Terry: Posting at the same time....welcome back....you were sure missed too! So, glad that you had a good time.

__________________
Donna
238.5/168.2/150
I will see my goal weight again!

Terry, I think Convergence in Victoria sounds like a plan. Sorry about the tooth. What is it about teeth knowing the most inconvenient times to give up on us? Hope you can post some pix from your trip.

Donna, stay out of the sun. The garden can wait. I read in the morning paper about a woman baking two sheets of cookies on the dashboard. According to the article, if it's at least 95 degrees outside, in the direct sun, you can get up to 200 in the car, and it'll work. Car smells good, too. Of course, where you are, they might burn up.

Gotta get back to work.

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


My Fitday Journal

I started to write "good morning!"

Gosh everyone is busy. I seem to be as well, but I think of you all often during the day. Call me crazy, but sometimes I converse more with you in my head than I do here in black and white.

Alida, thank you for confessing to the occasional squirrel. You have now reminded me, though, that I have to think about sheets!

The vet made a small incision in Khaki's abcess so it could drain for a couple of days (and I had to "help" it)-oh boy! Now though, the incision is healing and the antibiotics are kicking in. It is was a small sebaceous cyst she'd had for a while, but which recently became huge and then abcessed almost overnight. The vet wants to take the cyst out though, in a few weeks. This kind tends to abcess over and over once they start. Is Buddy better? Is his injury still open?

Oh Barb, your lunch with Dad was certainly more interesting than I'd imagined it would be--maybe for you, too! I imagine you got through it with as much grace as possible, and I also imagine most restaurants have seen their share of the "disgruntled elderly," but I don't envy that initial shock you must have felt.

Ah Peg, just check in when you can. Many irons in the fire, my friend. I do hope the exit interview went well and that the church can take your input in a positive spirit.

TB, welcome home!! Poor tooth, though. That was an unnecessary complication, I'd say, darn it. Hope all is better by now. BC has always sounded like a lovely place to me

Donna!! Are you sure you are having hot flashes again? I'm asking because I didn't sent yours back. In fact I think the ones you sent down here are multiplying like rabbits while I sleep. Honestly, I'm past the point where I should be having them, IMO, so I do NOT like this one bit.

Did you get all your gardening done?

Judy, you are back in the trenches, so to speak, so at least that part of your life is somewhat normal. I'm glad you've found a decent place for your Dad--it sounds like a place that will be very familiar with the kind of care he will need. I hope when he's settled your mind can be more at ease.

Shell, back to work today? Ya know, we lost our yard in '89 and again in '95 to the heat. I know what you mean about tryint to keep the trees alive. I was syphoning my used bath water and sneaking it outside in buckets after dark. LOL!

Rach, hope all is well out your way.
________________________

It seems this is a time when quite a few of us are dealing with various parent or in-law issues. I've just started investigating whether or not we can bring my MIL to Illinois to live. I'd have her live with me in a heartbeat, but there's no room here, and I don't think there's anyplace (apartment) near us that she and/or we can afford. She's not doing well on her own but doesn't need assisted living yet. <sigh> DH is flying back down in a couple of weeks to check on her again.

For my part, I took Khaki to a park today in the Dell Webb community (for people 55+) while Token was getting groomed. It is a gorgeous and well maintained community. Ya know, that kind of thing looks better and better to me, and it was only a couple of years ago that I was scoffing at the thought.

Finally, I can't complain about the weather. It's been just lovely the past few days and I wish I could share it with all of you.

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

Good morning ladies!

Peg, oh goody. You get to tell THEM what's wrong! From some of your comments, they sure didn't mind telling you what they thought was wrong with your ministry style. I remember that "emotional blackmail" comment. Check back when you can.

Judy, so how did the first day go? Getting all organized and ready for the big push on Thursday?

Brenda, yes, Buddy is doing better, I think. But he is his own worst enemy because I can't get to him to cleanse the wound like I should and forget trying to give him a pill. So he gets his antibiotics smashed in his food. And sometimes he does not eat it all, even though I only serve a few tbs. Sigh. The wound is slowly closing up. I do what he will let me do.

Be prepared for a large open wound when the vet removes the abscess. It will not be pretty!

I know what you mean about retirement communities looking pretty good about now! As for your MIL ... doesn't she live in Florida? If so, that would be quite a move for her. Here's hoping you can find an apt. near you. As for not needing assisted living yet ... I have an older friend that moved herself into an assisted living community. And she definitely was not ready for it yet. But she found one she liked and could afford. She figured it was coming anyway, so she might as well pick one she liked herself!

Barb, I had a hearty laugh over your Dad's antics at the restaurant. This is not just a trait of the elderly. Bob has walked out of restaurants after looking at the menu or thinking the place is too loud. At least he apologizes himself and I don't have to do it for him!

Terry, welcome home! But dang it on the tooth! Is it a front tooth? Did you knock your head on something or was the chip from something you ate? Don't forget to post some pictures. I'll bet you have some beautiful shots!

Donna, LOL about those bushes by the stairs. Less plants to water now! Good going on the LC baking and being prepared. I have a zucchini waiting to become Donna Muffins!

And yes, the web site takes forever because I keep changing my mind. I am not a true graphic artist, so it is a very simple site. No great design there. But I do try my best to make it a workable site that has all the information people need. Once it's up, I'll give you all the URL. Another frustration when doing a web site is the fact that people have different size monitors, set at different resolutions. And if they have it set for just 256 colors, they will be out of luck with my site. I am not using web-safe colors. They suck.

Rachel & Shelley: Hope all is well.

XXOO

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

Hi guys!
I'm on my way out the door to work. Been following along at a distance.
We're still locked in this heat wave....ugh....and, yes, I'm still a tad cranky....hehe.

Everyone have a good day...I'll try and fly by tonight...

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

Tuesday morning: Voting today! We have new voting equipment this time. I got checked out on it by a man who had a demonstration set-up at the YMCA. I told DH: Use the paper ballot! That's the form you fill out with pencil and stick into a digital reader. Much easier than the touch screen, IMHO.

I'm attending a memorial service with Dad this afternoon--his friend's wife. Dying of old age is one thing--but a fall that breaks your head is really tragic. As for the restaurant thing--this is a new place that just opened adjacent to the largest retirement community in the region. So they'd better get used to being cordial to the elderly.

Bren, like you, I find myself in conversation with this bunch on a regular basis--in my head. True friendship is founded on listening and "being there" more than anything else. The fact that we can't "do" for each other in person is not as significant as the comfort and encouragement of presence. It's great that you feel so comfortable with the idea of having your MIL close by. Hope that transition goes smoothly for all. My sister and I are extremely grateful my parents moved here when they did.

I woke up way early this morning (3-ish) and worked all my relaxation techniques to no avail. Finally, I reached over and grabbed that bar of soap that was still on the night table--you know, the jittery leg cure--and put it in between the sheets. Whaddaya know. I went back to sleep. Coincidence? You decide. I had a busy dream though. Some relative moved into my house and began interior demolition. I was furious!! Called him an a$$hole when I found a dirty machine dripping oil on an oriental rug. I finally realized that there was a crew recording everything--including my tirade--and what we were getting was a makeover. I should only be so lucky! It was a funny dream. They opened a door and found a bathroom in my house that I never knew existed. Just goes to show the state of my housekeeping denial.

Everybody keep cool today. See you later.

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


My Fitday Journal

Hi early birds.

Voting today? Goodness it seems like an odd time of year, but maybe I've been in Illinois today. Odd dream, Barb, but glad the soap trick got you back to sleep. I don't need another bathroom, but I certainly wish someone would find another closet or two!

Shell, Alida, hey girls. Same to Peg, Donna, TB, Judy.

Ok, here's two pix before and "sort of" after. I say sort of, because obviously no paint yet, and some details to be done. This is the last I'll bore you all with the LR, I promise
Before:

Attached Thumbnails

 

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

And after-ish

Attached Thumbnails

 

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

Wow Bren...
What a difference those window treatments make.....beeeeeautiful!!!! They really make it look so much brighter and airy. And you are definitely influencing me in the direction of red furniture....yeah, baby!! And we difinitely want to see more pics when you get to where you want to be with it, ya hear????

perhaps back later...
(((hugs to all)))
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!

Just a quick note to let you guys know that I am still alive and well. I'm sort of in a bum mood right now. School is going to be OK, but it's always rough getting back in gear again. Daddy's move is tomorrow. I think he's planning for the worst -- gave some funeral arrangement info to my brother this afternoon. I'm tired and need to get in bed at a decent time tonight. And, as Shelley can attest........... it's hot.

Don't worry about me..........I'll come back soon in a better frame of mind.

__________________
Judy
highest = 180, goal = 138-140
Every single time I put food in my mouth, it matters. No more Fooling myself!

Brenda, Your room is beautiful. I love it! (I have a dark red couch, too.)

__________________
Judy
highest = 180, goal = 138-140
Every single time I put food in my mouth, it matters. No more Fooling myself!

Brenda, the feng shui is totally improved. Lovely choices.

The colors in my living room are also dark reddish--the centerpiece being the fireplace and mantel, which are about the color of your couches. I have a lot of pattern, however, and an "overstuffed" ambiance.

Today was primary election day in Missouri--sorting out who gets to run "for real" in the fall election. The contest getting the most national attention is Claire McCaskill's bid to unseat incumbent Republican Senator Jim Talent. You can watch for those names in the news. (I'm for Claire.)

Judy, thanks for checking in. You didn't get any vacation this summer, and it's no wonder you're bummed. Ease on in, and come back here when you can. Any chance of a spa date for you?

Time to call it a day. Hope this isn't another night calling for the soap solution.

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


My Fitday Journal

Hey--morning already! And I'm answering myself again. Hope everybody kicked back yesterday evening. There actually are a few other things to do than chat here.

For some reason, I clicked on that "determine your RealAge" button this morning, and got caught up in the stupid survey. Of course, what they're doing is collecting information so they can send spam. I hope I dodged a few of their traps. Anyway, my "real age" was 53--which isn't that encouraging. Turns out most of the items on my "bad" list were the result of the "bad" survey--they didn't have a place for me to enter my extra calcium and other supps, so it looks like I don't get enough. Also, I don't eat enough fruits and grains, and too much red meat. Sounds like a good low-carber to me. Stupid survey is slanted towards the ADA guidelines, wouldn't you say? Also, the chart didn't even go up high enough for my HDL cholesterol, which is over 100. Don't bother!

Satchel Paige (or whomever) had it right: How old would you be if you didn't know how old you was? I say 35, and I'm sticking with it.

One more workday and I'm outta here. My plane leaves this evening, and I'll be in the mountains by midnight. I printed out my boarding pass, so I can be the first on the plane.

Now, I'm off to cycle class. Get those 35-year-old legs and lungs pumping.
Later, ladies.

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


My Fitday Journal

Waving madly(jealously) at ya, Barb!!! Have a wonderful time!!!


I'm off to work...if the schedule doesn't change, it looks to be a pleasant day
Weather wise is a different story...forecasted for over 100 the rest of the week....ugh and cranky!!! LOL!

later chickadees!!!
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!

Ai Yi Yi, I'm here with the early birds. DH is leaving for work and I'm awake, so might as well stay up, eh?

Thanks for the comments, gals. I do think it's interesting that so many of us are drawn to red

Feng shui, Barb? A subject I've wanted to learn a bit about. No clue, except someone told me once to be careful where I place mirrors so the chi isn't confused

I have to say my "felt" real age depends on the time of day. Right now, I'm feeling the years--after a cuppa, yup, I agree 35 is about right.

Have a GREAT vacation. Wish you could send us some mountain air. I DO so miss mountains.

Miss Shelley, hope your work day is as smooth as silk, even if your weather isn't. Boo on another hot week there.

Judy, your mood is understandable under the circumstances, as is your Dad's. Perhaps once he is adjusted and comfortable it will be a relief to him to know he's someplace where he can be safe and cared for. That's often the case. At any rate, I hope that your db was able to listen with composure and acceptance to whatever your Dad needed to say. It's difficult to hear, but important.

Yikes, tomorrow you'll have the kids, and another year off and running.

Alida, Peg, Donna, TB, Rachel, morning gals. Hope to see you all check in!
_____________________
A chiropractor appointment later this morning and yoga this evening, with a few hopefully useful things in between. A happy day for all the kinks and knots, anyway. Later, kids.

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