Donna... I am so sorry...let's hope for the best, that she just stumbled and will get back up and get on the right track.

We are back in the land of OZ. The med dr. is changing some meds, increasing some meds, ordering some special cream all to try to get rid of this hideous rash that won't go away. Orthopedic dr. sees him today... and will check infection. Possiblity of taking out knee and putting in spacer, put his leg in brace for 6 weeks and continuing IV vacomycin when infection clears up they would put in another knee. he would be wheel chair bound for this period of time no weight on his leg.

Following along with everyone's life... just don't have time to respond... but, take care good health to the ill and the rest just have a good time..and enjoy the beginning of spring

Good morning.

Donna: and Is she still going to AA? Maybe they can help?

Peg, oh, I do hope you will be feeling better soon. for you, too.

Judy, since most of my plants are more in the line of "decor," there would be big empty spaces if I moved them to the deck during the summer. I would also be afraid of bugs! I do have to re-pot all of them though. Bob will have to help with the big ones!

Shelley, I should join you on the no eating after 7 thread! After having my picture taken at my DGD's 15th birthday party yesterday, I swear I am never eating a thing after 7. It's bad, girls. Really, really bad.

It's Monday. I have to iron a few shirts for Bob. I didn't get to it last night. I watched Sense & Sensibility and John Adams. Much more entertaining than ironing! XXOO

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

A not-so-early good morning to all. After a busy, fun weekend, I caught up on some z-z-z-z-z's.

Donna, I know you didn't have a good experience with Al-Anon in your area. However, AA for your dd is the only hope I can offer. And she has to do it herself. Learning to drive probably isn't such a good idea for someone who has a drinking problem, but her options are truly limited by mobility. Keep repeating that.

Alida, how did you like the John Adams program? I'm reading Founding Brothers--a terrific description of the formation of our government following the Revolution. I'm more interested than ever in how this country got started--and what a miracle it really is.

Judy, I've heard that benign neglect is the secret to houseplant happiness. The little euonymous (sp?) someone gave me seems to be thriving at last--with much less worrisome attention from me. Meanwhile, I'm hoping the "peace lily" I killed at work might show some signs of life again. We'll see. My friend planted about $25 worth of bulbs last week--and the squirrels really enjoyed the gourmet feast. Squirrels are just NOT cute.

Hey Dixie! Thank for the . My team, Winthrop, got bumped in the first round--but considering it was a women's college when I went there, I can hardly complain about it being in the bigtime now.

Bert, thinking of you. I know how hard this is for both of you. Take care of yourself.

I have thank-you notes to write. Maybe I'll rummage in the boxes for some memoir material, too. No time better than now.

But maybe not. The challenges of "retirement" commence...

Hope the week holds some unexpected blessings for everyone.

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


My Fitday Journal

Hi gals, lost a post yesterday due to fumble fingers, but following along. The weekend was busy. Sat in on a knitting group Saturday, but the group is so established I felt like a bump on a log. Book club, however, was a hoot. If there'd been a camera, someone could make extort quite a few bucks from us middle-aged and almost-senior ladies shaking our buddys as we whined and skanked. Don't ask! Midwestern white girls look extremely funny Jamaican dancing since our hips have never learned to act independently, but it was a great workout followed followed by a meal with delish, novel tastes. Yesterday? Yard work, groceries, yada yada. And Sense and Sensibility

Donna, darn. I know you are heartsick. My impression is that it often takes a few tries before sobriety "sticks." Stay strong. Enjoy your new scrapbooking goodies, for sure.

Alida, I was doing so well in January and it seems impossible that my b*tt will hardly fit in my jeans in only a couple of months, yet it is so. Like your photo at dgd's birthday, the vision of myself jiggling Saturday in front of full length mirrors.....well not happy. I should join the NA7C or the tape-the-mouth-shut challenge. Stress!

Bert, oh gosh. I don't know how you keep your spirits up with everything your dh has gone through already, much less what may come. It's hard being so sick, but it's also hard being a caregiver and having to be the strong one.

Peg, I'm sure you're worn out, too. You're in both positions and I'm thinking you may be having to pull out every resource and then some. Hope you feel like chatting today.

Judy, you go, girl! I love Dansko and Born. There's something about the European lasts--fit my feet much better. Glad there's also some non-clunky styles now, too. It's not quite pedicure weather here, but a girl can dream

Sus, hope little Ozzie will be seeing an improvement soon. I'll post a little note in your journal

Everyone else, sorry to miss you this morning, but I need to get a couple of things done. Hugs and see ya later.

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

Morning ladies. We're supposed to get really warm weather here today....love it. Just wish I could open my window at work...the stink from the manure from the farm just below is is unbearable. I was actually gagging just walking from my car. I don't know how those people can live so close to it!!

Thank you to everyone for the hugs and the support. I'm doing my best to just stand back and not interfere. Obviously, she doesn't want to hear from me. No sense going to her apartment cause she won't answer the buzzer. I'm just tired of hitting my head against a wall trying to get her to understand that she's killing herself. This time she has sooo much more to lose...the lovely little apartment for one. I don't know how bad she is...but from the stories that are getting back to me it's not pretty. I'll just wait until she calls me. In the meantime I have my life to live. Sounds cold I know, but for now it's keeping me a little calmer.

Berta: You really have been through so much. I hope you dh is feeling better soon. It must be so much nicer to be back in your own home, right? You take care of you too!

Brenda: Wish I could have been a fly on the wall to watch you ladies dancing. I bet it was a lot of fun. Get a group of women alone and you never know what's going to happen.

Alida: Why is it that ironing is one of those jobs that we all put off? I do it every Sunday morning and refuse to do it any other day of the week so sometimes the piles is pretty big. It sure does feel good when it's done though. It amazes me that the young people now don't even own irons!

Judy: Has your rain stopped yet? See...never having been to Texas I didn't picture you getting a lot of rain. I thought it was like where I live...only tiny amounts of rainfall, lots of sagebrush, sand and dust. Shows what I know!

We missed the first potluck dinner with the ballteam due to dh having an out of town Legion meeting. Darn. Probably didn't need the extra carbs and calories I would have had. Baseball starts next week...already!! I'm sure I'll have a few nights where I sit wrapped up in blankets wondering why I put myself through this year after year!

I was very proud of dh when he got back from his meeting. There is a lady at the Legion that tends to run everything and talks everyone into doing what she wants. She uses the Legion like it's her own private rec room. When dh was sworn in as president I had a lot of people come to me and say they were sure dh would change things that this person wouldn't be running things her way anymore. Well, before he left for the meeting she gave him instructions on what she wanted to have happen. He didn't listen to her! He did things his own way. I'm soooo proud of him! She's going to be royally ticked off...but too bad. Maybe it's time she came down off her high horse. I really like the lady...but she's power happy. Can't wait to see what happens next.

Okay...gotta go. This is my busy day and I'm already behind. Have a great day everyone.

__________________
Donna
238.5/165/150
I will see my goal weight again!

Hi Gang!

Yesterday I had the wierdest pain right under my ribs on the left side. It radiated up into my shoulder. But, I laid around and felt sorry for myself and then went to bed. Today it feels a little tender, but not sharp pain like last night. We've taken to going to bed at 9:00. It's about all the "up" time that dh can stand, and frankly, I kind of like it because I can actually go to sleep before 11:00 after my reading. But, I do feel a bit like an old f*rt.

Donna: So sorry about dd. Your comments don't sound cold to me, but actually very loving. There isn't a thing you can do for her. Your compassion and caring, for now, needs to be directed at you. Congratulations.

Barb: Wow, you sound like you are adjusting to retirement pretty well. You are such a self starter! I envy you. I'm up to my procrastination tricks right now. It creates great stress.

Bren: It sounds as though this book group has become a group of friends for you. I am so glad!!

Bert: What an absolute bummer! Hang in there, girlfriend.

Judy: Good to see you darlin'. How's the weather in Carrollton? I keep meaning to call them, but the two hours difference gets me every time!

Shel: Now that your bff is gone, you are, I imagine, digging into the things that you have planned for your house.

Alida: On the subject of houseplants. Sheesh. I do have a few, and they are growing. That's the problem, they are growing out of their little niches! I'm going to have to do something!

We got through yesterday. Dh was the preacher at the health center, and I was the lector. He's just SO good. I can't hardly believe that he is up on his feet and preaching after only three weeks, but that is what he wants to do. I'm afraid that he is going back to the LA church this next Sunday. This begins the saga of one car back into focus again..........I'm going to try and have a talk with him this week some time. This is going to sound crazy, but I have really enjoyed taking care of him. He is a control freak, and has taken over everything there is to do around here except housecleaning. And, if I asked, he would do that. I need for there to be some shared tasks....or some sharing of the responsibility. We've tried alternating weeks before and that doesn't always work because I never know when I'm going to feel like it. Well, it's still a work in process in my mind.

Gotta jet.
Peg

Judy: I was working away when all of a sudden it hit me that I didn't answer your questions. Sorry, I didn't mean to be so rude! Dd was given the option of getting her drivers license when she was 16. We offered her a car and lessons to learn...all she had to do was stop smoking. She refused. She's had no desire to drive...I don't understand it, but I'm grateful for it considering what might have happened with her addiction.

As for family...all we have left are my brother who lives over 2 hours away and is a recovering alcoholic himself. He's not had a drink for over 24 years...but, he's on his 3rd marriage this time with 2 little kids (he's 61..she's 34!!!) I don't think it would be a good place for dd. Then there is her brother...who has his own problems with his wife. Hmmmm....aren't we the most disfunctional family you've ever seen?

Peg: Glad to hear you are feeling better today. I too like to look after people, but only if they are willing to help themselves too.

__________________
Donna
238.5/165/150
I will see my goal weight again!

__________________

Decided to take a break from taxes...

Donna, I'm really sorry to hear about your DD. Like Judy said, maybe she will soon come to her senses and turn herself around. ((((hugs))))

Heather, I do hope you guys qualify to have your own home built. Sending good thoughts and prayers your way.

Bren, thanks so much for the great info and tips you left in my journal for little Ozzie. I have massaged him before, but he's been too sore lately. I did manage to massage his little back and hips today, he let me know where he is really sore, exact spot that the vet said was hurting. I will keep you posted and keep passing along any info that may help him.

Alida, I cannot believe what that cat breeder said to you. How cruel and evil. What she sends out will come back to her. How wonderful it was that Buddy had you guys to love him.

Peg, I hope you're feeling better today. Sorry about those aches and pains, of which I'm well acquainted.

Berta, your poor DH has been through heck and back with his knee. I hope they find something that works without having to make him wheelchair bound for so long. You all have been through so much already.

Peg, I love your description of the squirrels feasting on bulbs. It isn't funny, I know, because we live in an established neighborhood with mature shade and they can destroy a lot.

Judy, I love shoes and bags. It's kinda depressing when spring comes and everybody starts wearing cute sandals and flip-flops. I can't wear cute shoes/sandals now because of how the R.A. has effected my feet. It really bums me out! But, I'm glad you scored some good stuff.

Shell, I'm glad you joined the NA7C with me. It's really helped me take complete control of snacking at night. I find that I'm even more selective than before during the day with my food choices. It's working out for both of us.

OK, back to the taxes I go...

__________________
Ozzie's Place

Total hit and run......... I've got to go to the school board meeting in about 5 min.
Donna, we are a BIG state. The other side of the state is more like what you imagined. We are closer to Louisiana than even to Dallas. They sometimes call us the Piney Woods. We have lots of lakes and humidity and giant mosquitoes.

Peg, Carrollton has been getting about the same kind of weather as we have had. It seems to hit them 8- 12 hours before we get it. Thankfully, it has been sunny for the last three days. We all need it to dry out for a while.

__________________
Judy
highest = 180, goal = 138-140
Oh, to be back at goal.....

fly by for me as well...

DH has decided on which companies he wants to come out and give us estimates for the new heating and AC system, so I guess that will take up some of the next few days.

Peg...no, I haven't started my *projects* yet. I have decided to go ahead and complete the kitchen/dining area, so it will be first. I am thinking I will start it in a few weeks. That will be wallpaper removal, texturing, which I hope to have professionally done to match the *orange peel* look on the rest of the walls, then painting the ceiling and walls. A new chandelier in the dining area, and the kitchen will be done! yay!!!

I walked this morning, came home and cleaned me, then did some errands with DH, then came home and cooked dinner. Boy, the day went by reeeeaally fast!

We are under a tornado watch until about 10PM, but I don't think we'll see any ruff & tuff stuff tonight. Later in the week, they say could get ugly! blah!

OK...off to fold a load of laundry...
((((hugs to all)))
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!

Good morning!!!
Sticking my head in the door to say hey!
We ended up having a pretty good night of storms here afterall. BIG time thunder-boomers, which Kassie didn't like, one little bit, poor baby!

Very gray and rainy looking, and temp is in the low 50s....a bit brrrr for spring! Probably no walk for me this morning; then manicure appt at 1130, so we'll see what the afternoon shapes up like, I guess.

Off to do brekki...everyone have a good day!!!
Hopefully back later for a BIG visit!!!

all around!!

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!

How 'bout those 'Hawks?!!! It's Day in KC for sure. We watched the whole game last night, and it was worth it. It's also Home Opener day for the KC Royals. And even though this soft rain is lovely right now, I really hope it will clear off by this afternoon for pleasant game conditions.

We also have elections here today. Some controversial issues, as always, including a non-smoking ordinance. We'll see how it all goes.

I'm going to sit in a cozy chair and read and write.

Heather, does that loan paperwork mean you've been approved--or is this just the preliminary groundwork? I noticed a "before" picture of you on the LCE home page this morning, and that drove home your amazing achievement. That level of commitment says a lot about your character and determination.

Peg, I hear what you say about "work in progress." Going on my fourth week of retirement, I'm nowhere near an idea of what my routine could or should be. But then, who's counting?

Hello to everybody. Hope things go as smoothly as possible today.

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


My Fitday Journal

__________________

Good morning. Sure didn't want to get out of bed this morning. I had a night full of hot flushes so didn't get a very good sleep. A nap sounds wonderful right now....not going to happen.

When I got home last night there was a message on my machine from a store in town that wanted dd to get in touch with them for a job offer. I really debated whether to even tell her or not. This is an extremely small town where everyone knows everyone. I can't understand why this woman hasn't heard about dd's problem. Dh is worried that if she gets this job and drinks on the job it will really be all over town and he will be totally embarrassed. I finally told him that we are not responsible for what she is doing and I wasn't going to be the one that didn't give her a message. So, I phoned her friend and told her the message. (dd doesn't have a phone). She called me back and thanked me for the message. She still denies everything that went on this weekend and continues to sound sober. I'm just at a loss...I don't know who's lying and it's just wearing me down. So, I'm going to just take it one day at a time and live my life. I've been battling diarrhea for the last two days and stomach pains. It's easy to say you're going to be tough....harder to do it sometimes. Enough about this.

Barb: I envy you being able to sit and read, although you do deserve it. My time will come I know. I'm getting towards the end of a good book now and just want to finish it. It's so bad I was watching tv last night with book open on my lap so I could read during commercials!

Shelley: Sorry about the gray day. It's sunny here...starting out cool but supposed to warm up. I have lots of tulips up about 3" now and my forsythia is just about in bloom. Gotta love Spring! I even heard the neighbours mulching their grass last night.

Susie: Good luck on the taxes. Mine are done and I got my rebate last week. Now I can get new glasses! Just have to find a time when dh and I can go to town together. It's hard when he works 6 days a week.

I'm hoping for an easy day today...but doubt that will happen. Monday and Tuesday are just too busy for me. Guess I should get started...have a good one!

__________________
Donna
238.5/165/150
I will see my goal weight again!