Good morning!

Ah! The driveway is freaking gorgeously beautiful. I will have to take a picture so you can get an idea of how much it sunk. The driveway guy kept commenting on it. I mean, on one side (the yard side) -- when you would drive into the garage, there was a big hump you had to drive over. That side of the driveway, the little side walk to the entry and parts of my yard sunk about 6" or so. I'll have to measure! The top of the driveway is so much higher than my yard now. He did fill it in with some dirt but it slopes down. I think a whole major redo of the front yard is called for!

Judy, are you weighing yourself at the same time every day? I found the best time was first thing in the morning. What's funny is I was pretty consistent when I weighed at the same hour daily. But if I slept in or got up earlier for some reason, I weighed more. Go figure.

Peg, so you decided on the neighbors and not the groomer? Sounds like a good plan! And you wowed 'em with your sermon? Funny story about Czechoslovakia? Have we heard that one? (I am so happy Antoniya is from Bulgaria and not Czech-etc. Hard to spell and type.

Donna, hooray for the rain, but bummer on the fall. It really is a blessing you didn't break any wrist bones if you fell on your wrists! I had no idea your lilac-removal project was so massive. Trees are coming out, too?

Rachel, I honestly and truly was going to buy the book on Thursday. Then my boss asked me to go measure some Great Clips for window film and they were in the opposite direction. I promise soon. Maybe I'll get it by the time Donna's arrives .....

Shelley, what wonderful pictures! Your daughter's friend is a beautiful girl. Now, if she ever makes a movie with Johnny Depp ......

Today Bob and I continue our appliance search at Nebraska Furniture Mart. I have pretty much decided on a Kitchen Aid for the dishwasher. A friend has a relatively new one and swears by them. I had one years ago and loved it. Maybe one company will have a $$-off if you buy 3. That may sway me.

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

I forgot to mention -- isn't it amazing how many countries there are now? I mean, watching them parade at the Olympics was mind-boggling. I have never heard of so many of them. That little map showing where that country was on the world stage was pointless at times. All you saw was a little dot in the middle of a huge ocean!

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

The olympic ceremony was awesome, but a little freakingly so, IMO

Anyway, hugs to all! I spent the whole of yesterday with a gf, exploring a little arsty community to the south of us. It was a picture purr-fect day and although we decided the town had become way too "commercial-cutsie" with not enough real artisans represented, we had a terrific day of not feeling responsible for anything but having fun.

As far as Beck, today is supposed to be day one and I've got to "read and do." Thank goodness "doing while standing up is allowed" because I may not have too many minutes to sit down today.

Peg, I knew you'd wow, em? How could you not! And it sounds as though you have the perfect groomer and a great arrangement for SP. Wonderful!!! I took two boiled eggs, some cherry tomatoes and celery sticks to work one evening last week, and honestly it tasted like heaven. Or maybe that was the taste of virtue

Donna! Ouch! Hope you and the invoices are OK! Oh, the story about your dsil!

Shelley, enjoyed the pictures! Your dd has a lovely gf. Isn't it fun to know someone in the movies?

Judy, I'm not sure what's going to be my challenge, but eating standing up is going to be one of them. If I sit down for one meal a day that would be on the high side. Glad to hear you are consciously planting your behind. Maybe I can, too.

Alida, congrats on the new driveway. Bet it makes your whole front yard look wonderfully new! May you find a terrific deal on your appliances!

Heather, loved the story about your fellow builder who nailed his fingers. Your dh is priceless.

Rachel, thank you so much for being our cheerleader and head coach all in one. I always love your stories, too!!!

Barb, enjoying your weekend?

Bert, what's up, girlfriend.

Doohickie, hi!

To each of you, big hugs! Gotta jet to get enough things done to get to my hospice patient at noon, and then to work. I think I'll take the Beck book along with me. See ya!

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

Missed the Olympic opening, but have the Olympics on this a.m.

Peg.. great you wowed them and you are on the right track with the Beck solution..

Heather... OUCH.. he nailed his fingers.. You are certainly moving along on the houses.. do you have an anticipated time for your house?? You are one busy lady!!!

Donna.. glad you didn't break anything when you fell. I fell last week when I had climbed up to look at a second floor window and when I came down missed the last rung on the ladder and went flying and hit the brick sidewalk. My ribs were sore for a few days.. but, nothing broken.

Shelley.. Loved the pictures too.. cool.. knowing someone in the movies. Loved your carpet, it looks great!!

Alida.. hope you find a steal of deal on that Kitchen Aid.. I hear they are absolutely wonderful.. I know you must be glad to get driveway fixed.. always one thing after another.

Bren.. How fun with your gf... made me want to find something to do beyond the usual .. Starting your day #1 with Beck, I'm waiting on the book. However, I have started logging in Fit Day and trying to get carbs under control.

Did a little shopping after eye check this week, got a pair of workout tennis shoes and scored a $30 top for $8.00. Gotta stay out of the mall..
My eye is doing well, the first cataract surgery I had him put in a lens that I could use for close up so I wouldn't need glasses for reading. The new lens is for distance.. I can read road signs again..(now wasn't that scary) So, I have mono vision.. we'll see how many years that lasts.
I had mono vision contacts for years and it was wonderful!

I'm going to spend the day reading Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. I read it years ago, but I want to read it again before I read his new one, which is a follow up..World Without End.

so, off to the shower and a do nothing day.. raining here.

Bert! Wow, that's a scary way to fall. Glad you are ok. And I am SO sorry I didn't inquire about your surgery. I'll bet you do very well with the monovision lenses. I'd never thought about having cataract surgery done that way!

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

Well, after a sleep/wake/sleep/wake morning, I am awake at 10:00, bkfsted, and coffee'd. Last night was a little difficult with dgd. She SO wants me to teach her to knit, but I am left handed, and it just doesn't work! I've got her signed up for a cooking class this afternoon, so that will be good. We can actually watch TV in our living room and the news to boot. Yesterday, I reminded her at 4:30 that she had been watching cartoons all day on our 42" HDTV and her Papa was back in our bedroom watching the news on our little 13 inch black and white TV. She gave in quickly, and we turned to the news and invited dh to come out and be with us! She is missing her Mom. I don't blame her, her Mom is pretty terrific. I just got off an hour's phone call with her. She is missing her kids too. She's on a business trip in Chicago. She gets home tomorrow night.

We watched the Olympic opening cermony last night too. I tend to agree with you Bren. It was too dark (literally). But, their abilities with light and that huge LED screen were pretty impressive. We pooped out before the parade was over and had to go to bed.

And, speaking of bed, there is nothing better than sleeping with a sweet dog who cuddles up to you just to be sure that you are there! I just love it.

I took her to a new Vet yesterday who I LOVED. He spent a full 45 minutes with me answering questions. He even got out an anatomy book to show me where a dog's patella is. I asked because "luxated patella's" is one of the genetic things prone to Shih Tzu's. She doesn't have them, but it was fascinating for me to see that and to begin to learn about dogs. She does have a hernia and he will fix it when he does her "hysterectomy." (He called it that. Cute, huh?) I guess we will have that done when we get back from Seattle so that I can be here for her recuperation. He said that 4-6 months is ideal before the first heat. She is five months now. But, he was not pushing it at all. When I left he said, "Now, you call me if you have any questions at all." He was young and handsome. But, the young part impressed me most. His building, office, waiting room, were all spacious, very clean, and pretty impressive. He also told me where the emergency room for dogs is. He and 27 other Vets opened it 7 years ago and take turns staffing it. It is about 5 miles from here. He also gave me good ideas about food and potty training. She is still shut up in the kitchen when we are busy doing other things. She got loose yesterday and ran like a crazy dog throughout the house. I was laughing like crazy and dh was chasing her. Of course, the more he chased, the more she ran. It was kind of like the Keystone Kops!

I'm still trying to get to the book. It will be easier when Faith leaves. She takes a lot of my time. I gained a pound yesterday, but when I looked at my day on Diet Power I wondered if it might be because I didn't drink ANY water. Sheesh! But, I did eat sitting down.

Bert and Donna: Falling is SO scary. I worry about it often. My feet and my knees are so unsteady.

Donna: I honestly don't know where you get the energy for all that gardening. But, I guess you make time for that which is your passion. I'm still trying to figure out what mine is!

Heather: Well, the hard part has begun for you with the building and all the other stuff that you do. You might cut back on the house cleaning. It will be there whenever you can get to it.

Bren: What a lovely day exploring an artisan town. I love doing that. Have a good day today, kiddo.

Rach: Hope things are going "down" for you. Your weight I mean!

Shel: I forgot to tell you that all your improvement stuff is simply beautiful. You have a real flair. I especially love the dining room ceiling and the carpet you installed. It is really pretty.

Judy: Well, girl. How many days until you have to be back on campus for every day? Isn't it coming up?

Alida; So glad that you got that driveway done. And, yes, I agree about the front yard. You will love it. And, Kitchenaid is a very good choice for the dishwasher. I had one in MA and loved it. I bought the cheapest Sears for here (since we will leave it here) and it has worked quite well. But, we've only been here a year.

Barb: Hope you are enjoying the BBQ.

MK and Suze: Where are you and what's happening??

Gotta jet and get out of my jammies before lunch.

Peg

Berta, I also have mono vision. I was nearsighted with no problem reading. --- as long as I didn't have on glasses or contacts. I had worn the multi vision contacts for several years with one tending more for reading and the other for distance. When I had laser correction, the doctor only did my distance dominant eye. I have permanent mono vision now, too. I have found that I am needing reading glasses more for close work like sewing or grading papers with tiny handwriting. In the mornings, I have to have glasses to read the newspaper, but later in the day I find that I can see it much better. It's sort of like my eyes have to warm up each morning. The cost of that "surgery" was some of the best $$$ that I have ever spent on myself. I am so glad I did it.

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

Hummm, creative juices flowing. I am making a top out of some fabric that I bought at Wal-Mart. It is a synthetic and I had the iron turned up too high. Hot iron + synthetic fabrics = tiny little hole....... about armpit high on the left side. Sooo, since it was cheap fabric and since it's in a reasonable place, I think I'm going to put some kind of machine embroidery over the spot. If it works, great. If it doesn't, so what......... I only have a couple of bucks and some time in the shirt. I love the pattern, so I'll use it again if this one becomes a tosser.

You know, it seems that I have been making lots of little sewing errors lately. That's probably an indication that I am somewhat out of practice. Cheap Chinese produced clothes have been my downfall.

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

Hello from Colorado! Forgive me for not commenting on all the posts, but I wanted to give you the great news: Our team "Rub This" won FIRST PLACE for side dishes! This is a huge achievement among 60 teams (many BBQ professionals) competing. My sister the smoker also won 8th place for her dessert (a heavenly peach pie) and our team was runner-up for Showmanship. Just goes to show what a little cleavage and a lot of smiles can do.

The weather has been fine--cool, with a few light showers here and there. We are all very tired, but excited about another good year of BBQ competition. I'll post a picture or two when I get home.

Sorry to miss the beginning of the Olympics. Thanks for the update.
Home tomorrow.

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


My Fitday Journal

Hi, I have company so am flying by. The road looks great and when it's done we can have our hole dug for our home. It should be plenty of time before winter to get everyone's walls on (we are hoping). We managed to get nearly 40 hours last week on our home. We are asked to get in 30 hours per family. Those single mama's are amazing. Our extra hours thankfully can go to those in need of hours help.

Got to go!

__________________

Barb, Way to go! What were the sides that your team made? I remember your Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding last year. The peach pie must really be great to rank so high.

Heather, glad to hear that you will be dried in and able to work on your own home some by winter. I'm sure the single moms appreciate the extra hours that you are putting in.

Creative fix on the shirt turned out pretty well. I'll take a picture of it when I get through.

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

Hello everyone!

Just got back from Kapan and am now in Yerevan for a week with DH (YEAH!!!)

We have been glued to the news coming out of Georgia, our former home - a place the Russians are bombing these days - it's horrible. Everything I've always felt and known in my heart about the Russians is true.... They are nasty, angry, brutish and I hope someday that they get what they deserve for the last 100 years of treating their people like cannon fodder. And it is obvious that the West is going to abandon Georgia wholesale to be eaten by the Russians - we should be ashamed.

<<sigh>>

Ok, I'll be back later today with much more - I've done Days 8,9, and 10 in Beck and want to share with you all about it... but I wanted to ring in and say that since I've been back from holiday on 21 July (3 weeks ago now) - I have lost 10 pounds and am down 5 3/4" [ measuring: arms, bust, waist, hips, thighs, knees, calves]... and technically - I haven't even started the part of BECK that includes the actual diet!...

I'll drop in later to update everyone on Beck days..... in the meantime, please think positive thoughts for the beleaguered families in Georgia who are (living no where near the conflict but are) being bombed in their homes by the Russians.

XOXOX - R

__________________
Hugs, Rachel



Quien canta, sus males espanta... ("She who sings frightens away her ills") Miguel de Cervantes

Good morning!

Rachel, when I heard those first reports, I naturally thought of you and all the people you know and all the friends you have there. I am confused, as usual. If Ossetia has independence from Georgia, what is the fight about? Or are the Russians just using this as an excuse to bully a neighbor for having the effrontery to be a democracy? If not a democracy, at least a country that is anti-Russian .....

Heather, I'm with Peg. Let the house cleaning GO. You have too much on your plate!

Barb: CONGRATULATIONS!! Of course, now you have to give us the recipes! Can't wait for the pictures ....

Peg, LOL about your DGD watching cartoons on the big set while you and DH settle for the small. What's wrong with that picture??? You must be exhausted. How exciting to find a vet you like and trust. I am sure that is a big load off your mind.

Berta, this is going to sound dumb, but what is monovision? Is it where you don't need bifocals??? Whatever, from the comments, it sounds good and I am glad you have it! And, whew! on that fall. Thank goodness nothing was broken. After breaking my wrist in a fall, I am so careful around ladders and steps. It is so easy to forget!

Judy, been there and done that with a hot iron. Can't wait to see your "fix" .....

We did not buy anything yesterday but I did pick out the appliances. Nebraska Furniture Mart just delivers stuff ... they do not do heavy installations. Plus, I am putting new stuff in old spaces. Who knows what evil lurks there. So I got the name of an installer who can come over and, with the specs of what I want, can make sure they will FIT .... and tell me how much that is going to cost. I kinda went overboard. In my mind I was thinking $3,000. Well, it's $4,000 for three applianceses. I am having second thoughts about putting so much $$ into them. The dishwasher is set though. One step down from the top of the line Kitchen Aid. That thing is absolutely gorgeous. I'll post pictures later. It has a little shallow third rack at the top where you can put spatulas and sharp knives. The top rack is adjustable, too. And the front is totally plain. Not a knob in sight. Whoohoo!

OK, girls ... help me out here. The range I want is a slide in because I like the controls in the front and not at the back. I just think it is so uncomfortable and possibly dangerous to reach over a hot burner or boiling pot to turn off a burner (we are talking smooth top electric). But millions of people have a range with the controls at the back. In the last 35 years, I have never had this. Ranges with back controls are less expensive and easier to install. Am I being stupidly obstinate about this? XXOO

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

Morning, gang!

I was just about to head out the door to walk, and BOOM...very LOUD clap of thunder! Surprised the heck outta me! I hope this is not all *show* and we get some rain out of this weather system. We are wilting away here. I mowed yesterday since DH was tied up at work, and then put the sprinklers out for over 2 hours. Couldn't even tell! The ground was still so hard and dry, it may take a 3 inch rain to get us back to normal.

Alida...mono vision is different vision in each eye. Instead of your eyes *working together*, the Dr determines which eye is better for near or distance vision, and prescribes accordingly; or in Judy's case, lasers accordingly. Some people have a hard time adjusting to mono; definitely a brain "retraining" thing. Others do well with monovision for years and years.
WTG on picking out the appliances! I'm with you though on the rear controls....don't want them! I think if you had small children that could reach the controls, then maybe for safety's sake, rear controls would be called for. But for MY safety's sake...I don't want to reach over hot pots or burners.

Rach.. Congrats on those 10 pounds down!!!
I to, thought of you when I first heard of the bombing of Georgia.
Sounds like a very sad state of affairs; heartbreaking, actually.

Barb...a BIG congrats to "Rub This" for all the honors you guys racked up!!!
Here's a for you all also!!!

Bren...hope you will get to have a relaxing Sunday! I know you have been busy beyond belief. I totally agree with you re: the opening Olympic ceremonies.
For the most part, incredibly techy, but a little spooky at the same time, IMO.

Donna...gosh, girl...your amount of yard work is incredible!!! It's so hot here, I'm really kind of glad I didn't buy all those bedding plants and bushes that I looked at in the spring. I'm pretty sure they would all be toast by now...brown and crunchy! Do take care and stay well hydrated while working in the heat.
Aren't you going on holiday pretty soon???...CRS....

Peg...your new avatar is adorable! I'm glad you found a great vet. That is a BIG relief...believe me! Have fun on your upcoming holiday!!! (yeah...I know...)
But...fun is where you make it, and you ARE a fun gal, so blow 'em away!

Judy...yay that you got yourself some sewing time!!! I'm with you...I really need to do some applique before I lose "my skills". I think I'll do a shirt before vacation...maybe a fall or Halloween design.
One more week off? Hope you can find yourself some more "me" time!

Bert...WTG on scoring at the mall!!! Sounds like you found some very good deals indeed! Did you get to spend the day reading? And how about sending some of that KS rain on down here???? Pleeeeze??????

Heather...goodness...you are a lean, mean, house building machine!!! Pace yourself, kiddo. You definitely have a busy life these days, so take care of yourself! Do your kids go back to school soon?

MK...how are things? Hope you can stop in and give us an update soon.

Thanks all for the positive feedback on my re-decorating project. I'm getting anxious to get it finished. I can tell right now, that picking window treatments is going to be a beating....mostly of my own doing! I'm SOOOOO undecided, I find I'm changing my mind daily. Ack! Hopefully, the fabric swatches I ordered will help me. I'm pretty sure (at least at this hour) it will be roman shades and panels.
Beyond that, who knows!??!!

OK...perhaps I can go walk now...haven't heard any thunder in the last 10 minutes or so.
Everyone have a super Sunday!
GO TEAM USA !!!

(((hugs to all)))
s

__________________
Shelley


Visit Kassie's Korner


"A goal without a plan is just a wish."
--Antoine de Saint Exupery

I’m SOONER born,
And SOONER bred,
And when I die,
I’ll be SOONER dead!
GO SOONERS!
I be ready for some football!

One little walker-runner Dude for every 10 miles!

Rachel, I was about to email you this morning about the situation in Georgia. Having seen the country through your eyes, I know how evil the happenings are. Probably more so than any reports. Glad you are in Yerevan and looking forward to your next Beck Report. Congrats on the loss! WOOHOO!

Shelley, I've always loved roman shades. Maybe some simple treatment with them? Whatever you pick, I know that when you decide, it'll be gorgeous.

Judy, glad your sewing repair turned out well. In knitting we call mistakes "design elements." I do more than my share. Wishing I could find great yarn at Walmart <sigh>

Alida, I've never had front controls because those ranges require the a countertop/backsplash that doesn't just stop on each side of the range space (if you know what I mean), but front controls would absolutely be my choice, if I had a choice.

Barb, Congrats on the team's big win! Quality eats and boobs are a tough combination to beat, IMO! Do tell what the winning sides were.

Peg, love your SP avatar. Having a good vet and a good groomer, you are way ahead of the game. Sweet Pea is going to have a very good life with you and give you more cuddles and love than you can even imagine now.

Heather, it's so generous to be able to give some extra hours to those who can use them. Glad your house will be closed in enough to work on in the winter. That's fantastic.

Donna, hope your weekend is going well, and your lilacs have been tamed!

Bert, MK, Sus, what's happinging?

Chores this morning and work this evening. Last night at work, one of my friends brought her guitar and we had an informal singalong with the residents, gathered in chairs around my desk. It was fun, and no one seemed to notice my rusty voice

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