WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR NOVEMBER

exermom

maedair (Mae) - I have no problem sharing recipes. The pumpkin spice muffins are pretty low cal, I forget exactly what they are. I have it in my Mastercook which is on my laptop. Basically, you take a can of pumpkin and a box of spice cake mix. Mix the two together and bake at 350 for 30 min. The chocolate cheesecake recipe I got from Prevention magazine. I want to try it out. It says that 1/16th of the pie is only 272 calories. I'll let you know how it turns out. The apple pie I made definitely is NOT calorie friendly, neither is the banana cherry pie. The pineapple angel food cake is, basically you use an angel food cake mix and instead of the water add a 20oz can of crushed pineapple. Angel food cake can sometimes be so "bland", but I think the pineapple gives it somewhat of a kick. A friend got that recipe from weight watchers. Oh, and welcome to the most friendliest, supportive group you'll ever find. You know one of the best things I've found? Talking to someone who's BTDT with an issue that I was currently facing. I got good insight into what to look for, what helped, what didn't help, etc. in everything....from hot flashes to taking care of parents et al.

Did an hour of balance games on the Wii (Sun). Some days I really need that, haven't done it in a while. Tomorrow I'll take the deep water class since they're celebrating the birthdays for the month. Wish it was Wednesday, but that's right before Thanksgiving. Oh well.

Then Tuesday I'm going to do a weight DVD, Wednesday I'll take an early yoga class and then do some HIIT. I probably won't be able to do anything Thurs as that's when we're leaving for VA. I have to take my snacks with me, tho. You know, I've found that lately more and more I want food that isn't heavy on the fat, and that's not easy here in the South. Also, I think (and I hope I'm not jinxing this) that I've about eliminated my desire for simple carbs. Used to be that I wouldn't want to make cookies because then I'd have one or two, now I don't seem to care if I have any or not. That's a real good thing for me. Lately I'd prefer a piece of fruit for dessert rather than having some cake or cookie.

Robin - what a great goal! I wish you all the best. Keep us updated on your progress as you train. I tell you, I've been so busy lately that I haven't been able to post. For me, it's the busyness of the holidays. Congrats on your anniversary! You've done so much for yourself in that year.

Welcome Mims. So glad you found us! Congrats on your loss, I know you'll lose the rest.

Denise - I love reading about your adventures, expecially since we'll be in Europe in Jan.

Laura - so sorry to hear about your mom. I applaude you for what you did, telling her that it was OK to go and not to wait for you. I firmly believe my father waited until I was there before he passed away.

Hey Chrissy. If you're looking for support...you've come to the right place. You'll learn that there will be days when you'll go completely overboard, but you'll also learn that that's OK, you just get right back on board. We all have those days.

Tomorrow the Y is closed so I'm thinking that I'll do a Leslie Sansone DVD on the rebounder. Also, this way I can do it early and then we leave. Which reminds me, I need to pack my "goodies" bag -- almonds, soy milk, carrots, etc.

Made a triple Chocolate cheesecake to take with me tomorrow (in addition to the pumpkin spice muffins, chocolate cookies, pineapple angel food cake, apple pie, banana cherry pie -- hope I have enough desserts). This is the first time ever that I've made a cheesecake, so we shall see how it is. Got the recipe from Prevention Magazine.

Jeannie - that was so sweet of you to take the cat in. Denise said she "found" a kitten outside her door. Although she knows that she can't afford to keep it, she's (to me) kept it too long. I suspect she was thinking that we'd take it since we're down two cats right now, but Vince told her that we wouldn't consider getting another cat until after we go away in Feb. It just isn't fair to the cat.

Took my car into the shop today. There was a recall on it and they just got the part. At first I was told that the recall work would take 3 hrs. When I asked if I could get a loaner car, I was told that recall work only takes 1-1/2 hr (interesting, huh)? I was prepared to really go to bat for a loaner car, but I didn't have to. I explained that since this is a government mandated recall, I would think that I should be entitled to a loaner car. I asked them what qualifies for a loaner car. They said something about only if the car would take more than 6 hrs to repair. Last time when I had the 60,000 mile check, I got a loaner car and it didn't take anywhere near 6 hrs. Finally, they gave me a car from another branch. Honestly, I really didn't care, it was more the principal, I didn't want to be sitting around for 3 hrs. They asked me to have the car back by 12. hmmmm...I needed to get the car inspected, the oil changed, and the recall work done. They were able to get it all done by 12 (I got there at 9). So I just renewed my plates. Now to search the net & hopefully order my aunt's Christmas present. I think for next year I'm going to make her a blanket. She's in her 80's, she certainly doesn't need more "things". I'm thinking that I may send her a Christmas tree.

Gotta run.

Michele

RebelRenny

:bigsmile: Here I am, if anyone has been wondering. I will post some more later, but happy to be back as part of the bunch again.

Rebel

lyn54

:flowerforyou: Hello Ladies, One and All:flowerforyou:

I am better with my virus, however the old hip joint is still giving me fits. I am doing more than I was and glad to be up.
My daughter-in-law's mother had breast cancer surgery this week. I have been trying to help her with my grandchildren. There is a 13-year old, a 6 -year old and a 3 1/2 year old. (I am on the laptop...she and I don't get along too well:bigsmile
They thought they had got all the cancer but one of the lymph nodes came back positive. I just talked to my daughter-in-law and it made me cry. I can tell she is very nervous and worried. She is trying to cook for Thanksgiving for her side of the family and she has laundry for 5 people and trying to think of Christmas and see to her mom...and I feel like I can't help as much as I would like.:brokenheart:

Despite that, I am looking forward to being with some of my family tomorrow that I haven't seen for a couple of months. There will be about 30-45 of us(indluding my sisters/husbands and my mom). We usually have a sing-a-long around the piano. We sing some Christian music and the first Christmas music. It's always a lot fun.

Laura, I am so glad to hear from you. I was a newbie when you posted last and I kept asking if anyone had heard from you. I have thought of you often. In 1986, my brother was buried today, he was 25. It was sudden and we didn't get to tell him bye.
I am so glad for you that you do have that.
I hope things continue to be better for you.

Denise I am glad you are enjoying your trip. It sounds marvelous!

Robin: Congrats on quitting smoking..that is so wonderful!

Mims, Chrissy, Mae ..and any others, who are new, welcome. It's a great support forum...just ordinary people trying to be healthy and helpful.

To; Michelle, Barb, Viv, Barbie, Birdie, Jeannie, Kackie, smwert, Susq,Mimi,Wizzi, Amanda, & all the rest that I have (not meaning to) left out...Thanks so much for being a sounding board and support. Just a line can be such an "uplift".
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend..If you don't celebrate Thanksgiving..it's not exclusive to be thankful for life's blessings...new and wonderful babies, safety in our travels, homes to live in, food to eat, a place to lay our heads in safety, the great countries that we live in. All those things and many, many more.

Love to all

barbiecat

We all have different things to be thankful for, but the most important thing is to be thankful for what we have or, in some cases, what we don't have. :bigsmile:

We don't get much snow here on the northern Olympic Peninsula in Washington and when it snows it doesn't last too long. The reason we were snowed in at first was because we live on a private hilly road that wasn't plowed and was too steep to drive in the snow...people who live in town enjoy the blessing of having the streets plowed and sanded promptly. Since I don't have a job to go to, there's no important reason for me to leave the house but once our private road got plowed I ventured out and drove to the dog park so Brandy and Sasha could play in the snow........they love it...we went again today but by tomorrow the temperatures will rise and things will melt and it may rain so the dog park will be a muddy, slushy mess.

:flowerforyou: one of my goals for this month was to find ways to exercise indoors when the weather is bad and I've had that opportunity this week......one day I walked and danced while watching a DVD of a Broadway musical and today I had my own private line dance class in the entryway on the wood floor....except for walking the dogs in the back yard, I didn't venture outside at all

:flowerforyou: For Thanksgiving, if the weather is OK we'll drive to the next town to the movies to see "Love and Other Drugs" and if the weather is too icy then we'll stay home and watch DVD movies and snuggle with the dogs and cats.....either way, it will be a day filled with gratitude for all our blessings and I count all of you among my blessings.

jam0525

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone in the USA! Happy Thursday to all others. lol

Good luck to all with holiday meals and deserts. We are eating at a friends and we are bringing dessert. Pumpkin Pie (no surprise there) and cannoli. We will cook our turkey on Friday and celebrate with my parents then.

To those struggling with parents and other family issues - Hang in there and good luck. My parents still don't think they need help for anything and wonder why I have some one come in to help them. We just have to do the best we can taking care of them as they would and did with us.

I finally got my Wii working again and can't wait to start doing morning yoga. My legs are tight from riding the bike so much and no matter how I stretch out afterward, they never seem to relax.

Jeannie

PS: Cat 1 is chasing cat 3 around and cat 2 chases cat 1. Cat 3 doesn't want to chase or be chased and is very good at hiding until the danger is over then comes right back out. I can hardly wait to have a Christmas Tree up in the house. I better just use the plastic ornaments this year to be safe.

auntiebk

SMVQ you have even won over Google! Today's logo is Thanksgiving dishes, featuring ROASTED BRUSSELS SRPOUTS!

http://www.google.com/landing/thanksgiving/#bsprouts

Still trying to catch up, never even had time to update November goals... ;}

Warm hugs to all!

wizzywig

Just a quicky to say Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends across the water :drinker: :drinker: and Happy Thursday to everyone else. :laugh:

:frown: Need to get a move on this morning, it is snowing and paths are quite slippery, we knew the snow was on its way, but the powers that be always wait until it snows before gritting the roads :huh: :huh: I'll need to set off to work a bit earlier that usual.

:flowerforyou: Robin congrats on your 1yr smoke free anniversary :flowerforyou:

:flowerforyou: Laura thanks for the advice, I'll keep on suggesting uncle have all the help he's entitled to. At least the GP has my telephone number now for all future appointments - it's a start.

Take care everyone. You are all in my thoughts. Sorry to dash off.

tiarapants

A fly past visit from me again, but I wanted to wish all my friends in the States a Happy Thanksgiving. We all have a lot to be thankful for - even through our trials and tribulations.

Love to you all.

Amanda x

rjadams

Happy Thanksgiving to all of us in the states and happy Thursday to everyone else.

We aren't celebrating today but we will have big dinner with family and friends tomorrow. About 36 people will be at my father's girlfriend's step sons house. He and his wife have been in Shanghai for the past 2 years and will be moving back in 2 weeks but they had one company trip home left so they are home for the holiday. It should be fun since most of there stuff is still in storage but they are great people so I am really looking forward to it.

vikkij12

Hello ladies, happy thanksgiving to all the people in the states!!

Just a quick flying visit today, off to Lake Taupo to join 12,000 others in biking this weekend. I have the hilliest leg to do and and not good at hills but should enjoy it. Taupo is so pretty on a nice day.
I am really struggling at the moment with my eating, and don't know how to get my mind back on track. Will have to work on it.

Will call in in the weekend.

Firesign

HAPPY THANKSGIVING GIRLS!!!!!:flowerforyou:

AliceLMS

Happy Thanksgiving All!!!!!

Just cleaning up after the family meal. Twenty two for dinner. What fun; I love get togethers, and I love to cook. Twenty one pound turkey, came out beautiful. Several very healthy but good dishes and some not so healthy and also good. Managed to find a balance. Had only one serving, and behaved at the nosh and nibble table before dinner. I made a belated Birthday cake for my younger brothers, who are twins. They are Halloween babies but are so seldom together, so I took this opportunity to make them a cake from and old family recipe. They shared their Birthdays with our Mom, twins on her 40th. Since she is gone their bdays can get lost in the shuffle.

I hope you all had great Thanksgivings, with family or friends, or even better both. We have so much to be thankful for.

You are all on my list of people I am thankful for!! Alice

wizzywig

:flowerforyou: Good morning ladies

:ohwell: Another cold and frosty morning here, I'm not looking forward to walking the dogs. I can fall over at the best of times never mind when it's slippy :bigsmile:

:flowerforyou: Lynn hope you are completely over the virus now and you are feeling better.

:flowerforyou: I hope everyone's Thanksgiving celebrations went well. Seems the few that have posted already enjoyed catching up with family and friends.

Not sure if the running club will take place this lunchtime due to the weather, but I'll take my kit just in case. It's a pity really that we don't still have a gym. It was closed down when parts of the factory were sold a few years ago. Since Nestle took over Rowntrees lots of employee services have been sold or stopped. There used to be an on site bank (gone) dentist (gone) big canteen with meeting rooms on top (gone) a big staff shop (now online)

Anyway enough moaning time to make a move.

Have a great day everyone :flowerforyou:

BirdieM

Good morning to all you lovely ladies! For those who celebrated Thanksgiving...I hope you were blessed with a special day as I was.:happy:
It was very quiet, as both my daughters went to their in-laws (a change from the original plan, but quite agreeable to all) so It was just my DH & DD. She prepared the meal...I took care of the turkey.
It is good to have a plan...so my plan...though a loose plan...was to enjoy the days delights, but watch the portion controls and NOT go back for seconds! I had a taste of everything prepared for the main meal, but just took a sampling of everything (not a heap!!!). My 2 married daughters were joining us later in the day for dessert. (pies). Again, I had a sliver, not a piece of each pie. Later I had another sliver of 1 and counted it as my dinner. This morning, the pies that didn't leave last night with my married daughters, were brought into my other daughter's workplace. (The daughter that lives with me.) I had a healthy breakfast and exercised for over 60 minutes and am now at work:bigsmile: .
I'm sure it will be slow today as most people have "Black Friday" off. I don't mind as I stay as far away from the stores, crowds etc today. :noway: For me, I don't care HOW cheap something is, it's usually a "bate and switch".
So I welcome a quiet day, and will try to catch up on posts as I am sooooo far behind!:ohwell:
I do see that Laura's back but haven't had the time to read the post so welcome back Laura!!!
Welcome newbies to this thread!:flowerforyou:
Have an awesome day all! I'll be back!
BirdieM

vickim26

Good Morning ladies,
I have tried to read and catch up some but mostly skimmed. Laura I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my mom 10 years ago next March and it was sudden. I still miss her every day. So good to hear from you again. Since dad's surgery I have not been doing good on exercise. I did use stairs while he was in hospital. those of you that have been around know how I feel about elevators. I have not done terrible on food but not great either. yesterday for Thanksgiving I did nibble quite a bit. I seem to have a horrible sweet tooth lately. We did get up and go back to gym this mroning and I plan to continue that. MY main goal need to be to check in here and post and read. That seems to keep me on track more than anything. Hope you all have a good day. Hope to post later.
Vicki M

jam0525

Robin - Somehow I missed your 1 year smoke free anniversary in the posts. That is quite a feat. Congratulations.

We had dinner with friends and we are cooking our turkey today to have with my parents. Our water froze for the first time ever to the house, so we are puzzling over what it means. It may just be that hubby left the top to the well house off when he was doing something over the summer or if something else is going on.

I did OK yesterday and plan to do OK today and get after it again tomorrow. I picked what I ate carefully and only had 1 of the 4 desserts.

Happy Friday all,

Jeannie

BirdieM

Laura, you are a tower of strength! :flowerforyou: So much to deal with and yet you managed all your situations with a level head! So sorry about your mom, but so glad that you talked to her on the phone before she died. Closure is a difficult thing, but I'm sure talking to her will make it much easier than had you not! May God continue to shower you with blessings and strength going forward!
BirdieM

bkrbabe57

Good Morning Ladies!!!
A quick stop in to wish everyone a belated Happy Thanksgiving/Thursday.
I have logged everything I can remember eating yesterday and I think I only went over by 200 or so calories !!! this is more then I wouls have liked but as it was an "eating" holiday I feel that my choices were good. DF and I went to his family in the morning and I limited myself to a small portion of turkey and potatoes. No gravy and no additional butter. I drank LOTS of water.
Then I went to my family and made a full spread. I ate from the veggie tray first and then had a small portion of the rest of the meal. I also stayed away from the desserts. Since there were 2 large meals I feel I did ok.

I hope everyone else did well. If you didn't do as well as you would have liked then remember... don't beat yourself up over this, it is only one day and you can pick yourself up and do better the next time.

I appreaciate each and everyone of you. I cheer you all on through your triumphs and cry with you durning your tough times. I don't have time today to mention each of you but I did want to make a special mention to Robin.I am SO proud of you for celebrating your one year aniversary being smake free. This has been a tremendious challenge especially as you are trying to lose weight. WTG!!!!

Better run, maybe I can squeese in a yoga tape.

Peggy

auntiebk

Greetings from lurkerville. Have been trying to catch up since 10/23, has taken mornings and evenings for a week, and most of today, but I'm BAAACK!

What is that noise? Sounds like Dixie's nails scrambling on the floor during a scratching frenzy? DIXIE! Knock it OFF! She has typical Wheaten skin issues. Allergic to fleas but gets Advantix to ward against any that could survive our desert cold and aridity. Yeast? Sometimes but last week vet tested, no yeast. Dry? Yes but gets fish oil twice a day and switched to a milder shampoo than anti-yeast one. Food allergies, maybe but have completely eliminated wheat, corn, chicken... DIXIE! CUT it OUT!

Drat! Second or third time this session that IE has closed MFP when I click for the next page. Probably a carryover from the trojan I got 2 weeks ago. Good (or bad) thing I've been typing in WordPad...

WARNING...Monster, multipart post:
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Alice Love the snow and yorkie pics, would love to see a pic of Lane's chicken costume? "aflalunts and pupcakes?" What's the Yorkie's name? Old family recipe for twin-birthday cake? Ah! Balance between the healthy and not-so but good anyway dishes, that's the way to live!

Amanda What delightful twins! Bless you for letting Natasha have her little sob in comfortable, non-judgemental, suppotive safety. She'll need that outlet from time to time, but you knew that, you're her mom! Hope her recovery is smoother now. Can't help thinking that missing 2 fingers is so much better than missing 2 siblings, that must be an ache that never heals. As for you, any surgery is VERY scary and heartstuff even more so, BUT like with the colonoscopy, medicine has come a long
way in recent decades and YOU have come so far in fitness! A dear friend recently had laparoscopic valve repair, two tiny incisions between his ribs, out of the hospital in days, much reduced recovery period. Hoping the same for you! Brava on continuing the swimming lessons despite the struggle. You're so active, wonder if relaxing in the water could be an issue?

Barb Thanks for the supercooks.com and freesmileys.org links and the tip about using quote to get the underlying code. Sorry for your loss, glad you had a wonderful great-aunt in the first place, relieved you're safely home through the mountain passes. Bet the piggies were glad you didn't have to stay away overnight!

Barbie, thanks so much for sharing your HowTos! No wonder you've had such great success! Good for you for scheduling the colonscopy. An unpleasant prep, but very necessary screen. I'm sure you'll pass with flying colors! Oh dear, that didn't sound quite right... How's it going with DH's part time work while snowed in? Not quite snowed in here, roads sanded, messy icy. Have studded snow tires, but too-very-cold to go out unless REALLY neccessary. Haven't quite managed a whole line dance
class in the hallway, but DID sneak in a few numbers during yesterday's food prep marathon...

Birdie starting from page 8? Boy do I understand! It's taken me 2 weeks and all day to try to catch up from oct 23!

Chiclet your mom's progress in moving her feet is inspiration and proof that exercises can help US ALL! You must be exhausted with this tough transition but hope you celbrate yourself for all you've already done for your Mom. Do make time for yourself and Boo, you'll need it and you Mom could probably do with a little alone time to adjust too!

Chrissy You've already started with the 2 most important steps, logging your food and asking for support. You'll get it here!

Denise Every time you greet us from the French Alps I smile. Thanks for the vicarious vacation!

Jackie sure do envy you those Christmas crackers, they sound like a ton of fun! Eqypt WOW!

Jeannie What a picture of purple grandkids singing and dancing grapes into wine? Hooray for granddads who make fun-if-not-wife-popular choices despite the consequences. What a memory! Double Hooray for your son standing up for the cat despite the consequences and Hip Hip hooray for your husband for doing what's right despite his personal preference and Double Damn those kids to karmic hell for abusing that poor cat! May they come back as that cat with the full knowledge that it is themselves who are torturing themselves. Time is illusion and no barrier to Karmic justice! Hope that as you nurture and care
for the cat, the kids' souls inside will be healed and the cycle STOPPED. Whew what a rant, sorry! PLEASE let me know when you come up with a tasty, reduced calory, more healthful alfredo, and thanks for the reminder that yoga will help ease my dance class induced leg tightness. Amen to the plastic ornaments! Water froze? Oh NO! Hope no pipes burst? Good reminder for me to check that faucets are on the drip before I leave, I tend to forget when I wash my hands and turn faucets all the way off.

Kackie all day oyster roast/shrimp boil doesn't sound like a play day to me, sounds like a ton of work for no great reward, but then I really don't like seafood in any form
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continued in part 2

CHANGES4ME

well i sure fit in that group, but i'm slowly gettin 2 the point where ithink why do i need 2 keep goin?. my 6 yr mate has medical promblems, that prevents us from goin 2 the gym ( like 2day ) he thinks he mite b tryin 2 get a cold, i have an excersise bike, but when i start 2 get on it, i lose my zest 2 do it....last sept, i weighed 303, i was down to 216 recently, but we have had 2 miss our w/o's a lot lately, so i am back up to 224!!:sad: my spirits r so low rite now... i put a note on the community board hopin sum 1 with in the irving, or grand prairie area would see it... i was so hopin that may b i mite get lucky & find me a partener that i could work out with, when my mate does not feel like going... he does the gym more so 4 fun. i do it 4 so many reasons... i can feel my spirits sinking. i tried 2 do my w/o's by my self. but it's so hard 2 do; no 1 to talk 2, no 1 to say, " come on, 1 more... " i feel so alone sum tymes. goin through menapause makes it worse....i work in nursing/rehab. U would not believe how huge sum of these people are. well may b u'al would. any way, i need my work outs.. it's like a major fix 2 me. when we joined 24 hr fitness in march, then found a state of the art 50+ fitness club ( god this place is awesum.... ) we were workin out as much as 5 or 6 daz a wk; & luvin it. then we started 2 slow down, ( hard on gas, cuz it's across town ) now it's cold out; & as i said, he has different medical probs, that slows him down, or even prevents us from goin... he sleeps a lot sum tymes, & i think god, it must b nice 2 beable 2 sleep so soundly, so easily sum tymes.. ( i adverage bout 4 hrs a nite. partly due 2 depression ) anyway i am not sure why i am writin all this 4 the world 2 see. but i jus had the need 2 write all this down... motivation & support seemed like the rite place... writin my emotions like this, has been like having a diary, or a journal that talks 2 u, understands, gives u jus even a little hope 2 keep goin. the comfort of knowin that sum out there, sum 1 else has gone, is goin through what i am... by readin this, i will say tyvm jus 4 listenin....

auntiebk

Faye this is an oldie but not sure I ever posted: Faye thanks for the parboiling tip and the cautionary about the using young tender beets. You made me hungry for Mama's pot roast and her sauerbraten. Check out the health food stores for your coarsely ground cornmeal, most carry a wide variety of grains, flours and meals. Your wilted lettuce salad dressing sounds similar to Mama's hot potato salad, except it had brown sugar and beer in addition tot he bacon and vinegar.

Kath and all the other newbies I missed Warmest Welcome. These gals are THE BEST.

Kathy (pmjsmom) concentrating on logging food and exercise at the expense of catching up, boy can I understand THAT! But I also find reading the posts integral to staying inspired and on track. Guess I'll have to detox from daily Spider solitaire."My main goal is to not weigh more at the end of the holidays." Great goal, may I join you?

beyondblessed ?KCWriter? Welcome back!

Mae Welcome. This group IS just the thing Congratulations on reducing the soda,upping the water,logging and exercising!

Michele Way too late but... I too snap the asparagus, not even slicing diagonally REALLY thin makes the ends palatable to me. Likewise hate the waste, sooo... the ends go into the blender with the other kitchen waste and a little water. Out into the garden, scootch some hay mulch to one side, glop, glop, hay mulch back, no waste and fed the garden that will feed us next year. Yeah German food not exactly easy on the calories/carbs/fat... but sauerbraten YUMMM! I'd HAVE to have a half portion of noodles, and the red cabbage wouldn't be too bad. eatingwell.com has tons of yummy looking fruit desserts, here's one
I'll try soon as the oranges sweeten up: http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/cinnamon_oranges.html
Will substitute Splenda for the sugar... might try warming up the sauce before serving... Don't you just love TrueLemon? I have it on line dance class nights with club soda and Splenda... that way I support the saloon that sponsors the free classes, AND my goals at the same time... No novacaine at the DDS? Heck I want it all, prenumbing lotion, novacaine, happy gas, headphones, calgon take me FAR away!

Laura, thanks so much for sharing your story. I, too was chosen and had the best parents in the world. Glad you were able to tell your mom so.

Lynn Welcome, believe it or not you're new since last I monster-posted. Brava for facing all you have with courage and character. Loved hearing about your sing-along-tradition, hope it went well this year.

SisterMimiVeggieQueen Tahoe IS hard to beat. We honeymooned there and I miss it! Low Iron needs beans beans beans?
http://www.vrg.org/nutrition/iron.htm Any word on GD Olivia's tum troubles? Thank you again and again for your warm positive posts and the secret key to yummy veggies!

Mims Welcome and Congratulations on the two sizes! You've earned both the compliments and the confidence! Sail on!

Moncha Belated Welcome! you are not the only one to go over the first day. Decades ago on Day 1 of a new diet, I ate THREE whole full sized candy bars. Don't give up, just try something different. Some of us started by just logging our intake, not trying to control quantities or qualities, just logging and learning. It is an eye-opening exercise. Exercise, that's another thing NOT to jump into madly but to add a little at a time. You'll learn here that the same things don't work the same way for everyone and nothing works the same for everyone but everything you face has been faced by someone here. We're all here for
each other, we do not judge each other and try not to beat ourselves up. Meanwhile, I'll try NOT to clench my elbow tonight too hard, it IS Beer Friday but not KEG of beer friday.

patsaffo Welcome! No one here will judge you... honest! Adding body health to the mix is a great approach, as is looking at the positive side like when you laid off the baked beans and dessert . . .

Peggy Don't you love it when a smaller size fits? Yay Belly Dancing! The plum velvet sounds gorgeous. If tightening up isn't progressing fast enough for you, try Jeannie's gutt'n'butt core rehab routine... now that I mention it, I've GOT to start doing that again!

piquilter con VERY grats on the smaller sized underarmor! Will look for some too, or at least some new longies. I'm SWIMMING in the XL ones I bought at Wal~Mart last month. Healing on the inside, everyone says that's key. Heck I don't even know what's broken inside and why, just see the symptoms. . . inappropriate anger and accompanying "mouth" hunger (queen of the revenge Cheetos)... followed by guilt followed by depression... fortunately it never lasts too long., BUT... How the heck can I fix what I don't know is broken? Any ideas ladies?

Reb, welcome back! We missed you! Want to hear all about everything.

Robin, Was Barb's site where you got your jumping icons too? 'bout the new avatar, I'm with Terri, look primarily at the dogs. Likewise with whoever it was who mentioned your bikini pic. It was, and you ARE a knockout! Welcome to the 10yr colonoscopy club, oops! That would have been this year for me, better get on the phone and schedule. Fingers crossed for good job offer news. You and MacMadame and all the marathoners amaze me. Enjoy your training and you goal, even though it would NOT be my cup of tea Dixie, like her mama, LOVES the snow. She'll make do with a heavy frost until it comes. Loves to snowplow
with her muzzle. Looks so funny with snowynose! General Robt. E. Lee tolerates snow but, like his mama too, does NOT LIKE ICE!

Sally 60s in MA in NOVEMBER? You're pulling our legs, right? We had record warm (70s) Indian summer the first week in November, and are paying for it now with near-record colds... lows in single digits, highs in the teens, wind chill down to 15 below, its very hard on this native Californian and her Kentucky-born DH. We'll be looking to retire somewhere where winters last for less than seven months...

SuzyQ you are beautiful in BLUE! Hope the move was easy and the new home a joy.

smwert Don't you love hot tubs? Always thought they were a rich folks' luxury until DH talked me into our first (used) one. Now I know they are a necessity! My kneecaps used to hurt awfully on stairs, still do sometimes, but some PT-recommended exercises and a few fewer pounds have really helped.

Suzanita, welcome back you were missed!

Terri, From one goody2shoes to another, I say NO to the "hurt me some more dear". One thing I DID get out of counseling (besides a husband who learned to stop acting like the jerk he wasn't) was that when my feelings are hurt, I have to say so, prefereably in fewer than 10, one-syllable words. "Joe please stop, my feelings are hurt." OK "feelings" has 2 syllables, but you get my drift. We also now have some code phrases. When I feel like he has his head up is *kitten* I say "I hope you'll take some time and reconsider." I've also learned that sometimes what feels like Joe bossing me around and telling me what to do, is really Joe trying to protect me. Helps to make me less defensive.

VickieM Glad your Dad's home safe home from hospital despite fever. Does he live with you? Back to the gym, posting and reading, back on track you are!

VikkiJ vege garden in December? Taupo biking?
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10690354 Aha you're in New Zealand!

Viv Running club, WOW you amaze me! Reading about you uncle reminded me that when Papa first lost the use of his legs, Mama fired all the help the first month as it was too much work to get him ready for them when they came. She must have regretted that decision in the ensuing 17 years of caring for him but she never turned back... That was my Mama, a little pistol! Wish I had a fraction of her grit. Keep touching base with the social worker, if Uncle is inconsistent in his answers about
needing help, maybe his permission is not required to get it? By any chance do you remember the brand of the like-Bailey's-but-with-ginger sample? Doubt we can get it here in Idaho but I'd sure like to try!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What IS that noise?! Aha, caught her! Its Dixie scratching all right, but not her back, the dining room floor! Lifted up the heater vent, banged on the side of the duct and called out "Any little creatures down there, Go AWAY! Dixie's going to EAT YOU!" then closed the vent and moved a chair over it. Poor critters, its so cold outside they're willing to risk living in the ducts of a Terrier's house...Now she's sitting library lion-like under the table, attention totally focussed on the vent under the chair, and every so often giving up a heart-rending frustrated-hunt-moan. Hope the critters hear her and find another haven.

Warmest hugs to all!

gutt'n'butt try 11 day zer0

jam0525

We had a wonderful 2nd Thanksgiving today with another old friend.

His second wife is a younger lady and they had a baby boy last summer. His family sort of abandoned them and he and his new wife and baby are friendless except for us. I do think the wife is kinda of young, but he was unhappily divorced for many, many years and I guess as long as he is happy who am I to judge. It was nice to have a baby in the house. Mom and Dad just adored him.

I did OK on calories yesterday and today, just a little over. From tomorrow until Christmas I will do my best to stay within my calories and do extra exercise.

I've enjoyed reading the posts. Everyone seems to be in high spirits which is important. Laughter can keep the stress away.

Jeannie

barbiecat

:flowerforyou: I just spent a long time reading posts and was about to conclude that there was no way I could respond to everyone so I just wouldn't write anything.......bad idea and a return to my old perfectionist attitude.....so instead I'm just writing a quick post to say that the only reason I didn't go over calories yesterday was that we didn't do a traditional Thanksgiving.......except for going to the dog park we stayed home all day.....had a Kashi thin crust pizza with extra tomatoes, olives, and onions for lunch, and homemade pumpkin and apple soup for dinner and because we were alone there was a lot of time for exercise.
hugs to all

priskar

I just noticed this 50+ group! Yea! Just the kind of group I was hoping to find. I've been going through many of the posts and, Lord, it will take time to get to know everyone and what your goals are but it seems this is just an awesome and supportive group. It looks like many of your have been successful in your endeavors as well.

Well, I hope you don't mind scooching over for another fanny on the 50-something Losers Bench. Slowly but surely I'm gathering goals and will have some to post by the beginning of next month (Dec.). I look forward to losing with all of you!

Priska

tiarapants

Good morning ladies. Welcome to all the new faces and big hugs to the more 'established members' who I seem to know so well. Much as I would love to respond to you individually, I would be here all day if I tried, so please know that I have read all posts and am thinking of each of you.

A cold day here, but no snow as yet. I can't believe we're almost in December. It doesn't look as if I'm going to get down to 145 pounds this month - which will get me into a normal BMI, but at least I'm below 150 - this time last year I was almost double what I am now, so I'm proud to say I've come a long way and will be a heck of a lot fitter and more prepared for my heart surgery in the new year.

My car is being serviced today - which I am relieved as it has had a couple of minor problems lately. Plus a flat tyre when I was on my way to DD and my grandtwins on Thursday. It's a good job that I'm a capable woman! It always amazes me when my female acquaintances say they can't change a tyre or check the car for various problems. Not to say that I enjoy doing it - but I would never have wanted to drive my children anywhere when they were younger, without knowing I was able to at least do the minor things to get us home safely.

As I am carless today, DD#2 is coming over to pick me up and we are going to do a little shopping before heading to DD#1 and the babies. Our menfolk are going out to 'wet the babies heads' tonight (I have warned them that, just because they are twins doesn't mean they have to drink doubles!) so we girls are going to have a lovely night in with the babes. I'm taking some quinoa and couscous plus some home made hummus, so I'm sorted. I have made some almond slices for my daughters. My mum used to make them for us at Christmas time and my children love them.

Speaking of baking - does anybody have a healthy recipe for something with coconut, but no fruit? I'm stumped and want to make something for the Nursing Home Christmas fair which is this Friday. I'm helping out again, which means that my Mother-in-law will feel deserted (she likes me to stay by her side at these events), but I will make it up to her by staying an extra couple of hours afterwards. I've already told DD that I won't be around to be 'doula' that day - although it will be a big wrench not to see Molly and Teddy!

I need to go and find some thicker socks now as I'm hoping to get a walk in Richmond Park before we go shopping.

Have a great weekend everyone. Keep warm and active and remember to drink your water and eat your veggies!

Love to all.

Amanda x

jam0525

Hello everyone,

We are going to see Harry Potter today. I can't wait. Then we will do a mall walk. It takes 10 minutes to walk one loop of our favorite mall. We do that first, then go back to any stores we want to go into.

My poor DS will get dragged with us. His only thing to do at the mall is to eat there. I've already told the kiddos no eating out today, so he is depressed about coming with us.

I am starting back on the Wii Fit again this weekend, hopefully today.

Have a great Saturday all and a big welcome to all the new comers.

Jeannie

rjadams

Good morning ladies,

I had a wonderful thanksgiving meal yesterday. I didn't worry about it and enjoyed myself. I ate so much less than I would have a year ago and so I feel that was a success. Here is a picture of me in my new over the knee boots and the top DH picked out for me to where for thanksgiving. . DH had just cut my hair so it is a bit shorter but it looks good. (no money to go somewhere to get a trim) the black blob at the bottom of the photo is Keira trying to be a part of it.


I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

pmjsmom

Good morning, everyone.:flowerforyou: I am back from visiting my family and, while it was nice to see them (esp. my dd Jenny and my mom) I will admit that it was 'interesting'.

I did some walking and tried really hard to watch my portions but I am sure I am up--and possibly a lot.:grumble: So, today is a new start and I am back on track--again!:laugh: It was hard to log everything because my mother does not like anyone to use computers-at ALL--and it was easier to just not log everything. I did manage to keep track of the worst offenders:noway: but not everything.

We bought an already-cooked Thanksgiving dinner for my dd and her bf (she's not much of a cook) so I do have some leftovers here for soup, etc.:happy:

My son and I missed the snow. It started the night we left and had melted by the time we returned. My dd says the roads were really bad. She was not able to get to work on Monday, Tuesday OR Wednesday because of the ice on the roads around here! Luckily they were able to get the dinner because the store was close enough to walk to.

I am trying to catch up with everything that has been going on.

It sounds like you all had a really nice holiday.

Laura--my belated condolences on your mother's passing. I hope you are all doing well. I'm glad you got to talk to her.

Welcome to our new ladies! It seems there are quite a few of you!:flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:

Well, I've sat here long enough. Time to get a workout in and then decide what to do first. I'd like to decorate the porch, at least. (We can't do too much inside yet. We'll need to tie up the tree this year because of the baby starting to scoot everywhere and the cat is still really a kitten so...)

Have a wonderful day everyone and I'll try to do some more catching up later.

BirdieM

Good morning ladies,

I had a wonderful thanksgiving meal yesterday. I didn't worry about it and enjoyed myself. I ate so much less than I would have a year ago and so I feel that was a success. Here is a picture of me in my new over the knee boots and the top DH picked out for me to where for thanksgiving. . DH had just cut my hair so it is a bit shorter but it looks good. (no money to go somewhere to get a trim) the black blob at the bottom of the photo is Keira trying to be a part of it.


I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

WOW! Robin....You look terrific:flowerforyou: Congratulations...and enjoy!!!!:bigsmile:
BirdieM

RebelRenny

:drinker: :drinker: Here I was intending to start posting and had a relapse of the flu. But.....today I feel a TON better.

Soooo, there is no way I can go back and read all the posts since I last dropped off the face of the earth, sorry about that.

Instead I will recap a little of what my life has been like.

Mexican Reviera Cruise: Oh yeah baby. One week of R&R. We had a fabulous time. Did I tell you I danced with the captain? Hah, that was cool. The temps were hot and very hot in Mexico. The food was fantastic and so was the entertainment. I also enjoyed the peacefulness of the library and hanging out by the pool, chatting with people from all over the continent. We will definitely cruise again, but it is expensive so it will have to wait a couple of years.

The next weekend we went to see DS#2. Drove one day there, hung out with him and his girlfriend on the Saturday and drove one day back. The time went by so quickly. DS#2 is doing so much better mentally and emotionally. Now he needs to get a good paying job so he can get back on track financially.

My sweet sister arrived November 1 and left Nov 20th. We had a wonderful time together. I took the last week off and we spent a couple of days in Washington state where our cousins live. We visited our elderly aunt, but she no longer recognized us. This was likely the last time we saw her. It was such a special visit. My DS and I had many great conversations, it was so good to be together again and DH and I made sure we spoiled her rotten!!! We told her once she would be home again she would stand in her kitchen and wonder when the meal would be made for her. LOL. She is not used to being spoiled.

In the midst of all of this I applied and competed for several jobs and had several interviews and tests. Nothing materialized so far, but I can tell you that the process is completely draining. It takes so much out of me, it saps me of everything I've got. But, I keep trying, and hopefully I can report one day of a success. Meanwhile I am not unhappy with what I am doing currently.

given all these interruptions I did gain back about 5 pounds; a couple from the cruise and a couple during my sister's visit. So, now I need to buckle down and get at it again. It was just over a year ago that I started this journey and I lost 28 pounds over that year span. I know I can chip away at some more of those pounds and I am not resetting my ticker.

That's it for now. All my love to all my MFP friends.
Rebel