WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR AUGUST

mookiemoomoo

Chiclet glad its getting sorted with your mom the story was so sad . .love the idea of getting clothes altered im going to do that for a couple things that i love to wear that are now to big .

ihave been on the wii again today for 1 hr and enjoyed it going for a swim tues to .
cant wait to get under 11st going away in sept would love to get there for that . so i need to up the exersise from now till then see how i go .

loves mookie

mamacindy81

Morning everyone,

Well, Our Good & Wonderful God has finally given Granny rest. She passed away Saturday afternoon around 4.

I went in to get her up Friday morning and she had had a bought of diarrhea & vomiting. We got her all cleaned up. She went downhill from there. She died here peacefully with all of us with her.

I've taken care of her for 15 1/2 years so I am at loose ends.

I know things will be okay, this will just take some getting used to.

Cindy

mimi7grands

Good morning everyone (or whatever time of day it is for you). I feel wonderful this morning. Good eating day yesterday; lots of veggies, which made my heart sing; got in a lovely walk through beautiful countryside; and got a good night’s sleep. Life feels good today.

My DD, her son, and 3 grandkids are off to the water park today so it will be quiet around here. Gives me time to catch up with all of you and the friends and family I need to call. Mmmm. I love it!

Susan, I hear you on the strength exercises. I feel so good when I move and yet it’s so hard to get going. I was doing Strong Women Stay Young exercises for a few weeks and felt great. My resistance reminds me exactly of the way I felt about eating healthily. I’m keeping that in mind and gradually working in more exercise (cardio first of all then strength). We humans surely do have to struggle with “two minds.” We should make a pact to get in a certain amount of strength training. Sometimes partnerships help.

My sympathies about not being with your son on his birthday. Kids! You’re smart to keep busy with something else fun (and totally engrossing and tiring to boot!) Good luck with the house.

Linda, I’m glad you had a wonderful time with your daughter. Sounds delightful. And new dress and shoes too. You can’t beat that! Thanks for your kind words. It’s much easier for me to communicate in writing than in person. I’m learning a lot from all the encouraging women on this thread. It helps me be more positive and outgoing in person!

Barb, your sense of humor is so fun – obviously in person as well as in writing!

Amanda, good for you for staying strong while you have company. I love your determination – and that you insisted on your gym time. Way to go!

Viv, I AM proud of you!!! Woo hoo! I like my veggies best when they’re still hot from the oven. I usually munch on raw veggies for snacks. I had a big platter full of roasted mini-peppers, red onion, fingerling potatoes, and asparagus last night. They were delicious and I feel wonderful this morning. I’m amazed at how my mood correlates so closely to what I’ve been eating. I don’t think it’s just because I’m happy with myself but more that there’s a physical effect. (That’s my scientific opinion (based on a study sample of one!))

Yesterday was the first time I’ve eaten a bunch of veggies in days. The asparagus is my favorite as long as it’s not overdone. Overdone it gets stringy. 9 or 10 minutes at 450 or 475 (232-246 Celsius) does it. I admit to liking the spray butter on some things, like the potatoes. I don’t like the ingredients but I haven’t found a substitute yet.

I’m planning to make a big plate full of roasted summer squash, crookneck, and zucchini along with some green beans this afternoon. I’m not a big zucchini fan, so that will be the smallest portion! But the summer squash, crookneck squash, and green beans will be yummy. I like how spritzing them with olive oil and roasting (baking) them in a hot oven browns them (more like golden!) and gives them slightly crispy outsides.

Your uncle is lucky to have you and your family nearby. You clearly care about him a lot. A close family is a blessing – whether we’re born into them or create our own.

Barbara, your post made me laugh so much. I’m glad we got the benefit of your insomnia! I actually got a good night’s sleep. I made sure I drank my 8 cups of water early and had to get up only once in the middle of the night. That beats that 2-hour schedule I was on…just like getting up to feed a baby. No thanks!!!

I get the European style (milder) plain yogurt then stir in some Stevia and vanilla. It’s tasty with fruit – and saves all those calories!

I haven’t found the secret yet to making exercise fun – maybe it’s just to get started! I almost skipped it yesterday but drove to the bike trail instead and got a good, brisk walk in, getting back right at dusk. It’s a beautiful trail and takes you over a pretty wonderful gorge (the bridge used to be a train trestle). The people you meet always have a friendly hello for you. I do think I need a little dog to keep me company, don’t you?!

BC1, hope you’re healing well.

Randy, Elizabeth, and Mary, I know you’ve got a lot on your plates but wanted to let you know I’m missing you. Each of you, in your own unique way, is a lovely woman and a good friend.

Shiddleson, welcome to a wonderful, supportive bunch of women. You are starting out close to where I was last January. You’ve done an amazing job so far and are doing it younger than I did. You’ll have lots less jiggy skin! eGood for you! I know about those old habits sneaking up on you. I look at them as good practice for the rest of my life. They don’t do much harm as long as we stay conscious, keep logging, and get right back on track.

Terri, good to hear from you. I’m glad to see you’re doing well. Good going!

Jackie, you’re 7 pounds down and hanging tough. That’s worth shouting about!

Mookie, sounds like you’re doing well too. Congrats!

Cindy, my heart goes out to you. I’m glad your granny’s at rest and glad the burden is lifted for you. But I know there was joy in that burden too. You were wonderful to take such good care of her.

smelliott

Just back from our trip and marking for later

weaklink109

Cindy,

So sorry to hear of "Granny's" passing. I know she had a long a good life, especially the last years under your loving care. I am glad you could all be together at the end. Take care of yourself, and take some time to reflect on how you can productively spend the extra time you now have at your disposal. I will be thinking of you.

No time for a long post today. Didn't get up very early as Mai Li didn't want to go to sleep last night. I figured out her back was bothering her, so I gave her a pain pill, but until it kicked in, she was not a very quiet, or willing sleeping companion. This morning she has been very quiet, just stirred to drink some water and now back to "snoozeland."

I am regretting agreeing to go to the fair with my friends, but I guess it is too late to back out of it now.:ohwell:

Barb

mynyddisamrs

Cindy ....

So sorry Grannie has passed away. She was so lucky to have such a wonderful carer as you. Take care of yourself now too and fill the time left by her passing with great things.
My thoughts are with you and your family.

Jackie

heartrw

Cindy, just popped in and read the latest posts. My sympathy to you and family for the passing of your dear granny. Experience has taught me that no matter how old they are when it happens, you still miss your loved ones when they are gone.

houselm

I have been out of town since the middle of July, Plan to start over with my workouts at the Y tomorrow,

exermom

Barb (weaklink) - that is so wonderful of you to help chicklet! Warms my heart.

chicklet - my heart, too, broke when I read this. I thought of my father who lived alone. There wasn't anyone to help him, either. I'm trying to remember what we did. I know towards the end we hired a lady (she was an absolute angel) to live with him, she cooked, etc. I was 1-1/2 hrs away, I can just imagine what you are going thru!

I seem to have maybe pulled one of my quad muscles. Guess I'll just rest it for a little. Well, tomorrow I'm going to go to two seminars about exercising/weight control for the elderly. I enjoyed working with the elderly people before we moved here, so I think I'll find this very interesting. Actually, there is one other but by the time I'd get home it would probably be around 6:30. To have gone from 8:30 to 6:30 is just a long day. If only that seminar were given right after these two.

Then tomorrow night I'm going to go to the movies with some of the gals from our Newcomers group. Going to see "Letters to Juliet". It's at this place that costs $2. We went there once, and I'd just feel bad taking my own food. So I probably won't have anything. Since the admission is so cheap, I'm sure they make their money on the concessions.

Anyway, I packed a lunch for myself for tomorrow. Am taking 1/2 a turkey sandwich, babybel cheese, grapes, crookneck squash, cauliflower, and carrots with me in a lunchbox. I'll put a freezy-thing in it before I go since I'll probably have to leave around 7:30.

Bryan is making a pissaladiere right now for us to take to the social tonight. There's a French theme. Vince made up a sign that you lift for the translation. It says "French kisses...ohh la la" and on a dish he's going to put Hershey kisses.....lol

Well, we went to the social. It was very nice. Whenever I go to these things, I take just a smidgen of this and a smidgen of that. However, I did take extra ratatoule (or however it's spelled). It's really just veges. We really should have made two of the pissaladieres. I just didn't know how people would like anchovies. Well, as they say "live and learn and die a fool...."

Then this a.m. (Sun) I went to 2 fitness seminars. Really, I'm finding more and more that my interest is not so much in fitness as it is in nutrition. Then, tonight some gals and I are going to see the movie.

mimi - your picnic sounds wonderful! I BET you had a great time, I can tell it in your post. The only problem with buying the broccoli and cauliflower is that I will need to buy more soon. Well, I'm going to the store tomorrow anyway, so I'll just pick it up then.

chicklet - thanks so much for keeping us updated. this story never ceases to amaze me! Going on VACATION!!!!

Glad to have you shiddleson

Cindy - prayers for you and your family. Know that right now God has another angel.

Well, going to get dinner ready for Vince and myself, then off to the movies.

Michele

AHealthierSuzyQ

Just finished making a huge bowl of C*** of the Walk style slaw to take to my nephew's 30th birthday supper/fish fry. Actually all contains is cabbage, sweet onions, black pepper and a sweet sour slaw dressing. Soooo good! Shhhh! Don't tell anyone I use Splenda when I make dressing. :laugh: Had to laugh when I saw MFP deleted part of the restaurant's name. Its a 4 letter term for a rooster. LOL! My plan is to fill at least half my plate with slaw and other veggies, only eat one piece of FRIED catfish and pass on the birthday cake.

I still have Sophie. I've had several calls on my lost dog ad but so far they were all looking for a dog very different from her. I still think she was dumped out instead of lost. When hubby finally gives me the green light, I'll post a picture of her. He has her sitting and shaking his hand now. I'm trying not to push.

rjadams

Cindy - you are in my thoughts. It is never easy to lose a loved one. You were truly a blessing to her as well. I wish you and your family the best.

chiclet - I am glad things are being taken care of for your mother. It is so hard to be long distant I will continue to send good thoughts your way.

mimi - sounds like you had a great day. I love the feeling of "life is good". I wish you many many more days like that.

I am starting to ramp up my focus for the coming week. I really want to get down to 145 by Saturday. I can do this. it is only .8 of a pound. I have set out my daily menus and I aimed for 1250 again. I am sure it will be a good week. DH still really want to take Bodi with us. I am not sure which way we will go now. I don't really want to. I just want to relax with very little responsibilty for anyone else. And I think Bodi would be better at the kennel with Keira.

I hope you all have an absolutely great rest of the weekend.

pmjsmom

Cindy--I'm sorry to hear of your granny's passing. She had a good life with you and I know you'll miss her.

Chiclet--Be sure to follow through onyour mom's care. Her welfare and health is so much more important thatn your brother possibly getting into trouble! She's his mom, too, though, and I am sure she loves him, even if she doesn't love the way he's acting toward her.

Linda (tcac)--it sounds like you had a great time with your daughter! I am happy for you.

shiddleson--Welcome! You've found the BEST group around!

Everyone--I'm sorry I'm not answering everyone individually. Not enough time today. (Mimi--roasted veggies on the menu tonight!)

Take care, all.

smwert

Just got back from camping vacation. Ate a lot, walked a lot, swam a lot, toured a lot of wneries. Great time. To my great surprise I am only up 2 pounds.

This is a large group. Only Aug. 8 and so many posts already.
I am always sorry to learn about someone losing a loved one on this site. I guess it is our age. Everyone we know and love is getting older.

My father died last Apri and I sometimes forget he is gone. So I understand and express my sympathy to everyone who lost someone this past year.

But that is no excuse for my weight gain over the past year. Time to get back to living healthy. God bless everyone this evening.

smwert

kackie

Good evening, All,

Just a quick hello...I tried to catch up with all posts but still in MT so have little time to myself. Did another VERY beautiful hike today...4 hours with a pack...so I hope to sleep well tonight! Still eating more than usual but am now logging in and with the exercise I am ok, it seems.

Cindy: I am so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful thing you have been doing for 15+ Years! I am sure it will take quite a bit to get used to not being the caregiver you have been. Take care of yourself now, please.

Question to all of you who live in and around Victoria, BC (or have vacationed there): DH and I are trying to plan a road trip to that area from Montana in Sept when I am back out here. We have never been and really want to see it. We also would like to go to Lake Louise etc. What do you recommend? What should we absolutely NOT miss? I am reading a bit but there is SO much country between us and there that we want to see that I am overwhelmed! I appreciate any advice you may have.

Sorry not to respond to more of my dear MFP friends...I am thinking of all of you and appreciate you "being here". Take care and have a good week! Kackie

barbiecat

:flowerforyou: :sad: Cindy, I am so sorry to hear about your dear Granny's passing.....you provided her with such a blessed life....I know you will miss her

:flowerforyou: Chiclet, I'm sorry to hear about all your mother's problems and heartened to hear that some solutions are coming together...I was blessed to be living near my mother during her last years...it must be so hard to be so far away and feel so powerless.

:flowerforyou: Barb, you continue to amaze me with the extent of your knowledge and arsenal of solutions from elder care to socks for chilly friends.....I'll look for those socks at Costco the next time I go.

:flowerforyou: This has been a cool, rainy, very little exercise weekend, Yesterday I went to a tea party in honor of a friend's birthday.....about 25 women all wearing hats, some wearing gloves, many wearing dresses.......the hostess had tables with lace table cloths, china cups and saucers, fruit, cherry tomatoes, little sandwiches, and about a dozen rich desserts.......I had herb tea, cherry tomatoes, grapes, and one small egg salad sandwich. the dress I wore was the one that I bought last year for a wedding.....it was a little looser this year but still looked great.....I bought a hat at Goodwill that looked great with it.

:flowerforyou: Today I went to an all day meeting and took my own lunch with me so I didn't have to deal with the served Mexican food.....the good fortune was that the women on both sides of me had also brought their own lunches.......Jake went to the Seattle Mariners game with his friend and ate a pretzel with cheese on the ferry and a hot dog and an ice cream sandwich at the ball park but he got his 10,000 steps and we did yoga in the morning so he feels like he came out even.......and the Mariners won the game.

:flowerforyou: Terri, I'm so glad to hear from you again and glad to hear that you're back on abstinence and have a sponsor

---

those will be just what you need for continued success on the weight loss path....

:flowerforyou: Kackie, there are so many wonderful things to see in the Pacific Northwest

---

if you get far enough west to get to Victoria then you should take the Coho ferry from Victoria to Port Angeles and see the beautiful Olympic Peninsula where I live :bigsmile: Last summer we vacationed in Trail and Rossland, BC and thought that was one of the most beautiful places in the world.

:flowerforyou: Once again I read the posts while doing exercises with my three pound hand weights.unfortunately, lifting weights and typing don't go well together :laugh: Thank you all for your support and enthusiasm and all the joy you bring to my life.

auntiebk

Good evening ladies,

Wonderful warm day. Eevening thunderstorms arrived just as I was re-painting the faded garden globe... that will teach me to procrastinate!:ohwell:

Shiddelson :flowerforyou: welcome to the warmest funniest caringest group of women you'll ever meet.

Terri :flowerforyou: welcome back and congrats on your sponsor.

Cindy 15-1/2 years what a gift you gave! Usually it's the caregivers who miss their charges the most. :brokenheart: When mama lost papa after 17 years caring for him in a wheelchair, she slept for the better part of 3 months... part exhaustion, part as a way of handling the loss.

Mimi, thanks for the tip on the asparagus, will try it tomorrow night. As for spray butter alternatives, have you tried avocado oil in a pump sprayer? It's the most buttery tasting of the mufa oils to my taste... Then again, me I'd probably just melt a little real butter and have at it... :laugh: Neither am I a zucchini:sick: (nor any kind of squash) fan but you make it sound so appealing I may have to try to change my tastes!:noway:
Your trail sounds lovely and YES you do need a little dog (or two ) to keep you company. http://www.petfinder.com/index.html will help you find just the right one that needs a forever home. That's how we got the General. You can search on gender, size, age, geographic range and breed-in-the-mix. It will be one lucky pooch for sure!

Think of you with gratitude every time I remember "There's nothing as good as the first bite. Savor it."

Michele, was going to look up pissaldiere:bigsmile: ... until you implied it contained anchovies...:sick: :noway: :sick:

SuzyQ your slaw sounds yummy, share the dressing recipe? Sounds like DH is bonding or Sophie is charming him... couldn't be happier for you all!:happy:

Robin have you told DH how you feel about taking Bodi on this camping trip? This is a vacation for you both. Young dogs need careful monitoring out in the wilds. That might not be relaxing for anyone. :noway:

:sad: We had a tragedy in our neighborhood last month. Cody, a friendly, sturdy, 10 yr old Bichon was attacked and killed in his front yard by a coyote. The whole neighborhood is shocked and grieving. :brokenheart: He was about the same size as the General (Robby). Joe and I are now checking the back yard before letting our dogs out in the dark. We're only 3 blocks from sagebrush foothills and frequently see deer, foxes, skunks and raccoons, but the coyotes are usually too shy of people to come in.:sad: :sad: :sad:

Hope the DH will give you the relaxing gift of letting Bodi stay with Keira.:flowerforyou:

Kathy every time I see your QUIT SMOKING signature I get a big silly grin. :happy: Well done!

smwert toured a lot of wineries and only up 2 pounds? :noway: WOW! You must have walked and swum MILES!

Kackie Hiking 4 hrs with a pack? Are you sure you're not Robin?:laugh:

Gutt'n'butt 7th try day 7. Still can't get shoulders off floor for crunches:noway: , but could that plank be getting a little straighter?

:yawn: And now to sleep:yawn:
Hugs,

weaklink109

kackie,

It may be considered the "touristy" thing to do, but if you are going to Victoria, afternoon tea at the Empress, is a unique experience. I will defer to Rebel, who lives there, in case it has changed, but it was memorable when I was there several years ago. Also, if you are going to be in mainland BC, the Capilano Suspension Bridge in North Vancouver, is worth a stop. They also have the Stanley Park Zoo, in Vancouver.

I am sure there are others who have been there more recently, or who live closer that can give you some good choices, but these are some that come to mind for me.

*****************
Well, I survived my trip to the county fair today. Would you believe I found HEALTHY food at the fair??:noway: :noway: :drinker: :drinker: I did, in the form of a Greek salad, which I ordered with dressing on the side. My friend had a lamb gyros. Unfortunately, I did succumb to one temptation. A church group that makes legendary homemade pies was there again this year, and everyone knows that food prepared by church folk is low in calories (-NOT!!:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:) So I had a piece of sugar free peach that was excellent--and we won't talk about the a la mode part:blushing: :blushing: . I am sure I will pay for it tomorrow, but the fair only comes once a year, and I am 32 lbs. lighter than when I attended the fair last year, so I am going to enjoy the memory of that pie without guilt or regret and get back to business tomorrow.:happy:

The doggies were glad to see me when I returned home, so we went for a walk, and now I am being told it is dinner time, by you know who--all three of them, so I guess it is time to end my post.

BFN

Barb

Erica_q

Good Evening, Everyone,

I was going to try to catch up on the posts, but I only made it to page 4! I had vacation bible school at church this past week, with today being the big family celebration after service. I was paired up with a 5-year-old autistic boy who was fun to be around, but it was draining having to keep my eye on him for 3 hours. I came home exhausted every day, which is why I've been MIA. I will try to catch up with the rest of the posts tomorrow.

I have a doctor's appointment first thing in the morning, so I'll be up and out early. It's the exam I dislike more than the mammo. Oh, well, we do what we must to make sure we stay healthy.

I talked to my supervisor Monday and was reminded that the hours I had last year weren't my hours. I had forgotten, so I won't complain about that anymore. I talked to a friend at church today who is going to keep her ears open for an office job. She said they might be looking for someone in her office in a few months, and she would keep me in mind. It would mean leaving the school district, but it would be full time and year round, so we wouldn't be struggling too much during the summer. I'm not holding my breath, however. Counting chickens and all that, you know.

Obviously, I didn't meet my goal of logging on every day, but now that VBS is over, I have high hopes that I can accomplish that goal for the remainder of the month. Tomorrow is weigh-in day, so wish me luck. It's been really hard, because we haven't been able to afford many groceries, so there aren't too many healthy choices right now. I'm hanging in there, though, and doing the best I can. I haven't gained, so that's good.

bkrbabe57 - Welcome! I know you will enjoy this group of ladies. I turned 53 on the 3rd. Happy Birthday on your special day. BTW your goals are very doable. Just keep telling yourself you can do it.

McMadame - Happy Birthday to you, too!

Tiarapants - Congrats on the 80 lbs lost! :happy: I'm sure you will be able to get the rest off in due time.

Well, as usual, I have dishes to do, and I want to get to bed soon, so I can exercise before going to my appointment. I will try to catch up on the rest of the posts tomorrow.

Goodnight all!

Erica

ainslieglen

Hey, everyone

It's Sunday evening and I'm sitting reading posts and feeling really grateful to have found this group. I don't post as regularly as some of you, but I do follow your lives in your posts and feel very close to you.

Cindy...so very sorry to hear about your loss. You were a devoted caregiver for so long, I can see where you might feel a void. I bet "Granny" would hope that, gradually, you use the time to be good to yourself.:flowerforyou:

Kackie.....I retired to Victoria 12 years ago, and I love it here. It's pretty and Vancouver Island has lots to offer. However, as a transplanted Calgarian, for sheer, spectacular and breathtaking places to visit, I'd have to handsdown suggest Banff and Lake Louise. The first time I drove into Banff, it literally made me dizzy. You can take a gondola ride up to the top of Sulphur Mountain, and look into the faces of angels in the spectacle surrounding you. It' all pretty amazing!:flowerforyou: I loved Calgary, but couldn't manage the challenging winters any longer. I go there to visit my son and grandson in more user-friendly seasons

I'd like to respond to individual posts, but I can't keep up with you guys. However, I do have something special to share with all of you. Friday was my daughter-in-law's 35th birthday, and Saturday was my son's 37th birthday. They called me on skype yesterday, and my son was holding up a positive home pregnancy test stick attached to a card that read Happy Birthday Daddy.
Jenn had gotten a "real" test at the Dr's in the morning, and they're having their second child:bigsmile: They're the ones who live in Cabo San Lucas, and their first little one is Mason, who is in my profile pictures. He's two now, and they're coming up to BC next month to visit and I'm sooo anxious to hold him. Anyway, happy news to share with you

You must know that you are a big chunk of my life, even if I'm not a good poster. I visit you every day here, and I care about what happens to you all.

Elizabeth

AHealthierSuzyQ

:flowerforyou: Sending hugs to Cindy in the loss of her Granny. What a storehouse of memories you must have! I was never privileged to know any of my grandparents as my parents were old enough to BE my grandparents. I've always wondered what it would be like... Be kind to yourself and allow some down time to rest and regoup. After years of insomnia and only sleeping with Ambien, I slept for days and days after we buried Moma. It was like i could finally relax. Between kids and parents I had been the caregiver for over 30 years so to me the hardest part was not having anyone who needed me to take care of them anymore and finding something else constructive to fill that void.

THIS is the week we had planned to be visiting my son and his wife. So since my heart is there, I have volunteered to work VBS in an effort to stay focused on life the way it is instead of the way I wish it could be.

Time to get outdoors and get some mowing done before it gets too hot.

tiarapants

Hello ladies.

Cindy, I'm sending love and saying prayers for the loss of your Granny. What a blessing you must have been to her and how wonderful that she had her loved ones around in her final hours. Please take some time for yourself now. Grief should be allowed to run it's course and not bottled up.

Elizabeth, congrats on your future grandchild. Very exciting!

Barb, what a healthy attitude you have - to be able to enjoy a little treat and not feel guilt. That is definitely the way to go!

Auntiebk, well done for seeing straighter planks - they are killers!

Barbie, good for you - using weights whilst reading the posts. I like your style!

Laura, you made me smile with your back to front helmet.

Viv, the pic of your grandson is adorable!

Shiddleson, welcome!

Terri, good luck with your return to abstinence. It will all be worth it in the long run.

Michele, let me know what you think of Letters to Juliet. It's on my list of films to see. Also, take care of your quad muscles.

Mimi, I cooked a big dish of roasted vegetable yesterday and it made me smile because I automatically thought of you. You are a vegetable roasting legend!

I managed some gym time this morning before going off to collect my dad. After dropping him off home with his shopping, I went over to visit mum-in-law at the nursing home. She wasn't a happy bunny today and had a good cry on my shoulder. It breaks my heart to see her like that, but I do feel that it's important that she lets it out occasionally and it is better that she does it with me than either of her sons.

I had dropped our Aussie visitor off at a local beauty spot on the way and collected him on the way back. He is now doing some gardening! He offered and seems to be having a great deal of fun lopping branches. I'm not entirely sure what DH will say when he comes back, but I hope he will be ok with it.

The only problem that I have with our visitor is that he loves his booze! I don't mean he's a drunk or anything like that, but he likes to try the local brews etc and that is something that DH and I just don't do. We've never been great drinkers, well to be honest, I was for a while when I was going through a really miserable time a few years back, but I was just using alcohol as a crutch at that time. Once I realised what I was doing, I stopped. I think I've probably had a drink half a dozen times in the last couple of years and nothing at all this year. I just don't have the urge any more.

Whilst the Man from Oz is busy in the garden, I'm going to go and spend some time in the gym, so I shall sign off now.

Have a great day if possible please.

Amanda x

doobiedoo

:flowerforyou: Had a good weekend and watched what I ate. It's good to do my exercises this morning and get off to a good start.
Cindy- I will be praying for you. I cared for a friend for just two years and it was a real empty place when she passed on. Find some projects to work on to keep your mind busy. And remember, food doesn't really bring the kind of comfort you need right now. You'll make it through this with a little help from your MFP friends.
A good day to you all! Keep on keeping on!:flowerforyou:

bkrbabe57

Happy Monday Ladies!!!

I have been reading and enjoying everyone's posts this week-end but my fiance only has a laptop and by the time I have logged in my food and excesses and read the posts I am so frustrated that I can't type up a post of my own. Perhaps a wireless mouse would help.
This week-end was SO hot and humid!!! I probably lost most of my weight just sweating. It was over 100 with the heat index and will be the same for the next few days. Some days I don't know why I live in a place that has an * after the temp. In the winter it is colder because of the wind chill and the summer it is hotter because of the heat index. Then, Like this week end I get on my motorcycle and ride the back roads and it all comes back to me. I really do live in a pretty state even if it is unlivable for a few weeks of the year. Went to a threshing show on Sunday and was very good at the breakfast and walked a bout for a while so I got my exercise in. then I cleaned out the little garage. That really needed to be done so someone (me) can park there in the winter.

Cindy - I am so sorry for the loss of your Granny. I am care-taking my dad and my brother so I now how quickly it becomes a huge part of your life. I can't imagine the sense of loss you must feel after 14 years. I have only been taking care of my brother for 7 to 10 (I can't remember when I started) and my dad for less then a year. Take care of yourself and know that you made the last years of Granny's life easier and happier by surrounding her with love.

Barbie and Auntiebk - you are inspiring the way you manage to exercise no matter what.

Amanda - you managed to squeeze in your exercise before you collected your dad and visited your mum in law!!!

Elizabeth - Congrats on the happy news of a new grandchild on the way AND you get to see your grandson soon. How happy you must be!!

Barb - Congrats on surviving the county fair. Everyone know that church group pies are doubly blessed so they have less calories.

I don't remember who mentioned it but I have4 always been "crafty" and have WAY to many projects in the works. But I am looking forward to getting the loom working and if my plans come together I will start spinning as well. I don't mean the spinning some of you have mentioned although that would be better for me. You also mentioned learning to do stained glass. I can only say DO IT. I have been doing stained glass for maybe 15 years and love it. My wonderful fiance fixed a glass storage cart for me as well as a studio of sorts so I can be working on my projects while he working on something in his work shop.

Everyone else - I am enjoying getting to know you all and I look forward to reading all of your posts. Have a great day. I will attempt to get in gear with my exercises.

Peggy

donna56

Good morning ladies, I have just read all the posts from yesterday and this morning and my mind is jumping back and forth from different ones, sooooo, what I am going to do is just try to remember some of what I read and reply to that. My memory is horrible :grumble:

First of all, Cindy, I am sorry for your loss, but like it has already been said, you must have alot of good memories. No one can take those away. It seems even though my memory is bad, I still can remember the good times shared with loved ones

Sophie sounds like she has a permanent home and has nothing to worry about.

The only time I have been to Canada was when I was pretty young, maybe about 10, sorry to say that I can't remember much about it except the hotel we were staying at LOL, and the fact that my hair turned real blonde, probably from swimming in the pool. Sorry

All this talk about roasted veggiesis making me want to try some I had just put my toaster oven away in the cabinet space because I haven't used it in over 4 yrs! I think I will dig it out this afternoon and try the veggies in that. It is way too hot for my oven to get turned on, even with the air on, it gets hot.

I posted in the comment area of someone elses status that I was going to have 3 goals for this week. They are... 1) Eat lots of veggies this week, 2) Drink lots of water, and 3) atleast excercise 4 days this week!!!! I have not done too good over the weekend, no exercise and yesterday I pretty much ate anything and everything that I wanted to, UGH!!! Here's the bad stuff I ate.... sausage and one whole egg, leftover sausage sandwich, spaghetti, and a stupid stupid klondike bar icecream. Oh yeah I also had about a cup of Munchies. I told you all it was bad :blushing: :blushing: So here's to a brand new week :drinker: :drinker: With all the junky food and no exercise, I have gained 1 lb!!! Ocourse I only drank 6 glasses of water instead of my normal 8-10!!!!

Well enough babblin' on, I have some housework that is screaming my name :sad: :sad: :sad: so I better get to it. I hope everyone has a wonderful and happy day :drinker:

P.S.. Chiclet..... Glad your mom is getting the care she needs. The reason I can remember your name so well is because my mother always went by Chick. and that was because when she was a very little girl, the gum chicklets came out and her dad, my grandfather nicknamed her Chick. She was called Chick her whole life. Another pleasant memory

jam0525

Hi all,

Just popping in to say we got back safely but very wet from our boat camping vacation. I will try to catch up on posts over the next day or so and I hope everyone is doing well.

Jeannie

weaklink109

Hello All,

Elizabeth--Congrats on being a "granny" again. I know you will enjoy your visit with Mason and family when they arrive.

Welcome to the newbies. There are at least a couple that I think I missed acknowledging. We are getting to be such a big thread, it is hard to keep up.

As for me, I weighed this morning, expecting the worst, due to the "Attack of the Irresistible Peach Pie" at the fair, (not to mention the soft serve that came with it!!), but to my amazement, I did NOT GAIN!!!! So I am back on the horse today with no real harm done.

Have a good day all.

Barb

Laura80111

Yep it's Monday, and today my Hubby took the day off, so Peanut and I had to get up while he slept in:sad:

SuzeQ- I think you have given yourself your own swift kick and now you know what you need to do:ohwell: It sounds like Sophie has your husbands number

shiddleson- :flowerforyou: welcome the more the merrier, we're here to encourage !

Terri- sorry to hear you are struggling, this is a new day and new month and you can do it:flowerforyou:

Cindy - so sorry for your loss, I'm sure it will be hard after 15 1/2 years to fill that empty spot. {{hugs}} coming your way:flowerforyou:

Michele - you are so busy and you really do mix up your exercise a lot probably something I ought to do but don't.

Robin - Way to set a great goal for this week, :drinker: here's hoping you make it.

smwert- glad you had a good time camping, my Hubby has been wanting to get out and do that, but it doesn't look like it will this year, he'll just have to have his hunting trip to be his camping experience this year.

Kackie- I know that there are plenty of MFP'ers that can give you the information you need about that trip you want to take, I took it once when I was 15 with a friends family and all I remember is that I could say I had crossed the border into another country

Barbara - So sorry to hear about Cody, I'm sure all the neighbors will be on the alert now.

Barb - the fair sounded fun and the pie even better:bigsmile:

Erica- welcome back from your "busy" time.:flowerforyou:

Elizabeth- Congrats on another grandchild on the way:drinker:

Amanda- a month with your visitor sounds like it may be a challenge, too bad there aren't "Water" bars where we could check out different waters:noway: I don't think people try out new beers like they do wines where they put it in their mouth, swish it around and spit it out...nope don't think I've ever heard of that

****
We did go bike riding again yesteday, but Hubby got tired before me, I know I could have gone a lot longer. He's telling me that I'm finally giving him a good workout when we ride together.

There was some kind of Army paperwork snafu so #2 Son didn't have his promotion ceremony to 1st LT yesterday, I haven't heard the details but I do know he was really upset that they messed it up.
We picked up #3 Son and DIL at the airport, they are sooooo tan:noway: they had a great time on their cruise and looked so refreshed. Now I know that Hubby will be watching for a good deal to do an Alaskan cruise next summer, it's been on the top of his list since forever.
Got a call from DIL #1 and she said she was granted time off at Christmas this year so we will see #1 Son and DIL this year, my Hubby hasn't seen her since they got married, I last saw her last Sept for my Dad's funeral. So finally I will have the whole family here for Christmas with wives....I'm already planning for the family pictures to be taken:bigsmile:

I'd best get to my paper piles. I did get the paper work done to get Mom's house on the market, one thing done and then got her re enrollment for her health insurance taken care of, it was a paper work day yesterday.

Everyone have a great afternoon and evening.

Laura

Angusowner

Well, after 2 hours, I have finished catching up on posts after 3 days. I did eat lunch and take 2 bathroom breaks during that time (See, I am getting in my fluids :drinker: ). I find myself crying, smiling, laughing, applauding, and even shouting at my computer when I read all your posts. Thanks to you all for sharing. I get such inspiration and practical ideas from you women!

From Friday till this morning we had a house full: DD, her boy friend, their dog (my grandpuppy) Mac, DS and my DGD. It was glorious - we had so much fun. Some -/+
1.:frown: My son and my granddaughter's mother are not together (What a story that is - for another time), so he took her to her mother's this morning. She lives about 3 hours away.
:happy: However, her mother is going to Germany next week on vacation, so I get to babysit for 5 days beginning next Sunday. I don't even have to go a week without seeing her!
2. :grumble: I didn't exercise at all yesterday, and just did a little cleaning on Sat.
:happy: I am taking up Donna's attitude: This is a whole new week! I think the best way for me to handle saying good-bye to my family after a great week-end is to get active.
3.:grumble: I am sure that gravity is affecting me more & more. As close as I am to the ground, you would think that I would not have such saggy body parts!
:happy: There is less of me to sag now-a-days.
4.:grumble: Colonoscopy this Thursday. I bet (hope!) you have all had one, so you know how awful (I really wanted to use a different adjective to be clever, but figured it would get bleeped) the prep work for that is.
:happy: I am being pro-active.

Speaking of proactive: BarbieCat - Hurray for helmets! I do not understand why bike riders who obviously are interested in a healthy lifestyle would NOT wear helmets, but I have seen many. Thank goodness you did! :drinker:

Hannah - good to hear you're healing from surgery. 2 of my aunts had that surgery done. I have the same problem with my eyes, but, since my vision is not obstructed, insurance will not pay. I find myself lifting my brow constantly!:noway:

Laura & Chiclet - For several years, I kept clothes of different sizes, fearing that I would gain lost weight back (I could rival a duncan yo-yo with how often I have been up & down) and those clothes that I love would no longer fit if I had them altered. After being this over-weight for so many years, I not longer have skinny clothes. When I read Chiclet's post about that, it made me realize that if I want to kept this weight off, I am going to have to change my mind-set: no longer assuming I will gain the weight back. That was a real revelation for me. This is my goal: When my clothes get unattractively baggy, I will have them altered. I WILL NOT go back to larger sizes. If I start adding on pounds, I will post it here and you all have permission to do whatever it takes to help prevent that yo-yo from going back up!

Chiclet - My heart goes out to you. My sister is an RN who has a geriatric specialty. She has dealt with people just like your brother & sister-in-law. I am so glad Barb is helpIng out. In Iowa, we have agencies that can help. Your mom needs an advocate for her. Does she have a power of attorney/medical designated or a living will? You should be designated as that so you have a say in what happens to her medically when she no longer can make those decisions for herself. I quake at what would happen if your brother was the lone decision-maker! You have my prayers! By the way, my cousins had the same experience as SuzyQ: my aunt was so resistive to moving into assisted living (they moved her there as she was essentially kicking & screaming), but once there, she LOVES it.

Cindy - I am so sorry for your loss; it is difficult to say good-bye no matter what the circumstances. Take care.

Linda - You are living my dream - going in to try on jeans having them be way too big!! Great job! What a lovely day you described.:flowerforyou:

Mimi - I copied off your recipes:Yummy! Thanks for sharing those.

Smwert - Both of my parents are gone. For my dad, it has been 20 years. Every once in a while I catch myself thinking, "I'll call Dad; he'll know". I think that is just the way we know that they are still a part of us.:ohwell:

Barb - peach pie numnumnumnum... Guilt free!

Erica - I hope good things happen for you in the job-hunt. :happy:

Elizabeth - Happy new grandbaby in the making! Another spoiling opportunity!

Barbara (auntiebk) - Thanks for the tip on avocado oil. One way I can get my family to enjoy zuccini is to saute' it (I use spray olive oil) with onions, fresh tomatos, garlic, & sometimes green peppers. I am upset about that poor neighborhood dog - coyotes - wow. When I was young, someone poisoned several dogs in our neighborhood. Our dachshund made through, mainly because my father was a veterinarian and he stayed up with him all night, giving him shots to keep him breathing and his heart beating.:ohwell:

Viv - adorable grandson!:flowerforyou:

Robin - You can do it! Here's to -.8 lbs by end of the week!:drinker:

Terri - I am with you about change! I find that change is so good for me in all parts of my life. Even itsy-botsy ones.:happy:

To all of you: Thanks for all your posts! I read every single one!

Couple of Random Thoughts:
1. When I mentioned my dad being a veterinarian, it brought to mind when I was very young. He was a member of the VFW. I thought that the initials stood for Veterinarians of Foreign Wars. I could not believe there were so many of them!
2. I have a tendency to use many exclamation points. I am not shouting, but can be overly perky at times in "real time" when not practicing the art of sarcasm.

Plan to survive the school year:
Yoga! My teaching buddy/ lunch pal and I are going to start doing yoga after the students leave to help relax after the school day. It was that or become alcoholics...
Eating Healthy! Definitely plays a role in keeping the energy level up.
Prayer! I am going to start each day in my classroom saying a little prayer to myself that I remember that these students are someone's children & all humans have dignity and worth. Hopefully, that will prevent me from strangling that student who, in the middle of a involved discussion of black holes, raises his hand and asks what for lunch!

Patting myself on the back:
Many of you know that one of my goals in weight loss is to control my bp without so much medication. Well, I have taken a step that direction!:happy: A few weeks ago, I saw my dr. & talked to her about that and how I suffered from edema in my ankles (too humid & hot for those stockings). I have a family history of varicose veins and wanted to know if I should have anything done about that. The varicose veins are deep, so aren't evident, so it would not have been a cosmetic advantage to have them done. Well, she said that one of my medications could aggrevate the swelling. Since my bp had been doing well, she took me off 2 out of the 5 meds for bp on a trial basis. I went to her today & I am off them for good!!! Swelling is reduced; bp staying down there!:drinker: As I continue to exercise & reduce my mass, I hope to eliminate the other meds: 2 down - 3 to go.

Question about sweeteners:
My husband uses nurtrisweet for his sweetner. He was borderline diabetic, but since changing his eating habits (which he still works on!!), increasing exercise, and losing weight, he is off meds for diabetes and has wonderful blood work reports for that. Anyway, I read a post (sorry, can't remember whose :frown: ) about stevia. Would that be good for diabetics? Also, I am asking all of you what types of sweeteners you have found that good. What can be used as a sugar substitute in cooking and baking? Thanks!

Well, enough of the novella - Hope you all have a wonderful week!
Bec

pbkfit70

From a newbie - thank you so much for your welcome

Writing everything down does make you very aware of what you are eating. I'm keeping away from the biscuits and making sure that what I eat is much healthier. I've tried growing my own veg this year and peas, beans and carrots direct from the garden are gorgeous.

The exercise is harder. I managed a 5 mile wark over the weekend, followed by some gardening and then my kids decided they wanted to finally have some fresh air and we attempted to play badminton with the wind whipping the shuttlecock away. But that is the weekend when I'm not working and the weather is fine. I even went into a local gym today to find out how much it cost ... aaahhh :noway:

My heart goes out to you Cindy, I heard today that a friend's husband died on Saturday, the hole that is left will never disappear, but remember the good times and the love you had for each other.

I will look forward to returning tomorrow and getting to know more of you.

Pat :happy:

wizzywig

Hi everyone

I woke up this morning with a new determination to exercise and cut out snacking (which seems to have crept up on me the last few weeks!) {the snacking not the exercise} :bigsmile: :bigsmile: I managed 15 mins of low aerobics before breakfast and hopefully will continue every morning with at least10 mins but more if I have the time/ can manage it. But my aim is to exercise for at least 10 min (I should be able to do that surely!)

:flowerforyou: Becca well done on reducing your BP meds (and I love your accenuate the positives eliminate the negatives slogan) and I also have a tendency to use exclamation marks :bigsmile:

Cindy sorry for your loss, sending best wishes to you and your family at this sad time.

:flowerforyou: Barb I'm glad the "attack of the peach pie" didn't add pounds onto your weigh in. :bigsmile:

:flowerforyou: Laura good for you out biking your hubby :bigsmile:

:flowerforyou: Welcome all newbies, I'm sure you have already been told that this is a great group to belong to.

:flowerforyou: Jeannie welcome back from your vacation.

:flowerforyou: Everyone else thanks for sharing I love reading all your posts.

I'm hoping my new determination will last longer than a few days this time. I had a plate of roasted veggies for lunch with a beef and tomato cuppa soup. I need to buy some more fruit though so I can snack on grapes or strawberries instead of biscuits. It's funny isn't it but I also think of you Mimi when I am roasting veggies :laugh: I think someone else mentioned that they think of you too when roasting veggies you are our veggie queen:drinker:

Well I have a few chores to do before I go to bed, so better make a move as I'd like an early (ish) night tonight, haven't been sleeping too well so thought an early night might help.

Take Care everyone

Viv