Apples2

Hey all.. Joyce...I bet you will be happy to get rid of that big ole' cast. Sounds like it is quite restrictive. Sending healing thoughts your way. Yes, Eva, cooking "does it" for me. Something I just will never give up. You'd have to understand what takes place when someone passes away around here. Food gets delivered by the carload. LOL. I try to do a whole meal so that is one thing less the family has to worry about. I usually do a hotdish that can be thrown in the oven, homemade bread/rolls, some kind of salad and dessert. I usually throw in coffee, a box of Kleenex, toilet tissue, storage containers for leftover food. It's just something that is done around here. DS's bday lunch turned out really good. The chicken fried steak turned out nice and tender. We had a friend that stopped in about 8am and he just left a bit ago. He lolled around all day visiting. He enjoyed the bday dinner also. Sooooooooo...DH did not get out to the shop to start work until well after 3pm. Just have a lite dinner planned. I had a large slice of ham/cheese/hashbrown eggbake when I delivered meal and have not felt right since. I think the hashbrowns "globbed" up in my pouch or something. No stuck feeling just extremely full. LauraK...I get you on getting out and walking when you can. We are waist deep in snow around here and no way can I get out and walk. We are expecting more tonight/tomorrow. At least today is not bitterly cold. Not going to complain though. Appreciated getting out of here for as long as we did. Already looking forward to opening up the lake place. Hard to believe it's only 5 weeks away (if weather cooperates). Julie...hope things are getting resolved for you. Looking forward to a post soon. Phyll....I must have missed something about your knee/knees. Hope you are able to schedule and get things rolling when you get home. Pain sucks. I am so lucky to say that I don't have any. (Well, just the kidney stone thing once in awhile but have a handle on managing it). Wishing you the best with it. Laura...so sorry your dad is in for another round of treatment. Hugs getting sent your way. Tough time for you. He is tough and seems to have a fighting attitude lately. Just be there for them and try to live in the moment. So nice you got to spend that week with them at your place. Hugs. Cheri...tried to click on the FB address for your daughter but didn't work. Was going to leave a message for her...even though she does not know me. Maybe want to take a look at that to see if it's the correct address. Hugs to you also as you go through this trying time. Just plain tough. Janet...thanks...got the toothbrush package a couple of days ago. Nice to have it again. Need to order a replacement for times like that. I have three of them but should just leave one in my vehicle when I leave them here, there and everywhere. I still have not looked into ordering those bras you talked about. Nice for just running around home. Forgot the name and who carries them. Would you mind posting that info again? My girls have changed lately and have no answer why. About six months ago, they deflated a bit. I got new bras and now I'm spilling over in the new ones. I'm afraid that one of these times I bend over in the grocery store with a V-neck shirt on, someone is going to get quite the show and not a real pretty show at that. Grandma...ooops...I mean Great. I am so happy that you have your healthy baby. My oldest was yellow for a couple of days. I just put his cradle in front of the window when the sun was shining and that did the trick. I don't think he was getting enough when he first nursed. Makes me wince just thinking about it now. I was not cut out to nurse. Really wanted to but think I was too nervous. I lasted a little over a month. Oh my.....sorry about all the boob talk. TMI I was LAZY today. Have you EVER heard me say that?????? After cleaning up the kitchen after lunch, I have been on my A$$ in front of this screen. In fact, had to get up a couple of times to bring the feeling back in my rear. Tomorrow I have two appts. Mental and Dental. Hard to believe it's been almost 6 months since the completion of my mouth. Ranks right up there with getting the band. Gonna go find a slider....can't believe I am still full from that eggbake. I don't like that feeling.

Wow, Jill, you look absolutely amazing. Congrats.

Hey Wheetsin...I remember you. Happy to see you pop back on. Last I remember you were a new mom??? How's the babe???

Arlene...I just cannot figure out how that salon person could burn your face that badly. She must not monitor her work very well...Sounds like you have a nice day planned. I was up early cooking/baking. My "fake bro's" FIL passed away and I want to take a meal over for them. Everything is done and loaded in the car. Just waiting for a decent time to take it over. As you know, it's also my DS's bday today. He already had cake at his party. Would make him another one for today but he is watching his weight and don't want to tempt him. I am making a low fat version of his favorite country fried steak for lunch today.. It's made with a very lite breading and low fat Carnation milk. Linda....when you posted about your teeth troubles, I just cringed. So happy to have all that behind me. Hugs. Julie...waiting to hear what is up. Hugs Heck...hugs to all. Joyce...thinking of you. Bet you are bored to tears.

Happy Birthday to You Happy Birthday to You Happy Birthday, Dear Arlene Happy Birthday to You! Love, Karen Have the best birthday ever!

Sorry I have been missing a bit. So damned much going on with us. It's been tough. So much crap. But, so good we faked it and forgot much of it for awhile and now dealing again. Not bad being back in our "real" world so much (we're talking about weather" but not so good being back in our "real" world. Sorry about being evasive...will do a group email in a day or two to let you all know the sh_t that has been going on since our arrival back home. You all know me. I see the good in most things. So, things will be just fine. I am a true believer that if you can''t see the positive in the sh_tiest situation..I'd better go back and find out why not. Not saying everyone has to live with thinking that way...kind of like reversed psychology. Kind of like getting the Lapband. OK...gonna be real here. I compare drugs to food addiction. Either you get it or you don't. Just saying....there HAS to be the AHA moment...kind of like someone doing drugs. If you don't get that "moment" where you want to help yourself, well....it just might not happen. True...think about it. Will check in with you all in a day or two.

Good Sunday Evening to All...just checking in quick... DS's bday party was very nice. Went out for a nice surf and turf dinner with him, his GF, SIL and her BF, a good friend of ours and DH and myself. Band was good, party food and cake was great and fun was had by all. Really fast fly-by...sorry...sending the love

Jack...I think it is the FEAR of being hungry when being hungry was not PLANNED. Most of us are OCD and when that damned hunger shows up unplanned, we think we are screwed cuz we don't know the skills to beat it back down.

Arlene...I was born to love to do the prep for the party.....Eva, too. We are so much alike that way. Anyway...not tough for me to let DS's GF do it all. I just wanted to do my share. But she is so easy going. I told her ONCE.. you ask..I will do. You don't ask...not getting done. Worked out great. She has kids and bills... I told her "You plan...we pay", The little girl paid way more than she should of but that is just the way she is. Sweet. DS is soooooooooo lucky...but, he realizes. Sweet boy.

OK....plan is..Going out for dinner at 6pm with DS, GF and 2 kids...and, we have a surprise for DS...his favorite Auntie who might have beat the odds with breast cancer is showing up as a surprise....Oh and her favorite guy Johnny. Momma's gonna buy dinner and cannot wait to post what that little guy of Joe's (GF's son but he treats him just as he should) has to say. He's not a smart A$$ at the age of 5 but he is so incredibly smart. I am not ever any more a fake grandma....DNA does not matter. Proven fact.

OMG, Cheri...You have so much on you plate right now. I hope you can feel the love and support from all of us right now. I stated a couple of weeks ago that I did not know what prayers were all about. Hypothetical question. All I know is that when I lay my head down to sleep...I have in my heart my family and friends. I wish for and pray for the best. I wish for Rachael..the best outcome and in my heart I have "that feeling" that "prayer". I was not taught how to pray. (It was pounded into me by nuns...they said something like "pray NOW") I always knew life was about how a person treats another and that if you say a prayer..it better not be about asking God to do something for yourself. I PRAY you daughter will pull out and defy the odds. I guess I just figured out what a prayer is. Lori.......you too..I pray for a healthy Kaitlyn....

Oceangirl.....way to go with putting your feelings out there. As someone above mentioned, look at all the responses you got. Sorry you were made to feel snubbed/ignored. And, yes, one of the feelings that I think most of us feel after surgery is overly sensitive. I know I was for a few weeks. It was mentioned that, to some, this board feels "cliquish". Maybe/probably. But, there's usually someone that really cares and will step forward and give some advice. Maybe the advice from a more experienced bander sounds "preachy" at times but most ppl are only trying to get across to the OP and share what they think or what worked and still works for them. Take care and hope that you "Owwww" has eased.

Linda...Let us all know when that big 60th party is....I'll head that way. Hopefully the new medical team will be able to figure out what is going on with your BIL and be able to take less invasive measures to take care of his problems. Hugs. You do such a nice job with explaining and helping others on here. I get what you are trying to relay to others on the "feeling" a person gets with accomplishing the 5-Day plan, for example. It gives a person that extra bit of confidence and really does help with the feeling of wanting to stay on track. While on vacation, I ate so many different combinations of foods. I feel so much better when I stick to the plan that works for me. Was very fun to try a little bit of everything but spent most days feeling bloated. Days went much better for me when I ate the "formula" of foods that I am used to. The right mix of protein, carbs and fruit/veggies. DH mentioned the same thing once in awhile. Julie.....missed commenting on your friend passing away. Sorry to hear. Very young. There is a pain article in the latest Time magazine. Worth a read. Cover story. Starts with explaining that the first step is to find out the origin, eliminate, if possible and then take certain steps to maintain a life with pain if there are no options for treatment. Interesting article.

Morning All....for some reason, no luck with changing fonts. Whatever...miss the photo download option we used to have also. Have you all noticed no one posts photos on the "Before and After" anymore? That was one of the biggest inspirations for me when I was in the weight loss stage. Great...was hoping to wake up to a huge announcement. To answer your question, DS's party is at a club that is owned by his GF's sis and BIL. A lot of the food is being done there because it is a supper club. I ordered the meat and cheese trays and crackers and the cake. Was going to make it but decided I have way too many irons in the fire with just getting home. Janet...my boys used to pull the asking when their friends were standing there. Something every kid does at least once. Busy day...gotta run. Later

Oops, Meredith....glad I stated "if/when you have children". We have a few couples that our friends of ours that decided to not have children. It's a huge undertaking and I wish more ppl would actually sit down and consider what they are getting into when it comes to being a parent. I admire you and Andrew for that. We have had friends that decided not to have children and then 10 yrs into the marriage, decide to. Now they are doting parents and wonderful with their children. It's a very personal decision and should not be made with any outside influence. Haven't checked the posts this morning. Hopefully by now you are a new "fake" Auntie. Hey...and you are "awesome". Wishing you a great food week and that you can stick out the rest of your 5-day plan.

Meredith...you are going to be so enthralled with this new baby that it can only enrich the relationship you have with your childhood friend. Enjoy!....And....BACK AWAY FROM THE CARBS!!!! LOL. Don't you want to be the healthiest momma ever? If/when you have children....so important to set a healthy example for them. Be able to chase them around, and, being happy with yourself will instill confidence in them. Something to shoot for, right????

Yep...oldest DS was born at 10:03AM on March 8, 1981. Beautiful baby boy...looks just like his dad but has a lot of mom's traits. Was so happy to meet him that day.

Janet...hugs on the Andrew/entitlement/kid butt head issues...know what you are talking about. Apologies are great but it could happen all over again. Sit back, relax and know you did the best job you could do. You were there for the kid and he is testing the waters. Independence but still needs you to pluck at once and awhile. Not easy...never easy. He will surprise you someday and be that well-rounded young man you raised him to be. (We all hope that for our kids). Thanks for sending the package. Eva lucked out...don't think I left anything at her house. Hugs

Recap on the vacation....was the best ever. Missed not doing the daily thing with all of you but made a decision early on to concentrate on "family and friends". Tanker, DH, friends and I had the best ever. Didn't really ever sleep in...but got a lot of rest. Spent days out and about but spent most of our evenings at the house and just hanging out. Spending time with FIL after 8 years of dialysis with MIL and regretfully losing her was what he needed and it came right back to make us feel like we did just what we should have. Spending the time we did with Eva, her DH and her wonderful friends got us out of the box and we are very thankful for that experience. Looking forward to spending time with "Newfound Friends". Heading out to Indio and Palm Desert was a wonderful experience. Sitting at the local Palm Springs Starbucks for just an hour or so was an experience. Sitting on Janet's patio and watching her cute cat and puppas and Zoey playing, was heartwarming. Spending time with Janet, Plyll and her DH was one of those moments you never forget. All in all, would do it all over again. Was two months out of our life that we will never forget. Eva provided us with a stepping stone for vacations to come. By providing us with a true picture of her state (AZ), we have so many things we want to see and investigate. Have a busy couple of days coming up. Was unpacked about an hour after we got home and have a bit of laundry done. Kidney stone hit about an hour ago...payback is such a bi_ch....travelling seems to be a bit tough on my body. Anyway...lost 2lbs about a week into the vacation. Gained it back and am 2 lbs up when I weighed when I got home. Things are good and no worries. No loss at least (which seems to happen on vaca) and I ate like a little pig. (To the Newbies...not the norm). Had a great visit with DS that works with us. He had a path plowed for us to get into the yard. Tanker loves DS and was just beside himself when he saw him. Made a nice dinner...had a nice visit...he was happy to see mom and dad and we are all looking forward to his 30th bday party on Sat. night. Hired a band (good band), provided nice food (GF's choice) and his gift is two nights at a nice hotel and two nice dinners for him and his GF without the kids and we will take the kids on the weekend they decide to get away. So, am I all caught up now? Maybe. Not sure. Have an appt to get younger tomorrow. DS's GF has been my hairdresser for about 7 yrs and she is going to cut a lot off. I tried to grow it out but know I look much better in shorter hair. Color and a highlight also. So, will talk to you all tomorrow. Sleep tight, don't let the bedbugs bite. Sending the love...

Cheri....so much better news about Rachel. Thoughts and prayers as she (and your family) go through this trying time. Hugs

Hey...the bed you provided, Eva, was pretty darned comfy. Don't think we lost a bit of sleep. One of the most restful vacations we have ever had.

Hey All...arrived home an hour ago. Lots of snow in SD and was greeted with even more (and icy/snowy roads) in MN. Happy to be home safe and sound. Will catch up later....but first...just have to say...Cheri...cannot imagine your heartache. And, to all the have family members that are ailing or have medication issues...think of you.

Hope you all had a great weekend. Today was a bit of a challenge...extreme vertigo...just something I get once in awhile. Disappointed cuz we were going to go out for dinner with Eva and DH. Thank goodness I got up early yesterday and got most of the cleaning done b/4 we headed out for the day. Wanted to have the house as clean as when found it when we arrived here. Worked out to be a wonderful place to stay. DH has the car packed, we will drop off the cable boxes in the morning on our way out of town and head for MN. Will try to keep up with posts at hotels but if I don't post, will talk to you all when I get home. Wishing you all a good week.

Good Evening All...Phyll....beautiful orange bracelet you posted on facebook. Very special that you made that for your friend. Very special. Cheri...you are on my mind. So much for you to deal with when it comes to your DD and father. You are strong and might feel very challenged in the next few months but hold onto being positive and deal with it the best you can. Good job on cleaning up and putting it out there to your DH on what you need. Good way of taking care of YOU. Hugs. Janet...looked up that bra....might order. I have been wearing a minimizer lately. Don't like the way it looks in T-shirts but comfy. Your "girls" looked very nice last time I saw you (TMI...but who care amongst friends). Same bra? Great...I'm so iffy on the thread lately that when that little babe finally does come, I am going to have to go back and figure out who wins the bet. Only thing that matters is having that little one home and in her parents arms and getting your DD back to good health. I am sure you will see her through it. Linda...sounds like you guys have had all you can handle with your DSD...hugs. Hope she can get it and get on the road to recovery. Sucks. Hugs. Had a great but heart wrenching day. Took some things over to the new/old place to store for next year and years to come. Had a very nice visit with the previous owners and others in the RV park. Had to peel ourselves away because we had a lunch date with my adopted bro and his wife. Spent a few hours with them and then went over to help DH's dad while he purchased a more permenant place at his RV park. It was the saddest thing to see him bawling in the driveway as we left. I will never forget the moment. He hugged us so hard and thanked us a number of times for doing what we have. It just killed us...both DH and I had tears streaming. FIL is such a lovely person. Just really hate leaving him here but he has so many ppl watching out for him and soooooooooo many widows that vie for his attention that he will be fine. 87 and the cool guy in the RV park. If I ever left this earth b/4 DH, that's what I would want for him. Don't want him living on TV dinner only and being lonely. Have our route planned for the drive home. Sounds like there should not be any "weather obstacles" to deal with. Just want to be sure to make the bday party for Joe, our oldest DS. A very well-planned party by his GF. We were silent partners in all of it. Let her plan, plan, plan and will help with the cost. Gonna miss that Eva...such a joy to have been able to have spent as much time as we have with her and her DH. Just happy that DH and I were able to meet half way...we are close to his DF...I am close to adopted bro and wife and also within an hour from Eva...weekly roadtrips and lunch with her. It's been very special. Gotta hit the hay....love to all...sleep tight.

Good Evening All...it was an absolutely beautiful day in Tucson. Spent a bettter part of the day fussing and cooking and eating and sampling the goods. Found time to sit on the porch and do a few daily crosswords. Had a wonderful time with Eva and her DH....way overstuffed but found some room to have a large bag of popcorn to top off the day. Poor Eva...sent her home with a large TJMaxx bag full of leftovers....mostly healthy dishes. We are down to just a few meals in the frig. Would love to find a way to transplant Eva and her DH into our group of friends at home. Have had some good times. Crying...whine...gotta leave. Tomorrow we are heading up to the "Love Shack" to drop some things off and then having lunch with "Mom Lucille's" son...my fake bro and his wife. They are who we spend the holidays with. Family. They are down here in AZ for another month or more. Lucky. If it weren't for our son's 30th bday party, we would extend out stay. But, have our priorities in order and need to head back to real life....which really isn't so bad....except for the cold weather till the end of April...or longer if the Man up above decides to put it upon us. We've done a lot of traveling but this vacation measures up to be one of the best. So happy we bought a place and have years of wonderful vacations to look forward to. Janet...so nice to see your post on what a good day you had with friends. Your post sounded so happy and today was just what you might have needed. Well, time for bed. Want to get up very early to travel since there is a wind warning and we don't want to be caught like last weekend. (Blackout dirt storms). Goodnight to all. sleep tight. Cheri...you've been on my mind today. Sending the love.