Fourth Quarter Posts: October through December 2015.

Helene610

Nothing much happened here today. I did a little decluttering and binged watched a little HGTV. Glad to hear the cake turned out so well. We're all set to go to NJ Tuesday. The doctor said it was okay for DH to travel. I'm looking forward to it.

KonaKat

Nothing much happening here. I have the next week off as it is a combo of deer season and Thanksgiving. I do the sleep study again on Monday night, so I will be meeting a friend for dinner at the Outback. I'll call that my Thanksgiving dinner. I also have a doctor's appointment tomorrow morning for one of those routine quarterly check in deals.

Helene--Glad DH is cleared for travel.

Maryanne--Let me know if that 3 day JC kit is worth trying.

Pam--Glad the cake turned out well. Keep up the good work.

KonaKat

My NS 35 day supply of food should arrive this week. Some of the items have been reformulated.

KonaKat

mdubbs1

Uh, oh, that's what Tuffy's face would look like if he figured out what I'm doing. Hee hee....

Here's what's in the JC kit Walmart is selling:

Breakfast: cranberry almond biscotti, mixed berry bar, cranberry almond cereal (I especially like the third)

Lunch: swedish meatballs, chicken salad kit, cream chicken & corn chowder (again, I especially like the third)

Dinner: Turkey chili, cheese ravioli, rotina pasta & meat sauce - all marginally better than their NS equivalents

Snacks: white cheddar popcorn, cheese curls, lemon cooler cookies - love em all

Box of 7 cookie dough any time bars - 10 grams of protein, 110 calories - I haven't tried those yet

4 chocolate shakes - 12 grams of protein, 100 calories - haven't tried those yet

Their suggested menu plan has you adding garden salad, cooked vegetables, 3 1/2 fruit servings, 1 milk serving (with the cereal),

If anyone wants me to scan and email them the 3-day meal plan, let me know. Be happy to. Since I work at home I have decent scanning capabilities.

The way my mind seems to work, saying to myself "for the next 3 days I'm eating from this box" seems to work.

KonaKat

Maryanne--Three days at a time is a manageable time. I might try the JC kit for a change.

PamS53

I was proud of myself for giving away all but one piece of the leftover cake, which I brought home for DH. Although I haven't been trying to diet for quite awhile, my weight has been pretty stable. I would still like to lose ten or fifteen pounds, but for the moment I am very happy to just maintain. Perhaps after the holidays I'll feel more like actively trying to lose weight again.

The JC package actually sounds pretty tasty. If DH plans a camping trip anytime soon, I might give it a try as a jump start. When he's around I wouldn't do very well with it because I'd still be preparing food for him and I can't make myself cook separate meals for each of us.

Jean, I hope your sleep study goes well. Your pre-Thanksgiving dinner sounds like fun.

Helene, I'm glad your DH was cleared for your trip to NJ. It sounds like he is really recovering well.

We are going to my sister's home for the day on Thursday. Usually we stay for a couple of nights but they are having other out of town guests so there is no room at the inn this time. It's only two hours away, so it's not a big deal. However, my sister keeps adding to the list of things she needs me to bring, such as a card table and chairs, tablecloth, silverware, and then the food items I had already agreed to. If she adds any more to the list we may have to rent a truck, lol! I polished the silver today and located the tablecloth and I've made a list of everything I'm supposed to take. Hopefully I won't forget anything.

KonaKat

Pam--You might have to rent a U-Haul. Have a good trip.

KonaKat

Just looked at the cost of some of the frozen items since $50 gets free shipping. Lean Cuisine and comparable brands are cheaper.

I am off to do a little shopping, have dinner with a friend, a movie and then the dreaded sleep study follow up.

mdubbs1

Jean - best of luck on the sleep study!

Pam - sounds like your holiday is going to be a major production. Whenever my sis wanted me to head to their house - hours away - I always begged off the actual Thursday because traffic is unreal heading from here up I-95 on Thanksgiving morning.

Helene - great news about your DH!

I'm tired. Took Lola and Smokie to the vet. Smokie did fine; she doesn't even need her teeth done. They suspect Lola has a bladder infection so I came home with all kinds of meds and she's ensconced in the big cage. When I got home DH was out back with 3 licked clean cat food plates and a medium size super friendly brown tabby who kept trying to get in the house. No collar, never seen it before. So I got Lola settled and then turned right around and drove new guy to the vet. They checked - no microchip. Luckily they have room and can hold him while we wait to see if anyone puts up a "cat lost" sign. No way I could have slept tonight if we'd slammed the door in the poor thing's face to force it to stay outside. And didn't want to put it in the other cage because it would have terrified Lola. So off to the vet he went. I haven't heard anything yet.

Helene610

We leave for NJ in the morning. I had a massage tonight to get rid of the tightness and twinges in my back. I have a new Harry Bosch audio book for the ride. I topped off the gas tank at $1.92 a gallon while I was over the bridge. That's 21 cents cheaper than locally. I'm taking the laptop but I'm never sure of how much access I'll have at BIL's house. Sometimes I can get in and sometime's I can't. The JC selection sounds interesting. I may check that out when I get back. Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

mdubbs1

Helene - happy thanksgiving! Enjoy that Harry Bosch!

KonaKat

Good morning, everyone! Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. If traveling, safe travels!

I have an NS box sitting on my deck that was delivered yesterday. I just didn't have the energy to bring it inside. I took a look at the JC 3-day plan at WalMart. For a little over $16 a day for the 3 days, I didn't see that much difference between it and the NS items I had. The shakes I can make with the Diet Direct Wonderslim I have on hand.

mdubbs1

I got a NS box yesterday. Came US mail instead of Fed Ex and everything was totally jammed and squished into this tiny box. Some old packaging; some new packaging. I'm sure it will all be usable but doesn't make a very good impression.

mdubbs1

Gorgeous sunny day today. I took a walk around looking for "lost cat" posters. Found one but for the wrong cat! I'll keep at it. Meanwhile the little guy is safe.

I think our Lola is improving. I talked to the vet today who wanted to let me know Lola's urine culture isn't back yet and the vet will be out until Monday but we've already got her on meds so I think we're good.

KonaKat

Maryanne--I thought NS strictly used FedEx or was this the FedEx mail delivery. I can't remember what it is called but FedEx has a postal type delivery service. Glad Lola is improving.

I finally looked at my NS shipment. Some items were substituted but NS substituted the missing things with items I liked.

mdubbs1

I thought NS strictly used FedEx too. I was surprised when the mail man brought the package. Also surprised how poorly packed it was. People who complain that the usual box says NS on it would have been happy with this plain little brown box.

I went down to get the turkey out of the basement refrigerator and found that the freezer compartment to that frig was not closed tight. NO clue how that happened. The ice packs are still frozen so I think the food will probably be okay. May have lost a little quality. Luckily the most expensive food is in the freezer, not in the freezer compartment of the refrigerator. It's always something though isn't it?

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

KonaKat

Maryanne--I have a hunch that NS did use FedEx but FedEx chose to use its smart post where they deliver to the Post Office.I have received FedEx items via its smart post or whatever it is called. It is interesting but my BBB was very well packed, and the entrees had new designed packaging on many of them. Included was a letter discussing their new packaging.

I do hope your turkey turned out well despite the freezer compartment not being closed tight.

I didn't do much today. I had planned to go to a community dinner at Noon but it just felt good resting at home.

KonaKat

Well, it is Black Friday Day and I am doing the sensible thing.....staying home. I did Black Friday once just to see what it was like, and that was once one too many times. There is nothing like online shopping during this time of chaos. I really would like to go to the city for some fun as this is a beautiful day, but don't want to deal with the traffic and crowds.

PamS53

I'm also staying at home for Black Friday. I can't think of a single thing I want badly enough to face the crowds and traffic out there today. Plus we had a cold front that arrived this morning bringing cold temps, wind, and heavy rain. In fact, our drive home last night from my sister's house was made in heavy rain for the entire trip. Poor DH for doing the driving! Fortunately, he took it slowly when needed and drove with both eyes open for the fools that were driving too fast and recklessly in places and we made it home safely. It took about 30 minutes longer than normal, but that's ok as long as we made it safely.

We enjoyed our holiday with family and friends, but I was glad to get back home and sleep in my own bed last night. Not sure what I'll do for the rest of the weekend, but I will probably stay in as much as I can. I really hate getting out in this type of weather. We came home with lots of leftovers, so I shouldn't need to go out for food, at least!

mdubbs1

I was trying to do CROM paperwork yesterday and Christmas gifting (like cookies for the vet and gift cards for volunteers and docs) and the internet was SLOW. I probably should have just stopped and done it another day but that would have been sensible.

I did have to get gas and a little cash. I'm going to Lancaster today for a meal with the family. I was surprised to see the grocery store parking lots were EMPTY. I had remembered them as being swamped on Black Friday. So I did stop at a grocery store on my way back from getting gas.

KonaKat

Maryanne--I understand the local supermarket was open until 3pm on Thanksgiving Day. Perhaps many did all their grocery shopping in advance since there were no Black Friday specials on food. Enjoy the visit with the family.

Pam--Glad your visit with family went well. Leftovers are always good. I agree that getting out in the cold is not a wonderful choice if it can be avoided. The weather here also turned colder today with rain included.

mdubbs1

On my way home from the family dinner in Lancaster I stopped at a grocery store in PA where they sell a lot of "like homemade" meals and baked goods. I heard someone ask why the bakery was so empty and their answer was "Black Friday" so I guess it all depends where you are whether grocery stores are hit up on Black Friday. I got a few things DH liked but a lot of the shelves were bare.

Today I started making turkey corn soup for dinners the next couple days. Gotta use up the turkey!!!

mdubbs1

It's December 1. Time to start playing with the Jacquie Lawson advent calendars. I send them to volunteers and vets. The new office manager is all excited about them - hopefully she'll enjoy it.

I have a TON of errands to do and we're having 3 days of rain. Yuk! I'm sure "we need the water" (everyone always says that) but 3 days? Maybe they'll be wrong and it won't last until mid day tomorrow.

This weekend we have a cat show with set up on Friday which really puts the pressure on the other four days in the week!

Helene610

I just lost my post! So I'll just say I'm home and the trip was great. I'll post when I'm over the aggravation of losing my post.

Helene610

I didn't realize I hadn't stopped by today. I went to get my nails done and saw the horrible news about the CA shootings on their TV. What a world we live in. Saying prayers for the victims and their families.

mdubbs1

These shootings are just beyond my power of imagination. I can't imagine the mindset of someone that could harm any living thing except in self defense.

The sun is out here. YEAH! It was starting to be a dreary week. We've often had sleet or snow for this beginning of December cat show so the forecast of three sunny days is a gift!

I loaded Bonnie yesterday in the rain because it fit her schedule. Wasn't pleasant but wasn't too awful either. Today I go to the vet and then have to load me. Tomorrow we set up. Friday is the day that kills my ankles, legs and lower back. Started on my aleve this morning - I feel like a commercial!

We've been eating turkey corn soup all week. I guess the calories in that aren't great but I also guess they could be worse!

Helene610

I finally canceled my NS auto ship today. I thought about it forever so it was about time. I'll do a la carte if I need anything or buy the starter packs at Walmart. I went to CT yesterday for my dental implant. It was much less painful than the extraction. I'm taking OTC pain pills as needed and antibiotics to be sure I don't get an infection. It's tender if press on my cheek but I'm feeling pretty good. Good luck with the cat show.

KonaKat

This has been a very busy week, and it just dawned upon me that I hadn't checked in lately. I went to the orthopedic doc about shoulder and arm. I ended up with a cortisone shot. It is amazing how this has helped. I had done them before but had resisted getting more.

Helene-I hope the dental implant procedure goes well. I don't think we are intended to stay on NS forever but for me, it is sheer convenience to have that shelf stable food available.

Maryanne-I do hope everything is going well and that the Aleve worked for you. You are so busy but I know you prioritize your activites to get them in. I think the weather is great for a December!

I really need to get a grip on myself and get back to planning food, etc.

Helene610

Well, January 1st isn't far off. I plan to try getting on track before that but if I don't, January 1 is a good place for me to start. I'm also hoping to be heading for FL by then. DH has a couple more doctors' a[[ointments. Once they're done, I'm hoping he has the okay to go. That will be the best Christmas gift ever. I'm watching Hallmark Christmas movies to get me in the mood.