Just passing by...all is good and well here. Busy with house construction, kids school, housework, church and life. I'm happy and alive!! Take care and have a good weekend everyone.

__________________

Good Morning. I'm taking my turn as DD's research assistant this morning. She and a friend are doing the "Urban Challenge" in Dallas. You have to walk or take public transportation to a set of locations. It is similar to a scavenger hunt. So far I have helped her find the oldest cemetery in Dallas and the Founder's Plaza Log Cabin. At each location, you take a pictures of you and your partner to prove that you made it. I'm not far from handing off this job. Other plans for the weekend are to attend Miss O's 2nd birthday party tomorrow afternoon. We got her a table that can hold either sand or water and has trays on each side to hold water and sand toys. The kid is OCD about water. I also have the normal homework and grades to complete. The electricity went off at school yesterday afternoon about 4:30 which meant I couldn't finish up before I left. I'll have to go back up there sometime today.

I'll try to get back later to talk with each of you. Have a great weekend.

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

Good afternoon!

Someone asked about a Taco Soup recipe. I don't know if this the same as Shelley's but I have made it several times and it's great! As a matter of fact, a pot is simmering right now.

Southwestern Taco Soup

1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 T cumin (ground)
1 t chili powder
2 10-ounce cans Ro-tel tomatoes, undrained (tomatoes with green chilies)
2 cans beef broth
1/2 C heavy cream
8 ounces cream cheese (cubed)*
salt - to taste (I omit)

In a large soup pot, brown the beef with onion and garlic. Drain. Add spices and cook a couple of minutes before adding the tomatoes, broth and cream. Bring to a rolling boil and gradually add the cream cheese*, stirring until completely melted and smooth. Season with salt, to taste.

Makes 8 1-cup servings

Per serving: 271 calories, 22g fat, 13g Protein, 5g carbs, 1g Dietary Fiber, 4 net carbs

*I have tried adding the cream cheese this way but no matter how long I whisk and boil, the cheese stays lumpy. So, I put about half a can of the broth in the blender, add the cream cheese and blend until smooth. Add this to the soup when adding all the other cans of soup. Works for me! -- Also, I scale back on the chili powder. The recipe amount does make it hot!

And, another Bob story. Two week ago, I asked for cumin. I got cumin SEEDS. Last week I asked for GROUND cumin. I got more Cumin SEEDS. This week I made a point of telling him about it before he went to the store. At last! Ground Cumin. Add this to the ROCK story.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY DONNA! Wow. What a nice present -- pounds gone! And what a funny/odd story about Tia. I wonder if her teeth were abscessed? My Buddy had a bad tooth, too. Stopped eating, same as Tia. And when he started limping, I thought it was arthritis. Ended up a hind paw claw was so long it was digging into his paw. SIGH. Yes, I felt like a really bad Mom, too.

So, Judy, you are sitting by the computer and phone getting locations to find on the computer? LOL about wanting to pass that job on to someone else! Have fun at the Birthday Party! Two years already? I mean, she was just born a few days ago!

XXOO

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

fly by...

Donna...poor Tia! Do you think he needs to be seen by the vet? I know he is old, but....

Judy...I agree...Ms O can't be 2 already! You really must be mistaken...LOL! Yeah...time flies!

Alida...yummy sounding soup recipe! thanks for posting

Peg...hope you are feeling better.

Heather...thanks for checking in! Glad everything is going good!

Barb, Bren, Bert, anyone else?...hope all is well and your weekend is splendid!

(((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!

Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
I was here,
But where were you?

Well...where is everybody at today??? I hope all is well with everyone!


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!

Hi Hi.
I was in Las Vegas last week for a conference, went well, but the only thing I came back with was a miserable cold.
I hate flying when I am sick.
and then back to packing.
Monday is our final walkthrough, Tuesday closing (early morning) and preliminary moving stuff (I'll feel its mine when I put my new TOASTER in the kitchen. It seems to be a focus of mine). Blinds, curtains, some stuff the movers shouldn't do. we may even move my office over Tuesday.

Wednesday is the BIG day. I feel like we are living in box city right now. Where the heck did all this crap come from and why can't I get rid of some of it??!?!?!?!

__________________
Mary Kay
2009 WW - 228 / 199

I want a Christmas Onederland!!

WOW, MK, This whole deal seems like it has happened so fast. It wasn't long ago that you were just thinking about the house, now you are moving. Congratulations! I know you are over the top excited.

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

Good morning!

I agree with Judy, Mary Kay. It seems like it was just yesterday when you were just wondering about a move! CONGRATULATIONS!

Judy, how was the Birthday Party? Any pictures?

Shelley, I did stop in early Sunday, but no one had been here!

I had two "enforced" days off on Thursday and Friday. If I had known I was going to be off I might have planned a little project. It was because all the rain. Sigh. At least October is a three-payday month. But every day I miss makes the bottom line that much thinner. I have to call Unemployment and find out if I am eligible for "lay-off" unemployment even though I collect Social Security. Their web site mentions government pensions as causing your unemployment benefit to be lowered ... but they do not specifically say Social Security. I have a hunch I may be laid off in January. Lay-offs do qualify for benefits, but only for a month. Better than -0-. Of course, I could always look for another job!

Have a good day. It's Monday (again)! XXOO

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

we just finished the 'final walkthrough' with the builder. all the little items I gave them in a list last week before I left were done - and he wrote up a few more touchups to be done. I got the final number from the bank for the down payment and I am so excited!!!
I do wish I felt better. There is so much I want to do tomorrow before the 'big' move. Hubby and I are, of course, on each other's last nerve - as there are things I think are important which are not on his list of importance.
But we will get there.
I was standing in my kitchen looking out the 'large' patio doors and what a lovely view of the trees and the little lake/pond on the other side of the back area. Even in fall, it is just picture perfect and so restful.

__________________
Mary Kay
2009 WW - 228 / 199

I want a Christmas Onederland!!

Mary Kay, I'm really excited for you! A sparkling new home at such a beautiful time of year. Best wishes that everything about the move will go perfectly. I think that toaster will be smiling.

Alida, I copied out that soup recipe immediately and plan to make it THIS WEEK. It sounds yummy--and now that our weather has dropped right down to cold, it's just right for an indoor picnic by the fireside.

Donna, I hope Tia is feeling better. What a shock. Anniversaries do roll around fast these days, don't they?

It suddenly occurred to me (with the arrival of cold weather) that I haven't paid any attention to my furnace since I moved in--15 months ago! Those things need clean filters, don't they!? Boy, was it filthy! Now I have one more homeowner chore under my belt.

My dad is still having back pain, in spite of major meds. I don't know what's going on, and will go out there tomorrow to get him organized for further medical consultation. There are so many different doctors and institutions involved it's hard to know who to ask what to. The fact that he can hardly see or hear is a terrible frustration for him, in addition to the pain. Ack. Poor guy!

Regular Gas is selling for $2.10 in KC today. I'm happy about that, but I really, really don't understand who's "in charge" of gas prices. It just seems to me that lower gas prices could be a political maneuver to make people feel better about the tanking economy. Well, it won't work.

Judy, how did the scamper around Dallas turn out? My sister and her husband were in Dallas for a wedding this weekend.

Well, that's about it from here. Everybody be well this week!

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


My Fitday Journal

Hi guys, I'm crawling by, too. Wow, can you believe I didn't even turn on the pc all weekend? That is SO not like me

Shelley, you're talking about Australian Terriers, right? Rather than Austrailian Shepherd, or Australian Cattle Dogs? The terriers are a nice smaller size and since they are not a really common breed here, probably not too overbred. I'd love to see some pic-chas of your LR when you have a chance, too!

MK, woohoo, you are amazingly close to move-in. How terrific!

Alida, I had to laugh! Gonna call it the Great Cumin Caper. Sorry to hear about the possible lay-offs, darn it.

Judy, how was the urban exploration with dd? Birthday pic-chas?????

Barb, gas is higher here. $2.69 at places like Costco and Sams Club. Still I'm grateful it's not over $4.00 still.

Bert, great job on the rental house. I'm amazed at everything you accomplished. Hope you can sit back for a while.

Donna, well I'm amazed, but it seems like Tia's tooth took care of itself, didn't it. And congrats on the pounds down.

Peg, I'm so sorry to see that you are depressed. You know the changing season probably doesn't help, even in your climate. I hope you are taking care of yourself, not overcommitting, and not poking your psyche with a sharp stick. Big hugs.

Heather, hope you can share some more pictures of your budding neighborhood soon.

So far, dh is enjoying his new job--he thinks there is a lot he can do for this company to solve some of their problems and (knock on wood)! Telling to me is that he's actually talking about it at dinner. It's been about 15 years since he wanted to mention anything about work.

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

Forgot to say: The Taco Soup recipe looks great, Alida. My version of taco soup is almost the same, but as you probably can imagine, more for convenience cooks. Instead of the seasonings and cream cheese I use 1 package dry taco mix and 1 package dry ranch dressing mix. I also add a handful of frozen corn---just enough for to add a spot of color here and there. Occasionally I use a half can of black soybeans, too.

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

Hi guys. My day is almost over but at least I get to pop in for a minute.

Our mechanic finally got around to giving my car a much needed oil change today. I've had the oil etc for over a month but he's been too busy. Well...the good news is that the oil change is done...the bad news is that I need some major work done on my car. Damn! Only 14 more payments to go too. Need the rear seals done, rear brakes, have a leaking power steering pump. What else could he have told me to make my day. Last year I had to buy all new tires and then the windshield got hit by a big rock...still haven't replaced that. He even sugguested my getting a new car....not going to happen. I'm so looking forward to no car payments. So, it looks like the money I had put away for a new bed are going to go on my car. I told dh that it had to be done as soon as possible...a little white lie....otherewise he wouldn't do anything until Spring. If I don't feel safe in my car....I just won't go anywhere. We'll see how long this takes.

It's another gorgeous sunny day here. But, it was only -3C this morning when I got up. I keep telling myself this is as cold as it's going to get...I've had a few twinges of the blahs and don't want to think about winter.

My next door neighbours finally showed up after no sign of them for almost 2 months. They are the ones that I've been cutting their grass for them. They stayed long enough to make a couple of swipes with the rake and make one little pile of leaves...then walk over to the Legion and spend the afternoon there and then leave...with the rake propped up against the house. Dh has already told me heJJ will freeze over before I rake up their leaves...I think he's right. I have my own to do. Being neighbourly must have it's limits.

Well, thanks for all the congrats on the pounds lost...but it was premature. They're back like a bad rash! Probably only temporary cause I got into the pork rinds and that's usually a water gain. I'll get back on the treadmill tonight and hope it makes a difference.

Back to work...I'll try to post later and talk to everyone.

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

Economics lesson of the day.......
The answer is no one is in charge of gas (oil) prices. The price of oil is supply and demand driven. Granted, it is not a "perfect" market. Yes, the suppliers (OPEC generally) have enough control to change the amount supplied and dictate to some extent when they want. The amount they provide is directly proportional to the price. Lower prices lead to lower amounts supplied. Regarding the massive swing in prices over the last few months, please consider the following factors:

• The international value of the dollar was very low. Therefore, more dollars were required to buy oil relative to some previous time
• The summer driving months increased demand
• Speculation on oil futures artificially helped to drive up the cost.
• Hurricanes damaged many of the gulf cost refineries

So now, what has happened to bring down the costs?

• Dollar has appreciated some in the world markets
• Speculation has dropped off
• Consumer demand has decreased
• Consumer expectations regarding the state of the economy have led to a greater decrease in demand.
• Refineries are back up and running.

What should you expect at this point? It will still be a volitile market. Can you expect the prices of goods in the stores to decrease now that the price of transporting those goods has decreased? Not likely. Once prices go up, they rarely go down significantly unless we enter a severe and extended recession. Is this going to be a severe and extended recession? Who knows, but let's hope not.

Lesson over.......... more than you ever wanted to know?

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

No, Bren, not the terrier, it's a Miniature Australian Shepherd. They are a medium size breed, very high energy, working breed. Like I said earlier, DH is not on board with this at all! Phooey! And Kassie would most likely walk around in a permanent state of *arched back*, so it may be later on down the road.
here's a pic. (this one, btw, looks exactly like the sister of the Aussie that's in my n-hood!)




MK...wOOt on your new digs!!! Hope moving day is smooth!

Barb...sorry to hear your dad is still having back pain. Very debilitating, no doubt, and that can lead to other ills that are not good for the elderly. Prayers enroute.

Donna...hope you get your car fixed ASAP! I'm with ya on driving a car that's questionable. If I can't trust my wheels to get me where I need to be, then that is NOT a good feeling.

Alida...it sounds like layoffs are becoming the norm rather than the exception, yanno? Still, it does make a person crazy just thinking about it. Wishing the best for you, sweetie!

As for me, not much going on...same old...same old! (and that's not necessarily a bad thing, I guess...LOL!)
Anyhoo, my entry in the food tracking thread:
so....I'm kinda excited about hitting 100 miles walked in a month!

over and out!
(((hugs all around)))
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!