Donna, I'm so glad your party was such a success. That surely will be a lifetime memory for the Birthday Girl. Never too late for your first birthday party.

Sounds like the kitty population is having hard time all around.

The sky clouded over today, and we've had a little rain. Things have cooled off momentarily, so I was able to walk outside at lunchtime. I've been munching on a huge Fauxtato salad I made on Saturday. I got the recipe from a friend of mine who posted it on another low-carb website. It's roughly this:
1 head cauliflower, flowerets steamed or nuked until salad-tender, rinse in cold water to keep them from getting mushy
6 hardboiled eggs chopped
2 stalks celery
Medium onion finely chopped
Bamboo shoots (2-- 8 oz cans) (His recipe called for 1 lbs. can of bamboo tips, but I didn't find those in my store)
Roasted red pepper (also hard to find in my store--found 'em near the pickles)
Salt, seasoned salt, pepper or any seasoning to taste
Mayonnaise, mustard to taste (I used about 3/4 cup of mayo, and a TBS each yellow mustard and Jack Daniels Dijon--that just sounded good!)

I'm not much of a cook, but this was pretty easy to do, and tastes good.

I've read that broccoli, cauli, cabbage, turnips and a few other things are not good for people with hypothyroid. Who knew?? I don't plan to eat any of these things in excess, but I have a pretty big salad to finish before I swear off cauliflower, since my DH doesn't even want to taste it!

__________________
Barb L.
Atkins since Jan 2003
Maintenance as of 4/05


My Fitday Journal

Teel: Sorry, I guess I should have said that it's one of my dogs that is the screamer. But, I do have some of that bag balm and I'm going to try it. Thanks. I use it on my feet when the heels get cracked and it works great!

__________________
Donna
238.5/166.4/150
I will see my goal weight again!

Hey everyone!

A quickie lil' fly-by for me today.

Alida, so sorry the resident and guest kitties are having a hard time. Cats can be so particular with who they share their space with....like, I'm sure poor Buddy was thinking, "who ARE these cats, and why do I have to share MY space with them?"
Hope the feline feelings heal soon

Donna! WOOHOO...you did it!!! You ARE the hostess with the most-ess!!! I bet you felt so good that you were able to give your friend such a special *day* on her BD.
I bet she remembers her party and your kindness forever

Teel, nope, my hubby can tell the differnce everytime between the fautatoes and the real deal. I do make my mashed fauxtatoes a little different. I spin the cooked cauli in the blender, add 1-2 T. of lite cream cheese, and sprinkle in some butter buds, and blenderize the dickens out of it...till good and *fluffy*. They are really nice and thick and taste kind of buttery. I am trying to be more aware of my fat intake, so that it why I make them like that. So, faux rice would be a no go with him also. I've started buying the ready cooked pouches of brown rice at the grocery to keep on hand for when I make stir fry. I will eat my stir fry sans rice, but will prepare a pouch of rice for the old die hard, nope, not gonna try it, not on your life, DH...LOL. It's fast, and it makes him happy, so there ya go

I still haven't decided if I will continue to look or just get the chair that I found this past weekend. I am taking a break from making any decisions, and will deal with it this week end. So......how's that for making a decision??...LOL

Bren, what can I say...surely you don't think I am beginning to show tendancies of becoming a...a...I can't make myself say it...a...a.... procrastinator!!!!!!......GASP!!!!!!!!
Running out of the room doing my best blood curdling scream.........followed by evil laugh.......muaaahhhhhhhhhh. Oh well.....I'll have to think about it for a while...you know...whether to paint the toes tonight...

Alrighty....I'm going to take my undecided self into the kitchen to do some undecided chores...

Shelley

__________________
~~~~
Shelley
~~~~

Visit Kassie's Korner



Life deserves a treat now and again, but life also deserves being healthy[with required disipline] to make it worth living!

The count down to blast off is definitely on. Today I've done a brisket and have chicken cooking for chicken salad. I want to take lots of legal stuff so that I will be less likely to stray ....... remember I need to fit nicely into that good looking suit. Along with cooking, I did some shopping. There is a champagne brunch on the morning of the wedding. The dress is "resort casual". Ok, I have two levels of clothes...... conservative work with a few dressier things and jeans. Nothing in my closet comes close to meeting a "resort causal" description. So, I bought a cute red/pink/black/white print pique skirt and pink top this afternoon. It is so totally different from anything that I own that DH asked me if I was joking about wearing it. Whatever........, I finally think I am satisfied with what I plan to wear for each event (but I'm taking an extra dress just in case I change my mind.)

Donna, I'm so glad to hear that your party went well. I know you felt that wonderful feeling of satisfied exhaustion after it was over. So sorry thought ot hear about your puppy's paw. I hope she/he is better soon.

Peg, Bren, Shelley,Teel -- Can I be an associate member of your procrastination club? I don't often fall to membership levels, but let me tell you, when I have to grade essays, I could take over a temporary president. Please keep me in mind as a background member.

Barb, The salad sounds good to me. I'm not sure DH would eat it though. After what we paid for a head of cauliflower yesterday. I don't think I want to take chances righ now.

Alida, How did the kitties make it through the day? Are they getting better?

Teel, take some time to eat right and rest. My guess is that you have been overdoing it the last couple of months.

__________________
Judy
highest = 180, goal = 140
Every single time I put food in my mouth, it matters. No more fooling myself!

TB: Here is my post about the trip this Winter. We are spending the Winter this year in SoCa. We'll come back in the spring of 06, and sell in the summer, probably move in the late summer if there is a house in the old fart's home.

The apt. is $109 a day, which is less than a hotel. I tend to agree with Brenda. You KNOW who will be doing the hassling and headaches to get things into a furnished apt., and getting utilities turned on! YUP! MOIS!! The above also includes utilities including cable. I just have to find a way to get DH to understand. I looked online at apts. and there are only two rentals that show up in Redlands. Both are more than $1500. a mo. and both are unfurnished! There probably are more, but I know that the rental will be at least $1500. Anyhoo...I'll be out there next week and I can look myself and come back with some firm figures.

Our server was down today at work so I couldn't write. Now, it's 10:30 and I need to get off to beddy bye!

Alida: I hope the kitties are settling down. So sorry it was such a bad morning.

Judy: Golly! We're sure going to miss you. We would be driving a Lexus too. But, I'm doing my best to trade it for a Chrysler Pacifica. We'll see!

Brenda: My Sr. Pastor (you know, the one who I'm supposed to be filling in for?) is coming to Chicago for the weekend next week. I filled him in on the best spots to see.

Donna: Sounds like the work was worth it! Congratulations!

See you tomorrow all. Hopefully we will have the Internet back at work.

Peace, Peg

__________________
"Live the questions and some day you will live along into the answers."
Rainer Marie Rilke

Atkins since 2003
5'8" 206.4/197/175
64-3/4 years young

I was going to say the same as Judy, TB. You've really worked so hard for the last few months. It's ok if the rest takes a little time, but I am so sorry you are not feeling well. We're having a heat wave, too, and I do think that also will affect you, at least in energy levels.

Donna, temps in the 100's as a regular thing sounds unpleasant!

On the pedicures (and by the way, oh SHEEEELLLEY, how 'bout those toes), I decided that the average 4 or 5 pedicures I get a year are worth the relatively small risk. It's really for the pampering as much as the polish, and maybe I'm rationalizing, but I figure I'm much more likely to get run over trying to get to the nail shop than pick up an infectious disease. However, having said that, I do go to a very clean shop where they at least appear to take good precautions, and I wouldn't go if I had a cut or sore on my feet or lower legs. Even with my stubby legs, there's something fun and sexy about nicely polished toes and sandals, too.

Donna, I'm delighted the party went so well. You really did a wonderful thing for your friend, something she'll remember the rest of your life. But whew, I can imagine you are glad it's over. It must have been quite an interesting group, too, but I suspect you are also a lovely hostess. I laughed at your description of the old ladies packing it away!

Aw, so sorry one of your furbabies has a sore paw. I hope there's not anything still in the cut--if not, bless them, doggies tend to heal quickly and the Bag Balm will help. Of course, mine would immediately lick it off....

Judy, wow, it's getting to countdown time for sure. Your resort casual outfit sounds perfect--and it's also nice to try something totally different, isn't it. I think this will all be quite an adventure. Oh, I think we could at least admit you to honorary membership in the procrastinator's club, but I think you are going to wreak havoc on our reputation

Shell, I often have to make a decision by not making one initially. It confounds DH when I'm looking for something that I'll go to a dozen places, go home and mull a while, then go back to the very first place usually. I suspect by the weekend, the furniture issue will be more clear.

Barb, what you've heard about cruciferous veggies and thyroid seems to be true in theory. On the other hand, I've also heard that you'd have to eat tons of them to have noticeable effect. Your recipe sounds good. I might even add slivers of water chestnut for something crunchy, perhaps substituting for some of the bamboo shoots. Also reminds me that I haven't done any cauliflower in a while, if I can make myself to the grocery store.

Peg, how was work today? Was it as quiet as you predicted? By the way, I forgot last time to say congrats for speaking your piece with the idiot and remaining calm. Good work!

Alida? Are you ok after everything this morning? How's Buddy?

With the drought, an old apple tree in the back yard has decided to dump about half of its apples prematurely. Token has learned if she brings one in the house (just the right one, of course), DH will trade it for a treat. Mainly because he gags at the idea of her eating a wormy apple, LOL! But anyway, we of course have created a monster here, and I'm now turning up little apples all over, since they're small enough to almost hide in her mouth when the girls come in. I squished one in the dark last night and woke up the whole house, I think. Well, you can imagine how that felt!

Everyone, have a good day tomorrow.

__________________
BC
LC Since 1998
Highest Weight 172
Current 104-108

Peg, we were posting at the same time! Hey, girlfriend.

While you're in Redlands, call a couple of rental companies for quotes on an apartment full of furniture. I suspect that may turn him around, much less utilities and everything else. Or maybe it's time for a sharp stick--my friend Fiona's solution for recalcitrant animals and husbands ......

Hope your Sr Pastor misses the heat wave. It's really obnoxious here. However if it isn't overpoweringly hot I'd also suggest seeing the new Millenium Park downtown, too. I think perhaps it wasn't built last time you were here.

__________________
BC
LC Since 1998
Highest Weight 172
Current 104-108

Good morning everyone!

Well, Buddy stayed under our bed until supper time. He was famished. I gave him a treat of real tuna. He is limping a little, plus I found a few chunks of Buddy's fur in the basement. He did let me brush him last night and he did come down to the office part of the basement for a minute . . . so he's on the mend. Still no sign of Turkey. But the basement is so full of cubbyholes and boxes! The only way I found Buddy yesterday was because his orange tail was sticking out from behind a box.

Peg, NOW everything makes sense. I thought you were moving, lock, stock and barrel THIS fall. Duh. Was wondering why you were not in a sell/pack frenzy. I agree with Brenda . . . check out the real estate rentals when out there on your "Girl's" trip. My guess is you might find something cheaper . . . but would you want to live there!

Donna, finally the Party Report! I am so glad everything went so well. It really sounds like you thought of everything! Bless your heart for giving your friend her "first ever" party. It's hard to imagine being 49 and never having a birthday party, even as a kid.

Sounds like we are all having HOT weather. It's going to be 100 here by Friday. I had a brief thought last weekend about perhaps doing some garden work this weekend. Ain't going to happen now.

I've ordered the Leslie Sansone tape . . . the one for "Old Farts." That was the first step. When it comes, the next step will be to actually use it!

Judy, the big day is almost here! Your "resort casual" outfit sounds perfect! Pink is such a good color for you. And traveling in a Lexus will be a real treat. We will miss you while you're gone!

Barb, WOW. Your cholesterol numbers are great! And didn't Atkins mention the Armor brand of thyroid med as the best . . . or preferred? For some reason I am remembering that from his book. The cauli salad sounds wonderful. My current fave is:

Nuke a head of cauliflower, cool and place florets in a bowl.
Break florets up with a spoon.
Add a tablespoon or two of Olive Oil.
Add some shredded cheddar and some blue cheese.
Salt and pepper to taste.

If you like blue cheese, this is fantastic. Great hot or cold.

TB, it really does sound like your body is reacting to all the moving stress. As long as you can function with what's unpacked now, unpacking the rest can wait. Take it easy, friend!

Shelley, LOL at your description of your husband! I am lucky. Mine will eat anything! Perhaps one more shopping trip before deciding on that chair?

Brenda: stepping on an apple in the dark? That sends shivers down my spine thinking of what I ~could~ be stepping on! No wonder you woke everyone up! But I had to laugh at your Furkid's new trick. That is so cute!

I have another scaffold day today, but not too many windows. Nice check, too . . . which we need after paying the quarterly taxes!

__________________
Alida
5'1" ~ 59 years old
Highest weight: 165
Atkins 7/10/2004
160/126/125
RE-DO, January 2008:
167/162/135

Good morning!

Today is my grandson's 5th birthday! This picure was taken last week. Yesterday, I spent the day with my DD and kids. We went to Costco to get her beige 400 count Egyptian cotten sheets. We also stopped at Sears for a beige comforter set. I found faux fur throw pillows and a faux fur throw for a lot off. The throw had bee $40 reduced to $8. Later, I went with her to rent a truck from the storage place to load up their storage locker. As we got back, my DH had arrived. They got everything done and we headed home.

Tuesday, the house was shown twice. The realtor called to say that the people who saw the house want to meet with him Saturday to discuss an offer. I hope it will pan out this time. The other 3 offers we had gotten were too low.

Our heat wave continues. I just leave the air on and try to stay inside.

I rubbed one eye half red, so I haven't been swimming since last week. I wasn't sure if the chlorine would hurt the eye. I really need to start going again.

I ran out of the "safer" medicine for arthritis pain. I went back to Celebrex. My prescription was shipped on 7-7-05, but hasn't arrived yet. They promise to UPS a replacement by tomorrow.

I decided to probably not continue with the natural hormone therapy. It's very pricey at $69 a month. I didn't have enough taken out of the reinbursement account to cover everything. And, I still have hot flashes. Not pleasant when the temps are consistantly high. I think to get the hormone mix right, they would have to do more blood tests. I would have to pay for those, as my insurance covers one test a year (if I remember the terms correctly) I have an appointment with that doctor on Friday. I am trying to figure out if I should cancel the appontment.

Well, I should get off to the pool. I'll try a swim mask.

Attached Thumbnails

 

__________________
Ilse

380/286(current)/154
5'6"
"It's kind of fun to do the impossible"
Walt Disney

Ilse: I have a small Japanese fan that I carry for hot flashes. If anyone stares, I figure, let em. I'm kinda proud of being past menopause. Even though people don't seem to realize it unless I tell them, I am wiser! (no cracks now, you guys!)

Brenda: LOL on posting at the same time. Apples in the dark, yuk!! I would wake up the house too! And, in addition to the smell of apples, there would be "blue" air!

Shel: Sorry I didn't say hi yesterday. I was half spacey. HI!!

I gotta run. I'm having a pedicure and manicure this morning and my hair this afternoon. Ministry is SUCH hard business!! :gorgeous:

I'll post later.

Peace, Peg

__________________
"Live the questions and some day you will live along into the answers."
Rainer Marie Rilke

Atkins since 2003
5'8" 206.4/197/175
64-3/4 years young

Fly-by for me, too.

Alida, so glad you've found Buddy,
Ilse, wow 5 years old! How cute they are!
Peg, LOL, have fun and feel pampered!

__________________
BC
LC Since 1998
Highest Weight 172
Current 104-108

Judy: You must be so excited to be leaving soon. I remember when my son got married...I was a basket case. Took care of the nerves at the reception......far too many shooters. lol Have a great trip. The clothes sound just right.

Brenda: Had to laugh at Token bringing you apples. I had a siamese cat that used to raid the neighbours garden and bring me all kinds of goodies...a small tomato, tiny cantalopes, all kinds of things. I thought I was going crazy finding all this stuff on the kitchen floor until I caught him bringing me his latest treasure. Good thing the neighbours thought it was funny too. Sora's paw got so much better yesterday afternoon when we went to the park for lunch. She met a little male poodle that she thought she should impress, so they played for about a half hour. No limping. But, when we got back to work, the limp came back. Maybe she just doesn't like coming to work? I'd think that, except I have found a small cut on her foot. I'm sure she'll be fine.

Peg: We should get together with our fans and really give the world something to talk about. I have one at home and one at work. The boss kind of looked at me funny the first time I used it, but let him. I think it really helps. Don't seem to sweat as much when I'm waving that thing around. Hard to type with one hand and wave the other though? Have you tried that? Kind of like patting your head and rubbing your tummy! lol

I must be the only one that doesn't like fauxtotatoes. I love cauliflower, but didn't care for them all mucked up with other things. Maybe I got a bad recipe or something. I might try them again when the weather is cooler. Don't like heating up the kitchen and I don't have airconditioning. Although I have to make cookies tomorrow night...dh told his parents we would come to visit and they always like it when I fill their cookie jars. She's diabetic and he just likes to hide his chocolate chip cookies in the basement office. Too funny.

Thanks for all the kind words about having the party, but if you knew the lady that we had it for, you would be saving them all for her. Talk about turning your life around. She ran away from home at 12 when her dad tried to molest her as he did all his girls. She lived on the streets in Vancouver doing drugs and also became an alcoholic. Moved back to this area and married an alcoholic. Long story short, they cleaned up their acts and totally changed their outlook on life. She's in pain from arthritis 24 hours a day and sometimes can't even walk. But, she never complains. She never forgets anyones birthday even if it's just an acquaintance. She makes all her own birthday cards which makes them so special. I think it's just a treat to have such a special friend as she is, so to make her happy was the most fun. Her hubby says she's really tired after having the party which is what I was afraid of. When she gets overtired, her arthritis seems to get worse. Just hope I haven't set her off on a bad time.

Well, work is calling. Have a great day everyone....stay cool.

__________________
Donna
238.5/166.4/150
I will see my goal weight again!

Wow....
We've really been doing alot of *talking* in here today
That's a good thing...

Peg...LOL...hi back atcha!!. Woohoo for the pampering today with the hair and nails. Now, don't you dare mess up that manicure by cooking tonight; I think you need to dine out(that's what I do on nail day...hehe).

Bren....eeeeewwwwww.....squishy apples.......eeeeewwwwww.....LOL.
Guess what?????? The toes are painted!!!!!!...canyon coral Almost matches my nail polish, which is OPI, but I can't remember the color.
We are soooooo alike on the shopping thing! Yep...I go on *the hunt* like I'm obscessed...heh...then I come home and ponder on it, and usually go back to the FIRST place also! How weird is that?
Then DH does the *Oh God 360 eyeball roll* and says, "why didn't you get it in the first place instead of having to go back???" I just smile and say sweetly..."I know, dear, I should've listened to you"....yeah right!!! Really, after 31 years of marriage, my DH KNOWS that I always go through the same ritual when I'm trying to make a decision about something important. Bless his heart!

Judy, your new outfit sounds adorable. I agree...I bet pink is a grrrreat color for you!
You will be missed, but we will know you are having fun, so that makes it more bearable; just think of us every now and then...suffering with the heat down here in the *lowlands*

Alida, glad Buddy is on the mend from his kitty trauma. I can't believe Turkey hasn't come out yet!!! Man, he must be one scaredy cat!..ha! Hope he surfaces soon...

Ilse, your little grandkids are cuties. 5 is such a fun age! My little Isaijah turned 6 last January; they just grow up totally to fast! Hope you get good news on Saturday with the offer on your house < crossed fingers for ya>

Our heat wave is unrelenting. It has turned deadly; 2 children have died in the last few days...their parents left them in a hot car! I guess I don't understand how something like that can happen...I mean, how can you NOT miss your baby? In both cases, each parent thought the other had brough the child in from the car. I do feel for these parents, this is something they will have to live with and they will probably never forgive themselves, I'm sure. So sad.
Anyway, no rain in sight; our heat index is above 100 with actual temps 97-100...aacckk.

Teel, Barb, Teel, hope you feel better soon!

Later, ladies...

__________________
~~~~
Shelley
~~~~

Visit Kassie's Korner



Life deserves a treat now and again, but life also deserves being healthy[with required disipline] to make it worth living!

Well, back from work and DH is heating up the barbie! I don't cook, Shelley. He does. I am totally pampered! Since he is home during the day (and night as far as that goes!), he does most of it. I say "most" because he pretty much draws the line at most cleaning.

I've got wonderful toes, fingernails, waxed eyebrows, and gorgeous red hair again! Woohoo! I'm HOT!:gorgeous:

The staff got to meet the new interim today. I will find out how it was tomorrow when I go in. I have to do a graveside service tomorrow for a 67 yo woman who died with ovarian cancer. I don't know her or her family. I suspect that the funeral director just looked for the Protestant church in Sherborn and called us. That's all right. I don't mind. It's one of the ways that ministry can be so fulfilling.

I'm getting all atwitter about my trip to SoCa. I leave next Tuesday. I'm looking forward to getting away. I AM sorry that DH will be left here alone. But, (and this is COLD I know) there have been plenty of times in our marriage when I have been left alone at home while he traveled. Hmmmm.

So....here's my question for today: Why, when it feels good, and I know the benefits, don't I just buckle down and start exercising?

I've started with plantar fascitis again. I'm up about 10 lbs., I think. I'm afraid to get on the scale. I'm getting tired of monitoring every single bleepin' thing that I put in my mouth. I know, I know.....way of life, way of eating, I know. I've told others the same thing. yada yada. I'm not looking to eat out of control, but why does every single "cheat" show on the scale?? I haven't even HAD any bread!

Peace, Peg

__________________
"Live the questions and some day you will live along into the answers."
Rainer Marie Rilke

Atkins since 2003
5'8" 206.4/197/175
64-3/4 years young

Hey Gals! This is turning out to be a funny day. Our dryer conked out over the weekend, but DF forgot and washed towels. I draped them over the deck railings and told him we now looked like the hillbillies we are, LOL! Of course, we also got 1/2 inch of rain (Thank You!!!), so they ~really~ needed some drying.

And Peg, speaking of exercise, I dragged out my weights for the first time in months and put on my BodyPump music. WOW! Can you say ENDORPHINS! I feel wonderful even if I could only do about half of what I used to. My legs are like jelly as we speak and I know I won't be able to move tomorrow

Peg, I found when I started exercising regularly for the first time six years ago that I was much more motivated in a class or group setting. I meet some nice gals started to look forward not only to the exercise but also to a little social interaction. I have a friend I now knit with that I met when we sweated together at BodyPump and step. Maybe the old farts home will have some classes you can try or there will be a nearby facility. One of my dearest friends has just started exercising at age 59 because she's almost on insulin injections. What worked for her was initially the Christmas gift of some personal training sessions. She got the one on one encouragement she needed and is feeling better than she has in years. She now says she'd go without a lot of things to be able to continue with a personal trainer.
Just some thoughts.

LOL, you must look quite hot indeed!! woohoo!

Donna, what a funny kitty story. Token eats my cherry tomatoes if she can get to them. Made herself sick once last year. Both furgirls nibble salads from my mesclun, radish tops, and herbs and will eat my petunias like rabbits if I let them. I do let them eat all the greens they want, though.

As for faux potatoes, I don't fix them too often, especially the recipes which require lots of cheese or other fats, but when I do, Donna, I nuke the cauliflower in the microwave rather than heat the kitchen. I wrap the whole head completely in plastic wrap or Press and Seal wrap now, and cook until the head indents very, very easily. There's less smell this way, too.

Shell, whew. I thought I would have to hound you again about the toes. My mission is accomplished :great:
YES! Exactly!! Same here.

Oops, DH is in the dryer and I need to find a tool or something. Later gators...

__________________
BC
LC Since 1998
Highest Weight 172
Current 104-108