Good Morning Ladies,

Mooz - Wow, 15,000 steps that is great. You just reminded me that I have a pedometer too. I think I'll put it on and see what kind of movement i'm getting.

Not much going on here. Still haven't started my shopping. I have a repair man coming out today (dishwasher). Going to work on decorations outside. Can you believe it's going to be 79 degrees here today? This weather is something else.

Hope everyone is having a great SATURDAY!

Good Evening Ladies,

Sorry I haven't been posting again but evidently I am off their list again.

Shad - I know about this exercising and going to the gym. I, too, sometimes wonder if it is worth all the effort and then after I get there it does make sense. I spoke to Joe, our trainer, on Friday and he definitely said by doing these classes consistently, we are toning up and getting rid of the excess fat. He also said it is possible to gain weight instead of losing it because muscle weighs more than fat. My WW leader definitely disagrees with this statement, but I am sure she is wrong!

For the first time in two months I took Gene to the casino and let him gamble for about 2 hours. We then went to the buffet and had dinner. All in all he really appreciated getting out and doing something different.

My gym is starting another Silver Sneaker class at 7:00 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I cannot do Thursdays but I am going to try this Tuesday's class. It is supposed to be a little more cardio than our other class.

I really don't have to do any decorating for Christmas because we will not have anyone to celebrate with. Tomorrow I am going to try and design my Christmas cards for this year.

Hope all of you are having a very pleasant and wonderful weekend!

Anita

Shad--what is a pergola?

Got back up to 36C (about 102F) again today. I worked late and tried to get to the gym however when I got there I found I had left out some of my gear so had to go home anyway. So I'm calling today a bust on exercise. Weather on the news tonight tells me it got to 49 in Longreach today. Hot is hot, but that is just awful. 49 is something like 128F. I've been to Longreach but I reckon you would only go there in the winter. If you think about looking for Longreach on a map, it is in Queensland. It's plumb on the Tropic of Capricorn.

A Pergola is a structure that (usually) joins onto the house but can be freestanding, has a roof of shadecloth, roofing iron or could be climbing plants. Oh Heck a picture would be easier.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...gola-plans.jpg
Bed calls. The cat doesn't know where to put herself so I put her outside. Better get up early tomorrow and water some of those poor plants. The roses love it but the pot plants are showing some pain.

Hello Ladies,

just a quick hello. Work is hetic, but help is on the way. Heard we were hiring some temps. We'll see. House is as decorated as it will get. Now to do some shopping. We're suppose to get some cold weather tomorrow. Guess winter is here.

Nita - glad you all were able to enjoy a evening out. Did you have any luck with gambling?

Shad - Wow talk about hot? No, wonder your plants are thirsty. I know you mentioned last week about the storms, did they help with the water rations?

Hope everyone is having a great day!

Sorry I haven't been posting regularly. I'll be back tonight with a round up of the doings. It's been very hot for the last week and we are all suffering from heat and dust. The flies haven't got here yet but no doubt they will soon. Another misery.

No the rains never fell in the catchment areas - we are still hovering around the 35% of capacity and getting lower by the day.

Shad--Right now I'd be willing to trade. It's -40 windchill here, and snow. Got rear-ended on way home from work but no one hurt.

Left early because no voice. Can't talk on phone no voice.

Went to allergist--lost another pound!

Hello Ladies,

Cat - Glad no one was hurt. Hope you didn't get to much damage on your vehicle. It's cold here to. BUT not like your having. We're expecting record temperature's tonight. Something like 15 degrees. Yesterday we got sleet, and schools were closed today. Hope you get your voice back soon.

Shad - Hope you all get a break with the temperature. I don't like when the flies arrive here, they bring that disease.

Hal, Mooz, Nita - Hope you ladies are doing ok.

RE: It's Beginning To Look Like Christmas...!!!
 

Hey Everyone!

Long time no see, and you get three guesses why! I have opted not to take classes in the Spring, because I simply don't want to do without sleep at my age. I should say, I cannot do without sleep! This makes a year and a half with no classes, and I am only half way to my rank one. I still have long term goals, and that is what is important - I guess! :hohoho:

Today is a SNOW DAY. As I like to say, there is no day like a snow day. I don't care if we go a few more days into the summer - the unplanned break is just a wonderful thing. We had no days last year, so this one is very nice. We actually dismissed school an hour early yesterday. We had freezing rain and sleet pouring down. It was actually kind of scary - to think of all of those high school students driving on sheets of ice. I gave a good warning to my last class of the day to be oh so careful.

Cat: What a bummer on the accident, and was this in your new vehicle? I hope you do not suffer any after the accident aches or pains. Congratulations on the loss of a pound. Each and everyone count! :xcheer:

OneDay: We had temps of 71 degrees just 10 days ago. Today our high temperature is 20 degrees, and sheets of ice line the roads and byways! I have yet to decorate, I think today will be 'the day'! I am going to have to go to school tho to borrow a dolly to haul the new tree in. I really did not realize how heavy these artifical trees are! However, with the ice on the patio (connects garage to house about 100 feet) I could slide the box? Hummmm? LOL I am excited to get it up. It has all white lights. I have always had the multi colored lights on a natural tree. I hope I am not disappointed. Anyway... I picked up a few more ornaments since this tree is 7 1/2 feet.

Shad: It is neat to hear about the weather in your homeland, and make the comparisons to ours - quite a change, huh? So you are keeping busy with work for the latter part of the year? I remember you mentioning you were unsure how it would work out. When I fail to post routinely, it means I'm working long hours. Energy, I need some. Oh, I have been stationary biking and increasing the time. I feel better, and hope and pray I continue to make these efforts. I think just any type of exercise is so beneficial. I don't think we see the differences/changes until we stop exercising. Trust me on this one! :snow4:

Nita; So, tell us how did you and Gene do on the gambling day? I've never really been much of a gambler. Hey, I plan on writing Christmas cards today. I have a picture to put inside this year. I think most of you send me pictures last year, but I did not have one to send. I'm not real happy with the double chin - but that is what is it. I've appreciated hearing from and reading about you this last year.

Now, Mooz - GREAT to hear from you. Just one thing to add, MORE, MORE, MORE. LOL Hoping this finds you and your family doing well.

THIN: Stop lurking! Time to post girlfriend. I know you are out there!:clause:

All the very best to each of you! Happy holidays!!!

Thanks for those who asked--no damage to the car, and I seem fine, too. I had already been planning to go to the chiro, so that worked out well.

Hal--Suzy Spafford, who does the Suzy's zoo, such as your picture, was Earl's date to the sr prom!

Hello Everyone,

Sorry I have not been posting. Again, they must have taken me off the list to receive e-mails. Also, as of Friday morning I have been having a problem with vertigo. I remember getting this off and on throughout the years, however, this time it seems to be staying longer. It was really bad at 5:00 a.m. Friday. The room was just spinning around. I remembered I had some Dramadine in my purse so I managed to get it. It did lessen the spinning and I managed to get breakfast. After breakfast I took an Advil and layed down and took a nap. I woke up at 9:00 a.m. and felt pretty good and decided I should go to my exercise class. I did manage to get through the hour class and I asked the trainer if I should go on to bowling. His reply was yes if I felt like it. So that is what I did. I just now got up from another nap and I am still not feeling very well. If this continues, I will call my doctor tomorrow.

I think part of this is I am paranoid that the vertigo will come back strong again. As far as dieting--I have not been doing well at all. Although after hearing about all your poor weather, one thing for certain Arizona is the place to be during the winter.

To those of you who asked, we did not win any money at the Casino but we did have fun and went out to eat afterwards. All of a sudden Gene is walking without even his cane, at least two or more times per day. I do believe as soon as he realizes he will not fall, he will do even better.

It is sort of scary when you are not well to realize your partner cannot be of assistance to you. We do have a wonderful neighbor but who wants to bother a neighbor when it is only 5:00 a.m. in the morning.

Well I had better get moving--I wanted to finish my Christmas cards today but that is going to have to wait until tomorrow.

My best to all of you,
Anita

Hello Ladies,

Sorry I didn't post this weekend. I was busy shopping. Got most of it done. Need to pick up a few more items. I"m hoping to get that done during the week. Tonight I also started on my Christmas Cards.

Shad - Can you email me your address. Last year we exchanged Christmas Cards and I would love to add you to my list.

Hal - Our schools were also out for 1 day. I got to work from home that day. It was kinda of nice. Wow, you have a big tree. I think I would borrow the school dolley. No need to get hurt trying to move it. Blackie still not quite sure what to think of the tree inside the house. He lays in front of it, staring at it. I think he's waiting for a squirrel to appear.

Nita - I hope the vertigo is short term. I know that's not a good feeling. That is great news about Gene. I guess he's starting to feel confident about not using the cane.

Cat - good news that there was no damage to the car, or any injuries to yourself.

Mooz - Hope your doing ok.

Stop the world, I want to get off.
 

It is now a quarter to eight and I am already grumpy. Yesterday I found they (being the 'IT security' people) had taken away a lot of my access to view results from running background programs in the training database. They have also taken away a lot of access from others as well. I had it last week. Gone this week. Maybe it will be back next week - who knows. Now I whinged a bit yesterday afternoon, and now I am told I have access to do it in the UAT database. Oh lovely!! Thank-you so much, how long did it take for you to do that? Why? Well I don't have an account in the UAT database. Thats' @#$%##$$$###$$$## well why.

Yesterday I had a phone interview with the mob from the desert about my next contract. It was quite possibly the worst interview I have ever done. So I am not feeling happy about that. Agent rang last night but I was driving home. I rang back but he was now out. Did I get the job, did I not? Who knows, who cares.

Got home to find DB2 on the doorstep with his list of problems and worries. So now I have some other things to sort out as well. Aaaaaah well the list goes on.

I hope you have all done your Christmas shopping! The crowds in town are bad now, next week they will be horrendous.

In fact I am considering taking a lunch break at 11.00 to go to the Post Office and post these cards and letters. Yes I finally got most of the far away and overseas ones done last night. Tonight should see an end to all but the local cards. I may even combine morning tea and lunch and go very early since I have yet to have breakfast and brought no lunch with me.

I'm sorry I haven't been posting as much lately. I think it is the time of the year when we all get icky and sticky and tempers fray etc. Christmas used to be a time of peace and happiness and serenity. Now all I see is tense, tired faces and tempers rising.

Okay - up, up and away to the thirteenth floor to yell at the tallest man in the building. I have to yell, he is in a different stratosphere. I hope to get back with some personal comments tonight. Let's not bet on it though.

Hello Ladies,

Just got in from work. Stop at the local mall and pick up two more gifts. All I need now is 3 more (I think, need to check list twice) and I"m finished. Then the next item on my list is the food menu. Christmas Eve will be celebrated at my house. Picking up a Honey Baked Ham and of course tamales. Not sure what else will be on the menu. I'm sure Mom and my sisters will help with something.

Shad - sorry to hear your having a bad day at work. Maybe your phone interview didn't go as bad as you thought. I think I heard a high pitch yell earlier today, Was it you?

Hope everyone is having a good evening!

Shad--found myself quite grumpy last week, though I think I'm doing better today, thank goodness. Sometimes there just seem to be a string of calls. I had one woman last week who someone else had told her to tell us about her insurance. I said she didn't need to tell us, and she just got so insistent, and I wanted to yell, "Isn't is JUST possible that the OTHER person is wrong?" Anyway, hope you are feeling better, and that you get the contract if it's the right thing.

Nita--that vertigo is nasty. Do you have a chiropractor out there? Might help.

I still had the cold this weekend, then woke up Sun with a very sore leg and hip--the bring-tears-to-your eyes kind. Did hot baths and pain patches and yoga and it was somewhat better. Went to see the chiro again after work. That helped.

Meanwhile, we are waiting to put the tree up. Not sure it will survive the kitten!

Ran my proposal for the vacation church school by the Kansas Authors Club Sat. Everyone thought it was good, though I didn't get any really helpful feedback. One of our members is 80 and quite a character. He said, "That's the first thing you've brought in I'VE though was any good." (Buster ain't much for poetry.)

I may go to bed early again tonight.

Oh--another stress. I sold my shotgun in the Internet. DH took it to the store where he works to have them ship it. Deal for the Internet site is delivery a week from when you get the money. A week later they hadn't even shipped it. DH told them to ship it overnight and he'd pay the difference, but they sent it 2-day air anyway. Of course the buyer is very annoyed. Since I already spent the money to pay off the hearing aid, we'll have to sell some stock if I have to give him a refund. And the hearing aid stopped working!

One of those being-nibbled-to-death-by-ducks times in my life.

Hello Ladies,

Not much going on. Work, and this evening trying to get some laundry done. Tomorrow night might try stopping at the mall, to pick up last items.

Mooz - I hear ya about the dejunking the house. I wish I had a big shed where I could just put things to get out of house. My garage is full, 1/2 is for car the other half is for outdoor furniture that I don't want to get ruin with the cold weather. WTG on your loss. A loss is a loss even though you had a gain week before you got back on track and had a loss. Are the kids home for the holidays? How's your mother doing?

Cat - Oh, I can't even imagine all the calls your getting about the new program. I looked over with my Dad and it's so confusing. We are going to have to sit down and log into site and look over. Hopefully the buyer on the shotgun will be understanding and not return it.

Hope everyone is having a good day!

Hiya all,
Didn't get back to post last night as we had another great thunder and lightning display - with rain YAHOO.

Mooz - great to hear from you. I have posted a card to you which I hope will arrive before Christmas and you will no doubt get an e-mail from me in the next day or so.

Hello to all others. Hope the hips come right and any other aches and pains that we all have from time to time.

I will be having a couple of weeks off work and will get back to looking for work in January. I can use the time to carry on the renovations etc.etc.etc.

I'm not unhappy about not getting this job, so I don't think it was me yelling that you heard.

Gotta go, catch up later.

Good Evening Everyone,

I did go and see the doctor re the vertigo and fortunately it has not come back. He did give me a prescription for Antivert. But he was quite concerned because my blood pressure was way up there. He advised me to take it easy and give up the exercising for this week. He, however, agreed I could go bowling. I have been keeping track of my blood pressure and it still is a little 148 - 88 and then sometimes it will go to 144 - 74. If it stays high he wants me to see him on Monday. He was a Physician Assistant and didn't even listen to my heart or check me in any way shape or form. Perhaps I should cancel that appointment and wait until I can see the regular doctor. He did, however, give me good advice on taking Asiphex for my indigestion. He told me to take it as soon as I got up, even before my shower and at least one hour before breakfast. It seems to working fine. Another item he mentioned was that Advil tends to increase your blood pressure and since Friday I had been using Advil at least once or twice a day.

I guess we are never too old to learn new things. My Christmas cards are almost ready to send--all I need to do is sign them and put them in the mail.

It's nice to hear from you fine ladies.

Take care,
Anita

Patty--let me know if I can help you and your dad.

Some people are so nice, and others . . . One caller wanted a certain plan for his folks, so I went through the whole process until the enrollment and he asked--would the local drugstore take this plan. I said I didn't know, because I hadn't checked. (We don't check if the person is sure which plan they want). So we went all the way back, found indeed the local drug store didn't take that plan, and he was very annoyed with ME ("That's the only drug store within walking distance,") then we went through from the beginning. Ugh.

Just a plea to all of you out there who are driving - please take it easy and carefully. There are so many things that can and do go wrong in a split second. Tonight I witnessed an accident in which a man was killed. The nightmare will live with me for quite a while. So whatever you do, just take that little bit of extra time to look both ways if you are crossing the road, or check that there really is nothing coming or that you have the room to make that turn.

Please take care out there.

Hello Ladies,

Shad - I'm so sorry to hear that you had to witness something so tragic. You are so right, in being mindful when we drive. Many times I look over and there is someone with the phone to their ear, eating food and trying to drive. It just takes a split second for something to happen. I will say a extra prayer for you tonight.

Cat - Thank you for the offer. We just might take you up on it. I"m sure it has to be so frustrating with the elderly.

Nita - Hopefully it's the Advil that's causing the high blood pressure. I sometimes see a Physican Assistance at my gyno office. But I like to alternate from them to my Dr.

Things at work have slowed down with many people starting to take off for the holidays. Hopefully this will be the time I can do some catch up work with my projects.

Hope everyone is having a good evening!

Thanks Patty,

As I said on the other thread, I will get past this a lot easier than the family who now are minus a loved member. I will get past this a lot easier than the lady who hit him. She has to live with what she did and she was hysterical and had to be taken away in an ambulance. I tell myself I did what I could, I rung the ambulance, I rung the police, I tried to console the lady. There was nothing I could do for the man. I did that best I could. It doesn't completely take away the feeling of guilt that maybe I should have done more, but I honestly don't know what more I could have done. Anyway, this too will pass.

Snow here--just soft but a fair amount.
Going to be a new program at church on weight loss/health called Giving Christ First Place. I might try it--good NY resolution?

Have a good weekend, all.

Hello Ladies,

Shad - I don't think their was anything else you could of done. You stayed with the woman til helped arrived. You consoled her.

Cat - Keep us informed about the program.

I can't believe how fast the holidays are upon us. Shopping is done, now to do the wrapping. I know this past month I've gained a few pounds. I'm not going to worry about it til Jan. 1.

Hope everyone is enjoying the weekend!

RE: The Most Special Time of the Year...!!!
 

Good Sunday Morning Movers and Losers!

Second time is the charm? We can only hope. I spent about an hour preparing a post early Saturday morning only to have my internet connect suddenly disconnect. You find yourself just sitting there in disbelief! So, once again here I am. LOL

We have 3 more teaching days and then 9 days off of school. I know everyone is ready for a break. Oddly, expecatations are so high, information is so random and unexpected, and thus stress is so high no one decorated their hallway doors for the holiday this year. Last year the halls were a winter wonderland, this year - nothing. It is just nuts the amount of work they expect us to do, and still function at professional levels. Nuts.

As expected, it is also nuts to try to really diet these few weeks, huh. I did have a Slim Fast for lunch 2 days this week to help cut daily calories and to save minutes during the day. I bought a newer version of it that says it is high protein and high fiber. It was good. I drink it very cold and with a straw.

I broke down and told my first hour class that on the last day of school we can have breakfast that morning. They take their final exam on Monday and the last 2 days will be finish up odds and ends days anyway. I am thinking I may make sausage gravy and biscuits for them. It is a smaller class of only 18 students - so it should not take that much to do it. I have the kitchen area where I can bake biscuits for them. So, Wednesday will be a splurge day for sure!

Last year I made Bourbon Ball candy for the first time and it was really good. I don't think I'll venture down that road this year. We made holiday candy in my foods classes last week with a fudge recipe. I demonstated Rachel Rays Fudge Christmas Wreath - it was really neat. They made home made brownies with icing. The recipe has 2 cups of sugar, 1 cup of oil and 1 cup of flour. Add some icing to top that off. Yup... empty calorie land. So good, but so bad for you.

Shad: I'm so sorry you had to experience the accident. You know, I just drove by one of those last summer just after it happened. These are moments we will never forget. We can only count our lucky stars and say prayers for the less fortunate. Hey, I guess you were correct about Keith Urban and Nichole Kidman huh? Baby on the way? Wow!

CatLover: I received your holiday card today! Thanks so very much. Several teachers I know joined the church based first choice program a few years ago and did lose some considerable weight. They liked the program very much. I hope you are feeling better, no fun being sick especially during the holdays.

Mooz: AS always great to hear from you. You do a great job of taking weight off AS soon as you gain it. That is so important to maintenance. I bet you are cooking up some good things for your family this holiday? Do I hear the sound of chocolate biscuits? LOL

OneDay: Well, this will be the first year having a Christmas tree with Rocky. I really hpe he behaves, I have my doubts. I bought a few stuffed toys for him, and gave him one early. A distraction of sorts. As if... Honey baked ham sounds good. I have not bought one in years. Maybe this year! Tell me about tamales on Christmas. I know there is a story there.

Nita: I struggle with high blood pressure now. I know it is stress related and I can control it if I do my best. It has all occured since the loss of my niece in February. I can catch myself tensing up, I even grit my teeth or clench them - time to learn how to relax. Exercise and diet also play large parts here. It is great to hear the good news on how Gene is doing.

Well, I'm still working on holdiay decorations including the tree. Stay tuned! I have SNL on, Neil Young is on. I just love him! Almost as much as Hal!

Hi, folks. Got your lovely card, too, Hal. Thanks for the good words on the plan.

Cold seems all gone, and my massage therapist worked out the last of the kinks in my leg and hip. I splurged on a Thai massage, which is done on a mat on the floor, dressed. It's pretty intense, not as relaxing, but just what I needed this time, I think.

One of my favorite professors broke a hip. The word at meeting was that he was going to the skilled nursing facility, but then we got an e-mail that he was going back to the hospital--in Topeka. So not sure if this was just looking for someone with a particular skill in treating this problem, or whether he has gotten worse. Hip fractures in the elderly are so dangerous. So think about him if you will. His name is Howard.

Hello Ladies,

Just a quick hello. Went grocery shopping after work, figured the stores will be crowded come thur/friday. Everything wrapped and now to start focusing on cleaning the house. Will put that off til friday. I'm going to take a few vacation days to get prepared but that's not til thursday.

Mooz - don't worry about the cards. I too was late in sending mine out.

Hal - I'm sure your ready for some time off. I don't know the story of tamales and Christmas, but it has always been a tradition in our family. Growing up my mom and her sister's and my grandmother would make them. Now we just buy them but there still good. I only like to eat them at Christmas time.

Cat - the Thai massage sounds interesting. I think I"m going to make an appointment for just a regular one on thursday.

Shad - can you email me your home address (I know it's too late for Christmas card, but I can send a New Year's one)

Hope everyone is having a great day!

Good Evening Everyone,

Moose -- It's great to see you post. I, too, have been having a problem with vertigo as well as my blood pressure going sky high. I , too, have the white coat syndrone as well. However, my blood pressure is finally coming down and I believe I may have had some kind of a virus. I did go see the doctor and he did give me a prescription for Antivert and I only had to take about 3 of them. I carry them with me just in case I get dizzy. He also suggested I not exercise for a whole week. Perhaps I was just trying to do too many things. I did resume going to the gym on Monday and found after only being gone for a week, it actually was a bit taxing. In fact, I have decided to just go bowling this week and resume going to the gym again next Monday.

Since I don't have any family here--I have decided to bowl in a no-tap tournament at 5:00 p.m. on Christmas day. I probably will do what I did on Thanksgiving and that is run the vacuum and do some cleaning which I very seldom get to.

I just received a call from my niece to let me know my sister in Ohio--the one who had her leg amputated--had a mild heart attack on Monday. They did keep her in the hospital for a couple of days but she is home now and very weak. And to think she is the baby--only 68 years old, however, she is very lucky because she does have three children living nearby.

Tomorrow I am going to make cookies. On Friday I will be going to work instead of tomorrow and then at 1:00 we are going to a fancy restaurant for lunch--paid for by the attorney who owns our little office building. Right after that I have been invited to another attorney's open house. I have been going to this open house for 14 years and each year her children just seem to keep geeting older. In fact, I believe two of her daughters are in college. Everyone brings their favorite dish and there is food galore. Gene is also invited but he has not attended the last two years. I have decided to ask her if I can take a plate home for Gene and I, myself, really will not be hungry since I will have eaten a complete meal. Thank goodness I only have one more party after this and it will be at the bowling alley on December 30th.

Well I had better get moving.

Take care all,
Anita

Hello Ladies,

Nita - I didn't realize you were still having problems with the vertigo. I glad the medicine is helping. I agree with taking it easy this week. Gosh you have lots of parties to go to. At my work we had a luncheon and that's been about it for me with holiday parties. Have fun at your bowling tournament.

As for me. Taking thursday and friday off. Getting last minute things done. Hopefully tomorrow do all my running around and friday focus on house. I'm hopeing to have everything done by friday night, so saturday I can relax and enjoy the celebration.

Hope everyone is having a good evening! Gosh just realized the time. I'm sure most are in bed sleeping. Sweet dreams..

Morning all,

It's been a hectic week so I haven't posted regularly. I guess everyone is feeling the same way - I'm so over the 'festive season' and the heat and the crowds. I'm now waiting for next week when I can get some good food back in the house and start eating properly again. Our weather is predicted to be hot and sunny for Christmas Day 37C (104F) and 36C and storming for Boxing Day. What fun. I should check out Adelaides weather since that is where I will be for the next few days. It can get stinking hot down there too.

Cat - Hope the Church plan works for you. I guess all plans work so long as we work at them, but this will give you physical support as well. That can make all the difference sometimes.
I hope the professor is doing okay and on the mend. So easy to happen, so hard to mend.

1day - I'll get you my address shortly, through PM since I don't have your email addy. You used to be able to get them off the site, but I can't find them now. I too haven't got many of my cards out this year. I did manage the letter and the e-mail card to most folk overseas, but those who don't have an e-mail address didn't get one. I think I will be spending much time on the phone over the next week or so.

Hal - Sorry your card is on the waiting list as well. I just ran out of puff this week. Too many things on, too many things to finish at work etc. On the subject of Nicole and Keith - well I'll believe the baby when I see the proof. I can't believe she would go for the wild child. She will have fallen off the Grace Kelly pedestal now for sure. We haven't had mention of either of them for ages and usually the 'Australian Stars' have all their doings mentioned ad infinitum regardless of whether it is the truth or not.

Mooz - how's things going. Guess DH is getting ready to put the wine in the 'cooler' outside the front door soon? Best wishes to the family and Mum!

Nita - the bowling tournament on Christmas Day sounds like fun for you. I think it is a great idea. Good luck with all those dinners and lunches. Maybe one day soon you will be with your own family for Christmas. I sure hope the sister is now okay.

So I probably won't get near a computer for a couple of days from tomorrow (Saturday) so I'll take this opportunity to wish you all the best for a grand and happy Christmas, be it with loved ones, on the bowling alley, in the snow or cruisin' along. I hope that you all have a wonderful, wonderful day.

Just a quick hello.

I'm off today and tomororw trying to get things ready. This morning received a phone call from a good friend, her mother passed away yesterday. She had been ill for the last year and in alot of pain. Changed some plans but was able to drop by this morning and then again this evening. Tomorrow just focusing on the house.

Shad - Wow it's hot where you are? We are actually experiencing some very warm weather too. It's suppose to get in the high 60's this weekend. I too need to start eating properly. I'm sending all my leftovers with my parents or whoever will take them.

talk to you all tomorrow.

Just bringing us to the top!

Cleaned house and got out all the dishes and plates I'll be using tomorow night. I' think i'm set. Now I wish I had scheduled a massage for tomorrow, sure could use one.

Wishing everyone a safe and Merry Christmas!

Wishing you all the best for Christmas!

RE: Merry Christmas...!!!
 

Happiest of Christmas Eves to each and every one of you!

This would be post number two for me today. I spent just over an hour writing a long post to each of you, and then I simply closed it without posting it? Sometimes I scare myself. So with that said, wish me luck as I attempt to do this once again..!!:tree: My tree is up! I still have to plug the top into the middle into the base and then into the wall. It is rather dark in the corner where it sits, so in the morning I'll do that and decorate it while Rocky is being groomed in the morning. He's a bit timid about the tree for now, and that works for me! It is really too big. I had NO idea. I think it must be close to 4 foot wide at the base. I hope it is as pretty as I think it is going to be!

Today was my second day off, and I honestly did not do half of the things on my list. Tomorrow will be busy, busy, busy early. Our weather has warmed nicely and it is not bitter cold as it has been.

Nita: Bowling on Christmas sounds like fun. I like it that you are going to get out and do something. If we have events like that here I am now aware of them. I hope you are feeling better with the vertigo. My Grandmother use to suffer with it also. She was diagnosed with Meners Snydrome. I remember staying with her during my semester breaks in college and she would be so ill she would be in bed the entire time I would be there. Her doctor actually came to her home to give her dranamine shots - I believe. Anyway I saw how sick she was, and hope you are not experiencing that. I LOVE your holiday card, you are so creative. Thank you.

OneDay: I had the last two days off and I wish I could say I just had to get the dishes out! Really, I'm in pretty good shape. You are right a massage would be a really nice touch just before we all kick back to relax for a few. Even a pedicure and manicure, hum...! Rocky has a new penguin Santa toy for Christmas morning. A friend gave him some doggie chocolate chip cookies I'm holding for the holiday also. May you and Blackie enjoy the day! Sounds like you will be cooking also - good luck!

CatLover: Hip replacement surgery is a pretty long recovery. My Grandmother had that also. Your friend will need the best of the best to regain his old lifestyle. Anyway... I hope your holdiay is the best also.

Shad: It is hard to imagine the temps you have during Christmas holiday. Now I know where the tropical Santas come from. I've noticed quite a few of them lately. So, what kind of 'bad food' have you been enjoying. Mooz use to tell us about chocolate bisuits she would have. Dont' worry about the card, no big deal at all. I like to write and send them. On Keith and Nichole, evidently they are hanging here in the states in Nashville. His parents are here, and hers were also, I'm not sure if they are all still here - but reports are they are all spending the holiday together. Stay tuned! LOL...

Mooz:: What can I say. Have a wonderful holiday my friend. It is always great to hear from you. I know you are busy with your family during this special time of year.

Todays news reports of potential dates of troop withdrawls from Iraq certainly are encouraging. Hopefully holiday wishes of Peace, Love and Hope can be long term wishes that come true for all.

Now to withdrawl some of this body weight, in a most serious fashion - with the same peaceful plan, love of self and hope for the best. Oh how I hope and pray.

All the best girls! :xcheer: :wreath: :hohoho:

RE: Merry Christmas...
 

On Boxing Day here's a special gift ..................


http://img.123greetings.com/eventsne...1-04-1078b.gif

So did we all have a nice time? And did we all behave? And did we all shed a few tears because it's all over for another 364 days?

I had a nice time in Adelaide. Met so many people it took some time to sort out the various relationships. I sat with Tullah - DS1's g/f Mum and she was talking to everyone - Greek to the SIL's mother, Italian to the woman across the table and English to me. All in the same breath. Every one else talked at once as well, I guess it saved time. The tables groaned with every type of delicacy imaginable. Steak, sausage, chicken kebabs, greek salad, pork, prawns, pasta salad, coleslaw (all with cream based sauces and heavy on the garlic). The prawns had a side dressing of cream, garlic, tomato, brandy. Then there was Almond Torte, Pavlova, Baklava, fruit, cheese, biscuits and of course the drink. Anything from soda to scotch with Retsina, brandy, wine etc in between. And that was just dinner! Supper was yet to follow.
At given times, some one would come out and say have you finished with that cheese platter? and take it away and come out with another, and another. Different cheeses - how can I tempt the palate??? The fruit platter got replenished and we were urged to eat the pav and torte because there is more in the fridge! :yikes: I think we need a smilie of a stuffed Shad about here. Very nice, very hospitable.
It was a joy to see the DS1 and see where and how he lives. Actually I am not quite sure that this is my kid? He is so neat and tidy! :faint: He really does look after his things. Doesn't have a huge amount of stuff, but it is all good stuff - as I would have expected from him.
I got to meet his new ladyfriend and the 20 or so of her immediate family. Let's see there was Tullah the mother, 3 sisters of the G/F, three husbands, at least 2 kids each, one of the husbands Mother and Father, and the sister of the husband, plus her DH. It took a while to work out which sister was attached to which husband and I never worked out the relationship of most of the kids. I'm sure there was more than 6 - or maybe it just seemed that way. That was through dinner and the evening. Others came and went and sometimes I couldn't even tell the difference. The DS1 is happily accepted there and they think he is a wonderful 'boy'. I did like the girlfriend. She is a very bubbly and extroverted lady but has her head screwed on fairly sensibly. He could do a lot worse.

Yesterday early, I went for a run around the neighbourhood. It was pleasant and not too hot. I'd worked up a good sweat when I got back. Later, I took the G/F, Mother and DS1 out to lunch and then we wandered around the city of Adelaide and the botancial gardens until it was time for the plane.

So here I am back in my quiet little space. Well it would be quiet if the cat ever shut up. There are times I swear!!!!!!!!!!

Okay, that's more or less the Christmas tale done for this year. Way past time that I should be dressed and doing something.

As big Arnie said - I'll be back.

Hope everyone had a pleasant Christmas. Mooz--love the card.

We had a quiet but pleasant Christmas. Kids got me Reading Lolita in Teheran, which I had meant to read for several years. Not far with it yet, but my it is amazing!!

Had gotten so far behind with my exercise with the cold and busyness. I think I need to accept I won't get my full half hour walking when it's bitter cold. Hurts the old arthur, and I am afraid of falling. So I need to look from some supplements to do inside--vigorous yoga, pilates or something.

Today I did get more than 1/2 hour brisk walk, and a good yoga practice. Yeah!

You'd think we'd be just swamped at work with people asking about the drug benefit. Of course, I suppose people may have thought we were closed. Others I think just hope if they close their eyes it will go away.

Love to all--
Catlover