What nice smiles you all gave me when I read the posts first thing this morning: First Donna, Micayla's picture is just perfect!!! So very cute! I hope she keeps that feisty spirit! Then Barb, your comment
LOL, I really got a good laugh!

So that was a good start to the morning, which otherwise consisted of shoveling snow. Egad, after a couple of hours I was starting to fade, but hooray, my neighbor came over with his garden tracter/plow and took care of the last 4 feet of the driveway as well as the mound the village plows had pushed into the end of it while clearing the street. I was so grateful I gave him a bottle of wine. I know he'd have preferred beer but I never have any. Of course, snow is old news to the KC contingent, and to you, Donna. I'm wondering if Shelley any of this storm. Peg, lol, I do know you feel for us. I'm delighted for you that snow drudgery is a thing of the past.

Barb, sounds as if you are enjoying your culinary expeditions. I do imagine cooking could be a rewarding experience if it were also "optional." Peg, Ha!! A 1/2-butt kitchen. Perfect for me! A 1/2-butt kitchen for a 1/2-a**ed cook :silly:

Speaking of cooking, Alida, how nice that your Pecan Blondie recipe "failure" turned out to be such a winner. Of course now you'll have to figure out how to replicate it. Your praline recipe is one very similar to the one I made years and years ago. Of course, I didn't know any of the finer aspects of candy making, so it was always a surprise to see if I'd have pralines, rocks, or goo. Those are very nice tips you've included.

On the slow cooker, Alida, anything would be high tech compared to what I had--one of the original crock pots with no removeable liner and only 2 temp choices. This is what I'd ordered:
Euro-Pro Slow Cooker Now they email me that a replacement won't be available until January, so I will probably cancel the order. <sigh>

Judy, knowing how busy you are, I for one am thrilled even to get a note here and there from you. Rachel, same goes for you. We're here, and as Peg said, saving a place when you are able to catch your breath.

TB, oh how lovely for your co-workers to have had the advantage of someone with massage training amonst them! LOL, I would have been your best friend, for sure Yesterday, I did feel so much emotion, and also much heat/energy flowing, as you mentioned. A very powerful experience. Funny, but my DH is the same as yours--really doesn't like any kind of massage, doesn't even like the thought of it! What IS that about, anyway. Weirdos? Yes, definitely!

Peg, how'd the hair and color go? Oh, can't tell you how I always dreaded having to find a new stylist when we moved......hope you've hit a winner right off. On the knitting, man, I know how you feel finding that dropped stitch. It's always a tough decision, and for me depends mostly on how visible the booboo will be. I was going to make scarves for my two gf's here, but we're going to do our annual Christmas GNO (girl's nite out) Monday. So instead they'll get dried herbs from my garden, which I hope I can make presentable with fancy glass jars and bows and some hand made goat's milk soap.

I do think it may take some time before your body readjusts itself and realizes it's in California. By all means, take every opportunity to get some sun. And definitely, carb cravings and SAD go hand in hand if my experience is typical. It seems to be part of some primal hibernation instinct, too. Another thing I read, though, is that sun/light therapy for SAD won't be affective for people who are completely deficient in serotonin. It's as if the body needs a little serotonin to prime the pump so that the light can do its work. ----Hope your tummy is better now!

Donna, enjoy your weekend! And congrats to your DH for painting--LOL, though that you knew through the grapevine he was going home early--the advantage/disadvantage of a small town, eh? Can't get away with Nothin' Again, thanks for taking the time to scan and post Micayla's picture.

Ilse, gads, you shoveled for your DH last night. Sure hope he appreciated it! I stopped by the new TJ's this afternoon, and it was absolutely covered with people, isles crammed! However, it is quite a bit bigger than the Lake Zurich store and will be lovely once the opening crowds thin out. The only opening special is a drawing for free baskets of TJ goodies.
_______________

Well, seems Dad is on his way home. First his plan was to come home after Christmas, then on the 19th, then on the 14th, and now tomorrow.....he's either bored or he and Marjorie are getting on each other's nerves. Of course, he'll be here a few days and will be bored and we'll be getting on each other's nerves. <sigh> On the other hand, DH will be home tomorrow which is something I can look forward to. Sorry for being such a downer where DF is from. I know most of you have/had quite different relationships with your fathers. Truly I try my best to be generous, compassionate and forgiving, but my anxiety level still triples when he's here, even under the best of circumstances. TMI!

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

Good morning! It's 3:44 am, KC time. I have got to get a more "normal" schedule going. I tried to get back to sleep but no go.

Peg, I do hope your tummy is better. I also hope it's not the tummy flu like Teel had over Thanksgiving. Maybe it was just taking too many pills in one swallow. Take it easy, OK?

How did the cut/color job go? Did your BF give you a recommendation, or did you wing it? A bad cut can grow out (like Brenda's) but a bad color job (Barb's Purple) takes fortitude!

Did you tink?

Do you really think you have SAD? (Sorry, CRS). If you do, perhaps it will take some time for your body to realize it's back in CA. Does taking oral Vitamin D help at all, or does it have to be sunlight? Also, I would think just the move (and living with a 1/2 butt kitchen!) has added a little stress. Even though you are where you want to be, I'd imagine there's still some coping going on.

Brenda, that slow cooker sure looks like the Programmable Crock Pot I have. But programmable is really a misnomer. It's still high/low with a few "set hour" choices, then reverts to "warm" when the time is up. One nice feature of your pot is the digital display showing time left. I got mine at Linens N Things with a 20% off coupon. Love those coupons!

How nice of your neighbor to help you out with the snow! Those piles left by the driveway from the street plowing can be huge! And giving him a bottle of wine was so nice . . . even if he'd rather have beer!

Dried herbs from your garden will make a wonderful gift! And goat's milk soap? You are a wonder! So cool . . . .

Glad your husband will be home today to help you out with your Dad's return! It does sound like your Dad was getting restless with Marjorie. Good thing???? Don't apologize for your feelings. It's tough. "You can pick your friends, but not your family" is so true. People who have family that are truly friends are very, very lucky.

Terry, sorry you are having computer troubles. That is so frustrating. Now that you mention the problem, I had that happen twice with my new computer. I'm in the middle of something and it just turns off. I am wondering if hitting a wrong key combo might toggle a "computer turn-off" switch. My virus software detects no viruses. Whatever you find, let me know, OK?

How wonderful to have had massage training. You must have been very popular! I, too, love massages. Can't understand people who don't. Maybe they are uncomfortable with the closeness of a stranger? Maybe they feel pain more than relaxation? Dunno. I do know I don't like any massage around my stomach. But anywhere else, the harder, the better!

Donna, what a horrible accident that was. I am amazed the dog got out. I do hope and pray he is found safe. There was an accident here in KC that had me puzzled. A car driven by a young man went off the road, hit a tree and burst into flames. But the puzzlement was that this was on Ward Parkway, which has a speed limit of 35 mph. No snow or ice. I can see being distracted (cell phone?) and hitting a tree. But not going that fast, why would the car burst into flames? Hope there is a follow-up story on this.

How wonderful of your husband to pitch in . . . just when you think he'll be taking a nap. They do surprise us every now and then, eh?

Ilse: you are a real trooper to shovel the driveway, especially with your knees! Let us know how Narnia was. Bob wants to see it. He loves movies with fantastic special effects.

Happy Saturday! Lots to do . . . more baking and cleaning. Tomorrow is Mark's ordination. Oh, Peg, this may sound silly, but what color wrapping paper is appropriate? I have some plain white, red, gold and Christmas Green.

Have a great day!

__________________
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 Alida! And Barb, you are probably up and running, figuratively if not literally I finally fell asleep just a bit before you got up, Alida, but I'm up again to get myself off to O'Hare in an hour.

Alida, oh I'm a wonder all right, but I must clarify that I didn't make the soap. It was made on an organic family farm just north in Wisconsin. The gal that makes it raises her own goats, add various herbs and/or essential oils, and sells at farmers markets. It's wonderfully rich and creamy. Of course, their veggies are darned good, too!

On the slow cooker, I'd settle for about anything that works well. From what I've read lately in the reviews, way too many of them manufactured lately have thermostat problems cook the food too fast. The lids don't fit as well as they used to either, and let steam escape. Unfortunately, Rival, of CrockPot fame seems to be the worst offender for iffy products. Sometimes older is better. Of course that's true of a number of things, including us

__________
Finished reading Molecules of Emotion by Candace Pert PhD last night and started Live Bait. I do recommend the former for not only an layperson's introduction into the mysteries of the chemical basis of feeling (and perhaps even a bit of the ineffable) as well as a fascinating story of a brilliant but iconoclastic female scientists experience with the "big science" machine.

Have a good one, everyone!

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

A long thread to read, so let me just acknowledge everyone's contributions and move forward. Peg, hope you're feeling better. You probably are experiencing even more stress than you can consciously acknowledge.

Bren, don't apologize for the DF thing. I admire people who manage to be kind and giving (mostly) with a parent with whom they have a less-than-comfortable relationship. I'm headed over to my dad's this evening for Happy Hour. I hardly ever see him at home (since I don't have to go out there to visit Mom anymore). He likes a martini (or two) in the evening, and I can use this as an excuse to have a little wine. I don't drink it when I'm with my DH even when we eat out. I think it's hard to watch someone enjoy even a little glass of wine without feeling deprived not having one, too. I've done that for years. Of course, I truly believe that not drinking has had a beneficial effect on fat-burning.

DH didn't get to the grocery store on Wed because of the snow. So I volunteered to go this morning. I knew the store would be empty early on Saturday, so why not? I had to re-write his list before I went. He knows the layout of the store, so his list is written down only in the order he thinks of things he needs. I knew I'd be chasing all over the place with a list like that, so I rearranged it by category. Just one more detail in the difference between us--and perhaps men and women in general.

I tried to buy the brands he usually gets, even though I was much inclined to go with the store brands and bargains. Later, I'll hit the health food store to get ingredients for pumpkin thingies and other treats.

He's up way early this morning anyway, because the woodman is here to deliver another cord of firewood. Love that fireplace.

Enjoy the weekend everyone.

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


My Fitday Journal

Barb, thanks so much for stopping by my journal! I have to order another cord of firewood within the immediate future. I have gone through at least 1/2 of my supply in the last couple of weeks.

__________________
196/135-135

Hi Gang!

Thanks so much for all your care about my tummy. It was evidently just trying to take too many supp's in one handful. I was a little queasy through the day, but it went away.

We went out past Palm Springs (Indian Wells) for dinner with my DH's DD1 and DS2 last night. I came home with all kinds of conflicting emotions. Not sure that I can even sort them out just yet. What I am sure of is that whatever happened triggered some of the "left out" feelings that I had when we were first married here 23 years ago! His DD1 is a very difficult person to get along with. More about her some other time. I have already cried this morning, and still have a lump in my throat. You guys, I haven't cried in nearly 20 years!!! (Unless it was a sad movie)

I expected to have some difficulty with "coming home" after such a long absence. When we left I was only 2 years away from Robyn's death, and my other two daugthers were 14 and 15. I was an emotional MESS. In the intervening years I have become a completely different person than that very broken person. BUT, Christmas is hard still. She died in January and her birthday is in February.

When we get together with DH's kids they have happy funny stories to tell about Christmases past. I just sit there. Their stories are 30 years old. My "family" dissolved 30 years ago. I began a terrible long road of recovery and "child sharing" (commonly called "joint custody") Christmases became either comforting the girls because we didn't have the family we used to have, or mourning the fact that they were with their Dad.

In the intervening years (the past 22 years) I have had a life with DH, mostly alone with him. We have Christmas memories, mostly without kids because we have been 3000 miles away and they didn't have the money to join us.

Well..that's probably TMI, but I am trusting that you all will receive my story with gentleness and the love that you always do. Most of us have a "prior" life. I have successfully ignored it because we left home. And, here we are where it all happened. Robyn is buried here. I had my babies at the community hospital here........oh geez!

Terry: I know how annoying computer problems are. I hope you are able to figure it out.

Alida: I hope you can get some rest today. Though, know that the holidays can bring on their own kind of stress. By all means use the white paper. That is most appropriate. Ordination can be thought of kind of like marriage. In the darkest reaches of our Protestant minds, we understand that the covenant we make with God in our ordination is every bit as important as the covenant we make when we promise to "love, honor, and cherish."

Brenda: And, speaking of stress......I can only imagine what it must be like to have your Dad living with you! You go right ahead and vent (see above:crying: ). No one here is going to think any less of you! It will be interesting to see why he came home. Hmmm.

Have you enjoyed your time alone? It sounds as though much of it has been taken up with snow removal and heel fixing. And, speaking of "heel fixing" I haven't ripped out the scarf yet. But, I agree with you about the way it looks. It doesn't look good. So, when I get time, I will. Probably tomorrow.

Barb: Sounds as though you are getting ready for Winter too. God bless you for doing the shopping. I know what you mean about the "lists" DH redoes anything I write for the store because he doesn't want to go in any row he doesn't need to. When I shop, I often go up and down every row. Of course, I don't shop very much.

Donna: How is the holiday coming with you? Do you feel as though you are going to be ready? I know that you are trying to get that room done. It sounds as though you will get it done without too much time to spare. How is Lissa?

Rachel: Hope that you aren't running around too much. I hope that the Holiday is shaping up for you in a good way. It seems to me (CRS) that you are getting ready to go to Spain for Christmas. Is that right?

Peace and Love to you all,
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

Hmm... you might ask him how he feels about you having a glass of wine. When I quit drinking (just before Xmas about 10 years ago), I only ever had one time when I felt a little ~wistful~ watching others drink. It was that first Christmas day when I was serving the champagne. I didn't actually feel deprived; and it was so great to wake up the next day feeling fine. I used to always feel wretched the day after a party because I hated to waste the wine left over in partial bottles. As I cleaned up, I'd often eyeball a bottle and judge that "there was too little to bother saving", so I'd drink it.

Alida, thanks for the recipe, and especially for pointing out the tricky bits. Yes, it was the hard, sugary type of pralines that I remember so fondly - individually wrapped in wax paper for shipment.

I'm hoping DH will help me with decorations today, but we've already had one spat about extension wires. He's not inclined to make any effort to camoflage wires, and gets quite testy with me when I ask if he can't hide them better. How do you all hide your wiring?

Peg, I thought you had the most gorgeous hair when you visited - beautiful highlights. I hope you are happy with this new stylist.

Argh... out of time for today. Everyone, have a great day.

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

My hair color and cut are fabulous!! I forgot that this is SoCa where people DEPEND on looking good. (Sigh)

__________________
"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, it's perfectly okay and safe for you to unload your feelings here. However, it all sounds deep and complicated, and this might be a time when you (as a professional counselor) might consider a few sessions with a professional. Of course, he/she may say (as we sometimes do) hmmm.. ...yes ...I hear you...And how did that make you feel?.... So maybe the free listening is just as good.

Pumpkin Thingies :great: Stirred up the batter, and made two of these for lunch. Easy peasy, filling, and tasty.

Teel, thanks for your word of experience. I'm pretty sure DH would not object in the least to my having a glass of wine without him. This is completely my choice.

I remembered one good thing about deep snow. Snow Ice Cream!! I made some today. Here's a "recipe" such as it is:

3 cups or so of fluffy snow (scrape off the top layer--no dirty snow!)
Half-n-half (I used about 1/4 cup) or cream
1/4 tsp (or so) vanilla extract (or any flavoring you like)
Sweetener (I used 4 packets of Splenda, I think)
Stir this lightly until you have a sorbet texture.

This is extremely inexact. You get the idea. Fun treat for a winter day.

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


My Fitday Journal

Hi tribe!
Just a quick fly by for me. I have spent the day on the sofa and running to the bathroom with N&V...aacckk. It has been a long time since I have been this sick. I HATE tossing my cookies.(I know, TMI) My back and legs ache, so I think this must be a type of GI flu, but it could be from all the crapola I ate yesterday to. The Christmas goodies are starting to arrive at work, and they are NOT low anything...carb, fat, or sugar free...<sigh> Anyway, my plan for today was to get back on track and go to the gym, but it didn't happen. :(

I know everyone is super busy this time of year, but you all are always in my thoughts!

(((hugs to all)))
Shell

__________________
Shelley


Visit Kassie's Korner


"A goal without a plan is just a wish."
--Antoine de Saint Exupery

I’m SOONER born,
And SOONER bred,
And when I die,
I’ll be SOONER dead!
GO SOONERS!
I be ready for some football!

One little walker-runner Dude for every 10 miles!

Good Morning!

Brenda, now you tell me the Rival Crockpot has thermostat problems, LOL! Thinking about it, it does seem to get awfully hot. And the cover is glass with a little stainless steel handle, which gets very hot. The cover on my old one was plastic. Did not get hot.

Seems like any reading is put off by the Christmas Hustle. But Molecules of Emotion sounds fascinating. Does it help explain why I eat (lc) sweets when stressed?? I'll add that to my list, along with Barb's The Mother Tongue for my next library trip.

So, DH and DF are both home now. Cuddle with DH and take a deep breath for DF. Did DF happen to explain his earlier-than-planned arrival home?

Ah. Here I thought you slaved away over a hot pot of goat soap! Reminded me of a gal who raised llamas here in KC. As a wedding gift to someone, she actually carded the llama hair, spun the thread and knitted (X). Sheesh. Can't remember what it was (CRS). I do remember I was duly impressed.

Barb, I had to laugh about you re-writing the grocery shopping list! For years, Bob shopped at Price Chopper. Since I had been at that store with him several times, I knew the lay-out. So any lists I wrote were in aisle-order. We have now changed to Hy-Vee. Well, the Thanksgiving Shopping List was written for Price Shopper. When I went with him for the TG expedition, I was thrown for a loop. Aisles definitely different. Lots of back tracking.

How did Happy Hour go with your Dad? How is he getting along now?

I have never heard of Snow Ice Cream! I'd better get some snow and try it before it melts. Since it was so warm yesterday, I wonder if it's still "fluffy" enough.

Peg, ((((HUGS)))) I will reiterate that no information is TMI. ALL information tells us who you are and what you are feeling. I am a firm believer in "sorrow shared is sorrow halved." I tell everybody everything, much to Bob's discomfort and amazement. He's a more private person.

Barb's suggestion of visiting with a counselor may be a good one. (And so's her mention of why it may not, LOL!) Peg, you have so many issues to deal with. As you say, in MA the issues were far away. Now they are all brought back home. I wish I knew some comforting words to share with you. All I can say is that we are all here for you.

Thank you for clarifying the "right" color to wrap an Ordination Gift! It is a marriage, isn't it?

Guess you won't be scarfing down your supps any more Take it one pill at a time!

No rest for me yesterday -- see below.

Teel, did you get a response from McAfee about your computer shutting off? I am curious because I have the same problem.

As for wires, are you talking about the tree or some other decorations? We have an artificial tree and I wound the wires up and down EACH branch, over and under each bough, so there are lights every friggin where. For the mantle, I used a white extension cord from the plug to the top of the mantle, hung up behind the swag with one of those 3M Command hooks. All we have to do is plug in the light to the extension cord. For my china cabinet top, the extension cord hides behind the back of the cabinet. Those 3M Command hooks are really great!

I hope you do make the praline recipe. It is far and away the most popular sweet in my gift boxes. I wrap each one in little colored foil squares I get at a place called Sugarcraft. The site is a mess, definitely "loving hands of home." Also hard to navigate. But it has TONS of stuff like wrappers, foil candy cups, candy boxes, etc. Here's the link: www.sugarcraft.com On the home page, look to your left for "Candy Products." Click on that. When at that page, scroll down to "Foil Squares." Click on the size you want. I get green, red and gold. This foil is extremely thin and wraps around anything. Makes a very festive gift box!

Shelley, (((hugs))) to you, too! You poor thing. I do hope whatever you have is a 24-hour bug. Or, as you say, too much "crapola!" Any work environment can be tough around the holidays. Everyone brings HIGH carb stuff with entreaties to "just try it."

I was on a roll yesterday. Cleaned the guest bedroom and closet top to bottom. Washed all sheets and towels for guests. Made 5 different cookies/candies . . . and actually had some chocolate sieze. First time that ever happened. Addressed some Christmas cards and wrapped some presents. Sent Bob out on a "gift run." All I need to buy now is a pink hoodie and camisole for my DGD. I have a busy work week next week so gotta grab the time when I can.

Received my Christmas gift. Too big. Ordered a small this AM. That's the one hassle of ordering on line . . . the expense of TWO shipping charges and the expense of shipping the item back. Oh well. It's a new bathrobe in my favorite sage green color. I live in my bathrobe, so I want to get it right!

Today is Mark's ordination. That will be fun. We are so proud of him. Is it awful to say we will be keeping one eye on the clock to be home by 7 for Survivor? I'll put a tape in before we leave, just in case. Oh, and, GO CHIEFS.

Have a great day!

__________________
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, too! I'm enjoying two more Pumpkin Thingies from the batter I made yesterday. I can't believe how filling these things are. What a great idea. By the way, I don't have any custard cups (that I know of) so I just use a coffee mug. Works fine. No explosions so far, although they look as though they will pop out the top just before they're done.

Dad and I had a good Happy Hour. He's lonely, but does what he can, in person and online, to make social connections. He'd been living alone in the house for three years already, with Mom in the nursing home, so that's not a big change. He seems to be somewhat in pursuit of a neighborhood widow he likes--but only for social company.

DH couldn't resist giving me an early Christmas present yesterday. An adorable warm hat, with matching scarf and gloves. What a sweetie.

Alida, enjoy all the ceremonials today. A great and solemn occasion--and a very happy one, too. Your energy is impressive. I didn't even LOOK at the praline recipe however, because I know that's a road I'll never go down. I used to bake a few cookies from Mom's recipes. But this year, I found DH's favorite thin ginger cookies in TWO places--Williams Sonoma and Costco. So no baking--except thingies!--for this gal.

Hugs, Shelley. Pamper yourself. You too, Peg.

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


My Fitday Journal

So sorry if I made any of you feel uncomfortable with my post yesterday! Barb: You are right. It is deep and complicated. And I know all the information all the way down to the depths. I also know all the complications. It takes me a little time to get to them, but I can do it with the loving help of friends. I think I probably gave you all TMI. Honestly, I DO understand all of this. It has a 30 year history. I've digested it and picked it apart in therapy for all those years. At this point I really need to complain and cry a little in this circle. With deep respect, you can't tell me what to do. But, you can listen and you can tell me about times when you felt bereft. I know that my story is a damn soap opera. But, it is mine and it is like an old shoe to me now; worn down, run over, and flapping behind me like an unwanted shadow. Alas, that's the truth of it and again, I AM sorry if I went over the line.

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

Sheesh, Peg. What line? I don't see any line here for you to cross. Again I repeat. Nothing is TMI.

Barb: don't blame you for not looking at that recipe! I can honestly say that I can make them and have them in the house (till given away) with no problem. They do not call my name from the freezer! TTL!

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

Greeting friends......... I have returned -- temporarily. We have one week left in the semester and all that that entails with grading and preparations to be ready to start again in January. This week will be mostly winding things down and giving exams. Thank heavens for the reader grader (Scan-tron) machines. They may be one of the finest inventions and biggest time savers in the lives of teachers.

It looks like Peg (and Terry) were the only ones that survived the week without awful weather. Although we did not get snow, we did get some really cold (for us) temps. Dallas got ice and had most of the area schools closed on Thursday. Generally the bad weather peters out about 30 miles west of us. I don't mind that at all. Today we are back into the 50s. That's my idea of pleasant winner temperatures. Like Peg has decided, I just don't think that I could take the snow and cold. Heck, I would have to have a whole new wardrobe. The thought of having to make zoomies for a dog, shoveling the drive, or planes sliding off runways is more than I want to have to deal with.

Along with bad weather it looks like the Christmas season has brought along plenty of stress. It seems to be spread pretty well among all of us. There have been many articles lately about all the expectations that we have for ourselves and others. Whether we are dealing with the ghosts of Christmas past, or preparing for this year and Christmas future, we seem to be on overload. Our bodies and our minds sometime just get worn out or sick. Shelley and Peg have had tummy trouble, and many of us seem to have developed a good case of the blues/blahs. My issue was getting mad as DS and his plans for the holidays. I had to stop and really analyze why I was so upset that he would not actually be "in" my home at Christmas..... why bother to put up all the Christmas stuff when he wouldn't be here and DD would only be here for a day or two....... We will see him and the DIL on Christmas Day and the day after. It finally came to me one day that it was not that I was not going to see them, but it was that I was afraid that he didn't need me anymore. We spend our children's whole lives raising our children to be self sufficient, then when they become so, we mourn the loss of their dependency. After I finally realized what I was mad about, I was able to let it go.

Peg, now that you have put your situation "out there" for us, you may find that you are better able to let it go. Sometimes just identifying the problem and validating the feelings is what you need to be able to move on. Your Christmas won't be the same as it was the last time you were in California, and it won't be the same as it was last year in Boston. Like me, you will be making new traditions and working to do what is best for this year. As I have decided, I have to learn to live with what I have on my plate today. If it's not good, I'll work or fixing it for the next time. I am so glad that you feel comfortable enough to share with us. We have a very secure and loving group. TMI--- no! Lots of ((((((HUGS))))))) --- YES!

In fact, here's a big ((((((GROUP HUG))))))) for us all. Let's go out there and make it a good week and not overload ourselves with expectations too high to meet. Take time to enjoy something wonderful. Today, we had a cantata at church. That was a pretty good way to enjoy the season.

Love to you all!

__________________
Judy
Goal = <135, Current status = RIGHT ON TARGET!
Never give up. Never never never never give up -- Winston Churchill