OPAL WEDNESDAY FOR THE MVM

[zip2play]

GOOD MORNING EVERYONE!
Turned off bedroom A/C strolled groggy-eyed into living room and turned A/C on. I heard a rumour there's a cool front that's coming through from Canada EVENTUALLY. Any truth to that rumour Susun?

Weight is at 207 yet/still/forever/sigh. I guess it could be worse and I DID enjoy 600 calories of wine yesterday.

I went to the gym last night and I won't do it again. In ONE room with the bikes and treadmills I counted 54 people. All sweating their brains out...even with the A/C on full blast the room smelled like an armpit. I didn't stay long.

Oops,
To avoid a double post with Jacki, I looked before I typed and then typed only a single line and entered my post...and STILL we went bang!:
I guess it's KISMET, Jacki!

OH, Jacki...
I read about that gas can episode. That is SCARY, indeed. I guess we're back in the era of strong gas cap locks again like in the 70's oil cartel price rise. THis kind of crime will happen everyday with $3 (or $4 or 5$) gas! Keep a watchful eye...they might be looking for revenge for the "gas can" comment!
Probably kids since getting $15 worth of gas wouldn't drive an adult to burglary!

Nothing planned today escept to make up for last night's short workout.

ShopRite had several brands of jarred Roasted Red Peppers on 1/2 price sale this week so I bought a passle. I love them.

Til Later

[JackiCWa]

Look at you! Did it again!!

[JackiCWa]

Moving my post to here. Zip is so Zippy!

Good morning all. I'm pretty agitated for so early in the morning. Shawnee...you and Bob should be watchful. Here's what is happening down on my end of the block.

Hubby was leaving for work about 3 a.m. and he must have scared off some rats off as he was leaving through the garage. There by his truck was a nice five gallon gas can, hose hanging out of his truck and nobody there....they must have scrammed into the dark and were somewhere near by. He took the can in the garage, yelled out "thanks for the gas can". He came in and told me and I called the police. They have been cruising and light shining around for a few minutes now and I asked him to please check my back yard. It's really dark back there. THIEVES! Oh well, we got their can! Trouble is, now every car I hear drive by I think might be them. Hubby called to check on me...he leaves so very early he worries about me in the house alone. Anyway, he wants me to get locking gas caps today. Danged THEIVES! Get a JOB, buy your OWN gas!

So, I hope your morning starts better than mine.

[BarbCO]

Morning Zip, Jacki and the rest to follow..........

That is scary Jacki! Kids now days spend so much on Meth that they can't afford gas!

HOT in the West also. How do we know? It will be 90 in Aspen today. Now there's record - usually 75 at that elevation.

I guess we do have a lot more fires burning and more starting all the time. I hope the activity from EMILY gets up here into the State. The one fire so close to us is now 70 % contained and I don't smell smoke this morning. The heat is also taking it's toll on firefighters.

Loretta, is that DH's family? Hope you can survive all of that company and still have a good time. Seems to be working out have the two threads combined. Actually when I started I always thought that was the purpose of roll call to share your exercise, water and menu from the day. Now it's social hour.

Sorry the scale isn't moving for "some". Roger, does it make a difference what TYPE of calories are consumed? I have gone up a few myself after July 4th weekend but don't have much ambition to do anything about it right now. When my favorite clothes get tight then I get moving.

Catch up later....... need caffeine!

[Jewels]

Morning,

It's sunny and warm this morning but surely not as warm as the rest of the country. They say 77 and mid 80's again tomorrow. I won't complain at all. Love the Pacific Northwest!!!
Woke up early again! Must have stuff on my mind. I usually sleep til 9:00 if I can. Need to get back out to the mall and see what I can wear to that stupid wedding. Just a short summer skirt or something. We aren't in the wedding as she's going to be on the gondola and we'll just be on the "bank" watching. But she's having formal pics taken. Geez, did I tell you she bought a long, WHITE wedding dress. For her 3rd marriage!!! Geez!!!!!!!!!!!

Roger, lesson learned. Don't go to the gym at night. That's whats great about retirement, you can go during the daytime!!!
So why are you drinking wine again? How's the BP doing? Kind of scary thing to be doing IMHO.

Hi Barb! Keeping my fingers crossed for you guy's to get some rain. Those wild fires are awful. Haven't heard of too many over here and thats surprising. The Olympics usually get some. Aug. is the bad month so we'll hope for rain too.

Jackie, OMG lady...I'd be a wreck too. Maybe put the darn gas can back outside and let them have it. Leave a note telling them to take it elsewhere and you won't call the cops.

Had a great time at Mt. St. Helen's yesterday. Hiked and saw a movie about the mountain blowing. We even saw it (in person) "poof" a few times and the kids got a huge excitement over that. All in all was a nice day and a nice visit with our friends. They are headed back to Conn. now.

Off to get dressed so I can go walking with Chuck and Bo when they decide to get out of bed!! Have a good one all..

[zip2play]

Barb,

I have decided that for me, it it only calories that matter and with the exception of dietary fiber which isn't absorbed and a slight effect from phaseolomine tying up some of the starch in beans, I am a firm believer is a calorie is a calorie is a calorie. I tried to deny that while I was on Atkins, but I really believe it remains true no matter WHAT diet one is on. I have given seen ALL the data and that is my strong conviction. Alas, I think Emily is scheduled to waste all her precious rain over the heart of Mexico...but of course, I'm sure that scortching hot, arid part of the world needs it badly too. Too bad we can't ship you our oversupply from "generous" Dennis!

Julie,
We've switched into vacation mode and for me that means some imbibing. I will TRY to control the amounts as best I can and forcing them to conform to my caloric count is a good way...fingers crossed. My BP is staying South of the border (<140/90)...JUST!

I had a cocoa-protein shake for breakfast and usually add 2 bags of Equal for a 20 ounce shake. Today I also added a very overripe banana. Oh GOD did that come out oversweet. Next time, if I use a banana, I will skip the aspartame. (Cocoa has zero sugar!) An overripe banana must turn ALL its starch to sugar...ecch, I'll taste sugar 'til dinner.
I'm gonna try my hand at a simple meatless Marinara sauce for pasta. I've always used LOTS of hamburger so this is very different for me. I will add meatballs (store bought Mama Somebody) at the end though...no sense going WILD!

[Jewels]

Roger, sent you and email...

[zip2play]

Hi agin:

If any of you wants to read Matt's blog, here it is...the rules of this "Refuge" are really something. They've silence him but he's due out soon.

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fu...20050604221047

[OrchidCactus]

Hey gang,

Had a bit to do yesterday and didn't get on the 'puter for more than checking emails felt like I was going through withdrawls LOL! DH got home Monday night from helping friends with their septic system.

Barb, you have an email! Glad the fires by you are contained, YIKES on that heat. We've been having daily rain with some t-storms, I think it's still Dennis fizzling out--he got stationary so we got the benefits. Hope y'all get some rain soon and get those temps down and fires OUT!

Zip, dividing Phonecia won't be a problem at all. If she hasn't split on her own, just remember to use some cinnamon on the incision. Now would be a good time to repot her as well, since she should be in good growth phase.

Linda, hope you're having fun with all your running!

Loretta, YIKES on all that company... I know you'll be glad to see everything get back to normal. Glad they're helping keep M busy for you. Get in some 'me' time and recharge as you can!

Shawnee, a show you might like (chickflick time!) is Wildfire, it's on the Family Channel on Monday nights. I've been taping it to watch later, it's some good story lines but not too deep, current time, about a racehorse farm. So, there's some pretty pony scenery to be enjoyed. DH has sat through a couple episodes and the rolleyes hasn't happened TOO much LOL! Get you some locking gas caps too! May not stop them, but it will slow them down. I like the original point & click interface (Smith & Wesson) for dealing with theives!

Jacki, OMG! Did the cops take the gas can to fingerprint it? I would PROSECUTE the offenders if they ever do get caught. WTH, they need to buy their own flippin' gas! Unfortunately I do think this will become more common, so we have to be on guard. Sheesh.

Susan, hot up there too, huh? I hear you on bottling this for January. We usually get an early 'January Thaw' around New Years, last one let us have our windows open for 2 or 3 days/nights in a row and DSisIL was very jealous in MN LOL!!!

Julie, even if the wedding attendance falls through, DO use the tickets for a fun time...... hope it does go well for you and this is REALLY the beginning of a relationship rebuild, but you know better than us what to expect. Do what you need to do.

Liz, check in please! We miss you......

Ok, better get a move on here. Hope all have a good rest of the day!

[LoveMontana]

Hi gang,
I'm in the running mode again today so this will be brief. Hope to get back later.
Woke to a deep heartbeat sound from next door. Damned well driller is still at it

Roger, There was a noticeable drop in humidity late last night which is still with us today.
Hope it's on the way to you too. Temps are still very high though.

Holy Mother of Pearl!!! Poor Matt. I sincerely hope he survives that Christian Prison and gets the hell away from his nut case parents Those religious freaks are evil and totally NUTS!!

Oh Roasted Red Peppers...our local radio talk show guy is Italian and was talking about just such treats this morning. He is rather "thrifty" and makes his own instead of buying the commercial brands:
Roast Peppers 30 minutes at 375 degrees F. Cool thoroughly in closed paper bag. Skin, core and seed. Cut flesh into suitable strips, add olive oil to cover, salt,chop as many cloves of garlic as you like, mix and store in the refrigerator or freeze. YUMMM There are other recipes that you can look up with brines and other seasonings.

OMG Jackie, you must be really frightened. Has this happened to other neighbors? Good idea to get those locking gas caps.
Just keep a couple of extra keys around.

Barb, continued wishes that those fires are contained soon. You do live in paradise but it's not without it's dangers.


Julie, attitude, attitude, attitude AND ignore, ignore, ignore Find a dress you feel spectacular in, paste a big smile on your face and have a good time at the wedding. Then graciously get the hell out of there. To Hell with the rest of the family crap.

Loretta, hope you are getting a little rest. Check in when you can.

Ginny, I like the original point & click interface (Smith & Wesson) for dealing with thieves too as well as some of Shawnee's Indian justice. A little down home Cowboy justice would help too. Find a short rope and a tall oak tree, round up all of those bad boys and hang them high in the street.

More later, off to look for a good Turkey Fryer.

[eculmone]

Hi all. Sorry I've been absent. It seems my life is getting in the way

Roger, I make my own roasted red peppers & they r sooooo easy. I chop in half and seed them. Place them on cookie sheet with tin foil, and broil until black. When they r cooled the skin comes right off or you could do the bag thing. (I've never done it). I like mine in extra virgin olive oil and garlic or puree with cream cheese for a famous roasted red pepper dip that everyone will think you slaved over for hours to prepare.

Nights are still a PITA. Cardiologist reports my heart is "fine" I'm starting to think it may be a digestive problem? Combined with stress & fretting over life. I'm just so tired...

Well, was on my way to Dr.'s & car broke down. It's 92 degrees & very humid. Fortunately, I was right at a gas station and within walking distance back to my office. So here I sit, while car dr. tries his hand with my ol 1999 Chrysler mini van and not being able to make MY dr.'s appointment!

Man I could go for chocolate, jelly beans, creamsicle, licorice, popcorn & macadamia nuts? I'm in the mood to CHEAT!

Dang! Just found some delicious "Malitol" peanut butter crunch candy. I'll curse the Gods later... Right now however? Yummy Mmmmm

Luv Liz
p.s. Ginny that was a cute e-mail.

[zip2play]

Liz,
With the maltitol you won't need the car...you can put-put-put home!

Ginny,
Why the cinnamon, is it an antifungal or does it cause scarring to close the wound? Or encourage rooting????

Linda,
We are running 10 degrees hotter than you but the lower humidity is welcome. For Westerners, that means 50% humidity as opposed to 80%!

Loretta,
You have me hungry for HAM...I can tell by your posts that you are pooped.

KUDOS to ME!
I did 40 minutes on the bike. With no BP meds I took my heart rate to 150+ for the last 10 minutes and went the equivalent of 14.40 miles on the bike at a caloric expenditure of 378 calories...I was DRIPPING in sweat for the last 20 minutes. That's the first time I've gotten my heart rate over 150 since my stent 19 months ago...a SUPER stress test and no chest discomfort at all. But it DID seem like 40 minutes took 40 HOURS!

Oh God...am I ever TIRED!

[SuSUN]

Hi Ya Gang!

Another HOT one up here today...Roger if you are getting our weather, I dont think it will be any cooler!

Had another day indoors, clearing and sorting all those papers that I have hoarded for years. Getting through quite a bit, garbage day tomorrow so lots out there.

DH reported an improvement in his leg strength yesterday. He was putting in some dimmer switches for DD and having to go up and down the stairs lots. He said his strength held up the best he has felt in a long time.
Hope this is a sign of things to come.
His calf muscles are tight today and are quite painful when he wakes first thing.
He goes for a Neck X-ray on Monday to see if all has healed...2 months now, so hopefully it is solid.

Ginny,
Yep, too bad we cant bottle this heat and use it at our discretion over the winter months.
Glad you didnt get withdrawal symptoms from lack of puter time.
Oliver is having the itchies more than normal just now. He has something called Acanthosis Nigricans, it is inherited, poor little guy. I keep creaming him up, bathing him, giving him Bendryl, we even changed his food. It was a little better on the grain free diet. He just doesnt enjoy it the same.

Yikes! Jacki on the Gas Thief!
This may be a heads up for all of us!

Liz,
Sorry to hear bout the car breakdown and missed appointment.
Good fer you grabbing a sf choc bar instead of the unthinkable!
That roasted pepper recipe sounds delicious and easy, even I could make that...but when?

Linda,
Guess, they are building a solid house next door! Sheesh!
Love the chuckles on thief justice!
Hope ya found a good turkey fryer.

Julie,
Sounds like fun choosing a great outfit, what is your fav colour?
Hope you enjoyed the walk with Chuck and Bo this morning!
Mt. St. Helens is quite a site eh? That description sounds exciting, no wonder the kids were impressed.

Barb,
Hope those fires get doused (sp) soon! That's the least EMILY can do!

Waving to Shawnee and Loretta, busy gals!

SuSUN

[OrchidCactus]

Me again...

Zip, the cinnamon is a natural anti-fungal anti-bacterial. We've used it for quite some time in the gh and it does seem to make a difference. Humans can take it as well (it's in my tea), I think you can get it in either tablets or capsules but never really looked for it.

Liz, grrrr on the wheels breaking down. Not a fun thing at all. Hope they got it fixed right for you!

Linda, yum on the fried turkey, that's the BEST way IMO!

Off to lurk a bit, then bed.

[shawneesioux]

Hi Y'all

A nice day here, only 80's.

SuSUN, that's GREAT news, your DH getting strength back in his legs
Hugs to sweet Oliver, poor lil guy. The General can't do wheat either, I made his snack cookies from oats. Luckily he loves fruit and veggies...we call him Hoover, cause he'll suck up anything
WTG, getting so much sorting done!

Hi Liz..Glad to see ya back. Oh, Gal, hope you aren't suffering from after-effects of Malitol. If we could all cut stress out of our lives, we'd live to 200 !
Good to hear your heart is fine What a Bummer with your car.

Montana, did ya find a turkey fryer? You mean the Outdoor kind with Propane?
We got one about 5 years back...I looked it over, told Bob the damned thing looked dangerous (could be tipped over with ALL that hot oil in it)..so he welded up a wider base for it. It still scares me, I use his big ol' welding gloves and goggles when using it (can ya tell hot oil scares me??)
Anyhoo, it does make gorgeous turkeys...and timing is everything.

Ginny, Thanks for the heads up re the Wildfire ...I could use some relaxing fluff stuff. I tend to watch and read too much serious stuff.
The old Cherokee Chuckster did another turn-around. I was primed for the last rites with him, but the Pedialite got him upright on all fours again...he's waaaay over his 9-lives quota. My present today was two shrews on the porch.

Zip, Vacation mode, huh? Sounds good to me. Any leads on a car?
Lately, all I really wanna eat is fruit and crunchy veggies, with a lil protein thrown in. Sick of salad greens and heavy food.
Yup, Ginny nailed it re the Cinnamon, good Anti-fungal..and smells good too.

Julie, ya sure had a perfect day for the Mt., huh? Spirit Lake was my fav place, sure miss going there.
Way to go, walking with Chuck and Bo.
I can't take the Chuckster for a walk, BUMMER! Have to go to "Borrow a Pup" (Kaci)


Aw, Jacki..damn, sorry y'all had to go thru this. Our area on this end has been hit 3 times I know of in the past year....once in broad daylight, the other two under night motion/floodlights. You've noticed I keep my front door dead-bolted all the time, cars locked in the driveway...in reality, locks just slow the timid thieves down. Even bumbly ol' me could have a locking gas cap off in a few seconds with a hefty screwdriver..or a clawhammer...prybar, whatever.

Can't count on thieves being "just kids"...the Meth users here range from Grade school age to GrandParents ...and when they're busted, they are almost always in posession of firearms.

Well, on to ME...My "bump" was benign (just a money-maker for Dr and a pain in the Lower Unit for me)

The echocardiogram results were no suprise either; MVP..as my DD had. LOL, while I'm "watching it", I'll probably get run over by the proverbial truck...


HEY to Loretta and Barb.

Shawnee

[zip2play]

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