[mooz49]

Mornin chickies …………what a beautiful home you have now! Good choice Shad!

Have any of you heard of Paul McKenna’s new book and CD “I can make you thin”? I got it on Monday and it is quite an interesting read.

His 4 key points are:

1. Eat whenever you're hungry.
2. Eat what you want, not what you think you should.
3. Eat consciously and enjoy every mouthful.
4. Stop when you think you're full.

When you think about it that is exactly what thin people do all the time....... I will keep you posted!

Good Luck to you all in your new home …………. I think it is time we looked out for a new home too! It is always good to start afresh!

[Shad]

Evening all,
Yikes what a busy day. The fence man is here, I've renewed my drivers licence, sanded, plastered, lugged tree bits, mulched and watered.

The fence man is interesting - he's Japanese (I think), owner next door is from the Philipines, and me well I'm a New Zealander. None of us speak English that well. We have been communicating through slow speech, lots of waving hands and pointing and repeating ourselves at least 15 times. We will get there eventually. Down the side of the houses looks like a battlefield with the old sleepers and fence bits all over the place. I chopped some of the hedge back from next door to allow the fence man down the side yard to get at the fence. He got the message and chainsawed a whole lot of plants to get himself a lot of access. Big grin on his face all the time. I was hoping that he was going to leave at least some of the palms intact, especially the more expensive ones. Finally persuaded him that the local bus could drive the length and breadth of the yard and he stopped. Tomorrow he is pouring concrete and putting in the posts and reckons that the whole thing should be finished Flidy (Friday).

The pestman is coming tomorrow to check for white ants and termites. I figure that they are here and hopefully he will get rid of them from around the yard for me. I see them in the pot plants out front and today saw some round the side. Just hope they haven't got into the house as well.

The rose garden is now fertilised, dead headed, weeded and mulched. Another job off the list for the winter season. I bought some new baby beets today and will plant them up tomorrow morning as well. I forgot about them today what with all the other stuff that happened.

It was a day off exercise today, but I reckon I must have walked a couple of k's and lifted weights on and off for several hours. Tomorrow I am back to the gym for weights again. Friday I get to see Jason for an assessment and some new torture treatments to get the weight moving again.

Speaking of food, that's been pretty good today. Actually I only had two meals. Sort of brunch and a biggish dinner. I really didn't feel hungry, but I have drunk a fair amount I must say.

So Wednesday is about to bite the dust, again I have done all on my list except for washing the car and doing the mending (again). Tomorrow is another day.

Mooz, good to see you back again. The key points you listed sound so sensible. It's something I am trying to work towards just now. Eat when hungry, drink when dry. I'll be interested to see how you go with it.

Happy, aaaah the sound of the incomprehensible South African! They are sometimes a little difficult to understand. Since there is a lot of them over here, we get used to the accent, however some of the Dutch South Africans seem to be a lot more gutteral than others and you find yourself saying huh or what fairly frequently. Actually, while I think about it, one of the people who I worked with in Townsville (an Indian lady from Intelligroup) went to work on a project in Memphis - I wonder if it was your place! I seem to remember her telling me it was okay, but wasn't as good as the Townsville job and Memphis wasn't as much fun (but then she didn't have me to order around and drive her to see the sights!) Sujani was into FICO stuff. By the way I love the way the garden is looking. All those wonderful Azaleas, mmmmm I feel jealous.

Meadow, I have read that list before. I can honestly say I don't work here, I am a consultant. Except that I tend to be always there and always working. Wouldn't it be nice to win the lotto. The one that constantly raises a giggle is:- You sound reasonable, time to up my medication. How true with some of the people I work with.

Mel I might have known that you and the priest hole would be incompatible. You really are incorrigible. Funny but incorrigible. Indeed they should be able too, but with the Pope dead, they are running around like chooks without heads, maybe they don't know what to do with it.

Okay, gotta run. I need my second shower for the day - I'm covered in sugarcane mulch and incredibly itchy and also sanding dust everywhere, time to tidy up, do the dishes and watch a bit of tv before settling down for a good sleep. See you all tomorrow.

[MELODY525]

Holly~ Kids love their Moms and get a little pissy when other kids get her attention! I ussed to tell Jen I can't wait till you get home and we can do______. "I love you best" worked well too. But then I only had one!!! It finally worked and she didn't mind that my friends son was at the house when she left. good luck!

Happy~ The pic of course is lovely and I cannot get over how "neat" everything is!!! I also love all the trees on the property!! How was the raking?!?!?!? Funny you should say the colors as I decided today was a great day for the pink and orange set!!! Good for you and the Eco challenge and also the walks with DH. Gotta love the weather. Let us know how hot it gets there!! I'll need to figure out the best months to visit Happy unpacking!

today is laundry day and then a long ride I hope. Had some probs with the loaner chair and someone is supposed to call back! I will NOT hold my breath! OK kids....gotta get going and not waste the sun. Rain is coming back again for 2 days!
Have a wonderful day

[linus]

hi folks, how are we? all sounding good and nice and productive ,ive had another bad couple of days ,{i know again bet your all sick of me bye now} i had another large bleed yesterday ,but baby is fine and so am i cant find the source of the bleed but its not the baby or the placenta so everythnigs good ,but im supposed to be relaxing so im off and ill speak to you all tomorrow ,
ps MEL got another scan done ,so ill send you the updated version as soon as mum brings it back on monday
kirsty

[Tig]

I need a Worry Wart emoticon. yep, that'll do. While I'm worrying, I'll also say a prayer for healing (and the ability to take it easy) for you, dear Linus.

'Mellie ~ those 2 pounds was very exciting news. Congratulations! And I was very proud of you for shopping for new clothes, although it does sound like you, Holly, and I are the IceCream Trio. Sorbet, anyone?

Shad ~ love the new digs. May I please have a heated pool out back? I really REALLY want a pool but it doesn't quite seem to float high enough on the budget here so to speak. So maybe I can have one there. If I can't have a heated pool, may I please have a winning lottery ticket - since I'm in the asking mode - and then I'll build my pool here and everybody can come HERE for a swim.

Holly ~ I love the bright colors. I'm a trifle color blind so the only colors I really enjoy are the bright neons. I'm not allowed to shop for my own clothes because I pick outlandish colors that look stunning to me but shocking to others. Not bad for a day at the beach, but not quite work-able for a manager. I always have to ask the opinion of The Fashion Police. Maybe you and I will be in charge of decorating with 'Mellie supervising. Of course, after we get some nice sunglasses for linus.

Mooz ~ I've observed the skinny people eating:
#5. Wave your fork around. Don't put it in your mouth - use it to punctuate your sentences.

Meadow ~ I love the Cookie Monster standard! I can use that right about now. Just DO Exercise!

Happy ~ loved the pic of your yard. How beautiful! I can't wait to see a picture of the pool. HEY EVERYBODY - if I don't win the lottery we'll go to Happy's pool!

Slim has asked for a motorcycle and how can I deprive the dear man. He's picked out his Harley-Davidson and we've sold stock to buy it. Now he just has to be patient until the check comes in. This is as much fun as watching a four year old wait for Christmas! He's registered for a safety class - that wasn't optional. He tells everybody he knows that he's getting a Harley. I'm sure I'll look quite fine in leather.

Now that I've planted THAT vision in your poor young minds I'll see you later!

[Hollyhock]

Egads, page 2!!! Everyone sounds so wonderful. Well, except dear Linus.Honey ,do get well? You better be resting. Prayers and good thoughts coming your way!

It was a GORGEOUS day here. 17C sunny, breezy. I was outisde with kids ALL day then I sat through a 3 hour church meeting that went in circles and circles...I am dizzy. Just tossed in a load of wash so DS can have clean pants tommorrow.I will toss it in the dryer and head to bed shortly.I unloaded more stuff at the thrift shop and then found a bedskirt and curtains for DD $2.She wanted something grown up, she's 4 ,hello??? I think I am trouble, the little Diva.Pale mauve with daisies on it. Cute. Got a plain blue bed spread for DS too.
Looooong days for me this week. Holy cats, 16 hours non stop.Time for sleep!
You are all in my thoughts. HUGS!!!!!

LOL! When I put DS's clothes in the dryer, bits of something were falling off. I can honestly say this the first time I ever washed a pinecone!

[happy2bme]

All grown up at 4? Oh Holly are you in for it! It's a lot cheaper to have a tom boy than a girly girl. But more fun on the girly girl! But it sounds like you are a master bargain hunter and really, that's all that's needed - a bit of ingenuity and an eye for a good deal. Sleep well...

Tig, I wish I knew Slim was looking for a Harley. My DH has a 95th Anniversary Edition Ultra Classic that I've been pestering him to sell. I can understand the appeal but my riding days are over. Good luck, I'm sure he's just like a 3 year old the week before Christmas. Good thinking on the safety course - you may get a discount on your insurance. All I can say is that he practice a bit before he heads to take his driving test with the bike. They might have him do some manuevers that he will do better at if he's used to the bike. Guess you'll be running and he'll be riding. 's ok - we'll swim while they ride When we moved here, the deal was that if we have to tolerate these tropical summers, we wouldn't attempt it without a pool. So the houses we looked at had to either have a pool or have room for a pool. We turned down several houses in fact because the yards were up on a hill or there were so many trees to clear that it would have been cost prohibitive to put one in. Our pool isn't all that big - 30 feet by 18 feet, but it's enough to stay cool in and do some laps. The house next door which is for sale has a large rectangular pool - perfect for exercising. Too bad they let the house go to pot including the pool. I hope whomever buys the house sees the shingles popping out the side of the house and realizes that a pool that's only half full means the liner is dry and cracked and will need replacing. Anyway, everyone's invited over for smoothies by the pool. I even have a smoothie cart and I'm having DH run an electric line up there for a blender - smoothies are better blended not shaken. Shad will look just the queen with her sarong on the chaise lounge. Perhaps she has extras for us to borrow.

Tig, you didn't tell us why you needed a worry wart emoticon. Hope all is well with you.

Linus, you put your feet up, rest easy and stop fussing over everyone and take care of you and bump! Of course I just KNOW you won't be listening to us, will you now? Do we have to come over there and give you a nice prenatal massage ourselves? Actually I don't know how to give a prenatal massage - how about just a nice foot massage instead Anyway, rest up before we send the troops after you.

Mel, the raking was not fun. But it is fun when you have a bunch of friends helping so next fall you can come out and help, ok? I have all kinds of rakes, put the chair in reverse and you can back hoe or something. That is, IF you can get a chair to work for a week. Sorry to hear you're having problems.

Shad I got a big kick out of your description of all the neighbors speaking in tongues around you. I can just picture everyone trying to get their point across in broken English. And as usual, you put me to shame with all that you have accomplished for the day. The power of just putting your mind and a bit of the elbows into it, eh? What does deadheading roses mean? We have several rosebushes on the side of the house and one bloom. We have to learn to take care of them. My DH/pool boy/yard man/Mr. Outdoors fed both the azaleas and the roses this weekend. Please tell me we don't have to fertilize with manure ***holds nose and does not anticipate the smell of manure with summer heat. Swears that Miracle Grow plant food works just as well ***

Good tips Mooz, thanks for sharing. On point number 3, thin people apply the 3 bite rule to desserts. Eat 3 bites but savor each and every one of them. I've thought of that lately when I got something, it was too much and I should have stopped at 3 bites. DH and I are starting to get into the habit of sharing a dessert with a coffee on the few times we do get one. Dessert at home is quite often yogurt and fresh fruit or berries.

Well girls
I am pleased to say that DH announced he did one last rummage through the boxes in the garage and he found the last missing bits of our office furniture - including the missing doors and bag of screws to hold it together. This means that WE FOUND ALL OF OUR IMPORTANT STUFF!!! After months of cursing the movers, it did all make it to our house. Just not an easy task of finding it. And I'm in no hurry to move ever again. But at least we can get the last remaining room organized on the first floor and we will be ready for company. At least on the first floor, don't look up the stairs

Day 3 of the Eco challenge - not too good. They brought in lunch for a work through lunch training session. I ordered a salad, the order got lost, we had sandwiches instead. I had tuna tho looking at all the mayonaisse in the tuna, perhaps I would have been better off with the turkey. *** hangs head in shame, yes she ate the bag of BBQ potato chips and 1/2 the chocolate chip cookie - but only the crispy ends around the perimeter of the cookie. Didn't exercise tonight - we had horrid, horrid storms, must have gotten over 2 inches of rain just today. I was prepared to build an ark when I got home. The evening flew past, DH showed me the drive to the doctor's office for my appointment on Friday - it's in a part of town I've never been too so he helped me not get lost. Back home after that and it's the end of the night already. I am looking through papers for my blood tests as I'm sure my other doctors office will not rush to fax my medical records to the new doctor as requested. I knew I should have requested copies before I left home but there just wasn't enough time to get everything done...

Ok,if I hurry I can get to bed before 11:30. Last one in bed doesn't get the comfy blanket Boy is it just me or is this website SUPER SLOW the last 2 days? ooof duh

[Shad]

There is a swordfish steak on the grill and a plate full of such veges as mushrooms, tomatoes, marinated artichoke and avocado and the odd olive waiting for me for when I am finished here so I had better type fast.
Not such a busy day today, I had a meltdown of the brain I think and the body said that it didn't want to do much at all.
Anway the pestman came this morning. The good news is that I don't have any termites in the house. The bad news is that they are in the yard and getting closer to the house. The even worse news is that I will need to put a barrier around the house - approx $1700.00.
The fenceman was back, complete with chainsaw. He had to cut another palm stalk (big one) down because it interfered with the fence rail. I mentioned that because it was very tall he should take it down in stages - here, here and then here - hokay. Down she came from the roots. Just missed the rose garden and Mels favourite Just Joey and DS favourite Hot Chocolate by millimetres. Phewwwww. Don't know if the little Japanese legs can run faster than MELS cart. Anyway it is down, the fence posts and railings are up and tomorrow he will finish.
No sanding done today, nor did the mowing get done - oh well tough.

Linus, please rest up. Bleeding doesn't just occur for nothing. Glad the bump is fine and you are too.

Tig, you can have a hot tub and a pool and a running track and whatever you wish on this property. Slim can have a bike track out the back if you wish - but it will have to be far enough away that the bump doesn't get woken up. Pools are fine, they can be hard work tho'. The Tig in leather - well I can hardly wait for a photo of that!!!!

Holly, what a bargain hunter you are. Geez the house is getting a good makeover - both yours and mine I guess. Glad to hear the weather is warming up for you all and long may it stay that way. I think I am glad I don't have daughters!!!

Plenty of Sarongs to spare here Happy. One size fits all as well so Linus and bump is also catered for. Roses are maximum care stuff happy, deadheading means to cut off all the blooms which are past their best or dead. If you let them go to rose hips (these are good for the baby but not much chop for the rest of us) it takes a lot of strength from the plant. Pruning takes a bit of time as well.
I don't use full manure on mine - eeeeewwwwwwww - but while the Dynamic Lifter I use does pong a bit, by the time I cover all the bits with newspaper, spread mulch on it and water, the smell is sort of covered up. I also throw lots of rose fertiliser pellets on the ground as well - that doesn't pong at all. And the roses love it. So do the worms and ground insects. So glad to hear that all the stuff has finally been located and that the movers didn't make off with it as suspected. Puts a bit of faith back in the company hey.

Okay, gotta go. Dinners done, the phone is ringing, and Mr Philipines is at the door. Doesn't rain but it pours around here.

[MELODY525]

Linus~ Hope you are resting and listening to what the Doctor orders! Please take care of you and Baby bump!!! i will send the only chair that is working right over to you!!! You can ride around for the next few months! Iwill be thinking of you both!

Holly~ hope the 16 hr days aren't going to be for long!! YIKES!!!
Get some rest in between or someone will be taking care of YOU!!!
Nice TS buys! Loved the diva thing!

Tig~ If I hit the lottery, I'll bring down the winning ticket and my bathing suit! We'll find a mansion that has anykind of pool you want and the DH can ride to his hearts content while we all sip on Happy's smoothies. Sarongs for everyone!

Shad~ Maybe we should build a moat around YOUR house and let the ants and such try to build rafts That little man comes near my Joey and he better be able to run damn fast!! He won't know what hit him!!! I'll get the Tonka toy out and he won't have any toes left!!!
Get the sarongs out. Happy seems to have found all the IMPORTANT PARTS and I'd like to go there and find out just what they are! Bring the Hammock and Sunday.....we may be there awhile!! Dinner sounded good even if it was fish!!! Sometimes a rest is a good thing you know Miss Shad!!!

Happy~ I am glad all the parts were found. did you find the stereo stuff....or am I getting you mixed up with someone else!!! LOL I will get shad and the sarongs together and we can investigat the pool!!! It seems mighty big to me!!! But then in the city we are used to blow up swimming pools so you can keep ypur feet cool! Hope I can get me a rake for the back of my rig. Maybe I could start my own landscaping business! and Shad could do all the dead heading!! Enjoy!

I feel tired today but that's cause 3 days were so busy. I ran out of energy in the afternoon so I feigned an excuse from Clara's.
There are a lot of small things and cooking to do today so I better get on with it before I decide a morning nap is a better idea!
Happy Thursday!!

[MELODY525]

Mooz~ I can never figure out how I miss the top posts! Glad you stopped by and gave us something new to think about.
Hope you will like your new digs too!!!Enjoy!

Happy~ I meant to say I was having a terrible time these last 2 nights myself trying to get speedy posts!!! Slow like molasses!

[linus]

now now ladies im gonna stop telling you stuff if your gonna get upset everything is fine and the doc says carry on regardless my little highland dancer is not in any danger at all hubby and boys are already making sure i dont do anything drastic so deep breaths and relaaaaaxxxxxxxx,
i had an e amil from teel she was in the internet cafe while her freind and son were swimming she read the posts but couldnt get logged in to post so the messages are SHAD must have been the late hour that made me forget to tell you of the trip and a big hi to everyone else ,she was visiting a big stately home with the duchess in situ and she really seems to be enjoying herself
MEL ,hope your looking after yourself ,and trying to take things easy {yeah right lol}
SHAD i still have my sarongs from when i went to tunisia so im good ,thank god he missed mel and tonka trucks what A COMBO
HAPPY thanxs ever so much for the offer but i wouldnt inflict my poor tootsies on my worst enemy way too many hours in nurses shoes but i will take you up on the pool and smoothies
HOLLY you are so busy ,but yet so cheerful i need lessons ,email them please
MEADOW are you okay hunny ??last post got me kinda worried and im not allowed to be worried hope your okay
TIG love the picture of the leathers i can lend you a jacket and helmet but your on your own with the trews ,my butt and leather trousers just dont mix {tell hubby ill get a go when i visit }
MOOZ lovely bright hello
ROSE how goes things my wilderness buddy?? calm and peaceful i hope
right ladies chicken and pickles calling ill be back tomorrow
have a good one girls
kirsty and bump

[Hollyhock]

Happy~ I keep telling my DH he can get a Harley when the kids are grown and gone ,he will be well into his 60's. His misses his hotrods! Boys never really grow up.

Shad~ your meal sounds devine!!!

Miss Mel~naps and small things sound great. I had quiet day( for me). Puttered a bit. Made banana bread. Trying to clear off the dingroom table.Hope you are feeling rested.

Linus~ very glad to hear you are well.I dont know about lesson. I keep my cup half full. i always think if this is as bed as it gets I am blessed.

Shad commented that we are doing lots of shifting things about and sprucing up,which we are. We have lived here for 5 years. The house had a nice kitchen and fireplace and a big property, surrounded by bush and a work shop. It met our criteria. The rest was really ugly and needed structural work. We paid next to nothing for it and have a really low mortgage which was also part of the plan.DH and I are both very handy. For 5 years we have worked on the BIG stuff. Like roof, siding, drainage, insulation, 1/2 the windows,jacking up the centre of the house, tearing up and regrading the WHOLE property, putting in a new drive.....
DH and I each lived alone for more than 15 year before marriage so we had 2 of everything and then wedding gifts. We kept everyth ing to see what we would actually use. So, now I am in the process of unloading what we dont use and reorganizing what is left. Reusing space more efficiently etc.
I am feeling very liberated and like I am acheiving a dream. 5 years is along time to wait to see the results of a humungous amount of back breaking labour.

I am stunned at the "stuff" I have let go. "Things" I have had for 30 years. Just dont feel I need them anymore. Kept a few special treasures!!

I am enjoying an evening at home. Everyone else is sound asleep. I have tunes on and I am cleaning and posting too apparently, LOL!

We go to DH's family on Sunday for a late easter. I am making coleslaw, relish dish and dessert. I think I will make a pumpkin cake.

Peaceful wishes to all!!

[Shad]

Don’t know the name of this rose. It is one I rescued from a neighbours garden a few years back.

Here is another bunch of them. Take a long sniff - its a delicate scent - sort of clean rainwashed rose scent, not a sweet or spicy scent by any means but nice - sort of lemonadish.

Too much clogging food today, not enough exercise, not enough fluid, not enough of anything really. It’s raining and cool and just nice. You can see the raindrops on the roses.

Jason and I got our times muddled, so I will go and see him tomorrow instead. We are going to talk goals first and then sort out a new program. After that half hour, I will do the Body Balance class.

I took a banana cake to my boys at the refinery today before I went into town. I guess they enjoyed it because I got several emails from them today. They tell me they are missing me. Altogether now - Ooooohhhhh, Aaaaaah.

Anyway, there is not much else to report today. Haven’t done much at all around the house and took off to a shopping mall today after going to the recruiting place to sign my life away until August. Now the weekend is here. I will be working long and hard tomorrow to catch up - although I’m supposed to go to the facial tomorrow afternoon, I may well put it off until the following weekend. I’ll make the decision tomorrow.

**** to all - I've had a lazy day. Think I will go and laze some more in front of the telly.

[Meadow]

I have painted my toenails silver. I have been doing squats while I brush my teeth. Not a lot of continuous exercise but I have it in my head so you never know when it will travel down and effect the rest of me

Linus-I'm glad you bleeding isn't affecting the baby and you are being nurtured by your family, please remember you are cooking a little person down there and be kind to yourself and don't overdo, allow them to fumble around and HELP YOU! I'm alright really, just a bit unwell mentally, not depressed just scattered. Focusing and applying my goals is just beyond me these days it seems.

Shad-I love banana cake. :slurp: I'm sorry Jason messed up with the time, I'm sure it wasn't you Fingers crossed he is able to jump start your routine and get things happening for you. Would be nice if you felt invigorated before tackling this new job with the government guys, paperwork galore Beautiful pink, tight rose, I want one too

Mel-Did you get out and about? Did the chair guy come and fix the glitch? I'm glad you are taking care and noticing when you need some downtime, it is really hard to say No sometimes but you have to look at the bigger picture, you aren't doing anyone any good when your grumpy and overtired. Ginger honey on toast always gives me a lift, not diet but not too bad if you have it for breakfast. Ginger is very good for you too, try and incorporate it into your meals somehow. Sorry, mommy coming out.

Happy-How did the doctor's appointment go? Is this new person someone you can connect with? Glad all the boxes showed up and all your stuff is there waiting to be discovered again. Enjoy the spring and all your sprouting flowers, serendipity awaits you, it will be fabulous to witness what comes up

Holly-Did you know Debbie is doing a paintline at Canadian Tire stores? You may have to find something else to paint She has separated the colour palettes into moods. I saw her on the Vicki Gabereau show talking all about it. Hilarious, they are like old girlfriends telling stories about each other. I loved reading that you are feeling liberated, just so positive! Congratulations on everything coming together, your home sounds terrific

[MELODY525]

Meadow...I don't have silver toenails or fingernails but I did get out and about in my silver mobile!!! good for you with the squats! Every little bit helps!

Holly~ can hardly wait to see what you are up to this weekend and the latest project.

Linus~ I promise not to yell if you keep doing things the right way!! Love and hello to Miss Teel!!

Shad~ OOOOOHHHHH AAAAAAHHHHHHH Bet you miss them just as much as they~ YOU! Have a great weekend!!!! The rose looks just like some my step~GGM used to grow. she owned a nursery. they were absolutely gorgeous like these and pale and lightly scented and I loved them. thanks for the pic and the memory!

I am really too tired to type and the fingers aren't listening to my brain. I made extra $$ this week in and out of the office this week. Just got the extra today!!! YAY!! ME!!! I might have some company over the weekend so if I am absent I will see you all on Tuesday. Monday is the Mall and I am going. Clara and a few others need some things from JCPenneys. I had a lovely ride for lunch and another one when break time came.
Vincente did NOT find the w.chair's glitch and of course it wouldn't act up while he was here. Today I decided to take it out while Willy(driver) was still around and see for myself. Nothing happened. If I didn't do it today...I would soon be too afraid to go out at all again. Been there, done that. I don't want to go back there again either. So I said screw it and went. Feeling much more in control of the chair rather than the chair of me. Hope you all have a great weekend just in case I don't come back. Love and hugs and smiles!!