Hi guys!
Took me a bit to get in here today. Did my usual grocery shopping this morning, and DH was home, so had to *work* around him...LOL.
After lunch, DH and I did a brisk 3 mile walk. I just knew it was going to break loose and pour down on us, but we made it home with 'nary a drop of rain hitting us
Then, we showered and cleaned up and went on our belated anniv dinner date. We went to Charleston's...why did you know I was going to say that? *Our* table was just empty and waiting for a group of 7 gal pals... :(

Bren...glad you're better! Nice going on the haircut. LOL at going on a stretcher...I had those thoughts myself when I was sick and had a cut scheduled. But since I was *contagious*, I cancelled that day....sure hated to, though.

Peg....yep....inquiring minds want to know...how did it go? I bet it was a piece of cake!

Barb...glad you had a *vege-out * day...LOL. Although I can't imagine you vegging...unless you've done a spin class or work out, or jogged, or skated, or....
You are just one bundle of energy, girlfriend!

Alida...are you celebrating your BD this weekend? Hope you are having fun whatever you are doing!

Rach...hope you are seeing some better weather over the weekend. Gloomy weather is no fun...aacckk!

Judy....gosh, I hope things get better soon. It's hard to go through what you are going through right now. Are you going to work this week? That's surely got to be hard. (((hugs))) to Texas...

Donna and Teel......waving wildly to you both!!!

Well, guess I will go fold another load of laundry, and then maybe see what's on TV.
I don't know if any of you ever watched *West Wing*, but I can't believe they are taking it off the air! I think there will only be one more episode after tonight. :(

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!

Hi Gang!

Just flying by....it's 7:45 and West Wing is coming on in 15 minutes! (Priorities, yaknow?)

Today wasn't my first Sunday preaching. Just to be introduced and concelebrate Communion with the Pastor. And, yes, I did have to write my own "welcome" litany. I never did get a tour of the church. I just followed the two pastors around so I didn't get lost. It's a HUGE church. But, you are right, Alida. I did have a piece of cake! OH.......you said it WAS a piece of cake.........see......I misunderstood. It's a big congregation too. Lots of young folks with kids. Lots of kids. Not much diversity, but then this is Massachusetts! People were very friendly and welcoming. That was nice. I preach for the first time in two weeks. I will attend next Sunday just to observe worship. It will be their Confirmation Sunday.

Barb, I am sure that you could write a much more engaging Confirmation curriculum. The guy I replaced at my last church just loved that "updated" Confirmation curriculum of the Presbyterians. I thought it was a yawner, so I wrote my own. Basically there are only a few things that they need to know, and there are some really fun ways to learn those things. If you do it again, lets' talk and I'll share some of my resources.

Judy: You continue in my prayers. I agree with Alida, I would probably have had three maritas too. However, if I had done that, they would have had to carry me out. Oh sweetie! I KNOW how hard this must be for you. God Bless Bobby, and you too!

I'm saying a quick hi/bye to you all! Porky Peggy here. We went to a UCC meeting this afternoon which had a dinner with it. Don't ask. I have got to get some clothes that fit! I am so miseerable. I love you all.

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

thinking of you jude and your dad.. i hope things take a turn for the better soon..
thoughts and prayers headed to you from the idaho panhandle..
((((((((((((((((((jude)))))))))))))))

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

Thanks for the hugs........... they are gladly accepted. I am home, but at first it didn't look like it would happen today. I doubt that it will be a surprise for you to learn that DDad is STILL in the hospital. Today's issue was an impacted bowel (10 days of backup). It was very high and required X-rays and a CAT scan to determine that surgery would not be needed. Without TMI, the situation was resolved. I came home late afternoon and Bobby stayed. DDad surely will be released tomorrow and Bobby will stay to help with that process. I have been scared to death that DDad would lose his place in the skilled nursing wing of the home, but it looks like everything is OK.

Yes, I'm going to work this week. I missed 4 1/2 days last week. There will be a literal mountain of stuff to do, especially so close to the end of school.

I'm off to find something to eat. I think it may be a huge bowl of Maggie's............. I'd just as soon not ever get in the situation we had today, thank you. I'm afraid that it may take me a week to catch up on everything going on. I've missed you all. No more crisis this week, please!

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

urrgghhh... I've had a horrible, bad, bad, bad case of the stomach flu since late yesterday morning. I first felt sick driving to the luncheon. It passed, but then I got sick for real after I got there... so ~embarrasing~ I don't know these people that well, though I presume they are understanding. If not, faggeddit... It was a really nice house with a drop dead gorgeous garden, I noticed that much. I called DH to drive down to Gilroy to pick me up. It's a forty minute drive and we made it home "just in time".

FWIW, the AAUW ladies liked the haupia, and asked for the recipe. Haupia is a Hawaii dessert - jelled coconut milk. I'll post the recipe later when I can stand to think about food again.

I caught the flu at from the rehab center, where it is going around. I thought I was careful to use good practices in helping Mrs. D with her "personal care" (gloves, frequent hand washing, etc.). She asked me to wash her bathrobes which had been peed on, as she thinks the hospital laundry is too rough. And, I totally forgot - handled them with my bare hands as was loading them in my washing maching. My hands have been covered with rose scratches all week from the arbor project, so that was a stupid lapse.

Judy, I think your dad is very lucky to have such a concerned, loving family and good medical care. It seems like a misfortune, but he is truly lucky to be so well cared for.

Wow, Barb. It sounds like your DH is really lucky, too; to have you there to look after him. What an awful spill for him - falls are so traumatic. I hope he is healing and feeling better by now.

I have more to write to you all, but my own energy is ebbing fast... maybe to tomorrow

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

Judy, returning to a backlog at work is a bummer. Take it one day (one hour?) at a time. It's hard to admit that the world can actually get along without you, but it can. So please don't overdo it. Your first priority is YOU. After that, you can look after the rest. Continuing prayers for you, your dad, and Bobby. It's a tough road right now.

Teel...ACK! Sorry about the germ invasion. That's a good reminder about hand-washing, etc. Still, the best practices don't always work. Take care of you. This too shall pass...but you've noticed that, haven't you. Ack again.

Peg, thanks for the offer on communicants resources. I'll definitely get back to you. Yesterday we had our conversation in the sanctuary where the table was set for communion (our lesson was on the sacraments.) We have a formal sanctuary, and many of the kids had never gone up in the chancel area. They got a kick out of checking out the organ and stuff close-up. It's, you know, "holy ground." (Unless you're in the choir--a most irreverent bunch.)

I woke up early and turned off the alarm. Then... I slept late. So no workout this morning. I'll think of something later. Truth be told, my energy for exercise is sublimation. I hate housework so much, I'll do anything to avoid it. Exercise--at home, at the gym, or running outdoors--is a form of running away from home. One reason I have a hard time sitting down to read (or veg) is that I'm surrounded by undone housekeeping, and it's harder to ignore. So, there you have it. My dirty secret (literally).

Back later, lovelies.

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


My Fitday Journal

Good morning. Ack. It's Monday.

Judy, thank you for finding the time to post and keeping us up-to-date. Impacted bowel? That could have been serious. I am glad the issue was resolved without surgery. This week will be tough for you. Mountains of paper plus the extra worry about Dad. When does the school year end? End of May or some time in June? Hang in there, my friend. Many, many <<<<HUGS>>>>

Terry, you poor thing! Stomach flu is no fun. I am sorry it "messed up" your AAUW luncheon. I would think a bunch of women would understand, though. And if not, as you say, faggeddit.

Hands scratched? So those roses do have thorns? Thank you for reminding me about "hand washing." I am in a lot of houses with children and will sometimes forget to wash my hands when I come home. Although, my hands are in soapy water and sometimes water mixed with alcohol in the course of my work. Maybe that plays a roll in not getting sick.

Hope today finds you feeling mucho better (as Shelley) would say!

Peg, so that mystery is solved. You DID have to write your own welcome "speech." Why is it called a litany? What IS a litany? My ignorance is showing here!

LOL about that cake mix-up. Hope the cake was GOOD!

I am truly sorry you are feeling miserable. Porky Peggy? I think NOT. Yeah, maybe you are a tad heavier than you were. But you sure looked GOOD in OKC! Yanno, I am still on Induction (of sorts). Dust off that Diet Power and join me!

Barb, I am enjoying the "wrong" 50 book! If Bill Gray's rock 'n roll is anything like the Beatles, I know I would love it. Too bad they did not make a CD. Does he perform in the area?

A new Jonathan Kellerman? I love Alex Delaware. I'll request it at the library. Have you read any of his wife's books? I think her name is Fay, or Faye. Her protagonist is a gentile cop married to an orthodox Jew. Or maybe he was a lapsed Jew? Can't remember. Anyway, I enjoy those books and the glimpse they offer into Orthodox Jewish life.

You visited your Dad. How is he doing?

Brenda, I am so glad you were able to post. Here's hoping this week finds you feeling much better.

I saw that ad in a Home Depot flyer. If I recall, there was even a picture of the Little Giant in the ad. I may dig it out of the trash. I miss having one!

Shelley, every time you mention "Charleston's" it brings back wonderful memories! Did you get a special gift for your Anniversary? Or do the new counter tops qualify? I'd trade a gift for new counters any day! And you get your new tile this week, right? You must be in heaven!

Donna & Rachel: Looking forward to your posts this week!

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

Lost another half pound this AM. 143.5. The strange thing is I had way too many calories yesterday. Barb, maybe you are right about more calories? We shall see. I vegged out all day yesterday. Son Mark brought DGD Paige over to show us the medals she won at our local Special Olympics. Three gold and one "peach," as Paige calls her bronze. We even got a little demonstration. So cute!

This morning: 143.5
Yesterday:
Calories: 1521
Fat: 111
Protein: 91.8
Carbs: 19.6

Bob was not feeling well yesterday. He played golf Saturday and it was cool. He breathed in all that cool air and he says it affected his chest. So he did not get to the grocery store and did not feel like making dinner. Since I was the chef, we had bacon and eggs for dinner, LOL! And Barb, I did put some cream cheese on that OMM!

Have a good week everyone. XXOO

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

Morning lovlies. Quicky check in for me, since I'll need to run the furgirls to the groomer (make-up for the appointment I blew last week in dufus-land). I do get to stay out and shop at a small local discount mall while the girls are in the spa since it's too far away to come home and go back.

TB, poor kid! Stomach flu is the worst kind, IMO. I imagine you are miserable, but keep hydrated, ok? Yeah, phooey on the AAUW gals if they can't handle a little reality.

Peg, glad you at least got to see the sanctuary!!

Judy, bless your heart, and your dad's and Bobby's, too. It's such a difficult situation; I'm glad, though, that your dad had the blockage resolved and will be moving to a place that can offer good care. YOU just take it step at a time with the backlog, ok? No point in your getting sick, too.

Alida, how proud Paige must be of her medals! What events did she participate in?
DH loves the Little Giant; I had to spend quite some time admiring its permutations yesterday, LOL!

Barb, I am SO not a fan of housework, either, and spent years avoiding it assiduously. However now that I'm just a wart on DH's financial behind, it behooves me to take the job more seriously, and I find I do enjoy the results. Still, it doesn't come naturally.

Everyone else Back later with poodly-looking poodles

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

Monday.........

• A paper mountain here
• Another day in the hospital for Dad. This morning there were new issues -- not good. They are doing a chest X-ray to see if he may have pneumonia again. The last time he had it he did not have an elevated white count or run any fever. If positive on the X-ray, that could explain some of the rapid deterioration.
• Weight loss last week = 3 pounds. Not a diet that I would recommend though.
• Back to the overwhelming grindstone.

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

Hi Gang!

Oh Judy! (((((((((((((((((Judy))))))))))))))))) So sorry to hear about Ddad. Geez! That guy just can't catch a break can he? Sorry too, that you came back to such a pile of paperwork. Take it easy, girlfriend. No. You are right, that is not a good way to lose weight.

Bren: Glad you are feeling a little better today. I bet your furgirls are looking quite "poodly" right now.

Alida: You sound as though you are doing quite well on inducation this time.

Barb: I keep forgetting the name of the line of cards that you wrote. I looked on the back of a bunch of cards today and could not find you! Dang!

Terry: ((((((((Terry))))))) I would rather be shot than have the Stomach Flu! So sorry that you caught that nasty bug. Take it easy.

Donna: How was your weekend and that big Chili feed?

Rachel: How're ya doin?

Shelley: Thought of you at Charleston's. Glad to hear that we have an honored spot there.

I went to the Urologist to see about the bladder surgery today. She said that there are some other issues that need to be addressed before surgery. One is to see another doctor. I need to make an appt. today.

Had PT this morning too, and I am SORE! Dh keeps appearing in my office to see about new ways I need to help him on the compuer. Aaaargh.

Gotta go. 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
64-3/4 years young

Good morning everyone. I have a ton of work to do...but boss is out of town...so it will wait a bit.

Alida: The chili turned out well. We had bought an 18 quart roaster oven and I filled it. It was so heavy it took 2 of us to carry it across the street to the Legion. Dh says it was enjoyed. Must have been...it was all gone. I was a little annoyed when I got my brand new roaster oven back and found some dummy had turned the heat way up and burned the chili badly onto the sides. It's still soaking....hope I can get it out.

Judy: (((((((huggs)))))) Hope things are a little better today. What a crappy thing to go through. Like the others have said...one day at a time.

Barb: Dh better this morning? That must have been some fall he took!!

Peg: Yup!!! I was dirty Donna on the weekend. I spent yesterday filling hanging baskets and pots. Absolutely lost track of time and didn't even think about eating or drinking. Off in my own little world and totally enjoying it.

Terry: Feeling better, I hope? I haven't had the flu for a lot of years (knock on wood), but I still remember how it can knock you flat on your butt. Relax and take some "you" time.

Yesterday, I took my dd out for lunch and then we walked around her little yard and decided where she was going to put her little gardens. She's really hyped about it. Bought her a few plants for a little colour to get her going.

Dh just called and he's soooo mad. Someone has gotten into his desk at work and is helping themself to Shell gift certificates. Over $500 missing! Now he's going to try and put out a little trap and when caught....that person will be fired. Now, I can worry that it might be dd! I think I know who it might be (one staff member has a gambling problem) and I sure hope I'm right. If it has to be someone, please, not a family member.

We got rain last night that we really needed, but I couldn't believe it when I looked out the window this morning and saw snow in the hills. The temperature sure has dropped too.

Better get some work done. Hope everyone has a good day.

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

Peg, hope those "other doctor" issues are not terribly troubling. Used to be doctors didn't specialize so intensely on different body parts. "Sorry...I only treat the nerve endings of the left hand...." I guess there are benefits from detailed knowledge.

Those cards are called "Secrets of a Joyful Heart"--but it's doubtful you'll find them in the stores right now. They might go up in the summer (after Father's Day). Or not. I think they're kind of into leftovers by this time, and not planning to rerun them as a collection. Thanks for looking.

DH is doing fine. Stitches out Wednesday, and a trip to the eye doc to get his glasses replaced.

CNBC was in here today filming for Mother's Day. They stopped by a meeting I was in and took a few minutes of footage. I have NO IDEA when this will air, or if any recognizable part of me will show up. But I'll let you know anything I find out.

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


My Fitday Journal

Barb: Hard for me to explain without TMI. Of course, when did that ever stop us, huh? I have to see a Urogynecologist. There is a possibility that I will need two kinds of surgery at the same time. My Urologist works with a Urogynecologist and they do both suurgeries at the same time. She says that they are pretty easily done, and recovered from IF there are no complications. Anyway, there are some issues that need to be resolved before I can have either surgery. They involve fiber, if you get my drift.

Donna: This weekend is the big weekend when planting can begin. I am almost poised at the door! However we are to have rain all week, with lower temps. Dang! Neither one of those things makes one think of planting!

Back tomorrow. Judy: Praying for you and for your DDad.

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

Judy, dearest, how rotten that your Dad has still more complications. I know Bobby and your brother and dsil will take good care, yet it must be so stressful being away, and under a mountain of paperwork. Many, many hugs, and positive thoughts and prayers for your Dad.

Donna, enjoying your bossless day I betcha! I do think it's good that your dd is taking such an interest in her yard--that's an interest you both share and one you are so talented in. .....Goodness, what a nasty surprise with the stolen gift cards. Crossing my fingers that the perpetrator isn't family--but it's a shame any of your employees would steal.

Barb, glad your DH is progressing. And goodness, you seem to always have such interesting things going on at work. Yes, let us know if you find out details.

Peg, so very sorry you have additional problems! DARN! Yes, the girls are quite poodly now, with bows in hair even. Trust me, that won't last, LOL!

Shelley, did you have that great chicken dish at Charlestons? YUM!!!! Did the tile guys come??

Rachel, still busy, I know! When do you think you'll know about the Armenia gig?
_______________
I'm trying to figure out a nice way to tell friend Diane that I really don't want to volunteer at the large animal shelter near her. Word has it that there are terrible things done there in the name of "training" and she wants me (and a couple of others) to volunteer there, to quietly turn the tide if we can. The cause is SO good; however, I really don't know if I'm up to seeing cruelty in person, especially if I'm helpless to do anything about it. I know it exists, I want to help; I don't know that I'm strong enough and that doesn't sound like enough of an excuse.

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

Things seem to have leveled off for the day. As of 2:00 this afternoon, they were saying if he can hold stable for 24 hours they will release him to a skilled nursing facility (nursing home with ?step down? hospital care). Everyday --- hell every hour--- it is something new and different. At 4:00 this morning they were ready to call in the family, at noon today I talked to him on the phone. Go figure???..

This evening I made myself real food --- meatloaf and mashed cauli. I had to hold back to keep from eating every bite. It was definitely enough for two meals, and I need to keep the other half for lunch tomorrow. It was great to have something that does not get served in a paper wrapper or box. Ok, I confess, lunch was real ice cream today. Something about that 10 day old piece of chicken drove me to it.

Peg, as for the fiber thing.......... not sure what the problem is, but I can tell you that a 10 day back-up is not where you want to go. I seriously came home yesterday and ate the highest fiber stuff in the house then washed it down with a ton of water. Keep drinking the water! It's a necessary part of the situation. Dehydration does bad things to you! One theory today is that Daddy's early morning problems today may have been related to being dehydrated.

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