Penpal match? Just turned 50, want to lose 75!

[Suji]

Hi Teresa and Leslie,

Yeah, I'm better today. :-) I'd REALLY be better if my SiaManx would quit annoying me with her loud insistent "YOU MUST FEED US ALL WET FUD!!!" calling. Over and over and over. Gaaaahh! (I have four cats and she is the "Mouthpiece",)

I overate yesterday--all LC stuff (meat) but I didn't need that many calories. For some reason I was really hungry which surprised me since LC is supposed to be appetite suppressive.

Yesterday: 1/2 summer sausage- o carb stuff, 2 small eggs fried, 2 large hamburgers and water. Some cheddar cheese too. Coffee w/cream.

Today--housework and review of book for bookclub tomorrow.
We are having car troubles--DH's Vibe is in the shop still since Sunday night. They don't know what's wrong. DS1 was driving the Vibe while we borrowed the truck at the farm and it just died on the way home--turns over easily but has no compression. The "scratch head diagnostics" by costing the taking things apart and putting back together is already up to $400!!! Not what we need right now. Arrgghhhh.

Still no rain to speak of! It's in the 70's daytime and to 50's at night (though there was a localized light frost at the farm last week!) There are still annoying bugs out and the forcast continues dry. What happened to our traditional weather. I wonder if the ice caps melting is affecting the way the high pressure systems are acting (stationary). ANd where are the huirricanes predicted for this year? We are very reliant on storm systems that have broken down and move up the east coast to be what breaks these patterns. Though now I guess we'll expect the Canadian cold fronts to start moving--dry and cold then. Fooey.

Well, must check on DS3 who has PSATs today. Hope he improves over last year's test scores!!! For a smart kid who gets all A's he sure bombed the pre-PSATs!

Later,
Sue

[razberry]

Hi ladies. I'm on plan and trying everything I can to stay on it. In fact, last night I worked out at the gym, was so hungry, stomach growling, so I stopped by HEB (I live in Texas, so it may be only a Texas chain) and they had Dannon lowcarb yogurts with a $1 off coupon! That makes them a quarter each! If you have HEB in your area, run by and get some. I also bought two heads of green cabbage and some low-fat, low-sugar sausage, and will make a casserole out of it tonight. I hope everyone is doing well.

[Dreamcometru]

Hi Ladies:

I over ate again yesterday. So I packed celery for snacks today to hopefully eliminate some extra calories. I hope its just PMS that's making me so hungry. Ugh! So my weight is up to 185.4. Oh well, that's one of my ups, so now its time to go down. Totally my fault for what I consumed though. I read what some people eat and can't imagine how they survive on so little food.

I went back in this thread to the beginning. Shoot, I was dropping weight like gang busters. Now that I'm in onderland, everything has come to a screeching hault. I'm going to stick to the plan though. In March, my group has a booster session at which point I will go back to induction for 8 weeks and perhaps jumpstart some major weight loss again. Until then, I'm hoping for perhaps 5 lbs by the end of the year?

Sue, aren't the kitty's fun. My cat won't ever let me sleep in. He walks on my head and nudges it when he wants out or fed. Gotta love em. I'm sorry about the car repairs. Our cars are the only reason we have debt. When we can't afford the $1,000 or whatever the cost, it goes on the credit card. Then we have to work to pay it off but can't seem to before the next repair comes along. But that's 5 cars, mine, my husbands and my kids'. Although since DD1 got married, she's on her own for auto repairs.

Teresa: My DD1 lives in Eugene. I make the commute quite often. As for Monterey or Santa Cruz, I've only driven past or through Monterey. I haven't done much of SoCal. I sure enjoy it when we do go down there though. We got a little rain yesterday, and they are predicting a jump in temps and major winds tomorrow. It always seems like the predictions are blown out of proportion though, so I'm curious to see what happens.

Razberry: I love the Dannon LC yogerts. What a great price you got. I buy them at Walmart because they are the cheapest there. If I get them at other stores, its like 2.79 per pak. I have no idea what HEB is, so no, we don't have them here. Your casserole sounds great. Can you describe a little more how its made? Any ideas are helpful.

Last night I made soup with asparagus, chicken broth, celery and some chicken breast pieces. It's always really good.

Have a great day ladies.

[razberry]

Originally Posted by Dreamcometru

Hi Ladies:
Razberry: I love the Dannon LC yogerts. What a great price you got. I buy them at Walmart because they are the cheapest there. If I get them at other stores, its like 2.79 per pak. I have no idea what HEB is, so no, we don't have them here. Your casserole sounds great. Can you describe a little more how its made? Any ideas are helpful.

Last night I made soup with asparagus, chicken broth, celery and some chicken breast pieces. It's always really good.

Have a great day ladies.

Dream: Kudos for getting back on plan today. I felt weak again today. Brought a greens and chicken salad for lunch, but was really envious of everyone eating the homemade tea cakes and popcorn all around me, so I went to the grocery store and got red hot pork skins, pimento cheese, and celery. That gave me something to snack on, too.

HEB is a chain grocery like Safeway, Tom Thumb, Kroger, Food Lion, etc. We have these all over Texas. I think that tomorrow I will put some chopped walnuts in my yogurt for breakfast (kind of like adding granola). BTW, your chicken asparagus soup sounds fantastic! I'll have to try that sometime.

As for the cabbage, I make it any way you can imagine. Cole Slaw, hot dishes, etc. I like to take whatever leftover veggies I have, chop and saute them, add them to cooked ground beef or lean ground sausage to make a "stuffing" for cabbage leaves, roll up the blanched large cabbage leaves and place in a baking dish. Top with whatever topping you wish, cheese, low-sugar pasta sauce, or mushroom soup, and bake. I used to make this in high-carb days with rice, and this is just as good or better. It sounds complicated, but it's so easy. You can also just make a mix of big chunks of cabbage, link sausage, onion, zuchinni, garlic, etc, stir fry it a bit in a mix of butter and oil, until it starts to brown on the edges/wilt, and serve as it is. It's also good with shrimp. Very yummy, you won't even miss the potato that they traditionally put in this kind of dish.

[sleepysue07]

Hi everybody,

I am doing really good these days. I am down another couple of pounds. I know, I'm not exactly Speedy Gonzales, but I am losing instead of gaining.

I am settling in to this way of life, and it isn't so bad.

Razberry, your cabbage dish sound so good, I'm gonna have to run to HEB in the morning for cabbage.

Leslie, last week you said that your DS had joined the local orchestra. I think that is awsome! Unlike sports, that is something that he will be able to do for a lifetime. I love orchestral music and performances. My oldest is musical, but he plays the electric guitar in a band. He also plays the piano beautifully, but I think he only plays to appease me when he is at home, but I love it.

Pam, how is your sister doing?

Well, I have to go to bed, I can't believe I'm still up at 1:30. I have to stop this.

Night y'all,

Carolyn

[Suji]

Hey Carolyn--I wondered where you'd got to! Good job on the losses and keep those numbers coming!

My kids all started with band instruments and at home had access to guitar and piano/keyboard but did not have the discipline to keep up with practice and always the lessons petered out as a result. I used to practice constantly on piano though I can't say I ever got to be advanced--not enough lessons since my family couldn't afford it. DH is self taught mostly.

Raz--thanks for sharing recipes. WHich plan are you on where yogurt is allowed? On induction I know I can't have any and I love the stuff! I buy them by the case for my son.

Well, the car is going to be about 3K to fix. ! @*&*%!!! Can't remember the specifics but something was affected (bent) by internal pressure. WE won't get it back for about a week.

Leslie, my "fav" is the cat with a bit of drool or a cold wet nose that continually nudges against my bare skin--face, hand, whatever--to show kitty love.

Hey Pam and Kayan--howsitgoin'? And waves to neighbor Teresa.

Later, got to get ready for bookclub.

Sue

[Dreamcometru]

Hi Ladies:

Sue: I eat the Dannon LC yogert. It's only 3 carbs per serving. Its a little hard to get used to but once you do, its quite a treat.

Razberry: The cabbage recipe sounds great. Thanks for the tips. We have Safeway and Fred Meyer here in Oregon. Fred Meyer is a Kroger store in disguise.

Carolyn: You've been such a good girl. Yay for you. You are losing by leaps and bounds. I hope I can join you soon.

Sounds like everyone has some musical background. Now we need to form a band. I think we have every instrument at our house, well almost. We have 3 saxophones, one is a tenor sax, one clarinet, one flute, three trombones, one electric guitar (DD2's), one drum set (also DD2's), a bassoon and a keyboard. Is that enough for everyone? How did we acquired all these instruments? One of the trombones was given to DS because the school was going to throw it out? Weird huh, but it is from the 1960's. The tenor sax came from a garage sale for $10 and one of the altos from a pawn shop, etc. etc. We only paid a fortune for the bassoon (DD1's) and one of the trombones (DS's).

Okay, I'm up again today. Even though I behaved myself yesterday, so I'm going to try to cut back to 30 carbs a day (not net), with extra protein and incorporate some fats. I think I'm eating too low fat and too many carbs. I'm reading the Protein Power book and all indicators say that's my problem. I'm sad to go back to lower carbs. I'm definitely going to miss my fruit. But I can still have it in very small portions, like half an apple, 1/2 cup strawberries, etc. Maybe if I follow this plan (AND STICK TO IT) I can drop 5 before next months weigh in. I just don't know if I have the will power to stick with it. But I'm gonna try!

Have a wonderful day everyone.

[razberry]

Originally Posted by Suji

Raz--thanks for sharing recipes. WHich plan are you on where yogurt is allowed? On induction I know I can't have any and I love the stuff! I buy them by the case for my son.

Well, the car is going to be about 3K to fix. ! @*&*%!!! Can't remember the specifics but something was affected (bent) by internal pressure. WE won't get it back for about a week.

Sue

Hey, Sue. On induction no, but later you can. As for my plan, I try and just keep my carbs around 20. The yogurt only has 3 carbs. It isn't the tasiest, but okay if I add something to it.

So sorry about your car. So frustrating and expensive. I hope you get a good deal on it.

Carolyn: Hey! A fellow Texan! Don't you love HEB! I especially like the ones that have the fresh ground almond butter and dried herbs by the pound. We don't have a Whole Foods in our area, so this is the next best thing! Last night I decided to do something different w/the cabbage since I was so tired once I got home. I had 3 cans of Progresso Lowcarb Italian Meatball soup. It was too carby for me (7 carbs per serving), so I hadn't eaten it. I sliced up two cabbages and put in the 3 cans of soup, some Italian seasoning, and a can of chicken broth. Cooked it down. Even my non-lowcarbing family loved it. The only bad thing, I won't have any left for me!! LOL

Well, I'm off tomorrow, but have to work the weekend (yuck). Hope everyone has a great day tomorrow and stays on plan.

[kayan]

Hi Ladies


Only a minute to post busy day, They are laying a new floor for my In-laws today and both are with me DMIL fell and cracked her pelvis in the back last week and has difficulty getting around and DFIL cannot understand why she is having a hard time to get around (Alz).

It sounds like everyone is having a difficult time. Hugs to all. I haven't had any ice cream for a week, but did eat some homemade chocolates that a family brought in on Sunday. I usually don't do that, I have been able to say no the past several years to regular candy and eat only the sugar free, but Sunday I made up for it. Since then I have been good.

My DBIL got bad news yesterday, His cancer has spread even more during this round of chemo and they cant give him any more. His Dr. has called Boston and we are waiting to hear when they can see him and hopefully there is a new drug that they can try with him

Raz: I have 3 cabbages on my steps. I will be trying your recipe it sounds great

Hi to Sue, Carolyn, Leslie and Pam Welcome Teresa I am with you It is never to cold for ice cream and thats the problem

Kayan

[Teresa3]

Goood Evening, All--

Well, Life just seems to keep getting in the way of our plans, eh? I'm sorry to hear about your IL's troubles, Kayan. And hence, yours. You are so good not to take solice in chocolates or ice cream, though!

And Sue, sorry to hear about the truck--hope it comes back all better! May I ask what you are reading for bookclub; or perhaps you'd be willing to share a favorite? I need to try to improve my mind, since I haven't great success with the body lately. I keep attempting to get back on induction, but the appetite won't cooperate. It thinks we should naturally start putting on fat for the winter; thus, chocolate peanut-butter cheesecake is health food...

Carolyn and Leslie--I love music, too. DH and I went to hear violinist Hilary Hahn last evening. It was an astonishing performance for one so young! I also love jazz. It's so wonderful you have such musical families!

If anyone enjoys foreign film, and art, I just saw an incredibly beautiful Korean film that was recommended by a fellow LC friend. "Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring." It's about the spiritual evolution of a Buddhist monk who lives in a tiny monastery on a lake. If you love the beauty of nature, and contemplative films, you'll love this.

Raz, it sounds like you are quite a creative cook! I think you should start a lowcarb restaurant--your recipes sound so good!

Time for this night owl to turn in--I need a dream to take to my dreamgroup tomorrow! Cheers, Teresa

[Suji]

Hi Guys,
Happy Friday! Guess what? We're getting sprinkling rain right now!~ Not enough to stop the heavy equipment guys from shutting down and leaving, but it's something. Too bad it is also sticky out, but we can't have it all!

Kayan, I so so sorry to hear about the continuing problems your BIL has. :-( Wow.

Now, I want to know why cabbages are just hanging around on your steps!!

Raz, that's OK--I just avoid most milk products in this stage except for some occasional cheese or my coffee cream. I don't want to take any chances on slowing down to get to my last loss point.

Teresa, thanks for the comizz. It's our Pontiac Vibe in the shop, thank goodness we can still have access to the truck since my son is carpooling with a friend!
Bookclub--JUst finished Ursula Hegi's Stones from the River. We're starting a new format to allow members to each choose a book, as long as it's written by a woman. THis time it appears to be a mystery novel called Still Life by Louise Penny. Not sure how "mind improving" this choice will be, but we'll see!

I do love foreign art films like you described.
YEsterday the lady whose home we went to put out quite a spread for the eyes in particular-brownies, cookies, nut breads, blueberry streusel muffins, etc. Thank heavens she also had devilled eggs, salami and cubes cheeses so that I could eat something along with the rest of the group! Yay!

Later,

Sue

[Dreamcometru]

Yay, it's Friday. I hope all is well.

Kayan: I'm so sorry about your DBIL. It seems there are so many of us with loved ones battling cancer. With my MIL comes the family drama too. It's like a soap opera around here.

Sue: We have lots of extra cars at our house since DH drives a company truck and DS doesn't have his license yet. Soon though, I hope. He turns 16 on the 27th. Great job on resisting the goodies at the gathering. It does help when other options are available.

Razberry: We have Whole Foods here, but not many, so if I go it means a special trip down town. We also have New Seasons and Trader Joes. New Seasons and Whole Foods are kind of above my budget, but great for those hard-to-find items when you are LC'ing. I didnt know progresso made a LC soup. The only soups I can find have 14 carbs or more per serving, so I make my own. It's so easy and a quick fix for a meal if needed and great for this time of year.

Teresa: I love going to the symphony. I have to go with someone who appreciates it though in order to fully enjoy it. Unfortunately DH isn't one of those. So I really enjoy the concerts while DS is in the Portland Youth Conservatory Orchestra. He has one coming up on the 4th of Nov.

I ate clean yesterday, but still too much. I've got to cut down somehow, but can't seem to eliminate the hunger. I had 40 carbs which is at least 10 above where I want to be, so I'm going to try again today. It was the LC SF Hot Cocoa and celery that sent me over. Still down .2 of a lb this am, so perhaps a continuation will jump start the losses.

If you all don't check in, have a great weekend.

[Suji]

Last check in:
Br-Leftover chicken breast from last night and 2 coffees w/ cream
Lu-usual tuna salad with salad
Dinner-2 beef patties
water water water glug glug glug

Still raining lightly.

Sue

[Teresa3]

Hi, All--

Thanks for the book title, Sue. Stones from the River sounds intriguing--did you enjoy it? Nice going to have shunned the temptations there! I was in a book club briefly and became annoyed that the enthusiasm was directed more toward the food than to the books. (Although, thinking back to why I am on this website...)

How long are you going to try to stay on induction? I've been stuck around the same weight for awhile, keep trying to get back on, but can't seem to last past lunch. What's your secret for success?

Too bad your dh doesn't enjoy the symphony, Leslie, but how gratifying for you to have musically talented children! My dh and I met at a chamber music concert in Berkeley, so I am very lucky we share that interest. And, applause to you for eating clean! I'm sure it will garner results!

Hope you all have a jolly weekend! Teresa

[Suji]

Hi T.-

Yes, the Stones From the River book is recommended, though I hope you don't mind long books over 500 pages! THe whole temptations thing is what started me down the road off the diet. I was going to a lot of club activities last year at which refreshments were served and so as not to hurt anyone's feelings and also to be part of the group, I would have *whatever*. I find I can have coffee along with eveyone else now and just do fine cuz I'm still there and talking right along. What I may do is bring a packet or 2 of Splenda and a couple of creams with just me in case the hostess doesn't offer that (HATE skim milk in coffee!!!).

I have actually never tried going off Induction while on this LC plan since I always have more to lose and wasn't ready to slow down. I'm into a don't want to cook mode right now which is why, compared to other people around here, my menus are so boring. Once I get back to 195 I will be more willing to experiment in the kitchen a bit!

Have a nice weekend. I think we'll be at the farm today and going to help my SIs tomorrow with their new DIY addition construction.

Sue

[sleepysue07]

Crud! I had brunch with my girlfriends today, and all I had was a grilled chicken sandwich with a slice of provolone, and pesto on foccacia bread. Yet- I have gained three pounds! Is this even possible in one day? The sandwich didn't even weigh 6 oz!

Oh well, I guess I'll recover.

Leslie, it's a shame I don't live closer, because I would love to go to the symphony with you. When I was single my employer gave me season tickets for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and it was pure bliss. I would go alone, and didn't mind at all. My husband may go along once, but that is probably all he could stand. I can get him to attend live theater though, and some of my friends are unable to do that, so I consider myself fortunate. I think that what your son is doing is fantastic!

Well, my sister's husband has liver cancer. His third round of chemo has failed, and he has decided to stop all together. My sister is now coming to terms with what that will mean. My heart is breaking for both of them. She is exhausted, and I worry about the physical toll the stress is taking on her too. This is so very sad for us all. They began dating when I was only 8 years old, and I adore him. He has always looked like Robert Redford, and had this rugged charm about him that always draws people to him. He is and has forever been completely and totally in love with my sister. I have never known another man to love a woman that much, and I have always admired their relationship. So, if you are saying prayers, would you say one for Jackie and Gary please.

We won our game Friday night against our neighboring rival, and fortunately there were no injuries on either side. We are getting ready to play Crawford (the president's home town) in a couple of weeks, and they wipe the field with us every year. I just wish that we could turn the tables once, and unfortunately we will play them in Crawford this time, which is worse.

Well, I'm heading off to bed, I imagine most of you are already asleep, except maybe for Teresa, who seems to be a night owl as well.

Carolyn

[Suji]

Hey Carolyn,

So sorry to hear about your brother in law. You and Kayan have something in common there as she describes her DBIL above. I wish I knew why cancer has become so endemic in our modern culture. :-(

Is this you in the picture with your husband? Very cute!

I am exhausted--did not sleep well. Whenever I focus intently on someting during the day it seems to affect my sleep. I got more cleared off the farm patio yesterday, planted all the leftover bulbs and began tearing out the floor in the summer kitchen since it will need replacing, then harvested all the winter squash. We didn't get back until 8pm. THen I watched "Pursuit of Happyness" on Starz channel. True story. If you haven't seen this yet, I highly recommend it. It is a bit of a tear jerker (For me) though.

We are off in a while (post getting DH & DS up, post coffee and breakfast) to help my DBIL raise the second floor of their addition. I am so not ready for today---drag drag drag.

Tomorrow is Session 3 for the elementary school kids. We are doing leaf prints on cloth napkins with fabric paint.

Later,
Sue

[sleepysue07]

Hi Sue,

As usual you are an amazing whirlwind of activity! I don't know how you keep up such a pace. How did the construction go?

I too haven't been sleeping well. I've been having a lot of joint pain at night, which has been waking me around 2:00 and keeping me awake. If I take anything for it, it seems to keep me wide awake all night.

I've seen that movie, and it's a really inspiring story. I enjoyed it very much, although parts of it are heart-breaking to watch.

This is a photo of myself and DH taken last summer actually. This year, I am even bigger. I have been posting here with you for almost a year, and I have seen photos of most of you, so I thought it was time.

I am going to suggest to my girlfriends that we find some activity that doesn't involve food. Why is it that most social occasions revolve around eating anyway?

I spent this afternoon working with the kids at church trying to get ready for the Christmas Nativity Play. Apparently, once Joseph realized that he would have to hold Mary's hand they developed an aversion to one another. Joseph remarked "No way am I gonna hold her hand!" "She's pregnant and it's not even my baby!" Mary quickly informed him that she wouldn't have his baby for all the gold, frankincense, and "murph" in the world!" Some of the other boys are telling our only male angel that his white wings will "look gay." The kids asked me if Joseph and Mary actually slept together in the stable, and why we aren't depicting the actual birth of the baby? Now I remember why we haven't done a nativity play since my children were their age! Were my own boys that obnoxious in the 5th and 6th grade? Probably so.

Well tomorrow is back to work. Blah! Monday is my least favorite day of the week. The weatherman says we can FINALLY expect some Fall weather. I'm so excited! I look forward to it all year. I love the Fall season, but it's bittersweet, as tomorrow would have been my mom's birthday. I am always reminded of the week she died. She held on until seventieth birthday, and another two days. I remember her asking me what time it was all day on the 21st. She didn't want to die at 69 because it just didn't sound old enough. That has been ten years ago now, and I miss her as though it just happened.

Oh well, I apologize for being melancholy. I'll perk up again in a couple of days probably.

Good Night,

Carolyn

[Suji]

Hey Carolyn,

S'Okay. We all have moments of melancholy. These days when I talk to my own Mom it can be such a reservoir of frustration. Everything seems to be an "I can't do..." THis is a lady who just retired last year and this year does nothing but sit because she is quickly out of breath when she tries to walk, So she won't. All this non-movement is leading to other ailments due to her sluggishness--nothing is moving around internally either; blood is "stagnating". If it's hard physically, she totally avoids it--no pushing on through the obstacle. It makes me mad. I think I've said before that I want her to be a fighter and she just won't! She just gives in too easily in my opinion and allows her issues to progress. It's like talking to a wall--both Sis and I are after her about this. Sigh.

Now that is a funny Nativity play description. It sounds like an Art Linkletter kid special with all that funny stuff they're saying!

I don't much care for Mondays at the moment. It's weird but I get nervous every week trying to get everything together for these after school things. I get so darn serious about it all worrying about whether the thing I've chosen is going to work out, the money I'm spending, coordinating with other ladies, if I can reign in the sole 1st grade boy, etc, etc. Pushing myself to do things is really important or I'd be hiding out at home alone where my comfort spot is!

Well, we got all the roof trusses up yesterday using family power! The teen boys were at ground level and the adults were on the second story to grab and position. It was kind of a pain, but a milestone was reached. I guess next weekend will be shingling. We owe my DBIL for all his help at the farm and turn-about is fair play. My Sis and I went leaf collecting in the surrounding trailways to get leaves for the after school garden club today. Lots of variety to choose from, though not much color yet.

Hi Leslie, Pam, Kayan, Raz and Teresa! Good Monday morning. (I'm gonna do my weigh in on Tuesday to see if I lost much since last week's wake up call.)

Well, I need to eat breakfast and run errands, so I'd better close.

Sue

Sue

[Dreamcometru]

Hi Ladies:

OMgosh, we have a fabulous sunny day today. The leaves are absolutely gorgeous. After an extremely rainy weekend. My two walking partners and I met Saturday to walk the golf course trail. One flaked and went to the gym instead. I wanted to go with her. The other doesn't have a gym membership, so I stayed and walked with her. I had a rain slicker on but I don't own rain pants. We started off and it was coming down pretty good. The second 2 miles it dropped off. Then the 5th and 6th miles, just when you thought it couldn't rain any harder, IT DID. I was a drowned rat when I got home and so cold. I couldn't get warm for the rest of the day.

So much for eating clean. When I total up my carbs with regular food I'm totally okay, but I treated this weekend and shucks, like you Carolyn, I'm up 2 stinking lbs this morning. Good grief, I swear what I ate didnt have 2 lbs worth of calories in it. It's so frustrating. But I'm following my own advice and jumping back on the wagon again! I guess I've been at this for such a long time, leaving the WOE is getting easier. I've got to do something to be able to stick to it until I'm at goal.

Carolyn: Our school won their game Friday night. This is a HUGE milestone for the team. We are on top of the league right now. Yay! And DS safely played his heart out in the band. I laughed at your nativity story. Kids are so funny sometimes. GREAT picture by the way.

I'm so so sorry about your DBIL. Gosh, it seems cancer is around every corner. I'm praying for everyone and will continue to keep your sister and DBIL in my thoughts and prayers.

Sue: You are such a great trooper. Doing so well with the kids. Great job. And great job sticking to plan. I know you are going to see absolute fantastic results tomorrow. As I sit here I'm glug glugging.

Teresa: I'm so facing the same thing. Now that I'm down to the last of my weight loss, I can't seem to lose any. Or I stall for three months, drop 5 and stall again. Or regain and relose the same 5 lbs over and over before they finally stay off. I'm searching for that magic trick that will push me into the weight bracket I want to be. 136 for me is really an unrealistic goal. That's my appropriate BMI weight. I would happily settle for 150ish.

Hi Kayan and Razberry.

[Suji]

Hi Gals,

The other lady from the garden club who was supposed to help me never showed up, so I was so glad that I organize well before going. This is where worrying over things occasionally pays off. I sure could have used a pair of extra hands though with getting all the fabric paints on palettes for the kids ahead of time! Oh well--they *loved* the activity and didn't want to stop! The results looked great in part because of all the variety of leaves they were able to use from yesterday's walk and due the fall paint colors I chose which looked good together no matter what the kids did! WHew! THat's over--now on to cogitating over next week's lesson and activity. I figure it ought to be Halloween-y in a gar