How is everyone?

Gail, how’s the sugar level? Is low carb working for you?

Vail, how’s the recovery going? I really hope you’re feeling back to normal now.

Snoozie, how’s the stomach issue?

We’re back from Colorado and it was a wonderful vacation. It really emphasized how out of shape I am though. Those altitudes are nothing to sneeze at! I didn’t get the headaches or nausea but would get out of breath so quickly! Gotta make some changes!

I am not used to being on the go again but I think that’s because I haven’t been this pulled in so many different directions before or at least that I can remember. My problem is that I can’t say no. I don’t want to let anyone down. Just found out that my son-in-law is going away for two nights for a golf outing. My daughter will have the four month old, the three year old, both dogs (one of which has to have shots twice a day) and they’re all sick with summer colds. Not the dogs, the people. Lol. So, I’m going to go stay with her. She starts back to work on Monday and is trying to get everything organized and be prepared. Just a really bad time for him to go away but I can’t say anything because I’m the mother in law.

My niece from Texas is coming here soon to visit. She’s going to leave her three year old with me so she can have a few days away with a friend. Her parents won’t watch their granddaughter so Aunt Susie does it. What is wrong with people? Aaargh! It will be good to see them though.

I’m really really hoping that once my daughter goes back to work that my schedule will lighten up. Maybe in November. Lol. Maybe then I can make myself a priority for just a little bit.

I’m so glad you’re feeling better and in time to see your favorite band on tour! That’s awesome! Good for you for putting yourself first for awhile. I’m going to get there. Soon.

Wow, Snoozie! Your group has really grown. You must be doing a great job as “cruise director!” Lol. Sounds like so much fun, too. The cooler weather will be a challenge with a group that large.

I’m worried about your blood sugars going back up. You worked so hard to get off the meds. I know you can get back on track! You can do this!

Sometimes I feel like if it wasn’t for bad habits then I’d have no habits at all. Every night, as I’m trying to fall asleep, I come up with a really healthy routine for the next day. I convince myself that I can make it a habit, that it will be so positive and empowering! Then I wake up late, skip the exercise and spend an hour watching tv while I eat my breakfast. Lol.

Happy Thanksgiving Snoozie! I hope you found a good deal on a tasty chicken. Enjoy!

I'm sorry you've been sick, Suzy. There's so much going around. Hopefully one of those three day things, and you'll be better by Monday.

I think it probably doesn't help with your lifestyle that you have been so busy with childcare and guests. It makes things so much more difficult, and of course you're making food for other people which you have to eat yourself.

No last days of good weather here! We have had storms and flood warnings! I'm really feeling my arthritis at the moment and I don't know if that's due to the weather. And because I'm trying to exercise and get my strength back after covid.

I have not been great eating-wise either. I lost so much weight with covid that I didn't push to lose more, and have been "maintaining". At least in my head I was maintaining, but I was actually gaining. Still not back up to where I was pre-covid, but I can really feel the extra - it's as if I lost muscle and gained fat! And I have been eating good food but also a lot of rubbish: I've had cakes, quiche, fish and chips, Hallowe'en sweets (yes, have been eating the candy I bought to give children at Hallowe'en), you name it. So trying to get back into the healthy eating. I have been watching/listening to the recent Tim Spector interview for inspiration.

I haven't been making much soups or stews after living off salads for months, but yes, now is the time! I don't have many suggestions: what I'm planning on doing next is lentil soup with some added chicken. I have bought some frozen soffrito (chopped veg) which is incredibly lazy but it's quite cheap and means I have no excuse! I also have some diced frozen cooked chicken in the freezer. All for making things easy. I only have one cooking ring so if I'm not using the Ninja cooker or microwave it needs to be a one pot thing! I do have an Instant Pot but it's kind of big for one person. Last night I made sort of bolognese thing with lots of veg to have with courgette "pasta" which was quite nice: I have some left for today. Lentil soup is my go to and I usually use red lentils which are quick but I have a packet of pre-cooked black lentils which I'm going to make something with: that will be even quicker. Also going back to having porridge occasionally now that it's so cold - it's comforting!

Sorry Vail, I laughed out loud at your last bit. Lol! They didn’t have broccoli, cauliflower and berries so OF COURSE the next logical choice was chocolate, crisps and bread rolls. That sounds like the way I shop. Too funny!

It sounds like we’re all struggling a bit with our healthy eating choices. Winter definitely puts a damper on things for me. I’ve got to find some motivation somewhere.

Still struggling with my voice and some congestion but I think it’s better.