Fly-by almost non-existent post -- it's been about 3 times as busy here between my new job, trying to get work done and make sure everything's covered before I go AND train the assistant editor in record time. I've been beside myself! Now, we leave day after tomorrow -- YIKES!!!

I'll be gone for 2.5 weeks and won't have access to a computer -- I know myself too well -- I'd end up working if I took the laptop. And I desperately need a vacation.

Love to all -- I did read to this point and am thinking about you all! See you in a few weeks!

Have fun Arabella!!!!

Frogger, God bless recessive genes huh? Either that or it's stubborn redhead genes! Both my parents can tan, one's got brown hair, the other dark blonde and out I come - fair redhead. I'm sure it's all in the redhead's nefarious plans to take over the world... show up when you're not expected and take over! Seriously, she's a doll!

Nothin' much going on here. Found all my old WW stuff from the '92 Freedom Plan and am making my OWN program based on exchanges. So far I'm down almost 3 pounds from Monday so it must be working... Almost all my friends are interested in me sharing what I'm doing because they don't care for WW or the Points system. Looks like my days of teaching WW programs aren't over yet! It'll be nice to have the group support!

Have a great day everyone!

Till tomorrow!

Terri

Punkinseed, both my husband and I were white blond (and could tan) as chidren (each one of us has a parent with freckles all over and blue eyes) my husband also has freckles all over and my son is strawberry blond (more red than blond) with freckles only on his cheeks and blue eyes and tans.
Go figure theses genes, lol!

This Princess is having trouble getting started. Either that, or the scale is stuck! Hmmmm! Wonder if there is a conncection?

Today is a 13 hour work day. Don't ask! But, the sun is shining, and there is NO reason why Lazy Maise can't get her butt out the door for a brief walk.

OK - I'll fill up my water bottle and GO!

Much love to the Kingdom
Ivanna

Hola chicas.

Amarantha, there is no need for brevity mode! We at the palace enjoy your many "personalities" if you will, and there is always room for everyone here, be they real or players in the game. Post away! Naysayers can say their nays elsewhere in their sad little worlds, for a world without imagination is a dreary place indeed. We love ya...ALL of ya!

Frogger, Sydney is one cutie patootie! Look at those cheeks!

Anagram, I have violets growing under my bay window and while talking to the neighbor I said something about having "Anagram's violets"...she apparently thought I was some great plant expert and asked if I could identify something in her back yard. *L* I told her no, I just happened to be familiar with this particular violet.

Arabella, sending good vacation vibes in your general direction. Enjoy yourself, dear.

Eydie, hope your Dad and BIL are doing well. Walk barefoot on that beach for me!

Where is Kaylets today?

Sure would be nice to see Cerise back in the court...miss her bunches...anyone in touch with her?

Well, co-worker's Mom was moved to hospice yesterday. Apparently it is a beautiful place and she is more alert now that chemo is discontinued, but still on morphine. This place focuses on the patient and helping them pass with dignity and grace in peaceful surroundings. Many bird feeders, sunny windows with comfy chairs, personal attention, home made meals by the staff, and all under proper medical supervision. Sad, though, that it is a place she will never walk out of.

It has been a VERY long week. Woke up yesterday and actually had to wake DH and ask him what day it was. Couldn't figure it out for the life of me. Usually when that happens, I get it after a moment or two, but not this time. Wasn't very happy to learn it was only Wednesday, either.

Trudging along here, trying to live healthy. Made grilled tilapia tonight. It's yummy, if you haven't tried it.

Hello to all...

Wildfire, your botanical expertise gave me just the giggle I needed tonight
Saw surgeon today and dh is scheduled for surgery to prep for dialysis on 5/31. That means it's likely he'll be starting on it just about the end of the challenge.

Not doing well but not absolutely horrendous either. Scale was up a couple of pounds but honestly not too upsetting as it's a minor gain for being on pred. Another week & a half of that to go.

Frogger, what a cuddler you have. I'd never want to put her down.

Fun breaks, Eydie and Wood Nymph.

Turning in early tonight......I think I say that every night. May watch Prime Time to see some of George Lopez kidney story. Might be depressing but I guess it's turned out well.

I think Crazy Daisie has been seen in my neighborhood recruiting.

Amarantha, many thoughts and prayers for thee on the "anniversary." Somehow those days keep coming back to us, but they do seem to get less painful as the years go on. Sort of-----. But, thy eyes are on the FRONT of thy head - so look forward.

Well, a restructure of my life is definitely in order. I teach piano and am head of the keyboard department at a private school in California. I also teach piano outside the school. NOW is the time to decide on what I will and will NOT do next year, so that I don't end up with days like the ones I have been putting in recently. All I can do now is to ride out the rest of the year, but make plans to say many NO's next year.

Hey, we have over a month to go before the Solstice - we can really make some tracks, right?

Much love to all!
Ivanna B. Svelte

'Mornin'. Up way too early again today. Just not getting in enough sleep in a consecutive fashion. Food good until last night when I undid most of my earlier efforts. Did get in an hour of gentle exercise in the pool but one pool session and one tai chi session just doesn't cut it.

Thy career sounds lovely, Ivanna, though perhaps overly burdened at the moment. That NO is a magical word, isn't it? So hard to say but so powerful when used. I used to find it so hard to say and/or so hard for people to hear when I did say it. I've become more practiced and it does become easier.

Hope you keep your word to self, Empress, and get to take today off. I know oft they plans get changed for you and hope it's not so today. Enjoy friend and walk/hike.

I'm torn between being lazy/relaxed and being frenzied/getting projects done. I have my eye on one particular one and am thinking if I got THAT ONE done, I could then be lazy and sort of combine my opposite goals. Sounds like a plan - or close enough.

I too miss our dear Cerise. And am sending out : to our missing Ceara as she approaches her surgery date. Also : to K in the hopes it's only computer problems and no dire straits keeping her from the palace. Also to wsw and : for more pleasant days.

Well, at least you got in your exercise. I did finish the project I had my eye on, did two other smallish ones and then helped DH get the patio together. I've showered now and that means I'm officially DONE and am going in to turn on the vast wasteland and hope to doze off a tiny bit. Feeling very saintly about all the work I scratched off my list though unintentionally. Loverly weather here today, thinking we may go to a fair type thing after church this evening, eat (carefully), watch fireworks. That is, if Ma Nature's fireworks don't come through early.