Back from the gym. A great class and had time to talk to all the friends I have missed for the last 2 weeks. Reinforces that I am there for more than exercise. We talked with the trainer to see if she can work a full pilates class in to her schedule for us. We all miss it so much. 25 minutes once a week is just not enough. I know I could do it home but never seem to motivate myself to do so. There is a 2 hour Zumbathon coming up later this month and I think I am going to join in. You don't have to participate in the the entire 2 hours. There will be several instructors, each doing 2-4 songs so you can drop in and out as your endurance allows. Quite a few of my buddies will be going and our trainer will be doing 2 of the songs. Something fun to do if we are in town. Going to Mom's this afternoon to watch the shows she recorded while we were gone. She wants pizza so I will be indulging but try to keep my portions under control. I have not had a real pizza in over a year, so it may get ugly, lol.

Jeanette, wish I lived near you so we could go for a walk and talk or just hang with each other so you could just let it all out. Sending you the same grace and peace you always send to us.

Janet, I loved the article and have felt the same for some time. Such an archaic system. So proud of that young lady for doing her research, speaking her mind and finding a way to start being "body proud" instead of "body shamed". There is way too much of the latter in our society. Nobody knows the struggles each of us face in our daily lives and to suppose that we do is beyond ignorant and extremely callous. I wish everyone could read her intelligent and thoughtful words. Thank you so much for sharing with us.

Hope you all have plans for a weekend that focuses on you.
Patti

Nice time and great pizza with Mom. Tomorrow is cards with my girlfriends and lunch afterwards. No other plans so I am thinking time in my craft room since I didn't get there yesterday.

Cindy, enjoy the shower and hope Sunday is all about you.

Waving hi to the rest of the crew
Patti

Hi, all -- Yesterday's concert was excellent -- program said they were going to play only two movements of the symphony but they gave us all four. VERY cold here -- planning to stay in and tackle something or other. And "something or other" may include a nap. Back is giving me fits today but that happens -- in a good mood anyway. Might break down and take a pain pill for the first time in nearly a week.

The low-iodine diet (and not being able to take my vitamins because they might have iodine) is suppressing my energy level but in ten days or so, I can get back to normal life and start getting much more protein than I can these days.

Re Medicare -- MA (Medicare Advantage) plans can be either good or dicey in terms of network and copays. You can -- IF it's in your budget -- take original Medicare Parts A & B, then choose a supplement and an Rx plan. I'm taking that route -- I want to be able to see any doc without referral, and to be OK when I travel, so for me it's worth the extra $. Am still paying less than I was for my individual policy -- and that's for the total of Original Medicare + Med Supp + Rx plan. Because I'm not taking Social Security yet, I pay directly. Having worked for a big insurance company helped me understand the options -- premiums don't vary much for each type of plan, so making sure your docs are in-network is crucial (insurance companies are constantly narrowing the network available on a given plan). You might luck into an excellent HMO but make sure you're covered on the road.

Good afternoon friends,

Great day of card making, laughing and then lunch at our favorite Mexican place. Bought a bag of their chips and took them to Mom. She loves them. They are super fresh and super thin, almost like a potato chip but not as salty. She was surprised and ate a handful when I walked in the door. We made 4 really pretty cards and I have some new stamp sets and ink to go play with.

Janet, so glad you had a wonderful time at the symphony. 10 days will be over soon and protein will be a big part of your diet again very soon.

Cindy, great job on the steps with your walk today. I know you and Em are having fun with the sewing. My mom bought me my first machine when I was 10 and I made a lot of my clothes well into my 30s. After that I mostly sewed for home dec, furniture upholstery and clothing repair. I think when knits became the wardrobe staple I stopped sewing for myself. I never really did well with them.

Karla, won't be long now and you will be off to some serious relaxation. Hope you take full advantage of your time away.

Mary Beth, nice to see you. Being busy is a good thing. So happy the hormone therapy is doing good things for you on so many fronts.

Off to be crafty
Patti

MaryLynn, good to see you. Canadians seem to have the healthcare thing figured out pretty well -- you're lucky.

Patti, knew you'd have fun today with the girls. Glad you had mom time too.

Cindy, hope you can have a true day of rest tomorrow!

Just had an improvised chicken stir-fry, mostly veggies. Have calories left for popcorn or nuts later. Going to bundle up in my warmest robe (which I've had on over my clothes much of the day) and watch something. Going to take the evening off, though I didn't accomplish much, except something important -- several great phone conversations with very close friends. Hoping to kick back tonight and get good sleep.

This mediocre selfie was taken after I'd had makeup done. Figured it was time to lose the sideways penguin-sweater pic.

Janet - We are indeed figuring things out here in terms of healthcare. It does vary by province and sometimes waiting times are a trial for some procedures, including scans or elective surgeries, etc. LOVE your new selfie!! Your inner glow is definitely showing and I sure hope you realize how beautiful you truly are ... in every way! Sounds like you are finding your way through the low-iodine program, despite that low energy level. Great idea to enjoy phone time with close friends as that always seems to energize me, too. Just replay that amazing concert in your head as you enjoy your relaxing night and may your sleep be long and deep.

Patti - Thank you for sharing about Judy's son's current status. Praying that the doctors and caregivers in ICU are gentle and wise, as they tend to him now. How frightening and stressful for the whole family! Praying too that Judy finds strength as she continues to face her own recovery challenges. On another note, it was indeed good news about your BFF's results and that a mastectomy can be avoided. Great that you can be there for her as she travels through the therapies ahead. Seems like you are slipping back into your routine nicely and wonderful that you are taking on the extreme challenge at that upcoming Zumbathon! What a goal!! It is really wonderful to have you back and hear about your times with your Mom as well. I'm sure she loves to see you and is delighted with your little surprise treats too!

Cindy - It certainly sounds like your new WW program is just the ticket for your lifestyle and when I read your comments, I smile as I see your positive smiles coming right through! Wonderful walking workout! Your time coaching sewing to Em sounds like a wonderful way to connect and teaching may be a great fit for you, in addition to all the other talents you have. Hope the Bridal Shower turns out well; it can be a challenge to get everyone together and have activities planned to entertain the guests as well as have food and drinks available for all. Perhaps I am mistaken that you mentioned the shower and I assumed you were the hostess? Phew! Girl, I hope you plan to put your feet up sometime soon as well. It seems that your health is back in full bloom, which is wonderful indeed! Take it easy at least one day, okay?

Karla - Thank you for sharing your family fun photos with us all here! Grateful that your time away is quickly approaching. Planning and preparations are part of the fun as much as the vacation itself. Sorry for the troubles with JJ's Mom, but pleased that you were able to twist the arm to make it possible for him to join you on the trip. The added stresses of getting it all done can take their toll, so I hope you are finding your inner peace these days, wherever you can find it! Prayerfully supporting you, girl! May you find the perfect weather for beaches and bicycles every day you are away! As you release your "inner little girl" to just enjoy the kids, I will be thinking about you and cheering you on! Your fountain of medical system wisdom seems limitless and it is no doubt a great help to everyone as you provide some helpful insights with a seemingly confusing system of options, co-pays, benefits and plans. Yikes!! Isn't it great to know that we are exactly where God wants us to be right now? I'm blessed to have met you and the rest of this wonderful group of women!

Bert - Those student teachers are fortunate to have you working with them and I'm sure that one day they will realize how blessed they have been. Enjoy your grandsons' birthday event... Mackin America indeed! hahhaha. Sounds like it will be entertaining and wish I could be a fly on the wall there too. Hoping that the weather starts to improve in your neck of the woods soon, as I know you enjoy getting outside as much as we do. I've noticed you have been keeping active as well and just wondering if you are still experiencing some pain at times? Sounds like some great advice from Karla regarding that wonderland of Medicare there and I truly hope you find a plan that works for you and your hubby. Take care and take it easy, ok?

Jeanette - You must be enjoying the same warm temperatures we are blessed with here on the Island. Hope you have been able to enjoy some of the time outside with those little ones too. How is the search going for your practicum? I know you mentioned some possibilities that had not yet been finalized. I'm continuing to pray for you as you look for guidance as well, I'm sure. Are things settling down somewhat for your daughter's situation with the girls and Will? I noticed you've been amping up quite a few new activities including kickboxing and spinning... so I'm taking from that you are feeling pretty good physically. That is a victory!! Whatever else is happening that seems to be on the negative side of things can sure be an unwelcome obstacle and I hope and pray that is soon resolved, so that you can continue to move forward with all the positive parts of life! Thrilled to be able to count you as a friend!

Myra, Beth, Diane, Judy and anyone else I've missed here... hugs to you as well!

MaryLynn

Janet, so glad you got some sleep and wonderful to connect, in whatever way, with good friends. Love the idea of artists renderings. My grandson has done some beautiful works in charcoal,of my friends' dogs and also one of Edd. Maybe you can share the finished results with us.

Mary Lynn, as always, your posts and personals make me sit back and smile. What is your professional background? You read like a motivational speaker, lol. So happy you have joined us and share your special brand of wisdom and encouragement.

Karla, when it rains it pours doesn't it? Will pray that this one heals with oral antibiotics and quickly. Do try to find some sunshine through your clouds. Hopefully you caught it early.

Have been playing in my craft room. Made a set of cards to send to our friends in KY, the quilter. She does not paper craft at all so I know she will enjoy them. Spoke with my friend from FL that taught me to watercolor, she is now home in KY, just an hour away. I asked her if she was going to be teaching any classes and if I could sit in. She told me to come down anytime and we will paint, no need to wait for a class. The supplies I need are pretty expensive to get started, so not able to buy everything at once. The paper is the most expensive, for the right quality, but Michaels carries it and I can use the 40% off coupon. The rest have to be ordered on-line. The brands that are carried by the craft store are not recommended by my friend. She has been painting for years and has done all the research for me. I will take her advice and buy the higher quality paints and brushes. My list is ready to give to my kids for Mother's Day and my birthday. Until then my friend said I was welcome to use her supplies, but I don't want to abuse the priviledge.
My sister is going to Vegas in the morning, I volunteered to take them to the airport since I live 15 minutes from it. They will be here at 4:30am. Hopefully I will be awake by the time we get to the airport, they will drive there and I will bring their car to my house and Edd will pick them up Friday at midnight, I do early morning better than late night. Saves them long term parking, so everybody wins.

I will update the OMGs in the morning. Please put them in ALL CAPS if you wish to change yours.
Patti

Hi Girls-
It is Sunday evening and it was a good weekend.
Janet- LOVE the new picture- thank you for sharing your beautiful self with us.
Karla- so sorry about Glenn- hopefully you've caught it early
Patti- its great to have you back with us...
Judy- prayers for your son! How is your shoulder? Please take care of yourself too
MaryLynn- congrats on scale movement-

I was a guest the shower and it was lovely and met a couple of lovely ladies.
Em learned how to thread her machine tonight but she needs to get bobbins before we get started with practice sewing.
Had 10 whoppers today- they were delicious but did set off more sugar cravings- funny how are bodies react.
I need to check my blog and a couple of more things to do before time to sleep.
Until tomorrow
Cindy

Hi, all -- Had my first thyrogen shot and it's dragging me out so I expect to be lazy today. Got a bit more sleep but we had storms, so ... More storms due later. But things are gorgeously green and right now I hear several birds.

Jeanette, attitude is not quite everything, but it's close. You will triumph. Thinking of you.

Karla, glad you are getting Glenn to the surgeon ASAP but can stay in FL and enjoy the weather. What your dad said was thoughtless and last time I checked, he wasn't board-certified in any medical field -- it was a doltish thing to say and deeply insensitive. But please try to let it go. Hope they can fix whatever issue has caused this again more quickly than last time.

Bert, I smiled reading about thhe choir room -- walking back into the choir room last summer when we had our reunion brought back floods of memories for everyone -- it was special.

Cindy, thanks for the kind words. Glad the shower was fun -- I have one in a couple of weeks and am looking forward to it because it also means time with my best friend (her son's the groom). On principle, I loathe showers -- and despise shower games above all else -- but I go for the people. Already have the shower and weddng gifts purchased for these two great kids.

OK -- time to pay a few bills and stay awake until landscape guy comes to pick up a check for the planting later this month -- he's just starting his own business so I offered to pay him in advance. Then I will seriously contemplate a lie-down.

May your Monday not be too Mondayish. See y'all later.