here and it's supposed to just keep getting worse over the next few days. What's the weather like there? If temps are anything over 10 degrees send them our way please!!!

Hi to everyone! Talk to you tomorrow. I want to hop in the shower before Frasier comes on.

Take care,
Kate

Hello to everyone! Just a short one for me.

A balmy 50 or so here in Western Washington. Only about an hour and a half before we leave for the airport to pick up our daughter. What does she want to do first? Go out to dinner, of course!

Hi Everyone,

Hope you are all doing well. I have had a sinus infection for over a week now. The antibiotic I am taking makes me sick to my stomach. There must be a clique here somewhere about the medicine that is to heal you makes you sick, but it eludes me. My brain is not functioning well this week.

Last week was the week from ****. As you are aware from my whinning before Christmas we had that famous lay off at work, and I was feeling over-whelmed trying to keep current with the extra work and keep on top of my own work too. Well the big printer did some sort of pretending to die stint. It took three days and two trips for the printer guy to get the thing functioning normally again. The the main frame computer failed to organize the files in a logical way and several important programs were a mess. It took me until today working with the programer to get things back to normal. What a costly project, especially now when the company is low on funds. All this and everything smells wickedly awful and tastes just about the same. Plus Mr. Magic my friend at work is constantly nagging about one thing or another.

We are suppose to get 3 to 5 inches of snow this evening, with a little more to follow. Then the temperature is suppose to dip quite a bit, I think it is 22 degrees right now. Last week it was down right frigid. some people in our group love winter, they will go un-named, but try as I might I just cannot bring myself to embrace frosty wonderland.

Sheila, so glad for you that DD got to come home for a visit. I hope the weather stays nice for her time at home. Your Dad is a hoot. Thank goodness you don't live here, imagine how long your Dad would last on the porch step in our frigid temps.

Charlotte, lovely pictures, you are staying really slim too. Hurrah for you, or as the saying goes "May the force be with you." One day I hope we will be able to hear you sing, perhaps you will cut a cd just for us.

Willow have you seen that doctor yet? Anxious to hear how you are doing. Sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. I finally got all the Christmas decorations boxed up and stacked in the upstairs hallway. Mabe you could drive over and help me organize my storage room. I need a good organizer right about now. I also need someone to keep me motivated and you are a good motivator.

Puss have you met any more victums on the curb lately? You are so funny. Have you started thinking about spring and your garden yet? What month can you actually get outside and start your spring yard work and your garden? When Sheila gets over to England let her take some pictures of you and your family to share with us and of the landscape around home. I know I will never get to England so some pictures would really be nice. Thanks for the tips on some new authors. I just finished a novel set in 1700 Scotland. It was metioned several time what those boys wear under those kilt's. I never thought it would be nothing, in fact wearing clothes back then did not seem to be a priority. For whatever reason, I am not sure, this knowledge disappoints me.

SunnyD you are a very pretty person, no wonder Joe wants to spend all his time with you. Love your home, I can see who has all the talent on this forum. I suspect you will be getting this snow and cold weather when we are done with it, probably Katey will too.

Well, I am starting to fall asleep while I am typing, guess I had better head to bed, lay my head down and dream of all those Scottish Lords and their drafty castles coming to rescue me on their gallant steeds. "No the cold medication isn't affecting me one bit." Ha!

Take care Katey, Jackie and Loodie....Stay Warm

:grouphug:

Bluet

Morning, everyone. Sorry I didn't get back last night here but I have been drained after work. I have just finished a two day computer-based IT course on Outlook 2000. We had to get 80% to pass and my colleague next to me and myself got 90 and 91% at the end. What kept flummaxing me was the dates set in calendar - yes, it was a USA thing and you do your dates funny - we, of course, do our dates properly like 31/11/02 etc! Of course each time I changed it to 'proper' the computer hacked a point or two off my score with an 'error' message. Could not get my head around that. Today I am hoping to knock off the 'Word' course for windows. It's not an option in work, it must be done even though we all use computers every day and even though I will never need to set a double time zone in successive recurring appointments in my calendar for the UK and Israel or Taipai or Perth...arghhh! Handy if you are a PA to a high flying executive though, I suppose.
Bluet, it is so good to see you here. Our weather is awful right now, three days of storms and freezing. I wouldn't have survived in Scotland centuries ago with the cold, living on the east coast in Aberdeen (N East coast with North Sea blowing in) was bad enough for a year in the 80s.
Kate - I know what you mean about having 'clean plates'. I still can't bear to leave anything, black babies starving in Africa my father always said and I think it's ingrained in me now. Good job I don't live in the States with the portions in Huston. I too have to force myself to aerobics - didn't go last week but have to tonight. I loathe exercise as the girls here will testify. Waste of good reading time to me. Don't get too down when you fall off the wagon, tomorrow is always another day.
Willow - I am so sorry about your friend and sad about your exercise buddy's dad too. HHave you heard back from the Mayo yet about your hip? You put me to shame with your exercise, I have nothing wrong with me yet you don't let it stop you.
Sheila - yay, DD back home!! Hope you have a great girlie time. How's the walking pin cushion? Not too painful,I hope. Glad to hear your dad is still well, bless him.
Angel - the window washer sounds good. I mentioned it to DH. Your photos are lovely, you are a handsome couple, all right.DD got a digital camera from her boyfriend at Xmas and we had a lot of fun with it and they said I could send a photo from it onto here but I didn't like any of me on it - my hair looked reddish on it and it's not.
I am getting a cold sore coming up on my lip this morning - great! That's all I need. Dh said that I was burning up in bed last night but although I have been sneezing for weeks, I don't usually get a cold in the normal sense but I know cold sores are from a herpes virus so maybe I am run down a bit. Do I smell an excuse not to go to aerobics tonight.....trouble is, if you don't go you still have to pay half fees for the missed week.
I had to tell my mother last night on the phone that she was dragging me down. 40 minutes every night of non-stop moaning. I gently told her that I was begining to dread the nightly call to her because she just goes on about her (small) ailments and it's a constant one-way call. I said I didn't mean to be unkind but could she not repeat the same things I have been hearing every night for 2 years and lighten the subject matter a bit. She seemed to take it ok. She uses me as a Samaritan crisis line caller would, and I did that voluntarily for 8 years so I know. DH gets a little steamed up too, after work and dinner I always have to make the call each night and it can sometimes go on for an hour - always the same stuff - and the night's almost over. I know we can't predict what we will be like when we are old but I love my kids too much to put that on them. Also, she is only 70 and in reasonable health - certainly hasn't some of the health problems you girls have here - and the doctors are right, it's lonliness since my dad died, she has no one to boss around anymore, I liken her as a General without any troops. Shame, really, unless you happen to be one of her troops, ha ha!!
Hi to SunnyD and Jacqui and anyone else I may have left out. xx

They're calling for below zero temps tonight and only a high tomorrow of about 2 or 3. The wind is picking up so wind chill is well below zero:eek: Everyone at work today was hoping for a "snow" day tomorrow. I doubt that we'll get it, but you never know. We do have walkers in our district. The city has already closed their schools for tomorrow.

Puss: Great score in your class! Since we have a big university near us we have families from other countries who come to register their children. Some do dates like you do and it always takes me a minute to figure out what they're doing. It must have been a hard conversation to have with your mother. I hope I don't get like that when I'm older. My DH's mother was that way...always complained about something. I have a feeling that it goes along with old age for most people. From Bluet's post I'm guessing that you're a gardener. Me too!! I've already begun looking at the spring catalogs. We started a new perennial bed late last summer and I can't wait to see how it looks and add to it.

Bluet: Sorry to hear that you have a sinus infection. Those things can be nasty. I only had one once and it was very painful. Rough week at work for you. Technology is great when it's working correctly, but oh the problems when it malfunctions. Still I can't see how we ever made it with the mimeograph machines and carbon paper. Wouldn't want to have to go back to that. Our office is moving to another building in February. That will be a huge undertaking since we house many district records and are responsible for IT in the district.

Sheila: 50 degrees...sounds heavenly...can I come visit you??? It must be so nice to have your daughter home. Where did she want to go to dinner? Our older son lives in Colorado and when he comes home the first place we have to head is to a local "dive" to get a garbage plate.

Guess that's it for tonight. Hot shower time and jammies for me. Hi to Willow, Angel, and Sunny!

Take care,
Kate

Tired !!
 

I was up at 3:30 again this morning, as I will be all week.
Have to be to work at 5 AM.
We won't be working Saturday this week, so I'll have to go in early all week in order to get some extra cash. I wanted to get some ahead because I have to go to Mayo next week, and I know it's going to end up being more than one day.

My little grandsons "winter sing" was so cute! I got there early and got a few seats down in the front, but after I got there, his other grandparents came and saved seats about 7 rows back from me. So, when my son and daughter-in-law got there, they asked me to come back by her parents and grandparents, but I wanted to stay where I was, so my son sat by me. I told him he didn't have to, but he wanted to. Actually, I think it was because it was a better seat.
Anyway, when the kids came out the side door and went onto the stage, we could see Anthony was looking for his Mom and Dad, and he spotted his Dad first and said "Hi Dad!" like he hadn't just seen him a few minutes before. Then he saw me and got a great big grin and hollered "Hi Grandma!!" What a lovey!! Then while he was on stage, every once in a while he would look out at us and give us the thumbs-up sign.
It was a really nice program and all the kids did a superb job. I really enjoyed it. They are so blasted cute!

My foods have been good this week. I haven't exercised like I would prefer to, but this getting up at 3:30 AM makes me pretty tired by the time I get home from work. By the time I make supper, do dishes, get my things ready for work tomorrow and for my breakfast in the morning, it's time to go to bed.

Tomorrow morning is weigh day for me. I peeked this morning, and I hope it says the same thing tomorrow morning as it did today. But, I ate some salty meat and crackers so with my luck I'll hold all the fluids and be up instead of down. Well, ... I'm not going to borrow trouble.

I stopped and got some fresh fruit after work today and I got some bananas, pears, peaches, grapes and a new thing called a pummelo. I haven't tried it yet, but the picture of it in the ad looked like a big green outer layer and then on the inside it looked like pink grapefruit. I DO NOT like grapefruit, but the ad said it tastes different than grapefruit. We'll see. These things are about 5 inches across!

Charlotte, I would think that your daughter would understand. I know how you feel though.
You look lovely in the pics. You're a bag of bones! :rofl:
What I wouldn't give to be as thin as you are!

Puss, good job on the training grades! You have a much sharper mind than I, I'm afraid.
Nobody had to tell me to clean my plate more than once, I'm afraid! I was just happy to have something on my plate!
Thanks for the condolences on my loss of a friend.
I am sorry now that I went to the funeral home. I had wanted to remember her as she was the last time I saw her, but, I thought people would think I was insensitive if I didn't go.
When I die, I want a closed casket. I think all dead people look like mannequins. I don't care how good a "job" the funeral home does on make up etc, they still look dead. But, it is over and done with now, and life is for the living, and so we will go on.
No, I never heard back from Mayo, but I have an appt. next Monday for my yearly, you know, that time when the Doc says, "put your heels in the stirrups and slide down, ........" :rolleyes:
Anyway, I'll ask that one to do something about it. I DO NOT want to be like this for the rest of my life.
I'd like to see those pics of you taken at Christmas time. Of course, I refuse to post any of myself because of my size. I think the most recent one I have was taken 2 or 3 years ago, and I won't be posting any until or unless I can get down to the weight I want to be.

Kate, we had a little dusting of snow here today and very high winds, but temp wise it wasn't too bad.
I used to do a lot of work with flowers etc, and I really enjoy them in the spring and early summer, but then I get tired of the weeding etc.

Sheila, you probably won't even think of reading this for a while, but, I bet you're having a wonderful reunion with your daughter. Enjoy your visit.

Bonnie, sorry to hear of your sinus infection. That is a most painful condition.
I'm wondering who it is that loves winter, ..... :D
Hope things ease up at work for you. There is nothing worse than a stressful work situation.

Hello to Sunny and Jacquie and anyone else reading!

Well, gotta go get things organized for tomorrow.

Hi Everyone,

It is cold and blustery today and it snowed most of the day. The streets and roads are very slippery, was glad when I finally got home. I had to stop at Fleet Farm though and pick up a couple extra industrial rugs to collect the snow that everyone is dragging in at work. Got two bags of salt for the sidewalk too I know they are going to be icy tomorrow. The coffe maker was going steadily at work today. I don't know who was drinking all that coffee. I used to be a big decaf coffee drinker until I gave all that stuff up last May. Now I have one cup in the morning and drink only water all day.

Work was a little better today, but I still have a long way to go before I can say I am caught up with all my work. Sinus thing is getting better too. Can't get rid of this weird smell in my nose though. Wonder if I will have to live with it for the rest of my life?

I have several perennial beds in my yard. I am looking forward to SPRING. Easter is my favorite holiday, I am pretty weird aren't I?

Well it is time for bed, I get a pretty good indication when my eyelids start slamming shut. Talk to you all tomorrow.

:grouphug:

Bluet