Hi Gang!

End of a Friday. Had my hair done today for the last time in SoCa. It took 3 hours. Thinking I should call ahead to MA to get an appt for as soon as we get home.

Good to read all of you. I'm a little low today, so will sign off rather than inflict myself on you! Just think, this time two weeks from today we will all be converging. (okay, I will be converging. You will be just starting out) Actually, we get to OKC on Saturday some time. We leave Mon. morning to go to Dallas and then to the DEEP South. tee hee

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

Thanks for your input on the glasses. I actually like it to look like I am wearing glasses, not having a distortion on my face, so I was actually drawn to the thicker frames.

Didn't do much today. My DD wanted a break from our DGD, so she went out. took our DGS to a movie and to Wal-Mart for new jeans. I tried to catch up on my TV viewing.

Take care.

__________________
Ilse

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

Quickie fly by again...
Stretched out for a nap and couldn't *turn* my brain off...darn! I took a Claritin, and I think my throat feels better...fingers crossed it's just allergies. However, we've had a ton of patients and visitors come in *sick* this week...sigh. You all know how I feel about that...har!

Donna, Im glad Lucy kitty doesn't have diabetes. When I was a teen still living at home of course, we had a cat that was up in years...maybe 13 or 14yrs old. Sounds like the same scenario...not eating and losing wt. My mom was heck-bent and determinded to find something Miss Purt would eat, so she bought a tin of sardines. Miss Purt lapped them up, I tell ya! I think that is what probably saved that cat, and she got better, and lived for 3 or 4 more years as I recall. Anyhoo....maybe your Lucy's appetite would improve with some sardines or canned tuna. I know...expensive cat food, but it's your baby we're talking about...
Hope she rallies.

Barb....that's a nice thought...converging with TLC! But I surely wouldn't wish that upper respiratory crud on anyone. I'm going to step up my echinacea and ester C and also some zinc...can't hurt. But the Claritin seems to be helping, so fingers are crossed it's just some crazy allergies.

Dear Peg...hoping you feel better! And hubba, hubba to you with your fresh new cut and color. You guys are gonna make me look bad...LOL. I've actually been tossing the idea around of a shorter bob and perhaps highlights. Not sure I'll get it done before the convergence, but I'm definitely thinking of a little lower maintenance do!

Teel....good to read your long post. Glad your duties are about to wind down. You deserve the next cruise for sure! Hummmmm.......now that's an idea....a convergence cruise in 2007 or 2008.....yes, definitely food for thought...LC, of course!

Bren....hey girl! Any news on Kahki? I just had a thought...there is a bead store not far from my house. I don't know what type of beads or jewerly making stuff they have as I've not ever been in there, but if you feel the *need for a bead*...we could make a run on Friday evening while we are waiting to go to the airport to retreive dear Rachel!

Rachel...counting the days til you and Bren *jet* into OKC! WOOHOO. Then, I can envision Ms Barb and Ms Alida blowing down I-44 to OKC as well. Of course Judy will be coming *up* I-35 to OKC, and Peg and her DH will be coming *in* on I-40!
Yes...we will truly be CONVERGING from all directions, won't we! I can hardly wait!!!!!

Judy...are you hanging in there, girl? We made it to Friday!!!!! PTL and TGIF!!! Oh yeah, and ABCD as well...how could I forget that one? LOL! Maritas anyone?

Ilse, did you decide on the frames yet? Looks like you got lots of varied responses from this group. And we are all sure we are right...tehe! Good luck...I really thought they ALL looked good on you. Can you pick more than one pair?

Alida...are you celebrating yet? If not, why the h*ll not? LOL! An abundance of good news for you today...I'm so glad. You deserve it all...the sale and the good Dr's report.
Cheers to you, my freind!<insert clinking wine glasses here>

OK..another bad eating day for me. Where is my *switch* when I NEEEEED it?
New committment for tomorrow...induction levels carbs for at least 5 days, increase the veggies and water again, and NO SF/LC candy or treats. That seems to be my jumping off point...and boy do I love to JUMP! Ha! Also plan to hit the gym every other day until I get myself back in check. I do think the exercise helps to decrease my apetite.

Off to watch a little TV and have another green tea.
Well....forget about this being a quickie fly by...boy, once I get started, I can't shut up, eh????


later, chickadees!
(((hugs)))
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!

Alida.......Wonderful news!!! I know that it is a relief to have the papers signed. A glass of wine is definitely in order to celebrate.

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

WooHOO!! for business closings and checks in the bank! How great is that, Alida!

I had an amazingly beautiful and amazingly sad event in my small yard today.

Here is a picture of the breath-takingly beautiful egret that visited my yard today. My friend and I just came back from a long walk and found him perched near the waterfall. Pretty amazing, eh? It hung around on the roof for a long time - well over an hour and maybe, two.

It turns out that long rest was needed because he was too full of fish to fly off. I'm sorry to say that I found Big Red, half covered in bark under the maple tree - too big to eat, I guess. BR was 8-in. long and very, very fat. Even though he'd probably been out of the water for ~hours~ by that time, his gills still moved slightly. He's back in the pond now, but I doubt he'll make it. But, if any fancy goldfish could survive being spitout by an egret onto dry land for so long, it's Big Red. He's all white with a bright red blaze going from his snout to halfway over his back. Actually, it's possibly that Big Red is a female - I've wondered if that excessive girth was due to pregnancy.

Alas, the only other one I can spot is Sunrise - the smallest one. There's a chance that somebody else survived and is just hiding well; but it's unlikely.

Can you stand another sad thing? A few days ago I bought some very expensive fishfood ($21.99). I only opened it YESTERDAY! If it was still sealed, I could have returned it to the pet place for a store credit.

So, it's really sad. But, if I had to lose the gold fish, at least I got to see their beautiful nemesis. Sigh...

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

Good SATURDAY Morning!

Today is the first day of training. It should go well. They guy who bought the business is very sharp, intelligent and nice. Might even be fun.

Terry, that's a sad story about your goldfish. Poor Big Red. I do hope he makes it. Maybe he wasn't out of the water as long as you think? Egrets are beautiful birds. I never thought of the idea that your goldfish may be "food." Is it possible to place some netting over the pond? If the netting is small enough, perhaps it will deter the next hunter.

Oh my. Your description of the care necessary for your friend's mom gave me some sense of what you did for her. You truly are a saint!

Airports can be a major hassle! I can just imagine how frustrated you both were. But he's home safely!

Rachel, this is a few days late, but Welcome to the USA! It is a bit of a culture shock. What will your DH do while your converging on Oooklahoma?

Donna, I am so glad Lucy is not diabetic. The sardine idea is good. With all the hoopla about mercury in tuna, maybe tuna is not as good an idea. How about baby food? I sometimes by the strained meat, plain, without the vegetables. But it's expensive. Also, another treat my mother's cats LOVED was raw kidneys, chopped up fine. Another problem that can cause poor eating is bad teeth. I've had several cats that needed to have a bad tooth pulled. Also, if there's a lot of tartar on the teeth, that can cause some discomfort, too. Did the vet check her teeth?

I had to laugh at your comment about Barb and I flying down the highway to the tune of ? Meatloaf. For some reason, I don't think so. The truth is, I don't know who Meatloaf is! I tend more toward oldies or opera. I think Barb mentioned she likes jazz. I'm always ready for something new!

I am sorry you are having more trouble with your DD. It is hard, isn't it? I do hope it is something you can work out.

Speaking of brushing your Maine Coon (now that's a job!) ? one of my customer's actually has her cat shaved! He sorta looks like a lion with bushy head, paws and tail ? but with a shaved body. Kinda cute.

Judy, Oh My! You are very lucky you did not hurt your finger. That must have been some yank! ABCD? Love it! I had one of those days on Thursday when we had dinner with our 3M distributor, and another ABCD yesterday when we went out to dinner to celebrate the business sale. That dinner was just to the local bar. Sunday is the BIG Celebration Dinner!

Ilse, my vote is for the first, second or last picture. Big help, eh? And since the pool will not turn down the music, and going to the other pool is a hassle ? get earplugs. That just may solve the problem and they are very cheap.

Barb, I had a big memory tug when you mentioned your Mom not allowing jeans. My mom was like that, too. I don't think I owned a pair of jeans until I was about 29! But back then, women just didn't wear pants too often. I know I never wore slacks to high school!

It sounds like you are having FUN at the Y!

Peg, still a little "down" today? Is it because you are leaving CA soon? Or is it just the weight of all the prep you have to do to leave? I wish there were some magic words I could say to pep you up!

Brenda, Whew! on Khaki's tumor. And being on the leg, it should be a relatively simple operation. Did you get the results of the blood test back yet? BTW, how old is Khaki?

Funny Shelley mentioned beads. You have not talked about making any jewelry in quite a while. Are you still doing that?

Shelley, I do hope your scratchy throat is just allergies! But do let us know if we have to bring some Chicken Soup with us! It's raining here in KC today. Are you getting any?

It's 6:17. I still have lots of prep to do before Randy comes for training. I think he is also going to start moving some stuff out. I'll be glad to get rid of some of the boxes stacked in my office! Can't wait for tomorrow. That's when Bob and I are really going to celebrate!

Have a great Saturday! XXOO

__________________
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!

I have been playing with photoshop for the last hour. Here is goes.

The pictures are in the same order as the individual ones, as well as the frames.

If I could buy two sets of frames, I would get the first one and the middle one. On the second one, I liked the frame color, it was copped. The first one was deep blue, but comes in brown. The middle one was a dark brown. The fourth one was either brown or plum (I liked the plum), the fifth one was a blue-grey.

No plans yet for today.

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__________________
Ilse

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

Ilse,
now that I see them side by side, going L to R...
I like # 3 & 4 which appear to be plastic frames?
however, I still like #2 for a wire frame.
just my 2 cents.
Oh, also, if you have to have bifocals...you might want a tad larger lense space, otherwise the visual field change is drastic on the smaller more compact lenses...at least that's what I've found.(to late for the learning, I might add...LOL)

good luck!

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!

Ilse, lucky you......... they all look nice on you. I think I'm kind of partial to the Jones New York pair.

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

ALIDA!!! I know this is like a really late post on the subject but WHOOO HOOO!!!! I am so happy for you! This is just great news and it will be so liberating - I can't wait to see you in OKC!

Terry, I am so sorry for your fish - and you are right it was a sad but beautiful story and a gorgeous photo - what a majestic and splendid bird! We have a couple of Great Blue herons at the lake in MA - they are very people shy - but on rare occasion we see them up close - fantastic.

ok goils... sorry such a quick one but we are off to a business lunch. Eating well here is hard! I expected it to be easy - but - sheesh - especially breakfast! I realize that DH and I don't eat big servings and we eat a lot of fresh stuff - everything we are facing here is so overprocessed. Of couse, we are on the road meaning that we have no control over what comes on the plate. <<sigh>> We did eat at friends' last night - he made a fantastic boullaibaise (sp?) - now there's a great low carb dinner! yummmmmy!

I'll drop in again soon - hugs to you all - sorry this is so short!!

__________________
Hugs, Rachel







(the horn is in honor of DH!)
Quien canta, sus males espanta... ("She who sings fightens away her ills") Miguel de Cervantes

Hey gals, I've been reading but haven't been in much in writing mode. Nevertheless, if I don't jump in, for sure I'll never catch up with you....

Alida, WOOHOO on the sale being finalized. That's one goal completed, so now your energies can be on training and on your dear self. Wonderful that these folks are so eager and intelligent. Perhaps the training will be painless.

In answer to your jewelry question, I haven't made much since Christmas and was on a jewelry making hiatus before that since summer. I found ironically that the success of 2004 and 2005 brought with it more anxiety than pleasure. I do plan to make jewelry again, but I need to find a different way to approach the process.

Nevertheless, Shelley I'm always up for a romp to a bead store, or anything else you'd like to do. Always enjoy the inspiration. And you, lady, no getting sick on us, hear? Take care!!

Terry, oh my goodness, I'm so sorry about your fish! What a shock it must have been, after all the care and attention you've given to your pond and little crew :( I imagine you were more attached to them than you are letting on. <sigh> Still, it's difficult to hold a grudge against an egret who is doing what nature has programed. I hope Big Red makes it, and that either way, it doesn't discourage you from the enjoyment of your pond.

Peg ((((hugs))) I hope today finds you well. Take care, my friend.

Ilse, indeed I agree that you're fortunate to have so many styles look good on you. I pick frames by the choosing the pair that doesn't make me gag when I look in the mirror .... However, if you really aren't sure, perhaps let the matter rest a while, then revisit it.

Judy, Donna, Barb, Rachel
__________________

Khaki's tests showed no improvement in her liver function, in fact the opposite. I think everyone is stumped as to what to do now. I certainly am <sigh> The only positive thing is that she really doesn't act as ill as the numbers imply and while I know she doesn't feel her best, she's not in pain. She's 12-1/2, Alida, but that's not "ancient" for a smaller dog. Bah!

On the home front, DH is making noises, finally, about putting in a new kitchen floor. Noises usualy take 6 months to a year to find their way into the "planning" stage around here, LOL!!!! He says he wants to do it himself, of course, but I'd just like to get it DONE....

And on the knitting front, I have a rather rustic sweater almost ready to put together, and have started a very lacy scarf , something quite different than anything I've attempted. http://knitty.com/ISSUEspring05/PATTbranchingout.html The designer considers this pattern "easy" but I certainly don't!! I've done the first few rows over several times now....

Well, I've vegged all day, but really must get a few things accomplished before dark. Hugs to all!

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

Oh my, Teel. The beautiful egret. The hapless goldfish! Mother Nature has a wicked sense of humor.

I spent the morning at Dad's old house, boxing books, and cleaning out the pantry and fridge. He wanted to go over there with me for a while, so I brought him. He poked around a little, but it was clear that there are no more decisions to be made, no more stuff to preserve. The door quietly closed on yet another part of his life. All the sibs (four of us) will be here next weekend to part out what's left to our separate households. He's very pleased with his new residence. He got a computer program called "Zoom Text" that enlarges everything on the screen. In time, he'll get better at navigating the screen and be able to do e-mail and other online stuff.

I tried out the elliptical trainer at the gym yesterday. Ouch say my glutes! I know I'm going to love having this additional option for my fitness life. I'm on Day Two of an increase dosage of my thyroid med, and we'll see if that helps perk me up a little. Dozing off in front of the tv BEFORE dinner just didn't seem quite right, even for somebody who gets an early start.

Happy trails.

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


My Fitday Journal

Teel, so sorry about the fish. I believe Barb said it best (like that is a surprise), "Mother Nature has a wicked sense of humor."

I hereby declare it tanning time. It got to the upper 80's one day last week and has pretty consistently been in the 70's since then. I broke out some sandals today and bought a new can of tan. I'll have lovely legs tomorrow morning!

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

barb...
"The door quietly closed on yet another part of his life."

that is such a beautiful way of saying what surely is difficult for all those involved...

thanks for giving me a smile.... and another way of looking at things..

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kims SECOND journal is HERE
kims new blog
KIMS BLOG !!
SUGARFREE BLOG

Oops. I had a major carb-fest yesterday, and boy did the scales bounce up this morning! That glycogen/water thing is no joke. However, I'll have to say that DH's black bean soup is worth it. And maybe I "needed" the chocolate. You'd think with all the trash hauling at my dad's, a step workout, and three loads of laundry I'd at least get calorie credit. Uh-uh. Well, tomorrow is Monday. Monday is a good day to de-carb.

Thunder is booming out there this morning. I wouldn't mind getting more rain. Green stuff is popping out on the hedges and trees. Actually, I'm astounded that winter is over. Except for the arctic blast (and blizzard) in December, there wasn't much to it.

DH is working on taxes, so he's quizzing me about line items on the credit card statements. Darned if I can remember what all those abbreviations stand for. :o Sometimes they turn out to be HIS. No wonder I can't remember--but I still have to listen to him growl. "Sarmy" web donation turns out to be a Salvation Army contribution for Katrina. But it took me a while. I'm grateful anyway that he does this, not me. (On the other hand, I'd have a different system from the get-go.)

I need to round up a good book today, and curl up in a corner.

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


My Fitday Journal