Happy Birthday To You!
 

:wave: :joker: :hb: :cb: :cp: :gift: :hat: :dance: :flow1: :flow2: :dancer: :woo: :genie: :cloud9: :queen: :twirly: :wizard: :bubbles: :encore: :cheers: :cheer:

:balloons: HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAINTER WOMAN!!!!
HOPE THE DAY WILL BE AS SPECIAL AS YOU ARE!!!

Happy Birthday Painter.
 

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Many happy returns Dana. Have a great day and do something great for yourself.


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Dancing on the roof is fine - it's exercise and burns calories.

One for Shad and anyone else who identifies;)

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Happy birthday Painter Women. :gift:

Shad--I'm basically writing a manual. It sure does take time though. This is just on the paper work that I do. I thought about bringing it home, but quickly talked myself out of that one. I've written a manual on how to operate the water plant. Tim uses it to train new employee's. I noticed that most of my copies are gone. I need to get those copies and put them in a binder so they will not get lost. I'll ask the newest employee if I can borrow his copies and make more.


I've blown my diet today. I really buckle under stress and this manual / training session is just that, stressful. I need to set a time limit for my last meal of the day. I don't like to eat after 6 p.m. at work cause it's to near the time to go home, and salads are out of the question for right now. My aunt is thinking that lettuce may be causing the IBS episodes.

Linda--Do you have night exercise classes as well? Ah--forgot to bring home the exercise equipemnt I have at work in my locker. I may have to bug my co-worker tomorrow. I'm diffinately not an early bird.


Hello to Holly, Happy, Mel, Linus, Nae and Teel :wave:

Mouse - what mouse?
 

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Bah humbug. Taking a pause day at day 5? 6?. Grrrrrrrrrrrr. When will I ever learn? Aaah well tis done - first day off the rails for ages and ages and it had to happen today. When I stuff up, I really stuff up. Did I enjoy it. No not really and I can feel it there sitting in the stomach - idiot. And no I can't see the mouse.

hmm, cheese :drool: :p

Exactly - silly me. And I wish cheese was all it was as well.

hard to imagine that at this moment I am preparing for dreamland and Shad is preparing lunch. :dizzy:

Ok, you get your pause day BUT it's back to plan again young woman :nono:

And I did NOT eat the cookies. I packed them in my bag along with some cracked corn for the mallard ducks in the pond and took a walk around the pond area over to my buddies building and hand delivered him the cookies. DH walked with me and helped deliver the newsletters tonight after the chiropractor. Got extra water, extra exercise and food wasn't stellar but not so bad as to undo the entire day.

I am trying to read your posts but the cable modem is going bonkers. Either that or it's melting down at the idea of Linda T's 4:45 aerobics class. Aerobics at that hour? Even the birds aren't up. Oh wait, 4:45 in Linda's time is actually 6:45 in my time. Ok, I can handle that - where's my Reebok step thingee?

Modem is flaking out. I'm getting REALLY ticked off. I will try again in the morning.

oh and HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAINTER WOMAN - I'd do this in color but this #$%(@#&%&* thing is so slow that the color would fade to black by the time you saw it anyway.

Thanks for the birthday wishes!
I feel virtuous after my am walk with DH. and plan to do the same tomorrow with cool weather as promised. I didn't take a pause day.... I feel the day I missed was plenty pause enough!

Shad... thanks for letting me know you don't suffer fools... I'm unfoolish in some areas, but not when it comes to moving my body around or putting food into it. I'll keep my dietary whines to myself. Actually, I might even straighten up and fly right!!

OK. I'm off to some knitting and then to bed.
No late noshing.

Morning All
 

Happy Bday Painter woman.... the best to you and all year through! It is a gorgeous morning here and I actually slept in with the pups.... oh it feels like a slow start today. My day off a nd Toby is already so happy not to be put into his bathroom for the whole day.
The challenge is still going well for me and I hope that the vitamins and water is helping me. SO maybe I will make it to the endof this one....
Lots and lots of deer all around the place resting bedded down lots of times and walking around with the dogs in tow doesn't even seem to bother them... Toby has even halted his wee little charge when I tell him to stop!
Hope all is well around this world with each of you and yours!
Mel, are you barking orders with a smile?????
Blessings,
Nae

Nae, Deer,can't wait until they start to appear at my uncles. Do you have turkey also? We saw their tracks in the woods last week end.

Shad -I'm starting over with this challenge. Yes, I'm a stress eater and I've got to over come that. I' m also adding a no coke or dr. pepper for this one. Coke products really make me retain fluid.

I'm going to my uncles later in the day. Their grand children's school is having grand parents day tomorrow. I'm getting to baby sit. Yes, I volunteered, but I get to have some one on one time with the baby. Yeah, She'll be 2 Oct 30th. And I'm taking back some chiggar's that I got out in the woods last week end. I've never had this many.

Got to get cracking. Laundry has been done and I really want to clean the bedroom before I leave this afternoon.

I've just figured out a reasonable dinner and it's easy so I can eat at a decent time now.

Need to make a couple of phone calls. Going to redeem my plane ticket that I didn't use last Chrismas because of the snow and ice. Making a trip to Dallas to see my oldest sister in November. That's just around the corner.

hi folks if i make too many spelling mistakes blame my wee horror who has decided that he doesnt need sleep after all lol i am having continuall battles with nice caring relatives not too put the wee man on the bottle so they can take him off my hands for me to get some rest !!!!! i keep telling them its not the wee man its the bloody rest of them !!! happy birthday painter woman ,brill end of month weigh in results shad and thanks mel for passing on the piccies to shad and to shad for posting them ,shad youll get the updated versions i promise
love to you all and welcome linda t
kirsty and christopher {the lesser of 4 evils }

Day 1 of 21!!!!
 

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Okay so yesterday is dead and gone and I have to get over it and start over. Day 1 of 21, it will just give me time to complete the challenge before I go away. I've finished beating myself up about it.

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I did salvage some of yesterday. Last night I went home and definitely wasn't hungry, fed the cat, got some of my taxes up to date and will have to finish them this weekend. Then around 8.00pm I had my first of the season Northern Territory mango. It was yummy, yummy, yummy. But there won't be too many more of them at the price that one was. I'll wait now until they come down a bit in price.

Last night on the way home, I stopped off at a shop near the railway station and bought myself a new skirt. Its in aqua - which seems to be my new colour this year. Last couple of years have been sort of sage and khaki. This year is bright aqua and a bit of teal. So I am set to go (hot to trot?) for a while now. Need to throw out some of the old stuff to make way for the new. I do like these new clothes in the stretch fabrics - had a lot of sins some of them!

Linus - good to hear from you. Be my guest as to the photos. Had all the girls here going clucky. Tell the rellies to take Andy and Connor and Craig and just leave you holding the baby. That would make life a lot easier all round.

Ceejay - yes well I'm starting over as well. So you're not on your own. What are chiggar's? Sound intriguing - sort of like Hansel and Gretel - taking them to the woods! Have a fun time with the toddler.

Rose - fancy having living deer snoozing and wandering around your yard. It sounds idyllic, probably isn't as you will be cleaning up the deer poo and they will be eating the veges and plants etc.

Painter - hope you had a wonderful birthday and all good things came your way. I promise not to hit you too hard with my stick when the time comes. You'll be wondering why you are here, what with the cattle prod and now the big stick.

Happy - glad to hear you didn't eat the cookies. Did you 'share' the corn with the ducks or did they get the lot? :lol3:

Okay, duty calls, work to do, etc.

Happy Friday (you lot will just have to pretend it is Friday)

Day 8 Done
 

I've gotten through a week of my challenge. By now I am automatically looking for the water and the idea to move and stretch pops into my head several times throughout the day. So something good is coming of this. I definitely need to focus on the food next go round. Right now my knee is killing me. I suspect it has something to do with the chiropractor. It feels twisted. My left foot did slightly turn in for all I can remember. It's straightening out now as the spine is being straightened (so they tell me) so there will be some aches as the body aligns. It does make sense and the pressure I once had lifting my leg is greatly diminished so I will proceed cautiously. Just won't be doing any race walking this weekend :lol:

And a glorious weekend it will be - we have a cool snap from our Canadian friends - daytime temps only in the 60's. Fall is here at last. Should be great for working out in the yard - there's much to sweep and pick up. Not sure if I want to rip out the front flowers and redo them with fall and winter flowers (pansies and mums). We have some zinnias in the front that are doing well, the butterflies love them so I'll see how they weather the cooler temps. Hummingbirds are all but gone. It's down to one or two now from our peak of about 20. The ferral cat seems to have taken a new road too - haven't see it in 3 days. Stopped putting food out as I noticed the raccoon was nosing around the other night.

Weekend's plans are to sort out and put away the summer clothes, dig through a box or two for fall sweaters. I will make a committment to go through 3 packing boxes. Need to pick out some of DH's flower and butterfly pictures for a framed grouping on 2 walls. I did want to take the bicycle out but we'll have to see how the knee is feeling - DH has already found a local bike path he wants to try. He doesn't realize/remember that I need to build up the stamina first before we launch on a day's ride. :(

Looks like it's time to hop in the shower. Will be back this evening to catch up with everyone. Enjoy your day.

Wowzers, Friday already!!!
This week had gone by in a blink!!

All is well on the school front. The meeting last night had a much lighter and “informed” tone. I spoke on the topic and hope I did okay.
Food had still been much,much better. Mindful. Healthy choices.
I am soooo looking forward to this weekend. It cool again 16C/62F as opposed to 25c/80F all week. ew. I had the ac on in the afts. gross.
I will putter at paperwork and gardening. I have 2 little guys Sat morning so the parents can go to a funeral.

We had a completely chaos free morning!!!!! woohooo!!! It is pajama day at school ,so I didn’t have to get kids dressed and it is pizza day, didn’t pack lunches. It was freakin GREAT!!!
2 pre schoolers til noon and then I am FREE til 3:30 and then only 3 kids coming. Fridays ROCK!!!

I didn't think i had made my challenge but i have. I DID do a modified SB diet and I DID eat mindfully. I am feeling great.

Oh happy sigh!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING MEADOW!!!!!!! What are your plans??

WELL KIDS I MADE IT TO THE END OF THE WEEK.....NOT ONLY DOWNSTAIRS BUT WITH THE CHALLENGE. TODAY IS DAY 7 AND STILL HOLDING. I EVEN ADDED TAKE CARE OF LIPS AND NAILS TO MY LIST AND HAVE KEPT UP WITH THEM. I DON'T LEAVE THE HOUSE WITHOUT BREAKFAST EITHER. THIS IS A WHOLE NEW ME! LOL SINK IS CLEANED AND EVERYTHING BEFORE 8 AM!
BUT I WILL BE GLAD WHEN THIS 3 DAY WEEKEND IS OVER AND JOHN IS BACK.:bubbles:
A COUPLE I KNEW (FROM INDIA) HAS A DD LIVING NEAR ME. I MET THEM A FEW YEARS AGO. HIS WIFE PASSED AWAY THIS YEAR AND HE CAME TO SPEND TIME WITH DD AND HE IS LEAVING TOMORROW AND I BOUGHT HIM A BEAUTIFUL SUEDE JOURNAL AND TOLD HIM HE CAN STILL SPEAK TO NIRU(HER NAME) ALL HE WANTS WITHOUT ANYONE KNOWING. HIS DD'S BOTH HERE AND IN INDIA ARE TRYING TO RUSH THE GREIVING PROCESS TOO MUCH FOR HIS LIKING. HE WAS BLOWN AWAY FROM THE GIFT AND SPEECHLESS BUT SAYS HE WILL USE IT AS SOON AS HE GETS HOME....MAYBE EVEN ON THE PLANE FOR THE 19 HOURS! I WAS SAD AND GLAD TO SEE HIM GO. THE GLAD WAS BECAUSE I AM TIRED OF CRYING!!! LOL
SO THAT WAS THE LAST DAY FOR HIM AND FOR MAINTENANCE.
THE BOYS ARE SAD JOHN IS COMING HOME THOUGH.....I WAS SURPRISED HOW UPSET THEY ARE TODAY. THEY WERE REMINDED OF THE "OLD" DAYS AND NEVER DID ACCEPT JOHN'S COMING HERE. (SIGH) NOTHING I CAN DO ABOUT IT AND TO BE HONEST I DON'T KNOW HOW I DID IT ALL FOR SO MANY YEARS ALONE. I AMAZED MYSELF!!! NOT A BLDG WE OWN DIDN'T HAVE MULTIPLE PROBLEMS THIS WEEK AND MAINLY CAUSE THEY LET THE PREVENTIVE MAINT. SCHEDULE GO TO BLAZES. CAN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT THAT EITHER ALTHOUGH I TRIED....SEEM TO BE A LOT OF DEAF EARS AROUND HERE NOW.
WELL ANYWAY..............
I READ ALL THE POSTS AND WON'T COMMENT SINGLY BUT GLAD ALL IS WELL HERE AT THE CASTLE! I NEED A WEEK AT OUR SUMMER HOME TO WARM UP AND SOAK IN THE RAYS.
JEN IS GOING AWAY FOR THE WEEKEND OR SO THEY THINK. I HAVE CUSTODY OF THE GRANDCHILD. BIRDY IS HERE AGAIN! ROFLMAO HE MUST LOVE ME CAUSE HE FLEW ON MY HEAD, TOOK A **** AND FLEW OFF! LOL BUT I'M USED TO GETTING **** ON.ROFLMAO
HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND. WE ARE GETTING RAIN AND COOLER TEMPS SO MAYBE I'LL CLEAN HOUSE!!! LOL
M NEXT CHALLENGE SHOULD BE GETTING THE LAUNDRY CAUGHT UP!! LOL

Morning all,

It's going to be another stinker, they are predicting 36C, around 102F, today and with hot blustery winds. Well thanks guys. That means a heap of dust. Aaah well put up with it, summer is here. The bugs are coming back as well. Last night I rushed around and cleaned the house and did the washing. This morning I have done an hour in the garden clearing weeds and rubbish from an area I am going to have concreted this summer - provided the pennies are there. I shall have to get a couple of quotes shortly.

So today I can concentrate on the challenge, the dining room ceiling, getting some meals in the freezer for the DS2 and working on the taxes which must be done by the end of this weekend. I put a chicken in the oven this morning while I was out in the garden. So that will be a couple of meals when I get veges in there with them. I've got some lamb roasting at the moment. Should be finished in half an hour or so. There's another couple of meals as well. I'll pick up a couple of ham steaks at the store on the way home and he can have some pilaf with ham and veges. I'll have to think of a few other things - this kid is not domesticated and if I don't cook, he will but the resulting mess will be nasty. Easier if I do it and clean up behind me.

It's time to go do something before I go to gym. Back later to comment.

The weekend is here! Yeowww, Shad! Bugs, dust, and 102! :yikes: I wish you could just paddle on over. It's only 82 here. I'm relaxing with a glass of little Boomey cabernet while the oldest dog is relaxing with me; the youngest dog is trying to entice me to play ball by throwing it for me (truly!); and the girly dog is relaxing with Slim, the love of her life. Is the gym going well for you? Our next race isn't until the end of the month. Creaky Bones 5K for the Arthritis Foundation. We are saving our pennies to go to Okinawa in June 2007. We talked to our DDIL last week. She said The Thugs are already speaking Japanese and she takes them shopping with her when she goes into town. I can't wait to hear about your visit!

SMellie has the grandbirdie for the weekend! Are you going to take the little chirper to see Chicken Little? (Might be too intense.) Sounds like you are doing great with your challenge.

happy, I hope your knee is doing better. Are you icing it and taking it easy? Hope it isn't annoying that I'm hovering. Knees worry me - I'm not so convinced by the back theory, I guess.

Holly, what was your modified SB diet? I'm really interested because one of the side effects of my new medicine is that I have a different view of food. It sounds like you had a really great day. You definitely deserved that!!

Linus, thanks for peeking in. And your dear wee one is precious. :love:

Poor ceejay. I haven't had chiggers in years, but it sure made me itch reading about yours. Alchohol still for them or is there a different, more humane for your skin, remedy these days?

Nae, I'm glad that Toby decided to listen to you about challenging the deer. Are the deer traveling through or are they inhabitants of the area? Is it unusual that there are so many? I'm always very interested in the animals.

Happy Birthday Month PainterWoman! You are Entitled to Celebrate all month.

Meadow, you are always so expressive with pictures. I really admire your visual talent. I liked the balancing act. I think that's my job at work. That and Herding Cats and evidently making people cry and forcing them to throw temper tantrums. At least that must be part of my job description because they happen at least once or twice a week! :rolleyes:

Hello to anyone that I missed. :wave: It was old age, not intentional. It sounds like everyone is doing great with the challenges. :cp:

Shad~ I love the way your day is shaping up. Sounds like a nice blend of food prep and garden!!
Your hairy friend the other day was a hoot.
Tig~ I found I couldn't go full phase 1, which is detox with no carbs ,fruit etc.
Phase 2 is more reasonable to me,adding in good carbs. They have food lists on the the forum here. Easy to use.
So, I am eating small amounts of fruit, no sweets or bread and small amounts of whole grains, 4 c of veg a day and 2-4 oz lean protein at every meal.Nuts for snacks.
I really weant to try some SB specific recipes.
Bread, ice cream,crackers,chips are binge foods for me so I am doing none. I feel good about the control. The scale hasn't shifted much.
The comment to meadow about making people cry and have tantrums is making me chuckle....my week was a little like that,I triggered a few people.

Mel~ be good to that winged friend. You sound like it was good although busy week. Now you can relax. Your visit sounds lovely,too.

I went and picked up thanksgiving fixins while DD was at gym. I will cook a turkey, stuffing,potatoes,carrots and pumpkin pie on Sunday. DS asked if we could sit in the diningroom!! Well, of course.
He plays hockey tomorrow but i am not going.I will be sleeping in, puttering, gardening and maybe some crafting.weehee!!
I picked up a glorious huge deep burgundy garden MUM!!!

It is the front right corner colour.They bloom til it snows.

Have happy day!

Had a good day... although if I'm to keep up with my water I'll be up peeing all night!!

Congratulations to all who are still on challenge (or who've stopped beating themselves up!!).

Linus-- I understand completely... Tell the relatives that if they REALLY wanted to be helpful they could pump their OWN breast milk... maybe that'll keep them out of your hair. My daughter wouldn't do breast AND bottle, so I was stuck. But #2 child, DS, would slurp anything from any source. Perhaps when Mr. Munchkin is a bit older he can be taught to be similarly adaptable... for your sake.

CJ... ewwwwwwwww I hate chiggers. I'm a fan of clear nailpolish and LOTS of benadryl or antihistamine. Hope yours appreciate your generous offer of a return to their native territory.

Shad... great monster... sorry your day was tough. It has only just gotten cool here. I was going to twist DH's arm to go to State Fair of Texas (www.bigtex.com) which is an amazing spectacle... but this weekend is a big rival football game... so we might have to play hookey in a week or so.... Neither of us are big on crowds... especially college aged ones full of beer.

Mel... what an awesome present for your friend... so thoughtful and understanding. I must say, though, I'm lost about the identity of "john" Hope his return/visit goes well anyway.

I felt well enough today to wear low heeled pumps to the MD and movie. EGAD... I must go back to sneakers or slides tomorrow. Who knew my calves had gotten so lazy.

Happy weekend all.

Day 2 of 21
 

It's been a good day. Didn't get as hot as I thought it would although the telly tonight said it reached 38 and well over 40 out west. Obviously, where I was, it wasn't that bad.

Garden got dug,
Lawn got mowed,
Hedged got trimmed - now I need to do the top
6 Meals got plonked in the freezer. The freezer got cleaned out. Have another 4 or 5 to go and that will be it for the lad.
Had an hours siesta with a book on the bed
Went to the gym 2 hours
The dining room ceiling is tomorrows effort.

Painter - Hope you got to walk again today. It is so good for you and you can do the bonding thing with DH - two things in one go. Watch the shoes if you haven't been wearing heels for a long time. It does get up the back of your leg.

Holly - Thanksgiving dinner sounds nice. Hang on a tick I'll be right over. The chryssies are a lovely colour too. Glad that you are having a bit of time for yourself today gardening and crafting. Good stuff.

Tig - Go on, get out there and play with that dog. They are not there forever - Shad the dog used to love to play ball. Even when he was starting to deteriorate in the spine he loved to get out there and pretend he was still as good as ever if only for a short time. I take it little Boomey is a breed of Cabernet wine???? I thought the balanceing act was the necessary ingredient in Projects - as for the tears and tantrums. Well I've had a few of them myself - where they throw up the arms and declare it is all too hard, burst into tears and run from the room - and that's only the blokes.


Mel, I am glad you made it - well done. It always annoys me when they don't have a preventative maintenance plan. It may be expensive to install and take two years to come to full bloom, but the money it saves is amazing. Prevention always was, always is, and always will be better than cure.

Falling asleep at the computer here. Time to call it a day and go to bed. Another busy day tomorrow.

More of the same,
Food, Exercise, Water, Portions, carbs.
Garden
Ceiling
Cooking
Hedge if time and inclination
Taxes. Uuuugh. But I have put them off for too long.
Wash the car - the birds used it for target practice at gym today. Although I may give in and take it through the car wash when I fill it up with petrol in the morning. It will certainly save me the time to do it myself. And I can sit in it and watch the water come through and remember when it used to rain like that here.

That's it from me. Catch you same time same space tomorrow.

I SEE SHAD IS ALREADY WELL INTO HER WEEKEND WITH A LIST OF TO DO'S!!! MY EX CALLED IT THE HONEY DO LIST. FUNNY HOW I ALWAYS ENDED UP RE-DOING THEM!!! LOL 102!! YIKES!!! I WILL BE NEEDING SOME OF THAT HEAT SOON ENOUGH! GET THE A/C OUT!!! SAME TIME, SAME SPACE SAME BAT CHANNEL.
GOOD LUCK WITH THE TAXES! AND WHERE IS THE HAMMOCK OR IS IT A WEE BIT TOO HOT FOR THAT?!?!?

TIG IT'S ALWAYS NICE TO SEE YOU AND GLAD FOR THE UPDATE ON THE THUGS. AHHHH TO BE YOUNG AND LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE. I HOPE THEY'RE ALL HAPPY. WHAT AN EXPERIENCE.
I HAVE SOME CREAKING GOING ON AND MAYBE I COULD ROLL ALONG SIDE YOU!!! I COULD CARRY THE WATER! GOOD LUCK!!

PAINTER~ JOHN IS THE MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR I FILLED IN FOR. HE LEFT ON A CRUISE WITH THE DW FOR HER BD. HOPE HE HAD A GOOD TIME CAUSE TUESDAY HE'S GETTING YELLED AT! LOL I WILL STOP BY BIG TEX LATER AND CATCH A GLIMPSE OF THE FAIR....DOES TEXAS DO ANYTHING SMALL?????ROFLMAO
HAPPY BIRTHDAY WEEKEND! LOL

CEEJAY~ HAS THE TRAINEE BEEN CRYING YET?!?! LOL
HOPE YOU GET THAT MANUAL COPIED. IT WOULD BE A SHAME TO LOSE ALL YOUR HARD WORK AND ESPECIALLY WHEN IT'S SO USEFUL TOO! I REALLY THINK TIM WOULD TRULY BE LOST WITHOUT YOU...IT SHOWED WHEN YOU WERE OUT WITH YOUR FOOT. YOU ARE THE WATER NYMPH OF THE PLANT!!

HOLLY~ CUTE THE DS ASKED ABOUT THE DININGROOM. FUNNY HOW KIDS GET. WHEN JEN WAS SMALL ALL THE GOOD STUFF HAD TO COME OUT WHEN GRANDMA CAME. SHE LOVED HOLIDAYS AND BEING MORE FORMAL....WONDER WHERE SHE GOT THE HOLIDAY THING?!?! ROFL I HOPE YOURS WILL BE FILLED WITH HAPPINESS AND GO SMOOTHLY. YOUR MUMS ARE GORGEOUS. WE USED THEM HERE ONE YEAR WITH THE ORNAMENTAL KALE AND IT WAS A REAL TREAT FOR THE EYES!

LINUS~ I THINK OF CJ ALL THE TIME!! I ALSO KEEP FORGETTING TO SHOW JEN THE PICTURES SO I'LL PRINT THEM OUT TODAY AND MAKE COPIES!! REST IN BETWEEN THE WELL WISHER VISITS AND I KNOW YOU WILL DO WHAT IS RIGHT FOR BOTH OF YOU WITH THE BREAST FEEDING. JUST DON'T WEAR YOURSELF OUT....:dizzy:

HAPPY~ I SENT IT WITH THE US POSTAL SERVICE AND I AM AS STUNNED AS YOU THAT IT GOT THERE. MAYBE CAUSE IT WAS LIGHTER THAN THE FIRST ONHE I SENT?! WHEN I SENT THE BIG BOX, IT TOOK FOREVER AND I THOUGHT IT WAS A GONER!!! BUT IT FINALLY GOT THERE. THIS ONE I PUT 2 OUTFITS IN A MUCH SMALLER BOX AND HOW IT GOT THERE IS A MYSTERY TO ME. MAYBE MARY(WILLY'S WIFE) SENT IT 1ST CLASS? I DON'T KNOW?!?!?!? YOU ARE ANOTHER BUSY GAL!!! WOW!! IF I HAD YOUR JOB I'D BE COLLAPSING AT NIGHT. WHEN I HEAR YOU AND SHAD TALK ABOUT ALL THE "HEAD STUFF" I GET :dizzy: JUST READING IT!!! LOL NOTHING TIRES ME FASTER.....I'M A MORE "PHYSICAL" KIND OF GAL. :rofl: TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SOME WARMER WEATHER AND ENJOY THAT YARD TOO. YOU AND SHAD NEED HAMMOCK TIME!!! LOL
PS: THE PARTS FOR THE CHAIR HAVE YET TO ARRIVE!!!:tantrum:

MEADOW!~ THE AVON LADY WAS A DELIGHT....THE COLORS REALLY POPPED OFF THE SCREEN! HOW IS THE NEW HOME GOING? ARE YOU ALL SETTLED IN AND UNPACKED? SEEMS TO ME THAT YOU DID A GREAT AMOUNT OF WORK IN A VERY SHORT TIME!! I AM IMPRESSED WITH THE SPEED IN WHICH IT WAS ALL DONE! HAVE YOU FINISHED WANTING TO YELL AT THE CONTRACTORS?!?! I OFTEN THINK OF YOU WHEN I WORK WITH THE GUYS.....CAUSE I YELL ALOT!!!:rofl: I USE THE PHRASE: WTF WERE YOU THINKING....MANY TIMES IN THE COURSE OF ONE DAY!!! BUT I LOVE THEM :love:

NAE~ I FEEL SORRY FOR THAT DOG THAT HE HAS TO GO HOME. THEY'RE NOT GIVING HIM ENOUGH ATTENTION!!! LOL THEN YOU COULD HAVE TRIPLETS!!! I MISS JEN'S BIRD WHEN HE'S GONE BUT WHEN HE'S HERE I THINK OF BIRDY STEW! :lol3: :rollpin:
WITH ALL THE SNOW BLOWING UP NORTH, HAVE YOU SEEN ANY? I WAS SO SURPRISED TO SEE SOME PICS ON THE TV!!! :faint: GET THE SHOVELS READY!!!

GOD I HOPE I HAVEN'T MISSED ANYONE EXCEPT TEEL :wave: HOPE SHE'S HAVING A GOOD REST AND ENJOYING THE VISIT.
I SLEPT TILL 7:30 AND WAS SHOCKED THE BIRD DID TOO. IT'S DARK AND POURING ALL OF SHAD'S RAIN ON NJ THIS MORNING!!! I WILL SEND SOME TO HER! I BOUGHT ORGANIC BURGERS, HASHBROWNS AND VEGGIES. GOING TO MAKE IT A VERY EASY 3 DAY WEEKEND! :love: I MIGHT NOT EVEN DO ANYTHING AT ALL!
HAVE A GREAT DAY/NIGHT AND STAY WELL! :moped:

LINDA~ I ALMOST FORGOT YOU!!! AND I THOUGHT OF USING YOUR PROD THIS WEEK TOO!!! I COULD HAVE USED IT MANY TIMES IN ALL THE OFFICES!!! WE ARE A LAZY BUNCH DOWNSTAIRS!!! LOL I WOULD LOVE TO JOIN YOUR EXERCISE CLASS BUT ALAS MY INTERNET SERVICE DOESN'T START UNTIL ABOUT 8AM! :rofl: :lol: :lol3: :encore: :bubbles:
SO I WILL HAVE TO PASS ON THAT ONE!!! I HAVE ALSO TRIED MANY TIMES TO GET HOTCUP OVER HERE!!! MAYBE WHEN SHE READS ALL THIS SHE'LL COME. MAYBE I SHOULD TRY PUTTING A GUILT TRIP ON HER!!! ROFLMAO WE E-MAIL A LOT AND STAY IN TOUCH THAT WAY SO I KNOW SHE'S HOLDING HER OWN :flow2:
HOW IS THE JOB GOING? I THINK I HAVE MISSED SOMETHING ABOUT IT?!?!?! HAPPY WEEKEND!!

Being as it is Thanksgivng, just thought I should express how thankful I am for each one of you and your unique gifts and talents and brilliants minds!!! We are a lucky bunch here on this thread.At least I am lucky. Some days it is like having 4-5 great Mom's. I adore the guidance, feedback, being challenged and supported.
Okay, enough mush, LOL!

Shad~ I can honestly say I do not envy the heat. I have good old scottish blood, transplanted in Canada. Cool and drizzly is okay by me.

PW~ you are sounding wonderful!!! Heels even!!!!

I have invited Java too.She has a very sick kitty right now.

Mel~hope you are relaxing.

HUGS to everyone!!

I slept way in!!! Just having a coffee. I have 2 of my boys here. The Mom's Grandma died and the funeral is today. They are just like family. The oldest, DS and DH are going to hockey any minute. DD and the 2 yo and I will hang out.
DH has been tidying the kitchen every night AND he cut the back grass. I think he wants to get lucky and doesn't want to hear that I am too tired or stressed out from house work!
I realy need to do bookkeeping. I really dont like it. I am quite capable but like Mel I am a mover and shaker. I would way rather clean a toilet.

I am soooo happy to be home with no pressing engagements. I still want to roughly plan my day out. I really dont like to misuse valuable time. Gawd I am a geek.

HUGS chickies!!!

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AND A

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Good morning chickies,
Right now it's a sun shiny 53F/12C. Guess Shad would call that a cold winter's day in the tropics but it's actually a lovely invigorating day. Get your autumn sweater on and go rake the leaves or plant some lovely "chryssies".

I know the color you speak of Holly - should look gorgeous in your yard. And they are so full and lush. Happy planting!

Happy Thanksgiving to Holly and Meadow and Ruthie and Madcat. Hope they are enjoying a nice warm day since they pushed the cold all down our way :rofl:

Poor Mel. I have just looked at the weather map and the entire east coast from tip to tip is covered in rain, heavy rain :rain: :rain: Good day for you to whip up a pot of soup, sit back and enjoy those videos. Might want to hold the umbrella over your head in case birdie decides to do a fly by over your head again! :eek: I don't think Mary's much into posting on a thread but thanks for inviting her anyway. Maybe we should set out some turtle flakes and lead a trail over here. :mag:

Shad did you make all those meals for the DS while you're away? Is that his incentive for watching the house and cat for you? One more week and you're on your way. Betcha can't wait! I know what you mean about the taxes. :write: I used to file ours a week after we got the paperwork but now I've left it up to DH as he does it via the computer. I support the one flat tax rate, take it off the top, no deductions, no filing. If you're going to stick us, minimize the pain.

And you asked what are chiggers? They are tiny little mites that gather and bite the skin causing red bumps and intense, savage itching - worse than 100 mossies biting you all at once. Some areas are more prone to them than others. Not something you prefer to encounter in your life. Sorry to hear that you ran into a gang of them CJ.

PW good to hear you're holding your own on the challenge. It doesn't take long for those leg muscles to cramp up in heels.

Teel, if you're peeking, we miss you and wish you'd come back. :grouphug:

Linus, good of you to check in too. I think people don't realize that when they gather together to "help" you out they are interfering far more than they are helping. Perhaps you should take the wee man and go sneak into one of their houses while they are over at yours :rofl:

Tig, thanks for the concern on the knee. It's the back of the knee that hurts. Kind of like when you stub your toe and you walk a bit off center - those muscles hurt because you aren't walking properly. That's what it feels like. Today I will wrap it for some extra support, it's just hard to wrap a joint - the bandage is either too tight or it keeps slipping. They come up with such cool names for your races. What a great way to stay active and involved.

CeeJay, enjoy your trip with the family. Make those plans quickly for your sister's visit. Air fares are going up, schedules are getting cut. They are making it harder for us to fly.

Rose hope all is well in your part of the states. Enjoy the deer and the puppies.

Hello to Linda T who will no doubt put me to shame having already probably got her day well underway. :lol: No, no, no - I'll do better - no cattle prod for me :yikes:

DH is pestering me - I said I'd get up and take my car in for an oil change this morning - I keep forgetting and I'm overdue for that. He's an up early get things done kinda guy (like Shad), I'm a wake up, have a coffee sluggish person myself. But I do have lots of plans for the day and they don't get done sitting here in front of the computer. So on with it.

Later chickies...

Onto Day 3
 

It's blowing a gale out there today. Started sometime in the night when the hammock frame blew over and wrapped itself around the hot water cylinder. I got up and went and had a look but since it could go no further I left it there and went back to bed. It's a lot cooler now as well. But because of the wind, I shall have to revise the plans to finish the hedge trimming (up a ladder) and working outside digging bone dry dusty weeds won't be too great either. And to make matters worse the wind is blowing the wrong way for sanding the ceiling - all the dust would get blown back into the house. Plan B appears called for. At this stage I have no idea what plan B might be, but I will think of something. All I know is that the gym opens at 8.00am this morning and I will be there.

Happy I still have 18 days before I fly away. I simply started early with the cooking. If I leave him to it, the DS2 will either eat junk or cook and make a mess. He needs something in a hurry because he works nights from Midnight to 9.00am and then from 10.00 to around 5 at his second job. So in order to get enough sleep, he has to eat quickly, no time for good hearty stews or roasts. Therefore it is the least I can do to make sure he eats well while he is doing me a favour. I put 6 in the freezer last night. I'll get another couple done today. I'm only away for 13 days. He can eat out over weekends or whatever. I guess I should get his old room ready for him as well. That's something I can do today - sort out the futon. Some of the slats are coming unglued and unpinned so I could get my trusty screwdriver and fix them all back up again.

And to all our wonderful Canadian folk and their families on this and other threads. Thanks for being our friends and .....

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My computer has gone for a dive again. The video driver has pixilated everything, I can barely make out some things. I'm going to try and use the boot disc the shop guy gave me, but if you don't see me in awhile you will know the reason.. I blew up the computer:p The boot disc didn't work, couldn't get it to work actually :p I changed the video setting to 32 bit colour and that seemed to have fixed the hiccup, somehow it changed itself to 16 bit somehow. Computers are strange and mysterious things.

The teachers here are on strike so my kids didn't have to go to school on Friday. Monday is our Thanksgiving, so long weekend here :) We are going to my inlaws for an early ham dinner, nobody here really cares for turkey. I will miss the stuffing though, love that:p

We had a lovely day here today, sunny and warm. I hope a rainbow appeared somewhere for all you lovely ladies that had rain today :D

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Mel-those turkeys in fishnet stockings are hilarious :lol3: No cooking for me this weekend, it is all going to be the MIL. Good luck with the bird sitting, perhaps you should find an old Baretta rerun so it can see one of its own that made good in Hollywood :lol: I doubt that I will ever feel really settled in this new place. How long before a place feels like home? I took the girls up to get videos today, 79 cents each for the cartoon ones, so I thought I could splurge ;)

Holly-doing the "Martha Stewart" version of a meal ;) I remember seeing a show of Martha's where she baked a turkey for all those hours and then baked it again covered in flake pastery :devil: Beautiful Chrysanthemum, I have three bright yellow ones planted out front here:D such hardy bloomers for the fall.

Painter-what movie did you go to? You know the new Zorro is coming out the end of this month ;) Nice to read you are feeling so chipper.

Tig-I love that title for the race "creaky bones" :lol: Okanawa huh? Are you speaking Japanese as well as the thugs? They will use it against you if you aren't :lol3:

:wave:Teel, Linus, Ceejay, Linda, Rose and gosh anyone else who pops by to visit HELLO! How was your day? Smile someone is watching you :D

Shad-your to do lists make me tired :p I have a cold trying to catch me which is my excuse for not being up to much of late. I have done exercise three times this week and am drinking more water so I'm doing alright challenge wise.

Happy-how many of your "plans for the day" came about? did the car get its fix of fresh oil?

Hello every one
The week end was great. I enjoyed babysitting the 2yo. She was adorable and so easy to keep. I got in my exercise playing with her. Can you believe that she can count to 5! I was impressed. It's been a long time since I've changed diapers. My niece is almost 15. The last diaper I changed was a cloth diaper and had to use safety pins. I put hers on backwards. I wondered why those tabs were hard to close.

Not sure who asked but I renewed the air plane ticket on Thursday and talked to my sister who lives in Dallas today. I was scheduled to visit in December of 2004 but got snowed in so I'm set to go. I have a vacation sheet filled out but need to put it in Bud's box for him to ok it. He'll have to fill in for me that Monday.

The chiggers are just about gone. YIPEE. Thank goodness for clear finger nail polish.

Shad you make me tired just reading your posts. I forgot about the challenge today and bought a coke. This time I'm going to take a "bust day" and start again tomorrow.

Mel You are one busy lady. I'm glad you are back. Good for you on making 7 out of 21 days of this challenge. Your bird incident reminds me of the saying "May the bluebird of happiness fly over you" I think you're right, it likes you.

Holly Happy Thanksgiving.

Hello to the rest. :wave:

I have a full 4 day week end this coming week end and I'm looking forward to it.
Aunt and uncle are going on vacation. They need a few day's just to themselves.

I'm preparing my food for tomorrow. It's the only way I can stay on plan. All I've had today is starches and my blood sugar will show it.

Have a good day/night.::):

R&R RULES!!!!!
OMG a well rested and relaxed Hollyhock!!!! Woooohoooooo!!!! An entire day of no pressing engagements. Putter and more putter. I completed ALL of the Avon bookkeeping!!! We had the loveliest family time. No whining from anyone including me!!! A great morning so far.
Going to church and then cooking my heart out with the the Thanksgiving fixins.
I want to do a a tidy thru and vacuum and pull out my fall decorations. Better late than never.
I had a wonderful chit chat with my co chair from school council. I really needed some feedback on my "talk" the other night. She thinks I covered things well and remained emoitionally dettached. There have been some personal attacks flying around. Hard not to be upset.This is challenging in a good way.
It is 0C outside and 15C in the house( 32F and 60F).I wore my granny flannies to bed, pulled out the extra blanket and wooly socks!!!!!!
I did some weeding and transplanting yesterday. Once the bird in in the oven I will mulch and water those bits.

Meadow~ no flakey pastry here just a flakey Mom. Beautiful pic. VERY Canadian!!!!
Happy turkey day to ya( or is that ham day). Have fun at the inlaws.

Ceejay~ you sound happy and peaceful. Glad the chiggers are leaving you. I ahve never hear dof them either. Glad you enjoyed the toddler time.

Shad~ hope you haven't blown away.

Waving hi to everyone!!!!

:rain: we had lots of the wet stuff! But NJ was in a drought condition so it was much needed rain. We haven't had a lot and last years snows weren't enough either. It's going to be gloomy till Thursday so I might just go and find some closets to clean again or maybe the dresser drawers.
I took a pause day yesterday...not because i wanted one but because the day was filled with trips to the loo. I wasn't sick, it was just a necessary, planned thing. too many bananas! :rofl:
Now it's too much information!!! :lol3: Because of the high winds, Jen and Rich didn't go away but I don't see anyone coming to take Birdy home!!! :rollpin: I had to cancel the eye doctor and they left a message on my machine that the next one available is in January!! :yikes: :faint: Hope the eyes stay good till then! :lol: better get going or I might just go back to bed!

Happy~ I wake the same way. Living alone I have to force myself out of bed! :lol: Hope the car got a good check up and BTW...a friend of mine is a loyal Toyota fan too! He keeps buying their small pickups. wouldn't own anything else. Funny you should say "soup" cause a neighbor dropped of chicken soop with those little orzo pasta things. I love them!!! :eat2:

Shad~ DS is lucky to have a good and thoughtful Mum like you!:encore: Bet Chris is looking forward to seeing a real friend and hope she's feeling better more every day. Any new news?
I wondered where the hammock was!!! maybe it got a bit chilly and decided to wrap itself around something warm. Hope you tied an anchor on your butt if you went out!!!

Meadow~ I am sorry to hear about the computer problems. I wanted to ask if it could be all the graphics you do? I was going to ask the pc man that comes here about that cause i remember one of the former ones telling me about how a computer "supports" them, cross bands and im forget what else.
We had gotten on the subject because another website I use crashed and that was part(or all) of the problem. Anyway....hope you keep it up and running!!! I agree....they do very strange things and don't even ask permission!!!!:rofl: :lol3: Thanks for the rainbow...it's the first i've seen in a very long time! lol

Ceejay~ I know you will love the trip. Nice babysitting job! :lol: backwards:rofl: You cracked me up!!!! surprised you didn't take the kid for a ride on the lawnmower or did that get returned?!? LOL enjoy the holiday weekend!!! Hope it's good weather your way too.

I see Holly snuck in there while I was typing....have a great day Miss Holly and enjoy the bird. I am droooooling over here just thinking of it!!! YUM!!!! Glad you're rested and happy. Have fun.:flow2: :dance: :bubbles:

Morning All
 

Happy Holiday to all of our Canadian friends hope you enjoy good food and family! I does seem to be the wet windy weekend lots of places in the world this weekend.
I took my puppy Toby on his first big hike yesterday in the rain. Met with my friend Maria and we did about 51/2 miles up one of our old trails. Heard an elk bugle and enjoyed the soft rain and smells. Toby did very well and he is good about letting me know if he needs picked up at all.
I made some soup this weekend too and am busy trying once again to get to some of the todo's on my list.
How is our little man CJ? hope he is resting well with his mum!
Mel, how are you feeling? your eyes good? Enjoy the birdie! Shad you are going to enjoy your trip so much hope all goes well for you.
Everyone have a great weekend and hope the challenge is holding up for everyone....so far I have been good!
Blessings,
Nae

Mel - You asked about the trainee. This morning I think she was fishing for a compliment, because she told me she wanted to go back to school to be a nurse. Believe me I do not want her to take care of me. but to get the grant she needed she would have to quit. She's called wolf to many times. I'm not going to give her the compliment that she so desires just to keep her here. If she wants to go so be it, let her go.

Holly Happy Thanksgiving. You'll have to share that bird. Have a good day.

Nae--The soup sounds good.

The phone has started to ring. The power is out in the neighborhood.

HUGs CJ, Nae, Melster, Chicks...I am about to pop a 15 lb turkey in the oven for the 4 of us.Tomorrow I will be bagging up 4 0z packages for me for in the freezer and then making soup stock and some stew and 1 tiny batch of turkey tetrazini,YUM.

Church was peaceful and lovely. The day is following suit. The kids just gathered up twigs,leaves etc to make decorations for the house. I have a speedy clean thru to do and we will decorate for fall( late I know). Oh happy sigh. DH just left to watch the race with the boys and will be home for dinner. The kids will love surprising him with the decorations.
Today will not be super on plan with the diet but I will decline the potatoes and have a tiny bit of stuffing and a small slice o pie. Back in the saddle tomorrow. Oh and couple of glasses of wine.
Feeling insanely happy and totally blissed out with love for my sweet little family.

We are going to the lake tomorrow for lunch. They are having their big do today.

HUGS!!! H
Ps listening to some "seasonal"*giggle* rock and roll, kids are dancing, LOL!!