Chris, I am a coffee snob too. I don't blend my beans but I do grind my own. Our espresso machine at home is the best thing we ever bought! It has preset functions that you can customise so we have it set to make the perfect latte. The milk makes a difference too - we use a local single-source milk that is just beautiful (the few times we've had to buy a different brand it just didn't taste as good!). Sorry to hear about your heart issues, my mum has a-fib as well and it has caused her some awful issues. She only got diagnosed after she went to see a doctor about her leg which was puffy and constantly weeping a clear liquid (we assume lymphatic fluid). He pressed his finger on her leg and sent her straight to hospital, where she was flown out to a larger hospital and stayed for a couple of weeks. She had a few procedures and now she's right as rain (with medication, of course). She's a farmer so she's tough as nails and never puts her own health first so I'm really glad she listened to the doctors! I hope your medical team can get your heart sorted too.

It's a rainy day today, and quite cool. I was hoping that the weather would be warming up soon but it's taking its time unfortunately. I am generally an evening exerciser so I will aim to get a workout in tonight after my son goes to bed.

I don't know if any of you are following the soccer world cup, but our Aussies are through to the semi finals which is the best we've ever done! I watched the penalty shootout on Saturday night against France, it was nail-biting for sure (I'm not actually a soccer fan and couldn't sit through the whole match, but I did turn it on for the penalty shootout). Our girls face up against England on Wednesday for a spot in the final - we're all very proud!

Christie

We made it safely to St Simons Island, GA. I drove the entire 5 hours because I don’t like anyone’s driving except my own. It’s a control issue. 🤷🏽‍♀️ mom was a little tired from the drive so we made it an evening in and watched the Braves with her. We have a very busy day on Monday with a trolley tour if the Island, her birthday dinner and a celebration on the rooftop after the sun goes down. We did get in a little pool and beach time after the sun set as it was about 100 degrees. Here’s a couple of pictures. My mom, 3 sisters and 3 nieces. The sunsetting behind the clouds. My mom enjoying the beach. It was a good first day.

Finally posting some pictures from my trip to Budapest a week and a half ago. Work takes me there a few times a year. I think I’ve been there at least 20 times at this point. What a gorgeous, gorgeous city. It was so interesting going this time because I went with some new people on my team and they really wanted to explore. Three of us went in a day early and went to Vienna (I’ve always wanted to go)…so glad we did….gorgeous city! We ate in a very old Inn where Mozart and contemporaries of his time used to hang out. Has to eat Wiener schnitzel while there!


These are some pictures.

Last, but not least, we did a teambuilder and tour at a 1000 year old Abbey. This place has an amazing history. At one point they had Jews in World War II, and they’ve survived three fires, and today they are a catholic boarding school. Beautiful ..

Let’s try more pictures. These are from the birthday afternoon. Mom, the daughters and granddaughters.

Shelley, I have insulin resistance (and PCOS) so I do keep some things on hand to help when my blood sugar drops - the trouble is knowing how much to have. Glucose just on its own makes me feel ill, and I find better results when there is some protein included (otherwise it spikes too high afterwards). I'm just still figuring it out!

Yesterday afternoon I took my son for a ride on our little motorbike. It's a 47-year-old Honda that was my hubby's bike when he was a kid (we're farm kids!) and he's been restoring it. Kiddo has been LOVING it - he's too small to ride by himself so hubby or I have to take him. Our new house (we moved about 8 months ago) has a few acres so just enough room to ride around on our block. We went for a few laps around yesterday before it got too cold/dark and it was such fun!

Here's a pic we took at the end - kiddo is pretending to ride so don't mind the action blur of his arm as he "revs" it!


I closed my Apple Watch rings, but didn't hit my step count unfortunately. Did some bodyweight exercises (pushups, lunges) and I'm sure feeling it in my chest today!

Kathy I love the group photos. And the matching tees. Great touch. I was able to see your earlier photo's. Loved them all. Your mom is so lucky to have you all.

Karen I saw yours also. Such beautiful buildings. I noticed the roses in the forefront. Simply beautiful.

Christie what a handsome young man. I know you will find the right combination of protein and sugar. I think weight training will help. I think it helps with everything. Especially burpees. I may not have grown up farming, but I do like to grow things.

Chris, he is growing to quickly. Walking will be soon. Memories can be so bitter sweet. Hugs my friend.

I went on a road trip to a museum for military vehicles. Every history buff should go. So much history. We were there for several hours and could have stayed longer. Then we had ice cream in their restaurant. One scoop was more like fill the cone and then put on a scoop. To much. But so good.

Shelley

Chris that sounds like a good day. I am posting some pictures now.

The museum of military vehicles is huge. And the first few rooms were rifles and the likes. You could wander for hours listening to tours and reading. The staff were very knowledgeable. If you come to Yellowstone you need to stop in.

Shelley

Shelley - those pics are cool....I've always been into all things military. The vehicles always look so sturdy....hard to believe they can move sometimes!

Your pathway looks great! Love the seating area..

This vacation has been a mixed bag to.be honest. Bella's had some significant GI issues that have made it really hard on all of us. I heard back from her Dr (we had taken her for a visit before vacation) and she's now given us the greenlight to go to a specialist. I stayed home with her yesterday and Jim went to the beach. She did feel well enough at Noon and we walked over to a local thrift shop and got some goodies. We did do the boardwalk at night which was fun. Making the most of it....we leave tomorrow...so hoping for a beach day where we can all go!

Attaching some pics....

Highest weight: 248
Ultimate goal weight: 148
Aug 31 goal weight: 172.4

July 31 ending weight - 174.2
Aug 03 - 176.8 egads!!!
Aug 10 - 175.3
Aug 17 - 172.8 😎
Aug 24 -
Aug 31 -

Okay so I’m absolutely moving to the beach. 🤣 This is definitely all about being active because we ate a lot and it wasn’t always healthy. It was all the activities and just being happy and not focusing on food. I’ve have to continue this the remainder of the month.

Kathy

Chris, boogers, boogers, boogers. I am a stinker. Sorry your SIL can't be consider your time.

Kathy does moving to the beach mean you will not eat healthy? And to much? Nope you are a land lubber! Stay healthy my friend.

Karen good luck getting to the root of Bella's issues. GI issues are no fun. I hope you had that day at the beach.

My mom will be staying with us longer. She lives between Silver Lake and Granite Lake. By Medical Lake WA. There is a fire raging. They have evacuated all the area. Homes are burning. Elementary school, gone. We would be surprised if her home survives. My sisters first home is gone. My grandmother's home may be gone. We hope to hear more tomorrow.

Shelley

Sorry Chris. I may have gone to far. I am glad the party was so much fun. I do need a picture of the cake.

My moms house survived so far. Fire is not contained yet. I heard that over 100 homes have been lost. One was only a block from hers, and also the one directly behind hers. Scaey.

Shelley