Friday March 25, Sat the 25, and Sunday the 27.

[LoveMontana]

Thought I would post tonight for the next three days, even though I may be talking to myself

Been busy around here trying to install the new range and thinking about painting the kitchen again. I like change and am thinking of something light this time.
We shall see. I hate getting up on a ladder.

It will be nice to be able to cook upstairs again but the basement kitchen is just fine. Just a tad bit inconvenient bringing things up and down the stairs.

No change in my weight since I lost one whole lb. but it stuck Maybe after being smoke free for one year and 2 days, the metabolism will kick start itself.

Susan, I do hope you are doing OK and will check in soon.

Hi Ginny, how is the house hunting going?

Loretta, has DH made a decision yet?

Julie, how is that stomach doing?

Barb, spring break is just around the corner. What are you going to do with your free time?

[eculmone]

Hello All;
I'm sorry to hear we r dwindling. Happy Belated to Barb & Ginny. I'm next. April 1st I'll be 42 years young For my b-day I'm getting laser hair removal under the arms. No more waxing or shaving I'm not too modest eh?

Well, I'd also like to tell you all that GOD really does exist! He has my back and my loved ones. DD Heather's amnio centises came back NEGATIVE. She has a healthy baby boy in her belly. I don't believe we are out of the woods with her mental illness and all, but it's a small start.

We just returned from Walt Disney World. 8th time in a row and I'm planning already for my 9th. It's just so surreal and magic. This time we stayed at Port Orleans - French Quarter. The weather was mid 80's all week. I ate EVERY dang carb I could get my hands on... Mickey Mouse ice cream bars, beignets (like funnel cakes); cheesecake; sandwiches made with focaccia bread. 9 days of no limits and I'm back on induction and only gained 5 pounds so I feel it was worth every bite. I've been clean for 2 days now and I feel better. I'm pretty sure I'm into ketosis.

Ginny, how's your orchid's? More shows coming up? Barb - spring break - yee haw. It was ours the week of March 12th. Julie, I'm so sorry to hear about your stomach. I can sympathize completely. They finally medicated me. I'm on Domperidone since my esphogus does not function properly. Of course it took almost 2 years of wanting to die from all the stupid pain I was in. I sure hope you get some good news and properly medicated soon.

God Bless to you all
Luv Liz

[eculmone]

ps: Linda how does the new stove and range look? What color do you think you want to paint? I'd love to remodel my kitchen

[LoveMontana]

The range will look good once it's finally installed. LOL It's white as are the other appliances. I used to have black and grew tired of that, although I LOVE my black sink.

I'm in the process of trying to decide what colors to use. Right now it's a dark, dark brown which looks great against the white counter tops and appliances. We shall see.

It makes a big difference too, if you just change the pulls and handles on your cabinets.

[eculmone]

The dark brown sounds rich. We painted our basement "cupaccino" colour. I like the earth tones, they feel warm and comforting to me.

Well, I've been bad with my eating. All week I stayed clean, then last night we had company and were looking at our Florida pics on the big screen. We ordered pizza. I had lc snacks; cheese, lc veggies, deviled eggs and strawberries and almonds out... Well, I not only indulged in the dang pizza (4 slices) I also ate lc. I know it's one or the other but I blame the pictures reminding me of Disney I ate those oh so soft mini powdered donuts that I had bought for the kids and the multi grain Sun Chips!

WHAT'S THE SECRET? I wish there was a magic pill! I'm sure I'm at 139. My lowest on my 5'4" frame was 130. I felt great, looked great. These stubborn pounds will haunt me for life! I'm always planning meals, battling indulgences, drinking water. Some days I'm winning (with effort) and other days I'm landsliding into carbohydrate oblivion. It's very frustrating

Any hints from the pro's?

[Loretta V]

Hi to all

Good to see you posting Liz and I was happy to read that the baby will be fine. How is your DD adjusting to the pregnancy?
Not sure what to tell you about those high carb cravings. I know I get tempted occasionally and do stray on occasion. But for the most part I stay on the straight and narrow. Hope you can find the right path.

Ginny we are sure having some cool weather here. It is going to be a little warmer next week. I did not really "give anything up" for Lent but having been trying to do a little more acts of kindness etc. Any lookers on your house yet?

Barb my water intake has dropped lately. I usually manage to get at least 70 ounces in daily but rarely get to 100. How about you? Glad that you all got some much needed moisture even though it was in the form of snow.

Linda we saw DH's cardiologist last Tuesday and he wants him to have a stress test first before he gives his ok. We will go this coming Monday for a chemical stress test and then in the afternoon we have an appointment to see the internist. It sure seems to be dragging out, but that is ok. Dh would like to get it over with though. Those fish are calling him. The weather has not been good lately for fishing.

Julie how are things there with you? Any thing going on in Wa. that we should know about. How is the stomach distress?

I'll be making a trip to Evansville tomorrow to see DS#3 and deliver an embroidery machine he bought at store here for his wife. They had looked at it last week when they were here for the birthday celebrations. She has gone out of town and it will be a surprise for her when she returns. Quite a machine with 6 threads that can be loaded at one time. It is quick and has a large embroidery area. She makes "burp cloths" for her ob's group. They give them as gifts to the new moms. It keeps her busy plus she has a full time job and the 3 young ones. She will be able to get the job done faster.

Hey and to the rest of the bunch.

HAPPY MAINTAINING

[LoveMontana]

Liz, it's good to hear the baby will be OK. I'm sure everyone is so relieved.

As for the carb cravings, you just have to go cold turkey and get through withdrawal.

Loretta, It's good to hear that the doctors are being extra cautions and will do that stress test before the surgery. Will they use an epidural or general anesthesia? Epidural is so much less stress on the heart and lungs.

That machine sure sounds like something. LOL I would need an engineering degree to run it.
Have a safe and fun trip.

[Jewels]

I'm tired of coming on here and do nothing but tell you about my stomach. I'll just say one thing. It's not any better. I'm very discouraged!

Linda, so did DH get the counter top cut yet? That can be hairy hoping not one little slip.

Liz, it's nice to see you back here again. Good news on the baby!

Loretta, I feel it's good the Drs. are taking it one step at a time. Problem is getting an appt. without waiting 3 or 4 weeks. That's what is irritating.

Anybody seen Barb around?

Played Bunco tonight. Anybody ever play it? It is a blast. I laughed till I peed my pants.

DD is having bladder repair next Tuesday. 2 Drs. one to put a sling in and the other to repair the back of the vaginal wall. She'll have to stay in the hospital a few days. She has needed this done for ages! Glad it's finally getting fixed.

Not a whole lot going on. My social life is sucking with this liquid diet so my lunches have been restricted.
Off to bed.....

[LoveMontana]

(((hugs))) Julie, I do wish you would feel better. When are the next set of tests?

UGH, your poor DD. I wish her the best. My mom had that surgery about three years ago and she did fine.

We didn't need to cut the counter top but did have to router out the wood floor a bit.
It seems the new range was just about 1/2" taller than the counter. LOL Nothing is ever simple.

[OrchidCactus]

Hey y'all,

Still cold here, but looks like a warmup is in the works. Tomorrow we're supposed to see somewhere in the 60's! The buttercups are blooming, daffodils are too, and the daylilies are about 18" tall now. Spring is finally on it's way.

It looks like my mom has had a stroke, she's in a nursing home primarily for the alz., but her right side has been affected. This visit (she's near my DB) she did recognize DB though, and we'll have to wait and see if she recovers more use of her arm and leg. Her balance is affected, she's short-strided on the right and has coordination trouble. DB said she looked quite peaceful.

Linda, home repair and remodelling is NEVER easy! There is always something that won't fit quite right. Glad you're getting that stove installed, I'm sure you'll be glad to cook without carrying things downstairs!

Julie, good thoughts for your DD to get that surgery out of the way. I'm sure she'll come through with flying colors. I've heard about Bunco, but never played... glad you had a fun time with it! Hope that stomach settles down soon and you can get off the liquid diet.

Liz, WONDERFUL news that the baby is ok! I know your whole family is relieved about that. How is your DD holding up without meds? Will she be in a group home/supervised for the duration of her pregnancy since she can't take meds?

Loretta, glad the drs are being throrough re your DH. I know it has to be tough for the both of you to play the waiting game. How soon will you put the boat in the water this year? As much as he loves fishing, I bet he's chomping at the bit to get out there! Very cool on that embroidery machine, I'm thread-challenged so I'm with Linda on needing a degree to even look at one of them Will you get to play with it at all?

Well, better get my tail in gear...gh is calling and so is the shower.

[BarbCO]

Morning folks......

I wrote out a great long post yesterday morning and lost it when the power went out - high winds. So, I gave up.

I'm leaving to go bum off some friends for a week before they show up at my door. Spring Break and weather is ok.

Julie, I feel for you. I don't know the answer but I do .

DD returned to Oregon yesterday after her week of interviews and really liked the clinics at Lakewood and Gig Harbor the best. It's one company - MVP - and they have 12 clinics in the Seattle area.

Linda, you sure are ambitious with all that kitchen stuff. I try to stay away from mine.

Liz, I bet there is a lot of relief on the news with baby. Also, if you are still having cravings - it's sugar. You have to get rid of that stuff.

Ginny, sorry to hear about your mom. How far away from you is she?

Loretta, hope the stress test is the news you want to hear. Fishing is so much more important! Life is too short to fool around with doctors and tests, etc.

Asking about water Loretta is what I did find out -- to lose weight people are drinking more but to maintain - not necessary. I used to get in 120 oz. no matter what, but now I'm going for 64 oz.

Whatever happened to good old fashioned sewing? You know - the kind where you thread your own needle? Of course with my eyes, I can't do that either.

We all need to cultivate hobbies while we are young and healthy and able. Friends of mine are going back to Ohio to help his mom move in a home during break. This woman has NO hobbies. She doesn't read, watch TV, visit with friends (family is all she ever needed) or anything else. What in the world do you do and what is quality of life?

If I took up ultra-lites as a hobby, maybe I'll be gone before they put me in a home!

Take care...........

[eculmone]

Good Sunday afternoon ladies;
Wash is done, vacuuming upstairs next. Took a break and watched "Just like heaven" with Reese Witherspoon. What a feel good movie. I give it a two thumbs up for a lazy afternoon movie. So out came the remainder of the Sun Chips and a few grapes

The game is on! Your right Barb. It's my sugar and it's sucking me in like the demon it is!

My game is Low calorie now, until I can get the "induction" staples in my home. I'm going to have to go on induction to jump start me. I was doing good all week and them bam! The weekend just pulled me back down.

Julie what's Bunco? Sounds like fun (sept for the depends)

Well my DD Heather is not out of the woods. She was evicted for non payment of rent and they cut off her phone bill for not paying it. Driving around without insurance... it just goes on and on... Ginny, I really believe she should be in a home for the duration of her pregnancy, but I haven't been able to discuss with the Dr. Yet. He had to cancel last week and now I think I'll have to wait until the 30th. It's only a few days away, but it feels like an eternity. Things are looking grim, but God really is stearing the wheel now. My marriage is hitting some major air pockets as they say in aviation. It's never smooth sailing in my world. DH wants NOTHING to do with Heather. It's pretty sad. He won't leave our home either and I've gotten legal counsel. He'll be screwed, but that's not even it. It's his lack of compassion for MY daughter.

I feel God has sent many miracles my way lately and that somehow every part of my life is connected to this greater force. I'm not sure he's in the greater scheme of this, but I'm NOT afraid to walk alone. It would be so nice to have someone who loves me pull me up every now and then, but that is not my reality and I'm ok with that.

He's at work right now and I guess it's really minute by minute in "my" world. But I have given it ALL to God, so I feel strenghtened that whatever is around the bend, he is with me and looking out for all of us here. I'm often reminded of that predical son story... Even after all the horrible things that son did, his father still forgave him and loved him. It's humbling and it fills my heart to know that no matter what God still loves my baby girl. AND SO DO I.

Anyhow, I've been taking comfort in food lately and THAT needs to STOP!

Well play date is over for my littlest dd Natalie (7yrs old). Her friend's mom just called and I've given them the 15 minute warning and then clean up time and I'll be bringing her home and starting dinner for my family. I'm making this pasta fritatta for the family and I ate those dang chips and grapes. I'm thinking of my 60 cal protein shake for dinner since I was horrible today...AGAIN.

Take care all, and hopefully I'll pop back in sometime this week.
Luv Liz

[SuSUN]

Hi Y'All,

Glad to have a few minutes again to post.

Yes Liz GOD IS GOOD! I am so glad that the baby will be Healthy!

DS is doing better but I still need to stay several more weeks probably into May. DH, DD, her DH and Ella are coming down for Easter for two weeks, so that will break it up for me. It is lonely down here for sure. I am making lots of phone calls home twice or three times a day.

I am busy helping with the running of the business while he is trying to get back into the swing of things again. That keeps me busy in the daytime and provides some company. The staff have been great carrying the load where they can.

I too have over indulged. I feel so disgusted with myself, so full of carbs and sugar...YUK! I have gained nearly all the weight that I lost back.

Glad to see you all posting again.

Susan