Good Morning!

Yes, Kim, Barb has a "way" with words!

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

That's exactly what happens, isn't it? Life continually advances from one part to another. Sometimes more loudly than we would wish, however.

Barb, you are truly blessed that your Dad has moved on to his "next part" so beautifully and with grace. He is lucky to have such wonderful and supporting children!

Judy, Tanning Time? Why not! I should probably buy a new bottle, too. But I always forget to apply the stuff. BTW, I looked outside yesterday (lately, a rare occurrence) and noticed one of our trees is budding! I do hope we don't have our usual KC cold snap/ice storm this month.

Brenda, oh nuts! on Khaki's test results. I agree that 12.5 is not old for a small dog. Have you scoured the net on liver function for people ? by that I mean checking out what doctors do for people who may have the same test results? I am sure you have, but just checking.

DH making "reno noises?" (Wish mine was!) At least if you are replacing with wood, all the investigating about type of wood has been done already!

OMG. I looked at the lacy scarf. Of course, not knowing a thing about knitting, the process looks absolutely impossible! Like anything, though, the more you know the easier it is (Duh). I remember a "vignette" from childhood. I was in the hallway of our grammar school and passing by a classroom that had big cards showing Palmer penmanship on the walls. I have a clear memory of thinking to myself "That's SO hard! I'll NEVER learn how to write "writing!"

Ilse, I still opt for the very first pair you tried on! I also like the second and the last, if that's any help at all.

Rachel, sounds like you are busy! Traveling is so hard on any kind of "diet." I am surprised you're having trouble with breakfast, though. Cheese omelet? Scrambled eggs and bacon? What makes it so hard is ALL the offerings that we normally do not have in our homes or just forget about ? french toast (which Bob just mentioned last night with a wistful sigh) ? pancakes ? real maple syrup ? hash browns. Oh, I could go on and on!

Training went well yesterday. He came at 12:30, though, which was really too late, and had to leave by 4. This did not give us enough time to really get into it. Hey. Not my problem. But next week will be hectic. I also have to train his wife in product knowledge, warranty filing, inventory control, etc. We also have three jobs to do. He loaded all the stuff from my van into his van. I now have a car that will not rattle incessantly with stuff piled in the back! But equipment is still "split." All film and slitter are still here, along with a ton of files. Can't wait to get it all GONE.

Today is the day Bob and I will celebrate. We are going to the casino and then out to dinner. Maybe we'll see a movie. We used to go to the casino about 4 times a year. We have cut back to once or twice a year. We both enjoy it and decided on a very small dollar amount. If we "lose" it, at least we had some fun doing it!

Buddy Update: What can I say? That darn cat seems to be perfectly normal! I still have not collected a urine sample yet to see if the blood level is down. The huge lump he had on his neck is down. I am just wondering if that claw that was digging into his paw (and causing untold PAIN ? did I mention BONE was exposed?) was the instigator in all this. Can't see what it has to do with blood in urine, though. Maybe that was just a bladder infection that is being treated with the antibiotics? The weekly tab for the antibiotics is just $17. He has one, perhaps two more weeks to go to run the course. Fingers crossed!

FWIW, I finally had a GOOD eating day yesterday! I have not been on the scale, though. Baby steps. HA. What's really needed is a GIANT LEAP.

Have a great Sunday! XXOO

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

Hey Galpals,

Barb, glad you're going to find a nice book and do some relaxing today after the work of the last days at Dad's. Oh yeah, a carbfest, sometimes even a small one works its special magic, doesn't it? But I totally understand the need for chocolate. I've been keeping a bar of 86% cocoa around so that I can let a tiny bit melt in my mouth on occasion. For medicinal purposes only, you understand

Alida, sounds as though things are moving with the turnover of the business, although I can certainly understand that at this point not nearly fast enough. If you're like me, when something is over, boy, I want it to be OVER. SO, enjoy your celebration day, and the have much fun (and good luck, too!) at the casino. Congrats, too, on the GOOD EATING DAY. Ya know, it only takes ONE to start a trend (That's what I keep telling myself, LOL)

Well, if Buddy is better, so be it, and hip hooray! The bone was exposed? Oh, poor little guy--but getting better now is the main thing. You are right that I need to do more research on Khaki's condition, both in animals and people. I did some at first, but was really letting the vets take the lead; now I feel as though I'm on my own.

Rachel, hope all is well on the eating front, and that wherever you've landed this week there will be good options available.

Judy, tanning???? How obscene is that when we're expecting 2 to 4 inches of snow today

Peg, how are you today, my friend??

Shell, TB, Donna, Ilse, Kim and buddies, hi to you all anyone else lurking out there (come on in, the water's fine!). Hope I haven't missed anyone....
_________________________

I took the sample of Boniva my gyne had given me this morning. Boniva's the new once-a-month version of Fosimax, I guess you could say. However, with the changes in our prescription plan even Fosimax is truly exorbitant, as are all the other drugs for osteoporosis. Not sure when or if I will fill the prescription; nevertheless, I should be grateful for some coverage at all, I know.

While waiting my requisite hour in the upright and locked/loaded position necessary for the Boniva to digest, however, I managed 20 rows (2 pattern repeats) of that lacy scarf pattern. I will not mention, though, how many rows were tinked in between :eyes:

hugs to all

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

Good morning!

I hope everyone is well. We are having a snowfall tofay. The ground is white but so far the streets aren't. I think we are supposed to be 2-3 inches out of the deal. Of course, I washed my car yesterday. Right now, it's in the garage but will need to be out before my DD gets home.

My DD and DSIL saw a house they think might be it yesterday. It is quite a bit larger than their previous house. I believe it has a nice sized yard too. They were going to go see it again this morning.

Saturday, we drove up to Gurnee Mills, a huge outlet mall. We wanted to see if we could find any footed pj's for out DGD. We did find a couple at the Disney store, along with all kinds of other goodies. I also got a Belgium waffle maker for $15 (from the Salton Store). I wanted a larger one, so when I make spinach bread, I can do all of it at once. I also got a Gore-tex hat, a couple of leather wallets. My DH got a digital camera he can use when he travels out of the country next month.

We also stopped at Sam's club. I got green towels to go with my new bathroom accessories. I also want some kind of red-orange towels too. We came home with all kinds of stuff.

Haven't done anything today, except catch up on TV.

I wish you all a happy day.

__________________
Ilse

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

Hey girlfriends!
So sorry to be MIA yesterday. I got a lot of spring cleaning done though. Got the cabinets in the kitchen all wiped down and re-applied some Scot's liquid gold. Our humidity has been so low(totally out of character for OOOOklahoma), my woodwork was looking dry and dull. I think the oil job spiffed it up...could almost hear the wood *slurping* up that oil...LOL.
Got the grocery shopping out of the way this morning...thank goodness. I think the older I get, the more I detest grocery shopping. Seems like I used to not mind it so much, but now...aacckk! Anyhoooo....I bought some fresh brussel sprouts to see what the hoopla was all about. Well.......I may join Eddie on the side of *I don't think I care for these* Maybe I didn't cook them right, but they were a little bitter, I thought.(I sauteed them in olive oil until lightly browned). Oh well....at least I *tried before I cried*...LOL.

Alida...woohoo! Today is your celebration day! Go for it...and above all,
Have a good time! Glad Buddy is getting better, bless his little feline heart!

Bren...Sorry Kahki's LFT's are still off. Do you think she could have possibly had some liver damage if she was abused before you rescued her?
I'm counting down...12 more days til you and Rachel arrive! I can hardly wait!
That goes for everybody, without saying!!!

Rachel...hope you are having a relaxing weekend. Are with your family yet? Or are you still in DC? Do the best you can on the food...I sure know the feeling of not being able to eat as one would like when traveling...<sigh>

Barb...sounds like you have your relaxing day all planned out. A good book is always a welcome chance at curling up with an afgan and a cup of hot tea.
We are having a bit of spring...I just hope it's the real *deal*. We are forecasted to be in the 60's and 70's all this coming week, with maybe some rain Tuesday or so.

Judy...what up? Are you on spring break yet? Or is that next week...sorry...CRS just kicked in. I don't think our kids go on break until the week of March 13th...couldn't swear to that though. Anyway...happy break when you get it!

Peg...how are you feeling? Hope your energy level is coming back. (((hugs)))


Donna...so glad your Lucy doesn't have feline diabetes. Did I say this already? Man....I am feeling like a dummy here...I should've re-read some of the posts...sorry. How's your weather? More snow, like Ilse?

Ilse...what's the verdict on the frames? On my shopping run last week, I cruised by the sunglasses dept; looks like the big and bold sunglasses are making a comeback...sigh....I just threw about 3 pairs of them away back in the fall when I was cleaning out some drawers!!!! Darn!...just my luck!

Teel...oh my goodness!!! How is Big Red? We are dying on the vine to know...I hope he survived. You know, we have a large population of egrets here in OOOOklahoma due to the number of lakes we have. I have to say...I don't think I'm very fond of them. I like the Canadian goose more...but everyone else seems to NOT like them...LOL. Takes all kinds of us nature lovers to make the world go round, I guess.

Well, galpals, I've decided I need a new drug!!! LOL. Ya know the song...by Huey Lewis? I translate that song to mean I need something new in my life...I
need a new passion!!! Soooooo.....I've decided I want to start running.
I know it will take me probably all summer to build up to just running a mile without stopping, but I need to do this. So, today was my first day. I am going to read a few more articles on running(beginners), so we'll see how it goes. Any tips for me, Barb?

Gonna go hit the shower and then off to the HFS...I'm out of stuff to make Maggie's cereal with; also out of Biotin and Echinacea. Oh...I think that scratchy throat was simply allergies...aacchhooooo! TTL for the ever amazing
Claritin!

I'll try and get back later....
later, chickadees!

S.

__________________
~~~~
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!

Shelley, I wish I had any sort of housekeeping inclination. Y'all don't want to know the last time I wiped out the kitchen cupboards. (NEVER is close.)If you're going to take up running, get thee first to a running shoe specialty store, and buy good shoes. Prepare to spend about $80. The brand and fit would be different for everyone, so I can't even make a recommendation.

It turned out to be a beautiful day, so I went out for a run myself. I lose running stamina fast when I neglect it--so my 30 minutes of slo-o-o-ow running was quite a workout. You're right to realize that it will take a while to work up your distance. That's fine. It will happen. I love running. I'm a running voyeur--peeking into everybody's windows and yards. Should be just the thing for "nosey" Shelley.

And Shelley, you must not have lived in close proximity to Canada geese, dropping piles of sh*t all over your sidewalks and yard. Sorta takes all the romance out of the critters.

Turns out our LCE moderator Goddess lives right here in KC! I mean, close enough. According to a report in today's KC STAR, she's going to serve as the cheerleader ("peerleader") for a select group of heavy people trying to lose weight as a team. Alida, we'll have to round her up for a lunch date sometime--now that you have a bit more flexibility.

I haven't cracked that book yet, but I'm sitting down now.

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


My Fitday Journal

Shelley: Did I read right? You wanted to know if we had snow? Shame on you using the S word when we are praying for Spring. Yesterday was so warm, I was outside without a coat pruning the lilacs, peach tree and my chrysanthemums. I couldn't help but pull back some of the mulching around my plants, and yup, there are lots of goodies just popping up. Now I'm really getting itchy fingers to be out and playing in the dirt.

Also, I think Lucy must have been listening to you yesterday about feeding her a special treat. I put her food out for her while she was sitting beside her bowl. She has to see me open the food or she won't eat it. She sniffed it and turned her head. She's very stubborn so she didn't move from sitting beside that bowl for 2 hours while I did my housework. I knew what she wanted. I had bought some of that gourmet food for her as a treat and I'd run out. Now that's all she will eat. So, I had to stop what I was doing and go shopping so the little princess could eat. As soon as I put it in her dish, she ate like a little piggy and then went to have her nap. Cats! So picky!

Alida: Good for you selling the business. Now it's "you" time. How did the celebration go with dh? Did you win gambling?

Judy: Sandals...tanning? That's just hitting below the belt. lol Come on up here and bring you're winter coat with you.

Terry: I think we're all waiting patiently to find out about "Big Red". How did it turn out? It was a gorgeous picture you posted though. Thanks for sharing it.

Ilse: You really do get the award for shopping. I get to town with my list and then run out of things to look at. I am starting a list for the next time dh has a dart tournament and I'm left to keep myself occupied. Should be lots of summer clothes out by then.

My sinus' just aren't getting any better. The pressure in my head is unbelievable. So much for the magic pills the doctor gave me. So, I guess I'm going to have to call and make another appointment to see her. That will be another 2 week wait. I can't believe nothing is making it go away. Seems ever since I quit smoking 5 years ago it's been like this. Plus, I think I might have got cold in my shoulders yesterday so I'm pretty sore today. Geez, this getting older is for the birds!

The scale has been slowly moving downwards. Until this morning that is. Couldn't think of what I had done to make it jump back up and then I remembered having a "little bit of ice cream", and a "little bit of dip" and ....well, you know. It's the "little bits" that do me in every time. Like Barb says...tomorrow is Monday and that's a good day to smarten up.

I wanted to get outside and wash my poor dirty car today, but it's gone back to being really cold so that's out. All I would need is frozen doors when it's time to go to work tomorrow morning. Hmmmm, maybe that would be a good excuse not to go? But, I can't use excuses when it comes to walking the dogs, so I guess I'd better get moving and do that. Talk to you all tomorrow.

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

BIG RED LIVES!!!

He recovered at least enough to venture forth from the shallow end where I'd hidden him from sight under a beach towel. Yesterday, I saw him and Little Red (!!!) hiding among the potted plants on the other side of the pond. I just checked again and he is still there.

We covered that end of the pond with a large window screen. I'm thinking they are safe there. I have not seen Sunrise since Friday afternoon, but Dave thinks he saw him yesterday.

The egret has been by a few times - pacing slowling along the garage roof. He is not afraid of us if we go out into the yard to ogle him. Dave was amazed, and I told him the egret does not recognize us as predators. I guess he is big enough that he doesn't scare easily.

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

Yay, Teel! Thanks for the update. I would have bet $$$ that Big Red would've been belly up. Good for him! Thanks to your good care and quick treatment!

Donna....now you know I'm a cat person big time,(except for falling in love with BuddyAnne), so you just better make sure that our little Princess Miss Lucy has her stash of gourmet cat food...LOL. Cats can be very independent that's for sure.
The Fu kitty would stroll into the room sometimes, and if she could've talked, I'm sure she would've said..."you may pet me now!"

Well, I didn't get much more accomplished today. I was made Vice-Vice President of the Intergalatic Order of Brussel Sprout Haters...hehe. See Eddie's journal. We are a rare breed, me thinks(IOBSH members) that is

Well, think I will fold some laundry. Always something...

Oh...we've had robins out the wazoo in our yard this past week. Today, the house finch showed up on the feeder, and the male cardinal was singing his little heart out.
Do I dare think spring has sprung? I'll reserve judgement for another 2 weeks...heh
later, chickadees!

__________________
~~~~
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!

Terry, delighted to hear Big Red is alive and swimmin'. So much the better if some of his finny friends are hiding out, too. I hope so! Yup, I bet the egret, having tasted success (sorry!) will hang around awhile...

LOL Shell, maybe I'll consider spring cleaning if it ever looks remotely like Spring! The snow today is beautiful, but I'm ready for quite different weather. Although if it's lovely for the Convergence, I'm not sure I have anything "springy" to wear.....

Oh, running, Shelley...that's great. Wish I could join you, but I have a knee that is quite crabby. I do plan to get out my bike as soon as weather permits, however.

Donna, so Lucy's decided to eat, as long as it's the "good stuff" eh? LOL!! But do make that appointment with your Dr. You've had the sinus stuff quite long enough now. Painful!

Ilse, how'd the revisit of the house go for your dd?
_______________________

DH did "something" and is having muscle spasms in his back today. Poor kid can't get comfortable and has needed some babying. That's ok, I'm good for some babying once in a while. I even made a trip out in the snowfall for Kung Pao Chicken and Hot and Sour Soup from his favorite place. Isn't it funny that when one is sick, only certain and sometimes strange things sound good?

I think I have the hang of that scarf pattern. Knock on wood.....

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

Bren, you are a kind caregiver. My DH did "something" to his back, too. I think it's a universal DH thing. He's been working on the taxes. That would throw my back out, I'm sure.

Terry, I'm glad the fish have a hiding spot. That egret sounds persistent. Do you think he's just passing through?

Today is Accountability Day--writing stuff down in Fitday, starting with a one-minute muffin. Love those things. I figure three or four days of VLC (very low carbs) should restore the WOE to its routine. This afternoon, I'll show up at the gym for my first spinning class (that's bikes, not wool). I bought a gel seat to save my buns, a little investment to encourage me to make the commitment, whether I like it (at first) or not.

See you later.

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


My Fitday Journal

It's Monday again............and we're off! One more week until Spring Break. On thursday I have the appointment with the superintendent regarding the scheduling issue. Maybe this week will be a little more organized and a little less stressful than last week.

Teel, I'm so glad to read that Big Red is making it. That's amazing. He must not have been out of the water as long as you thought.

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

Good Monday Morning!

Lots of activity on the board yesterday!

Barb, you bought a special seat for your bike at the Y? Now that's determination! Spinning? And Shelley running? I am feeling quite the slug!

I saw that article that mentioned Goddess too. I first read "Dixie" then I read "purple hair." I knew it had to be OUR Dixie! The article mentioned she lives in Eudora. I thought it was Lawrence. Maybe she moved? I've tinted windows in Eudora and it's not that far. Tinted windows in Lawrence, too. A few days ago Bob and I were driving somewhere and I mentioned "we tinted that store." Had to laugh at that. I wonder how long it will be before I stop thinking tinting!

If she's coming into town for Team Lisa, perhaps we CAN squeeze in a lunch. She's probably at the Star, which, if I recall, is not too far from Hallmark.

Terry, Yea! for Big Red! I am soooo glad! So you do have a screen over part of the pond. With that egret hanging around, I'd screen the whole darn thing.

Ilse, Good news about your daughter perhaps finding a house! I know you will miss your grandchildren, but won't it be nice to park in your garage? Buy any frames yet?

Peg, where are you? Hope all's OK.

Shelley, fourteen more days? YIKES. I've got to lose at least 10 pounds, LOL! Which reminds me I'd better tell the new owners I am not available on those days!

Well, I was going to try some brussel sprouts. Maybe not after reading your report! (Sorry Kim!)

I was glad to read your scratchy throat was due to allergies instead of a cold or flu. Whew!

Cleaned cabinets? I with Barb on this one! (I also don't FOLD laundry). I did see a flyer in the newspaper though, about a new wood finishing process called Nhance. It's supposed to restore all kinds of wood: floors, cabinets, window sills, trim. Now that's what I need! It's not a DIY, unfortunately. The flyer does say it's cheaper than refacing and there's no sanding involved. Interesting. www.nhancewoodrenewal.com

Judy, it does sound like your getting "back to normal" with your schedule. You are probably just as excited about Spring Break as the kids!

Brenda, you guys have SNOW? We can just hope it's a fluke and in a few days it will be gone! We are having incredible weather. It would not surprise me, however, if another Snowshoe dropped before Spring really arrives.

You have the hang of the scarf pattern? Amazing! I am in AWE.

You have to stand for an hour after taking Boniva? Did I get this right? Do you know why?

Donna, you posted on a Sunday! I had to laugh at your stubborn little princess! You know, I would have done the same thing (run out to buy some food). Especially since she's a little thin. Anything so they will eat, right?

WooHoo on the scale's downward trend!

I know you live in a small town, but is it possible you can find an ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat) doctor? Perhaps it's time for a specialist. Perhaps even a CT scan of your sinus. I've mentioned this before but I'll say it again: if you are using any kind of over-the-counter nose spray, STOP. I was a nose spray addict and once I stopped it was like magic. Headaches GONE.

I know you are itching to get into that garden dirt! Wasn't it last Spring when you were in that leg cast and having a hard time tending your garden?

Rachel, how's the travel doing? And how did the "business lunch" go? Was it with your husband's new "employer?"

----------------

Gambling is not my forte! As usual, I lost but Bob won. We are even. Which should be considered a big win. We did have fun, though. Now it's Monday and a hectic week ahead. I keep thinking of stuff to tell them. The list is getting quite long!

I should hear from the Oncologist today about the "meeting" they had Friday about my "case."

Onward. Have a great day! 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!

We got a few inches of snow yesterday. It snowed most of the day. We've gotten snow in April, so we'll have to see how it goes.

No, I still want to look at frames. I'll probably end up going with the ones from the optometrist, either the first of second ones. Mostly, because the lenses are larger. He doesn't recommend the anti-reflective coating, as it tends to scratch easily. No decision on that yet.

My DD and DSIL went back to see the house. They went with cousins and parents and kids. It was quite a lot of people. They put a full-price offer on the house, asking that the pool table be left behind. The sellers agreed and accepted the offer. The closing date is supposed to be May 24th. My DGS's last day of school is supposed to be June 2nd. I think they will use the time to do some painting. They also want a different floor in the basement. The home inspection is supposed to be on Saturday. Maybe we'll get a chance to drive up there and see the house at that time.

Nothing else new. We just vegged yesterday. My DH played with his new camera. My DD and DSIL may buy a camera like that today. If they can find it.

I wish you all well.

__________________
Ilse

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

Morning all, yes the snow is still lovely but I understand warmer weather is predicted for later in the week, "warmer" being a relative term. "Not freezing" is considered "warmer" this time of year. Ilse, not sure if you got more or less snow than we did here, but there seems to be another round headed our way today.

Alida, breaking even at the casino is a good thing! I must admit I've only played the slots once, at a Las Vegas convention with DH. A whopping $25 was my limit for the week, which took, oh, maybe 30 seconds to lose I did enjoy the people-watching, though.

Oh good, glad a consultation is going on between your docs. You'll let us know the consensus?? ...... To your question, Boniva, or any of that class of drugs such as Fosamax have to be taken with a glass of water on an absolutely empty stomach first thing in the morning. They are extremely corrosive to the esophagus, so that's why remaining upright for an hour is recommended, but sitting or standing, thank goodness!

Alida, Shelley, Barb, lol at the cabinet cleaning and laundry folding.....when I was working I didn't fold anything. DH had rubbermaid tubs in his armoire--the undies dumped in one and socks in the other. Now that I have more time, I do fold his whites, just because I like the look and liberated as I like to think of myself, there are a few things I enjoy doing for him---and if truth be told, because for some reason I get a kick out of folding his undershirts Japanese style. However, socks??? Nah. He's still matching his own from the tub o' socks every morning. Cabinet cleaning on the other hand is something I believe should be done regularly--like every decade or so

Barb, gel seat? Great idea. You will still be sore the first few times, I suspect, but the gel will at least keep you mobile after, LOL.

Judy, one more week till Spring break! Neato! Nevertheless I'm sure you will still be spending this week catching up with yourself... good luck with your meeting with administration.

Ilse, an accepted offer. Great! Hope all goes smoothly with this sale.

Everyone yet to come, "hi"!!
_______________________
I have to trek out for the usual errands today; see you all later

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

Yes, good idea - I wanted to take down two unused trellises and lay them over the pool as a temporary solution; but DH, GKY*, frowned upon that idea. For some reason, he did not object to using the window screen, which is just downright weird, IMO. The screen looks far funkier than the trellises would have looked. Plus, we will need that screen to be in good shape next summer. Dr. Foster and Smith sell pond netting for just this purpose, although I want to check a few local stores first to see if I can avoid the shipping charges.

Big Red is still hiding among the water lily pots. The pond is 3 ft. deep at it's lowest point, which is ~supposed~ to prevent bird and racoon raids. Last summer, they were pretty cagey about darting to safety when they spotted activity above the water line. But, after slowly emerging from their winter torpor, they enjoyed basking in the warmer water at the surface when the sunshine hit the pool. Apparently, they'd forgotten that caution. Plus, maybe, they are still in a slower mode as the pond water is still quite cool.

I'm considering that a meyer lemon tree would be nice in that location!

I don't like fish tanks, but I maybe I could keep Big Red in one of those big ceramic pots they use for feng shui water gardens.

*GKY = God Knows Why

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