Apples2

Phyll...Woohoo!!!! Way to go!!! Good luck with your walk for a very good cause. Cleaning cabinets is on my list of things to do early next week. Have white with glass doors so need a good going over every month or so. Love the openess of having the white but would never do it again. A lot of work. Also have them in the main guest bathroom. Takes me all day to do them but I was the dummy that chose them. Also going to switch a couple of my closets around and get ready for spring. Doing a small "girls" trip at the end of the month and am sure I will need lighter weight clothing. I am waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too into sandals and thinking I will need to build a room onto the house to store them. LOL. I could never wear thongs (not the butt ones) b/4 and now going nuts with them. I have sparkly ones, beaded, woven, etc., etc. ones. My weekness....well and reg. shoes...and ....

Julie...you hit the nail on the head in KNOWING what you need to do to turn your menu around (notice I did not say "diet"....didn't want Janet kicking me to the curb...for a little girl, she carries a lot of weight when she speaks). Protein and fluids. Two biggies in helping in weightloss and hunger. Have fun with your new job. DH and I used to be treasurers for 2 community organizations for years. After about 20, we both decided something had to give and handed it over. Problem is...no one wants to take it on. Ok...back to work for me.

Judy...in this day and age 74 is considered young. One of the reasons I revamped all of my recipes to low fat is that DH has high cholesterol. Detected a year ago at his annual physical. He is a normal weight for his height. He boo-hooed taking meds at first and says he cannot tell the difference in the low fat dishes and baking that I do. His numbers were 1/2 of what they were a year ago. Being pro-active does make a difference in our overall health. Your play is sure a long-running one. I am sure it is fun but bet you will be happy when it is over. Good for you for finding things like that to do that you enjoy. Have fun with the fur babies.

Good Morning, Friends.... Janet...I thought Great said her trip was a 10 day thing. Thinking she will be back and posting Tuesday or Wed. Got a good night's sleep even though I was up for an hour between 3am and 4am. I do sleep good usually and never toss and turn. The hungries usually get to me about 3 and may as well get up and tame them so I can sleep. Up about 6 to a thick ice all over everything. Cars are going by here (live on a busy county road) just a few miles per hour. Must be slick. No intentions of going anywhere today. May be meeting friends tonight for dinner. Just need to get ahold of them and see what it up. Just couldn't face the pile on my desk yesterday so will be planted right here today until I get to the bottom of it. Oldest DS will turn 29 yrs old on Monday. You know they are grown up when they ask for work boots for their bday. LOL. He's the son that works for us. Son in Atlanta is 26. Says he will never get married. No pushing from us. He does have a very lovely GF. We will just sit in the wings and wait and see. He loves children and is so good with them. She has a 9 yr old and 4 yr old and know that if they do end up together, he will be a good step-pappa. Eva...isn't it funny how that works when you are eating out? I just hope I do not stare with my jaw dropped when watching others eat. We have numerous potlucks during the summer with friends at our resort. Also, when we were down south, there were many cookouts. I really am not judging others for the heaps of food on their plates (well, maybe a little...lol)....I am just amazed to think that I used to pile it on like that also. It used to be around here that ALL restaurants had a huge salad bar and it was the norm to fill a plate and a cup of soup b/4 a meal. The salad bar was a buffet in itself...kind of like a 5 course meal b/4 the 5 course meal. What's nice is when, we as bandsters, get to the point of feeling comfortable when eating socially and not worrying if others are paying attention to the little amount that we are eating. I let that get to me way too much and then I would not be able to eat what I should have because I was nervous. Now, none of that bothers me. I was brought up in the "full plate club". Pile it on and had to finish every last bite. Warped perception of healthy eating. Jodi...thinking of you this weekend and your upcoming surgery. Looking forward to walking along with you on this journey. Just hoping the best for you. You set yourself up the right way by coming to LBT for added support. I know it was my main means of support (besides DH). Ppl knew exactly what you were going through and jumps right on to help. I'm still popping in for support, guidance and friendship over 2 yrs later. Hoping you all have a great day. Awwww typing that word makes me miss Great. I feel as if I have not talked to her forever. I am just happy to have my computer and being able to post when I want. Now, better hit the pile on my desk.

I agree with LauraK...nothin' wrong with letting our "country" show once in awhile. Yee---Haaaaaaaw! Arlene...for some reason, I have always loved that "b-slap" saying. Up eating oatmeal and raisins (Newbies...not the norm). Woke up 1/2 hour ago hungry. Julie...thanks for saving our soles with that prayer. Laura...sorry Nels in feeling funky again. Good night, again

LauraK...what a rotten, crappy thing to have to deal with. Ditto what Janet said. Trust in someone is something that just does not come back automatically. She does not deserve to have you as her friend. Let her sit in her own pew.

Arlene...sounds like you have a start on organizing to accomodate your "new" residents. One thing I did when our exchange students were here was to provide a cleaning tote with the handle on it. That way they could carry it to and from the bathroom without leaving it in the bathroom 24/7. They just carried it back to their room and it really freed up space in the bathroom. You know what I am talking about, right? Rubbermaid makes them and they hold household cleaners, etc. Actually, they hold quite a few bathroom "condiments" and accesories. This may sound really strict but I had a rule in my house about common living space. If I found a coat laying on the floor or boots sprawled in the entry or in a common place shared with family, a 15 minute job was given. The boys just hated this rule but they eventually learned to keep things where they belonged.

Oh Janet...you are being way too nice to LauraK's GF.....I would drag her out of my life behind my truck

Let's turn these frowns upside down! Just kidding...go ahead, Deb and LauraK...we all need to talk about feelings like you both are having. I, too, find that I am wanting to stay home more in the evenings. I was always one to be ready for anything but the last couple of years I have really changed. It used to be that we were out at least one night of the weekend but now I would rather have popcorn time with DH and the dog than go out. I will have to admit that I quit wanting to go out as much when I started getting criticized for my low weight while I was out in public. Just didn't want to deal with the comments or the "looks". :w00t: LauraK...nothing wrong with cleaning house a little when it comes to so-called friends that serve no purpose in your life or cause you heartache. I had to "dump" a very toxic friend about 3 yrs ago. I still miss the time we had together but I do not miss the negative side of her. Just had to neaten up things in my life and she was messing things up more than anything. Sorry you are feeling low....you, too, Deb! Get off that couch and do a happy dance and try to think of 2 things you will do next weekend that you have never done b/4. You have 7 days to come up with it! Get busy and let us know what you are going to do. :smile2:

Jessica...so sorry...I was going to tell you how sorry I am to hear about your GM and cousin's son. How sad that you cannot make it to the funerals. Take care and post if you need someone to talk to. Hey Deb...nice to see your post. What are you snacking on in the evenings? Maybe if you feel the need to snack you could have fruit on hand or fresh veggies??? I think most of us are hungrier in the evening. Have a safe trip tomorrow. Darned kids anyway!!!!! Take care...I miss your posts!

Cheri...I really don't mind when DH invites friends, salesmen, every dog in the neighborhood for lunch. We discussed it and feel that since we are now doing custom harvest (yes, DH is cutting back on work...we'll see how that goes), and we will not employ them, they can provide their own meals. We will only employ our son and whoever our son hires in the business he manages. And, not feeding any of those employees either. Just son and DH on a regular basis and anyone else DH drags in. LOL. I truly enjoy DH's friends that stop by for a meal. As I stated earlier in a post, most ppl have to pack their own lunches. All the workers from here on out will be employed by our custom harvest company. Cheri...hope you are totally healed soon. Jessica...you sound like you are doing so well. Good to hear. Good going on getting back into your therapy. Always nice to have a sounding board. I LOVE museums. Wish we lived in an area where we had more of them. Pretty limited on what we do for fun around here. Hope this fill goes good for you. Linda...think we were fairly close going down to FL but not on the way back. Would love to plan a day trip and meet you half way. Just say what works for you and I will try and make it. Janet..partying????? Nope...just coffee and lunch with friends today. Even turned DH down tonight when he offered to take me out. Just enjoying being home. We always do a half of beef. We have friends that raise it and it is the best. Only way he sells it. I share with DS and it will last us awhile. I also give to DH's parents and a couple of friends that live in the cities. I am not a big beef eater...never have been. Will eat hamburger and that's about it. For some reason beef is too rich for my stomach. Hope you have a restful weekend...you have really been on the go this last month. Laura...both DH and I get teary from that commercial. So sad and the song just makes it sadder. Happy to hear you are feeling better about things today. Joyce..sounds like things are going great for you. Always fun when you can move to another stage. Hang in there..this will all become routine someday. It takes a bit but it really does all fit together and become just a way of life. Hey Julie...when you are praying with and for the world tonight...slip a little prayer in there for me. Never hurts to have an extra one said. Thanks! Hey Phyll...my print large enough for you?????? I can change it to accomodate. LOL... Hi to all that I missed...have a great evening. Popcorn time for me, DH and dog. Later.

Eva...nice to have a lesson as an eye-opener first thing in the morning. Thanks for sharing. Reminds me of the pyramids charts from grade school when they talked about the food groups (Oops...that lesson did not sink in for about 50 yrs!). Hope you got a good night's sleep, Eva. You are working way too hard lately. Arlene...what a good momma. Will be thinking of you and your situation over the next few months. Wish I could just pop over and help you clean out those drawers and closets. (One of my favorite things to do). Also, hoping you get some relief from your daily discomfort that comes with your illness. I understand where you are coming from when you talk about it. I have friends that suffer with the same ailment. Not fun and you live your life around the disease. I feel for you, Arlene. Was bone-tired last night by 9:30 when I went to bed. Think I read less then one page of my book, which is unusual. Why is it that traveling by car (truck) is soooooooooo tiring? Fully rested this morning and ready to take on the day. Steel cut oats on the stove and ready to eat. You all have a great day!

Laura....thanks for the ass transplant offer. And, I have an idea to help you out. We can take up a collection amongst the girls here on this thread and HIRE someone to drag you to the gym! I now have connections in FL! Happy to hear your parents made it home safe and sound. Linda...I am thinking that I traveled quite close to where you live in the last couple of days. Was telling DH that if I would have had some notice, I would have called you to meet for coffee or lunch. Next time! Janet...not quite retired. Still the "Gofer". I won't be busting my butt but a little busy some days. You ask what will I do???? Still want to get back into the work force. I know, I know...crazy? Just need that outside stimulation. Think I am all caught up. Going to try and meet up with a couple of friends tomorrow and then do some grocery shopping. Also need to order another 1/2 beef since my last one made a trip to Atlanta. Heading to bed with my book...you all have a good night.

Thanks, LauraK for the welcome back. Hopefully, DD will hear about the interview in the near future. And if not, as you stated, the interview experience is always good.

Thanks to all for the welcome back. Gosh, I missed my girls. Really sucks to have the iffy internet connection at our cabin and no phone service. I LOVE the resort we stay in and the down-to-earth atmosphere of the forest but wish for better service. The entire area does without cellphones. We get pretty attached to our electronics. Reconsidering staying there next year and DH and I are wanting to see what Arizona has to offer. We spent a couple of weeks there a few years ago and liked the Tuscan area. Just happy to be home on my own computer and not plugging away on the laptop just to communicate. Just really difficult to read everyone's posts and know I could not respond. Anyway...home now and able to get back to "normal"...whatever that is! Lori...hope you are having a great trip. Looking forward to hearing about it. Julie...we had originally planned on taking another week to do business but DH got some of it done from Atlanta at DS's place and we made a few stops in Iowa yesterday and today to finish up some things. Some of the stops we had planned were canceled because the equipment was already sold. Did not break my heart any to skip some of those stops. Now we are ready to hop right into getting ready for the planting season. Will be an adjustment this year since I am pulling back on providing meals. To each his own....that's the way it would be with a job in town. Will see a huge difference in the food bill this year. Arlene...I would be stressed living with a 16-17 yrs old again. But, admire you for helping them out if you need to. I am so used to my space after being an empty-nester for the last 9 yrs. I see oldest DS on work days and feed him two meals on those days, but, he goes back to his own house at night. He's a joy to have around but do not miss laying awake at night listening for him to come home. Out of sight..out of mind. Also, Arlene...good luck with your new program. Hope this is something that "clicks" with you and will help you along your way. Also, congrats on thinking of you and letting your DH do his own cooking. You gotta do what works for you. Janet...yep...saw enough accidents for a lifetime. Came upon one in Iowa yesterday that was quite a bad one and we were stalled for awhile. Also this morning. Cattle truck tipped on it's side and cows on the road and some that were hit by cars. Anyway...we made it safe and sound. Always a worry when traveling that far and back. I am thankful. Everything is unpacked and in it's place. Two loads of laundry done and two more to go. Needed to wash a few jackets of ours....campfire every night and the smell saturated everything. And, yes Julie...we were just as loaded on the way home as we were going down to FL. Not from my shopping but with DH. Tools, BBQ grill, etc. that he bought. I didn't do too much damage to the $$$$$ account but did have fun shopping at different places. Better get through the pile on my desk tonight. Have our crop insurance agent stopping by in the morning (9am) and want to be ready for the appt. We had our mail transferred but you'd never know it by the pile waiting for us just from the last few days. Better hit it!

Laura...you go ahead and tell us all about how you are feeling. We don't want to hear just the fluffy parts of your life. We want to hear the good, the sad and the ugly! That's what we are all about. So sorry you are sad. I cannot compare my situation to yours, but, I choke and cry every time I leave DS. He has lived all over USA and never know when or where I will see him next. Had to have DH drive when we left his house on Tuesday...I needed windshield wipers on my face. Well, we are home. Just walked in the door 1/2 hour ago. Was a wonderful trip and would do the whole thing all over again. Tanker (DD) was the best traveler. Just laid and slept and looked at us adoringly during the trip. Only 2 negatives...sore boney A$$ and way saw way too many accidents way too close. Upsetting. Going to go unpack (a couple of hours) and start the laundry and try to get a good meal on the table for DS and DH. Really missed DS. Did not call him much while we were gone (on purpose). See him every day and wanted to give him his space. Nice to see him and catch up. Arlene....sorry for DD having trouble. Hope she can resolve them soon and you do not have to disrupt your life. Later

Laura... HAPPY BANDIVERSARY TO YOU HAPPY BANDIVERSARY TO YOU HAPPY BANDIVERSARY, DEAR LAURA HAPPY BANDIVERSARY TO YOU! Just a quick check-in b/4 we hit the road again. Spent the night with DS. Out to dinner and a couple of drinks with him. He is doing well and heading to Brazil soon to see a little girlfriend. Talk about long distance relationships! It's almost like he likes it that way. Working our way back to MN with some planned stops along the way. Dog is the BEST traveller. I am not. Had to stop and get a memory foam pillow for the butt. Seemed to do the job yesterday. Never thought I would be complaining about a boney rear. Hi to all....caught up on posts but no time to respond. Take care. Will talk soon.

Be safe, have fun. Cannot wait to hear about your trip!

Arlene...we are leaving our cabin tomorrow morning and heading back to Atlanta to spend a few days with youngest DS. Looks like we are heading into snow there. Bummer. Plan on spending at least a week or more on the road. Business stops to make. DH has some equipment to look at for our other business. It's been a great trip and already booking for next year. Same cabin. We are not looking forward to leaving our friends from here as we only see them during our stay here. We do keep in contact which is nice. Jodi...will be thinking of you as you prepare for you LB surgery. Most important advice I can give is to follow all of your doc's rules. Also, rely on others (us) for advice. There are no questions that you should be afraid to ask. Most of us relied on LB Talk and experienced bandsters to help us along. Nice and sunny day here. Heading to friend's to watch the US/Canada hockey today. Getting treated to steaks and a good ole' potluck picnic. Should be a good day. One more shampoo in the lake for puppa. Will be May b/4 he will swim again in MN. Hi to all. Will check in when I can on the road. Time for a hair cut for me. A friend who is a beautician is going to trim me up...Thank God for that. It's been over six weeks and beginning to look a little like Bozo. Take care.

Anything is possible. If I could do it, so can you. Click my b/4 and after photos in my personal info. All it takes is determination and a tool to help.. Good luck!

No time to explain all we have been doing. Between friends and DS flying in again for the weekend, we have been busy. Party planned for tomorrow to watch US and Canada again in hockey. All packed ahead of time so we can just enjoy the day b/4 we take off early on Monday morning. Laura...great photos..have fun with family. Lori...I'm in on the prayer thing...one for me please! Thanks! Never hurts to have one said. Have the time of your lives. Stay safe...no seatbelt extender so so great! I will never forget the first time the try hit my tummy and was sitting askew. Was in first class where there is more room and it still gave me trouble. No more. How did we get there? Hard work and determination! Cannot wait for my OWN computer and no laptop. Will be able to catch up and participate again. I have soooooooo missed that. Love ya all...safe travel to all on the road. Lori....want to hear all about the trip when you get home. Trip of a lifetime. Enjoy! Julie...love babies. Thanks for the photos. Nice avatar...you've lost weight since FL, have'nt you? Gotta go...on a break. Have company at our cabin. Later

OMG Phyll.....Way too muich fun. Love a woman that can see the joy in that. I don't get pissed very often (that's what I love about myself)...OK....trulyu embarrssed tonight. With a bunch of Canadian friends watching the women's Olympic hockey. Canada won...USA women were bad sports. That's all I have to say.

Jodi...love your interesting posts! Cheri...sorry about the fall. Take care

I miss my visits with my girls! I had a HUGE post written last night (yep, Eva, copy and paste is what I was doing because of our iffy service). Wellllllllllll, go up to go to restroom and DH lost it when he sat down. He does not know how but it was gone. Not his fault....should have saved it. Been on the run and no time to post or catch up. Janet...have a safe and fun trip to see family. Lori...have a safe and fun trip to walk where Jesus walked. Will be thinking of you. Jessica...you are awesome in the great strides you have taken since first knowing you. You are really going in the right direction Hey Julie...talked to you a bunch last night but now CRS. Hope you are feeling OK. Eva....hey, girl....how's it goin'? Hi Phyll! Good luck with your play, Judy. Linda..sorry about your weather. We dread heading back that way. Hey to the Master Gardener...also wrote you a long one last night and lost it...again..CRS Everyone I have omitted....a big Hey to you all. Had a great time with DS and his friends. He flew into Daytona and we just hung out, had lunch, hung out, had dinner, hung out.....was great. OK...this is short and you all know this kills me not to have access...in a couple of weeks I will catch up with you all. Sending luvs