Kat817

I was going to do my own post, start to finish, but I can't improve on this---and then if it has errors in spelling or grammar, I can blame Pamela!!!! You hit it girl---could not agree more! The entire cast, before through current, of "The View" I'd rather just pull the curtain and not view! Great thread!!! Kat

I see it the same as if she had remarried another man. In general I disagree with open ended alimony. I feel like putting a time line on it, giving the spouse sufficient time to train into a field to support themselves, would be the proper thing to do. In my opinion when she entered into the legal partnership she dissolved the agreement concerning her alimony. Kat

As has been pointed out to you, our results have not been typical of what your Dr. told you. My SIL was banded the same day I was, and she has passed me by on the weight loss, and I am almost 100 pounds down! It is something you will need that attitude to do in a successful manner, but girl, that "I'll show him" attitude, will let you DO IT!!!! The band is an awesome help in weight loss, and a loss that stays away. We have all dieted, and done Atkins and any number of diets such as suggested above, and most of them work---for awhile, or if you do simply have 20 pounds to lose, but to successfully lose and maintain a loss of over 100 pounds without surgery---is like a 5% success rate! The band is available, the complication rate is very, very low. And the entire surgery can be reversed, or adjusted for any reason. If you are planning to have children, it is not malababsorptive, so your baby gets full benefit of what you eat. If heaven forbid, a patient has a cancer diagnosis, it can be unfilled so you can up your nutritional intake....the adjustable factor as well as the removability of the band made it an easy choice for me. I also took into account, that in the future they may come up with a less invasive weight loss plan, or find the magic pill to cure obesity---and with my intestines and stomach still in place, I am as much of a candidate as I ever was----except I am no longer obese. Banding worked wonderfully for me! I hope you have a great experience as well!!! Kat

Some of us began this thread with a bad taste in our mouth so to say from another thread Lee began, where he began a topic supposedly to debate...also racial, and then went off on how American women only want what is in his wallet, and was totally unwilling to truly discuss or debate the issue, he actually said as much, telling us he did not care what we thought, he was right. In that thread he indicated he was considering bringing a bride in from another country, and we tried to point out to him the success lies in the emotion and work put into a relationship, not the color of the brides skin, and he blasted us over it. He did not do it nicely, nor in a manner that led us to believe he was even willing to have a civil conversation about it. Racism can come from any race, and a closed mind is no way to debate. Neither one of these issues seemed to make a difference to Lee. I am not even getting into this one with him, just wanted to point out why some long standing LBT'ers boiled over so quickly on this. I do not always use the right word, and have decided I have a pretty severe case of dyslexia of the fingers, I am always getting off the right row of keys or inverting letters!!! And yes his posts ARE hard to follow, but he is not alone in that issue. There have been other steady posters who have been very challenged literally, but the positive message behind the posts, and the support offered, made you want to look beyond it. Not finding any of that, and the unwillingness to accept another thought, I will admit left me equally unwilling to try to read through the rambling, unorganized posts. Kat

I would just wonder if it not a little thick this soon, and with any residual swelling, it could cause it to back up a little. But overall it sounds to me as though your problem is gas/bloating. The Splenda is not as gas inducing as other artificial sweetners can be, from what I understand, but I would very carefully read the entire label on the shake mix, and anything you are adding, to see if you are not getting something in it that might be causing the problem. Prior to banding, did you consume much dairy? I suddenly began taking in more than usual, and worried about lactose problems, my Mom is seriously lactose intolerant, but lucky for me it has not affected me that way. Maybe it is you though----I am just guessing at things here, giving you some ideas to look into, to see if you can solve the bloating problem, that is never fun! Good Luck! Kat

Not sure what happened between writing thast and posting it----the order is all screwy!!! Oh well---I am sure y'all can figure it out!!! Kat

Way to go Michelle!!! 40 pounds is huge! Walk into the grocery store, and just try to pick up 2 20 pound bags of potatoes and walk around with them! Not sure how big your kids are, but I was playing with the granddaughters, and had one hanging on my back trying to tickle the other that I was holding, and I could hardly walk...and combined they weigh just over 70 pounds! I used to walk around carrying that PLUS!! I find the comparisons so inspiring!!! Tracy---what new got settled? I think buying the dresses that way was perfect! Nothing of importance changes depending on how much you spend!!! When I got married the first time we did the big church wedding, and his nephew was the ring bearer and he was just barely 4. Somehow during the reception, he was messing around on the floor the way 4 year olds do, and connected his nose to someones foot, and got a horrible bloody nose, all over the reception hall, and his rented tuxedo! Everyone was great about it, the tuxedo lady told me "no problem, blood is so much easier to get out than chocolate cake!" The only thing that really "ruined" anything was that they had made big flowers t put on our car, and had used colored tissue paper, well one of the flowers had gotten wet with shaving cream, and it was attached to my door handle. Not surprisingly my new husband left me to open my own door as we made our escape through the rain of rice, and where the bright red flower rubbed against my wedding dress, it stained it, and 3 different dry cleaner tried, to no avail to remove the stain. Since it was ruined pretty much....my Aunt took it apart, and sewed my DD's baptism dress out of it. Well I think I will get dressed and take the girls to the park before it gets to doggone hot today. Everyone take care, will check in with you later!!! ((((hugs)))) Kat I had a nice NSV this morning. With my DD's new job, she has to be to work by 7 and it is an hours drive. So the girls get dropped of just before 6. I am up with Rick at 5, and he leaves at 5:30, so I just stay up. Some mornings we all go crawl back in my bed, but this morning the oldest wanted to color, not sleep. So the 2 year old was laying on the couch, and wanted me to lay with her. Before I filled the couch, one of the reasons we have this giant furniture! I went and laid down with her and not only did we both fit, we had room for her Bunny, and I could still feel couch in front of the bunny! So not only did we fit....but my arms reached around all of us to realize how well we fit!! I actually gained 1/2 a pound while at the rally, my food choices were extremely poor!!! I found meat kabobs that were perfect for us---actually Rick found them the first night, and gave me a bite. UI was eating a Navajo Taco. His kabob was excellent, and nothing but meat, so it was ideal, but when I got it the next night, it was not tender enough for me. Even he said it was no good compared to the night before! Even with my poor choices, I eat very little of it....so just went back to things I knew I could eat. Like with the Navajo Taco---I avoid the fry bread as a rule, maybe just a piece of the crispy edge, but mostly eat the beans, meat & veggies. This morning my 1/2 pound was gone again, and am back to where I started. My parents are off on their Anniversary trip we gave them. Hoping they are having a good time, today they are on a jeep trip over Black Bear Pass, a 14,000 foor mountain pass! The little town they are staying in, Ouray Colorado, is referred to as Little Switzerland. It is built on the sides of these huge mountains, surrounded by other 14K mountains, lush green in the summer, and solid snow in the winter! After their stay I think they are going a bit further to visit with my Mom's sister. I am taking care of their place while they are gone. And tonight Rick's brother and wife will be in for a few days. They will be staying with my inlaws, not us. I really enjoy them---but am glad someone else gets the company not me!!! Jenn hope you have a great time in Six Flags! I loved going this year knowing I would not have an issue fitting on the rides! I am a roller coaster freak!!! ARD, you are doing so good----hang out---let us know whats going on with you! Josie, Terry---all you lucky ducks meeting up today have a blast and be sure to take and post pictures!!! We will be thinking of you! TracyK---you are over half way there girl---my gosh! That is so cool! You did it at such a great time, while your kids are small, you will be able to enjoy their lives so much more fully, not letting your weight hold you back. Did you have a great homecoming with the little one??

Penni, he is precious!!! I did a double take, your DD looks sooo much like you!!! When you get your hands on him next time tell him all his cyber "Aunties" think he is a keeper!! Kat

There are several of our bandsters to have had TT's and other PS, following weight loss---and they are a helpful bunch of people. Look for the plastic surgery threads, and start asking them your questions---they have always been wonderful when I go to them with questions!!! Welcome to LBT, we look forward to hearing about how you achieved such great success with your band! Kat

Hi Penni!!! I was just thinking about you aswas reading a Nora Roberts book the other day!!! Congratulations on the new grandson! I have missed your posts---and feel confident that when the time is right, you will make the right decision. Being able to make that decision is part of what sent us all to the band in the begining, the ability to remove it, or make changes....many surgeries carry similar risks, and there is no option of reverting, or changing. I know you have thoroughly looked into things, and will make the right move in your time. Ann, I understand the issue with esophogeal tears. It is a risk with any surgery that you are intubated. My DH had a massive GI bleed, which was at the junction of the stomach, and the esophagus, his was resulting from cardiac surgery on his mitral valve, nothing to do with banding or weight loss surgery of any kind. When they put the tube into your throat, you take a serious risk! He recently had to have some more heart procedures done, and they actually thought about putting a tube/camera down his throat into the esophagus, his Gastro Dr, about come undone, we could hear him yelling on the phone, "not only NO but Hell NO!". It is something they do not warn you about often with any surgery, and most DO require intubation! Good Luck in your healing. Penni----it is SOOOO good to see you again! Any more Ghost Whisperer episodes planned???? Don't stay away so long! Now the Granny in me, insists I go find the thread with pictures of the baby!!! Welcome back! Kat

I like Betty (Iluvgharleys) was not allowed anything like that until like week 4! I was on clear liquid for another week or so, then full liquids for 2 more weeks. When they put the band in place, they bring the lower part of the stomach up over the band and stitch it in place, and in order for those stitches to heal properly, your stomach needs to remain fairly empty and not attempting to digest food. When your stomach digests, it makes a kneading motion, and that makes it hard for your stitches to heal. Gas is pretty common, both the gas you were filled with for the surgery and your standard bloating gas. Your shakes are a likely culprit for that, anything with artificial sweetner is notorious for causing gas! Watch out for sorbitol, malitol....those kinds of sweetners, they can cause horrid gas! If you are following the diet your Dr. gave you, and you still feel bloated, it might be worth a follow up call, to relax you. You paid him to take care of you through this, and I'd call and ask if it was making you unsure. Hope you feel better quickly!!! Welcome to bandland!!!! Kat

Hey girlies, I am back! The rally was fun, but we got rained on like crazy! On the road behind us where we took shelter, from the storm, the water was up past the seats, and gastanks on some bikes! Ours were parked on the same road, but thankfully up higher. There were guys out wading in thigh high water, trying to carry strangers bikes out, and if someone showed up who actually owned a bike, they swarmed it helping to get it out. They would get 6-8 guys and physically lift the bikes. Rick was not happy that I threatened to throw a bitch fit if he went out in it. Not nice I know, but good grief with the year he had, I would have followed through with the threat! As it was he got drenched---he was standing in line to get me a chocolate covered cheesecake----how guilty does that make me!!?? LOL, didn't need it anyway....dangit! The Foghat concert was rained out, not so much with current rain, but the standing water, and all the required electrical junk for a concert did not mix....we were disappointed but understood that, they did however make us mad, we bought tickets in advance, and they were to raffle off the new Road King at 10 PM, during the concert. Well when they decided to cancel the concert at about 5 PM, they did the drawing then, and you had to be present to win. Well we had determined the bikes survived the flood, and had headed back to camp to see if the tents had or not...so we missed the drawing, and they called lots and lots of numbers before one guy was finally present to win it. Now I know the odds of the one of us 4 winning are not great, but that seemed unfair, like they should have at least waited until the gates were due to open for the concert at 6. Anyway, we didn't win! But we had a great time despite it all! Was a nice getaway. Rick really does dislike purple. And feels about the same way about pink. That is courtesy of his ex wife, who had the entire house done in the combo. I have seen pictures, and I do mean the entire house, in pink and purple. Not the purple of our trailer, that was a definitive Barney Purple! He was just VERY upset that it was not as ordered, and when you get into the automotive paints with additives, and clear coats, and metal flakes, etc, it gets very expensive...and this was! But they made it right. He groaned over my shirt thinking that the woman would think I chose it!!! But she found where she entered a wrong letter in the paint code, so she fixed it for us. Betty sorry to hear about your foot, I dropped a pallet on the back of my heal once, and thought I was going to have to go to a PS, my Dr. and I had a heck of a time getting it to heal---to pun intended...well ok maybe a little intended!!! Hope you are up and running soon!!! I am headed out to the store, I took things out to make burritos for dinner, and my sour cream had fuzz growing on it----yeeech!!! I'll be back to check in with the rest of you ---- when I get back from the store, or maybe after dinner, I still need to unpack and start some laundry! It never ends!!!! Be back later---missed y'all!!! Kat

Welcome to both of you! As for being able to start teaching the same week as surgery, it all just depends on you, and how well you do. It is very individual, and while some of it is a mental thing, it is also a very physical surgery, and while some (myself included) could have done it a couple of days out, there have been others on here, who were sidelined for a week or longer----with longer being EXTREMELY rare! I think telling them you are having surgery is the best way to go, then if you happen to need a couple of days they will have been forewarned. I would imagine you will be just fine! I cannot say enough good things about my band, or about this site! It has been so helpful, and supportive, you will be so glad you found it! Look in the monthly section, and you can locate a group of people all having surgery in the same month as you, so you can compare and help with food suggestions. It is comforting to have someone to ask the usual "did this happen to you?" or "have you ever felt like...?" questions. Hope everything goes great for you---Welcome!!! Kat

I can see you flying away from the reception veil billowing behind the Harley!!! I know, I know, no big poufy weil----but cant you just see it???? We went to a wedding last summer, that they "incorporated" their bikes into....kinda....they became the legs of the table holding the wedding cake, and punch fountain. I am not sure how they balanced the plywood or whatever for the table, but it was sitting on the bikes. Then they left on the new bike they had bought as their gift to one another. They are still riding along happily! yep my page is a biggun today too! Ok, off to finish my house---bbl Kat

Hi everyone I made it back!!! I have spent well over the last hour catching up on you guys & my email---it is good to be home. Tracy---WOOHOOO hon---It is so good to see you so happy!!!! Congratulations!!! Another wedding....a small one (best plan in my book!). Any special ideas yet---I mean like their plan with the firetruck---y'all have anything in mind that way??? This will be such fun, can't wait to see your rings. And as petty as it would be, I'd have another nanny nanny boo boo moment with the ex....!!!LOL All of your confindence, and wonderful attitude must have seeped into his brain, and made him realize he better get it together or he was going to lose the best thing to ever come into his life! Think they will ever figure out how the male brain works???? Congrats!!! Terry---When I read about your friend and all she is dealing with, I did for sure sit back, and thank God for how good I do have it. I have been in times of trial, where everything seems to pile up at once...it is so difficult, the only thing I can say about it is, it does keep you from over focusing (if that is a thing....) on each problem as it arises. Update us on how her family is doing if you get a chance. As for your comment on me having a wonderful life---I feel like I DO! We are at a point in life it IS just wonderful! Our kids are grown, and as an over all they and their kids are healthy, and in good places in their lives. I mean we have the usual illness, and family issues etc. but all in all, we don't have any huge issues right now! DH has a good job, I am able to not work so I can be with him when he is off, he had an erratic schedule at times... I think the biggest thing is we actually get to spend time together, and we love that. It is one of the things I like so much about our motorcycle time. I have my own bike, but seldom ride it. When we ride together we can talk, there is no way to put 2 people on a motorcycle without touching! We can go with our friends, but it isn't like we are couped up in a car, or in a motel room with anyone but each other. We spend time together with them at the rally events etc. and at camp, but on the bike it is just Rick and I and we have separate camping--so our tent is just us. Cows are not fun.....hay is not fun....but we commiserate over it together, and survive it together, so its ok. The ONLY thing I share with you guys here, and not with him, is my irritation with his family! That crosses the line and I recognize that!!! The big things yes I would say something, but the daily irritants, the BBQ's, and the snide remarks---those I share with you guys, and leave him out of it. I am sure he does the same especially with my brother!! No one can get along well with my brother, and Rick works at it, and never complains....and I KNOW he would love to!!!! Thanks for reminding me that you are right, I have it good! Judy---Glad your garage sale wnt well, stayed dry! It is rather shocking to look at clothes and think you wore that and it was snug, they look so big now!!! I am facing the opposite, I go to try on something and automatically think oooh this is going to be too small, and am shocked when it fits! Have you checked with the animal placement people to see if they offer any type of obedience training for Jetta? Occasionally allowing the dogs to smell one another through the closed door of the garage might make it easier, as they eventually share a yard...I realize Jetta is in a run....but the smells etc, will allow them to adjust to one another being there. Good grief I started this post, then my phone started ringing and has not stopped since! OK back to thoughts at hand! Pamela--long distance relationships are not easy, but they are a perfect way to start a relationship I believe! Rick and I were apart for almost 2 years! We lived about 400 miles apart, and we tried to get together every other weekend, but with kids, and jobs, it was not always easy! It was before we had computers and cell phones....so we wrote letters every single day! To this day I still feel a difference about Sundays and Tuesdays! No mail! Of course they don't deliver on Sundays, and so then the letter he wrote on Sunday, would be delivered on Wed. wth Mondays letter---I never got anything from him on Tuesdays, it was such a low day!!! And we racked up horrid phone bills. BUT it made us learn how to communicate, and to this day we talk about everything, he is the first person I want to share any kind of news with. When you are together all the time, you go to movies on dates, for instance, but in the movie, you can't talk! We had to talk or "write" about our thoughts and feelings, and expectations---it was all we had. We went into this knowing each other so well. It was hard, but it built us a foundation I am confident in. Use your apart time to learn more, and spend time planning special together things. It is strengthening, I fully believe! Jenn--Hang in there, with the food and weight issues, nothing changes over night. Give your body a chance to catch up to all the changes. And for heavens sake don't panic until TOM is long gone. Water retention alone is worth several pounds! You are doing good, just give it a little time!! TracyK---maybe room for 2 in the garden tub now? You have Mommy time, so invite DH to a garden party!!!! Glad your Harry Potter party was a success, have you finished your book now? Was it the ending you hoped for? I keep hearing about the ending, and will he or won't he die! I have no say---just wondering as a fan if YOU liked the ending!!! OK, I need to find food. I have let half the day get away from me! TTYL Kat

Hi Girlies-- Thought I'd check in with you before we leave in the morning. I think I have most things ready to go---I have most of our stuff ready to go I think. Last minute stuff in the morning, and I am good to go. I just finished cleaning the kitchen, I cannot stand to leave a messy house. I want it clean when I come home---I will be tired, and I want to be able to come in, kick back and do nothing til the next day. So I have been cleaning! We went to dinner with our friends, and did our shopping for the camping---and I think we have enough! It is nice going with them, they are very considerate of my being banded, they shop and cook accordingly. My friend and I shared a salad for dinner. We had to laugh about it, we were sitting at a pub style table for 4. The tall ones, I think they are called Pub style....anyway--we sat as usual a couple on each side of the table. We were commenting that we may have to move if Becky and I were sharing a meal. The guys didn't think that they wanted to sit together!!! Then they buzzed our little tile letting us know our dinner was ready (we were at Fuddruckers)--and when we went to get it---we just cracked up---the plate was like 18 inches square! Seriously! We sat across from each other, and did not have to reach! I didn't eat much....dinner time is never my big eating time anymore. Lunch was a half a BLT, and breakfast was yogurt & granola. Ate some popcorn with the girls, and a handful of pistachios. Was just not a hungry day.....must have left my hunger with Terry. Kinda wierd when that happens....I always wonder if everything in there is ok. But it always seems to bounce back! Day after tomorrow will be 1 year since my last fill! I still have restriction so have never had another adjustment. I have seen the Dr. twice, but not been filled. I think occasionally about it, but hate to tamper with what is working, slowly now, but working! My hair is driving me crazy. I told you it finally quit falling out---and is growing back. The new hair is about 1 1/2 inches, maybe 2...and it looks like hell! Curly little hair everywhere! I am glad, don't get me wrong, you can no longer see my scalp anywhere! But this is not long enough to "do" anything with. My niece by marriage, smart ass that she is, tells me "It is called hairspray and a comb".....I wanted to say so many hateful things to her!!! She is a nail tech with the worst nails you EVER saw! She is no bigger than a minute, and dumber than a box of rocks....seriously! I always try to give her the benefit of the doubt, she had a rough time as a child, her Mom (my BIL's sister) was murdered when she was just a kid--7 I think. She and her brother were bounced from relative to relative from then on. Her Mom was shot, and then put in her car, and the car torched. They never solved the case---and think it was a woman who killed her. She was only like 4'11" and 100 pounds...but she was drug through the house---not carried. Anyway, it is figured some married man she fooled around withs wife was not happy. And now danged if the daughter is not making just as stupid of decisions. She just has no direction---and no drive, going to quit doing nails to work at McDonalds......which is not a bad job, but she spent all her state money to get her license to do nails, and is now quitting that too. So long story ---but I know I shouldn't get pissy with her comments, but Hairspray and a comb? Arrgghh!!! I am not a big "product" user anyway---but give me a break! Oh my---I am truly rambling, it is time for me to go~~will see you all on Sunday! We are off to feel the breeze on our knees! Take care---it'll take me hours to catch up to y'all after that long!!! Kat

The first thought that come to mind when attempting to read this response from Lee was....No wonder there are 3 ex wives! Talk about twisting the facts! The only name calling I saw was YOU calling one of the women here a Dinosaur!!! Then I read TommyO's response, and believe the correct way to respond may be just that, compassion for an obviously imbalanced mental state, be it due to stress, alcohol or other issues. I hope for your sake Lee you find happiness. I too believe you have serious problems. I do not say this from a pissed off standpoint, nor a jealous standpoint, I have been happily married for many, many years. We have grown children and grandchildren, and are thoroughly enjoying finding ourselves again after the kids. I understand the want for companionship, and for the moral support as well as physical support for raising your children with, I do believe with every letter I have typed to you over this though, that you are approaching the issue in a wrong manner, and will simply be headed to divorce #4, and disrupt your sons lives yet again. Good Luck, I believe you will need it. Kat

I'm kind of ignoring that fact---figure if I focus on it too much a plateau is gonna pop up to show me who is boss!!!! LOL But yeah, I am getting excited, I never in my wildest dreams would have imagined that I could lose 100 pounds, and not worry about regaining it! Talk about your fantasies!!!! Kat

AAARRRGGGHHH I just lost my post---full of personals! Last time I think I began with Good Morning Ladies! LOL How irritating! It suddenly took me back to the homepage, and of course what I was working on was gone! Guess I'll try again!!! Jenn--I would have been very surprised if you had not had some weight gain with the new high fiber plan you have begun. The way the fiber works is to bulk things up and in order for that to work it needs added fluid. Once your system begins to "flush" (oh yeah I intended it) out, it should stabalize your weight, and your bathroom habits again. I would ask for Dr. advice if the nutritionist is not helpful as well! Michelle---Sounds like you will have fun tonight. I have never even read a single sentence of any of the books. I am not real sure why, I am an avid reader, usually a couple books going at a time. I don't know if it is that they were based on kids, or if it was the original fervor over it being anti religious or what but I was never drawn in. My step daughter wanted to go to the 1st movie, and we took her, but it made no impression on me, likely because I never read it. I thought about them when we began our summer reading, but thought it too advanced. I read to the girls each day at nap time, and have begun reading "chapter" books to Lindzie, attempting to help her with her recall abilities. She does not remember well. Things have improved some, with the steady daily one on one work we do, and my DD works with her a lot at home. I hope it helps her, I hate the thought of her struggling in school. Hope you guys have fun---take some pictures of you all in costume!! See you after your nap tomorrow!!! Terry--I am going to try to hit Curves sometime today. I am packing us to go to the rally. Rick went to the lake with our son. I could have gone, but opted not to. We will be outside for the rally, in the sun for the next 2 days---I didn't need today too. Plus they are working on the new motor, and I hate rowing, and being around men who are having fits working on something!!! DH controls his temper much better than DS!!! Tracy---girl I am so impressed and proud of you!!! One chip and One chicken taco!!! If I had that control, I'd be at goal now!!! You are soooo good! Pamela---same with you, vacation and one measly hamburger??? I wish for control like y'all have! Hope your appointments go well, and your closet is finished soon. I cannot imagine at this point having a closet that more than one person could fit in!!! Ours is made to walk in....but when we did the first stage of our remodel, we took out one bedroom, and enlarged the living room, when we did that, we lost the bedroom closet, and our living room coat closet.....so guess where it all migrated to!!! Our closets are appalling, but I do know what is in them, and where to find it, they just LOOK horrid! Judy---question! If I wear a WWJD charm, will it scorch my arm if I don't make as good of choices as say Tracy and Pamela????!!! Maybe it would work better for me if it did!!! TracyK---girl you are melting! WTG---Do you feel good? Well I didn't get to everyone this time around---will try to remember what I thought of before---but I need to go and help Lindzie with some math she is stuck on....we moved to double digits! TTYL Kat

Well I had very little to do today when it come right down to it, it was one of the smaller fields, and my son, bless his heart got most of it done last night when he got off of work---I knew he was my very favorite son for a reason!!!! I managed to get laundry done today even!!! I hate the thought of putting winter clothes out already!!! Of course I have another minimally 8 weeks of heat---we broke 100 again today. We put shelves in the girls closets not long ago. We did the 2 rods, and shelves top to bottom on the other side. This allows my DD to hang some of the clothes she would prefer not to be worn daily on the top! My soon to be granddaughter who is 6, would wear fancy dresses every day if allowed! And although it was over 100, she would show up in Christmas velvet!!! I bought both girls weekly organizers for Christmas, they are canvas shelves that hang from the rod, and have the days of the week wrote on them. And a bottom area for shoes. When Amanda does laundry she "dresses" them for the week ahead. She puts an outfit, undies, hair ties, socks....whatever they need for that day, in the shleves, and if they get dressed themselves, then they always match, and if they dilly dally, she can toss it in a bag, and knows when they get here they will have all they need to get dressed. She said it saves her sanity in the mornings! I need something done to MY closets. I got one of those "learn about me" kind of emails, and it ask what was on the floor of your closet---I could have filled a page...depending on which closet!! Ok we are going for a ride......be back later! Yep Betty we know nothing about your foot....do tell! Cindy I am sooooo sorry about Annie....right or wrong, it still hurts. I find myself still looking through the flowers for Bailey! He used to lay in my daylillies, in the cool, and it hid him. So when I watered I was careful not to startle him, or drench him....and I still look out of habit. Will say a prayer for comfort for your family, and I know she is with her Mama again, glad that gives you comfort too! I was thinking my Grandpa was taking care of Bailey now! Rick had to climb in our ditch night before last and rescue a dog. A yellow Lab, got in the ditch---and was headed for a culvert and freaked out. She got loose from someone, was wearing a harness, and leash. She had her front feet all tied up in the leash, and her hind quarters mired in the mud. She growled, but it was in fear, he took a chance, and she was sooooo happy to get out of the water---we have no idea how long she had been there, she was cold, and the Water was up to her neck! We told animal control not to put her down if she wasn't claimed we would take her. No word yet. Ok our riding buddies are here---bbl Kat

I'm home, the hay is done....and so am I for tonight!! Actually it was only one of the smaller fields. Our son got the other one last night, bless his heart, I knew he was my favorite son! I am tired and sore. Going to go for a ride here in a little bit, and then sleep! I will likely check in after we get home from riding---I simply cannot go to sleep early!!!! TTYL--- Kat WWJD.......it fits....she does her BEST to keep us in line....but speaking of Kindergarten...it can't be easy!!!!!

Whew!!!!! Sunta & Ariel---I am so glad you two understood what we have been trying to say! This whole thread makes me think of the old saying about your Mind being like a Parachute, both work best when they are open.... Kat

I know exactly what you mean Terry, I actually enjoy cooking, I just get tired of deciding what the heck to cook. My DIL, when she isn't mad and pouting, is always looking for recipes, and has had me going through some of mine...and I keep going "oh yeah, I forgot about that!!!" Unreal how many of my recipes are for sweets though!!! Back when I had the day care, I did lots of crock pot cooking, and weekend cooking. I would cook a family pack of chicken breast. Now that wouldn't work too well, I have trouble sometimes with reheated meat, it loses its moisture I guess. I now have time most days to plan something for dinner, it isn't always the greatest "diet"wise, but I don't ever eat much in the evening, so it has worked so far!!! Speaking of, I guess I should get my stuff in the crockpot and get going.... Have a good one guys! Kat

I too got the email from Beannie, I am so glad to hear from her! It scares me when someone just disappears like that, I still find myself watching for Donna (DOC). That especially worried with her son in the service. I am just glad Beannie let us know what was going on. Betty glad to have you back!!!! The paint store messed up, and we ended up with a trailer that did not match the bike, but it now matches wonderfully!!! Going to test it out this weekend. We are going to a small rally over the weekend. Called the Fire & Ice rally in Grants NM. This is the 7th year for it, we have made it 6...but y'all can scan the website, and not see me flashin' nuthin'!!! Got the girls pictures done yesterday, then brought them home and a friend come over and all the girls played in the pool all afternoon. Hoping the pictures are ok, I wasn't thrilled, but hoping for the best. Today I will be bucking some bales. We have the back field ready to be put into the barn, before it gets rained on. It threatens rain each evening, but so far only threatened it since we got it baled. The front fields are cut and drying....which is the biggest area, so hoping it dries quickly and can get up tomorrow, so we can go this weekend wthout that hanging over our heads. With these 100+ degree days, it dries quickly! Hoping the conveyor belt makes it, this cut has to go up^ in the barn. We are stacked as high as we can throw it, and are loaded, so nowhere to go but up. If the belt gives out (which is always a possibility on a cheapo operation like this one!!!!) then the real work begins. As it is now each bales gets "handled" at least twice, as it is loaded on the trailer, then again going into the barn. If you have to physically take it up, it is several levels of lifting. Guess either way I will be getting my exercise the next couple of days. Tomorrow afternoon the son wants us to go to the lake with him. He has a new boat. I may beg off if we hay in the morning. I get tired, and the heat only makes it worse!! Hope everyone has a great day!!!! Kat

Terry---today my exercise consisted of a 20 minute program on the elliptical trainer, then I took the girls to the pool, and spent 2 1/2 hours catching a 2 & a 6 year old when they jumped in from the edge, and holding them while the kicked. Holding one, and one holding onto me like a little monkey!!! Kinda took it easy today, tomorrow I will be bucking probably 75 bales at 80 pounds a piece, and moving them minimally 2 times each. Once from the ground to the trailer, then from the trailer into the barn, and we are going up with them this time, so hopefully the conveyor belt holds out---or it will be serious work!!! We also have to try to cut a young bull from the herd...and bib him ( a spiked ring that goes through his nose---not through, but clamps onto it....he is nursing all the cows, and is bullying the calves out of the milk. The mamas don't care for the most part, they just want the relief of the milk being gone. So this ring will gouge the cow everytime he tries to nurse, and he mama cow will kick at him and keep him away from her, eventually he will get tired of being kicked, and let the calves have their own dinner. Anyway we will cut him out, run him into a squeeze chute, squeeze him down, and clamp his dang nose! Glutton! Maybe I needed to be bibbed!!!! I wanted to go to Curves again, but my DD had to work late, so the girls were here late....and then it was time to cook dinner. I felt like the pool worked me pretty good tho! Thank you for making sure I keep it up---I am getting sooooo close, it keeps me motivated! Kat