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

[Dreamcometru]

Hi Sue:

We are supposed to have 70 degree weather this weekend too. Yay. I can finally work on the yard.

Tonight is prom night for DS. He's only a soph but is going with a Sr. I was surprised to see how excited he was about going. At first he was going to tell the girl he didn't want to go. I'm going to leave work about a half hour early to take pics.

Okay, I'm going to get brave and get my hair cut tomorrow. Rather than going to one of those fast places, I've made an appointment with a guy named Barack. Yah, same name as Obama. I'm hoping he can do something new with my hair. Its really long and stringy. I hope he doesn't go too short. I'm going to try to maintain some length. Last time I let a guy cut my hair it ended up looking like a mullet and I took the scissors to it myself to fix it, so we'll see. My friend went to the place I'm going to and her hair turned out perfect for her, so I'm hoping I have enough hair for this guy to do it right.

My weight was down yesterday, but back up again today. I did work out on the weights yesterday and sometimes I think the sore muscles retain water because I managed to stay at 40 carbs, so who knows. Maybe too many fats in eggs and cheese. Today I brought no snacks to work so I hope I'm not famished when I get home. I'm really trying to cut back on what I eat.

If I don't check in, hope you have a great weekend. Carolyn? Where are you?

[sleepysue07]

Hi Girls! I am still around. My how time flies these days! I am still working all the time and am beginning to really hate it. As a matter of fact I am giving notice tomorrow on one of my jobs. I need more time to myself, and money isn't everything, right?

I will try to post more tomorrow. I have to hit the hay now.

TTFN,

Carolyn

[Dreamcometru]

Hi ladies. Well, the hair is way too short. Oh well, I had a great time at the salon. You get the spa treatment when you go.

We had a 75 degree day Sat and a 70 degree day sun. I did get the lawn mowed, but was pulled in too many directions to even get to the beds. Its supposed to rain today, and I didn't go grocery shopping, so that's tonight. I've got to get busy. My poor tulips are screaming for more space. My lillies are coming up as are other bulb plants.

We went golfing yesterday. I don't know what my problem was, but I couldn't hit anything. Different conditions I guess.

DS had a great time at the prom. He ended up going with four girls. It was so funny. I took pics of DS and his heram. They all looked so nice.

Its good to hear from you Carolyn. I don't see how you do it with more than one job. I have trouble squeezing everything in just holding down one job. Of course it would help if DH helped a little more around the house. But I can't seem to motivate him in any way. He gets defensive if I happen to say gosh, it sure would be nice if you helped mow the grass or whatever the chore may be. Oops, I'm not on here to complain.

No weight loss to report or anything. I've been getting plenty of exercise, but I know I eat too much. Just can't seem to curb my portions or calories. I ate taco salad last night and you know it, I put sour cream and lots of cheese on it, so of course it was way more calories than I needed. Ugh, I wish I could get out of this slump.

[Suji]

Hey You Two,
Carolyn, I'm so glad you checked in. Just want to know you're OK! Leslie, I know just what you mean about the "too much". I think the increasing prices will put us all on an automatic diet despite ourselves!
Today was the last day of this Jr. Garden CLub session. We potted up jade plants and they played a game with narcissus and got to keep those who names they could remember! THey all took home daffodils wrapped in paper afterwards. Well, at least I can stop spending money every week on crafts for a while!

DH got home late and "burnt out" from the hours he'd been keeping and the drive. Got the taxes done and mailed and even made it home earlier for a change. Me, I'm exhausted! I keep awakening with small pains radiating around my spine and hip joints and can't find a comfortable position once it begins. THis only happens when I've been laying down for several hours.

Wow--4 girsl! A ladies man, eh?! My ds3 hasn't seem to make any moves toward any girls. He has been plagued with skin problems that we just can't seem to find an answer for and lately it seems like the situation has accelerated after somewhat of a lull. I wish we knew how to get rid of this problem but nothing prescribed has helped and so far none of the otc topicals have made much difference. Well anyway, that may account for his shyness. WIthout the skin problems, he'd be a stunner.

I will prbably put in an appearance at the historical society tomorrow and perhaps have a chance to read over the docent stuff. Can't do anythinbg without a costume though.

Guess I'd better go prone for a while--that early morning wakefulness has caught up with me.

Ta,
Sue

[Dreamcometru]

Hi Sue:

Sounds like all you did for the jr. garden club was awesome. What a wonderful person you are. You know the kids will remember it for a long time.

I can relate on the sleep thing or lack thereof. I'm sorry you are having the pain. I used to experience similar symptoms which eventually went away, but now its just the waking at 3:00 a.m. and not being able to go back to sleep.

DS's golf team is hosting a fund raiser tournament this weekend. I have to work at it. Its supposed to be down right cold with lots of precipitation. I will have already been outside for my am walk, and then have to be outside for the rest of the day or until around 2:00 pm at least to work the tourney. I'm going to bring SF hot cocoa in a thermos to keep me warm. After hitting 78 last saturday, this weather will be quite the change.

Until later.
Leslie

[Suji]

Hi there,

Long day at the farm yesterday--by the time I was ready to go I thought I was gonna die! Long story short, I spent all day digging and prepping a new bed for strawberries. It's really hard digging up grass hunks and shaking out the dirt. I'm still not done as by the time I had to leave, there was still half the bed to get topsoil into. Oh well, all the amendments are in place so perhaps the earthworms will move in and start improving the place. My standard hyacinths were out and lovely! I've never planted them before--only grape hyacinth. Now my order for lilies is about on its way--just got a notice from Brent and Becky's Bulbs. And would you believe the standard lilac I planted last year has FLOWER BUDS on it this year?? Unheard of! I go by the 7 year rule! Also blooming, more of the varied daffodils, white tulips and thrift.

Anyway, after a long hiatus, bookclub is meeting again. When they tried to expand the membership, the newbies couldn't meet very often, so meetings were cut back. Too bad as I am behind on my quality reading--though not on research reading!

I reckon I'll be back up to the farm tomorrow to finish the job, plant the strawberries and take pruning shears to various things.

My goal for today--no starches (bread, pasta, etc.). Drink more water.
Carolyn--did you leave one of your jobs yet?

C Ya,
Sue

[Dreamcometru]

Hi Sue:

That's exactly what I have to do to my flower beds. It takes so long to get them all dug out, shake the dirt off the tufts of grass that have grown over the winter, etc. It will be an all day thing for me, but I love it when I have the multitude of flowers throughout the summer, so I need to get busy. Today is supposed to be sunny all day. I don't have much to do here at the office, so I would much rather be home working in the beds, because this weekend they are predicting snow down to 500 feet which means we will get hit with lots of rain and hail. Oh goody.

I still need to paint so badly. Outside and in. I think I will take it one wall at a time. Well at least I can dream of doing it. DH is scheduled to be out of town as soon as some permits come in on a job they are going to be working. That's my opportunity to get some of it done. I'm sure DS will help.

Have either of you ever replaced your window screens? I'm not sure how to go about it and the cat has torn up several of ours. I really don't want to go without being able to open the windows this summer in the cool evenings. DH doesn't seem interested in helping, so its up to me. I guess I will do some calling. I've looked on line. Some one said go to a Home Depot and they cut what you need, etc. but try getting someone to help you at a Home Depot, ya right.

Not much new today. Have a great day.

[Suji]

Hi Leslie,
When DH needed to replace the screen on our porch he bought screen in rolls and a special tool with a roller (kind of like a mini pizza cutter) that pushed the new screen into the slots where the screen is supposed to fit. There may also be a roll of a rubbery substance that is also forced into the same slot if I recall--holds the screen in place. It's a 2 person job to keep things aligned--at least on a very big opening like our porch.

Eeew snow. Well ma'am, we've been having freeze/frost warnings since the 15th! But then a strangely summery weather--to 80! is expected tomorrow.

TTFN,
Sue

[Dreamcometru]

Hi Sue: Yesterday was the calm before the storm. Record lows for this weekend and I will be outside most of Saturday. Brrrr. Anyway, I took advantage of the relatively good weather yesterday after work and worked in my flower beds. I got one completely cleaned out except for the volunteer panzies and tulips that have come up. I wanted to keep them. Two more beds to go.

DH has finally consented to hire a painter to paint the outside of the house. We started three years ago and never finished. Now we are thinking of changing the color all together. I said go for it. That little refund the president is sending us should buy a lot of paint.

Its a start. We discussed how we have let things go for so long and how long it will take us to get everything up to saleable standards before we list the house. I know its not for two years, but time flies.

I've decided to call the window manufacturer that we got ours from for the screens. Two of them the frames are broken. Our cat is heavy and jumping on the screens is the way he gets our attention when he's outside wanting in. They make screening especially for pet resistence. I know I can buy that and the little tool at Lowes or Home Depot, but I'm not sure about the frame work.

Hope you enjoy your 80 degree weather. I'm so jealous. Have a great weekend. Hi Carolyn. Check in when you get a chance.

[Dreamcometru]

Hi Sue and Carolyn: Okay, calm before the storm was a little overstated. It was down right freezing cold this weekend, but not much in the way of precipitation. Some people got a little snow, but not much.

I worked the golf tourney serving up burgers and dogs. They had those propane heaters to keep us warm, but after three hours, the cold kind of set in. I wasn't needed that much, but I guess it was good I showed up because one couple had been there since 7:00 am. I was told to show up at 11:00 and did. It appeared there wasn't much for me to do, but it allowed the couple who was there since early morning to go inside until it was over, leaving the burgers to me and one other parent. Those poor golfers were soooo cold. I felt really bad for them. I was surprised that there weren't many parents there. Four of us was it, but really that was all that was necessary. My son stayed to help take down the canopies and tarps and haul stuff back in.

Sunday was my bro's birthday. We were invited to a buffet. I was good except for a piece of cheesecake. I really enjoyed the poached fish. I have no idea what kind it was.

DH bought a boat yesterday. Oh he has one in the backyard. We are going to donate it to get it out of our yard to make room for the new (used) one. DH and DS have always wanted a boat and this last one they bought was a lemon and not worth investing any more $$ in. I'm kind of looking forward to spending time on the rivers and lakes this summer.

Our home computer died this weekend. So we went out and bought just the brains so DH can still play his online poker game. The funny thing is we spent so little and got way more than any other computer we currently have. DH was devastated when the computer wouldn't boot up. We knew it was on its way out. I still want to do a recovery mission. Our tax returns, although printed, are on there as well as some photos. I'm sure I will be missing other stuff, but that's okay I guess.

That sums up my weekend. How was yours?

[Suji]

Rain! Then more rain! So, this weekend we didn't work up at the farm. We did take a srive to look over a "farm eqiopment auction" which is where apparently everyone who has ancient items in their barn/garage tots then out to be auctioned off--hopefully. We saw several Amish/other menfolk with their beards and straw hats/suspenders outfits in attendance. Didn't stay to purchase anything but there were some nice golf carts-- I would have liked to have left with one! (for Ma, of course!)

Then, DH and I went to the Expo to look over ideas for the farm bathroom. Never take hubby when he hasn't eaten breakfast--hard to get him to pay attention to anything after a bit! So we had lunch out at Eggsperanza or something like that. Obviously--they specialize in egg dishes firstly!

Yesterday, I purchased paint for the spare bedroom, but I can't do anything until the chicks (hopefully) hatch this week, I have talked my sister into helping paint and go on a mission to look for some decently put together "shabby chic" furniture to give a more fmeinine feel to the room. At our house we are very "Mission Style"--not exactly "girly". Meanwhile I am painting the arch passthrough from the front door (prepping, cutting, ciling and priming walls). I "forgot" how "fun" all the wall washing and taping is beforehand. (roll eyes).

I have decided to go with an egg week. I have avoided all starches and my proteins are going to be 60% or more eggs. It is convenient what with 3 laying hens to collect from!
I saw some pics taken of me and I could see that my lackadaisical attitude was leading to pound creep in the lower half of my bod. PLus we have a trip coming up in one month--good incentive.

Back to cutting paint!

Sue

[Dreamcometru]

Sue:

I like your tulips. They are so pretty!

Yes, we had the rain set in. Not a whole lot, but enough to be irritating. Its still cold here. I'm still wearing sweaters and turtlenecks to work and sweatshirts at home.

Egg week sounds great. Actually you would think I would be sick of eggs, but not really. There are so many ways to have them. I need to make another fritatta with tons of vegetables. I wish I had the supply you do.

I put gas in my car this am. I had more than a quarter tank left and it still cost me $54. Ouch! I'm really thinking about trading my vehicle in on some kind of new economy car. Especially if we go down to Eugene much. Its almost $100 for the trip in gas alone.

Hope you have a great day. Carolyn, peek in if you get a chance.

Leslie

[Suji]

We participated in EarthDay by doing a major cleanout before work. All the old monitors and sundry electrical equipment got hauled out of the garage and attic. We took a van full and a truck load (LOTTA STUFF). Then, DH took me out to lunch.

Today, I'm off to the farm. I think the ground is soggy so I won't dig, but plenty of pruning to do!

Those are the earliest tulips to come up and are near Mom's garden. There are some yellow ones arising next to them now.

Gotta start the coffee! DH goes to Doc for respiratory ailment this afternoon. I hope they can fix him with antibiotics.

TTFN!
Sue (Sorry about all posting errors in last message. I keep transposing letters!!!)

[Dreamcometru]

Hi Sue:

The participants in my research group, "all of us" were repremanded by our counselor, albeit softly, that we had signed up for the study and are obligated to stick to plan. She reads our food journals and wasn't happy with what she saw. She'd be really disappointed with mine if I wrote down everything! And to top it all off I was up .5 from last week. My own fault. So I've decided for the thousanth time to really buckle down. Its gym at lunch hour to start.

I got the financial aid letter for DD2's college funding next year yesterday. For some reason, she didn't get near as much in federal loans as she did last year. Just enough to cover tuition. And may lose her scholarship due to grades. She found out the school banks on the science majors losing the scholarship so they can offer more $$ to the ed majors. Go figure. The science program is extremely difficult and she is struggling. I'm hoping her two fluffer classes keep her above the line. So we will be seeking out more in a private loan for her. It sucks because the interest rate is much higher.

I hope your DH gets better. My DD1 is on antibiotics and cough syrup. I think she's been sick all winter because of being around the students.

Good for you on the cleanout. We recently recycled monitors, computers, etc. I took the last of them to goodwill. DH took out the hard drives, of course. It feels good to get it done.

Gotta get to work. Stay dry. It's nasty here again today. Another turtle neck day.

[Dreamcometru]

Hi Sue: I fell off the wagon yesterday and ate cookies. Ha, its so bad when the scale knows I did. Ahh well, here I go again.

We are finally supposed to have dry weather. I can get to my beds. The little ants are back, so I've got to lay some perimiter stuff to get rid of them. I can't really do that until I get the bed along wall by the side of the house where my roses are cleaned out. That wall is the border to the kitchen and the little ants find their way in. I fought them long and hard the year before last and said I never would again. The perimeter stuff really works. I had no trouble last year.

I don't have anything on the agenda for this weekend, so I hope I get lots of work done.

Its dead here at work. My boss is out sick and didn't leave me with much to do. I've been looking on line for used small autos, thinking its time to get one and either trade mine in or park it. The problem is I don't have anywhere to park it. I'm still going to look though and maybe I can talk DH into trading mine in. I love my explorer, but it cost way to much to fill it up and with gas not getting any cheaper, its time.

Hope you have a great weekend. Hey Carolyn, how ya doin?

[Suji]

Man-I lost my post. Grrr.
Went to the farm and planted strawberries and lilacs then watered stuff. Still much to do, but having to pick up DS3 makes me a clock watcher.
DH is home sick with bronchial lung something. Dr. thinks allergies, but this has never been a problem before. DH can't sleep and fears aspirating upper respiratory stuff as he is coughing up lower respiratory yuck. The Dr. prescribed Singulair which indicates it takes weeks of dosing before one sees any results. WE don't have that kind of luxury! One must sleep and work for a living! Meanwhile, he is conked out upstairs sleeping fitfully. Scary to deal with and also tiring if you, like me, are a sympathetic worrier.

Still love my van--old as it is. Very useful. I brought the smallest mower back as our lawn at the main house is a true embarrassment!

I am too worried over DH to stick to the egg plan, I'm afraid. I seem to need all stars in emotional alignment or something...

Have a nice weekend.
Sue

[Dreamcometru]

Hi Sue:

I sure hope your DH is better. Yah, the doctor prescribed Flonase for DS and it takes several weeks to take effect. In the meantime what are you supposed to do? He has never kept it up for the several weeks to see if it actually works.

I guess my stars aren't in allignment either because I just can't seem to stay on plan. The weight is way up and now I have extra tonage to lose again. Ugh!

We had a great weekend. I was so tired Saturday. I walked 6 miles that am. Mowed the grass (we have a push mower). Then golfed 9 and was exhausted by the end of the day. Needless to say, I did nothing in the way of exercise yesterday and we went out to dinner. So you would think the exercise would do some good, but my weight has skyrocketed. I didn't eat that bad yesterday, but we did go to mexican dinner and I had some chips. Good grief.

Anyway, I'm back at it today. I've got to keep trying.

Have a great day.

[Suji]

Hi Leslie,
DH managed to sleep through the night with minimal cough awakenings, so that was good. I had a cool mist machine blowing on him and "Vicksed" him too. He still coughed and gagged this morning but was OK to go to work.

Today is housework day and it is raining out. I daresay it will be up to an inch before all is said and done! This feels like a different spring from last year--so far.

Sis and I went antiquing yesterday which means we visited about every antique store in Frederick Cty! I didn't buy, but was out for ideas for the spare bedroom. Saw some really nice golden oak furniture and only one piece worthy of painting (where the wood wasn't so great I'd feel bad about doing it). We had fun and that was the point. Next weekend is Garden Swap, so I just came back with cups to transplant the tomato seedlings into. Joy...

Well, how many days per week can you go without erring? Perhaps getting the habit back or replacing some aspect of it is what is required. I give myself too many excuses for leniency. I ate cereal this morning and had 2 hotdogs for lunch--because I was *tired* from several days lack of sleep and didn't want to make the effort. But, I ought to have! What is your trigger to fall off the wagon?

Gee--is Carolyn coming back, I wonder?

TTFN!
Sue

[Dreamcometru]

Hi Sue: Antiquing sounds fun. I love to shop, just to get new ideas for around the house. Hopefully we are in a fix it up mode. We have so many projects ahead of us.

I'm glad your DH is better. We do the Vicks thing a lot too. It does really seem to help.

So for your garden swap, does that mean you grow something then trade it with others for something they've grown or started?

Ahh, falling off the wagon. The triggers for me are when the food is available. I went to the store last night and bought ONLY lc foods. DH and DS weren't very happy, but I just can't have the junk around me. I'm just so tired of having to watch everything I put in my mouth. Its getting so old. Growing weary of LC foods is a huge problem for me.

But, I managed to eat a whole day yesterday cheat free. So I'm on a roll, abeit small. Today is another day and I'm going to get through it. One day at a time. If I just manage to hang in there and eat cheat free, induction style for a few months, I, perhaps can come close to goal. A friend of mine, who I'm sure I outweigh by about 20 - 25 lbs. has started LA Weight loss. She said she's frustrated at not being able to lose the last 20 she'd like to, so that's why she joined. She's already at the weight I want to be at, so I can't imagine paying someone to help me lose even more. Hmmmmm. Gotta wonder.

Yah, Carolyn, where are you?

[Suji]

Man, I'm tired!!!
I think sharing a BR with a sickie is the pits. Last night was a difficult one--dunno why it changes day to day. But, it keeps waking me up. THen the darn Sr. Cat kept coming to my door and mmrrrowing loudly over and over. I do not want to "open a can of catfud" at 2 am!! thankyewverrymuch!!! I was painting the walls in the spare BR with primer yesterday, so there was no way I could sleep in that odor. SO, I was stuck in the MBR. Now, I am to go to the farm and work (hahahahahaha) feeling all tired and draggy for yet another day.Darn it!

We ate late. I made a vegetable soup (onion, garlic, potato, corn and broccoli with optional cheese topping) as the brocc was starting to turn and I wanted to use it up.

Lord, I hope the coffee is ready!

Here's hoping you have a more "awake" day than I will!
Sue

[Dreamcometru]

Hi Sue: I don't know what I would do without my coffee.

I got the cat treatment yesterday at 4:00 am. My solution is to throw him out the door, but sometimes that backfires on me when he goes to our bedroom window and starts crying to be let in again. This am I got head butted by him wanting me to get up so he could eat. I had another half hour before I had to get up. They are so funny.

I hope its not too hard for you at the farm. I know how daunting physical work can be on not enough sleep. Its funny what we can accomplish when we push ourselves though. Just don't weaken your immune system and catch DH's bug.

I've done the same thing with broccoli. I love making soup. Its a good thing our weather has allowed it. We too have had a weird spring. Very cold. Not a whole lot of rain, but just enough to make it yucky.

Take care.
Leslie

[Suji]

Hi Leslie,
Yeah, coffee...
I'm doing a bit better today, though still somewhat of a difficult night for DH. It sounds like he's sleeping normally and then he bolts upright in a coughing/gagging fit, spending a good 15-20 minutes trying to get *whatever* out of his upper respiratory system. BLowing the nose triggers more of the same. Then it stops for a while. He thinks that the Singulair is n.g. and is going to try a day without it to see if he does better. There are a host of problems that are possible taking that drug. I sure want to see the hardy man I married return from wherever this respiratory thing has hidden him!

You asked about the swap. I have frequented GardenWeb for years-MidAtlantic forum. Each year in May, someone (usually same person) hosts and people bring plants to swap. Some people just bring food (usually newbies). We park in the large yard and bring out our goodies as well as prearranged swap items which we discussed with other members ahead of time. Then we wander around from car to car looking to see who has what. In most cases, it is a giveaway with no swap required. I bring tomatoes and whoever wants 'em, takes what they like. :-) My garden started out with swap meet plants! THen we adjourn to the house and most everyone has brought food and there's drinks and burgers/hotdogs plus lots of neat often vegetarian foods to share and lots of chocolate stuff!! We sit around, admire the host's estate and chitchat with GW friends.
I recommend checking it out as there is a forum for your area which may also have swaps.

I planted horseradish at the farm and cleaned out all but one perennial bed and started digging out the weedy/ infested side of the ramp for the lilies. Rain and more rain is forecast over the next several days so I have to hightail it up there with any chance of clearere skies to get the ground prepped.

Today--more paint prep in the spare BR. More tomato transplanting for the swap. Seeds to start, Errands to run. Still waiting for my costume patterns to arrive so I can get material and make them or have someone measure me and make them.

Guess I'll have eggs this morning. Did you stick to LC yesterday?

Later gater,
Sue

[Dreamcometru]

Hi Sue: The swap sounds really fun. What a great idea and a great way to get other plants for your yard. Outright buying them is so expensive.

So is the costume for the historical society garden? What kind of costume are you going to make?

You are so ambitious with your painting. I'm still looking at my bathroom. Removing the toilet to get behind it is stopping me. I will need to purchase a new gasket and the bolts that bolt it to the floor. Then maybe I can get DS to take it out. I won't paint behind the cabinet where the sink is. I will use a fine brush to get as far behind it as I can. If anyone who purchases the house decides to remove the cabinet, chances are they are going to repaint anyway. I can remove the cabinet above the sink easy enough, so its really just the toilet that's stopping me. Its a chore I know I can complete in a day. I'm just waiting for DH to be shipped off to Eastern Washington for a few weeks, so I can take advantage of his absence.

We've had rain all week. Its supposed to be nice this weekend. I have a wedding shower to go to and my girls are coming home to attend as well, but if they don't distract me too much, I hopefully can get to my beds. I did some ant work, but the little critters, albeit not as bad as in the beginning, have found their way in anyway, so I need to remove more growth from the edge of the house and get some more perimiter block pesticide around. We have a long fence going down our driveway and I haven't hit it with round up yet and things are growing rapidly. I don't want to have to go yank it all out, but it may come to that if I don't get busy.

I hope your DH gets better. My boss has been out for a week with the crud.

Oh, and yes, I've managed to stay clean with my eating. I embarassingly had gained 5 lbs. I've lost all but about .8 since Monday, so I hope I can stick with it and get even lower.

Have a great day~~Leslie