Patti, keep us posted on your cousin.

Cindy, welcome back -- glad you had enjoyably warm water.

Bert, your life is so full -- happy for you.

MaryLynn, I bought zucchini, acorn, spaghetti & butternut. About time for me to get fully into fall soup mode.

Karla, it's going to be 90 here again tomorrow -- is it still beastly down there?

Myra, how's that smile?

Suzi, loving your trip pics. Is Dinky with you?

Had followup with plastic surgeon this morning and she says I'm doing excellently. There was a tiny stitch at the outer corner of one eye she was able to pull. I can wear a little eye makeup now (top only) as long as I am extra careful taking it off.

Going to be a touchy week here with the aches but I will do my best. Am seriously thinking of asking new doc if I qualify for a handicapped parking placard -- on many days it would be a help. Have dinner out and a play with a friend tomorrow, and our first concert of the Pops series on Saturday. Just put the Pops dates in my phone -- also have the Coffee Concert series, which I go to on my own.

Karla, earlier is better! Good news indeed.

Patti, good luck with your mom tomorrow - bet you'll make lots of progress. It's good that your mom wants a say in her own care (though that may add to your stress sometimes). I had a temporary handicap placard when I had my 2012 foot/ankle surgery (not with knee replacement) but I will definitely ask when I see this new guy. I hate to cave to it, but the pain is real and severe. Ah well.

Avoiding the first football game because it's two teams I dislike so am trashing out with American Ninja Warrior, a guilty pleasure. Not normally my kind of thing but there's something addictive about it.

A quick hello -- much to do before dinner & play. May have a bit of a splurge this evening but will make as smart a choice as I can. Have a great day, everyone.

Hi Girls-
Life is an ever evolving journey- so glad i have each of you in my life.
Patti- My mother in law has the alert button if she falls it is activated. Well worth the extra couple of dollars.
Janet- good for you- its not a cave to get the placard- it is part of you doing the best you can for you
Karla- How old will your father be next week. I'm so glad you enjoyed the books.
Suzi- amazing pictures I think there was a rainbow tucked in the bottom of one- just stunning.
Bert- You are a God send to all
MaryLynn- how are things with you this week.
I have signed up to go to the hypnotist- I discussed it with my therapist and thinks some of the relaxation techniques I'll be taught could be very valuable. Yes- I see a therapist to deal with the year long situation I find myself in- as it does continue and its allowing me to focus on my needs like I should. But this too will pass and I'll be strong when the seize is over. Keep me in your prayers for strength. I'm on a particularly precarious path at the moment.
I went to the eye doctor last night and all is well but the allergies have given me a couple of bumps under my eyelid so I have some drops for the next 4 weeks- but the vision hasn't changed.
Need to run- hugs to all
Cindy

Hi ladies,

Suzi, you should frame those pics. You do have the EYE. I have been to all the places you are visiting and would do it all again. So glad you are finally over your chest cold. Are you going to see Crazy Horse? I saw it for the first time when it was just a hole in the rock, back in the early 80s.

Cindy, I always say a prayer for you and will continue to do so. Wish we were all closer so we could give you all the hugs you need. I am glad you have a therapist whom you trust and who is encouraging you to try the hypnosis. I think you will find that if you have an open mind and believe it will work it will.

Bert, I can't imagine how you do all that you do for your church and family and still have time for yourself. Glad to hear you are taking something off your plate besides food, lol. When do you go see your brother?

Karla, I know you will be relieved once this training is over and this job is closed for you. Hope you get your massage. That is something I just can't do. Having a stranger touch me in any way, especially my naked skin, is anxiety producing for me. Mom and I were talking about that very thing the other day and she feels the same way. So guess I came by it honestly.

Today I am having lunch with my GF to celebrate the end of her treatment for breast cancer. There will be tears but mostly there will be laughter and lots of chatter. Going to leave all my drama at home, they know what I have been going through and there is no need to bring it to the celebration. Then I will hit Costco and the grocery. Then home for laundry and house cleaning.
I lost .2 this week. Not much to shout about but happy it was not a gain with the food choices I made over the weekend.

Patti

Janet, that play sounds like so much fun. Wish I could have joined you.

Lunch was fun, as always. We have to change the name of our lunches. We had been calling them "pity lunches" so now I think we will go back to Yaya time. Mom called to talk to the girls and to congratulate my GF on completing her treatment.

TT: this time of year I get more focused on my exercise and tend to be able to stick to plan better. I don't really change anything but do tend to not go as much. Of course, this year may prove a bit different with all that is going on with the family. I will adjust and survive.

Patti

Already worn out, lol. Gym this morning, followed by delivery the lift chair to my sis's house. Edd and I had to carry one of their old chairs to the curb first. Since we moved the chair out I decided to clean all the baseboards in the living room while I vacuumed. Now on to the dining room to do the same thing. If I am not totally done in I will clean the baseboards in the downstairs bath and kitchen and clean the hardwood floors. TRX is cancelled tonight so I am finding other ways to make up for it. Leaving for the cabin after the gym in the morning. Planning a big rib dinner for Saturday night and will invite the neighbors. Trying the Americas Test kitchen way of grilling them. Along with mashed potatoes, carrots and a peach pie. A friend from KY is riding up so I want to put on a nice spread for him. He and his wife treated us to an awesome dinner when we stopped at their place this past spring.

Bert, I know you are enjoying your day out with your bestie, nothing like it in the world. Great news for your brother.

Karla, I remember that meal well, plus those awesome fried green tomatoes we had at lunch. I still talk about the double piano bar and that sweet old guy who played the tray. Hope you make it over and enjoy yourself.

Janet, I had to miss my hair appointment this month, it is going to be pretty ugly around here in about a week.mi may have to get a root touch up kit to see me through to next month.

My break is over, back to work for me. So envy you girls who have housekeepers but cannot justify the expense when I don't work. Edd hates having strangers in the house.

Patti

Janet, so excited for your niece, you and Caleb. I love all the cute ways they announce things these days. So creative and fun. Every boy should have a little sister to protect. Praying Julie feels better even sooner than last time. I can't imagine dealing with morning sickness. Poor dear.

I accomplished everything on my to do list done plus more. Cleaned and stuff about 2 dozen peppers for the weekend, just need to wrap in bacon and pop in the oven on Saturday. My sister is supposed to come home on Monday. I am enjoying the new season of Project Runway, when I was in high school I considered fashion design but my true calling was nursing. I found other outlets through the years for my creativity.

Patti

Good morning, ladies,

Thought I'd better chime in pretty soon, or you will all wonder where I disappeared to! We had a nice hike with our two dogs yesterday, so everyone had a good sleep last night. Today I was searching for recipes to use up the remaining acorn squash puree (soup) from a recent meal. I did finally find a muffin recipe that called for pumpkin and I substituted the squash. Though they did work out well enough, the ginger is a bit "off-putting" to Myron. The dogs love 'em!
While the recipe called for raisins (not my favorite) I omitted them and added a few on top for Myron's. Perhaps that explains the lack of sweetness. Oh well! They will make a nice 220 cal healthy snack to have on hand and they ARE moist and full of mostly nutritious ingredients.

We had some stuffed spagetti squash last night for dinner and that was truly delicious! It is one of Myron's specialties, so perhaps I just enjoy his cooking so much that everything is so interesting in flavor.

Patti, we have not done any stuffed peppers for some time (not since living in Mexico, with the poblano peppers there) but the meals that you prepare make me crave some of those tastes! In terms of your wonderful Mom, I know you and she will find the best solutions for her care and safety and boy do I respect your acknowledging her need to be actively involved in the decisions that affect her daily life. It often seems it is a balancing act for you, my friend to be helpful in such a multitude of ways. You always come through with your creative ingenuity and discover new ways to stay active and nurturing to those who you come in contact with. Your energy levels going into the fall season do not seem to be flagging. I trust you to tell us when they are and to know when you need some SOLO TIME to just paint or putter at home.

Karla, so pleased to hear that your surgery date is quickly approaching and pray that will be the solution to the vision challenges that have plagued you for so very long already. As you continue to lead us with such strength and vision, I just want you to know how much I really appreciate your leadership here. Hoping that you have some quality together time with Glenn!

Janet, it is always wonderful to hear about a new arrival in Caleb's home. I bet he is excited! Julie's facebook image is SUCH a neat idea to announce the imminent addition to their family! Would love to get some of your ideas for more squash recipes - including soups - as I think my tastebuds are looking for something with a little bit of "zing" in it!

Bert, you sound positively energized and it's no wonder at all that your doctor is so pleased! Wonderful to get some retail therapy and combine that with friend-time! While I don't know what "Lucy" offers, the clothing finds you were able to take home sound pretty nice indeed! The most I've done in that regard is to grudgingly agree to shop for a couple of pairs of jeans. Funny, that I used to love shopping for fashion items, but just haven't been into that for some time. It is nice to see that it brings pleasure to you and to so many others!

Cindy, it's good to hear your positive voice as you plan and prepare for the challenges ahead. When you find a program that consistently delivers the results and decompression from stress, I know you will SOAR towards all your remaining goals. Way to go, girl! As temps cool off here, the ocean begins to cool as well, the morning fog patches are some of my favorite times to sit and contemplate, or to plan the pathways ahead. I'm sure you have a place that you treasure just for yourself to organize your thoughts. How goes the writing schedule?

Suzi, you traveling photographer! Wonderful images that remind me of the great beauty that so often beckons just beyond our own doorstep. Isn't it a blessing to enjoy these in person?! Thank you for sharing images and staying in touch. So glad that your head and lungs are cleared for new hikes and adventures and that you are continuing to find activities you enjoy!

Myra, wherever you find yourself this weekend, please know that you are in my thoughts often. Pleased that you are able to keep actively involved with your precious family. They DO grow up so quickly and your impact will be felt long into their adult years. I applaud you!

Love,
MaryLynn

wowsers, i've missed so much.
I remember one of you being on "team puppy"..... well, you won!

he's now 9 weeks old and his name is "boomer", weighs 1.6 pounds and is maltese with a bit of poodle mixed in.

and his middle name is "little piddles"! Need I say more?

the carpet cleaner is getting a great workout..... and now the area rugs upstairs are rolled up and put away. and, i'm sleep deprived. but he's darned cute!

continued prayers for Patti and her family members.

LOVE Suzi's pictures!

MaryLynn... i had disappeared (again) too..... but for a great furry cause.

btw, we adopted a kitten too

I shall return.... but i'm afraid project me has been usurped by project pee outdoors, but just for a while, right? RIGHT? haha.

myra