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Hello Crackers! Goodness its quiet around here - is EVERYONE but me on holiday? Well no worries cos its Friday and I'm not at work! I lost another 4lb this week on the Diet Chef challenge. That's half a stone in 2 weeks - that feels like too much but I suspect it will slow down this week as I have a few tricky things to negotiate. My parents are staying but so far they've done their own thing while I have had my diet chef stuff. Today though may be different and I've promised them I will have a roast dinner on Sunday.
I've been asked to go swimming with a friend and her daughter and another child this lunch time so that will be plenty of exercise although mostly splashing about in the pool and going down the flume I think. It will probably be mega busy too but never mind.
Mum and I will be doing a car boot on Sunday morning which I'm dreading (I hate car boots and markets and of course it will be wasp city so I'll be leaping about. Not sure what is happening on Monday - I did offer to help out at the Street Fair in my old village but have heard nothing so I guess they won't be needing me. I have some papers to read for Tuesday too as I have a meeting at 9.00am (Monday being a bank holiday).
I have put the winter duvet on my bed having lit a fire for two nights running and now, of course, the weather has turned mild again. Its a beautiful morning out there.
The Diet Chef foods are quite tasty and I haven't had one yet that I didn't want again (except perhaps the chocolate porridge!). The portion control is good and I've taken to having a big salad alongside my lunch so that I know I'm getting the green stuff! The snacks are quite satisfying too. And I feel like I can graze a bit to eek it out. I'm going to bed slightly hungry but not of the order that keeps you awake. There is usually a bit too much sauce in the dinners than I would like as I keep wanting to mop up with some bread. I'm having blueberry buttermilk pancakes today which should be very tasty.
Well that's about it from me. Take care crackers!
PB xxx0 -
Good Morning ladies, I am back in Singapore. Don't know which way is up at the moment so I will be catching up with the posts and happenings of everyone a little later. Hope this very quick email finds you all well and that you have had a lovely summer (I use the term ''summer" loosely as I think it passed us by in Wales!).
Take care, BM x x0 -
Hi BM - it also passed us by in England I'm afraid - and this weekend I had to light fires! Never mind though. Weight loss on target so far despite a cold and parents staying this weekend.0
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Well hello Crackers! I've been battling the cold all week which has also given me the munchies - but somehow or other I managed to lose 0.8lbs. I've bought a new scale as my old one was well out of kilter and no way of recalibrating. It was around 30 years old though so didn't owe me anything. I've just come back from a half hour walk around the village - and as soon as I get home the sun starts shining! I still feel quite ill really but feel better for a walk - first time I've felt like it. The pile of ironing is calling me but again not really in the mood. I have a friend coming this evening so that we can sit by the fire and enjoy a glass of wine. I am feeding her a diet chef meal with some salad and rice so hopefully she will enjoy it! She is staying the night too so will have to find a breakfast for her too. I'm finding the diet chef food quite tasty although I could get very bored with microwaving everything - I'm not used to that. Still its for 3 months to give me a good start - after that I need to be more careful and get plenty of exercise. This is going to be complicated by my holiday at the beginning of Oct. My kitchen looks very strange as I've got 7 boxes in which I put each days food so that I have a weeks work already planned out - this is partly because I can't use a microwave or anything at work so can only use the couscous or pasta pots and meal replacements for work days.
Otherwise all in my life is very dull but that's not a bad thing. I re-start singing tomorrow and would hope by the middle of October I will be able to start riding Harley again (I've felt much too heavy for him recently). I will go down this afternoon to do some grooming I think as its further exercise.
Well here's hoping to hear from you all again soon (We appear to be alone on here at the moment Bailey!). I hope all is well with you Bracken?
take care
PB xx0 -
So sorry to hear you are still feeling poorly. You seem to be doing really well with the Diet Chef though. I love cous cous and pasta so would be Ok with that, I was wondering what proteins you eat with it? I am vegetarian so might possibly struggle with it. I have been back a week now and am horrified by the numbers on the scale! I am at my heaviest for as long as I can remember, even heavier than when I started with Tesco Diets. I have a few pieces of clothing that are actually comfortable, elastic waistbands etc and cannot believe how I have done this to myself again. So I am recalculating my calories with MFP and starting over, yet again. This is a merry go round I can't seem to get off! Between the heat, my weight and the medication I am having a miserable time and it's all my own fault! To cap it off my Daughter told us on the day we were leaving she is having a baby, delightful news but not without worries as she had a baby die in utero at 26 weeks previously. So I am happy/concerned and hating being so far away!
Still, I plan to take each day as it comes and feel a little better already to be starting to be in control of my eating and not the other way around. Do you have a goal weight you would like to reach at the end of your 3 months, or will you just be happy with a good loss to start you off? I am sure I would be quite happy to have someone plan my meals and tell me what to eat. I used to love weight watchers years ago when you were only allowed certain things a day, even before their points system started. I like discipline and so wish they had something like your plan here. I would definitely give it a go.
Yes, you are right, we are holding the fort here at the moment but I am sure the others will pop in soon. That is the delightful thing about our group, once you are back its like you've never been away! I do echo your concern with Bracken though as it's been a while. I so love love hearing about Nellies days!
Anyhow off to do my ironing now, ugh, so will say bye. Take care and hope you will be feeling much better soon x0 -
Feeling better today. First night of singing last night and my voice was somewhat ropey - but it was only a run through of the Haydn Nelson Mass so not really a worry yet. A very pleasant social evening. Off for the first rehearsal at Woodbridge Choral tonight so will probably be knackered by tomorrow morning! It isn't as far to go though so should be home a little earlier.
The weather here is definitely autumnal now and although we are currently having a couple of days of drier weather (after a serious washout on the August Bank Holiday - rained like it would never stop!) it is definitely much cooler and more comfortable. I enjoyed a couple of good long walks over the weekend as a result. I'm considering getting back into the saddle soon too.
Well must go now as need to start work properly but looking forward to hearing from everyone soon. Good luck with the new plan BM - just keep at it you will make progress
PB xx0 -
Hello Crackers. I'm so sorry I've been away for so long and can't get caught up tonight but I am simply exhausted between the almost relentless heat and humidity since July 23 and house quests from England, British Columbia and now my sister home. I hope all are well and truly look forward to catching up with everyone. Regards.0
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Hi Bracken! So lovely to hear from you x don't worry about catching up, just take care of yourself in the heat and humidity. It's enough to know you are ok and still a Cracker!
PB hope your cold is very much improved x x
MITM are you home yet? X x
Take care all x x0 -
Echo what BM says - take it easy Bracken! Autumn has definitely arrived here in the UK so its much cooler.0
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Evening Crackers!
I'm back too!! Got home yesterday evening absolutely shattered (is this an age thing?!) and have only now found the time to catch up with the posts. PB - well done on your fantastic weight loss and for doing it all on your own with no support from us fellow crackers, gold star! BM - lovely news regarding your daughter, commiserations on the weight gain. I'm braving the scales tomorrow as I find travelling days play havoc with the scales!! Bracken - look forward to catching up. Right I'm off to bed but will be back if not tomorrow then on Sunday when gardening is not allowed and the husband is out at work. Concerning ironing; I have washed today 3 weeks worth of horrible chef whites which I am NOT looking forward to ironing....
Be good Crackers!0 -
Absolutely fab to have you back too MITM, the Crackers united again! I am sure you are right, it gets harder to travel as you get older! I also agree travelling and the scales do not good friends make......... I don't envy you the ironing, I ironed 5 large suitcases on my return and was slowly losing the will to live. ( I actually took 7 but 2 were full of household items and cheese we bring back!). Enjoy your day of rest on Sunday, I expect the UK was hectic and lovely with your Daughter, so take time to relax a bit (yeah OK!).
We have a holiday here today as its Election Day, we also have the haze as once again Indonesia are burning their palm fields. It is thick acrid yellow smoke, quite dreadful, we are being advised to stay indoors and drink plent of fluids (!) also to wear masks etc. it's absolutely ridiculous, it happens every year and causes so many problems. The Grand Prix is here next week so it will be interesting to see if it can be stopped by then.
I agree that PB has done brilliantly with her weight loss, especially as she has had to deal with a cold and visitors! It's so lovely when even one of us is "on the right track" it's very inspiring. Your excellent weight loss prior to your UK trip was good to read about, fingers crossed for you you have not gained any whilst away. Although you are always busy with your Daughter so I am sure you are fine. I, on the other hand ate like an absolute hog for a month. I found great comfort in food and also although not in great amounts I drank more wine than I would have if I was here, so it obviously has all mounted up. I started counting calories again this Monday so I'm back on the Merrygoround!
My "holiday" today accompanied by OH is going to be spent cleaning the white marble, very porous, floor tiles on our hands and knees. I have a steam cleaner I brought back from the UK to use through the week but it doesn't actually get to any stains very efficiently. In all fairness even water spilled on these horrid tiles stain. We then have the counter tops (porous marble again!!!) to deep clean. I am absolutely certain a man chose all this inadequate, porous rubbish. Our previous apartment was also full of marble but it was so easy and lovely to take care of. A quick wipe down and done!
Off to have yet another cup of tea now before we start these floors. (Otherwise known as procrastinating lol x)
Take care all, BM x x0 -
Welcome back all! Its good to hear from everyone and to hear your stories. I've never heard of porous marble - how very frustrating it must be - the thought of having to get down on hands and knees to scrub the floor is quite extraordinary.
The morning started well as I had left my washing out last night (having unexpectedly spent the day driving to and from my parents. It was Dad's birthday and we were meant to meet in Bury St Edmunds for lunch but Dad wasn't too well and Mum was in a bit of a tiz about it. ). Anyway, he is fine and I took them out to a local 'American style' diner for lunch. There was also birthday cake to eat afterwards. However, I had nothing to eat after I got home as I was very full (my tummy has shrunk as I couldn't actually finish my plate of food - left the majority of chips).
I have found a swimming pool just across the road from the office so I hope that I will be able to swim there a couple of times a week (or at least once!) What I am going to do is to try and put a picture on here of the view from the office last week as it was absolutely wonderful on Thursday. We had a perfect day considering the time of year.
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Evening Crackers!
So much for my relaxing Sunday... I had the pleasure (not) of washing up all the pots and pans my husband used at an outside catering job yesterday (Dolomitennmann) which I was not expecting although it was a joy to be able to use the sink once more with it's new plumbing and pipes!
Well after a long, hot summer here in Austria I found it rather chilly in England! But we still had fun. My daughter after all the drama and tears during exams there were yet more - but this time from me, privately and tears of joy! Silly girl, just as her teachers had predicted all along she achieved her 5 A* grades including English and English Literature. Originally when I sent her to the UK I had hoped she would get one GCSE in German and experience 'life' in England! Now she is doing 4 A-levels and has been selected for a 'gifted and talented' program at college. This time round she is living in Southampton with my parents so will be far happier away from my 'crazy' unpredictable sister-in-law although I will always be very grateful that she insisted they have her, as only the school near them did German lessons. It just didn't work out as she had visualised, she thought she could change my daughter but she remained very true to her simple, upbringing and very 'Austrian' and studious and could not be bought or tempted by their 'flashy' have it all in excess lifestyle. So hopefully this will work out better as she is close to my parents and very respectful to their wishes. She has settled in well at college, made new friends and is enjoying being surrounded by like minded, serious students so fingers crossed - not too many sleepless nights for me ahead!
We went up to London to celebrate her success with my mother, as the daughter wished to visit the Ghandi statue. The weather was glorious during our trip so we had a 24hour ticket for the river cruises which was delightful. We also went up and over the new glass panel on Tower Bridge. Plus we had our usual shopping trip in Brighton and pounded the promenade and ate far too many ice-creams! And then before I left, whilst I was in Southampton my best friend who lives in Mexico but works aboard the 'Royal Princess' cruise ship which the Duchess of Cambridge named, as the General Manager was in port for the day, very rare and invited us on for lunch and a tour. It's a massive ship the guest capacity is 3600 with a crew of 1346 my idea of a nightmare! I don't know how he survives! But lovely lunch!
Surprisingly I only gained 1.6lbs during my trip home. Maybe not so surprising as I made a conscious effort not to succumb to a crisp or square of milk chocolate as that has always been my downfall, get the taste again and I can't stop. In fact the only reason I gained at all, was because I did get into the naughty habit of eating a hot cross bun most afternoons with my parents which I find so hard to resist and luckily you cannot get them out here. I'm very content at this weight 2 pounds from target, my clothes all fit and I don't need to think twice before reaching for my capri jeans so I'm just going to try and not gain anymore and see what happens naturally but start exercising again. Although I did plenty of walking at home, my first 'uphill' walk today with the husband was an absolute killer!
PB (loved the view!)/BM since you are both back at the weight more or less where we began this journey, have you thought about resetting your current starting weight again, so you can have a running weight loss to show you are making new progress, to continue to encourage and motivate, rather than playing catch up and looking back at what was? I think BM you need to look at it like PB - I love the new profile bit about this being a new start etc. PB wants to lose 20 pounds on the diet meals so what is your goal say for Christmas 2016? There are 15 weeks until then or for the arrival of your new grandchild or next trip to Wales where could you realistically be?! Do you have a date set yet for your operation? You can step off the merry-go-round and get on a new ride, we have faith in you!
Right I must now cut my nails off ready for work tomorrow - first schilp shift after a 4 weeks hiatus!
Be good Crackers!0 -
Hi MITM - lovely to have you back and well done to your daughter - as you say she has done exceptionally well and I like that you have brought her up to have the strength of mind not to be taken in by 'excess lifestyles' - it will serve her well as she gets older. Well done to you too on the weight 'gain' of 1.6lbs - as usual though your very hectic holiday is probably the reason why you have managed to keep the weight gain down below 2lbs - your daughter is an excellent influence.
I have thought about trying to re set my current starting weight loss thingy but can't figure out how to do it - if you can help most grateful!. The good news is I'm more than half way to my 20lb goal and only starting the second month this week. The food has not been too boring - although I miss cooking properly - all this microwaving - my microwave has never been so busy! If I can do another 15-20lbs by Christmas (I'm off on holiday at the beginning of Oct but this doesn't usually mean putting too much weight on for me as my 'holiday friend' eats like a bird and will only occasionally have a glass of wine so I don't get tempted!) I shall be happy - that will be a total of 30lbs by Christmas - so that is my goal (2lbs a week).
I'm going for my first swim in ages tomorrow - not sure how much I will manage as my shoulder remains frozen and painful with certain types of movement. I did a lot of grooming yesterday and a big pile of ironing so feeling quite righteous. Have also purchased an ordnance survey map so I can figure out some walks around my area.
I hope BM and I are not the only ones who are having a bit of a resurgence in enthusiasm! Apart from MITM of course who clearly doesn't need to being at goal weight! (or close to it) I didn't actually put all of the weight back on but quite a lot of it, probably 7lbs less than I was originally. But of course on here when I weighed in for the first time that is what it took as my starting weight. I have about another 17lbs to go to get back to that point.
Take care all and looking forward to seeing some posts soon
PB xxx0 -
Afternoon Crackers!
PB - You do sound positive! Which is great news because it spreads so easily. I believe (although I haven't tried) you may be able to change your current starting weight by going to 'check in' as normal, then underneath 'other measurements' there's 'edit previous entries.' If you hit that it comes up 'starting weight & date' maybe you can put in there, your newest starting weight. Hope that helps. I have to write to a friend this week and I haven't been in touch since Easter so it's quite handy to re-read my posts on here to know what I have been up to. It would appear, I have done little else this summer except gain weight, paint window frames, garden, walk, experience one household disaster after another and then finally lose weight! However I mention this as I also came across a post where BM you are thrilled to have lost weight (May) and have discovered clothes unworn, new that now fitted you. You could be back in that position once more in December. And I also came across the post where I said I couldn't remember the last time I really felt, really, really happy - well I can now when my daughter revealed her results and I realised the past 2 years it's all been worth it in the long run!
Bracken - I hope you are surviving the heat and your house guests and that you will be returning to our little group soon.
Be good Crackers!0 -
Good afternoon fellow Crackers!
First off.....MITM, absolutely fantastic news re your Daughter. You must be both so very proud of her! As you say, it makes all the sacrifices worth it and so much more. Bless her, it cant have been easy for her studying and going through bouts of homesickness as she did. She is a very brave and dedicated person. I wish her every success for her future, which I am sure is going to be a very bright one x x
PB, good for you for starting swimming again, we still have this dreadful haze and can't be outdoors with a mask but I shall be swimming again as soon it clears! I absolutely loved the picture of your view! It would make going to work a pleasure to have a view like that! We live on a Marina and I have to say it is so lovely to see the boats and yachts bobbing about on the water. I haven't a clue how to get pics on here but if you google Reflections at Keppel Bay Singapore you will be able to see where I live and the Marina.
MITM, I thought about what you said and it was good advice. I have now reset my weight to what it was a good few days after we arrived back here to account for my "travelling weight" (!). So from now on it will be hopefully downwards. However I am not going to set any goals for myself as I feel so pressurised and guilty if I start to fall behind or don't meet goals, even small ones! I am going to continue eating as I am, which I am loving, around 1500 calories a day. Very little carbohydrates and lots of proteins and vegetables. So I am going to take each day as it comes and then see where it takes me! Surprisingly I feel OK about this, I record my meals and snacks daily and also my weight so I do feel in control but far more relaxed about it if that makes sense!
Bracken, thinking of you and Nellie and looking forward to hear all about Fall and the changes in your garden x x
OK I have to Mask up now to take the dog for a quick wee. The vet has advised against walks and prolonged periods out for him, understandably so, so it's a quick walk around the gardens!
Take care all, BM x x
(PB I changed my weight on my ipad so not too sure on the laptop, but I went into goals and changed it on there x)0 -
Hello Crackers - I can't help being rather thrilled this morning. Just weighed in (on my new accurate scales). I have lost another 3.8lbs this week and am now just 1lb of my first stone for this new effort. I am delighted. Despite a cold and feeling very ill at one point I've managed to go down every week even if only by a small amount. With MITM's help I've also managed to reset my starting weight on here to the weight I was when I started at the beginning of the diet chef experiment so that I can really see my downward trajectory. Very gratifying thanks for the help.
So I only have 2 more weeks before I go on holiday when I will have to come off the diet for more than a week. So today I will be doing some serious hard blitzing in the house. I can't go out as I have to wait for someone to pick up a parcel and someone else to drop one. (it could be the same firm but I hope not - a lot of people use Yodel though and they are really bad. had lots of trouble with them when I worked at the surgery.
Anyway will talk again later as I want to get a good start today. take care all!
PB xx0 -
Good afternoon Crackers!
Can't believe another week has passed so quickly. It's a glorious autumn day here, my favourite time of year. It's still very warm (not normal) but the mountains are changing colours which I love - think of Scotland! I cannot imagine having to wear a mask BM to go out for a walk how dreadful. I loved looking at where you are living, I felt like I was looking at something out of Dr Who, you could be on another planet compared to where I am it's just such a totally different world!
Well Crackers I'm thrilled for both of you and how you are knocking off the pounds. We are on a roll (just wish Bracken was here too) as I'm also making progress shifting the holiday gain. I'm now 1.4lbs from my target and I feel slim. Silly thing to say but the 2lb difference in weight has made all the difference to how my clothes fit and how I look so my head is in a totally new good place!!
I have been busy all week out in the garden where there is plenty to do; I have picked and frozen the plums and daily there is a bucket load of apples that have fallen from the trees which my husband takes to work to cook. I am also picking raspberries every day. I have been up amongst my roses preparing for next year and I have planted up lots of bulbs for Spring. There is still much cutting back to do and I need to cut the grass yet again!
Did you know Crackers it's less than 100 days to Christmas in fact it is 94. I have a confession to make I placed a Christmas order yesterday! I'm shocked at myself but my excuse; last year in October when I was in England, I saw the dinky 'White Company' mini fir Christmas trees in their shop. I love little trees (these are 45cm high) and I already have 2 very good quality small trees bought over 20 years ago for my beautiful collection of fragile, miniature, glass Austrian decorations but I was looking for something more rustic for the hall entrance. So this was just perfect but when I returned home and went to order they had already sold out! Well how could I resist then with a 20% off voucher when I discovered their Christmas Shop is already open for business - so I ordered 3!! Dreadful purchasing for Christmas in September - I'll say no more on the subject as I'm truly ashamed!! And in a country where the real Christmas tree doesn't even come into the house until Christmas Eve!
Right I must return to the garden, I have chives to cut for freezing. Be good Crackers!0 -
Afternoon Crackers!
Have to admit Crackers I'm feeling rather low at the moment....
Firstly could be the weather. My Christmas trees arrived yesterday so it snowed - yes you read that correctly it snowed! 27°c on Monday and glorious - snow on Wednesday. Today I'm looking at snow-capped mountains as I type but at least it's melted on my level. Well that's what happens when you order Christmas trees in September!
Secondly I'm not seeing my walking friend on a daily basis (to put the world to rights) as her husband was sacked in the summer and he's now home all day and she's at his beck and call... I didn't actually miss our daily walks at first because of course my daughter was home and dragging me hill walking but now that she's gone...
And finally I'm missing my role as full-time 'Mother'!
However reading the above back I realise, I still need to walk and clear my head which I haven't been doing. I need to make myself exercise. On a positive note I'm not overeating or eating rubbish which is what I normally do when I'm out of sorts - so that's a real bonus! And just putting my thoughts to paper I'm feeling more upbeat already so thank you Crackers!
I shall now go to the garden (and get a burst of very fresh air!) and see what damage has been done.
Be good Crackers!0 -
Afternoon Crackers!
Well what a difference a day makes! The sun is out, the sky is blue and I'm no longer feeling blue!
Be good Crackers!0 -
What a difference a day makes indeed MITM! I'm so glad you feel better. I have had a very busy week and am (still) at work at the moment as I've been at a major meeting all day - still I am starting my holidays on Thursday next week and I now feel I can at least look forward to that. I have plenty to do between now and then but feeling much better now the fun is over today! And I lost a stone! Happy Bunny PB xxx0
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So glad you are feeling better MITM, it's probably true that each one of the 3 things that were upsetting you would have been ok to deal with on their own. However coming all at once like that it's totally understandable you felt rather low. X x I checked out your trees and they are so pretty! I liked so many things on the website myself I shut my iPad and walked away! Lol I don't know if you will be shopping with John Lewis for Christmas (that's like the Mother ship to me!) but I wondered if you were aware of the problems they have been having? I have been really fortunate and only 2 of my deliveries have gone awol or been late, but I have been reading dreadful things about their deliveries and customer service. One parcel to me just took over 3 weeks and although they were polite on the phone they didn't hold out much hope of it ever arriving! It's a bit sad because I was so happy when the delivery price dropped to 10 instead of 20 GBP. They still advertise 3-5 day delivery to here but that's not been my experience recently. So I then tried House of Fraser who have delivered here reasonably quickly previously to me, I ordered on Tuesdayevening, Thursday here was a Holiday but my parcel arrived Friday lunchtime. I was very impressed with that and the delivery charge was again, only 10 pounds. Just thought I would mention it. I am still going to purchase from JL but making sure I order my items for Christmas in plenty of time.
PB absolutely so thrilled you have lost a stone. How are you feeling about it all? Are you clothes feeling wonderful again! As both MITM and I know and appreciate, it's so much easier to pack for Hols when your clothes feel right! x x
Bracken, I think often of you and Nellie and hope you are both well x x
I have put .5 of a pound back on this week, however I am not ready to jump off tall buildings! I am quite please with this because in just over a week we have had 3 days of the Grand Prix, an Anniversary and a Bank holiday, so lots of eating and drinking out but I was very sensible (!) and chose wisely. Hence I think the 0.5 of a pound and not the usual couple I would have surely gained!
I am just off out with the dog now, the smoke has been dreadful this week, in the Hazardous to health category with schools closed etc but it's a not too bad just now although I they have given it to become a lot worse this evening and tomorrow with a change in the wind direction. I think everyone is just so fed up with it all.
MITM, I had to smile at you saying where I live is like watching Dr Who, they have recently filmed a sci if film here which was supposed to be set in the future, so I think you are absolutely right! X x
Take care all, love BM x x0 -
Hi Bailey - I cannot imagine how you cope with the conditions in which you live - even though I know that you have every mod con to help you! How it must be for poorer people there I do not know.
My weekend was a bit of a disaster area on the food front - however, I have had a lovely time so I'm not going to feel bad about it! I'm afraid on Friday afternoon after all the excitement and pressure of the big contract meeting I succumbed to fish & chips on Aldeburgh beach. Absolutely without parallel. Then on Sunday I went to a matinee re-run of the 'live-feed' from the Royal Opera House the previous Tuesday of Prokofiev's Romeo & Juliet - preceded by roast pork and a fig and ice cream pudding and a glass of wine. All of which were delicious! The sun also shone which was lovely and I ended the day by tackling (and beating) my big pile of ironing so I also worked quite hard!
Its three days now until I go on my holidays and will be unlikely to come on here for about 10 days so I hope all is well with you all and that Bracken reappears soon!
Take care Crackers!
PB xx0 -
If you don't have chance to pop in before your Hols, I'll say it now and wish you a fabulous time! I also think your day of opera and a tiny indulgence food wise was well deserved, and just a little blip x x0
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Afternoon Crackers!
Well I have been very busy. After assessing the garden damage (from the snow) it got me immediately refocused on just what still needs to be done before Winter really sets in. Oh this mad weather; it's been warm and sunny this week although we're now experiencing frosts and had to pick all the cucumbers so the basement is beginning to look like a green grocers. I have spent my days cracking on as it is sure to change over night and have been cutting back shrubs and bushes, I did think of Bracken when I got to my hostas. I've also finished painting the terrace fence which I started before I left for England and I've started during the evenings priming my daughter's bedroom windows for painting. Hopefully I'll get them completed before it turns cold.
BM would you believe - I had just placed an order with John Lewis before reading your post! I totally agree it is the Mother ship! I've ordered some photo frames for the daughter's bedroom which I thought may sell out before I get to the UK and then I'd be really cross. My order has left the UK and arrived in Austria (yesterday evening) and according to tracking will be with me tomorrow. We will see! I once placed an order with Laura Ashley on a Friday evening and it was with me on the Tuesday which I was impressed with as I'm no where near an airport and up in the mountains. In these parts they just deliver and leave on your doorstep if you're not at home. I once arrived to discover an armchair (packaged) on the terrace!
BM well done on only putting on 1/2 a pound whilst eating out lots! And I agree with you, PB if one is going to overindulge, do it in style. The fig and ice-cream pudding sounded delicious! Have a super holiday, hopefully the friend who eats like a bird will keep you in check! What have you got planned? I stayed the same last week which I'm happy with as I'm not changing my eating habits and I was sat working lots last week and I will only lose weight if I 'exercise'. Talking of which I must stop as I'm going for a walk with my friend.
Be good Crackers!0 -
MITM, you make me dizzy with all the work you do! You are like a one woman army I just had to laugh at the armchair on the terrace x x Unfortunately Laura Ashley don't deliver here. We do have one store but it is just over 3.5 times the price of the UK stores. I checked this out with various items. I wrote the prices down whilst I was in the store and checked them online when I got back to the apartment! Even their sale in July and January is more than twice the price of the UK. Most British stores have a massive mark up here. I have written to M&S several times asking why they won't deliver here, but the answer is pretty obvious, if the people here are willing to pay these ridiculous prices why would they lose money by sending the items over? Which ironically are mostly made in Asia anyway. I have fallen right out with M&S and now only buy my underwear from them! OK that is my rant over, sorry! X x
We STILL have this dreadful haze, it's been over a month now. I also have a grotty chest infection which I am sure is not being helped by this smoke and having to wear a mask. There is no end in sight yet and this weekend is predicted to be particularly bad so I am glad in one way I am unable to venture out. I had to cancel my hair cut and colour today due my infection and they told me they have had no end of cancellations due to illness and the smoke in the air.
Anyhow, onto happy things, how is your Daughter settling in? It must be such a relief to you she is now with your parents and in a place of learning where her abilities are recognised and valued. I so hope she is enjoying it all x x
I am going to tackle more of my crochet now. I taught myself how to earlier in the year as I was never very good at knitting and wanted to try crochet. Aside from which I had a huge amount of yarn I had bought with the intention of knitting jumpers etc (crazy!) I am really enjoying the learning and am on my 3rd afghan. It grows so much quicker than knitting which I am sure is helping to keep me interested.
Wishing you a lovely peaceful (!!!!!!) weekend,
BM x
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Afternoon Cracker (s!)
.... well as Beck says 'draw a symbolic line'. I've been struggling on all fronts for some while now but I managed somehow to STS again last week but since...
Everything happened at once. One of my husband's many elderly aunts visited, so I had to bake a cake and she brought chocolates. The chocolates were the trigger. I've been fighting the urge for over 2 weeks to eat chocolate. Where this urge suddenly came from who knows?! Instead of putting up such a fight when it was this strong, I should have 'treated myself' with hindsight. Instead I ate these chocolates which were horrible, a cheap imitation of an expensive brand and milk chocolate and then I just started mindless eating of anything and everything.
The weekend was the most miserable, greyest, imaginable ever! If you watch Sam Smith's James Bond song 'Writing on the Wall' on YouTube, the snow scenes in the plane are above where I live and they filmed during one of these grey, bleak, spells! When it's grey here it is dreadful. Fortunately it's not often! But it brings me down so low. And when I'm at my lowest and I start feeling like the weather I just eat. And eat! Plus the husband was home and we worked hard, around the clock non stop. Fortunately yesterday was beautiful so I've changed my profile picture that is hazy sunshine. Not long now and the flowers will have to go. I've braved the scales and as I said I've drawn the line AGAIN!
My John Lewis order arrived in 3 separate packages arriving on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. The first 2 had next to nothing in them but they came all this way on their lonesome! The final parcel with the 7 all important frames was just left on my bench even though I was in all day (eating). I'm very pleased with them. The daughter has met a second holocaust survivor this week. She was invited back for the day by her old school and introduced as their highest scoring pupil in history! So she has another photo for the new frames. At college she has signed up again for Peace Jam so will get the opportunity to meet another Nobel peace prize winner in Spring which she is very excited about. You are so right BM, I can't tell you what a difference it makes living with my parents... She is no longer a nervous wreck. As she was going back to her old school and knew she had to be polite and drop in on her 'aunt' who works from home, the stress it started causing her just thinking about having to be in the same room as her again. Fortunately she didn't have to go as she was out for the day thank goodness. I actually hate that woman and what she has done unknowingly or more likely knowingly. However the daughter had a lovely day at the school and spoke in German with the visitor. And she is thriving in her classes at college.
Is it jut me concerned about Bracken's continued absence? It's now been months since she posted at length. I do hope nothing is seriously troubling her, health-wise or that Nellie is fine? I know for you and me checking in daily is second nature but it is not like Bracken to 'disappear' for so long.
Right I'm going to face the elements now and brush some leaves and burn some calories!
Be good Crackers!0 -
Well MITM, the first half of your mail could have been my story this weekend! I really had been so good but then........Oh dear. I ate so much yesterday it was practically a binge, even OH commented as he was concerned about my over eating. I felt as if I ate any more I would go bang! Only then did I stop. Not even sure why I was so out of control, nothing triggered me off, I had no cravings, but did I ever make a complete pig of myself. So I am sure your self control kicked in way before mine did, I am pretty sure I will not STS! However as you and Beck so rightly say, Draw a line!
Your Daughter is doing so well! Even though I speak 3 languages (not as well as I used to!) I have listened to my Son who is fluent in German and I have to admit I find it a very difficult language to try to understand. It is brilliant she has languages tucked under her belt, there will, I am sure be reason to use them in her future. I know I keep saying it, but you just must be so very proud of her!
I have watched Sam Smith and the James Bond video practically on a loop since you mentioned it. I like him singing, love JB films, adore Daniel Craig so it was easy to love this visual/audio treat of this clip! I thought the grey mountains were spectacular, I know the grass isn't always greener, but those mountains, the grey, the snow, just all of took my breath away. I could so easily live where you are, although it could possibly be easier for me than both you and my OH as I love the grey skies, snow and extreme weather you have! All this heat and sun here drives me crazy, (he loves it!) I think it could be because I was born in a very beautiful, mountainous part of Wales that has wet, cold and snowy conditions for what seems like most of the year
I am as concerned as you re Bracken. She last checked in over two weeks ago but as you said no mails as such. I was wondering if you and the others think it would be a good idea if we shared an email or text/phone number with each other so if someone is absent for a good while as Bracken is now we could at least then discreetly check if there is a reason such as illness etc. We all have times when it's difficult to face the world and I think just need to be left alone, but at least this way one quick text could put our minds at rest? It is just a thought but could maybe prove useful......
I am just going to prepare a light salad for my lunch, amazingly after all I ate yesterday I woke up feeling hungry! However I just had Special K and a banana for breakfast and am eating lightly and healthily today and the rest of the week. I'm not sure even that will make up for yesterday but I have to try!
Hope you have a good week, BM xx0 -
Good Evening Crackers!
Well I didn't stay the same, this time last week but I registered the gain so as to draw the line in permanent marker pen!! So my loss this week is really 0.2 not 2.2 as it says on the newsfeed. However back with the right dieting head on again so I'm delighted!
BM - I know what you mean about the mountains. I could never return to living in the city, I love it here too much but I do suffer from SAD so if it's grey for any length of time it does bring me down, especially living so high up you feel, you can almost touch the greyness! My husband couldn't cope with the day to day greyness in the UK (as I said fortunately here it's not often) which is why we moved back to Austria. Rain (so long as I'm alone with my hair) and snow I love. In fact this morning I was out in the drizzle sweeping leaves and cutting back and loving it. The autumn colours this time of year as the trees change colour over the mountains are beautiful.
I have sent everyone via the private messaging my email and text number. I have sent Bracken a message which hopefully she'll read in her home email box even if she doesn't log on here but I agree with your comments sometimes you do want to be alone and hopefully she will return when she is good and ready.
PB - Looking forward to hearing more about your holiday. Are you attending a hunt ball this year with fancy dresses to be worn?
Well be good Crackers!
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Hello! Good to catch up on your messages above. Sounds like everyone is battling one thing or another. I managed to put on 3lbs which isn't bad (and I actually put most of that on in the last couple of days when I was a bit stressed out by the broken car.
Holiday was lovely (weather was changeable - but what can you expect in the UK in October and at least it didn't snow!). Cottage very comfortable and in an absolutely perfect spot. We had a beautiful day at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal water gardens - they are spectacular and so perfect with the abbey. Elizabeth (at 98) is now definitely at the point where the UK is the only sensible option. This is the end of an era for me (30 years of holidaying together).
My friends who came and looked after house and cats had a lovely time although they've gone home covered in cat flea bites (not to mention the scratches gained from giving a cat a pill). They left and Mum and Dad arrived so I feel a bit punch drunk. Have them until Friday then they go home. Back to work on Monday.....
Will hopefully be able to get back on the straight and narrow after that but haven't been really naughty. No puddings but a few biscuits and some wine and not enough exercise. Also, some very naughty meals with Janette & Rod which always involved a lot of wine as well.
Rod put away two entire packs (16 rashers) of bacon in two bacon butties which was a bit shocking!
I do hope we see Bracken again soon - I totally agree its a good idea to privately share some email addresses so that we can check on each other. As you say it can be tough sometimes and its easy to shut down for a while but on the other hand a quiet email can just let someone know you care.
And at the moment no news on the Hunt Ball - possibly in February (the bloodhounds are no more it was the last one ever last year). we hope it will be at a different venue as the one at Milsoms (which is a very posh hotel) was not good - the food was very slow, there was a lack of vegetables and the band only played for about an hour. not impressed. Mind you, the beef at the Bloodhounds Ball was still moo-ing! Hopefully though I will be wearing a very slinky dress for it. especially in February.
well that's all for now. Be well Crackers!
PB xx0
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