Oh, no, Peg--can't close the flue until the fire is completely out! The glass doors will simply reduce (by a little, I hope) the amount of air being sucked out of the house. I see pictures of flooding in MA in the morning paper. Yikes! World weather has gone amok.

Something's wrong with my phones this morning--outgoing calls are not connecting. Wonder what that's all about?

Time to get ready for church. My sister is meeting me and our dad there, and afterwards we'll lunch somewhere and lift a toast to Mom's birthday.

Back later.

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


My Fitday Journal

Hi Gang!

Must be a good weekend for us. We are slow in posting. Except for you Barb! Sounds as if you have a very enjoyable day planned.

I'm continuing to work through my list. My danged printer has bitten the dust! I changed the ink cartridge and now it won't even print! I've worked through alll the things I know to do. Twice!! Ya know how it is when you set out to do something that something else comes up that you have to take care of before you take care of the thing you planned? Well, that's what's happening to me.

We leave for the great U.S. in three weeks! I keep thinking of another thing to pack in another place. Sigh.

Went to a concert at the church last night. It was very nice. And, good to see the church folks that I've lost touch with over the past two years. I'm humbled by their welcome of me.

Well, I need to get crackin' as my Mom used to say. See y'all 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
65 years young

Judy, I think you look even more beautiful in the big picture! Interesting that one of the pictures is flipped horizontally.

Whew - one dinner party down and one to go! Last night went well, except no one commented on the food. Makes me wonder if it just wasn't tasty to anyone except me... like my LC tastes have changed so much that I don't know what others will like anymore? I made roasted tri-tip with Dana Carpenter's "delux" cauliflower/wild rice dish, and I thought it was good. It's flavored with sauteed onion, butter, bacon, and parmesan cheese. I wonder if they thought it was really rice, but I didn't cook the rice enough? Everyone was talking and laughing a lot, so they were having a good time, even if the food wasn't to taste. Oh, well.

Tonight, I'm making oven-fried chicken and Marcie's mashed cauliflower (although I modifiy it by using less cheese and mashing it with a stick blender instead of the food processor). Everybody likes Marcie's cauli mash. This dinner will be a little more casual than yesterday.

DH just got back from playing golf, so gotta go. Hope to get back later today.

__________________
~~~Teelbee
Back to GOAL!!!
start weight: 176/goal range: 137-134/now: 138
Reached goal in Aug. 2003 - 4rd year of maintenance.

I'm baacckkk!

Whew. What a busy trip! It was a lovely funeral! My Aunt looked good and tons of people came. The deacon who did the various prayer services was excellent and the mass was very personalized for our family. The priest even mentioned my parents, which was a nice touch instigated by my cousin. The restaurant luncheon after the burial was delicious ( I ate everything!) and people got up and recounted their favorite stories about Aunt Sonia. We were all laughing and hugging. Can I say a great time was had by all? My cousin gave me a lovely picture that my Mom gave my Aunt one year for Christmas. Hand painted violets on glass from an old jeweler in Chicago (Bren, Ilse . . . Peacocks). I always loved it and now I have it, with beautiful memories of the Christmas it was given . . .

We left Chicago around 7PM last night and arrived in Quad Cities around 10. Got back to KC around 1 PM today . . . in time for most of the Chiefs game. DH is a happy camper.

DH just told me the luggage has been brought in. When we pulled in to the driveway, he had to rush in and turn on the TV. Now that the game is over, he unpacked the car. Gotta get organized. I'll be back tomorrow AM, bright-eyed (?) and perhaps even bushy-tailed to catch up with you all . . . Peg, FABULOUS picture! And I love the one of you, Judy. FANTASTIC!!

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

Hey Gang! I've missed you guys....

Judy, I think it's a great picture, too, Judy, and I love you in RED. I do know what you mean about the photogs making you smile and squint, though. DH and I did a portrait sitting benefiting the church a few years ago, and man those wrinkles were AMAZING. But they wanted as much for "softening" the picture as for taking it in the first place. I think it's a racket, LOL! Nice that the small screen is kinder to us, cause I don't see a bit of crow's feet

Peg and Alida, welcome home!

Peg, wonderful picture of you, for sure. And yes, you do have high cheekbones--not a trick of the angle at all. Makes a great avatar Glad you and DD had a nice visit. Wasn't sure how it would go after the phone issue. I've been reading about the flooding out your way and hope you aren't building the ark. I want a full report about your visit with Rachel, too!

Alida, at least we had wonderful weather here for your trip. So glad your time here was such a wonderful occasion to celebrate your aunt's life with family and friends. Oh, I certainly remember Peacocks--a Chicago heritage for so many years. How wonderful of your cousin to give you a momento that you have always loved and can now cherish for years. Also glad your DH got back for the game, else he would have been hard to live with.

Barb, hope you've enjoyed lunch with Sis And Dad. A beautiful day there, too, I think. You know, (one last comment on the flapping of flesh) actually my arms don't flap much (amazing) but the thighs make up for it--I swear, almost as big as my waist..... Like you probably, it's in the genes. I come from a long line of little pear-shaped ladies. I've been thinking I need to follow your lead and acquire the habit of working out at home more. Any recommendations on your favorite weight/strength training DVD's?

TB, I salute you for entertaining three times in one week. I know I'd be a nervous wreck! Sounds like you've got it all handled, though. Whew. You know, I can't imagine the tri-tip and cauli stirfry not being delicious, so I have to assume in all the good time, the niceties were omitted. Still, I know it's always nice to hear "something" when you've gone to so much trouble. Perhaps, since they were from your DH's work, they thought you'd had it catered! I bet it's fun to show off your beautiful new place, too Anyway, next time I need to entertain, I know I who to ask.

Our fireplace has glass doors and a recirculating fan, which all works nicely. A few years ago, though, we also converted it to gas logs. Not as lovely as real wood, but I got tired of dealing with the ashes and toting firewood down a half flight of stairs. Still, very enjoyable in winter, and Dad uses it to take the chill off the family room on cold mornings.

Shell, I know you are getting ready for the realities of "Monday Morning." Hope all goes well with your new boss, your new parter, and a busy week. Thinking about you, kid!

Ah, the tree thing. A Charlie Brown tree is about my speed. Ok, this is sad, but some years it's all I can do to put up the tabletop tree. You know I get the winter blues thing, and then the holiday blues thing, too. I always make an effort though, and I'm hoping this year will be much better--so far, so good, but after the time changes, we'll see how it goes.

Ilse, hope you are well, and Donna and Rachel are having a marvelous vacation.

Well, you guys, after headache started fading, I decided I needed to treat myself to a pedicure..Right? HA! Made an appointment, asking for the gal I really enjoy. When I got there, though, the whole crew was different, mostly guys , and there was only one customer in what used to be a very busy place. I should have listened to my instincts, but didn't. I like to think I'm up for a new experience.....but found having a pedicure by a guy who looks like he's an Asian gangbanger to be creepy. But mostly I'm bummed because it wasn't even a good pedicure! Oh well, I'll have to hike my toes further up the road....

Today was mostly cleaning up and catching up from the lost week, and even my oven is sparkly. Hope you all are well....let's go out there and have a good week.

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

Good morning all!

I got up late today . . . 6, instead of my usual 4. Guess I needed it.

Barb, it was good to hear your Dad is home, with a good heart! URI's can be nasty, but it sounds like the doctors were on top on that. How did you lunch go yesterday? A big "Happy Birthday" to your Mom!

So you are going to take pool lessons, eh? Have fun! It's too much math for me. You know, "hit the ball here and it will go there." Or would that be physics?? And as for Scottish dancing, I have watched it and it does look like so much fun.

Did you find some doors for your fireplace? We have glass doors with a gas starter. Our fireplace also has the blower thingy, but it doesn't really work that well. I am thinking of bricking over those ugly little air grates and just disconnecting the whole thing.

So looking forward to meeting you at Henry's. What dish are you bringing?

Ilse, becoming friends with the pool manager is a good thing! It does sound like you are getting into a routine, even though your ride to work is a little longer.

Shel, your week ahead sounds like it will be a little rougher with the new orientee. Hope your schedule is a little lighter so you'll have more time to train and less "baptism by fire."

Had to laugh at your "so ugly it's cute" comment. I say that all the time! I know the type of tree you are talking about. They DO look cute! We bought an artificial years ago. It was a very good one, and very $$ even on sale. Danged tree still looks good after 15 years, so I don't have any excuse to buy a new one.

Sorry you are stalled. It is just amazing that you are, what with all the exercise you do. Is it at all possible you may not be eating enough and because you are burning up so many calories your body thinks it's starving??? Just a thought.

Terry, whew! Three parties in a week! At least once the house was clean, all it needed was a little pick me up between parties. Hmm. I hate it when people don't comment on the food. My usual barometer is my DH. And he's smart enough to always tell me the dinner was good! Your menus sounded delicious!

Peg, to reiterate, the photo of you and DD3 is absolutely wonderful! And I like it as your new avatar. Your daughter is beautiful. You think she needs to lose a few pounds? See below for a picture of me and my sister. And how did the little get together with her go? B&B French Toast? I'll bet it was delicious!

While watching the news one AM in Chicago, I heard that the East was getting dumped on. Thought of you. How's the weather today? Is your ceiling holding up?

YIKES! Three more weeks? I'd be running around like a headless chicken.

Bren, No energy around Christmas time? SAD? Did you buy one of those light boxes? Standard time is right around the corner. If you do have SAD, now's the time to get one. I have heard so many good things about them! But you know, the older I get, the less I do each Christmas. I think that's just the usual lack-of-energy-as-we-get-older thingy.

Bummer about your pedicure. And on top of that, you say it was a lousy pedicure. I hate that. Pedicures are not cheap.

I did a lot of damage while in Chicago. I was just in too many situations where I had no choice in foods, did not drink enough water and didn't even take my usual supplements. Had real bread, one piece of candy, many cashews, sherbert with cookies, real pasta, real potatoes and wine. Sigh. All that equalled 4 pounds. BTB today!

While in Chicago our brakes started sounding funny, so DH is on his way to the car dealer now. Another little extra expense.

Never made it to Ikea. I just couldn't ask DH to spend more $$. But I am glad we got a hotel on the South Side, which was close to all the action. If we had to drive to and from the North Side, I think I just would have shot myself.

Here are some pictures. There's one with me and my sister. The other one is "The Girls." Margaret, my friend since kindergarten, me, cousin Marcia, and LaVerne, a friend since high school.

Have a great day!

Attached Thumbnails

   

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

Shelley, remember our discussion about your contacts? I forget the details, but I just ran across this blub from Paula Begoun's most recent newsletter . . .

Women (and men) whose vision is compromised by astigmatism and who have been unsuccessful in previous attempts with contact lenses have a new reason to consider tossing those glasses and seeing the world without borders. Vistakon, a division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, has launched Acuvue Advance for Astigmatism. This is an entirely new type of contact lens that "harnesses the natural pressures of a blinking eye to balance the lens in place while the eye is open and quickly realign the lens if it rotates out of position." Unlike conventional contact-lens options for those with astigmatism, Acuvue Advance does not rotate whenever your eyelids move. For more information on this new type of lens, call (800) 843-2020 or visit acuvue.com.

__________________
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 everyone!

I have been enjoying the autumn colors. I try to drive where there are more trees, just to see more of the changes. I don't think we are at peak, but we are getting there. When it gets gorgeous is usually when we get rainy, windy weather and it all blows down. I feel lucky to live in the Fox Valley area (near the Fox River) to have more to see. I know there are some great vistas near Algonquin too, right Brenda.

Friday, my aunt and cousin stopped by for a few minutes to see our new house. My DD and her kids stopped by too. My aunt lives in Montana and my cousin lives somewhat close to Rockford, IL.

This weekend was pretty quiet. We pulled out our various pieces of art to try to figure out where to hang the stuff. My DH hung most of the stuff Sunday. I spent some time in the basement Sunday pulling out my stained glass and jewelry equipment. I didn't unpack everything, but I did get a lot of boxes opened up. I think it's hard to know just where to put everything, as I have a different space for the stuff. But, at least I did some of it. We did a bit of grocery shopping. I think my DH expected me to get a lot more groceries, but I didn't. We also had lunch at an Irish restaurant called Claddagh Irish Pub (sp?). The menu looked very interesting.

I did swim 30 minutes today, but didn't make good eating choices once I got to school.

I hope all of you are well!

__________________
Ilse

380 (Highest)/318(9-11-08)/230.2(current)/154
5'6"
"It's kind of fun to do the impossible"
Walt Disney

Alida,

There was an Ikea that just opened up in Bolingbrook, IL, which is south-west of Chicago.

__________________
Ilse

380 (Highest)/318(9-11-08)/230.2(current)/154
5'6"
"It's kind of fun to do the impossible"
Walt Disney

Ilse,

That's the Ikea I was thinking of visiting . . . but glad we didn't. Just found out fixing the car brakes is going to run $500. BIG SIGH.

Well, maybe next trip!

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

Alida--welcome back. Glad things went well in Chicago. I have to say that your avatar doesn't do you justice. You're darn CUTE, girl! Looking forward to seeing you at Henry's--haven't decided what to bring. Probably chipped beef appetizers and/or sour cream cucumbers. Something VERY simple.

Thanks for the info about the Acuvue contacts. The monovision thing I've been doing is adequate--but not the sharpest solution. I'm not sure it's possible to fix astigmatism and presbyopia (at the same time) with contacts.

Although it wasn't clear in my post, my mom is celebrating heavenly birthdays now. Each of us had a dream about her last week!

Bren, for weight workouts, I'm currently favoring the low-weight/hi-repetition exercises typical of Margaret Richard. Her DVDs are on the expensive side, but a good value. Go to: www.bodyelectrictv.com to see her catalog. You don't have to invest in a lot of equipment--3, 5, maybe 8 lb dumbbells. I'll go have a look myself, and pick out a specific recommendation. Another source: www.collagevideo.com Their catalog (I like to get the paper one) features only exercise videos. Great descriptions for all types of workouts.

I'm told you can catch Margaret's workouts on fittv in some locations, so you can try before you buy. P. S. Okay, I looked at her catalog. I'd probably get SCULPTURE. The workouts are divided into upper and lower segments--so you can mix and match. I own Fitness Becomes You and All My Best, which are good. But Sculpture looks like total classic Margaret. I might get it myself one of these days.

The red maple trees are finally aglow in our part of the world.

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


My Fitday Journal

Hi Gang!

I can't believe that it is 10:45 and I haven't moved away from this computer yet!! Gosh, I get caught here and sometimes it's noon before I even look at the time! This morning I have been surfing the Handango site for my Pocket PC. I'm having more fun with this little Dell Axim I bought when I was working!

So good to see you all!

Alida: I can't believe that you have to spend another BIG amount of $$ on another thing that went out! Brakes! And you can't even WEAR them! Dang. :silly:

Sounds as though a good time was had by all. I looked at your pictures. Wow, girl. You are a real looker! You need to crop that pic of the "girls" and use that as your avatar. Your poor sis. Yaknow, I seldom comment on the weight of anyone. I remember what it felt like for me. Though no one ever said anything, I had this running dialogue with myself all the time. I don't think my DD3 needs to lose weight, but SHE comments on herself all the time. Yup. She learned real good from ME. Dang it.

Barb: I DO remember about your Mom. I'm sure that there must be a lot of b'day parties in heaven! My upstairs neighbor (with whom I am very good friends) has 6 adult kids and her new husband has 6 adult kids. Between them they have over 20 grandkids. Every time I see her leaving I ask, "Another b'day party?" "Yep," she says. Seems as if she has one every day. I think that's what it must be like in Heaven. Tony Campolo, a friend with whom I don't particularly agree on his theology, but do love his spirit, says that every day in Heaven is a party! I like that thought.

Bren: What are you doing today? It seems as though you got your house clean yesterday, so what's up today? I'll bet your are getting some hot knitting done! I cleaned out my knitting basket in preparation for bringing it along on the trip. I'm going to leave my prayer shawl out to work on in the car. Maybe I'll get that puppy done! I'm bringing all my needles and yarn with me in the positive hope that I can find a knitting class while there. There is a wonderful cross stitch and crewel store there in Redlands. Given the popularity of knitting, I'll just bet that they have added yarn and knitting to their store.

Gotta go and get a flu shot. Back 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
65 years young

Quickie --

Barb, yes, the Birthday wish for your Mom was sent heavenwards . . . and as for the dream, it's very possible she was talking with you through your dreams.

During the CATHOLIC Mass, the priest even hinted at that possibility. He said that Aunt Sonia will be looking out for all those she loves, even through dreams. And that we all could pray to her now. She'd run interference for us straight to God! Very nice and comforting thoughts. Resurrection Mass sure has changed!

Hmm. Chipped Beef sounds good. And the Polack in me likes sour cream cucumbers, too!

~~Blush~~ Thanks for the compliments on my picture. It does make one feel better, in spite of gaining 4 bleeping pounds!

Peg, lucky you to be able to get a flu shot now. At 59, I have to wait! And yup. Another 500 smackers.

Did your roof hold up with all the rain??

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

Hi Gang, (again)!

I haven't heard from Rachel yet!! I'm getting a little worried. Though I know that she had to visit several people both here in MA as well as New Jersey, I think. Isn't that where she said her Mom lives? Anywho, I'll be here!

No flu shot. The clinic was out of them. I almost didn't get on the list, Alida. You have to be over 65, and I'm not. I got through with my COPD. (chronic lung disease). Came from living for years in the smog, as well as smoking for 20 years. I gave it up 20 years ago. But, some "gifts just keep on giving." (rueful)

No. Our roof didn't hold up. We're going to call the handyman this week and see if he can come out and look at it. I should have called him last week when it was pouring, but I couldn't get myself to do much of anything except sit here at the computer, and sit on the couch and read.

The water is going down, TTL. We only have a "little" lake outside the back door. Nothing got in the slider. We can see the docks again on the big lake and it has subsided to be contained by the retaining wall, at least on one side. I'm not sure why it goes down. Some scientific theory, I'm sure. But, I don't know what it is. At least, here on the lawn where it wasn't supposed to go, I think it is just seeping into the ground. Today it is 55 degrees and sunny. Yay!

DH is out today trying to sell his pickup to a used car lot. We have several in the area. He doesn't want to leave it here empty and not running for the Winter. He drove 30 miles to pick up a new printer for me (mine bit the dust yesterday). Circuit City had one of those deals where it is on sale, but you have to pick it up? Well, he got there and they sold him a cheaper one! The one I ordered (and they said they had!) wasn't there. He could have saved himself such a long drive! Grrrr.

I got to cross several trips off my list today. Went several places and got several things I needed. Yay!

Brenda: The visit with DD3 was absolutely wonderful. She kept touching me and hugging me and telling me that she loved me. It made me feel so warm, compared to the welcome I didn't get from her sister this past Summer (in Dallas). I was a little worried too about how she would receive me after I got mad at her for ruining my credit. But, for once in her life, she seemed to accept my anger, and not take it as a personal affront that I have feelings. I was basking in the glow of her love. We had some really good talks about my gkiddos. So good to get news of them. I think I forgot to tell you all that my oldest (12) dgd called me in tears the other night. She had broken up with her best friend and needed an ear to hear and sympathize. I was just thrilled that she called me. (She is in SoCa. I am in MA!)

Well, I've cooled off now and had lunch so think I will install this danged new printer.

To all: Do you think I should take my desktop computer? I mean, just the computer? I could plug it in to the laptop for a monitor, and have the memory and the HD. I am having a hard time thinking of not having it for 6 months. I never use the laptop and just am not as comfortable around it. I am going to take my keyboard anyway. I hate typing on that little keyboard.

See ya 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
65 years young

Peg, I wonder if it would work better to have the HD removed and put into an external HD drive case for travelling? That wouldn't give you the advantage of the memory though.

I just say that because I would think that the constant vibration from road travelling might not be so good for a PC. It seems like it could possibly could loosen some of the components and circuit boards. Or, maybe there is a vibration dampening case you could get for it?

__________________
~~~Teelbee
Back to GOAL!!!
start weight: 176/goal range: 137-134/now: 138
Reached goal in Aug. 2003 - 4rd year of maintenance.