If you have 50 pounds or so to lose, this is the place for you! So jump on in and join; you'll be sure to get a warm welcome.

JOYce, another allergic reaction, that's awful! Sure hope the doctor has some way around that. And dental work now, too; boy, when it rains it pours. I'm so sorry! But I know how determined you are, and I'm confident that you will persevere through all this!

Carol, I saw on TV that it was snowing in Washington; guess you're getting some of that too? I hope you didn't have to drive in it too much.

Texaslady, how are things over your way? Are your workdays still just flying by?

Linda, have you and your dh finished all your garden renovations? That's what I need to be doing soon. Dh has promised to help me build a sidewalk up to our house, which we've needed for years. Just haven't decided exactly what materials we'll use; maybe bricks set in cement. It'll be good exercise, anyway!

Janet, I heard Mississippi was getting some of this cold front too; any snow yet?

I probably won't be able to check in again for a few days, with all the Austin trips and such, so here's wishing everyone a great week!
Regards,
Jan

Have we ever gone this long without talking???
DH just got off the phone with the HP people, seems that we have a faulty disc that is hendering the installation of my scanner. so they are shipping a new disc.

And now a 17 yr old is hendering my concentration, so will write again afte WI tomorrow.

Good morning! TGIF!!! We're way too quiet in here this week!

What has everyone got planned for the weekend? Tomorrow is dd's baby shower, but other than that and a little bit of babtsitting, I'm just going to try to take it easy.

GUESS WHAT? I HEARD FROM SAARA!! I had emailed her because I was worried that we haven't heard from her in so long. She's fine, and says to tell everyone HI. She's really busy, and can only get computer times at wierd hours, so she hasn't been able to post. She rooms with a French girl and that's been working out great. She's going to get to go to the Russia-Finland hockey game, so she's excited about that. She's near the stadium, so hopefully will be able to seee fireworks and the torch. She's done lots of skiing and loves the sunny Utah winters. She said she's totally enjoying Utah but is sure that when the time comes, she'll be ready to come home.
Jan, your green bean thing sounds good! We didn't have any snow here- well, there was a little wet dusting on the car when I left for work the other day at 5:30 AM, but that was it.
Joyce, that's too bad about your chlorine sensitivity! Does your doctor have any suggestions? Have you tried taking a shower immediately after getting out of the pool with a moisturizing soap and lots and lots of regular water to get the excess chlorine off your skin?? Or is their an antihistamine of some sort you can take before going into the pool? It's such good exercise, and you are enjoying it so much- it will be a shame if you have to stop. How is your dental problem going? You've really had a bad week! Sorry about the scanner- hopefully the new part will solve the problem. Good luck at weigh in today!
Texaslady, where are you? I have a feeling that you are working too hard!
Janet, it was good to talk to you the other night. How are things going at your office, speaking of people who are working too hard right now!

OOPS! It's 5 already- gotta run and get ready for work. The doctor is out of town today, so I don't have to go to Virginia, thank heaven! Have a great weekend, everyone!
Carol

Hi everyone! Are we glad it's Friday??

I can't post much right now, but I wanted to pop in to let y'all know that I'm still here. JOYce, happy belated birthday!!

This hasn't been one of my best weeks. Monday I got a call from Christian Children's Fund. DD and I have sponsored a child in Kenya for the last four years...Muthoki. We get letters from her and her mother Agnes all the time, so we feel very involved in her life. We have watched her grow from this young five year old into this beautiful young girl who loved school and wanted to be a nurse. Last Saturday would have been her ninth birthday, but they called to tell me that she had been in an accident while playing on some rocks and was killed. They were almost as emotional on the phone as I was. I knew that Muthoki was important in our lives (she and DD called each other "sister") but I didn't realize how much until I got that phone call. We take so much for granted. This sweet baby led such a hard life, but was so happy and hopeful. I always sent extra money at Christmas and for Muthoki's birthday, and Agnes would write to me telling me what all she had bought. You wouldn't believe what just a small amount of American dollars would buy. This past year Agnes bought a bed and frame in addition to clothes for Muthoki and her little brothers, plus food for the Christmas celebration. One year they bought a goat! I can't imagine the pain that Agnes must be feeling, but I was struck by the fact that here we are...two mothers who need an interpreter to communicate and who live completely different lives...but heartache is universal. It really made me stop and think about all my blessings. Why did I get so lucky? My child will never have to endure what those children endure...and many children right here in the United States. We are truly blessed!!

I haven't given up, but the reunion still isn't looking very promising. The position is frozen and won't be unfrozen until the budget woes are over at the beginning of the new fiscal year...July 1. I had also forgotten that the girl I work with had asked off months ago to go to the Ocala, Florida horse sale. There are five of us now in our division, but she and I are the only two who work with the mainframe, so one of us has to be here. I'm still thinking though...

Jan, we didn't get any snow. It always "just barely misses us." They had quite a few inches just north of us. It has just been really cold here...that kind of cold that goes down to your bones...the kind where you just can't warm up. I went to my nephew's soccer game last night and was the coldest I can ever remember being. I couldn't feel my toes or fingers after three hours...and that was being completely wrapped up in front of a heater. I say I love the cold, but I don't think I would last long up north.

Well, I had better get back to work since I have typed a lot more than I planned. I am so glad that Carol heard from Saara...and Carol, I enjoyed talking to you the other night too!

Hi to everyone else, and have a wonderful weekend!

Janet (Kudzu)

Janet, I am so sorry to hear of your loss; that is just awful. I hope you take some comfort in knowing that you helped to make Muthoki's life better in so many ways, not just in materially, but also by her knowing she had your love and concern. And you're so right, it does make one reflect on our blessings, to live here. Am sending virtual hugs your way! Sure hope you can join us in April ...

Carol, hope you're enjoying DD's baby shower today! Let us know how it went. I'm so glad you heard from Saara! I had sent a private msg earlier, to see if she could possibly make our reunion, but hadn't heard back. (Any chance she can join us?)

JOYce, I hope you enjoyed your WW mtg today! DH and I can't make it to the city for ours, as I've got a deadline Monday, but we're going Tuesday afternoon. Carol's ideas re: avoiding the chlorine problem sound great; hope they work for you!

Texaslady, we're starting to worry about you! I agree with Carol, you must be working too hard! Let us know how you're doing when you have a minute.

Had a busy week; made 2 trips to Austin, one w/students, and gave a few presentations. Really enjoyed doing the health & fitness one; that was entirely new for me, but I think it went well. Managed not to overeat at the various functions, but didn't get my morning walks in every day; will have to recommit to that!

Well, guess I'd better get back to work! Hi to Linda and Saara; hope all is well!

Regards,
Jan

JANET, I am so sorry about dear Muthoki, what a blow that is. I think that JAN said it best, that you can take some comfort knowing that your family helped to make her, and her family's, life better. Rest in the assurance that you will one day meet Muthoki face to face!

JAN, dh planted a bare root artichoke and I have some radishes coming up in the garden. I also planted about 75 ranunculus, and some of them are starting to poke their leaves through the soil. We went to Gilroy, California a few days ago (reputedly the "garlic capital of the world") and I bought some elephant garlic to plant. The shopkeeper also gave me two bulbs of regular garlic to plant, gratis, since they had begun to sprout and weren't fresh enough to sell anymore. I hope I succeed in growing it. Your brick walkway sounds just charming, are you and dh going to lay the bricks yourself? What a project, but what fun to do it together.

Happy Monday, everyone! Why do the weekends fly by so fast?

I'm going in a little late this morning- my little sweetie has a cold and we had to start his nebulizer treatments yesterday. He'll need one this morning when he gets up, and he doesn't fight me with them, whereas he tends to kick dd- not a good idea now that she's 8 months pregnant, and dsil doesn't have time in the am. So, grandma volunteered- unfortunately I'll have to make up the work tomorrow instead of taking the afternoon off like I had hoped if my injured coworker comes back, but little sweetie is worth it.
I have a cold too, which I caught when I had to fill in in Pediatrics last Wednesday when a nurse didn't show due to a schedule misunderstanding. Every time I work peds when there's a lot of sick visits I get catch something! This one's a pretty nasty one, but hopefully it will be short lived- I certainly can't take time off to give in to it right now!
The baby shower went really well on Saturday! There were about 15 people there, and she got some really cute stuff. Lots of "AWWWW!!"'s were going around the table. It was held at the Olive Garden, and we had a wonderful waitress. The crib cake I got from the bakery was adorable and delicious! (Yep- I had some)
Janet, I am so sorry to hear about little Muthoki. My heart breaks for her mother. She is so lucky to have had you and Krysten as sponsors- you brought so much to her short life with your love. You all and her mother are in my prayers.
Janet, whew!! Reading your schedule for last week makes me tired!! You were really one busy lady. Your sidewalk plan sounds like quite a project, but it should be lovely. Speaking of projects, is your did still working on his photo albums? How is he doing? How was dh's weigh in this week?
Joyce, how did your weigh in go? Does your doctor think there will be a way you can overcome the chlorine sensitivity to continue aerobics?
Linda, one of the best parts of having "cyberfriends" from different parts of the country is learning new things. For example, what on earth is RANUNCULUS? We must not have them in Maryland or Pennsylvania (where I grew up)!
Texaslady, where are you??

Well, ladies, I'd better run. I want to get all ready for work so that when the little guy wakes up I can grab him, neb him and run! Have a good day, everyone!
Carol

Linda, your garden sounds lovely! Ranunculus is (are?) one of my favorite flowers. I've grown them before, but their season is so short here; they can't take the warm weather, which comes so fast in the spring. Re: Gilroy, Dh and I spent the night there one time, during the season. You certainly could tell they grew garlic there! Good luck with your new plants! Re: the sidewalk, yes, we'll probably do most of the work ourselves. Dh knows how to mix cement, and we can rent a mixer locally. Have also collected lots of old bricks to use. I just hope we can get it done before the heat sets in!

Carol, so sorry you have a cold! I hope you're feeling better by now. And yes, thanks for asking, Dad is still sorting through photos; I need to get a new scanner so I can start an archive. Dh did great at WW; lost another 2.5! Wish I could say the same for myself. This last week I let all the deadlines and trips interfere with my walks, and I shouldn't have done that. I need to make exercise and *strict* staying OP a high priority again, if I'm ever going to lose these last ten!

Hope everyone has a great Wednesday! Hi to JOYce, Janet, Saara, and Texaslady. (Texaslady, we're getting worried!)
Regards,
Jan

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TOMORROW!

I just wanted to wish y'all a Happy Valentine's Day a little early!

I hope everyone is having a good week. Lent begins today and DD and I are giving up soft drinks and fast food (among other things), so hopefully I will get out of this plateau I've been on since the holidays.

Linda, I'm usually the one who stumps Carol, but I have to admit that you had me stumped too. I have never heard of ranunculus, but I'm glad that Jan mentioned that it was a kind of flower. I'm sure that it is much too warm here in Mississippi if the growing season is that short in Texas. Tell us a little bit more about what it looks like when you have time.

I wanted to thank all of you for your kind words about Muthoki. I think that I am going to be able to sponsor one of Muthoki's little brothers, but I'm still waiting for the information.

I better go run some errands on my lunch break. Talk to you all again soon. Texaslady and Saara, y'all had better check in soon...and that's an order!!!!

Janet (Kudzu)

Romance is in the air!
DGD's boyfriend called last night to ask grandpa's permission to propose. (ISN"T THAT TOO SWEET AND ROMANTIC! )
she called tonight to say that she is getting married. she is so excited, she is in shock....so no plans yet, except she told me some time ago, that when it happens, it will be in Oklahoma, so guess we will do some more traveling! His family is there as well as all their miltary buddies.
I've been eating no-stop since she called....What is that all about!?!?!
Also went to the oral surgeon this morning, and am scheduled for the first step in the whole implant process. I'll start in 10 days with the extaction of the bad tooth. Maybe that willl slow down my eating!Of course I have enen more incentive now! I'll be the Gma/mom of the Bride! I have to get healthy and thin!

Good morning, everyone. TGIF!! (and I mean that most sincerely!!!!) I hope you had a nice day.
What do you all have planned for the weekend? We are closed on Monday, and for once I'm not going to go in on the holiday to do catch up work, so I am looking forward to 3 days rest. I figure that should help shake my cold, which is persistently making my life unpleasant this week.
Jan, congrat dh for me on his 2.5 pound loss!! I'm proud of him for hanging in there! I am afraid the chances of my getting to the reunion are very slim, unfortunately. There's a couple factors which would have to fall just right for me to be able to do it, and right now it looks real unlikely.
Janet, your Lenten resolves sould great! I resolved to give up both New Year's resolutions and giving up stuff for Lent years ago, and am doing well with that! How nice that you and dd are trying to sponsor one of Muthoki's little brothers! I sure hope they are able to work it our for you. You are such a thoughtful, giving person!
Joyce, how exciting!!!! And how sweet of your grandson-in-law to be to call and ask for dgd's hand!! Re the eating, for those of us who are stress eaters (like me), the stress doesn't have to be bad to be a trigger- happy times do just as well, unfortunately! But you'll get it back in check, I know- you have so many good incentives right now! Good luck with your dental work, you poor thing!! I sure don't envy you!!! I'll bet it will decrease your appetite, but what a way to do it!!
Well, I'd better run- it's taking me longer to get it in gear this week- so many stops to either blow my nose or cough! Hi to Saara, Linda and Texaslady. Have a great weekend, everyone!
Carol

Hi girls, sorry to have been gone so long. I have had some health problems that have had me really bummed out. Talk about stress binge eating!!! I have had a lot of dr visits and various tests - the good news seems to be that it isn't the tumor they first suspected but the bad news is that I probably have some sort of colon absess which may have to be removed (probably a result of a past diverticulitis attack - is that even spelled right, Carol?? I have an appointment with a gastro specialist this next week & I guess I will know more then. Oh well, I am trying to look on the bright side - I know things could have turned out much differently.

So glad that Saara is still thinking about us as we are her. I guess that with the Olympics on every night, I think about her more often. I hope she is enjoying the festivities. That area is so pretty with all the ice and snow - pretty to look at, that is. I know I wouldn't enjoy it so much if I were there. I think South Texas is just fine for me - by the way, it was 82 today.

Jan - Glad your dh is sticking with the program so well. I know you are both so happy with his progress. I think a brick path would be a great idea but I suspect it is a pretty big project. I am assuming the path would go all the way from your place to your Dad's? Bet you discover muscles you didn't know you had! Sounds like you are as busy as ever with your special projects. Yes, I am still working hard and fast as ever. However, I am getting a new office with new equipment, including a new Dell computer & the office even has WINDOWS! Very different from my current "hole" - I have to live vicariously through other people's windows! Could have used your expertise today. We couldn't get our special software to print to our network printer. I bet you could have helped us figure it out! It prints word processing documents just won't print from our specialty software. They are calling in the "specialists" on Tuesday - then I get to move into my new digs.

Carol - I am so glad that you are off on Monday - so am I!!! I am resolving to just enjoy the day & do whatever I want. I have so much work waiting for me that I should be there instead! I spent all day today at the courthouse and didn't get a thing done at my desk! Hope you get over your cold. I have been lucky this winter - I haven't had a single cold, although it has gone around the office a couple times already. I hate that you are not going to be able to come to Texas!!! How big did you say your Florida house is???????? Think we would all fit should we decide to make Florida our next destination????? If not, I bet there is a comfortable place nearby........

Joyce - I just KNEW it was the pool chlorine!!! Carol's suggestion
about showing immediately after sounds promising. After the trial and tribulations of purchasing a swimsuit, it would be awful if you have to give up the water exercise!

Linda - You are really getting with the spring gardening - or is it pre-spring? Ex dh and I used to grow onions from "sets" when we lived in Kansas - was so much fun to see them grow. I am guessing garlic is sort of the same. I envy your flower beds. I love flowers but am too lazy to put forth the effort it takes to have beautiful beds.

Janet - I am so sorry about your sponsered child!! I hope it all works out so that you can continue to sponser someone else in the family. What a good heart you have! And what a wonderful thing to do. You are so right in that we so often forget about the blessings we enjoy when others lack so much. It should serve to keep us grateful for our circumstances!! You have just GOT to come to Texas - shopping without you wouldn't be the same!! Who is going to want to bring home all those wonderful mirrors if you don't come?????

Well, I will try not to be gone so long again. But I will sign off now and catch some of the Olympics. I am such an Olympic junkie - I just love watching the competitions.

TEXASLADY, I am very sorry about your medical turn of events, but thank the Lord it was not a tumor. That is too bad that you are having problems. I am so glad to have heard from you, we were concerned. Welcome back, and happy landings with your treatmen(s)!

JANET and CAROL, as JAN said, ranunculus are flowers. I tried to get a site with a picture on it to post here, but it didn't work. If you go to www.burpee.com I imagine that you could do a search on them to see what they look like. They are sort of poppy-like, but instead of just one row (in a circle) of petals, there are many petals, sort of in concentric circles, and the petals are thin. They grow on long stems, and come in several colors. Several of the ones I planted are looking mighty robust as they poke through the soil. Our artichoke is getting big too, and I have some radishes coming up also. I sprinkled some chive seeds into a container and am awaiting the results of that effort. I do like to garden, but dh is the one who does most of the work. JAN, he has done some brickwork around our yard too; he likes to do it and occasionally adds something "special" to the cement between bricks (such as a benchmark or a "hidden Mickey"), just for fun and as he says, "architectural interest."

Texaslady, I am so glad it was not a tumor, though sorry you may have to have further work done. So smart of you to consult specialists and stay on top of this! Can't wait to see you in April... and I second that appeal to Janet, she just *has* to come! That mirror has her name on it!

JOYce, a Valentine's Day proposal for your dgd, how romantic! Have they set a date? I know what you mean about stress (even good stress or excitement) triggering a binge. I react that way too; guess we're celebrating the good news when we do that. But I know you'll not let that stand in your way!

Carol, glad you finally have a day off! Am sorry to hear that it looks like you can't make it in April; sure hope everything works out somehow! I won't give up hope!

Linda, that's great that your dh likes to do brick work (a hidden Mickey? the mouse? how does he do that?) My dh doesn't enjoy it, but he'll work like crazy on projects once we get rolling, bless him. We're not planning on a path all the way to Dad's, though, Texaslady; just to the area where we park. Though it would be nice to have one all the way over there! Hmm.

We're having lovely weather this weekend, but I'm stuck inside working on a second batch of curriculum docs. (We did get our early a.m. walk in, though.) They're not due til March 4, but I sure don't want to be up until 3 a.m. the night before, like last time! Guess I'd better get back to work. Hope everyone's having a great weekend!

Regards,
Jan