I’ve wanted to go the Bluegrass Underground cavern concerts for years now. I think that’s what you’re talking about…or something similar. You’re right about the views in that area, too. I hope you get to go to the concert but if not, just enjoy the area and relax! You’ve been way too busy!

We are still living with our daughter. One more month!!!

Way to go on not overindulging on your vacation, Snoozie!

Did I tell y’all that I got on the scale and I’ve gained seven pounds!!!!!!! I’ve lost my ever lovin’ freaking mind!!!!

Yes, it's my son getting married in October, and everything's a bit last minute because we didn't know how things would be - still don't! I'm really excited for them, but as is the norm for me, I'm stressing out about all sorts of things! Including what on earth I'm going to wear! I had hoped the wedding would be something for me to lose weight for - well that hasn't happened, lol! Actually much to my horror I went to look at outfits yesterday and took a couple to try on (even going into shops to try on clothes is a bit of a big deal for me, as no masks now and cases high), went for a size up from usual size, only to find even a size up was too small! So demoralising. Not really an issue as I can just buy bigger clothes, but just really struggling to find something that suits me. Anyway, that's just one of the more minor things I'm worried about, lol!

I'm having the same issue as you with flooring in my house. All of it needs replacing. Hardwood is too expensive. My cat tends to pull up carpets. I had luxury vinyl planks put in in my tiny kitchenette (it's so small that I thought I could buy something a bit more expensive!) and have had issues with it although I like it. It's nice to walk on, and really easy to clean. I would think about getting it throughout the house but can't afford it.

Congratulations on the upcoming wedding, Vail! I know you must be stressed out with all that you’ve got going on. I completely agree about the whole clothing size thing. It’s not the size that’s important, it’s how you feel in the outfit. I still vividly remember trying to find something to wear to my daughter’s wedding and that was seven years ago. I hope you find something that you feel fabulous wearing!

We had LVP tile in our old kitchen and I loved it. However I am partial to carpeting under my feet, especially in my bedroom. My only advice is that if you do get carpet then make sure to get really good padding. It feels great and extends the life of the carpet. That’s all I got.

Thanks for the encouraging words about my weight gain. It’s just that I really saw my summer going so differently than it has. I was going to have time to go to the pool, relax, go back to the gym for yoga and cardio. I’ve been to the pool maybe four times and haven’t been to the gym once. My DOT (do one thing) tends to be eating ice cream not eating carrots. It will be fine. I will get back to a healthier routine when we get in our own house.

Keep us posted on your trip, Gail!

No, I've never noticed the disagree button. Wasn't there a wooo button that we were confused about as we didn't know if it meant "Woohoo!" or "Woo - bad science"? I can't see that now. I don't think we'll be disagreeing here, but I'm sure some will on the wider forums!

My issues with the flooring are a very long story, but briefly it came apart a couple of times and I had to get the guy back. He seemed an experienced fitter, so I don't know what was up but it took about a year to sort out. The other issue was that something got spilled on it and stained it which I didn't expect to happen (again, long story, but just to explain why I don't know what got spilled I'd cleared out some cupboards and left everything in the side as I was cleaning and airing them, and my cat knocked it all over in the night, no idea why I didn't hear it, but in the morning there were various substances on the floor, oil, vinegar, etc. and I don't know which made the stain. I suspect the vinegar). It's probably fine if you don't leave vinegar on it overnight, lol. Another issue I have is that there isn't much variation in the planks, so you can see repeat patterns close together. Actually some other issues too, but I don't want to make a saga!

I'm still really pleased that I got it done. I got more expensive ones which are also non-slip and waterproof. They feel lovely to walk on in bare feet and aren't cold (the floor under the kitchen is concrete, rather than wood like the rest of the house). It's very easy to clean, although it does show every crumb! I would be tempted to have it through most of the house, but it's too expensive. I could afford the kitchen because it's a tiny, tiny kitchen! A kitchenette, really.

I had been going to get sheet vinyl which is what I've got in the bathroom, but got put off when the sales person mentioned that if I dropped a knife and damaged it I'd have to replace the whole thing, whereas with LVT I'd only have to slot in another plank. Well, it turns out new planks are expensive and hard to get hold of so it's not such an obvious choice. The sheet vinyl in the bathroom doesn't look great, but has been really practical, easy to clean, nice to stand on, waterproof, etc.

I have the same worries as you about staining carpets as I'm clumsy! There's a reason I bought a wine coloured sofa lol. What about hard flooring but with some really nice rugs? Although cleaning-wise, it kind of gives you the worst of all worlds, lol!

Thanks for the congratulations on the wedding! And for understanding the stress about what it a very happy occasion that I should just be looking forward to! Actually one of my friends was helpful when I said I was going to look at a particular place for my outfit and she said she didn't think it was me, and directed me somewhere else. Now, I don't think the new place has anything suitable for a wedding that I could see, but it was so helpful in that I honestly don't know what my "style" is and having somebody suggest somewhere else gave me an idea of what she thought I might like. Because I don't know what I like. I could tell you what I liked 30 years ago, lol!

I hear you about the summer going differently, Suzy. But I suppose it's recognising that house moves and living with other people are very stressful things, as Snoozie says, plus all the worry with your parents. Thank goodness it's only seven pounds!

It's so funny, my weight has been up and down and all over the place, but I just had a look at "reports" and it's exactly the same today, to the pound, as it was a year ago! That's only because I had an unexpected loss this morning. But it just makes me laugh the way I keep floating about at the same overweight weight no matter what I do, lol! I'm five pounds above my previous maintenance weight, so really need to focus on losing that and then some more. Really, really feeling the extra weight at the moment. It feels like I'm just dragging it around - and looking in a changing room mirror after two years was not a pleasant experience!

I hope Milove is okay. I think they had mandatory evacuations in her area. Very scary.

On a much less important scale, I’m kind of in your situation Vail. I have a christening to go to on Sunday and I just tried on the dresses I brought with me for a “just in case” situation. Unfortunately, all the weight I’ve gained has apparently gone to my stomach. Nothing fits. I can get it on but I look like a pregnant 60 year old grandma. I guess I’m heading to a store this afternoon. Ugh. The only thing worse is having to buy a swimsuit.

Portion sizes are so key, Snoozie. I find that I overeat at almost every meal anymore. I think that’s what I really need to be concentrating on until we get into our house. I hope your bloodwork turns up good numbers for you.

I'm glad she is safe at least. How awful and frightening for everybody out there, especially after what happened a few years back. I'm hearing that the flood defences are better now, and hopefully a better outcome this time. I can't imagine living through it. Thinking of Milove, hope you and yours get through this OK.

Oh, that looks lovely, Snoozie! The first thing that popped into my head was "does it have a loo" lol! I bet it will be lovely for getting changed in or having a picnic, or retreating to when it rains! I'm going to have to see if there are any episodes online so I can see the huts on video!

What a cute little cabin! I love that she was able to buy one. I never would have thought to ask.

I hope you’re having some luck in finding something for the wedding, Vail. The stores here don’t really have a lot in stock. I was able to find a pair of palazzo pants in my closet that still fit. I think I found my dress for my daughter’s wedding online. Fingers crossed for you!

Yay on your A1C numbers and thyroid results!!! That’s fantastic!

I’ve scheduled our move for September 29!! I’m pretty sure that my daughter can’t wait. Lol.

I order online a lot. There’s a store nationwide (Kohl’s) that I order a ton of stuff from and then return what I don’t want to the brick and mortar store. They actually also take back any Amazon order, as well. That’s how I buy swimsuits, bras, shoes…you name it. I ordered about twelve swimsuits and kept one. It’s awesome.

We went to the christening today. I saw photos of myself for the first time in a very long time. It’s so depressing. I have gained so much weight.

Vail, how is your shopping going for your wedding ensemble? Gail, when is your trip? Snoozie, I saw a sign up board for pickleball at our new local community center. I may have to consider it once we move.

Hoping to hike tomorrow. We went last weekend and it was very humbling but I did it!

It’s kind of refreshing to know that I’ll be starting from scratch in my kitchen. It will be expensive but I’ll be buying all new food for my pantry and fridge. It’s an opportunity to start over and not have all the junk food in the pantry. I think I’ve found a doctor/practice for us to try. I’m looking forward to eating healthier. I actually logged my food for today! I haven’t done that in months. Now I just have to stick to it.

I didn’t end up hiking. I woke up with a sore throat and was exhausted from not sleeping well. It’s always something. My allergies have really been bothering me this year. It’s either that or I constantly have a runny nose from being around my grand baby.

Can you not find another pb partner for a little bit? Maybe a newbie who could use some help? I hate that you just started back and now have to stop.