Good morning, All.

Heather, I know you'll be busier than ever with your home-building and everything else. Check in when you can. Send pictures, too.

Alida, Hospice pays visits at home. There's a strong possibility of a stillbirth, which is why Hospice provides counselors and care-givers.

On the remodeling topic, I have no strong opinion. My condo came with GE Profile stainless steel appliances, which seem to be a top choice of luxury builders these days. I have no complaints--but then, I've used my dishwasher probably twice in a year, and it has more bells and whistles than I can ever imagine using. I like my gas stove a lot, since switching over from an old ceramic-top electric that provided very little temperature control.

And I'll be looking for that Soc Sec deposit, too! P. S. YES! It's there! FYI, I've been impressed since the beginning with the service I've received from Social Security. The representatives on the phone are courteous, informative, and thorough. Each step of the way, the follow-up has been excellent. So, in addition to being impressed with the care my dad gets at the VA here, I'm also impressed with Soc Sec. At least the government is giving me something I can personally feel good about.

Judy, what in the world are "minky dots"? I'm sure this is a project that especially delights you!

My girlfriend and I are going to see the new American Girl movie this afternoon. It's had great reviews.

Donna, heartfelt thoughts pouring your way. You've got a lot going on. Take care of you!

That's about it. Check you later!

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


My Fitday Journal

Good morning ladies! It's another sunny day with blue skies and no wind. I really would like a little rain!! Barb, how about sharing?

My house looks like a cyclone has hit it. For someone like me who has ocd, this isn't fun. Poor ds really has no where to put a lot of his stuff so it's just everywhere. This morning he showed up with a huge foamy to sleep on...much more comfy than the floor I would think...but he hasn't complained. I'm not pushing him for info but he does let us know a little. He stopped in at his house on his way to work last night and says Lissa is really mad at him for leaving...well, he had to do it for his own sanity. Poor little Kaedyn is reverting to baby ways...wetting his pants.

Alida: Yes, my ds is Micayla's stepfather. He's been in her life since she was 4 months old and the only real dad she's known. She still sees her biological father though. But, she's a real daddy's girl so it's hard on her. I don't think she's talking to her mom yet.

I was thinking last night about how ds came home to a safe place when this all hit, and how mad he was at me just a few months ago. I guess the old saying that "you take it out on those you love" is true. I'm sure it was just too much stress on him and he just snapped. He's told me he's going to the dr. next month and asking her for a referral to an anger management councellor. He holds everything in and that's not good.

Heather: No ddil doesn't have a drinking problem. She has stomach troubles and can't drink much at all. It's more like she's going through a second childhood and needs to be with a group of friends. She almost forgets she has kids and a husband and responsiblities. Of course, she doesn't think she's done anything wrong.

You must be so happy now that it's time to sign the papers for the house...what an exciting time. I know you'll do your share of the building..you're just that kind of person. Take lots of pictures as the house is progressing. We all want to see it!

Judy: The blankets sound so nice! I bet the nursery will be gorgeous. They are so lucky to have you to give them such a nice gift.

Ds will be picking up the kids and bringing them to my house for the weekend. Aaaakkkk....it's okay to have them for one night...but the whole weekend? I'm already looking for things for them to do. Found out there is a rodeo that ds could take them to Saturday afternoon. They are so excited about coming and being with their daddy. If it doesn't work out at our house, ddil has agreed to go to her parents for the weekend and ds can stay at the house with the kids. (I'd like that better, but not pushing).

So, it's no wonder that my stomach is constantly in knots. Yesterday I had chest pains but knew it was from acid reflux...of course I had left my acid reflux pills at home! Stupid! So, I suffered until 3 when I finally went home. I really want to smack both of these adults and get them to some proper councelling. Maybe they would grow up!! It's the kids I'm worried about.

Our favorite chinese restaurant opened it's doors again yesterday. I think the whole town was excited. We always try to support our local people so dh and I decided we would forget about the park and go there for lunch. It was just packed with people..I was so excited for the owners. I tried to make the best choice from the buffet and ate very little actually...but still I gained 1/2 lb. I'm sure it will be gone tomorrow. I have been making better food choices especially with ds at home...he admitted that they don't eat well and most of their veggies and fruits rot in the fridge. I do remember Micayla telling me once that the only food they have in their house is junk food!

Okay...gotta go...lots to do again today (when is there a day when there isn't lots to do?)

__________________
Donna
238.5/173.4/150
I will see my goal weight again

Minky dots are here. It is an incredibly soft and tactile fabric preferred by many babies for their favorite blankets. Miss O has two or three...... and it's a good thing. When one is in the washer, a backup is available.

__________________
Judy
Goal = <135, Current status = RIGHT ON TARGET!
Never give up. Never never never never give up -- Winston Churchill

Quickie before I fly on to some chores, then an errand or two on the way to work this evening.

Alida, so nice to hear from you Seems like ages although I know it hasn't been. How marvelous that you and dh are feeling more comfortable. YEA! On appliances, I have GE Profile appliances of various generations. I'm not thrilled with any of them, BUT they have been reliable. Don't waste money on a microwave/convection oven above the stove combo. Mine gets so hot in the convection oven mode I'm afraid to use it. If you will use a convection oven, get one in the range itself.

Off and running

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

Hello and good-bye, darlings. Friday morning at 0600 I'm off to the wilderness. I have no idea what, if any, internet connections I'll have access to for the next two weeks, so carry on without me.

Donna, you are the most generous soul on the planet, and your ds is blessed indeed to have your understanding and support. Take care of you.

Judy, I want minky dots! I want minky dot jammies! This is really cute stuff.

Good thoughts to all of you. Stay cool, and take care of each other.

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


My Fitday Journal

Have a good one, Barb

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

Hi Gang!

We're off to pick up our new baby this afternoon. I've been researching breeders for a month or so. This is a 3 month old female Shih Tzu. Her name will be "Glory." I'm so excited to meet her. I DO hope that she likes us. If for some reason, we don't mesh I won't bring her home. :(

We are driving an hour out into the desert near San Diego to see her. She is AKC pedigreed.

Brenda: I finally had the "smarts" to look on the AKC site to find breeders, and they did have a list of several in my area. All are AKC pedigreed parents, with papers. I will get papers with Glory.

I just love to be able to say, "I'm going home to Glory."

Love to all,
Peg

Another baby! We need pictures! A 3mo old puppy will be adorable. We'll all be excited to see her.

__________________
Judy
Goal = <135, Current status = RIGHT ON TARGET!
Never give up. Never never never never give up -- Winston Churchill

Hi gang!! We signed the paperwork on the home/construction loan today. It took 45 minutes but seemed to fly by since we were so excited. The kids sat there with us and were so good! Little Charlie only fell of his huge office chair once. We heard a cute, "ow, that hurt...." under the table after he feel and we all got a little chuckle. After the meeting we went to pick up the tool belt and tools we'll need to start the house building. For the 2 of us we spent over $300!! We didn't go expensive either but didn't want to go cheap where we'd end up buying again. It's all apart of the construction loan.

Tomorrow is our last day before we start building. I'm excited that the foundation is moving along so fast that they want a week earlier then expected. Our street will be put in next week! We hope to have all the houses put up so we can work out the inside details during the winter. Mom is ready to watch this kids this Saturday and says she is more then willing to watch them every other weekend from my in-laws along with Wednesdays if needed. During the school year I'll be able to put in a majority of my hours while the kids are in school of course.

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Such an exciting day for Heather and Peg!

Heather, congratulations! Your dream is now officially becoming reality

Peg, a big woohoo. I imagine you are now home with Glory and I can't wait to hear about your first doggie adventures. Pic-chas!

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

I hope the best for you and Glory Peg!! My mom has this type of pup and she really is a sweet thing. If my allergies weren't so bad these last few years I'd go for a Shih Tzu or a Terrier myself.

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Yoohoo! Can't believe I'm the first one here today. That never happens I've just come back from a hospice visit and will take dh out to lunch. He actually sent off a resume! Wonders never cease. Back later to see what's up.

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

Must be a busy day again. Do I remember correctly.... is this the day that Barb leaves for her adventure?

Speaking of adventures, Heather, congratulations for signing the papers and finally starting on your big new stage.

Peg, you must be heavily involved with your new one. We are waiting for pictures of little Glory. I know you are spoiling her. And, spoiling is exactly why we have pets.

Alida, a few days ago, I think it was you that asked if anyone had heard from Rachel in a while. I sent her a Hallmark e-card on her birthday. A week later she finally opened it. I think that is a pretty good indication that she still is having unreliable internet connections and is incredibly busy.

Brenda, what a good person you are to do hospice calls. My friend's dad died yesterday. He was on the way to the hospice center.......... just didn't make it that long. The man who died has the same thing my dad does. I'll be at the funeral tomorrow morning. Yea for your DH on sending out a resume. That's a step.

Donna, how are things going with a house full of extra people this weekend. Try to take a deep breath ( and maybe a long hot bath) to keep your sanity.

MK, how is your house adventure coming?

Berta, how are things going with your DH? Do you still have company?

Susie and Shelley, we haven't forgotten about you. Hope things are going your way.

When you least expect it, sometime something perfect turns up. Today we went to check on DFIL and determine what we need to do to put safety bars in the bathroom, etc. While we were there, DMIL had us get in the attic to look for something. Back in the back, and almost impossible to see was a VERY large signed limited edition print of morning dove. We had just been talking about needing something to go on the giant blank wall in DH's bathroom. The subject of the picture was perfect for him, the size was perfect for the space. I will need to repaint the frame, but otherwise, it is absolutely perfect. I can't even tell you how long we have needed something just like that for the wall. Tomorrow I will give it some TLC and maybe have it ready to hang before the weekend is over.

__________________
Judy
Goal = <135, Current status = RIGHT ON TARGET!
Never give up. Never never never never give up -- Winston Churchill

This time of year must be busy for everyone!

Peg - looking forward to seeing Glory in her Glory. Love puppies. even when they are 7 years old like mine (and older)

Sounds like a great find Judy - its always fun to find unexpected treasures - especailly free ones.

Heather - I'm so looking forward to hearing about your new home building. I feel like I've driven the saleswoman who is in the model at our new site crazy. since its only a few miles away, I seem to pop in every day.

our 'home' is moving along - we walked around in it other day, looking at the non-walls, non windows, etc. The foundation, wood frame and roof are up. the views from the back patio and door, and the bedroom windows are so nice. it is a condo, but we have long windows on 3 sides.
we were out today looking at 'stuff' and blinds. not buying ANYTHING, trying to get rid of stuff as it is. but getting some ideas.
Today is major cleaning here at the old place.
I do really see the nice stuff we have done here - but there was just so much we could do.
I'm in awe at the size and setup of the new master bedroom and bath. and my office will be so nice. My current office has a big window, but it just goes out to the space between the 2 houses. It will be such a nice view from my new bay style windows.
This home reminds me a lot of the setup and amenities of the time shares we stay in. DD and her BF walked the model with us and are very impressed also. I'm anxious for my DS to get home some weekend and check it out.

Hubby is working with the audio/networking people on the ceiling speakers, sound system and stuff.
I am still very excited, the payments scare me some - but it will work out.
but still months before we get to even start about the actual move.

__________________
Mary Kay
2009 WW - 228 / 199

I want a Christmas Onederland!!

Good Morning... I've been following along. A lot of positives in everyone's life. Barb is off on her trip. MK's new home, Heather's new home.. Judy's find..Peg's new puppy... pictures please.

Donna.. I'm sure you are glad to get the relationship with your ds back on keel. Everything will work out for the best, seems like it always does. Getting there sometimes is the hard part. Remember to take some me time for you.

Things are looking up around here.. dh got the new knee, got through surgery with no problem, has been in rehab for therapy and comes home the 17th. Still having problems with weight bearing. I am glad he is coming home.. but dreading the work that is ahead.. he will continue out patient therapy. He actually hasn't been home much since the first week or two of Junde. I know he's ready to come home.

Family was here and the last one left today. I didn't cook a meal while they were here. They all cooked and cleaned..nice to be taken care of.
One of the ds worked on cleaning out junk that had been collected.. and stuck under the carport.. it looks great now. Another one mowed the yard, dd put coating and sand on the ramp that I hadn't had time to do. Anyway they were great.

So, I'm caught up now on reporting the happenings at my house.