Apples2

Good Morning All Another lovely day here. Got a good night's sleep which is a good thing with all I need to get done today. Been a busy week and just when I think I might sit down in the evening to relax, something else comes up. Just life on the farm. Full schedule for DS and DH with tiling business and looks like they will have jobs that will bring them right up till the snow flies. DS needed to hire another laborer and he starts next week. I am the "gopher" and get interupts to run for tile and tiling supplies so it's tough to complete what I need to around here. No complaints though. Just need to relax and let some things go till I can get to them. I do feel a little frazzled though until I get into the routine of it all. So, just a quick hello this morning. Hope you all of a good day. Happy moving day, Great. Hope all goes well. Remember...toilet paper is the first thing to be unpacked and food last (so you can get treated to a few meals out).

Mornin' Eva...no fun catching up after a vacation, is it? Hope things level out for you soon...we miss you around here. :smile2:

PJ...I wondered what had happened to you and what you had come about with you and DH. So sorry for the the troubles you have been going through. I am not sure if I actually welcomed you back...meant to. I wish you the best as you deal with all that is on your plate at this time.

Phyll...coleslaw recipe sounds good. I am the only one that eats it in our house so it doesn't get made very often. Will need to try yours for a change. I love to put pineapple and celery seed in mine. Linda...have a GREAT camping trip. We took our sons camping since the time they were babies. We started in a medium sized Winnebago, went to a pull type and then just moved up from there. We have many good memories and stories the boys are now telling me about sneaking off as young teens after we went to sleep. Devils. Always thought they were just the sweetest young thing. Yeh right. Hope you kick this cold/flu b/4 your big weekend. I get ya on the butter consumption thing. I, too, don't know what I did with all the butter I used to buy. Guess it went into everything I cooked. Now it is rare if it ever makes it's way into the house. Joyce...giving up those white starches can only be a move in the right direction. Does not mean you can never have them again. Just plan for special times, etc. Giving them up totally will let you see if they actually are affecting your scale. Worth a try. I will ditto what Linda said about hardly missing them after awhile. Kind of like when you wean yourself off of sweets. The cravings get few and far between. Great...I guess that brownie sundae was not meant to be. Most ppl would have eaten it anyway. You had the willpower to not do it. Way to go! Julie...aren't you the daring one with Victory Red walls in your new kitchen! You'll need to share some photos when the project is done. Hi Jodi...sounds like you had quite the week. Hope you are having fun on your date. Maybe this guy from your past will not be as you remember. I had a guy that I dated in college contact me a couple of months ago. Newly single and in hopes that I was also single. Nope...pretty much married and I never heard from him again. Not even a little visit. Must have scared him. Huge day and not going to bore everyone with what was accomplished. Ran into a friend that owns one of my favorite clothing shop. He is closing it down. Bummer. Not that I need anything but he had such unique items. He is having a going out of business sale next week and every item is $5. I think he is selling things a bit too cheap. He said he has a group of things that he set aside for me. He was going to NY and buying just one of a kind items. Been in business for two years and has great fashion sense. Just not what ppl around here are wearing. I have some great pieces in my closet from his store. Well, off to do my crossword puzzles for the day. Hope you all have a good evening. Sending the love

Hey Meredith! Nice to see your post. And, I see you are not too far from reaching your goal. Way to go, girl! Miss your posts. Would love to see you more often. Hope life is good. Congrats on your graduation. Melissa...congrats on being an Auntie. Get on that new plan for a healthy life so you can be a healthy Auntie and play with that little one. As Janet said...You can do this! You just gotta get back to that way of eating you had when you lost your first 60lbs. We all care. Laura...all those first are difficult, aren't they? We don't take your emotional upset lightly. Any of us who have been through it know exactly where you are coming from. What a good idea to switch it up and get DH to comit to some training with you. Change is good. My workouts are not scheduled but I get them every day. Part of my daily life around here. There are times I am envious of you guys and your gym appts. That Nels will be back home b/4 you know it full of info on the day spent at the zoo. Big boy going off without momma. Big day at your house. Great...gonna miss you when your computer is gone. I agree...the least your HOA could have done was inform you so that you could have made plans to do what was necessary b/4 this time. Ppl can be just plain poops sometimes. Hang in there. Have a great day with GM. I know all these goodbyes are tough on you. Just keep in mind that you are just stepping into the next phase of your life. As I stated yesterday, you are so lucky to be able to fly back often to visit. And, I know you feel a lack of appreciation by certain family members. This move will be a test of whether they will step up to the plate and take care of GM. Just make sure GM has a backup plan (home health, etc) in your absence. Our feet hit the floor early but had rain during the night so DH spent a couple of hours over coffee this morning. Was nice. I needed to rehash a few things with him and obsess again over some family stress that I am having. Had a good bawl and now feel much better. Poor DH. He hates it when I fall apart. But, I have my way of doing it....just rant, cry and get on with my day. It worked. I feel much better. Still pissed but I can function again. You can pick your friends........you all know how the saying goes. Asses. Thanks for listening....I feel even better now that I used those swear words. Beautiful day here. Sun is shining, got adequate rain for the newly planted crops and might even find time to get out and ride my bike today. Extremely windy so will just have to see. Made up a "ride the bike" song for my dog (I know, I'm weird). He runs along beside me smiling, ears flopping. I just know he's singing a "biking with my mom" song in his head. Better get back to work. Computer work, laundry day and then off to town for the afternoon to run farm errands, bank, etc. You all have a good one.

Hey Janet...didn't see your post till now. Always thought about trying the Sobe but just couldn't bring myself to do it. I am so picky about my cold drinks. Never used to be. I am a strictly peach tea girl. I have to have lots of ice and drink from a straw and I can get a lot of it in in a day. b/4 LB surgery, I drank plain water. Now can't choke it down. What's with that????? Good going on trying though. Sorry you hate Mondays. The attitude a person has about Mondays usually has nothing to do with anything other than what you KNOW is waiting for you once you walk in the door at work. Hugs:wub:

My discovery of the day was a major NSV. I worked out in the yard most of the afternoon in 96 degree and very humid weather. I don't think I even broke a sweat and there was no slowing me down. 2 years ago it would have killed me. That's how my day went and thanks for asking!

Julie...sounds like you will have quite the weekend with many hours on the road. Make it a safe one (buckle up) and have a great time with family.

NSV ALERT!!!!!!!! 95.5 degrees at 5pm (was warmer earlier) and extremely humid here today. Worked out in the yard for a couple of hours this afternoon. It didn't wear me down and I'm not even sure if I broke a sweat. 2 yrs ago it would have killed me.

Jessica...do you care for Greek yogurt? There are so many ways to doctor up the plain. Also, Yopliat has a Greek yogurt now in diff flavors. Not sure of the carbs in those though. And, if you are craving ice cream type treats, how about just making a very thick small protien drink made with fruit and vanilla powder????? I freeze fruit and use that instead of ice. Easy to make and a nice/cool treat.

Whew...didn't think I would ever get on here today to post. Missed you guys and back to the daily grind. Wonderful weekend. Went up early on Thursday and planted flowers. Got a wild hair and went and purchased 7 more huge planters. So much more room now that I needed them. (Think it was one of those wants). Everything looks great and the plants healthy. DH and I did a lot more grunt work yesterday. Should have only one more weekend of work and then everything should be completed and we can sit in our new patio furniture with our feet up. DH stayed with me till this morning. He did not make it up till Sat night... got all the soybeans in and is officially done with spring planting. Woohoo! Picked up our 1/2 beef on the way home and got it all organized in the freezer. A lot of lifting and hope it does not make my band tight. (Usually does with lifting). No one was here as promised so tried to break it down in smaller totes to get to freezer. You girls were super busy and going to see if I can somewhat catch up with you all. Janet...I ditto Laura's comment about you being our Simon Cowell...so funny. You just keep cracking that whip and on the days you are in you funks, we'll just call you Simon Scowl. Another thing I will ditto that Laura said...you are our inspiration and have been to many in the past and will be in the future. Good going on getting to 136? You weren't really trying to though, right? Yep, think you should get a 2-peice. I would do it but I have way too many battle scars (surgery scars). I have halter tankinies...I can tie that sucker tight around my neck to hold the boobies up and I just lift it up when laying in the sun to get my belly tanned. I am lucky that it only takes about 30 minutes a week in the sun for me to have a nice tan. Have never been much of spending a lot of time laying in the sun even though I love to have a tan. One of the reasons I wanted to buy a tanning bed but decided to not. Judy...share, share, share. What works for one might help another. That's why all of us are hanging around here. I have learned something from each of you. Way to go on staying on plan. I like your method of one day at a time. Not so self-defeating if there is a slip-up. Wishing you the best and hope you keep on posting and letting us know how things are going. Joyce...I'm a little late with this and I know the others have shared their advice on carbs/cals/protein, etc., but wanted to also jump in. I think the thing that helped me succeed the most was my LB doc being adament about cutting ALL white carbs. None, zip, nadda. I am like Janet...never counted pure fruit and veggie carbs. I would if I would eat a bit of a yam, oatmeal, high fiber cereal, etc. I just totally cleared my plate of any white carbs. I consumed, and still do, 100 grams or more of protein a day. But, I also am of the belief that we only process 20-25 grams per meal. When I was in the weightloss stage, I added carbs (fruit, veggies, cereal) only after eating protein...it did the job. Also, another one of Janet's piece of advice...varying your daily calories. Maybe 900 one day and 1200 others. Tricks the body into not plateauing. Daily diligence is the trick....to be your own food police officer. Looking forward to your Onederland post. Hope your journaling, cutting the mashed tators, etc. will help to kick your stall in the butt! Hi Arlene....way to go again on the 3lbs. And, answered your question above...only flower gardening at the lake. They were so cute looking up at me this morning when I was giving them their momma time b/4 I had to leave. Just hope they look as cute when I get back there! LOL Great...you gotta just get those vitamins in daily. Get out in the sun some and take your prescription for now to get things back to where they should be. I attribute a lot of my energy to NEVER...not one day since b/4 LB surgery...missing my daily vitamins. Not a brag...just sound advice. Try to make it your morning routine. Pee, scale, make coffee, kiss DH and then swallow your vits! Good luck on the move. Hope you can stay in contact during these next two weeks. Hugs on having to say goodbye. I cry like a baby with goodbyes. I usually wait till I'm on my own but I get so chocked up. You are welcome on the bras. The brand you ask about are from Woman Within. I ordered six of them and never wore them. Ordered them ahead of time and shrunk b/4 I was able to wear them. Check in when you can. Wishing you much happiness in your new home. Time for you and DH and a new life. You are lucky you have the perks you do and can see your family often. Looking forward to hearing the scoop on everything. Julie......so, so, so happy to hear you are feeling better. You deserve a break, girl. Sounds like your remodeling project is coming along. You have gotten some good advice on some things you might want to ask your doc. Cheri has been the Info-Queen. Putting a name to what is ailing you could only be a plus. Take care and I think of you often. Hi Eva...Now...what's more important? Catching up on our posts or scooping poop and evicting the renters?????LOL. Hope you had a great vacation. Share when you can. Missed you. I will say it again...missed you. Phyll...you are just going great guns on the exercise. You inspire us! Congrats on getting to the gym and getting in what you do. Get a bill yet???????? LauraK...Woohoo on the date being a good one. I only have one request...I am just taking it for granted that we will all be bridesmaids if/when the time comes. I don't do puffy lavender cinched waisted dresses with butt bows. Just something to keep in mind. I understand what you mean when you say having DD at home can throw you off your plan. A lot easier cooking just for yourself when you are a banster. And, good going on the 5 day a week exercise plan. Jessica...we all "take" from this site, but, we all give and you have given a lot. Just being able to follow you from day 1 until now has been such an amazing transformation. You have taken lemons and made lemonade. I love, love, love your attitude. You were injured but you turned it into just trying a little hard. As the others have said...YOU ROCK, GIRL. I just love ya! And, isn't it nice that you just have limited time with MIL now? You can tune most of the negatives out. Way to go. Peaches...happy you are here and sharing. Love seeing when ppl post their daily intake. Shows they are really working it. Hope you stick around for a good long time. Cheri...as I stated above...great info. Sorry to hear that DH cut (literally) your post short. Don't you just hate when you post and post and then just gone? Laura...Way to go on wearing the 2-piece and the tanned tummy. Sorry about PMS/chocolate issues. I think that was about the only time I craved it...PMS times. Those Rolos and M&M's had their own drawer at my work. Of course, chasing them down with a large DQ Moolatte didn't help! Melissa...let us know how you do at the doc's appt. Good going on taking the steps to go to OA. There's going to be something that clicks for you to get you back on track. Have you ever thought of also doing a scheduled weekly check-in with your doc and weighing in?????? OK...I know I have left somebody out..so sorry...not intentional. Gotta get to work. Later.

Mornin' Gang...just popping on to wish everyone a great weekend. I am heading out after finishing up a few things around here. Headed north to plant my flowers at the lake today. Talk you you all on Monday. Sending the loves.

Julie...I really do love having flowers. Have just had a little bad luck the last couple of years but think this year will be a good one. Nice plants. Three and four years ago I bought plants that were so terribly root bound that they did not thrive. In all my years of gardening, I had never had that happen. So, bought a little greenhouse and started my own, babying them from seeds. Got spindly plants but some did good some didn't. Didn't get seeds started early enough this year so bought plants from a different place and they are so nice. They will make it just fine. Sounds like you are doing somewhat better. I guess I would still want answers to exactly what is going on if I were you. There's gotta be something. Take care and good luck doing your reunion prep. I headed it up for quite a few different years and then handed it over. People tend to rely on the same person/persons to do it and get it done. Been there/done that.

I love a compliment to start the day and I will accept it. :w00t:

Ooops...forgot...good news on your dad. Would love to hear that he got up in the plane, out on the boat, went somewhere fun for dinner, etc. I hope your parents will be able to start doing some of those things again. And, you enjoy these good days also. Feels good to have good news, doesn't it?

Laura...I fully get the corn/soybeans boredom talk. That's all I hear for a full 9 months out of the year. Corn, beans, lay of the land, surveying, how the laser is working/not working, germination, rain/no rain, get this done, get that done, get it done again, and now one more time. But, even though it all bores me at times, it's a good life and actually quite interesting most of the time. But, will have to admit there are times when DH is talking and all I hear is that voice Charlie Brown heard from his teacher. Nothing. Bad Farm Goddess!

Melissa...sorry you are struggling (hugs). Maybe it wouldn't hurt to go talk to someone. Take a look at your ticker...you have taken so much off and have not taken a big gain or anything. At least you have not gained a bunch back. Try to get back on track right away this morning and try not to feel defeated. If you feel you need someone to talk to, make the step to do it and set up an appt. right away b/4 you talk yourself out of it. You know, Charlene is on her plan but she has to be accountable to her doc every week. Maybe that's what you need instead of trying to do this all on your own and beating yourself up when you slip off the plan. I know that for me, it always helped to have someone to check in with and be accountable. I feel for you, Melissa. You are so close to reaching your goal. (It may seem overwhelming for you but it's not 100lbs). Hugs again:wub:

Lori...your vent does not surprise me at all. It is the way of the mortage industry. DH's parents bought a home in town a few years ago. Had cash for most but did not want to dig into their IRA's for the maybe 20% remaining. I think they jumped through more hoops than my young son did when he bought his home. Crazy. Just try to take time out to breath. Maybe a good thing you are working to no sit at home a fret. It will all eventually fit together. It's just paperwork and just do what is requested and push it back their way as quickly as you can. Thursday is tomorrow and DH will be back. And, leave the Fritos behind when you leave vowing to NEVER bring them into your new home or anywhere you are tempted. Bet they were tasty though! LOL. Mine wouldn't be plain. They'd have melted cheese, chunky salsa, ground hamburger and sour cream. Bet some of those 5lbs are the sodiom that is in those darned things. Go get a small watermelon or cantelope, cut it up, put in a baggy and make that your to-go-to Snacks when you are stressed. So sorry these weeks are so stressful. You've been through it b/4 and everything will work. Reminds me of when I fret about getting the crops in. DH always says "We always get them in and we always get them out...and, if not, we have insurance". That's when I would have gone and ate a LARGE bag of Cheetos. OMG...I was just sitting here typing and a thought ran right through my brain. I AM ROSE FROM THE GOLDEN GIRLS. She always dug up a stupid story or saying from her past and shared it to relate to what was going on with someone. OH NO....I've become her.

I used to volunteer with 7-12 grade kids when we had those days in town. We would take care of senior resident's yards and get them spiffed up. We took our lawn tools, etc., hopped on the school bus and went around town a few days each year. Was a great way to get to know the kids and still have elderly friends from those days. Have fun on you outing on Sat. Been calm, stand straight, shoulders back...exude confidence and smile. (Sounds like a lot of work to me). Just try to be as relaxed as can be and have fun.:w00t:

Good Morning... OK...so, since Julie brought it up....I'll tell you guys my worst trait. IMPATIENCE. It is something I work on daily and really try to keep in check. I remember being 5 yrs old and regonizing that I did not appreciate having this personality flaw. I want everything organized and everything done NOW. I guess it was somewhat of an advantage when I was out and in the "real world" and had my own business. Now, if I was impatient and threw demanding in with it, it would not have worked. Thank goodness being demanding is not something in me...I wouldn't have lasted. I was able to present the work to be done in a kind manner so I got the results I wanted. Do the same when it comes to family life and things getting done around here. I guess I am more impatient with myself than I am others. Thanks for the topic of the day, Julie! Hope you can get to your appt tomorrow and hope today finds you feeling much better. Janet...I have been a Crystal fan from the first time she walked out on stage. But, Lee out-shined her by quite a bit last night. I guess I never really noticed Lee much at first but he has really come out of his shell and is most likely going to run with the title. He's such a cute kid and seems so genuine. Not real hug talent this year. Never did like Caseys shakey voice but he also seems like a cute/nice kid. Up early and got the last of my 75 or so plants in the ground. So pretty. Tomorrow need to do the same at the lake place. 600 acres remaining to be planted to soybeans. DH and DS are running on fumes but that is the way it is during planting season. Not much sleep but they are such farmers that they thrive on that "high" farmers get. I am pretty sure I will be leaving for the lake tomorrow. Out to dinner with friends and a road trip for Friday. Three of us. My GF and I have a cute little guy friend. He's late 70's and wanted to take us girls to a casino for the day. He loves to sleep in so will most likely not get a start until 11am or so. He's so smiley and cute and just fun to be around. The casino makes him happy and he does not like to go alone so we will make it a day with him. I am really looking forward to our time with him. Lots to do around here today so I can leave tomorrow. I am sure not missing the extra mouths to feed this year and am enjoying my "me" time. Talk to you all later.

Well, Janet, you could always just pull a "Phyll" and show that trainer your swear finger!

Arlene...just wanted to wish you luck at your weigh-in tomorrow. And, loyalty is a great trait. Just gotta watch so others do not take advantage of your good intentions. Can't wait to hear the good news on what your doc's scale reads tomorrow. Good luck. You're a trooper!