New and would like a buddy

[yellowhair11]

Hello everyone,

Geez, I missed you and need you guys ! I have not had time to read the posts yet but hope all is well and your losing piles of weight. The weather was horrible, windy, terrible rains, tornado sirens for 3 days, etc. I was ok for the first couple days. I made it thru the church part for the wedding, decide to take a cab to the reception because not feeling quite right. Halfway thru the dinner I had to leave and no privacy as a big concert is going on at the place. No cabs will answer phone, place finally gets me a cab and gives me a wheelchair. So sick, horirific stomach pain, diarrhea with blood, throwing up and dry heaves all at the same time along with horrible headaches. Afraid to go to hospital with the Fl. insurance. Spent vac. in bed and bathroom, in the plane john all the way back ! Dr. here believes its salmonella poisoning. On top of that I think ive gained weight, not sure how that is possible. Phone calls and problems with S3 on top of that, hoping to get to detox dr. for him today or tom. Bad addiction issues. Anyway, I will write more and read posts when I can as im going thru alot - off the toilet last nite so maybe passing but nerves are completely shot. I miss and love you guys ! Never got to see brother's new home or visit with nieces, friends, etc. Looked like crap, wore bulky dumpy sweater because of chills, sweats, over nice dress, only brothers at home noticed weight which was last thing i was thinking about.

[miss.amaryllis]

Hello!

I've got a stone and two pounds to lose, and I've just found this low carbohydrate site!

For me, it's the only really effective way of losing weight. I've had an operation a month ago - still not supposed to jump about too much, but my older daughter is getting married in three months and of course I want to look reasonable!

I've never found this sort of thing via the computer before... so, a new person!

How nice and supportive you all sound! I shall try sending this and see if it works!

[MI CHICK]

Oh Y I am so sorry things turned into such a diaster!!!!
And to come home to serious problems w/ds.
Hugs to you as you try & pull things together today!!!

Off to work--back later--welcome Miss A

[Denise78]

Welcome home YH. Oh you poor thing!! It sure does sound like the trip from Hell. What do you think gave you the food poisoning? I bet your system really couldn't take it after eating clean for so long. Sorry to hear about s3. I'm sure your nerves are adding to everything else to make you feel so sick. Please take it easy, rest up, and hopefully you will be on the mend soon. Sending thoughts and prayers to s3 that you can get him into detox and he gets the help he so desparately needs.

Bad news of my own here. Hannah now cannot walk at all so it's time to take measures and put her down. Ds1 called last night and is coming home tonight, wants to say goodbye to her one last time, so we'll hold off till tomorrow since she doesn't seem to be in pain. Ds2 came home last night. He's off to a wrestling camp this morning for a couple of days. So he gets his last goodbye in too. I spent the entire day yesterday sitting with Hannah in the kitchen and crying my outs out. Drank a whole pot of coffee by myself. Was a bunch of raw nerves all day. I know it's what we have to do but I so wanted her to just go peacefully in her sleep, on her own. I HATE that we have to do this.

I will write more later....just can't talk right now. D

[Denise78]

Okay, pulling myself together here. I had dh drag Hannah into the bathroom last night, which is off our bedroom. Figured the linoleum would be cooling for her. We left the door open and it's close enough she could see us in bed. I was up at 2:30 am giving her some water as she had started breathing heavy. Then she slept good, breathing was much better than it's been in days. But she still can't walk so she's not getting any better. This morning, dh dragged her back into kitchen so I could keep her company all day. Told ds1 we'd wait for him as long as she's not in pain, which she doesn't appear to be, just can't move around now. She wags her tail whenever I walk in the room or talk to her. She can lift her head and drink water but won't eat anything. I force-fed her the other day but figured I won't bother her with that now. I don't want to stress her out. I think it will be another long day filled with tears but I guess it can't be helped. We all need to get our goodbyes in -- she's been a member of our family for over 8 yrs and we love her so much. Vet called back yesterday --still can't make a diagnosis after the radiologist looked at xrays. Thinks maybe heart disease or tumor, nothing treatable. Dh will take tomorrow off and we will take her to the little local vet to end her suffering.

Anyway...

Sorry to hear about the fires, T. Hope they are not too close to your home. Glad you got your car fixed and it wasn't too big of a deal. You are so brave to eat by yourself in strange restaurants -- but sounds like it was fun and good eating too.

SC, still busy with the house or is that finished now? Hope you got to enjoy a little of your vacation before you went back to work.

Thanks for the info on sizes, C. Was not what I was wanting to hear tho. Am I really going to have to lose more than 50 lbs to drop another size??!! I was thinking maybe 20 or so but not that much. But guess maybe another 20 lbs and the 2x's will start feeling looser and then in 50 lbs I might be able to get into a tight 1x and then 75 lbs the 1x will fit fine?? Hmmmm. Don't think 75 lbs is do-able by the end of the summer but perhaps by the end of the year, maybe around the holidays and then dh can buy me a new wardrobe for Christmas.

I don't think the sf jello made me stall either although I've never eaten it on a regular basis, just once in awhile for a treat. I was eating that sf candy every night, just 1 or 2 sm pcs, but it's the only thing I did differently. Maybe it's not even the Splenda. Maybe it's just that magic number -- 40 lbs -- and you get a stall and then it starts moving along again.

Sounds like you are really getting a good workout in the garden, C, so I wouldn't worry about not exercising. Your flowers will be beautiful. I can't garden anymore and was not much of a green thumb, but I tried. Dh put together a little corner garden for me this year with a short white picket fence around it. Looks very pretty. He planted some flowers we had bought but I do have a box of wildflower seeds that I was thinking of scattering in there and I bought a hummingbird feeder I wanted to hang there too. Just haven't gotten around to it yet but maybe this wkd.

I think we will head to Wal-Mart on Saturday. Two hours away but I need to get into their vision center for contacts and new glasses and ds2 is due for new glasses too. This is his only Saturday off till school starts so best we get that done while we can.

Oh here is a bit of good news -- dh had full custody of his son for over 14 yrs and his ex-wife refused to pay court-ordered child support all those years -- the witch. We never went after her because oh well, that's life & we didn't want to make trouble, ya know? Anyway, I checked our bank statement online yesterday and guess what??!! They must have attached her tax return because there was a $1500 child support deposit!! Woo-hoo! That was a very nice surprise. (Although I'm sure it wasn't for her!!). Told dh, it's about time she was held accountable for at least a little of her own son's upbringing, but I sure would like to be a fly on the wall when she finds out she's not getting that tax return.

I held it together with my eating yesterday. Wanted a snack last night but tried to keep it low-carb. I ended up melting a little mozzarella on a plate and tossing some bacon bits on top and eating with a fork. Crustless, sauceless pizza.

Yesterday's menu:

B-coffee
L-ham salad, lc tortilla
D-pork roast, cabbage
S-mozzarella cheese, 1/8 tsp bacon bits

Okay ladies, I better stop rambling. So glad you are back with us YH. We will get you back on track.

Love ya gals! D

[Teresa3]

Hi, All--

Y, so very sorry to hear of your illness! Why did that have to happen on this trip you were planning for so long! I wonder if you got one of those tomatoes that were tainted with salmonella! It's really a bummer to get that; I had it once with all the symptoms you described, but got over it with antibiotics. Your doc did give you some, right?

Gosh, it sounds like all h broke loose, what with getting sick and your ds having bad problems. But glad he is finally going to detox; maybe he'll straighten out now.

At least you got to see your brothers and they noticed your weight loss. Anyway, not matter if no one else did--it's for you anyway. Hope you are on the mend totally, and we are here for you as always!

D, this is so rough with Hannah. I know she appreciates everything you are doing for her. And she will also be glad that you are going to release her from her illness. I know it will be excruciating, but you know it's the only way. I wished Jenny could have died in her sleep, too, but it rarely happens that way; that's why we have compassionate vets and owners. It's nice the boys are getting to say their goodbyes, and you'll have them home this weekend to help you get through it for at least a couple of days. Your dh is going to be home with you this week, isn't he?

Hope you are not feeling too discouraged about the sizes, D. You've been making great progress, and you'll be out of the x's before you know it! A new wardrobe for Christmas sounds positively inspiring! I think we deserve a new wardrobe for every one size down!

We're going up to our grandson's graduation tomorrow, and are spending the night, so you may not hear from me again til Sat. afternoon or evening. It's not going to be fun to drive up there in Friday traffic. And the boy has been into a lot of trouble this year, and is going to have to do rehab this summer, if they can get him to. He got accepted to college but may not be able to go; he may even have to do some time. So this is not going to be a very festive event. Just a dinner at a restaurant, and you can't be saying things to him like, congratulations you've got a bright future ahead of you, or ask him what his plans for the summer are! I'm racking my brain trying to figure out what I can talk with him about! The parents are very glum about it all, don't blame them.

Well, I have to take Poodie to the vet; she's been having a little uh "digestive" problem lately. So got to get going; maybe I'll check back in tonight, but if not, I'll see y'all Sat.

Miss A--hope you enjoy corresponding with us and have good luck with your weight loss! Take care, everyone! T.

[slendercate]

Hi, y'all,

Welcome, Alan and Miss M!

Alan, 42 lbs since March? Fantastic! Hang in there, you can do it. Glad you have decided to join us.

Miss M, what a very supportive group you have joined. Hope you enjoy posting with our group.


D, so sorry to hear about Hannah. Prayers are still with you and yours.
Hang in there, you'll have a new wardrobe very soon, you are doing so well.

T, be careful going to your grandson's graduation.

YH, God Bless You, hope you get to feeling better soon.

Today was so busy at work. DH working late tonight, dishes are done, I'm hitting the shower soon. Left DH something to heat up when he gets home.

Today was:
B-lc hood carb countdown milk (got up late for work).
L-roast beef, steamed brocoli, sf jello
S- few sonic tator tots, (9), sf limeaide
D- Hebrew National Hot dogs topped with saurkraut, homemade pasta salad made with Dreamfields pasta. (adapted an old recipe to make it lc with the Dreamfield's), 1/2 cup of lc butter pecan ice cream.

Well, off to bed. Got to start exercising again.

[miss.amaryllis]

Good morning ladies!

It's so terrible to read about this dear dog, so ill. I do so feel for you, D; it's heartrending.

Day 2 of my diet went well yesterday. I had two eggs and a slice of bacon for breakfast, and, being busy, never thought to eat any lunch until mid-afternoon. Very different from the weak and willocky days of calorie counting, which always meant eating lunch as soon as possible... Calorie counting was good for me only in that it really improved my arithmatical skills!

I am just drinking a mug of strong tea with just a splash of milk though. It's impossible to wake up without thinking "put the kettle on!". I can never eat breakfast too early - it's got to be strong tea!

I roasted a chicken in the evening, made a bowl of mayonnaise to have with some asparagus spears, and only needed a small supper, however augmenting the plate of The Ruler of All The Universe with baked potato and other things he likes.

TRoATU is quite funny. "How come you can eat cream? And butter? shouldn't that be cottage cheese? I don't understand!" etc etc.

I've been giving Dr Atkins a bit of revision. Is Fen-Phen some sort of mega-amphetamine available over-the-counter? It would be totally illegal here! Are collards a variety of cabbage? Dr A considers HRT and SRRI antidepressants to interfere with weight loss, but I haven't found this at all. Back in the 60's I remember hearing of "The Drinking Man's Diet" which sounded a fun way of carbohydrate control, but Dr A is not in favour of alcohol.

I left school in 1971 enormously fat from institutional food at my strict boarding school in which I'd comfort-ate large quantities. A dietician at the hospital where I was beginning to work recommended very low carb eating, and the effect was incredible. My first help book was "Eat Fat and Grow Slim" by Dr Richard Mackarness, before Dr A was in action.

A horrible memory from those days! A remark from one of the hospital cleaning ladies "Nurse, your legs look like two big beer barrels rubbing together". I've never forgotten it.

Well, I've chatted away - mustn't keep you - love to all!

[Denise78]

Good morning ladies.

Well Miss A, I have to admit, it's hard to read your post without an English accent. But sounds like you are jumping right in and doing well on your second day. We're all doing different eating plans here, though. I think T is the only one doing a version of Atkins, although not as much butter and creams if I remember correctly. Most of us are eating low-carb thru other plans or a variation of them and we even have a Weight Watchers gal too. There are boards/threads that are strictly Atkins that you can post on, otherwise we're just all winging it here, figuring whatever works for each of us, that's great! I believe Fen-Phen is illegal here now??? Or at least it was taken off the market due to deaths and such.

Found myself eating a little more yesterday, stress and sadness I guess. Hopefully I will get back on track today.

Yesterday's menu:

B-3 sl bacon, ham salad, coffee
L-egg substitute, spinach, salsa, cheddar cheese, 2 bran crackers
S-pickle, protein bar
D-pork cutlets, broccoli & cauliflower casserole, sf jello, cool whip
S-2 sl WW cheese, 2 lc crackers

SC, glad to hear from you again. I can't do the Dreamfields pasta. It's way higher in carbs than they claim and my sugars skyrocket when I eat it. If you check the label, they claim very low-carb but do the math, subtract the fiber from the carbs, it doesn't subtract to low-carb. I'm curious to see if it affects your weight loss at all. Maybe it's just not good for Diabetics but others can handle it.

Okay, dh just spilled water all over the kitchen floor and is late for work so guess I will end this and come back in a little bit.

[MI CHICK]

Good morning Ladies & Alan!!
It's 8:30 & I have finished up the planting of my wildflower bed (seeds) & potted & put out my last 3 plants. Had to get it done before it got hot cause it's suppose to be 89 & stormy today. Think that's the end of my summer gardening. Just like to have touches of color around the house. I had got out my hummingbird feeder a couple days ago & filled it & discovered it had a leak in it...how & why did I clean it up & put it away last fall LOL!! So this morning I spotted a hummingbird by it for a few seconds--so that answers my question about bothering to buy another feeder. Am going to see if I can find one that wasn't made in China....when you start looking for things you really realize how we have given away the making of 80% of our everyday items

The tail wagging every time I passed Chipper was what killed me The one nice thing about being an animal is that you can be eased out of your painful problem--as people you have to just lay there forever & go thru it all while your family slowly dies watching you. I couldn't go w/dh when he took her in....the only time I ever refused to do something w/him. He said it was just seconds after she got the shot that she was gone & he was holding her so I guess it would have been ok for me to go, but I didn't know what to expect having never done it before. Glad the boys were able to get home to say good bye D.

Glad to hear that day 2 went good Miss A! Glad you caught yourself when you only have 20lbs to loose!! How smart of you--the rest of us let it build way too high. And that remark is the kind that just kills you & sticks w/you till your dying day....we've all had them. Loved the name for either your boyfriend or husband Your morning tea is like my morning coffee--& the great thing about lc is that I can actually have a couple tsp of cream in it!! Phen-Fen is illegal here too. Any diet pills w/it were pulled a few years back. I should check out that book. I read Eat Yourself Thin Like I Did by Nancy Mosher, who is a RN, at the same time I read Atkins. This time I am doing South Beach as I think it is healthier the way it lets you have more healthy carbs like fruits & veggies & whole grains by stage 3. It works for me as long as I stay on track....

SC your job seems to really keep you hopping--what is it that you do, if I may so boldly ask?? I'd like to try that lc choc milk but am afraid I will like it too much ya know...would just be one more temptation. Thought about the white version as I saw a box of South Beach cereal that sounded real good & was on a great sale. But then I read the side of the box, the 3rd ingredient was SUGAR..... how much sense does that make??

Well I hope you get a little bit of fun somewhere along the line at the grad dinner T. Do you hate to drive or is it nasty traffic all the way there? That was scary about the fire!!! Db has had the wild fires in WY get pretty close to them a couple times & their biggest worry is always their horses & other animals.

Ds & I both need new glasses D, have you been pleased w/WalMart?? Your corner garden sounds lovely--good place to look out the window to while having a nice glass of ice tea. Do you get many hummingbird in NE?? And I am so happy that your dh got his financial due re: his son!! My db had his boys all the time even though he had split custody w/ex & she never coughed up a dime & the courts never did anything for him. Will you do something special w/it or tuck into savings for an emergency? I don't even know her & I would just love to see her face too


Y I know you're probably all swamped w/being sick & dealing w/getting ds situated & returning to work--hope you are at least getting a chance to come in & read how much we care & are praying for you & yours

Hooo I hear the thunder rolling in so I best get off here

[MI CHICK]

As usual I was posting while you were D...LOL
One of us needs to get up earlier.....

[Denise78]

Okay I'm back.

Yes, C, we need to time things better, don't we?? Now remember though, I am 2 hours behind you in time so it's ALREADY early enough for me here. Don't be asking ME to be the one to get up earlier.

I have only seen hummingbirds here once, last summer, and I've lived in this house for 6 yrs. I don't know that I can coax them back or that there are anymore in the area, but they sell the feeders in the stores, so must be some around. Mine is just a cheap feeder, so if I don't attract any, no great loss. Dh gave me a regular birdfeeder and built it onto a post for my front yard that attracts a lot of birds and I do so enjoy sitting on the deck and watching the variations that visit. Nebraska has tons and tons of birds. Much moreso than I would have guessed. But we have a lot of small waterways --- ponds, creeks, lakes and I guess that is what attracts them. We have pelicans, swans, cranes, even seagulls although we are nowhere near the ocean. Of course, those aren't the kinds of birds visiting my feeder, they are the ones visiting the ponds along the main roads. I do get a lot of meadowlarks, barn swallows, finches, wild canaries and blackbirds in my yard. C, I imagine being in MI, you must have lots of birds too with all the lakes there.

I am pleased with the prices at Wal-Mart, let's put it that way. The eye dr's around here can get pricey and we don't have vision insurance. I've been wearing contacts since I was 20 so I mainly just need someone to check my eyes due to the Diabetes and refill my contact prescription. I only wear glasses at home when I'm reading in bed but thought maybe if I got a new pr (mine are 10 yrs old), I might wear them more often. Ds2 only needs glasses to drive and his glasses are also several yrs old. So we don't go to the vision center very often but I guess it is okay. Have you had problems with them??

T, have fun at the graduation if you have time to check in once more before you go! If not, can't wait to hear all about it when you get home. Sorry to hear about dh's grandson getting in trouble, but I'm sure you'll find lots of other things to talk about. You can still wish someone going to rehab the best of luck. Actually, that's probably what he needs to hear, that you all are going to support him and help him in anyway possible.

Dh went to work and will call the vet and come home when they say is a good time to take Hannah in. I didn't think I had anymore tears to cry but I can't seem to stop. Ds1 is taking it very badly too. I know we will get thru today but it's going to be very tough. Thank you all for your support.

I think it will be good for us to spend the day together tomorrow, do a little shopping, go out to dinner as a family. Yes T, my dh will be home this wkd, thank goodness. He only travels maybe once or twice a year. Last week he had to go into the office at night a few times and once overnight, but he is only on-call like that once a month and that's the first time he's actually had to physically go into the office at night. Usually he can get the job done at home on his laptop as it's mostly software and analytical issues he can work on over the computer. But we had a lot of storms last week and I think some power supplies got hit by lightening so it was an unusual work-week for him.

Have a good day ladies. D

[Denise78]

P.S.

C, I've noticed A LOT of South Beach food products are extremely high in carbs. What is up with that?? Maybe they are good carbs versus bad carbs, but they still raise my sugars so although I can follow their plan, I can't purchase a lot of their products. The protein bars are low-carb but the frozen dinners and cereals are really too high-carb for me.

[Denise78]

Another P.S.

Dh just called. The vet can't see Hannah till 2 pm today. Not complaining -- it gives us more time with her to prepare ourselves I guess.

Hope you are feeling better, YH. Take it easy and post when you can. We miss you!

[MI CHICK]

Well D the deed is done by now & my are w/you & your family. You've done well by not stress eating thru it all. That's me, crying into my Kleenex in one hand clutching a cracker in the other....your strong determination will have you down to that 2X before you know it!!

Talked to my mom today re:Sundays dinner & found out they have been w/o power the last 6 days and have both been down sick w/the flu!! Did they call me??? NO....geez... I talked to her last Fri so their power must have went out Sat. A neighbor brought them over lunch & dinner one day. Kind of defeats the purpose of living fairly close to them if they won't let me know what's up. I could call every other day I suppose but hate for them to think I'm checking up on 'em. I swear it's just like dealing w/teenagers! Anyway they are starting to feel better & are hoping to be able to come for dinner on Sun.

I was surprised to find out a couple years ago that NE has a large Sand Hill Crane population! So I'm sure that you have a large # of birds. Being in a sub in the city I get a large # of birds but a limited variety. But I know lots of folks with a few more trees in their sub areas & they get a large variety. My folks get an incredible list of birds. I do enjoy the squirrels & rabbits too. The squirrels are just too silly for a little bit of corn on the ground LOL! I see a few hummingbirds each summer. I have some flowering trees that draw them. There may be a lot more that come but they are so tiny you have to be right there looking to see them. I went to a garage sale across the street today & bought a plastic one for $1.25

Never been to the WalMart eye clinic that's why I wondered. I got 2 pairs of glasses at JC Penney's eye clinic a few years back and was very pleased. Have bought my last 2 pair at Costco. The first pair I was real pleased with--the 2nd one I was not. Both times the eye exam was very theral & I felt pretty confident about that. It's harder when you get into the blended bifocals. Let me know how it goes. We were suppose to have ds get the other wisdom tooth pulled this summer, plus a new pair of glasses before fall classes, and it's June already...

I have done really well with my eating all week and am starting to get that nice hollow feeling. Do you know what I mean?? Seems like right when I get "there" I will have an extra heavy day of some kind. Have Sunday's dinner to get thru and then next weekend I am going to be up north w/the gal's in my Euchre club. That's eating & drinking all weekend long....one of the gal's has a house on a lake up north & we go there. They have bikes & a pedal boat & a pontoon boat. We usually have a nice bonfire Sat nite after we get done playing cards. So it is a great time. We've been together 15yrs & some of them were young moms in the same neighborhoods so have known each other longer. We've been thru things with each other that we sure never expected....one husband committed suicide and so did one son. Those were the 2 worst. One divorce, & a couple almost divorces. But good things too. We've had 2 weddings of kids & another 1 this July. One gal has 3 grand kids as her daughter just had twins to go with her 2 yr old....LOL I can't imagine...& she has to work full time still. The twins were natural which is unusual anymore--lots of twins anymore but most thru drugs. Sorry that was a bit of a ramble
anyway I wanted to do really good with my eating till we go cause I don't see me as ever standing up to all that good stuff!

Well I need to get the coffee set up for in the morning. Good nite all

[yellowhair11]

Hello all,

Well I am back now and need to get on the bandwagon because I have not been good with the food let alone exercise. I ate like a pig at beginning of trip, got sick, got better, ate off plan - stress eating. I have a bag of Cape Cod chips thinking ill eat them today and obssessing about my old favorites. Then I discover these Door County potato chips up north and had to see where I could order them online - but did not. So I need to get over it fast or ill be 200 before you know it. I got S3 to a doc on Thurs. and he is on suboxone for detox - costing me an arm and a leg and very few drs. can write scripts for it and difficult to find outside of the doc's office as your Walgreens, etc. dont carry many types of meds as I assume they dont want to get robbed - not exactly sure. He has been in bed since Thurs. and so far tolerable, I pray he is serious about this, the inpatient rehabs were thousands and thousands. So im feeling better other than nerves shot. On top of that I went to a Kohls store in WI and bought a bunch of stuff a size smaller !! Im going to start fresh with the responses as I cannot remember all the posts but it sounds like everyone is doing good

I would like to try contacts again - wore them many years ago and just gave up as my eyes changed, tryed the monovision and gave up but was not serious about it.

D - you have been in my thoughts and prayers with Hannah - I am so sorry !

C - thats something that your parents did not tell you about the electric ! How can they stand it, everything here is electric. I know the hollow feeling. Next weekend sounds like a blast with your friends.

I need to take up critter and birdwatching now, I dont know which bird is what, I have my giant lizards ( like 3 foot ) who just had babies, they eat fruit and veggies, then I see pigeons, rats, pelicans, cranes, seagulls, crows, wild parrots, and other birds that I dont know. Im in a congested city so I sure like these country tales. When I arrive at work in the dark I see many racoons, ferrel cats, and oppossums.

T - im sure the weekend will be fine with grandson - there will be many things to talk about other than problems, I hope he does not have to go to the hoosgow this summer but I understand as you well know and have been thru it all and he is in my prayers.

Well, ok, ill weigh myself later, ughhh, my capris are very tight.

[yellowhair11]

PS: My oldest brother gained tons of weight in the last 18 months since he retired. He goes once a week to a program the VA that looks very good with therapists, dieticians, etc. While he is showing me all this paperwork he is eating brats, italian sausage, etc ! - all microwave junk since they dont cook because mom did that for them. He is on all this medication now because of the weight gain ( 3 high blood pressure pills alone ) plus more stuff, back problems, knees, etc. All the weight went to his belly and he was always a thin person. Then he drinks all this beer at nite but thinks its ok because its Japanese rice beer ! Anyway, I did the best I could as far as talking to him but went in one ear and out the other I think - somehow he thinks if he shows up at the VA once a week the weight will miraculously come off. He kept asking me about how I lost all the weight but not really listening. It was sad to see him like this.

[Denise78]

Good morning ladies. Thank you once again for all your thoughts and prayers with Hannah. I do appreciate the support you gave me thru it all. She is resting under her favorite tree now. Ds1 and I sat in the kitchen last night and cried and cried together, just missing her.

I think I did okay eating despite it all, although yesterday I ate a lot of protein. Probably too much but given the circumstances, I guess I could have done a lot worse.

Yesterday's menu:

B-drink potion, 1 sl bacon, coffee
L-2 sm meatballs, broccoli & cauliflower casserole
S-8 shrimp, 1-1/2 deviled eggs
D-2 turkey burgers, 1 bratwurst, lc pita
S-1 bratwurst, 1 lc cracker w/ 1/2 laughing cow cheese wedge spread on it

YH, I am glad you are back with us. Your vacation, for what it was worth, is over and done with....and so are those potato chips!! Put them out of your mind and focus on all those clothes in a smaller size that you bought. What a wonderful idea to get you back on track. I think the problem with all those yummy high-carb snacks is that once you start on them, you only want more and more. So give yourself time and the cravings will diminish and you'll be satisfied with your 100 calorie packs again. My prayers are with s3 and the struggles both you and he will have to deal with now. Does he check in daily with the dr and will you take him everyday? Sad/funny about your brother. I think we've all been one of those "I'll start my diet tomorrow" types of ppl at some point or another, but I do feel bad for the ones who think they are eating healthy and still wonder why they gain weight. Educate yourselves ppl !!

C, I think when our parents reach a certain age, it is almost like taking care of kids again. Payback for all you did to them as a teenager. But I'm glad they are doing okay and hopefully next time, they will call you for help. Geesh. I know that hollow feeling too. Feels good and I'd like to feel it more often. Was feeling it the beginning of the week and then ate too much protein yesterday but I'll get that feeling back again. I'm more determined now than ever. Your wkd away next week sounds wonderful. What fun!!

T, how did the graduation go? Did you survive all the traffic? That is one thing I do not miss. Country traffic is maybe passing a few cars on the little one-lane "highway" and Heaven forbid you forget to wave to that passing car. Country life is stopping to help that broken-down motorist and ending up inviting them to stay for supper while their car gets repaired. Yep, a lot simpler living. Didn't think it would be for me when I moved here 9 yrs ago but now you couldn't drag me away.

Oh here is a bunny tale for you. Rabbits.....well they are not on dh's list of favorite furry animals today. We noticed the tops of a lot of my flowers were gone yesterday. At first I accused him of turning the hose on them too strongly, till we looked closer and they look like someone had had a pretty good lunch there. Then we turn towards the giant vegetable garden on the other side of the deck and sitting there calmly nibbling on a tomato plant is...a bunny!!! Dh grabbed the hose and I shouted, "Run bunny, run!!" (Dh wasn't happy that I scared the critter off before he could douse him). Dh was fuming, how dare that rabbit eat his garden, especially his beloved tomato plants!! He spoke of getting his gun out and thinning out the rabbit population around here. I told him I didn't think it was worth killing another human being over a stupid tomato plant, for crying out loud, just chill out. He looked at me perplexed and said, "I'm not talking about shooting a human being." I replied, "Oh...but I am. If you shoot one of those bunnies, then I'd have to kill YOU and is it really worth losing your life over a tomato plant??" (At least it made him find the humor in it all and meanwhile, the bunny got away scot-free!!)

So today the 4 of us are heading to Wal-Mart, a 2 hour drive. I need a family day, I think we all do. We will eat dinner out and do some shopping, get the glasses and contacts, maybe some new clothes. Gotta spend some of dh's ex-wife's tax return!!

I will be back shortly with my weigh-in for the week. YH, I am glad you are back. It's been lonely at the scales without ya!!

Have a good day ladies! D

[Denise78]

P.S. Dh just came in and told me that rabbits like eggplant, broccoli and zucchini too. Ruh-roh...better hide the gun!!!

[Lolly1220]

Hello All-
I'm new to low carb. I started 5/20/08--at the same time I also started walking three miles a day with my dog and free weights twice a week.
The scale has not budged-- still at 210 BUT my clothes are looser and I can see some changes--Still I want to lose lbs also. This is what I eat on a normal day-
B=2 hardboiled eggs, 3 bacon
L=2 cups lettuce, tuna mixed with mayo
D=salmon patty or chicken with brocoli
Snacks-sugar free jello or pork rhinds or string cheese
I do have coffee in the morning with heavy whipping cream--I'm trying to stop the caffeine (I mix half decaf/reg)
I have had no alcohol and drink 64+ oz water a day
Could it be the coffee--I hope not but am really beginning to wonder.
any advice would be appreciated-
Thanks
Lolly

[Denise78]

Lost 3.5 lbs this week. Which got me to my mini-goal of getting into the 280's and I am now only 2.5 lbs away from my other goal of losing 50 lbs. Not bad considering tom hit me this week.

[harley g-ma]

I'm new to the lcf website,and you ladies sound like alot of fun! I would like to join in If I may.I'm retired and I'm pretty bored.My name is Elaine and I'm temporarily in Illinois.My husband is a surveyor for pipelines so we travel all over.I spent last winter in Wyoming
so I know about the 2 hr drive to Walmart! My actual home is in Georgia.D,I am so sorry about your pet.I have a 10yr old dog and I know one day I'll be where you are.I have decided to start my lc diet on Monday.I have to load up on the right food and of course
that gives me 2 more days! I'm really serious about this and I do really well when I commit.I am so glad to have some support out there.It makes all the difference.I feel like I know you ladies already.

[miss.amaryllis]

Hello there!

Well, firstly, hummingbirds.

Hummingbirds!!!

How perfectly lovely! I've always got thoroughly overexcited seeing these gorgeous little creatures in nature programmes on the telly, but just to imagine having them in the garden.... wonderful. Like little fluttering jewels.

I'm sticking to the diet. My older daughter gave me a pair of her Ralph Lauren castoff jeans a couple of years ago, and once I'd chopped about 6" off the legs, I loved them. Now I can't get them buttoned up. All right, to be even more truthful, I can't get them even to meet in the middle if I lie on the floor and suck in my tummy. Gloom. Doom. I have hung them on my wardrobe door as an inspiration and am happy to say that today I have lost

2lbs!

I have been looking at the recipes on this forum and, with what I have in the fridge, I am going to make a cheesy cream broccoli soup. It sounds delicious. The recipe is in cups so I will tweak the quantities as feels appropriate. The Ruler of All The Universe can have lots of bread with it, and possibly bangers and mash too if he is really hungry after work. Let it not be said that he is being deprived because I've got a stone still to lose!

Yes, TRoATU is a husband of 26 years marriage. My current husband, as I frequently remind him.

Strangely, I've lost my sweet tooth - once, I was absolutely crazy about chocolate and made loads of puddings and cakes. Now I can turn down chocolate and biscuits, and long for cheese, olives, nuts, really nice savoury things. Oh yes, reading through Dr A recipes, what is "Monterey Jack" cheese? It sounds nice!

I do so admire you all in America maintaining your motivation with such a choice of delicious food. The sweet thing I still really love is ice cream. American ice cream! We have Ben and Jerry's here of course, and gradually more and more good quality ice cream, but it really is quite expensive. It's not too difficult to resist the everyday stuff though, e g "Wall's Soft Scoop Vanilla" which comes in big cheap tubs and isn't too wonderful.

My older sister has just been to Las Vegas! She absolutely adored it - said I couldn't possibly imagine how exciting it is. "Did you have ice cream?" I enquired. The answer was a faint ecstatic moaning down the phone. Also, it seems that one often eats from huge buffets of food.... how easy just to taste something else, then a bit more....

My sister has been slim her whole life. Effortlessly.

I'm feeling a bit irritated by friends who say how it's only natural to be a bit podgy in middle age and "grow old gracefully". I was fat as a teenager/young woman, but never hit my stride style-wise until I was in my thirties. I lost weight after each of my three babies - well; running round after them, feeding them (and they ate everything ) playing with them and getting them off to school, etc - it kept me slim - but now! I've got to work at it. I'm not going to lapse into a stout middle aged person!

No doubt about it, we British are getting bigger. I believe that current statistics find that one in 10 of us is seriously overweight. Even the Government proposes new initiatives to get us fitter!

Well, this post has waffled for long enough - thank you if you have read this far. I love to read your posts. They are a real inspiration and enormously helpful. Lots of love to you all.

[MI CHICK]

Hi all!! And Harley Ga & Lolly! We're a pretty good group here if I do say so myself LOL!!!

I'm pooped! Dh & I did all this yard work this morning and then I came in, got a drink, & then have been on my feet in the kitchen the last 41/2hrs cooking for tomorrow. Made a potato salad & a bean salad. Baked my cake & cooked my frosting. Made up the sloppy joe meat mixture. Will have tky brauts & green salad & cottage cheese too & I can eat all those. So after a bit of a rest I will clean up the kitchen & get the tablecloth etc set up in the diningroom. Dh is taking a nap--of course, the lawn work tired him out....they are such a trip...he went to the bedroom to nap as I was making too much noise in the kitchen cooking...and ds came in the door a few minutes ago & he's taking a bath as he spent the day helping friends move.

I ate carefully yesterday & very lightly today as I want to have a piece of that cake tomorrow. I can have a braut & a green salad only & the cake. That will take up my days everything I'm sure I used the splenda devils food cake mix that I added 1tbsp of plain baking cocoa to make it more like german choc cake. When I cooked the frosting (have any of you ever made frosting for a german choc cake?) I used ff evap.milk, 1/2 sugar & 1/2 splenda & the coconut flakes were plain, no sugar. So I am very curious to see how it all ends up tasting. Smells so wonderful. Am pretty sure no one will have a clue about how I tweaked it.

Y all that stress... hope this next week goes more smoothly!! Am so happy to hear that your son is giving the re-hab one more try. Maybe he will be more encouraged being at home then in a center somewhere. It's not like he doesn't know what he needs to do....it's like us w/the weight. We all KNOW what we need to do, including your poor brother! It's a shame but he will either get a grip or not. Amazing how much of our life is like that--we either do what we need to do or we suffer the consequences. Life is not for the weak LOL!!!

Glad to hear that Hannah is happy under the tree! And yes the down side of bunnies is that they love everything green...ha!! Everyone I know who tries to garden w/them around gets pretty disgusted! Some creature has eaten some of my plants over the years but I've never caught anyone so don't know if it's the bunnies or racoons or skunks. Am not out after dark to know. And on losing down to your 1st mini goal!!!!! At least the extra protein w/burn off--when we over do on carbs it hangs around forever

Miss A that's a great idea re:hanging up the pants. And I have a pair of pants out that I can't even get past my knees but I loved 'em when I bought 'em! They were my "encouragment" pants to get me down that next 7-8lbs, and that was 4yrs ago. LOL!!! I'm figuring better late than never And what are bangers & mash?? We hear it on any of the British shows & I've sure read it in enough English who-dun-it's but I still don't know exactly what it is? Probably something high in carbs that I would love LOL!! And my "current" dh has been around for 32yrs! Miracle in this day & age--so congrat's to you & yours! Mont.Jack cheese is a white mild cheese--I really like it. Most mexican recipes call for it but I use it for everything. Not strong like swiss. Not as bland as mozzarella. to your skinny sister

Elaine where in WY? My db & sil live in Banner right outside Sheridan and the methane fields are taking over everything. Seems like the traveling would be interesting but maybe that's cause I've never had to live that way.
And we have all had that 2 more days to eat treat ourselves too many times, that's how we got fat--always eating our way to that new Mon diet LOL!! Good luck

Lolly it sure sounds like you are doing good. Maybe too many calories?? Even in lc you can eat more than you can burn. Or it may just be that your body is working it's way all thru that built up fat & you will have a big drop all at once. Don't think it's the coffee---I have 2 large mugs each morning w/ a couple tbsp of half & half. When I lost all the weight before I had 2-4 each morning & lost just fine. So enjoy that coffee!

[Teresa3]

Good Afternoon, Gals--
Lolly and Elaine, Miss A--hereafter referred to by me as L, E, A. (If you don't mind! ) Hope you all will have success doing low carb. L, the pork rinds have a lot of salt, don't they? And, as C suggests, could be too many calories. Atkins says you don't have to count calories, which is true, but you do have to be careful not to overeat. Also, since you started walking and weight lifting, you may be adding a bit of muscle, which weighs more than fat. The good thing is that your clothes are looser, and, after all, it's the smaller size we want, right?

D, we've had some furry critters around our house lately, too; but I sure wish they were bunnies! "Rat a tooie" in our kitchen... Caught two in live traps so far and dh lets them out in the park a few blocks away, so they can go eat at someone else's house. Sometimes I wish he had a little bit of a more macho attitude like your dh, D!

Congratulations D on breaking into the 280's! Another milestone accomplished! You have done fabulous considering all the stress you've been suffering lately! Glad you're having a day of shopping, etc. with your family around you.

C, when I read your folks were under the weather, I was afraid they weren't going to be able to come for Father's Day! So I was glad to see you are cooking away, making your delicious cake and they're going to be there tomorrow! I don't blame you for eating less today so you can have a taste of the cake you're putting a lot of effort into! I'm sure all the yard and garden work you've been doing lately has burned lots of calories to help out there. I remember when you were going to the euchre club last year--that sounded like so much fun. Going up to a house on the lake with wonderful longtime friends is just the best! I'm sure you'll have a great time!

Y, so glad to hear that you have recovered from such a terrible illness. And also very glad to hear that you were able to get your ds to start detoxing. I imagine this will be a bit rough? Sure hope he sticks with it--you deserve a break!

That's sad about your db putting on so much weight. At least he got himself on some meds; that's better than nothing. Maybe if he keeps going to the docs, he'll get the full message and try harder. It takes a lot of time and effort to finally make the big changes we have to make, as we already know, huh! You were brave to get some clothes a size smaller! What did you get?

The drive up to the Bay Area went surprisingly well. We went early enough to miss the bad Friday traffic; got up there by lunchtime and went to an old favorite seafood house. We used to live in Berkeley, and although it's gone more upscale, some of our old haunts remain. I ate fine yesterday, but this morning we went to our most favorite breakfast place where we used to always get a waffle, and I just had to have one... But, what the hey, if it's only once every few years... Oh, and I did have one small piece of white cake, but did not eat the frosting!

The graduation party was held as a dinner at a Japanese restaurant, the grad's favorite place. He had his best friend who also graduated there, along with his friend's family who are from Mexico. Our grandson's mother is Chinese, and her brother and wife were there too, so we had quite a multicultural gathering. It was very festive, and I have never seen our grandson seem happier. We didn't really need to talk about anything other than wishing him well, so it all worked out. I was very happy!

So, anyway, after all this recent partying (and being sick) I really need to get moving forward on my weight loss! I have not made any progress recently, so I hope to make a big push starting Monday. It's always starting Monday, huh! But I mean it! Take care, everyone! T.

[Denise78]

Finally back home. What a long day it seemed like. Ds2 and I had our eye exams. I think we saved money C, but you know, we spent an awful lot too so it's hard to tell. We both had eye exams that were $88 each. I think that's pretty close to the norm, maybe a little lower than regular eye dr's. Ds2 and I both got fitted for contacs and glasses and we each picked out new frames. I got such a cute pr, drk red, very stylish and looked really nice with my blonde hair. I can't wait till they come in. My frames were only $18 but I opted to pay extra for high definition lenses since I am blind as a bat and I didn't want lenses that were thick like coke bottle glasses. Anyway, that added another $60 to my charges. Ds2's frames were $74 so quite a bit more than mine but he only paid $15 for each lens since they offer half-price to kids under 19. That was quite nice. Total for the vision center....$450. But that was 2 exams, 2 prs glasses w/lenses, and 2 sets contacs so I think we did pretty well. Last time I took ds2 to an eye dr, I spent over $300 on just him alone.

Never did get to buy any new clothes, darnit. I was wanting to but I had so many other things I needed that I pooped out before I hit the women's dept. Oh well, another time. I found a really nice ceramic cross statue to put on Hannah's grave, about 2 feet tall. Got to the register and noticed that the base had broken off and was glued back together!! So dh went and got another one and paid for it in the garden dept since we were clear at the other end of the store checking out. The nerve of some ppl to return it like that.

The kids wanted to give dh one more present for Father's Day so we got him some small lights that hook under the patio umbrella. We like to sit out there in the nice weather so I thought those would be good for those late nights when you don't want to put the big porch light on and attract all the bugs. We're grilling ribeyes tomorrow but ds2 is leaving for a wrestling camp in the morning so he won't be able to join us, so it will just be the 3 of us for dinner. That's nice and cozy though, so I won't complain.

You know what was funny....I went in the restroom at Wal-Mart (ok that part wasn't funny LOL) but I went to wash my hands and you know how you glance in the mirror and your first thought is....OMG I look like a whale. (Well it's usually MY first thought). Anyway, it wasn't this time. My face actually looks thinner. I'm still fat but I didn't have that bloated look like I did 47.5 lbs ago. I can finally see for myself that the fat is leaving my body. Boy that was a real motivator right there for me to stay on track and keep plugging along, no matter how long it takes me to reach goal!!!

We went to Applebee's for a late lunch. Eating good in the neighborhood!! LOL. We were starving as it was 2 pm and I hadn't even had breakfast so I think we all over-ordered. But we each took a box home for supper tonight. Dh and Ds1 each got a beer too. I got an appetizer of boneless buffalo wings that ds1 and dh had a couple of to help me out. Then I got a grilled chicken caesar salad and French onion soup (didn't eat the bread). Mmmm -- delicious!! Same thing I got last time, or so I thought. The salad was huge this time and I'm thinking last time they gave me a half-order and this time I must have got the full-order. Never had the problem of not being able to finish a salad in a restaurant before!! But like I said, it was supper for later, so that worked out well. Bill came to $85 with the tip. Dh raised his glass and toasted a "thank you!" to his ex-wife.

Today's menu:

B-coffee
L-grilled chicken caesar salad, boneless buffalo wings, French onion soup
D-leftover grilled chicken caesar salad

YH I believe you know what that is for!!!!! Seriously though...how did your son do today? I hope he got thru it ok without too many withdrawals. Sending hugs your way.

T, sounds like you had a really nice time at the graduation. Lunch at the seafood restaurant -- I am so jealous! What did you have?? You and dh always order such interesting dinners.

C, have a good time tomorrow -- your menu sounds really good. Yum-yum! Be careful with that cake -- you don't want to have to eat lightly for the next 7 days!

Looks like it is getting pretty crowded in here. I think I'll wait and see who sticks around. We seem to get such a drop-in of ppl that post once or twice, never to be heard from again and it's hard to keep the conversation flowing like that. But welcome to those that stay and join us.

Well here's a Cops marathon and dh is calling my name. Hope you ladies have a nice night and I'll catch ya in the morning!! D

[harley g-ma]

Hi M, I spent Nov.thru Apr.in a little town called Saratoga about 100 miles from Laramie.I
just about froze my southern butt off! I have never seen so much snow and I hope I never do again. I didn't get out much but I still had to walk the dog.He didn't seem to mind. Life goes on in those little towns,and everyone has 4wheel drive trucks and they act like its normal.I guess it is for them.I grew up in Fla.and when it snows outside Atlanta they shut everything down,so it was an experience I had never had.I don't know where we'll be this winter but I feel like I'm prepared for anything!

[yellowhair11]

Congrats on the 3.5lbs D !!! Thats just great. I also have to agree with you on the new posters. Welcome to those who are serious and are going to post daily and stick around, there are too many that join, post a few times, then leave. It is time consuming and aggravating to welcome and respond to new people that are not here for the long run to support everyone whether you got 10 pounds to lose or 200. I plan on being here like forever even if we all get to goal as it will be a struggle to maintain. I think you did good on the glasses trip D for 2 people as I gotted ripped major with s1 recently. Sign up at vision direct now and im sure all the contacts will be cheaper there, thats what I do for s1. Thats so nice you got a statue for Hannah, did you make a stone for her too ? I had my Ginger cremated in Fl. and took her ashes to the cemetary in WI. , made a stone, put her next to Grandma - its still there as I went to cemetary this trip. Im so glad that irs check showed up !! S1 lives on peanuts after he pays his support but loves the boy so much - the mom was good recently as he went up there and did the Disney thing and she did not pull anything.

Ok, the weight, ive eaten very poorly, takeout food since return, but was also pretty sick, plus nerves with s3 but I got on my scale and stayed the same surprisingly. I attribute the tightness of bottoms to eating crap food and not keeping up with the Callanetics - even if you do a few a day its great for inch loss. I have to do major grocery shopping this am and buy on plan stuff and get back to the exercise too. S3 is still in bed since Thurs. , taking computer in bed with him to play poker, ughh, but he is staying home and he has gotten many calls to go party but have heard him say he is done with blah and detoxing. His major problem is very bad cramping in legs at this point. I just pray he does not get addicted to this new stuff as it is an opiate and can be weaned off in a relatively short period. Daily contact with dr. and he sees him Tues. am. I think the best would have been a rapid detox under anesthesia in a hospital and not being on another drug but you need major bucks for this type of thing. BF has not been very supportive.

I really liked the Rat a Touille movie T, dont have them inside thank God but there always around, im on the water, so I think thats why. Thats nice you use the live traps, I dont kill anything except the ants when they come in droves inside. I pick up cockroaches, spiders, beetles, etc. and take them outside. Glad the graduation worked out for you - I knew it would, are you back on scale or using the jeans for progress ??? Oh I bought more capris that are too small and tops too as I have to have something top wise until I am ready for boob dilemna.

I see your cooking up a storm C and I know the din din will be a hit. And all the yardwork - surely you are burning up those calories. Is your scale in the basement still and you are using jeans to gauge ?

Enjoy Father's Day all

[MI CHICK]

Good morning all!
Well coffee is made & baked (canned) cinnm.rolls for dh cause he loves 'em and it is after all Father's Day. Have been doing so well that I decided to step on the scale while in the basement getting the tablecloth for today's dinner---was 233!! That's what I was hoping for so that I would go upstairs & turn my nose up at the rolls Now I
am ready to face the day party eatings w/good strength.
Good luck to the rest of you that are having FD get togethers; and aren't we lucky to have our dad's here!

Ds is stretched out the whole length of the sofa (he's 6'5")
I was looking at him thinking gee I remember having to put 2 pillows on the sofa to keep him from falling off

Glad the grad dinner & driving went so well T!! Always such a refreshing experience I find! Gives energy one doesn't get from their day to day routine!

We're all for success for your son Y! You'd think bf would be support of him getting his act together & being able to move on to his own life and let you 2 get back to yours! I think you were too sick to actually put on lbs of fat---bloat from all the crazy stuff your system isn't use to. Good idea on the new smaller clothes! We too try to shift most creatures back outdoors if possible--even though I told ds & dh letting the mice go in the backyard was not any kind of a deterrent You have to at least take them around the block

That's so great about getting that quick vision of yourself D!! Such encouragement to keep at it! That was better than buying new clothes! Since we couldn't bury Chipper in the yard (city ordinance again) & she was too big to sneak out & bury (75lb shepherd) & the couple pet cemeteries were $$$'s, so we had to just accept she was gone & let the vet cremate & dispose of her. My brother was able to bury his beloved lab on his property too, but he's in WY. He also buried his horse.

I know the area Elaine & that was the most snow they'd had in years. They were so happy cause it was really going to help w/the draught conditions. But being from GA I can see where it was way too cold for you! Have cousins in the Buena Vista area & I say the opposite, how on earth can you guys stand the heat & humidity LOL!!!

Ok gotta run & get ready for church. Have a great day & I'll check back tonight

[Denise78]

C, congrats on the lb loss!! I think that will definitely make you more determined to stay on plan today --- good for you! How nice to have that son of yours home this wkd, all 6'5" of him! I bet you are enjoying his company. Have a fun day with him and your folks too! Happy Father's Day to your dh and dad.

YH, congrats to you too on staying the same. It's probably bloating that's causing the tightness. I'm sure a few days of eating on plan and maybe swimming or Curves will get those pants loose again. Glad your son is fending off the partying and hanging in there. I'm sure it must be soooo hard for him but he's doing great so far. Sorry bf is not being more supportive. I think you are doing tremendously well in that situation, you must feel like you are being torn in two.

T, a Happy Father's Day to your dh too. Hope you 2 have an enjoyable day together.

Rats and mice!! <shudder> I guess I am lucky the only furry critters we have to complain about these days are the bunnies. They like cauliflower too by the way. Dh is beside himself. They are attacking his garden with such a huge appetite. I think it's because Hannah is gone. We've always had bunnies in the yard but she never let them get really close, was always chasing them off. We meant to get some moth balls on our travels yesterday but forgot so we'll have to come up with something else as I think dh is about ready to throw the towel in and he so loves his garden. Anyone else have any ideas on how to ward them off before ds1 and dh get their guns out today??

I was thinking of getting a little windchime to hang from the cross. We're so used to hearing the jingling of Hannah's dogtags and I think the tinkling of the windchimes will be a nice reminder. I still can't get over the fact she's gone and look for her around every corner.

I guess dh decided to sleep in today so for once, the coffee is not made and ready for me. Guess I have to bite the bullet and make it myself. Oh well, I'll give the old man a break since it is Father's Day afterall. Wish I had thought of cinnamon rolls, C. Dh loves those and that would have been a nice surprise for him. Maybe I will make pancakes or waffles. I don't love those so won't be a big temptation for me!

You ladies enjoy your day with your families. I'm sure I will be back soon. Seems I can't stay away from here!! Love ya gals! D