The Princess had a totally pink princess b-day party. Her mom did a beautiful job of decorating with balloons and tulle and the whole bit. It was very princess elegant. We couldn't seem to get her to go for having the crown and the tutu on at the same time, but overall it was lots of fun. The baby in one of the pictures is her cousin. He is one of my niece's twins. The last picture is Miss O and me playing with sand in the table that we gave her. It's good for sand, water or what ever you might want to store in it. A top is provided to keep roaming kitties out or to serve as a table surface.

FYI -- Miss O and family moved from Dallas to Tyler last year. It's a lot easier to make that 45 mile trip than the 120+ from before. This coming weekend I am going to make a turn around trip to Dallas to see about my dad. We entered him into a hospice program abouta month ago. He is declining day by day.

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

Oh my, Judy! Definitely a Princess Day! And Miss O is pretty cute, too.

Great economics lesson! Thanks for taking the time to put it in a nutshell. I take so much for granted, and the workings of the economy is (or was) certainly one of them. I tried to collect on an internet coupon to get a great rate on a bank CD--but it's not like a grocery coupon. Bank rates change...well, hourly, coupon or no coupon.

I'm sorry to hear about your dad. I know he will experience peaceful companionship through Hospice.

I woke up in a cold sweat this morning thinking about my dad. It really hit me that, with the decline in his eyesight and with his marginal hearing, he is experiencing the shutdown of intellectual contact with the world. Even Alzheimer's couldn't be worse than that. He must be living in a state of near-panic all the time. I realize that I need to find resources to reinforce his communications skills while he still has some faculties left.

I couldn't go back to sleep after that, so I went down to the fitness room and walked for an hour on the treadmill. There's an Arts channel on the treadmill tv that shows video clips of an amazing variety of cultural stuff. This morning: Renee Fleming singing Mozart; a Cole Porter medley; a 1930s Dracula film; Artur Rubinstein playing Chopin...and more. It's so entertaining, I hardly want to stop walking!

All this, and it's only 6 a.m.

Well, it's a day to count blessings, and take nothing for granted. Also, I plan on cooking up a batch of Alida's Taco Soup. Brenda, I'm making a note of your shortcuts, too. That seems like just the right comfort food.

Take care of you, Girlfriends!

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


My Fitday Journal

6:00 AM when you posted and 9:25 PM for me......... Seems like only those of us at the bookends of the day have managed to make it by today. I wonder where everyone is? Well, everyone except for Mary Kay ---- we know where she is. Today was closing day for the house.

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

I HATE PACKING!!! WITH A PASSION!!

I couldn't even imagine moving cross country. There is so much left that we will just have to take over ourselves after the big stuff and all the boxes we did are gone.

we had the closing, we moved quite a bit of stuff over. My desk is set up and waiting for my computer (the internet should be set up tomorrow afternoon).

did I mention..... I HATE PACKING.

__________________
Mary Kay
2009 WW - 228 / 199

I want a Christmas Onederland!!

Congrats on the closing Mary Kay. Hmmmmm. A little birdie told me that you hate packing..........LOL!

Just a thought here, Barb, but this may be something you want to check out with your Dad. My experience, such as it is, has been that most seniors who are slowly declining are not in a state of panic. They may or may not have some degree of acceptance of where they are at this stage of life, they may need some additional help,but that's different. Assisting him in keeping mentally stimulated and emotionally nourished? Absolutely. Some caution, though, in assuming that he feels as we imagine we'd feel in his condition....

Judy, thank goodness for the book ends that tie our little group into the rhythms of the day. I'm sorry your Dad is declining. Wish he were closer so you could visit more often.

Off and running.....to bed!

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

Good Morning..

I've not posted for a few days, but as usual following along. Finished rental house and it was rented before I had it completed. Then dh's oldest son & wife were here for a week and we did the big celebration at the town nearby. I so appreciated the company.. dh's son did several handy man jobs, sure wish he didn't live in AZ.

MK do you really hate packing??? I sure would hate to pack and move dh & I have only moved 2 times in 43 years.. so "stuff" sure accumulates.

Barb.. I agree with BC about the elderly not getting in a panic. DH is in terrible shape, but yet seems calm and never complains. Allow his life has gone from being very active to sitting in recliner most of the time he seems very accepting. I saw the same thing with my grandfather & father. I would imagine if it were me I would be screaming, yelling and crying..

Alida.. hope there is not a lay off for you.. Cumin seeds.. sounds like what could have happened at my house..

Judy.. loved little princess pictures, aren't grandchildren marvelous.. At our house we are starting on great grandchildren..

Bren.. did you start Beck's?? I can't remember, just wondered if you had or were still or whatever..

Looks like we may spend the winter in Kansas this year.. eeeek. Cardiologist didn't sound like he wanted dh to go..we see dr. again end of Nov. and will have a little better idea. Perhaps we can just fly down for 2 or 3 weeks. Who knows what tomorrow will bring, just wait and see.

Heather.. still working hard, I bet it's cold up there. Are you working inside or out...???

Off to another day... thinkin' I'll find a good book today...

MK, congratulations, and sympathies! It will all be over soon. I hardly moved anything over from my old house to my new place, and it was still a pain in the wazoo. The little boxes are the worst.

Brenda and Bert, thanks so much for the reassurance about my dad. In fact, after spending all day yesterday taking care of various needs and appointments, I'm feeling much better, and so is he. Pain meds got adjusted. I observed and discussed his progress with the physical therapist, whom he likes a lot. By the end of the day, I was exhausted, but I'm pretty sure he felt like he had at last been "heard," and some problems addressed. His whole goal is to stay as active as possible, and that's laudable.

Shelley, you are a shining example. 100 Miles! Woo-hoo!! I mean, wOOt!

Oh, the miracle of yesterday: while I was in Lee's Summit with my dad, I went to the DMV nearby to get license plates for my new car. It's the last week of the month, and it was noontime. I expected to wait for two hours. Well...I walked in the door, stepped right up to the counter, and was out of there in ten minutes. Unbelievable.

I've been out for a walk, and it's a lovely autumn day. People are really into Halloween this year, and the home decorations are delightfully spooky. My friend bought two pumpkins, and we carved faces on them. He's quite a good cartoonist, and created a really funny expression. I'm more of a traditionalist: you know, spiky grin and all! In any case, it's fun to be with somebody who thinks up silly (and not-so-silly) things to do together. Tomorrow evening, we're going to attend a meeting at the Nelson-Atkins art gallery to investigate the possibility of becoming volunteer museum guides.

Good thoughts to everyone. 'Specially Pegster.

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


My Fitday Journal

Shelley, that's right! I really wanted to congratulate you on an 100 Mile Month. That is SO awesome!!!!!! Can't imagine doing it in a year.......Gosh a miniature Aussie Shepherd--now that's a new one on me, but how cute! High energy, LOL! Bet a hundred miles a day would be about like it Now I do know an adorable and sweet Pom who needs a home....LOL!

Bert, speaking of awesome accomplishments, the work you've done on the rental house is certainly that. Gosh I'm so sorry to hear you may not be going south this winter. I know that would be quite a change in your routine. Maybe if your dh stays stable???

Barb, glad you are feeling better about your Dad today, and that some of his issues have been heard and resolved. I did start Beck, Bert, and have read all the way through, although only have put in practice a few ideas. Still when I do practice them, staying sane and on track is so much easier.

Judy, I see you on line out there in cyberspace

I scored big at Marshall's yesterday. I don't have anything approaching a winter dress coat except my faux fur--just Midwest Parka practical-wear. Found a Calvin Klein angora/wool midlength dressier black coat with an attractive hood for a bargain and in my size. I love a hood since winter hats and my hair do not mix. I'm happy! Been looking for the right thing for a coupla winters.

Ok, so what happens to feet from one year to the next??????? I had to buy a shoe stretcher because the left shoe of most of my winter (non-sandal) leather shoes is too tight in the toe box. Sheesh! Did only my left foot decide to relax into a wider size after the non-restraint of summer? If so, why is my right foot still so uptight? LOL!

Hugs, to all. As usual, working tonight.....

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

per my journal entry today:
hopefully back later...
(((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!

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

Yay Shelley...way to go girl. You are da bomb! I could only dream about walking that far.

Brenda: Where in the heck did you find a shoe stretcher? Dh looked everywhere on holidays trying to find one and was told they don't even make them anymore. I'm sure feet grow during the summer...flatter. I know mine do. But...I love sandals and barefeet.

MaryKay: It will be over soon and you'll be enjoying your new home and forget all about "Packing".

Berta: Sorry you'll have to stay behind and put up with the winter weather like the rest of us. You have permission to whine along with us all.

Barb: Perfect timing at the DMV. I always try to time my visits to the bank for just before lunchtime too...I think the whole town has the same idea.

Judy: The princess pics were adorable. I remember Micayla at that age...priceless. Enjoy her now cause they sure grow up fast....at 8 Mic is now wondering when she can have a bra? lol

I'm still all plugged up and suffering with a sinus headache so I'm going to keep this short. I'll be leaving work a little early to get my haircut too. Of course the boss doesn't know...he'd have to come into work to find out! Talk to you all later.

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

Thanks guys!!!
Like I said, I'm just pretty darn happy about it! Plus, had a 2.5 lb down whooosh this morning!!!
My next goal is to start running(jogging would probably be a more correct term).
I'm not sure if my back or heels can tolerate it, but if I don't try, then I'll never know. The sweet thing about it is, my uncle(age 86!!!...yes, 86), said he would help me get into a routine. My Uncle Bruce still runs 5-7 miles four times a week, and every year on his birthday(in September), about 20 of his friends, and his kids and g-kids, run to the Red River, about 12 miles, one way.
So, I'm thinking I may go spend a few days with him and just see what his secret is!

Sorry for the short visit...Kassie has decided it's dinner time...RIGHT NOW!
(((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!

OMG, Shelley, your uncle is amazing.......... and so are you. Way to go!!!

Next month Shelley, Berta and I are going to have a virtual convergence. We are all going to walk to the Windstar Casino on the Texas/Okla state line. Shelley is going to count just fitness miles, I'm going to count all step miles and we are going to give Berta double credit for each of her miles. I figure Shelley will be there first so we are counting on her to use her virtual success to win enough to get us some virtual rooms. Come on over and converge walk with us.

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

Hey guys..Peg had her foot surgery today according to Facebook. She's home now. Hope all is well Peg...take care.

Shelley: Sure hope I can be like your uncle when I get to his age. Good for him. Wouldn't it be something to do the marathon with him?

I have to keep this short...cause I'm heading home in a few minutes. The boss has again not come to work this afternoon. I'm starting to worry cause it's not like him to not show up at work. I mean, he doesn't have any kind of life and no friends so what the heck is he doing? I asked him this morning why he didn't come to work yesterday and didn't get an answer. Hope he's okay.

Sora has again gotten the sores on her tummy. I've done a search on the meds she has for her eyes and there is no side effects listed for it. Poor little girl is soooo itchy. I've been using peroxide and cleaned up the biggest sore but there is more...same as what she had before. I'm going to do a search on her thyroid meds and see if that might be what is causing it. Darn...I had this all cleaned up before holidays.

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