Good Morning All

Wow winter is here!!! We had quite a storm yesterday and today we are supposed to get a freezing rainstorm. It is apparently come from the Midwest so I am sure that some of you have experienced this as well. All of the schools are closed in the area that my boss commutes from. So her hubby had to stay home to look after the kiddies! Did anyone see the pictures on the new of the Detroit highways yesterday? It was one big skating rink – looked like bumper cars! Today would have been a good day to stay home in some flannel jammies and curl up with a good book and hot cup o’ tea! But here I sit at my desk. All of our plans for the weekend ended up being cancelled so I think we will just stay home and watch some movies. Of course tomorrow we have to watch “Groundhog Day”. We have this silly tradition of watching that movie every Groundhog Day. I also have an 8-mile run planned for Sunday. So I am hoping everything is cleared by then. If not I’ll have to do it in the gym – yawn!

Moonstone: I guess snow was okay when I was a kid. I grew up in Thunder Bay so I know what serious cold, snowy winters are all about. But I have become VERY wimpy since I moved to southern Ontario. Where did you live in the Maritimes? My BIL used to live in New Brunswick and his wife is from Moncton. Guess you are happy to be off right now. I think a lot of people took today off. The subway was very quiet this morning. Oh your store of hormone **** made me laugh I can just picture it! Oh can I come over? Your snow day sounds like soooo much fun! I’ll make the popcorn!

Skeeter: Congratulations on being a Super Donor! I think that is such a sweet story. It must feel good to know that you are so appreciated. Glad Marlana got in touch with you – I was starting to worry. You are right – the slow, soft snowfalls can be very peaceful and wonderful. But unfortunately they don’t happen very often. I don’t blame you for getting away from it all! Mind you, you have other weather concerns that we don’t have here – so I guess it all evens out. ??? I haven’t posted the broccoli soup recipe yet. Maybe I’ll do that this weekend. If I do, I’ll post a copy here. You just made me laugh! I don’t think I have ever heard anyone say “winters just aren’t long enough” !!!!

Jen: I’m glad you are enjoying your PT work so much. I know that my mom loves it as well – for the exact same reasons that you mention. Yikes – that’s a lot of snow! I think you may have even gotten more than us! Of you just reminded me of something. My MIL sent us a snowman kit for Christmas. It is soooo cute. It comes with button eyes, carrot nose, glasses that fit into the nose, and charcoal button – all made out of wood. Maybe if it is nice this weekend, I’ll hubby to the park and we will make one. I’ll have to make sure we grab the camera. I can’t remember the last time I made a snowman! I don’t blame you for not making the treck to school. Dh is also sore today from shovelling. It was all done by the time I got home.

Sally: Glad to hear from you. There must be something magical about the computer. When my hubby isn’t feeling well, he sits in front of it for hours – like it is some sort of therapy We are luck though because we also have a laptop. Some evenings we look like such nerds – dh will be at the desk using the computer and I’ll be 10 feet away sitting on the laptop. Good quality family time! Going home yesterday wasn’t too bad. I have never experienced an 8 hour delay – Thank Goodness! Can’t even imagine! I’m with your hubby – I couldn’t imagine the world stopping for a few flakes. Although some days I wish it would. I would love to have a “Snow Day” now that I’m “grownup”

Well I guess I should get back to work. I’m really not motivated to do anything today. Just another 90 minutes until I hit the gym – that should lift my spirits. Unless I step into a pile of slush!!! I actually had to wear boots this morning! YUCK! Anyway enough of my Canadian complaining.

Hopefully I’ll be in over the weekend. Take care and have a good one!

Tobey

Hey Gang

I have been searching out some good articles - I have found that my food choices haven't been the best lately

I came across this one and wanted to share it in case anyone else was interested. If not - just skip this post.

Tobey

Nutrition - Think Before You Endulge

If one of your new year goals is weight loss then start putting equivalents of how much exercise work it will take to burn what you are eating, especially desserts and high-calorie foods. Reaching for the Oreo cookies or high-fat, high-calorie choices could easily negate your last trip on the treadmill. To lose weight you must create a caloric deficit to be successful. Think before you endulge and make wiser choices more often.


Don't Be A Nutritional Roller Coaster
Poor eating habits and meal skipping will decrease your metabolism and slow down your fat burning ability. Erratic blood sugar levels cause late-day sugar cravings and can put you in a situation where you do not make good food choices. Start your day with a healthy breakfast and fuel up often with healthy between meal snacks to stay sharp and energize your day.


Let Your Brain Catch Up With Your Stomach
Did you know it takes your brain about 20 minutes to figure out that you are full? So if you are inhaling your meals in less than 20 minutes, you may be over-consuming calories your body has no physical need for. Slow down your meal time by eating slower and half of everything on your plate first before determining whether you are full. Drink plenty of fluids with your meal and engage in conversation so your brain has a chance to register that you are full. You may find that you don't have to eat nearly as much to be satisfied. Afterall, controlling your portions is one of the keys to successful weight loss.


Stock Up On Ready To Go Snacks
Half the chore of eating right is making sure your pantry is stocked up with quick and easy snacks to keep you fueled up for your workouts and increase your metabolism (ability to burn body fat). In fact, snacking can be the best thing for you if you make wise choices. Here a few easy, between-meal snack ideas with a good mix of carbs and protein:

Peanut butter crackers - Don't fear the fat! A good source of protein that sticks to your gut and cuts down sugar cravings.
Cheerio & almond mix - You loved them as a kid and they still are a nutritious, low sugar snack. Add some almonds for a shot of protein.
Low-fat cottage cheese & Pinapple - Get in a serving of fruit and a great source of calcium and protein.
Apple & mozzorella cheese stick - How many times have you nibbled on fruit and cheese at a party? Just as easy during the day and just as nutritious.
Low-fat/low-sugar yogurt - All the nutrients you need and easy on the go.
V-8 Juice - Emergency carbs and an easy way to get your veggies in. Beats a Coke hands down!


Are You Eating Too Low Fat?
If your diet consists of lots of fat-free items your body may be rebelling and not allowing you to let lose of your own stored body fat. Keep the animal and dairy based saturated fats low by eating red meats in moderation and choosing lower fat diary alternatives like 1% milk or low fat cream cheese. Don't be afraid to eat plant based foods that contain some fat like peanut butter and high protein nuts like almonds. Healthy fats fill you up and reduce your sugar cravings so you aren't tempted to snack on high sugar foods. Always be searching for a way to cut out 100 or so dead calories a day by reducing your sugars (carbonated beverages, candy, cookies, excessive fruit juices).


Breakfast: Very Important!
What does your breakfast look like? Did your mom tell you that breakfast was the most important meal of the day? She was right! Skipping breakfast can slow your metabolism drastically and set you up for overeating late in the day. Try having a semi-balanced breakfast. A breakfast made up totally of carbohydrates may cause you to have low blood sugar mid-morning. Try having whole wheat toast with peanut butter and a glass of 1% milk, or how about egg white scrambled eggs on an English muffin and a small glass of juice! The best breakfast is the one you’ll have!


Make one change!
Did you know that making one small change to your diet can result in big changes in your body? Try switching from full fat to low fat dairy products, this can save you lots of calories and loads of saturated fat, the kind linked to heart disease. Or maybe you need to increase your water intake. Make it your resolve to drink 8-10 cups of water per day. This change alone can result in weight loss!


How much water are you drinking?
Did you know that our bodies require water for many functions including metabolism, digestion, cooling and yes even to burn fat. The recommended intake suggests drinking a minimum of 8- 8 oz glasses of water per day. You need even more if you exercise often. We suggest getting in a habit of drinking water with any other activity. For example, every time you sit down to surf the web, go for a walk, jump in the car or head to the gym, grab a bottle of water and make it part of your daily routine!


Studies show that most Americans go to the same seven locations inside the grocery store.
Eating the same foods everyday means you're missing out on lots of beneficial nutrients. Try experimenting with your diet. Buy the fruit that's on sale....it changes every week!


Small changes equals big results!
You can shave about 100 calories by not adding butter or mayonaise to your sandwich, 140 calories by skipping the regular soda and a whopping 300 calories by choosing a hamburger instead of a "Big Mac"! Over time this equals big weight loss. Small changes mean big results!

Hey everyone.

It was hot here today. We spent most of the day at the flea market trying to find a cool breeze. I found a vegetable stand with fresh greens that were already cleaned and chopped, ready to cook. I bought 2 bags and put them on as soon as we got home. I washed them really good again because sand is a problem here in Florida and I won't eat "crunchy" greens. They turned out really good. I also got some vine ripe tomatoes from southern Florida that are very tasty too.

Marlana~It doesn't seem the same without your daily words of wisdom. I hope you get that puter fixed real soon.

Jen~It is strange to be talking about how hot it was today and you are talking about shoveling almost 9" of snow. I wish we could trade locations for a day. About one day in snow would satisfy my winter fantasy. I grew up about an hour north of Fairfield in a little town called Tipp City, home of Spring Hill Nurseries. It was a really great town with a good school system. Other than my children, all of my relatives are either in that area or in the Lexington, Ky area. I have been in Florida for 30 years.

Sally~Maybe it's a male thing, my husband woke up with a very stiff neck Monday and didn't move around much all week either. It finally got a little better today. I was going to make him go see his doctor if it didn't get better soon. Marlana said that her weather was very warm on Monday and Tuesday and got very cold by Wednesday. We are supposed to have some more cold weather on it's way here too. All of my critters are doing really good. I tried another picture of NoMore this evening and will post it. He is actually a bit lighter in color than the picture. I am getting better but still have a long way to go with that camera.

Moonstone~All of this strange weather also has me thinking about global warming too. The summers here have been so unbearably hot for me the last few years. I don't know if it really is that hot or if I'm just getting too old and fat and feel the heat worse. If I could get serious and get some of this weight off, I might find that answer.

Tobey~I am so looking forward to staying home tomorrow even though I have a lot of laundry to catch up on. I have gotten used to staying home a lot the last couple of years and all this running about is getting to me. My dogs hate it too. I really like green vegetables and will probably like the broccoli soup. Gosh, I forgot about Groundhog Day. What were the results, is it 6 more weeks of winter or not? That is a very good article that you posted. I've already gone through it twice and found some very good tips. I better print it out so that I can keep it handy.

Hope you ladies have a great weekend. I am going to try to hang around the house all weekend. Our Ellie is coming for a visit next week. She is always asking about you girls and I keep her posted. I'm attaching a picture of NoMore that it not real great but will give you and idea of what he looks like. He is a softer, lighter color than what I captured in this picture.

Good Morning.

I don't think I even got on-line last night. Hmmmm, that doesn't happen very often. We went out to eat dinner and then I came home and read the rest of the night.

This weekend I need to get groceries and I may go out to the mall just to look at the crafts and see if I can get any ideas.

Its so funny how the groundhog prediction is predicting 6 more weeks of winter when we havent had much of a winter yet. I guess we're going to have it now.

Skeeter, yum, a vine ripened tomato sounds so good. Seems like the only time I really want them is in the summer. I had to laugh when you talked about going crazy over bettas at your age. I'm still ga-ga over teddy bears and my 45 year old brain keeps telling me I should of out-grown that by now but my ole heart still goes pitter-pitter when I see those cute little teddies. I just can't help myself when I get around them. Most of the time I just look cause I really don't know what to do with them anymore. I saw that cute "kissing bear" commercial that Hallmark has out and I want those bears. Next time I see the commercial and dh is around I'm really going to go on about them and hope maybe he'll get them for me for Valentines day. If he doesn't pick up on my "hint", I'll just have to get them myself. Sometimes it takes alot for a man to pick up on those things.

Tobey, I'll have to copy that article to read in length. This last week I've been craving chocolate really bad. In particular, the dark chocolate MilkyWay candy bar. That article mentions drinking 1% milk, well, even when I'm following my food plan, I still drink the 2%. I can't get dh to drink anything less than that and we waste to much milk when I buy 2 different kinds. We kept getting predictions of freezing rain here the other day but it never did get cold enough. We got lots of rain tho and there is some mild flooding going on in one of the rivers that runs thru a big part of the state. We definetly needed the moisture tho. We had cracks in our yard from it being so dry. Maybe we'll even get lucky and get some snow. Yikes, can't believe I am saying that.

Jen, wow, you got a lot of snow. I didn't even see a flake. Dang!!! 9 inches would of kept me in my driveway tho and I'd of had to take a day off from work. That is a lot of snow to have to shovel. Shoveling that much snow is definetly a rigorous workout and I'm sure you burned alot of calories.

Sally, dh & I are hanging in there. Everything seems ok with the umemployment as far as his last job goes but in the last letter, there was one more question that he is supposed to wait until next Wednesday to clear up. Its so stupid to cause it is over this $100 military disability check he gets each month and he told them about it from the start and was told it was no problem. Well, apparently it is. Sheesh. I'm sure it will go thru. When does all this crap you've had to deal with you Ex go to court? Does he have much to do with his kids? Just curious. Sounds like he just wants to make your life as miserable as his is.

Moonstone, I agree with you that kids should have a couple of snow days at home each year. I remember how excited I used to get when that happened to us. I don't have any kids, just a dog and a cat, my furbabies.

Marlana, if by chance you happen to get in here, I just wanted to say hi and I hope your puter is fixed soon.

Take care everyone.

Hey everyone.

I guess that it is a busy weekend for everyone. I am going to watch some figure skating as soon as I am finished here and of course the Super Bowl this evening.

I called Marlana yesterday morning. Her computer might be down as long as two weeks. The repair shop would only tell her from one to two weeks for repairs. She said that she would try to make it to the library one day next week and visit with us. I guess we will have to postpone our involvement in a challenge unless one of you ladies would like to take command.

JoJo~I guess our 6 more weeks of winter started today. Our temps have dropped a lot here. I closed all the windows yesterday and they are still closed. I had to wear a sweater to church this morning and might have to turn the heat on tonight. I feel better knowing that there are others that go a little nuts over different things. At least you don't have to clean and feed your teddy bears. I thought that my soft spot was for poodles but I quit at two. The last thing that I want is another dog to groom. I do enjoy these fish though.

I hope that all you ladies are having a great weekend.

Hi guys!

Sneaking in a "break" from work -

Tobey, I used to live in New Brunswick but am pretty familiar with most of the Maritimes. My all time favourite city is Halifax in Nova Scotia - I lOVE that town - have tried to talk my husband into moving bu the employmetn down there is bad so no go. I can't believe you watch Groundhog Day every Feb. 2!! So do we!! We're big fans of having different movies which we only watch at the "correct time" - Christmas of course is way up there -- I have THREE cartons of Xmas movies. Also have movies just for Easter and Hallow'een - it's silly but fun! By the way, great article - have printed out a copy and will read it properly later.

Skeeter - your fish is beautiful! Also, while I agree my weight doesn't help things - the weather is just too weird for that to be the only issue - I am a huge believer in the negative impacts of global warming -- hopefully the world will wake up but I am not optimistic. Consensus between two Canadian groundhogs and two American is 3 to 1 for an early Spring!

Starkeeper - I agree about "hints" - be blunt! Like, "Oh, aren't they adorable - what a PERFECT Valentines gift for someone like me who LOVES bears!" Star, if you're only craving chocolate for teh past week, you're ok - I crave it ALL the time! I have the 4 kids, 1 smelly dog (but I love her to bits) and 5 cats - that isn't too bad for us, actually, this time last year, we had all that PLUS a guinea pig and a rabbit! Poor Elvis (guinea pig) and Mr. Bunny went to rodent heaven before the summer - we miss them but I nixed any more - I think my husband will divorce me if I bring anymore animals in - and they're ALL foundlings - I never actively went to get any of them!

I vote we wait for Marlana before starting the challenge but I'm easy and will go for whatever everyone wants - Also what kind of poodles? Standard or toy? They're very bright affectionate dogs, from my acquaintence with them!

See you guys later, it's busy and I have to get to work!

Happy Monday!

Okay not really – it is disgusting outside! It snowing and blowing! On our way to the subway this morning, we hit sections that were almost white outs. Blahhh. At least the roads weren’t too slippery yet. Well it looks like I wasn’t the only one who played hooky this weekend. Saturday was pretty busy with chores and then at 4:00 we went over to a friends for what was supposed to be coffee but we didn’t get back home until after 11:00! Sunday was a nice lazy day. I did an 8-mile run but other than that, I didn’t even leave the house. We did some dishes and made a nice curry dinner but other than it was just kicking back. I read and we watched a movie. We tried to stay awake to watch the hour long Malcolm in the Middle special after the Super Bowl, but it started at 11:00 and I was sound asleep by 11:15. I think Dh only made it about 5 minutes longer than I did. Oh well.

Skeeter: I am trying to picture my day being like yours on Friday. It sounds sooo nice. I enjoyed staying home Friday night. Since I knew dh was going out, I through on my Winnie the Pooh flannel jammies as soon I walked in the door from work! It was great. I will try and get that soup recipe posted. Our groundhog did not see his shadow so spring is on its way. Although when I look out my window, I’m not so sure. I really like your picture of NoMore. He is really beautiful! Glad that Marlana is keeping you posted. If you talk to her again before she gets on, please tell her that I say and miss her.

Jojo: Yep – we are definitely having winter now. I can’t wait until spring. You would think that I would be tougher being a Canadian girl – plus growing up in Northern Ontario – but nope. I’m as wimpy as they come I am lucky that both dh and I like skim milk. Although it doesn’t matter now, as I have to buy lactose-free milk so we still ended up buying two different kinds anyway! We never did get that bad freezing rainstorm. Whew! But we did get a bad windstorm. In fact it knocked over one of those huge exit signs on one of the major highways. It blocked all lanes of traffic. It was amazing that no one was hurt or killed! Glad you got some of that much need moisture – although some flooding is excessive. As for that snow – be careful of what you wish for!

Moonstone: I haven’t had a chance to visit Halifax but it is definitely on my list! That is so funny, we have movies that we watch for all of the holidays is well. My favourite is Planes, Trains, and Automobiles for Thanksgiving. I don’t think we have an Easter movie. What do you watch? Our Halloween movie is Nightmare Before Christmas Its nice to know we are the only ones! Hope you are able to hibernate today away from this snow. Right now my hubby is working from home 4 days a week – so today I am very jealous.

Well I guess that is all for now. Hope everyone has a great day!

Tobey

Wow, I haven't been in here for a few days. Not for a lack of trying, I couldn't get the site to load all weekend. Not that I have any earth shattering news or insights though. The weather here has been pretty good since the snow storm. It's been warm enough everyday to melt a little snow. You can even see some grass in my yard! I am a disappointed though, the white all over sure was prettier than the brown dreary stuff.

I did sign up for the American Heart Association Heart Walk, so if anyone wants to donate, let me know and I'll send you a message with my address. It's a 3 mile course, I plan on running it.

Tobey- Maybe I'll have to go to Canada to get spring a little sooner. We have to wait 6 more weeks here. Did you ever get a chance to build a snowman with your kit? That sounds really cute. What kind of milk do you get. I found something you'll love. It's called "Silk", soy milk, I love the chocolate. Yummy.

Moonstone- You sound just like me, except for the kids. I have a collie, and 7 cats. Well, 6 right now. Dear bf took one "to see what it was like to have a cat". He's had her for a week now. Surprising.

Skeeter- Oh my gosh, 2 weeks for Marlana's puter. I would just die. We should wait for her. It's just not the same. NoMore is really pretty. I like his colors. I'm gonna get one yet, as soon as I find a safe bowl for him.

Jojo- I go for anything with a cat on it. They are all over this house. Oh, a fresh tomato, yum. I can't wait to get out into my garden this summer. I didn't do it justice last year, with all my surgery, and school. I'm going to enjoy it this year.

Sally- I should encourage you to go back to school for nursing, the shortage is crazy. You could have 10 jobs your first day. I don't think I'll get a huge raise, if one at all. The motivating factor is advancement and opportunities.

Well, I guess that is about it for today. I need to get my butt in gear for the day.

Jen

Hey everyone.

Someone must have left the door open up there. It got chilly here again and it's going to be really cold tonight with a chance of frost. It will be a shame if all these pretty bushes that are blooming get frostbitten. Y'all get that door closed.

Jen~I agree that we should wait for Marlana. I just wouldn't be the same without her in the challenge with us. That is so cute that your bf borrowed a cat for the experience of having one. I have friends that fell in love with my parrot and have asked to baby-sit her when we go on vacation. It is very unusual for both a husband and wife to fall for her that way. They haven't heard her loudly imitate a squeaky wooden drawer yet. That might change their minds.

Tobey~Well I guess you won't feel sorry for me with the 50 degree weather, will you? I'm not sure that I could handle really cold weather anymore. I've been in the south too long and have a problem with anything lower than the 40's. I expect Marlana to check in sometime this week from the library. I sure miss her too. I am loving this digital camera. I hope to get better at using it. The picture of NoMore is okay but he is actually a lot prettier than the way he looks there. I just need to take the time to practice with it.

Moonstone~I don't think that we are going to see any changes for the better regarding global warming in our lifetime. The major contributors to the problem are companies with only profits as #1 on their agendas. I'm afraid that changes will come too little too late. My boys are toy poodles born of the same parents but different litters. The bigger one,Snuggles, is a great squirrel hunter and has killed 3 in the last year. I'm not very happy about that because I have raised and released squirrels but I don't want to break his spirit. He is not mean about it but thinks that it is the reason that he was put on this earth. My parrot can walk all over this house and only get smelled all over as her torture. They wouldn't think about hurting her, but squirrels have always been open game for Snuggles. Other than that, they are both very friendly loving dogs and of course, very smart. Of course, I just happen to have a picture to attach.

Y'all have a good evening and stay warm. I think that I am going to turn my heat on tonight too.

Morning Ladies!
Goodness, I miss Mamalana too!! It's just not the same without our Mama. Hope she gets back here soon. I think we should wait til she gets back to do our challenge too...especially since today is my anniversary (and Jeff's ) and we're going out to dinner tonight.
Skeeter, let us know if you hear from Marlana, and tell her hi for us; your doggies are adorable!!! How cute! We have five, but my little Maltese I found at the animal shelter is my little fellow...we can't take him to Disney World in June, since he would have to stay in the camper; it will be air conditioned and everything, but we're afraid he'd howl til his people came back in the evening; so my Jeremy has to stay with the neighbors who feed our big dogs when we're gone (my Jeremy will be in their house, of course ) But I'm already worried about him being away from Mommy so long....what if he forgets us?? What if he doesn't want to come home?? What if he LIKES it over there?? Something else to worry about. I already have to write out instructions for the three cats and three betta fish. Life is very complicated when you run a zoo.
Jen, I've thought about going back to school, actually; I just might in the fall. I was thinking of getting my masters, but I also was thinking about going to the local community college and taking something medical---I've always been a frustrated would-be doctor, even though my BA is in English. Jeff has a good shot at a new job, and if he gets it, he can take over the health insurance for the family, plus he'll be making enough for me to either quit or work part time....soooo, I may just go back to school.
Tobey, how's the weather?? Ours is supposed to be dicey tomorrow. Supposed to have a mixture of rain, freezing rain, sleet and snow. If so, I will be sitting at home with two bored children! The schools close at the first flake (along with the disappearance of the last loaf of bread and gallon of milk
) We have plenty of food, but I just hate wasting vacation when I could saving it for REAL vacation. Maybe we'll get nothing, though; a lot of times that happens here. I was going to watch that Malcolm in the Middle, too, but we didn't even make it thru the whole Super Bowl! Jeff went to sleep at halftime and me shortly thereafter.
Moonstone, you have a zoo also!! I'm so glad we're not the only ones. I keep saying as they pass away to their reward, they will not be replaced, but I bet we never "downsize" much! I haven't said anything to Jeff about today being our anniversary--I wanted to see if he remembered or not! He did, but I'll have to wait and see if roses or presents are forthcoming! He usually sends roses to work, so we'll seeeeeeeeee. May be a silent dinner tonight, folks!
JoJo, come tell us how you and hubby are doing! Hope you're okay, and our Marybeth checks in soon, and Carol, and MAMA!!
Love you all, and talk to you tomorrow.
Sally

Hi All

It is definitely a Canadian winter out there this morning! It is only 2F with the wind-chill (18 without). Got into the car this morning and the seat was hard. That is always a sign to me that winter is here. At least they are not calling for any snow today – just strong winds again. I guess I shouldn’t complain. After all, it is February. Also my mom has it much worse where she lives. A good day to stay bundled up inside.

Jen: Glad you were finally able to get in. You shared your other weather with us, so you can now share this too! That’s great that you are going to run that 3-miler. Good for you. When is it? Are you able to accept credit card pledges? We haven’t had a chance to build our snowman yet. It has been too cold so the snow is all hard and icy. When it does warm up, we are going to sneak over to our friends house and build it on their lawn. I drink regular milk which just has the lactose removed. The 2 most popular brands here are Lactaid and Lacteeze Milk. I like certain soy milks but they are hard to find in low-fat versions. We had a great LF Soy Eggnog at Christmas. Even dh liked it better than the “real” stuff

Skeeter: I think someone left the doors and windows open here! 50F – ah that would be paradise right now. I understand why so many retired Canadians become snowbirds. (That’s what we call the Canadians who take off to live in their Florida timeshares for the winter). I’m sure that you will get great with your digital camera. I think the trick is getting used to lighting for it. I love you pooch pic. They are such sweethearts! Ohhh don’t tell them that though – you can tell them that I thought that they looked very brave and tough!

Sally: HAPPY ANNIVERSARY How many years has it been? I didn’t realize that you had 5 dogs! What kinds are they? I just love animals. Oh kitties and fish too! Sounds like a busy place. Last night they were calling for another storm – but as of this morning it doesn’t sound like it is going to hit us after all. If your girls are like most, they won’t mind a few flakes to play. Freezing rain and sleet however are no fun. I’m sure you’ll get your roses. If not, just think what he will have to get in order to make it up to you Hope your anniversary evening turns out to be very special – enjoy!

Well my tummy is telling me it is snack time – so I will end it here. I have an Ontario McIntosh with my name on it.

Have a good one!
Tobey



Sally ~ this attachment is for you:

Good Morning gals. I guess it's pretty chilly here too. Yesterday, after I posted, I went out to run. I thought that it was warmer than it really was, but it was only 15F, before the wind chill. No wonder my fingers were numb! What a ditz! I ran 2 miles (I know Tobey, just an easy day for you), and today I don't even feel sore from it. That must be a good sign! Anyway, I think today will be strength training day, it's still cold out. And tomorrow is school, and then I signed up for a yoga class Wed evenings for6 weeks. At least it's something.

Tobey- I looked over the form, I don't think I'm able to accept credit card donations, but that would be nice if I could. I never thought of that before. Maybe I'll check in with the "people" about that. I think the walk is the first Saturday in April. I have plenty of time to get ready. It's on the path along the Mississippi. It's going to be really nice. I missed out on the soy eggnog. I just got some of the lite regular stuff.

Sally- HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! If you went back to say, community college, got your RN (it's only a 2 yr degree), you probably could get into something pretty good since you have a BA. At my hosptial, for management, all you need is a bachelors, doesn't even have to be in nursing, as long as you have an RN. You would have tons of options!

Skeeter- I would love to have a "chilly" 50 degrees. That sounds wonderful. I want to be a snowbird! I bet it's funny to hear your parrot try to be a squeaky drawer. Especially since I can't hear it here. My bf called me the other night to tell me that the cat (Chickie) was loving stuff, rubbing and purring. How funny.

Wow, I guess that's it. I probably should start researching a topic for my concept paper, it's due in 4 weeks!

Jen

Hey everyone.

Brrrrr........it was 35 this morning. Our sprinkler system made some ice in the shaded areas this morning. The sun has been out most of the day though and is 60 degrees out now. Tonight and the rest of the week is supposed to be warmer.

My mom and dad were supposed to meet us in Orlando this weekend to visit my children, then go to the east coast for the remainder of the month. They called this morning to let us know that they didn't want to go to the coast on Monday but want to come back here instead. So they will be with us all next week again. We are all going to follow a "leaner" diet while they are here this time and do a lot more walking.

Sally~Happy Anniversary. I'm sure your dh is going to surprise you with goodies as he usually does. He seems like a real sweetie. Do you remember Ellie coming to visit with me last year? She and her husband are coming here again on Thursday. I'll try my new camera again with a picture of us. We are going to grill a steak and talk nonstop for hours. I will sure tell Marlana that you miss her when I hear from her again. Thank you....we are very proud of our boys. Our friends are amazed at how well behaved they are and what tough little guys they are. No painted toe nails and bows for these guys. We have to limit our vacations because of these guys. My husband refuses to leave them with anyone and NEVER in a kennel. Thank goodness my mom enjoys them in her house and two of his sisters have invited us with the dogs. Did you know that Disney has a really good kennel that you drop the dog off and come back and feed and walk yourself. A friend of mine used it and thought it was wonderful. Her little dog is as spoiled as mine.

Tobey~Snowbirds is also the name we use for all the displaced northerners here for the winter. A lot of them really love Ocala and these woods too. The campgrounds are very busy this time of year. I don't blame them for wanting to get away from all that cold weather. I would love to spend my summers up north with them though. I wonder what they call us southerners spending the summers up there. We are going to do that as soon as we win the lottery. I told the boys what you said and they said "woof", which I'm assuming means thanks. My dh and the boys came charging into the bedroom the other day while I was making a new announcement on the answering machine. He had them barking and it turned out kind of cute so I left it that way.

Jen~I don't know how you northerners can stand temperatures that cold and actually go outside. I know that I spent my early life up there but it was so long ago. I got cold yesterday with temps in the low 60's and my bones felt like they were aching. It drives my dh crazy because he wears shorts year round. He was out there early this morning looking at the ice wearing shorts and a jacket. My bird is an African Grey and can still fool us after all these years. My husband is always searching me out to ask "what?", only to find out that it wasn't me that called him. She never fools the dogs though. She calls them all day long in my voice and they ignore her except when she whistles for them. They stop and listen but must detect a difference. It can get a little crazy around here sometimes.

Hope y'all have a good evening and stay warm. I think I will talk hubby into a fire in the family room tonight while we watch TV.

Hi Everyone

I just got home from work and thought I should get in here or otherwise I may not make it back in later. I started a novel that is keeping my attention so I'll probably end up with my nose stuck in the book all evening.

I'm still really busy at work. I've got all the end of the year stuff done but now I'm still playing catch up with the 2002 stuff, a months worth. One lady is helping me with one part of it but I still have to keep up with the weekly billings which seem to have doubled the past 3 weeks.

Skeeter, well, since I consider 35 degrees cold, we'll let you get by with saying your freezing. Just kidding. It was 21 degrees when I got up this morning and I had a hard time getting out of bed cause the heat gets turned down so low during the night and the house is so cold first thing. Your dogs are really cute. I was watching this show dog championship on the Animal Planet channel the other night and I just can't get over how they do up the poodles for shows. Their hind quarters were shaved to the skin except for the balls of fur around their feet and tail but on their low backs were like 2 or 3 "balls" of fur. It looked dumb to me. I guess thats the show standard but I didn't like it. We had a poodle when I was a teenager, some old ladys that died and his name was Bill.

Jen, You be sure to take your gloves with you the next time you run. I very seldom wear my gloves. I just don't like them for some reason. I put them on in the car cause the steering wheel is so cold. Other than that, I don't wear em much.

Tobey, I am a wimp when it comes to cold weather to but its gotten to where I can handle the cold better than our hot and humid summers. My mom had to buy lactose free milk but I've never had a problem with it, knock on wood. What kinds of problems does it cause if you have lactose intolerance. My mom used to complain about bad gas from it.

Sally, dh and I are doing ok. He finally got a check from unemployment so that is a big relief. Plus he has an interview tomorrow. I've got my fingers crossed. He "thinks" he wants to be a truck driver but I just don't want him in a job where he does long hauls. He has to many health problems and I'd worry so much about him. We kinda had a little "discussion" about that this morning.

Moonstone, you can call me Jo Jo if you like. I'm so used to that that when I see Starkeepr, it just goes over my head. I think guinea pigs are so cute and have thought about getting one. Maybe when my cat is gone. She's about 11 yrs old now.

Marlana, just wanted to say hi just in case you can get in here sometime soon. Hope you get your puter fixed soon.

Well, I've got to get going. Take care everyone.

Hi All

It is much warmer this morning. In fact I got off one subway stop earlier just so I would have an excuse to go for a short walk. I’m not feeling so great this morning – think I have the winter blues. I have just felt like I don’t know what to do with myself lately and all I end up doing is sitting in front of the TV or computer. I’m starting to feel like a slug. I thought I might check to see if there was any interesting classes or something go on in our community. I thought it would be fun to take a cooking class or something to do with crafts. Just to get me out of the house! Or maybe I’ll look into becoming a volunteer somewhere for one night a week.

Jen: That was a chilly run for you? My only advice for running in the cold is to dress properly. I would say the most important thing is to dress in layers and NEVER wear cotton (i.e. a regular t-shirt). I think that book that we both have has some good advice on how to dress. I bet it felt invigorating! I bought myself some low-cal organic hot chocolate for a motivational treat. I only allow myself to have some when I come back from a cold run. Strength training is good. Are you using the routine from the book? I find it quite good. Yoga sounds good. I have 2 different friends who take it and just swear by it. Maybe I should look into that as my extra-curricular activity. It is really quite reasonably priced. In fact if I go on the weekends, I think my gym might even offer a free class. Your run/walk sounds like it will be really nice. Too bad they don’t accept credit card pledges – I know most don’t. However, I’m also in one in April (10K for MS) and they are accepting credit cards. They make it easy buy allowing people to sponsor via credit card on the net. They also have individual pledge forms for each sponsor (as opposed to one long sheet) so that people can put down their card number and no one else will see it. This is my favourite charity event. It is so well organized and lots of fun. They have a lot of big companies who sponsor it so there are a lot of freebies for the walkers/runners as well. They even have a complimentary breakfast and lunch. It is a huge event. Have fun working on your paper!

Skeeter: 35F? That was what our temperature was this morning (and no wind!). Hope it does warm up for you. I love to hear stories of the a/c in February Wow your parents must have had a great time during their last visit if they want to come back already. They sound like great people. I guess that would be the perfect life – south for the winter and north for the summer. Maybe I’ll kick a little extra in to my retirement fund this month If you ever win the lottery, come to Toronto and we can paint the town red together. I bet your answering message is very cute – I’m sure people who really know you get a kick out of it. Hope you enjoyed your fire. I would have loved to have had one last night – but I don’t think the landlord would appreciate it (we live in an apartment!).

Jojo: What book are you reading? Since I have decided to take some time off school, I have started reading fiction again. It is so nice read something besides a text book! Right now I am reading a book by Fannie Flagg. I really like her style. We used to get the game show network and I loved watching her on Match Game. I have to admit that I still really like that show. I would much rather have hot and humid than cold. Dh, however, is like you and can handle cold better than those sticky days. Lactose intolerance affects people differently. Some people get really bad stomach cramps. I’m just like you mom though. It just causes REALLY bad gas. So I drink lactose-free milk for the people around me! Dh was really happened once we figured out what was wrong. What is your hubby’s interview for? We had a friend of the family who was a truck driver. Personally, I think it is just awful. Driving all those hours and being away from home so much. I guess he just has to find what is going to make him truly happy.

Well that’s all for now. I guess I should get some work done. I’m in a bad mood and think I may have been a bit short with my boss. Better go make nice. Good thing we get along so well and more like friends than employee/boss.

Have a good one!
Tobey