A flower for all you MOMS today. If nobody else pampers you, do it yourself. I don't know which of you to adopt as my mom--Donna, Judy, Shelley, Heather, Alida, Peg...you all break your necks helping your kids. You're inspiring.

Today is Pentecost--the "birthday of the church"--so I'm wearing red. Our sanctuary will be glorious with red banners. Young communicants will become church members today.

We have sunshine today. Plenty of wind, but thankfully no signs of tornado activity. The air is full of whipped-up pollen, and I'm sympathetic to those with allergies.

So...put up your feet if you can, and celebrate YOU today.

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


My Fitday Journal

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Heather, after three trips to paint stores, I think we finally have everything selected. We are not going to paint the beam in the ceiling. We would have to have scaffolding to reach it. What is now a wood paneling will become a light sage green. The sheet rock area in the dining area is to be a color called pumpkin cream. It's a med/light creamy terra cotta type tone. All the door frames, chair rails and the brick fireplace will be white. The job will be very time consuming. We are going to start with the pumpkin in the dining area and all the white. If we don't have time or energy to do the paneling, at least a part of the room will be complete. If the job only included the actual painting, it wouldn't be so bed. But the prepping, scrubbing, and priming before you actually get to the painting is the real time consuming part. One good thing for you is that you won't have to go through some of those steps with new construction.

***FYI -- existing paint colors include a very pale yellow on most walls, and all trims is bright white. The bathroom I did last summer has gold walls and a dark sage green accent. After we finally decided the colors this morning, we were quite pleased to note how well everything we have done and plan to do work together. You wouldn't know that it happened over two years and was selected at different times.

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

flying by...played around in photoshop yesterday. I love this pic of Kassie.

Hope you all had a good Mom's day! My DD finally called! My child has NO perception of time...LOL! She even kept us waiting the night she was born!

Another tornado in Picher, a little town in far NE Oklahoma, yesterday evening; 6 fatalities.
I was totally clueless there was ANY severe weather occuring during that time. We were having a beautiful day, despite a cloudy start yesterday morning.
DH did talk with both of his parents and they are all OK, no loss of electricity or anything, so that's a relief.

OK....gotta scoot.....Desparate Housewives!


Diva Kitty with a cattitude!

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Shelley
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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!

a way cool kitty!

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

Monday, Monday. I'm joining the church team making lunch for the homeless bunch today. Sorry there are more homeless due to tornadoes and such.

Kassie is a big girl now!

Judy, your painting project sounds tough--but I'm sure it's rewarding to see how beautiful the place looks when you're done.

Gotta scoot. Everybody have a blessed week, one way or another.

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


My Fitday Journal

Good morning!

Thank you! so much for all your birthday wishes. They all made me smile.

I had a lovely trip to St. Louis and really enjoyed sharing DIL's graduation day with her. It was also nice catching up with her relatives. Every picture taken of me, however, just reinforced my depression caused by how fat I am now. Well, stop crying and DO something about it. So today I will try!

I got home last night around 6 and found Bob not feeling very well. Upset stomach with a touch of nausea. He is not up yet ... I will go and check on him around 7:30. If he is not better, I will insist on taking him to the doctor today. He tried taking some Pepto Bismol before bed, but he could not keep it down. He couldn't keep his pills down either right before dinner (soup and crackers, which he did keep down ...) He can't go without his pills for very long, and that worries me.

Judy, I see you have another summer paint project all lined up! Who is this for again? And do they live in town or out? The colors sound dreamy!

Peg, yes, I was mentioning Mary Kay's protruding hardware. I knew you mentioned taking yours out, but I didn't realize it was protruding, too! Must be darned uncomfortable. When is that operation again?

Brenda, what's happening at your house?

Shelley, I thought of you (again) when the weather report mentioned Oklahoma. Glad you and yours are OK. And what a darling picture of Kassie. That one is definitely a framer!

Barb, LOL about your comment re: SS. Yes, it is confusing. Are you going to wait until you are 66? Oh, that's right ... you are retired ... so you don't have to worry about wages!

Berta, I am so glad you are spending a little time out of the house! Enjoy your day out with your BFF.

Heather, what a wonderful gift from your Dad. A "Beauty Day" is so good for the soul.

Donna, yikes! I really thought Amanda would win. I did not care for Parvati that much. And Amanda and Ozzie really could have used that money! That was so sad when Ozzie mentioned he lost his job and could not afford to support Amanda. Maybe his exposure on the show will lead to some job offers.

So -- how did the barbecue go? Or is that next weekend?

Susie, ditto my question to Brenda. What's happening in your neck of the woods. If you had a long post ... I missed it. Or perhaps my CRS is looming big time!

Here's hoping you all had a wonderful Mother's Day or at least a nice, pleasant Sunday!

It's Monday and I back at the regular grind. Got to go and see how Bob is this morning .... Love you all. XXOO

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

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It's snowing!!! Big huge fluffy flakes and it's coming in fast. Checked the forecast and nothing said it was going to snow. Says Tuesday to end of week should be 60's and sunny even. The kids are really excited for more snow. lol

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per my journal entry this morning:

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Shelley
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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 ladies. It's cloudy here today and cooler, but this is supposed to be it...warmer weather coming tomorrow and supposed to be in the 70's by the weekend.

Saturday I was up really early (thanks Tia for the kisses waking me up!), so I got my housework out of the way before my hair cut appointment. Then afterward I headed to the nursery...going there to me is like a candy store for a kid!! I did quite a bit of damage but came home with the car loaded with plants. I bet it took me 2 hours to plant everything...while watching the sky getting blacker. When I finished, I realized I hadn't even touched any of my hanging baskets. So, Sunday I had to go back and get another load. It's all done now....22 pots filled, 16 hanging baskets, wishing well planter done along with the planters attached to the front steps. It looks so nice to see colour again. Then I had the grass to cut. As soon as I finished it started to pour and then turned to hail!! All I could do was stare out the window as it came down on my plants and hope they weren't damaged. I was lucky...they came out okay. After all that...it's no wonder my knees and ankles ached all night with all the standing in one spot.

Sunday we had the dinner with ds, ddil and the kiddos. We got a phonecall in the afternoon that there was a change of plans and the dinner would be held at her mom's place. We knew that meant all of their family would be there...definitely makes us outnumbered. I've never felt welcome in that house. But...we went and it wasn't too bad. I waited all day for my ds to tell me happy mother's day which he finally did as we were walking out the door...this is after I stood and read all the cards that the grandkids made for her mom, and the card they gave to her mom. Hurt? You bet...I had a hard time sleeping last night. Dd did call and say she would buy me something next time she's in town...I'm not holding my breath. A card would have been nice from one of them...or one of my two stepsons.

Barb: It is a terrible thing when I have to be on my guard all the time. I hate being like this. The hardest part is that my ds was never the type of person he is now...and I don't really like what he's become. I guess my job is over with him.

Shelley: I heard on the news about all the tornadoes around your area...whew, I'd be terrified. Glad to see your post this morning and know you are okay.

Judy: Another paint brush in your hand! Your dd is so lucky that you and your dh come and help her like you do. You two are great parents!! (wanna be my mom?)

Heather: Snowing? Please keep it there...I've had my fill.

Alida: I was really disappointed last night to see Parvati win! Blah!! Didn't like her at all. I was sure Amanda would take it..but then when people started talking to her I figured she'd blown it. Some of them didn't talk very nice did they? I was glad to see James win the $100,000....he's such a nice man.

Another busy week coming up. Tuesday..ballgame for dh, Wedneday...ballgame for my dgs, Thursday load the motorhome for the ball tournament this weekend and Friday at noon we're gone. I'm really looking forward to getting away. Dh brought the motorhome home yesterday to wash it and the dogs went nuts when they saw it. Yes, girls...it's that time of year again. lol

Okay...busy day here too, so I'd better get going. Have a good one everyone.

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Donna
238.5/166/150
I will see my goal weight again!

Okay gang, I'm here.

Mother's Day was a wonderful surprise for me. I was so danged depressed because I expected that they would just forget as they usually do, but no. Both of them remembered me with wonderful and beautiful gifts and thoughts. I was truly surprised and humbled.

Today has been sort of lost in the ether. I have not been feeling well. Soooo tired. It's Fibro. My surgery is Wednesday this week. I slept this afternoon for two hours and am still tired.

I'll be back.
Lovin' you all
Peg

Well, whether good or not, Mother's Day is over and I suspect there's a bit of let down as after any holiday where there are "expectations." DH's been in Florida this week, the first time in probably 20 or more years he's been with his Mom for Mother's Day Dad was gone earlier, too, so I've been batching it. Usually I have projects for batchelorette week, but this time it was all more social time and quiet time than productive in the usual sense. I did clean out some of my clothes to give away or trash and made myself six pr of earrings.

Donna, I know your yard already looks wonderful. Just think how those baskets will fill and overflow with beautiful flowers in the next months. As for ds, well it's a shame, but really I think you said it right that your job is done and he's responsible for his own action--and the consequences.


Big hugs, Peg. Hope you'll be feeling better by surgery time. Wanted to tell you how proud I am of you that you are so well thought of by your denomination. You always mention the "heavy hitters" at the ofh, but babe, you're right up there.

Shelley, I've been watching the weather. Really freaky! And speaking of freaky, I'll be waiting to hear what happened down the street. Really, any non-routine death gets the full monty here, but hope it wasn't anything involving persons unknown. You do have a lovely, quiet neighborhood, so it must have been quit a shock to see all the commotion. And last but certainly not least---BEAUTIFUL picture of a beautiful Kassie kitty.

Alida, gosh, Bob never seems to be sick, so I do know you are concerned. Hope to hear he's much better soon. And please don't be hard on yourself. This is a great time of year for just accepting where we are without recrimination and taking it a step at a time.

Judy, LOL, teach that girl to paint! You're going to wear your car out just driving back and forth, much less yourself.

Heather, snow!! Well, I'm not surprised considering where you live, but still I know you're ready for good walking weather.

Barb, MJ, Bert, Susie, waves to you all. Hope each of you had a good day.

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BC
LC Since 1998
Highest Weight 172
Current 104-108

Good morning, my dears. Is it Tuesday already??

Donna, you rewarded yourself with flowers for being a good sport on Mother's Day. I know you're busy, but I'd love to see pictures of your beautiful garden when you get a chance.

This morning I was awakened by a hissing sound. Turned out to be the automatic sprinkler on the garden terrace three floors down from my condo. They've been putting out their flowers and topiaries, and I'm delighted with the view! Spring here has been way too chilly, but as a consequence, the flowers and trees have been blooming lavishly for weeks.

Peg, best thoughts as you get yourself ready for repairs. You seem to go a mile-a-minute every day--emotionally if not physically--so it's no wonder you could use a nap now and then.

Alida, how's the "patient" at your house? Better I hope. I'm glad you had a good trip to St. Louis. Just keep in mind that the camera isn't kind to most of us.

I spent most of yesterday helping our church team prepare and serve at the Crosslines lunchroom--free for anyone who shows up. I'm learning a lot about how to prepare meals for dozens--on a budget. Food preparers are provided with USDA commodity foods when available, so yesterday's menu was based around canned salmon. Our "chef" made a delicious a salmon loaf, served with peaches or applesauce, green beans, bread--and fabulous homemade cookies and brownies from the church ladies.

In the evening, we went to the Holocaust Education Center at the Jewish Community Center Campus to hear a talk on worldwide anti-semitism. It's good to get the "insiders' view" now and then.

Time to get on with my day--beginning with my regular Tuesday Bible study group next door at the church. Looks like we might get another warm day, with some sunshine. I'm out there!

Take care of you.

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


My Fitday Journal

Good morning!

Poor Bob is still not feeling well. He did go to work yesterday and told me he "lost" his dinner. But he has an appointment with his heart doctor today ... just by happenstance. Whew! The nurse called him yesterday to remind him of his appointment, which was made about six months ago. He totally forgot about it ... it was not on his calendar. I am so relieved. Most of you may know how hard it is to get a man to go to the doctor.

Barb, I'll bet that talk at the JCC was interesting. Do they also have an exhibit at the Education Center?

Brenda, six pair of earrings? Sounds like you are back into your creative zone! And how nice your DH was able to be with his Mom for Mother's Day this year. Is your Dad still seeing that gal from Arkansas?

Peg, I do so hope you will be feeling better soon. Your surgery is tomorrow. Will the FM flare-up cause the surgery to be canceled? And how nice the children remembered! I remember reading, in years, past, how depressed you were when they didn't!

Shelley, do you know who lives in that house? I have a sense you do not. That is always sad to see. Our neighborhood has a few very old people and occasionally we do see an ambulance outside in the wee hours. So far, everyone is still around!

Heather, snow? But then I guess that's par for the course in Montana! Or perhaps May Snow is a tad unusual?

Donna, once your grandkids are old enough, you bet they will remember you on Mother's Day! I would think that they are not old enough to comprehend what Mother's Day means. Once they do, they will say to their Mom, "What about Grandma Donna?!"

So we are in agreement about Survivor! Next season is back to Africa. That's not my most favorite "spot." But I guess they are running out of Island Paradises!

Judy, Berta, Susie, Mary Kay:

Yesterday was a good eating day for me. Not so much low carb, but low-calorie. As Brenda says ... one step at a time! Have a good day, 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