Morning Barb and friends.

Goldie--a fine name for a sleek marmalade cat.

I know it's Friday, but seems SO Saturdayish. Probably because I'll be picking up DH at O'Hare in just a bit. He always used to take Saturday flights to FL, but decided weekday flights were much quieter. Just as many travelers, but fewer kids--the Disney destination and all that. Well, speaking of that, I'd better be off if I'm going to stop for a latte for the road. I'm still feeling somewhat groggy and out of sorts this am, which doesn't bode well for driving. Fortunately, a nice double latte picks me right out of the doldrums every time. Caffeine junkie, ya think? LOL!

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

TGIF!!!! Good morning everyone. I can hardly wait for this day to be over so I can get ready for my shopping excursion with Mickey. Do you think I sound excited? lol

Barb: I really have to give you a pat on the back for taking the bus. It's right up the top their with my dislike of laundrymats. I can't stand it!! We don't have a bus in our town, cause it's too small, but when I lived in larger centres I had to take the bus (before I was married). Half the time I couldn't get a seat, or gave mine up for older people, or the bus was late. Waiting in bad weather wasn't fun either. But...if you are enjoying it...good for you.

I didn't know you had adopted a kitty. That's so nice. Just make sure it isn't an unspayed female or you're going to have all kinds of cats running around.

Judy: Don't you dare try to leave this group. There would be a big hole in the circle of seats around the fire. Just post when you can ...it makes us happy to hear from you whenever you have the time. I think that's so nice that you phone your dad every night. You must have had such a close family. So lucky.

Brenda: That's such good news that Khaki is doing better. Nothing like worrying about a pet and there isn't too much we can do. Obviously, you've been doing everything right though. You're a good mommy.

Shelley: Lovely birds. Right now it seems all that we have around the house are those darn ravens. Not much else comes around with them there. But, on my walk I get to see the osprey nests with the babies in them. They sure make a racket, but they're so funny.

Well, I finally make it last night on my walk..... 3 1/4 miles! My goal was 3 miles. I took a different route last night and walked across the bridge and up the hill that I dread driving down in the snow. Don't think I'll be doing that again. My calves were just killing me. And then the round about way that I took to get home was all downhill so I couldn't get a good pace going. I was afraid of skidding on the small rocks on the roads and falling. It was a good walk though. Much cooler last night, but like Shelley, I did STBO.

My dd is doing much better now. Wow...those antibiotics sure do wonders. She was only given pills to last 5 days and by the 2nd day the cough was just about gone. I've given her a lecture on talking better care of herself, eating better, and not drinking. Probably went in one ear and out the other. Would be nice if this kind of scared her though.

I'll be leaving home at 9 am tomorrow to pick up Mickey, then heading straight to the mall in town. I haven't heard from her but I'll call her tonight to make sure they are home from their little trip. I'll be so disappointed if they aren't.

Back to work for me. I'm hoping it's a busy day so it will go fast. Nothing worse than sitting and trying to look busy. Have a great weekend everyone...I plan to.

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

When I sold my house and bought the condo, I coined a term for those few who made remarks about our buying the condo at the top of the market: Sell High, Buy High; Sell Low, Buy Low. Meaning, although we bought at the top of the market, we also sold at the top of the market. It evens out.

Prices are starting to slide in California, too; so when Peg is ready to buy, the place she gets will probably cost quite a bit less than if she'd bought it last year. One of my neighbors, a renter, was saying (in a slightly self-satisfied way) that they sold their house at the market peak and were going to rent a home for a couple years -- until prices drop. And, I politely refrained from pointing out that all of the extra expense they have in double moving costs, and 2 years of rent (not building equity), and higher capital gains will likely wipe out any savings (she silently sniggers ).

Donna, it sounds like your weekend will be very joyful! Enjoy it to the max! Oh, and you can't trash that organ! Is it repairable? Maybe you could donate it to a school music program or to a church for a tax deduction.
Barb, congrats on the new family member; I love orange kitties very much. Those big orange boys are just special, yanno? May Goldie enjoy many long years being part of your family - he's a lucky cat, indeed! I'm also envious that your DH is so open to adopting more cats. Mine loves the cats, but he is set on not getting any more animals - he wouldn't even agree to a Katrina rescue. I have to grant that he's correct in that we are already out of compliance with our CRCs - the rules here limit households to two pets. <Blushing> Not a good thing, considering I'm on the Board and supposed to uphold said rules.

Brenda, what lovely news about Khaki's improved liver tests! What ever you're doing, keep doing it. Have you ever posted pics of your furkids? I think you have, but I don't remember. Anyhoo, it would be fun to see a pic.

And, Judy, ditto about not pulling away! When we're not feeling chatty, we can just sit quietly side-by-side at the edge of the campfire. We're still part of the fellowship, even then.

Shelley, that was a very interesting website. The story about the origins of turtle doves was fascinating; and I enjoyed looking at her other wildlife photos, too.

Alida, I well remember all the tweaking upon tweaking it takes to build a website and how important those small details are! I remember many late nights thinking to myself, "You're nuts! Spending so much time on such a tiny element! Move on!". But, of course, I could not feel satisfied until I solved the problem. I always felt it was worth the time in the end... to know I'd resolved those issues.

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

Afternoon in the cafe. I've just found out that my office laptop has a wireless uplink I can use in the company coffeehouse. (Yup. We've got that.) So I'm researching in-law relationships online for next week's writing project while I sip a Starbucks. Anybody want to trade lives? We'll be doing cards for DILs, DGDs, and a Cousin. Any suggestions for that hard-to-find message?

As for the adopted kitty--I believe she's a girl, and she's the one who did the adopting. Call it hanging around until DH took notice. We thought she was a feral cat for a long time because she was so skittish. But now she's very happy to roll over and have her tummy rubbed. It would be sensible to catch her and take her to the vet for a check-up. We don't need kittens in the garage.

Nice thunderstorm revving up out there. We really need the rain. A good day to ride the bus. Donna, I've mostly hated waiting for buses since I was a kid. But ours are convenient and not crowded, and I'm finding it a relaxed way to travel to and from work, even if I have to carry an umbrella. Or wear a furry coat and boots when winter comes.

Back to work now, with a caffeine boost.

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


My Fitday Journal

G'morning, ladybugs!!!
On my out the door to my nail appt, then will hit the gym after lunch...and after the nails dry
WI at WW this morning...down another 1.6lbs...I'll take it and hope it sticks!!

Back later to chat more...hope everyone is having a lazy-day Saturday!!

later, chickadees!
Shell

__________________
~~~~
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, congrats on the -1.6. "Weigh" to go!

This morning I slept in until 9:00........... it was wonderful. I may not even leave the house today. In fact, I think I might sew a little just for the escape feeling it gives me. I want to make a pair of denim gaucho pants.

Have a good weekend everyone!

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

No, I didn't sleep in, but I'm glad you did, Judy. Glad to hear you have relaxing (and rewarding) plans for the day. You too, Shelley. Good going on the weight loss. Exercise is definitely a booster.

I've done my workouts, and a little picking up around the house. Got my lists made for various purchases, and I'll be off and running. I read in the morning paper that they're closing my nearest Wal-Mart. The area adjacent to it was the hottest mall going no more than fifteen years ago, and now it's almost deserted. In fact, this Wal-Mart was originally one of only four "Hypermart" stores WM opened in the country. Hope they'll relocate not far away. I know a lot of people hate WM, but I appreciate the good prices on stuff like housewares and cosmetics.

Well...off to the races. Check ya later, babes.

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


My Fitday Journal

Hi guys,
We just got back from our *dinner date*. Now we are watching the sky to see if we are going to get any of the rain that seems to be all around us, but none at my house(at the moment).
Nothing really new to speak of. I went to the gym and had a good workout; 77 min TM with inclines and then some speed walking at 4.0 - 4.2mph. Yeppers....STBO!!!

Alida...bless your heart for more work on the web site. I know you will get it perfect and it will be terrific advertising. You do have the patience of a saint...yes, really!

Barb...did you make those credit cards melt today with your mega shopping??? LOL.
Hope you found everything you set out to find. That's my idea of a perfect shopping day...finding all things needed and on SALE!!!

Bren...DH home all safe and sound? Any news if your MIL will be moving to Chicago? I would think it would definitely take some worry off of you guys to have her closer. We sure wish papa would reconsider and move into town. It's a fine line with when to insist and when to stand by, yanno?

Peg....WOOHOO for the sale of the condo!!! Looks like you will get your wish m'dear and get out of MA before it *frosts on the pumpkin*...LOL. Hope the move is smooth and painless.

Judy...did ya sew today?....hope so! I know it's a good escape. I haven't got to put any time in with my machine in a long, long time. Hummm....maybe I should see what I have in the sewing room that I could start working on. Be sure and give us a sneak peek at your project, OK?

Donna...bet you and Micayla shopped til ya dropped, eh? Hope you had a blast...I just bet you did! Give us all the details about what's on a little girl's wish list for school.

Teel...glad you enjoyed that website of NatureAli. I thought it was a fascinating site also. Seeing the ringed turtle dove was soooo neat! I would really like to hear it's song as well. They were back at our feeder again last evening; but they are pretty skiddish and didn't stay very long.

Ohhh...got to go...phone call from DD

later chickadees,
Shell

__________________
~~~~
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!

We've got our *perky* Shelley back, it appears. Hope you get some rain today. We seem to be having a steady downpour this morning, a continuation of rain on and off since Friday. The ground is slurping it up.

Shopping for cat litter isn't exactly a thrill. However, since DH is a devoted coupon-clipper, I did save ten bucks on my several purchases yesterday. L'Oreal always has great coupons for hair color. I also bought some Neutrogena Mineral face color, and will try that today.

Church, then out to pick up my dad, and we'll go visit my aunt and uncle. (His brother & my mom's sister, who are married to each other.) My uncle is pretty far down the road with Alzheimer's. I haven't seen him in a while, so I'm trying to be prepared for a little strangeness.

It's football season already, have you noticed? I've tried to tolerate, if not enjoy, watching football, if only to spend more time in the company of DH. But I just can't stand it. I'll probably catch up on a lot of reading. I'm still working on Jodi Picoult's Keeping Faith. Usually when I meet up with my sisters, one of them leaves behind a good book.

Peg, do you take a "church break" when you're not pastoring? I never did get a "call" to the ministry, although I listened for it, and one of the obstacles, in my mind anyway, was always a reluctance to give up the enjoyment of worship as a member of the congregation for the "anxiety," as it were, of making sure everything goes smoothly on Sunday morning. It is a kind of drama, after all. Hope you're pacing yourself these days.

Judy, how are those denim gauchos coming along?

Loving prayers for all of you today!

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


My Fitday Journal

Good Morning!

It rained yesterday! And it rained last night! Whoohoo! Shelley -- I hope some of this went your way, too.

And the good news -- I think I am done with the web site. All I have to do now is put in some keywords and page descriptions for the web bots. Of course, you have to do this for every fricking page -- and there are 15 of them. And I am wondering if I should include some printer-friendly pages. Always something.

Peg, CONGRATULATIONS! Even if you got less than you wanted, I think Teel got it right. If you sell low, you end up buying low, too. And in your case, by the time you are ready to buy in CA, it may be even lower. So now the packing can begin!

Judy, I ditto everyone else here! Do not even think of leaving us. We need all of us! Denim gauchos sound neat. Gauchos sorta take me back to the 60s. Or was it the 70s? With boots, a great look!

Brenda, great news about Khaki! You must feel elated. And DH is home. I hope his flight was smooth and uneventful. Any more news about the possibility of his Mom moving to your neck of the woods?

Shelley, great news on the 1.6 pounds! It seems like you have hit upon the right combo to get things moving again! YEA! Did you get the rain? (All of a sudden that CCR song is running through my head -- "Have you ever seen the rain...").

Barb, hey, I'd love to trade jobs with you. Sad fact is no one would want MINE! But for "cousins" -- one idea could be "You are like a sister (or brother) to me ..." My cousin said that to me not too long ago. Yes, she is more like a sister to me than my own sister. But part of that could be the age difference. Marcia and I are only one year apart and "grew up" together. Whereas my sister is 9 years older. Could have something to do with it.

My most favorite cat was a stray, and adopted us, too. He was a beat-up, ragged-eared Scottish Fold (which is unusual for a stray) with a huge wart on his head. While we lived at the "big" house, we had two outside cats. I feed them and covered boxes with plastic for them to use on the deck during the winter. One was feral. When I tried to bring him inside he went nuts. But Scotty, the first time I brought him in, he knew he had a good thing going! So when we moved he went with us. We took him to the vet. That's when we found out he had feline AIDS. But he was with us for three great years before the AIDS got him in the end. As for the other cat, I made sure the new owners would keep on feeding him! I even left a bunch of food.

When exactly do you leave for NZ? Perhaps Berta could work around it!

Teel, yes, web sites are all about details! It's little things. I decided to use 8 pt. type, but smaller type needs more leading. Go to the paragraph properties and the only choices I thought I had was "single" "one and a half" "double", etc. Too little and too much. AHA. I tried 105% and it worked! If I knew CSS I think it would have been easier, but I don't. Bulleted lists were another challenge. The built-in program looked lousy. Too much space between the bullet and the copy. Solved that problem, too, after many aborts. My basic problem is that I usually don't read instructions -- just fly.

BTW -- how are you liking the Prestige film? And on that note, Firehouse was just offered a Prestige dealership for KC. Since there is some $ outlay involved, we are doing due diligence and talking to as many people and Prestige dealers as we can.

Donna, so, how was the shopping trip with Micayla? And the party? Inquiring minds, you know!

And thank goodness your daughter is feeling better. this is weird ... I was at my hairdresser the other day and one of his customers came in and said she is just getting over Bronchitis and Pneumonia! Isn't that the same combo your DD has? Wonder if a Combo Bug is going around!

And dear Rachel. HOW NOW?

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

I think I may get the big DRUGS for my hip today and see how that goes. I found out that Cortisone is a steroid. I didn't know that. It will shoot up my blood sugar and make me hungry. Lord knows I don't need that! Doctor says the shot lasts for 6 months. Hmm. Wonder if those effects mentioned above last 6 months, too? Ah well. One step at a time. If I can put off this hip replacement for 5 more years, Medicare can pay for it!

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

Well put - my take exactly. I walked into the den last week and said, "football ALREADY???" And it's on so many times a week these days! The only football broadcasting thing I have developed a liking for is John Madden, who's doing Monday Night. He's such a fun, folksy guy. He has a daily radio commentary on KCBS that I enjoyed during my daily commute (he talks about everything, not just sports).

I finished reading Kite Runner last week (I think Rachel recommended it?). It was indeed a great book. At one point, it made me feel so heartsick, I almost couldn't go on with it and was going to return it to the library unfinished. I'm glad I stuck it out. (aside: part of the book takes place in Fremont, near where DH and I lived for quite some time).

I've been reading a lot, even though it shifts me to double vision after an hour or two. Shelley, you know I still haven't gotten my new glasses (ordered in June)? The lab keeps screwing up the job and it's a minimum 2-week turn around to redo them each time. This has caused quite some tension between the doctor's staff and myself. I blew up at them a few weeks ago, for which I'm somewhat embarrassed. It was clear that they thought I was just being a fussy crank - complaining when there was nothing really to complain about. So, last week, when the lenses ~again~ were proven to be ground incorrectly, it was their turn to be embarrassed. I was quite gracious about it.

We are going car camping with 2 other couples over the long weekend. The destination is inland from San Louis Obisbo where our friends purchased a track of land. It eventually will be their retirement property, but it's quite unimproved at this point. We'll even have to haul in our own water. I'm feeling a little unsettled because my friend advised bringing boots and heavy walking sticks (rattle snakes). Maybe I'll visit Goodwill to see if I can pick up some inexpensive boots and take a golf club.

I need to go get doing things, but I feel like I've forgotten to say something I meant to say - CRS. Oh, well, I'll post it later if I remember. Meanwhile, I hope everyone is enjoying this last week of summer.

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

Oh! now I remember.... Alida, if the hip replacement is inevitable anyway (I don't know), would it make sense to do it this year when you've already met your deductible? Or, would that put you in dutch with your health insurer? I remember they were pretty snarky with you already.

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

Hi Gang!

Yesterday was a big one with folks from Ghana coming for a picnic. We had planned hot dogs and hamburgers (real American fare, yaknow), but dh read in someone's newsletter that they were eating a lot of them. So, we fixed tacos, rice and mexican refried beans. They loved it. We had watermelon for dessert. As is true of so many ethnic families, they brought their kids. Five boys and one teenaged girl (who spent the whole time on a cell phone!). The boys had an absolute ball with our lake and fishing! Also, rolling down our hill and just being boys! The adults loved the place too. At one point, I missed the men and found them in dh's office where he was giving away our books!!! I was livid. I went through what they had taken and reclaimed several. All four Ghanian adults have PhD's in theology. Two live here with their family and pastor a church, two are visiting professors at nearby Andover Newton Theological School. It was fun but exhausting.

I am still suffering through this danged cold that my dgd was kind enough to share last week. Today I feel just plained achy and awful. My nose is running, and I have a cough. (Whine, whine)

Alida: About those cortisone shots. I've had several in both my hips over years. They don't necessarily "last" for six months. Sometimes they don't even work! Sometimes they do. But, I wouldn't give up having them for that reason. When they do work, they are magic. I don't know much about diabetes, but I wouldn't think that it would interfere at all. Supposedly you are not supposed to have more than 3 in a lifetime, but I've had many more than that. But, I've always spaced them out over a year or two.

Glad you are getting that website done. Do attach a link when you are finished. I would love to see your handywork.

Terry and others: Remember that we are moving into the old fart's home? We are not going to buy again. The ofh has a fee to enter, and a monthly fee to stay. We will not own what we live in, but it will be a house. Any money we spend to renovate will be a donation to the ofh. But, we plan to stay there for life. In October we will move to an apartment in Rancho Cucamonga (I attached a link last week, I think), and will live there for 6 to 8 months until we have a house in the ofh. We will be able to invest whatever earnings we get from the sale of the condo. Except, as you can imagine, I have plans for it already!! I want to use a large portion to renovate wherever we finally live. I suspect that it will be our home for a long time. At least, I hope so. When either of us dies, the other one has to move to a smaller place that is designed for one.

Barb: I hear you about "giving up worship." I did feel that way for the first few years I pastored. But, I have learned to see the worship as a vessel in which the Holy Spirit may be expected. My part is to pray and preach Her in. Kierkegaard had a wonderful pithy saying about worship which I have used often with congregations and worship committees. He said that worship is a like a play. The pastor, choir, liturgists are the prompters, the congregation are the actors, and God is the audience. So often, in the modern church, the congregation have the audience and the actors switched, according to Kierkegaard. I agree.

Have a lovely time with your DDad today. It is truly a ministry of love that you have with him and visiting your relatives too. There are many kinds of ministry, you know. Preaching is only one. I sometimes think we should have ordination ceremonies for each different occupation. Many are so blessed.

Shelley is a loser! Shelley is a loser! Congratulations, girlfriend! Keep it up. You are doing just wonderfully. I have managed to find all the weight you are losing. But, hope springs eternal.....I will lose it some day.

Bren: Great news about Khaki. Did you get dh home safely and are you enjoying your Sunday?

Donna: Can't wait to hear how the shopping, the party, etc., went. Hope you had a fabulous time and there weren't any glitches (which your ds and ddil are so good are causing). Good news too about dd. Hope she listens to you.

Judy: Denim Gauchos! What a good idea. I love those things. They hide a multitude of sins! I remember them with boots too. But, you know, I am just too old for boots now. Besides they were never that comfortable. Good on you for resting yesterday. I slept until 9:00 today. Surprised the heck out of me.

Rachel: Where art thou????

Well, I'm going to go to bed and listen to my Ipod. Back to THAT discussion several pages back. I LOVE my Ipod!!! I ordered a refurbished one from Ebay. I just love it. I have seven books on it right now, as well as two CD's of songs. I have only just dented the memory. I could put all my library of CD's on it if I wanted. I bought an attachment for the car so I can listen to books while I am driving, or I can listen to songs. I had a shuffle. DON'T buy one. They are so unreliable. I had to send two of them back to the factory. I think they may work better with MAC's. I have a PC. But, the software works perfectly with my Ipod. I bought the fourth generation, 30GB one. Love it!

See ya later,
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

Oh, I see. I didn't know they worked that way. I thought the ofh was also a buy-in setup. The only senior development DH and I looked at last year was a buy-in community.

So, if one wanted to stay on in a house after a spouse died, could that be arranged? I think it would be sad to have to think about moving on top of mourning. I would guess the administration eases that burden as much as possible. Should a surviving spouse remarry, could they move back to a bigger place?

I'm being too nosey. I'm sorry. It just occurs to me that I should know more about these things at my age.

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

Hi guys,
IT'S RAINING HERE IN OOOOOOOOKLAHOMA!!!!! a BIG Hooray!!! WOOHOO!!!!
We had 1.10 inches in our rain gauge this morning and it's raining again now at a pretty good rate, so I'm hoping for another inch!!!
Again, not much going on here. Just returned from the gym...73 min TM with inclines and speed walked again.

Oh...yes, Alida is very correct about steroids and diabetes. Steroids will *whack out* blood sugars big time. Also it can affect blood pressure too. Very serious stuff, those 'roids. 3 injections is usually the limit for a joint to get. More than that can cause crystalization in the joint and cause more damage than good. I have had the max in both elbows...then the L elbow finally got so bad I had surgery on it. Not fun!
That's one reason I'm a little relunctant to jump in full force with upper body weights. I tried some weight training last year and started having elbow pain again, so I backed off. Yeah, I know....this aging stuff with the creaky, squeeky joints is a PITA!!! Add in the bifocals, root canals and reccomended colonoscopy at age 50, and it's just to much fun!!!....NOT!!! Oh well, at least we're all still on our feet and probably in reality, in pretty good shape for our age That's my story and I'm stickin' to it!!!!
On that note, I will leave and get going on dinner.

(((hugs to all)))
later, chickadees!!!
Shell

__________________
~~~~
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!