Apples2

Must be the year for thunder storms, Arlene. It has been a bi-weekly occurance around here this summer. But, we have the most beautiful crops in the 40 plus years my DH has farmed. Bumper crop with fingers crossed that it all holds out until harvest. High winds and hail could take them in a minute's time. We are insured but no chance to make money on ins. payment. Have never tried the Muscle Milk or Optifast bars. I do the Atkins, Pure Protien and Myoplex. Target has a good tasting ones that DH and DS take in their lunch boxes as a snack. Will have to try the Muscle Milk ones the next time I get close to a Walgreens. Not sure when I will head North this week. Our hired man's son died at the age of 42 and we have his wake and funeral this week. Decided not to risk the dinner with DH. He will go to the dinner and I will eat at home and go to my meeting. When I am not sure what they are serving and feeling swollen from my PB, not going to try it. Fine with me. DS will go with DH...not like DH is shy and can't go alone. LOL. They can take hours and "farm" with the rest of the guys. These kind of functions kill me anyway. So backwards...women on one side of the room and men on the other. God forbid if a woman were to pull a chair up to the men's side!:thumbup: Been there, done that. :w00t::wub::w00t:

Junking up the thread! Just got a text from Lori. Sitting on the beach eating nuggets...no crap. She flies out tonight. She said she was a little bored today with DH working. Told her to go ogle a pool boy. After all, she is our resident cougar!

Awww...poor girl. DH had the crap last week. He said the daytime med really made a diff. Hope you are fully recovered soon:drool:

Funny question, Laura, asking if I have the same address. There are times I would like to blow this place...new idendity, tropical island, foo foo drink in hand and a non-English speaking pool boy. But, alas, the farm is where I will be for a good long time.

OOPS...forgot ya, Jessica. You are a good mommy too. And, it is difficult to let them go. Little by little does the trick. If you can raise them to be independent, you will be happy you did when they reach 18 and want to fly on their own. Truth....DH did not handle their senior year very well and he was sooooooooooo ready when they took off for basic training. Not momma. I had visions of me laying on the ground hanging onto their leg, dragging me as they left me. I let them go and a few days later settled into the empty nest. The only advice I have is to enjoy this time....it's gone in a flash.

Hello Lovelies! Got home this morning about 10am. Busy catching up around this house and blanching/freezing sweet corn. Told DH that I really didn't need it but got home to three heaping laundry baskets all husked and ready to be done. I am thinking that I will end up with about 35 quart sized bags. Wish I could just ship a few to each of you and not put in freezer. Still have a lot left from last year. Will just have to add corn to every pot of stew and soup I make this fall during harvest. Had a wonderful weekend with DH. Was very quite at the resort (think only about 30% of the ppl were there). DH came up Thurs and stayed till Sun night. We hit a county fair on Sun. Fun but so hot and humid most of last week. We are getting a nice reprieve today. Only in the 70's. Yesterday I worked at my friend's salon. She is painting/redecorating and let me loose over the weekend to find the decor. So much fun spending someone elses money. It is going to look so warm/homey when done. It actually looks like someone's livingroom. Just so welcoming and so much fun to do. I would love to be a personal shopper and just come into someone's home and do it up. Speaking of the fair...I think Sun was the first time I have ever PB'd in a public place. I think I can count on one hand the number of times I have PB'd in the last two years. Not sure if it was the chicken breast or the fact that DH had is hamburger gone in one bite and I got nervous. Sitting at a picnic table outside of the 4-H food booth and it hit me. (Don't be stupid like me and follow it with liquid). No restrooms in sight so bolted beside the cattle barn. A 54 yr old woman hanging her head for all the young 4-Hers to see is not a pretty sight. Of course, I was sliming by that time. Thank God for the Farm Credit Services napkins I grabbed off of the table b/4 I did the "run and puke" (tmi). Anyway, I'm doing the soft food route for a few days. Still extremely irritated today but food is making it's way on down. When I read post of ppl who PB sometimes on a daily basis and 2-3 times or more a day, I just wonder how they can live like that. I don't get reminders very often of what my band does not tolerate and I am so thankful for that. The only things that make me a little uncomfortable are bread and pasta. I don't really get stuck on them....just don't like that swelled up feeling after I eat them. OK...enough about me. How are all of you?????? I finally caught up on the posts. Linda....I am so, so, so sorry for what you have had to go thru with Merry. Poor you and DH and poor Merry. And having to hear her cry...oh my. I would be crying right along with her. It will all get better with time and she is very lucky to have such a good mommy. Lori....what a kind person you are...thanks for the package and the card. Lovely gesture. Hope you are having a wonderful time with DH. I could travel every day. Cheri...oh gosh....so sorry for all of your family's troubles. When it was put in one post it just seems so overwhelming...and with everything you have been dealing with personally on top of it all. Big hugs sent your way from MN. Arlene....enjoy your time with your DS living with you. Sounds like a stepping stone...good he has you to rely on. No baby yet? I bought some New Balance thongs about a month ago and love them. They really do force me to have better posure when I wear them. My butt muscles have tightened up over the summer and I attribute it to the NB and the Shape Ups. LauraK...happy belated birthday! Wishing many, many more. Sounds like you had a wonderful time with friends. I LOVE floating. Me and six of my friends invested in a huge 6 person raft. Float and talk smart and giggle. Julie...what a great idea to make the bars and cookies for your daughter's wedding. She will always remember what you did for her..and GM too. We have noticed at most of the weddings we had this summer that the bride elected not to have a cake. Cupcakes, personalized M&M's, bars and cookies instead. Photos of Mimi are so cute. So sweet going off to school. Congrats on your 2nd bandiversary. 100lbs is quite a fete and you should feel proud. You are holding your own thru all this physical turmoil. Hope there are some answers of you soon. Sending the love. Melissa....hang in there. A new start in your work life sounds like a great move. A new start in your band life also sounds like a great move. My take on it is....you hopefully won't have the amount of stress that you have dealt with in your job for so long. Maybe these changes in your life will push you towards that new start in your eating plan. Hugs. Eva...what a wonderful way to celebrate your last day of work....on a plane to Argentina. Lovely. I have been looking for a new protein bar recipe. Would you mind sharing with me please????? It's gotta be good if it comes from you. I still salivate when I think of your tamalles. I love fruit season too. I will suffer major withdrawl soon. DH and I noticed this weekend that it's getting sparcer and sparcer. We don't even buy peaches because they are crap by the time they get to MN. We pay sooooooooooo much for fresh fruit here and winter is twice the price or more....bummer. Luvs Janet...hi....silly me...can't think of anything to say but "hi". There, I said it twice. Love ya. Phyll...hope you are having a wonderful time with family. Fun times....can't unmake those family memories. Gwen....so lucky to be in Madrid. How's it going with the eating? Enough choices for a LB girl???? Kurby...how's it going? Hey Judy...yep, rude of your friend to not call and apologize. Maybe she was just embarassed and didn't know what to say. Laura....thanks for sharing photos of "our" (speaking for all of us) boy's first day of school. Oh gosh, you should have seen how sqeakly clean my cheeky little guys were that first day of school. Moral of the story....they came home dirty and smiling. Grimey little hands and a book bag with everything in it but their homework. So happy you made it thru. Such a cute mommy. OK...I've missed some of you and I'm sorry. But, gotta finish the rest of the corn. Have a grain elevator dinner this evening. I am unsure of what they are serving and am nervous about it. I will most likely end up pushing the food around my plate. Don't want to push it and eat something I shouldn't after that nasty PB. But need to go cuz I want to be with DH and have a meeting in town after dinner. Benefit planning meeting for a friend's daught that has been deathly ill since April. Happy to report she is recovering but finacially devastating for the family. She was at Mayo in ICU most of the time. Will talk later. Missed ya all.

Thoughts and prayers being sent your way. Hang in there and wishing you the best results possible! Hugs

So happy for you. Keep up the great effort and wishing you the best as you work your way towards you goal

Congrats! Pay back for hard work. Keep your sights on your next goal of 75lbs lost. You will be at your goal weight b/4 you know it.

Joyce reminded me that I forgot to comment on the pipe. Laura....I'm thinking that maybe replace whatever you were smoking last night with something else that has more of a "calming" affect. Just a few days to help you calm down about putting that cheeky little boy on the bus. LOL

Oh Lori....almost forgot about wishing you a good trip. You are so fortunate to be able to travel like you do. Have a really good time. I loved going to the book club I belonged to a few years ago. Books are my de-stessers and was born with a book in my hand. How nice of your friend to include you. You are making a life for yourself so quickly in your new city. Even if the club is something that is not your thing, you will be meeting new ppl. Heck, invite them out for lunch one at a time. Everyone has to be introduced to nuggets and meatballs at some point in their lives. LOL Kurby....in the next few weeks/months, make finding out everything you can about nutrition your hobby. Even if someone else cooks in your household, let them know what works and does not work for you. It's very important in the beginning and throughout this process to take control of what works for you. Carry a little pocket nutritional information book. Pour over it and eventually you will automatically know what's what. Gwen...I agree with the rest of the girls. Get advice from your LB doc when it comes to your LB. My GP doesn't know the first thing about having a band or being banded. Still to this day, he thinks it gets removed after a person hits goal. Duh!

Melissa....OMG...you hit the nail on the head with the salamander story. That poor dr's wife. She's going to have to relax those butt muscles pretty soon or her perfect little world will not seem so perfect. I didn't find a salamander in the school bag but....came home from work one day when youngest was 8. Dad was "watching" them for the day...yeah right. Reached my hand into the dish Water in the sink and pulled out crap that looked like chow mien. Charlie had put 16 frogs in the microwave, didn't know what to do with them when they blew all over and filled up the sink and threw it all in. A couple weeks later he decided to "tame" four blue jays. Caught them in a net and brought them in the house. His plan was to clip their wings and make house birds out of them. I had navy blue lamps (cloth shades) and navy furniture. Bird poop everywhere. Took us 2 days to round them up. Many, many naughty Charlie stories. Just wait till that dr's wife opens the gym bag when the kid is 12 and finds a Mountain Dew bottle filled with discarded spit and chew!

Good Morning Girls... Eva...sorry about the aches and pains. Never good when it interupts sleep. See if you can get some good rest this weekend. So exciting that you are counting down the days. Less stress is in your sights. Ahhhhhhh....the light at the end of the rainbow. (You get my drift...and I know your job has not been all fluff and rainbows). Janet...aren't you just the exercise queen! No wonder we look to you for support and guidance. All kinds of inspiration on this thread but you hit home with all of us when you outline your eating and exercise plans. Linda...ditto what Laura said about how you take so much time for each of us with your posts. You make us each feel special. Hey Julie....how's the weather in ND? We are cloudy and expecting rain today. Kind of a welcome relief from the last few weeks. We'll take it. Now....not too many cloudy days in a row though. LauraK...really interested in finding out about the PS procedure you were talking about. Does not sound as invasive and reg TT. Laura...been trying to think of any advice or beginning school stories. My boys were such straight forward independent little stinkers. And, like Nels, wanted to get on that bus and left mom standing at the end of the long driveway with tears while they just hopped on that bus the first day of kindergarten and never looked back. I guess the only advice I have is to let him go with it. Kids can sense a mom's anxiety and you certainly want him to push forward and not look back and worry about leaving mom. You will do it. Just enjoy the weekend with him and set your sights on all the things you will do with the freedom a new school year brings for a mom. I always loved it when my boys started the school year. That structure was good for them, for our family and made for easier family life. Phyll...I imagine you were up bright and early and are trucking across Wisconsin by now. I do not envy you travelling that interstate between Mpls and Madison, WI. Bumpy, bumpy, crappy road. I just have to say it again...I had such a lovely time and was so nice getting to meet you, hubby and the fur family. Safe travels. Jessica..you have lots on your plate in the upcoming weeks, but, I can feel through your posts that you are cut our for this and have your sights set on getting that nursing degree. I will speak for all of us hear (I do that way too often)....we look forward to following you step by step. So happy to you are posting more often and sharing like you do. Arlene...thinking of you as you await that new baby. Exciting times. Getting laundry and housecleaning done this morning and then heading back to the city where I met Phyll last night to see a doc about my wrist. No worries...just want to be sure on the plan for wearing splint...how long, etc. Much, much better this week. Gums are feeling much better this morning. Had them sliced and diced again yesterday (2nd time in a month). Procedure was necessary to better fit the new caps. It's kind of like labor. You white knuckle it and then are thinking about having that next baby a few hours later. (Not typical but that's how I felt about labor). Just had to do my daily junking up of the thread. Hope you all have a good day. Don't let the stresses of work and life get to you. We only live one life.

Good Evening Ladies...had a wonderful visit with Phyll and DH. Got lots of Zoey kisses and went to dinner with a clean face and even clean ears! LOL Phyll is just as she is online. A very pretty and wonderful/interesting person. Warm and friendly. Same with her DH. Was so happy they took the time for me. Yes, Phyll, I'm home. Was at the end of your road and turned my blinker towards home instead of the lake. Remembered I needed to pick up my MRI results for appt in Alex tomorrow. And, for everyone...the arm and hand are doing great. Lots of mobility in the hand the last couple of days and only pain in the wrist. Makes me happy. I did experience hell on earth today with my 2.5 hour dental appt. Every bit of it is worth it though. I am already smiling (even with my temps) and have so much more confidence when I smile. I did not take photos with my camera today. They are on Phyll's camera. I got a little lazy and let her do it. Sorry Phyll. Janet....sorry for the Andrew drama. I think us mom's will worry and keep getting a fair amount of crap from our children until the day we leave this earth. At least that's the way it feels sometimes. Even if they are respectful on a daily basis. Those odd times are such a bummer. On the snip, snip issue....men are babies. Will talk more later or tomorrow. It's hubby time and crossword time.

Laura...I follow this woman's blog and progress also. Spunky and cute and lots of sharing. I will get back to you tomorrow with mommy/kid story. I'm about ready to walk out the door. Dental appt, visit son, bday shopping for a little princess and then on to see Phyll and hubby. Good day.

Phyll...don't buy steaks. Went to the freezer this morning and picked out 2 Tbones and 2 ribeyes of corn fed organic. Raised by a friend of our. They are on ice and ready to travel. If you feel you want some time after you get to RV park, I can give you time. Just give me a call when you get in and I will head your way. Excited.

Great..DS is leaning towards MN but still not made final decision. Lots of stress for him and us with this decision. He just couldn't take the Atlanta area any more. He moved there for XGF and regretted it ever since. He's young....he'll figure it out. Did you hurt yourself when you PB'd? Or are you OK? I am meaning to ask if you will have swelling?

You are so creative, Eva. You will find so many fun and interesting things to do when you "retire". Poor DH with shingles.

Great...what an icky experience with the chicken coming out of your nose. I've heard of noodles...not chicken. Yuck. Back to the nuggets and meatballs, I guess.

Phyll....it's a super Walmart and is just to the right as you get off the freeway...just in case you want to shop b/4 you drop.

Phyll...Sinclair Lewis park is in Sauk Centre which is 30 miles from Alex (maybe 25). There's a Walmart in Sauk Centre and also one in Alex and not too far from where your RV park is. I would have offered for you to park here at our place but it is 70 miles off the freeway and figured your DH is just a happy camper when he can pull off the freeway and park. It would be nice if you would let me treat you to dinner. There are a lot of wonderful restaurants in Alex. If not, no problem. You can call the shots (or navigate the meet). I pulled of the website for the RV park and didn't look like there were any scheduled "shoots" for tomorrow night. There were a couple of flyers on the site that showed when the shoots were. It's pretty easy to find. Just get off the freeway and turn left...go by Lee Motors and your road is right there. There is also a map under the directions option on the site. Looking forward to our meet tomorrow. Dentist appt at 11 (2 hours) and will have enough time to visit DS that is working on a golf course 7 miles outside of Alex. And, DH just went out and picked some homegown sweet corn. I'll bring some for you. Have a safe trip. Can't wait for those puppy kisses! and a hug from momma.

Laura...that volunteer program sounds wonderful. A way to practice in your field but also able to pick your hours and reap the rewards of this program. Velcro splint. I doubt there will be OT. It's actually coming around pretty good. I am so good to only take splint off to shower and am going to be sure on what new doc recommends for the next few weeks. No worries any more. Last week the concern was over what looked like a whopping infection. Swelling was more like water under the skin and bright red and hot. Could not even stand to move hand and arm with splint on. Hand was at least 2x it's size or more. It's much better this week. Nels will survive the bus better than mom. Both my boys rode. Got on at 7am and off at 4:30. They learned a lot on that ride....so did everyone else. Their first "F" word was from the bus. Part of childhood but I know you are worried. I have sooooo many photos of my two on the first day of school running for the bus. Ahhhhh....to have those days back..even if for one day.

Gwen..nice to see you check in. Ditto what Arlene said about the protien powder info. Have a good trip. If you just are really careful and stick to your doc's eating guidelines, things will fit into place. It takes a lot of planning and thinking ahead but you can do this. Cut smaller peices and initially take smaller portions when starting a meal. I had that problem in the beginning. The eyes bigger than the pouch syndrome. Have a great trip. Safe travels and photos when you get back if you are willing to share.

OK...a little more time to post. Not sure how long it will be as I have two hands this week but pretty cumbersome on the one. Phyll...sorry to hear that you are still in pain with that darned back. Take care and hope that when you get to your destination you will get the care you need. Hope you are having a great visit with Julie. Alexandria is on the interstate and if there is an alternative stop that your DH is thinking about, I can travel farther to meet you. But, want it all to work for you and not get your DH further into a snit over stopping. Sauk Centre is 30 minutes further than the Alexandria stop. Just let me know what works for you. I do have my cell on me and just give me a ring when you know. Melissa...sorry about the lay-off. But, as you said yourself, maybe a blessing in disguise. I know this job has been the cause of much anxiety for you. Wishing you the best in your job search. Also, hope you are feeling much better after your procedure. Sending positive thoughts your way. Joyce...so sorry to hear of your DD's struggles. Hopefully, her doc's plan of action for her is what she will need to get her back to the life she wants to live. Will keep you in my thoughts. Julie...hope you are enjoying your road trip to see Phyll. Thanks for the call today and for checking with Phyll on tomorrow. Happy to hear that you are working with your pain doc and that you are willing to let go of your sh_tty doc. Sometimes it's best just to leave them in your dust. And, sometimes it's fun to just kick up as much dust as you can on the way out! Janet...love the new bangs. And, yes, they sure do make you look much younger. They make your eyes look bigger also. I had my hair straightened (chemically) last Thursday. What a difference. I have such curly and unruly hair. I feel NORMAL. First time in my life that I feel I am not running around with hair that belongs down under. Jodi..love your posts. So much info and so animated. I could feel your excitement about the new bakery. I love seeking out new bakeries even though I also love to bake. I have my favorite treats and there's no one stopping me if I'm anywhere near one of my favorite places. Would take you up on the offer of rooming together but I am already bought and paid for with Linda and Great. Linda.. you DO look skinny (in a good way....a healthy skinny)...that's what I tell ppl when they say I'm too thin. Sorry about your baby's leg problem. Sending good thoughts and love your way and hoping it's treatable. Loved all the photos. That Alayah is way cute....just like GM. Cheri....appreciated the call the other night. It meant a lot that you took the time. Now I have a voice to the face. Sorry for my lisping. My upper and lower temps at the same time make for interesting added noices in my speach. A month away from permanent. Hey Jessica...just want to wish you luck with daycare and starting nursing school. You inspire many with how far you have come in this short time we have known you. Why do the books have to be so expensive? Great...thanks for being the messenger while I was MIA. Much appreciated. So, are you trying to say that there is now a new pouch test out there???? The five meatball test????? Eva...so sorry to hear about your friend's death and about your other friend having to deal with his loss. How unfortunate and when they were at such a happy and eventful time in there lives. All I can say about the Walmart lady is that she was a real "B" to you. She's the type that you wish you had a cart and were behind her. Scuff the old ankle bones a bit (sounds mean but would feel good at a time like that). Arlene...cute, cute hair. You look so great in your new avatar photo. And thanks for sending the love and good thoughts and prayers. I'm really doing pretty good after it all. There's worse things to go through and the frustration with the clinic was the worst I have known for a while. Good going on the weightloss. You are just going after this, aren't you? Laura...as always, thanks for sharing the photos. What a nice family. You could see the happiness. Also, thanks for the update on your folks. So happy to hear your mom's shot worked. Your dad looks a whole lot better than the last photos you posted. He has some nice color. Get some rest and enjoy your time with that little man and DH before you have to start with the school line again. And after that, you can get back to enjoying your gym time and daily routine. LauraK...sounds like you have your head straight and what it will take for you to try and make things work with BF. Wish you the best with it and proud of you for walking off your problems instead of eating. Well..I'm a little brain dead and know I am missing someone. Not intentional. Have kept my weight even with all the turmoil in our lives lately. Was not easy to live without an appetite the days I was dealing with the wrist and arm pain but I force-fed and made sure to get what I needed. Again, I appreciate you all!

Oh how I've missed my girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I want to thank you all for the support I reiceive from each and every one of you. DH and I were so touched by the cards that were sent, the calls that were made. Just the love and caring means so much to me. Have not taken the time to catch up on the posts but will later. Just wanted to pop on and catch up a bit. Received a call from Julie a bit ago. She was on her way to meet Phyll and DH in Bismark. I am hoping it works for me to meet up with Phyll and her hubby sometime tomorrow. Will just wait to see what their plan is and go from there. I FINALLY got the results from my MRI. Long story that goes with it and will not bore you at this time. No tendon damage (good thing). Muscle damage from flinging the 8lb gal of milk that was in my hand when I hit the door jamb. The extreme pain and swelling and redness have subsided and things are really quite managable. Results are being sent to a qualified dr. and I will go from there on what the plan of action will be. The new splint that also stablizes my thumb are doing the trick in keeping things in place. There are much worse injuries or pain that are dealt with by others but it was just so darned frustrating to not get the medical attention I requested and needed. Waited Tues thru Mon to get MRI results. Ended up doing a nice long visit with clinic/hospital admin yesterday. Didn't want someone else ending up with the same shabby treatment. She admitted that they definately dropped the ball and was concerned I would file a complaint. I did my work by reporting it to her and she can take it from there. I'll post more about it if I have time later. Read a couple of the prior posts. Not sure what is going on with Joyce's DD but I hope things are now OK. Will need to go back to get myself filled in on it. Gotta take care of some things and will talk later