Kat817

Good Luck in Tunica Laura!!! Haydee, I am glad you felt good about your visit with the Dr. I will be totally honest with you here---I find the prediction quite sad. Yes I do feel Juan owes you more, and that you deserve nothing but the very best, but you have also mentioned many qualities he has that show him to not be all bad. I get that she thinks she can boost your self esteem to a point of not taking any more crap----but could an equally good Dr, not make the negatives of Juans into positives too? I am not anti divorce---obviously, I have done it twice! But I also see that a good relationship is worth fighting for. Only you can decide if it is worth fighting for, and she has never met the man. I fully believe in any situation there are 3 sides, yours-his-and the real issue. Not to say you or Juan are not being honest, you ARE, you are telling her how you see it your way. Which is how it should be----but at the same time, no one is hearing how he sees it. I have no doubt he has issues, and that you have them with him! We all do----Rick has got onto every last nerve I had today! But just like you are re-training yourself to dislike the thought of cake and ice cream using the vinegar.....maybe you BOTH need tools to make it work instead of one of you getting tools to get out. Now that said, I may be all wrong, it would not be the first time. Just please keep your mind open, do not allow a woman you don't know that does not know you, make you rush a decision that could affect the rest of your life. We kept Connor tonight, Ali had a class to attend, and we were not sure our son should be left in charge of a wild 2 year old! He is hurting pretty bad today---so we sent him home to take a pain pill and we brought the boy home with us. He fell asleep on the drive home, and slept until about 15 minutes before his Mom come----he was no fun!!! Tomorrow we are going to go cut a load of wood, and then tomorrow night we are going to the fair, I think Hiway 101 is playing---and old band, but hey it is free!!! LOL!! Make my DH dance with me, since we can shine belt buckles again!!! I have not worn a belt in so long it just feels wierd!!! Y'all enjoy your vinegar!! I am not that brave. I used similar ideas, when I got the cravings that had me hitting the kitchen---I made myself do minimally 5 minutes on the elliptical----eventually it was easier to say nah I don't really want it, so I did not have to get on the damn thing!!!! I did see HUGE body changes with the free weights. Rick made me this thing that I really need to use again to tone my arms. You take a handle they sell for like a hatchet replacement---or a dowel rod about as big around as a hammer handle. You drill a hole in the middle of it, all the way through. Then take a piece of soft rope about 3 foot long and tie on the handle, and on the bottom of the rope tie a 5lb weight. Hold your arms straight out in front of you with the weight hanging down, and slowly and methodically roll it up til the weight is between your hands, then slowly unwind it back down---do not let it spin down on its own. I could barely do it one time when I started!! Now I can go up and down 3 times in a row. Within a week you will see tone in your lower arms---you can see the muscles working as you do it, and you can feel the burn!!! WELL worth the work to build it----it was originally made for Rick by a trainer in Denver. I love the results it made! Haydee, please don't be angry over my honesty. I just know Rick and I both have our faults, but together we have worked through a lot. And we came into this with TONS of baggage each!!! Hugs!!!! Kat

In-laws..........'nuff said. Now mind you I could go on for DAYS!!!! Pathetic thing is I love them dearly, but they make me CRAZY!! And lately seem to take enjoyment out of hurting my feelings..... Kat

I use the DaVinci, and some Torani. I order most of them online. Walmart used to sell a wide variety, but not anymore, so I order them it is like $5 to ship 3 I think, and they arrive quickly. I use them to flavor lots of things! In my tea, or in shakes, I add the flavor to homemade ice cream, or to enhance flavor in a cake. They work really well to flavor mixed drinks! The DaVinci site actually has recipes---Torani might as well, I have not looked. The caramel or English Toffee in my cocoa in the winter, is perfection!!! LOL Kat

TracyK----back in the day, when Manda started Kindergarten I DID cry----I cried the first day because my baby started school, and I cried again the 2nd day because back then they only kept them half a day!!!! Well, we have got nothing done, Rick has been called in to work to sign crap, and stopped to check on our son, and has yet to meander back home, it is beginning to irritate me now!!! I hate the hurry up and wait routine. My neighbor across the street has a broken gas line, makes me a bit nervous! There was a house out by my Mom literally blew up last winter due to a broken gas line---and it was the house across the street from the break! Well I am not directly across, kind of kitty corner. They gave her a cost estimate of 10K to dig up and replace all the lines. And it is not something she can just have anyone dig up---they have to be licensed to dig around the live gas lines. And home owners does not cover anything of it. Yikes that would be a hard pill to swallow! Judy, I know leaving your friends and your choir would be difficult, but in the end, it might come to that. I know I have almost completely quit going and it boils down to the new preacher......and unlike some people it is not an issue to me that this is our first woman pastor. My issue is she has ZERO personality, and is dull in her sermons, she is like a poor teacher, she has pets in the congregation, and they hang out, and she does nothing in regards to the church. My brother has donated his services to the church for 7 years, he does all the groundskeeping. Well he had sprinkler heads get vandalized this year and when he went to her to tell her they needed new ones she seriously ask him "And the church helps with your yard needs because of your handicaps is that it?" She thought he was asking for his own house, in the 2 years she has been here she had no idea he spends EVERY Saturday cleaning and mowing, and working at the church! They have an AA group that uses a classroom, and he even picks up their cigarette butts--by hand! GROSS! She was so surprised to find he did it, she thought it was a lawn company, paid by the church board. We have been going to this church our entire married life, and myself for my entire life! I have been in her congregation many a time, had dinner with her 3 different times, she has been invited to cook outs at my folks house (who are VERY involved with the church) and yet to run into her in the grocery store she cannot call me by name. Maybe we should introduce the 2!!!! Guess I will have ham, cheese and crackers for lunch-Kinsey is eating a corn dog!! Talk later!! Kat

Good Morning girls~~ Well Kinsey got here, and we all went back to bed, and finally got up about half an hour ago!!! Felt so good to snooze late!! Pamela--I know this is going to be a rough day for you, and I am sorry. How are Susanne's toes doing?? Terry---you don't sound like you think those middle steps will work for you!!! Me neither!!! LOL, I can spout all the psychological mumbo jumbo to others, but follow it myself, you MUST be kidding!!! How is the jewelry business going?? TracyKS---Hope your evening went better. Is there any chance of hopping on the bike and going for a ride? That always seems to help Rick and I, being together---where you can feel one another, and yet talking is not an easy thing to do!! It allows us to bridge the gap, then things come easier. Judy---this snoopy old busy body wants to know what is on the Pastors mind as well!!! Makes me go hmmmmmmm I have one of the old windows you mentioned, and it has an old farm scene on it, in the distance you see the barn and windmill, I love it dearly!! It makes me feel very calm to look out my window!! Laura---where you at? How did they react at work to your tersely worded email, I have been wondering, and forgetting to ask you!!! Michelle---how did round up go? What is your plan for your windfall yardsale money??? Stash for our Violet trip?? TracyK--so you have an older dsd? Or is it the one that usually comes, that is old enough? Babysitting nowadays where someone can be reached at any time with a cell phone is a whole new ball game! Yeah pun intended!! Haydee---Do you have a wedding this weekend? The opening of the new location must have proceeded without many more glitches, because you have been busy doing EVERYTHING else. I cannot imagine you cleaning out your folks place AND hosting a wedding, but then again, you ARE SUPER HAYDEE!! Suzanne--So what do you think, was the pool worth the wait? How are your toes feeling? And the knee? You make me feel bad, already planning a project for the Violet gift!! I have Christmas to get through first!! Jane--busy weekend for you? I always try to book my hair appointment during the week because Lori has so many that work and can only get in on the weekend, she is always rushed that day!! Have you had any more heart issues---palpitations, or shortness of breath?? Denise---how are those grandsons? Did your DD get the issue with her gall bladder dealt with? Jenn---you have us all wondering.....did Kev move in? Are you locked in the bedroom? Did you meet a new Mr. Wonderful? Are you locked in the bedroom? Let us know-------we are a nosy group!!! Well I need to go get dressed.......I will check in later on ladies. Have a great day!!! Hugs~~ Kat

I was such a good bandster today!!! While everyone ordered from Subway, I had a salad. Tonight, I had a taco and refried beans. I was sooooooo busy the rest of the day, I didn't even snack!!! I kept water with me because it was so hot, and I drank lots, and worked hard!! I never ever got hungry, felt full until mid day, then just comfortable until we went to dinner. Proving most of my snacking is boredom!! We got the trees cut, the flowers moved and replanted, the swingset moved and set up, the sandbox relocated, and a trailer full of shrubbery and JUNK!!!! We will take it to the landfill tomorrow. The yard looks HUGE at this point! Of course we are going to take up a good part of it with a shop this next week, but really the part they are putting the shop in has been taken up with kids stuff and storage junk....so it will not really limit me in space of the yard we use. Once it is in, we plan to add on to 2 sides, creating a porch area on the one side, and additional covered work space in the other. The side I get will house the picnic tables, and have a drop down leaf in the center section so I can use it like a buffet at any time, and when not in use, it will simply be part of a partial wall. That porch area will be 24' long, and about 12' wide. His covered area which will house his compressor, drill press etc----will be 18' wide and at this point it looks like about 12' deep. So....I am getting some MUCH needed space back in my house!! His bikes going in there, will allow me to move exercise equipment to the attached garage----and out of the playroom. I can put my sewing machine back up, and have some space....and most importantly I can quit whacking my ankle bones on the damn weight bar!!!!! YAY!!!! Of course there is still lots of work ahead of us.....that is many a weekend of mixing and pouring cement!! I will remind myself that it does count as exercise when I do it!!! LOL I have Kinsey tomorrow---she loves those days she is here and Papa is off.....last time she proposed to him!!! She ask him if she could marry him when she gets growed up!!! TracyKS----is he making you feel like you caved by coming home? I wish you luck in dealing with all the little nuances that fighting that way brings out. In some ways it makes me think about a joke I read not long ago, I wish I had saved it. I know your life is not a joke, and I DO know he behaved like an ass---but the gist of the joke is that as women we overanalyze everything. And when Rick and I fight, I TOTALLY do!!! The joke was centered around 2 journal entries, hers and his. Apparantly the counselor they were seeing had them journaling---so hers begins that he was extremely quiet and withdrawn, and she worries that there is someone else, and that he is thinking this or that, and what if this.....and she details every move she makes to try to draw him out of the funk he is in, and details what all they had for dinner in an effort to please him, and how NOTHING is working. Then she goes on to say she seduced him, and in the end is sure the relationship is doomed. The journal entry is looooooooong and detailed. Then comes his entry.....something like this. Day started out bad, got my ass chewed at work, but day ended ok, got laid. END OF STORY Fits me to a T!!!! Hope the girls help you find your jumpers TracyK---what an amazing show of support! And isn't it nice when the "what can I do to help?" question is so simply answered!!!! Wish we could as easily help with the baseball game issue! Well guess I will head to bed, so I can get up with the girlie in the morning! Will check in then----Rick has an appointment to get his teeth cleaned, so I know I will have at least a few minutes to log on in the morning!!! LOL before he gets my butt moving again. Being lazy is soooooo much easier!!! Kat

Hi girls! Just stopping in to let you know my sons surgery is over, and all went well, he is home now resting. Surgeon (who looked to be 13 years old!!) said it was a bad one, and was scar tissued up pretty badly, but he got it worked back in and meshed, so he only has a 10% chance of it popping again. Welcome to our little corner of LBT Sheri! Great, wonderful women here!! While on that....Lubterp I see you here a lot, why don't you join us as well....introduce yourself and hang out! TracyKS---I am late chiming in since I was gone, and all the good words are taken for your hair, so I will just say.....Dayum girl, it looks GREAT!!!!!!!!!! I too think Charles is gonna flip flop his opinion on it! I AM controlling to a point. I kept telling Rick he ought to try to go without his goat (goatee---small close cropped beard), and mustache that he has worn for years). He did not want to, saying he liked it--I pushed and he finally walked out of the shower one night without them, I about croaked--I absolutely unequivicably HATED it!! He looked so wierd to me! His lipe looked too long, and he looked older---of course I did not say any of these things to him! But I did quickly tell him he was right, I missed the tickle when he kissed me!! He has it to this day. He has to shave the beard once a year for a mask fitting at work, because he is part of the hazmat team, and some spills or problems require a solid sealed mask to be worn, so he has to be fitted yearly and it requires him to be clean shaven where the mask fits. I still hate it when he shaves!! He has to keep a way to shave at work at all times, he has an old electric razor in his locker for himself or any others--that has only ever been used so people can be fitted for masks! LOL I hope Charles is as blown away by being wrong as I was!!! You do look wonderful, and it does bring out your eyes! Well I am off to dig up lillies, and peonies....all being displaced by the new shop. We have 2 trees to cut down as well. One an ancient apple tree that would probably not make another 2-3 years, and the other a rogue elm tree that sprouted, where we could not get to it, but removing all the things we must for the shop--we can get to it, and eliminate it!! Hope my plants make it. I need Judy to come and 'design' my yard!! Pamela---enjoy your time with Susanne, maybe soon you 2 can quit with the separations!! If Rick gets the new job he is thinking of applying for he will be traveling again....not sure I like that, but he is looking for a challenge....and this one pays half again what he makes now....which would be huge! TracyK---hope all goes well with Mom. I sure do wish I was close enough to help with Macy!! Have you tried looking on line for the jumpers since you have an idea what you need? Looks like Rick is ready for me, a shovel with my name on it------------yeeehaw!! LOL BBL~~ Kat

Terry---if you don't get it, I do have it, and will send it as soon as my server is up again, I tried and it is still unavailable--------AAAAGH LOL Kat

Hi gals, I am home. What a day! I am totally exhausted. Kinsey did not go to sleep last night....until who knows when. Finally after midnight I put her in bed with us, and the little imp was laying there wide awake, happy, but awake for forever! Then she is a cuddler, she is a velcro kid, you have to peel her off, and when you get one section peeled off, another has re-latched on! I am used to sleeping nekkid, and cuddling is fine, but when it is time to sleep, I want my space!!!! So I was in a gown, which is too wierd, and she is plastered against me so if I try to move, I can't---and she is like a miniature furnace!!! I last looked at the clock at 1:42 AM---and the alarm went off at 4 AM! I had serious doubts about staying awake and driving!! Daybreak is usually the worst for me, but today it was coming home! But Dad got good reports, we go back in 6 months, and if he still checks out well---then we drop to yearly check ups. He was thrilled with Dads weight loss, he is back down to 210, and he is 6'4"---used to be taller til they fused his back!! So it was a good trip. We staggered in the door, and I told Kinsey she could watch cartoons on Granny's bedroom TV, I needed a nap----but the phone rang a dozen times, and then Manda showed up, then my brother showed up....so I said to heck with it, and I am up and waiting for Rick to get off so he can take me to dinner, I am too tired to cook! TracyK---I think I deserve the chastising, I know you were early on board......I am bad, I am old and forgetful.....and I am sorry. If you must beat me over it---use my Grandma's old stand by----a wet noodle! Who the hell knows what come over me??? I am a blonde at root level I guess!!! TracyKS---do what you need to do for you. I don't want to see you roll over and play dead, and jump through hoops and all that, nor do I want to see you throw away what you wanted----so take things a step at a time, and be fair to both of you---but first and foremost, protect you and Robbie, and that means physically as well as emotionally. We are all here, and will be---many of us having been there before, and some going through similar emotions as you are now. Love and Hugs to you as you muddle through it all! The server hosting my email with msn is down.....aaarrrggghhh!!! Well I left suddenly yesterday to check a name that I believe to be one of my LBT stalkers. Pissed me off! Still does, but also makes me laugh. I do not change the things I say. I cannot imagine taking the time that you could have developing your own support system and using it to read about someone elses instead--what a sad excuse for a life! I think the worst part is I invited them in the beginning, and for over a year, I mentioned it to them, but they pooh-poohed the whole thing, and now they follow me around and read what I say. Like I have such interesting things to say!! Besides you all know when I want to share the good stuff, I have your email!!!!! LOL!! I could do the TX thing again if we chose that. If you want to look further into something in Colorado, we can do that too---I am easy---just ask Rick!!! Sorry 'bout the smashed boobies Pamela. Mine is in October! It used to be in August too, I did it for my birthday (yeah right!!! yuck!) but then when the cancer thing happen, and my follow ups come bi annually for 3 years before dropping to annually---and they ended up in October, so that is when I go, although my first all clear come in September, I will hit my 5 year mark next year.....refuse to use the "C" word until it is 5 years!!! Rick said his secretary caused all kinds of ruckus at work today---guess I will hear all about it in a few minutes, he is on his way home. He is off the next several days. Son has surgery at 8 AM tomorrow, and who knows what the next several days have in store, so expect me when ya see me!!! I will check in often---for now, I am going to go relax a bit. Huuuuggggsss! Kat

The dates work for me....at this point I don't have a lot on the calendar for next summer, so I can put it there, and work around it!! I am not sure about how far it is from Colorado Springs, but there is a place we went gambling up in the mountains, called Blackhawk. They have busses that run from the city up, you buy a ticket for the bus, and it includes a book of coupons for extra coins (like buy a roll of $10 and get $2 free) And a free hot dog at another casino, a free tshirt here, or a free pull there---and then you can ride back. It is really nice if you plan on having anything to drink, you are not driving in the winding mountain roads. We only went to Blackhawk once, but used to go to Central City all the time from Denver. For the life of me I can not remember the name of the other half of Central City---it seems the town is split in half due to county lines, so even some casinos are built in 1 building but are in 2 towns and counties. We always had fun up there! They are mostly large chain casinos. You are having a run of bad luck with things Jane!!! But at least it is things breaking for you, as opposed to Suzannes run of breaking toes, and bones!!! You girls better get together and get over it all!! We took Kinsey to the fair, and to the carnival, once again Granny rode all the kiddie rides. Was lots of fun, way more people out there today though which sucked!! The other day there were no lines, and Connor got to ride a lot more than Kinsey did in the allotted time. Now I am just wasting time sitting in here, hoping she will drop off to sleep so I can go to bed. I remember being a kid at my Grandma's and hating going to bed in a quiet house. I learned to go to bed early, so I could relax and go to sleep before she and Grandpa shut everything down, then it was too dark, and too quiet, yet too many wierd noises!!! Kinsey just come in for another hug and kiss!! We have had several and several books, finally I turned the TV on in her room, and hoping she goes to sleep, 4 AM is going to come very early!! I ate a hamburger patty with tons of green chile tonight!!! I ate about half. No bun, nothing but HOT green chile and hamburger with a little cheese. For lunch I had the salad that upset my stomach! Midday Kinsey and I had SF popsicles. I also had a handful of almonds. For breakfast I ate a small bowl of Basic 4 cereal. I drank lots of water today, would not even hazzard a guess!! 7-8 bottles, then water at lunch.....exercise again consisted of lots of walking and climbing in and out of rides!! Was lots of fun though. Now tho my green chile is giving me serious heart burn!!! All in all a pretty good day, no real cheating, normal, mostly healthy foods. My allergies are killing me! I want to scratch my eyes out..... So.....we have not heard from the Tracy's, Jenn, or Denise, and while we have heard from some of the others, we have not heard if those dates will work...... Y'all throw ideas and all around tomorrow and I will read all about them when I come home!!! Unless someone wants to drive to Albq. for me and let me sleep in!!! LOL See ya when I get back! Kat

Several of the women on the board began the WLS by buying themselves a charm bracelet, and for every so many pounds they add a charm. Personally, I didn't do it by how much weight was lost, I would find something I really liked, and as soon as it fit, I would buy it!! I refused to buy it in the current size. A couple of times it was sold by the time I would have fit, but that happens!!! I would find another item. Right now I have my eye on a new leather jacket!!! If it fits when I hit my goal, I will buy it----if not, then I keep working til it does or til it is gone!!! My DH told me he was going to buy it for my B-day this weekend, I told him he was to do no such thing!!! LOL When I get to where I am happy with my weight, whether that is my goal, or a few pounds less, I am taking a weekend getaway with my DH to Celebrate. Although we seem to be doing a lot of celebrating!!! Kat

I'll be back later to talk to y'all. Kat

I in no way meant that SO's should not come, just saying mine probably will not. His siblings are trying to get us to join them in Vegas next month, and he refused. They also want us to go on a cruise to Hawaii with them next Spring, and he refused. Now I know his reason for not going.....but I also think he will feel like if he refused that he should not do this. But I might be able to talk him into it, but I will not push him. I am excited to go to see all of you, he knows no one but me!!! And he can see me free at home!!! LOL Be back in a minute, gotta go look at something. Kat

Blender for sure!! TracyKS---sounds to me as though he needs a massive Violet smack up side the head! Ironically, I have no doubt you can do it without him, but wonder seriously with his sons issues, if he could manage without you. Big hugs to you, and if you end up with "snoopers" on LBT like I have----yeah I know you read this---then just know at least YOU have a life, apparantly they do not!!! If this is going to be super expensive this time around we definitely need to begin planning now!!! Think I will re-open my second savings account anyway. Lately any extra went into DH's savings for his shop we are having built the 22nd. But once it goes up-----then we have additional expenses, so it might be beneficial to me to start saving in my own account now!! We have to keep in mind the added expense this time of flying, we have to pay to check bags, and ticket prices have went waaaay up. Went to Target with my Mom, and we stopped in Applebees for lunch. I had a small salad, and it made me soooooo sick at my stomach! Or at least something did. It is taking serious concentration, not to lose it all! I don't hurt like you are talking about Laura, but my stomach feels like it is on a roller coaster in there. A beach sounds nice....but depending on where it is and when---I am iffy!!! Phoenix in June is just plain miserable. Now at the resort Michelle linked it might be shaded enough to be tolerable, because it looked beautiful!!! I may be a wimp but when it exceeds 110 degrees, and might possibly cool to 85 at night, I am just plain grouchy!!! Abbey lived in Phoenix when she was in school, and I just flat out refused to go see her after Spring. We did it twice---twice I ended up burned to a crisp---and half sick from heat. I mean where I am we break a hundred regularly---but it is nothing like that last 10 degrees~~ I guess! Maybe it would be different now with me not being so heavy too!!! Hadn't thought about that!! I sure could use a nap, but doubt Kinsey is up for one yet!! I have to leave for Albq. in the morning about 4:30. It normally only takes me about 3 hours, but the last 30 minutes of our drive will jump to 1-1.5 hours because I am going into the main throughfare at 8 AM rush hour traffic. Laura, I am going to Presbyterian Hospital off of Central at 8 AM, coming in down I-25. So you know it will take twice as long.....I cannot get it through my Moms head to schedule his appointments with these things in mind. They schedule 6 months in advance she should be able to get a mid morning, so I am not fighting traffic!!! And we are taking Kinsey, so she will sleep most of the way, then doing some shopping, after the Dr. and heading home. PAMELA!!! I just got a post card too!!! And it is I Love Lucy---and one of my all time favorite episodes!!! Vitameatavegimen!!! Have you seen the boxed set of Lucy and Ethel Barbie style dolls of them in the candy factory---the dolls even look like they have their cheeks stuffed!! My nieces all call me Aunt Lucy. To go of course with Uncle Ricky! My MIL is a TRUE Texan of her time. Most Mothers would have named him Rick and called him Ricky as a small boy....not her, his given name is Ricky. And he hates it!!! He goes by Rick---I call him Ricky on occasion to tease him. And Manda calls him that kinda. When she was in 5th grade she decided she wanted to be called Mandi----with an I -------she always said it that way....Mandi with an I. So he calls her "Mandi with an I" and when he does she pops right back by calling him Ricky with a Y. Good thing they love one another, they bicker all the time! I was wondering about a June trip with your new side business Haydee! We definitely need to decide so you can block out the dates----if that is going to be ok with everyone. Terry is your Mom settling in any better?? Glad the AC is working again Jane! HAPPY BIRTHDAY MACY~~~Mom be on the lookout, we sent a card. Gonna go walk a bit see if my stomach feels any better. BBL~~ Kat

Works for me. And my only spa experience was in Arizona with a couple of girlfriends years ago----we loaded up 3 women, 7 kids, in 2 vans, and headed out! We went to Arizona where one of them had a sister, where we went to the spa thing---cost us a fortune! And that was supposedly with the sisters discount! From there we went to CA---did all the Sea World, Universal, Disney Land, San Diego Zoo, went over into Tijuana Mexico, then back through Vegas for a few days, around the Grand Canyon and home. Took 2 weeks, and one of our vans broke down 45 miles from home the last day!!! But the spa cost more than our rooms in CA at Disney! Now this was 10 years ago--Manda was 16, she and her friend Laura who went with us, because all of my friends kids were younger. She and Laura babysit for them when we went anywhere to earn money to spend on our trip. They were so put out, they wanted Mexico to be the last stop next time, so they had more money to spend there!! They bought knock off Oakley sunglasses, and thought they were sooooo coooool!!! So did my son when they brought him home a pair!! Then he was all pouty he chose not to go---the idea of babysitting turned him off! LOL These trips without kids, are so much quieter!!! Terry is right that there are some beautiful places around Colorado Springs---normally it would not take long to get from DIA in Denver to the Springs, but on a Friday it would take probably a minimun of 2 hours. It is all interstate driving, but it is a mass exodus out of the city on Friday. If you want mountains and quiet, even the area near me, in Durango would provide that---and have enough low key entertainment for a weekend. Something we might look into in either of the places would be ski resorts----the condo's they have often have huge hot tubs, and are rented much, MUCH cheaper through the summer months! I know our ski resort here advertises them but not sure on prices. They offer ski lift sight seeing, for picture ops of the mountains. And here they have an Alpine Slide going during the summer----a cemet bobsled slide. But the summer months are off season. Which is good for cost. Summer will be off season all over Colorado except Denver, which is never off season. They have every sport covered with a professional team---a Six Flags Park---it is just never off season! In Colorado Springs, you CAN go to the north pole in June though!!! And we could all sit on Santa's lap (pooooooor Santa!) and tell him what we want for next Christmas!! I have pictures of my DD, Abbey freaking out I mean her eyes are like saucers--as a reindeer nibbles at her bare belly under her dress!!! Fun memories! Doing a load of laundry then I have to get myself ready to go to town and get some things done. I have to buy a rosebush to take across to my neighbor, her Father passed away. She come over a couple weeks ago, and was telling me she was planning a trip to Austin so her Dad and sister could meet the new baby. Next thing I knew she was gone, house was shut up tight. Come to find out the next day they called and her Mom woke up to find her 57 year old Dad in bed dead. He never got to see the new baby. So she has a yard full of roses, that she spends a lot of time with, so Rick and I thought we would do that, rather than a potted plant. So sad.....it was a heart attack they think. Good reason for us to all get this weight off girls! So far I have a bottle of water in, and plan to go eat a bowl of cereal when I finish this post. Rick hung up my hammock swings----and I can sit in them!!! They have a weight limit of 225----but they looked kinda iffy---but I can do it! Well I better get going, or I simply won't do it!!! LOL sad but true!!! Kat

With my daughter, it was fairly easy, she was born the end of November, so we always combined family celebrating her birthday with Thanksgiving. It has actually been on Thanksgiving Day a few times----well every few years it rolls around. We would bake a cake to have along with all the pies, and the family celebrated then. We had the usual 1st birthday cake for her that she got to eat with her own hands---a small version of a bigger cake---but it was just the family and friends that gathered for the holiday anyway! We did it that way until she turned 4---and had attended several other kids parties and wanted her own! So she was allowed to have a tea party birthday party and invite 4 friends. For her 5th birthday we went to a local fast food party place---and she had 5 friends! One friend for every year. We stuck to that rule until she decided, a sleepover was what she wanted----and we went back to 4-5 girls, and that was IT!!! We never had the clowns and the big huge party favor themed parties! Then when DH and I married, I had a birthday in Sept., one in Oct., and hers in Nov. it was steady!!! So we could NOT go overboard crazy!!! Our kids are still not greedy people. My DIL likes to have the HUGE parties. My grandson turned 2 in March, and she rented a room at a local restaurant, had 3 big transformer cakes, and close to 50 people there!!! It was chaos, we didn't enjoy it, neither did he for that matter. There have been divorces, and remarriages on both sides, so exes were everywhere you looked---it was silly and unnecessary. They live in a small home, and were inundated with gifts, too many clothes to wear before he outgrew them, and little cars, he would never have time to play with them all. DD has a child born 2 days after her own birthday----so she just does it like was done with her----celebrates on Thanksgiving. Wonder if she planned that??!!! Kat

Wanted to stop in and say goodnight to everyone. We went on a long ride---up into the mountains, it was so pretty---we got started, then decided to make a run up to a local reservoir, to a unique little restaurant we go to once or twice a summer usually. It had these bizarre trophy rooms, had animals from our area, but also water buffalo, and lions----and then in the main part they had prehistoric relics found in our region, and every inch of wall was covered in autographed photo's. In the women's restroom when you went in you thought someone was there, it always startled me, and it was a life size Marilyn Monroe thing that when the bathroom door opened it started the air that blew up her skirt! There was a buffalo out back ---live----just wierd things everywhere you went...and Chana and Jason the couple we were riding with had never been, so off we went, it is like 70 miles into Colorado. We get there, and it is closed down, you can see in the windows, it is GONE! The general store said they never opened this year. Made me so sad!! A few years ago there were terrible wild fires in the area, burned hundreds of homes, and was down to the other side of the highway where the restaurant is---which sits right off the water. The electricity of course was gone, and the owner of the restaurant, gathered all the grills he could find, and began cooking everything in the restaurants freezers, feeding firemen. He also went around to all the neighbors who had evacuated, and took their livestock down to the lake and tied them up out in the water to his marina. There are burned stumps in all directions, but his place survived, as did all the animals he rescued. Now his restaurant is gone, and the general store people were rude and hateful about us asking-----makes me wonder what happened! I have no idea what all could be done in Denver, I am sure there is lots, but we have the issue of no one being in the area, for transportation etc. The extra travel days on top of the trip might be an issue with me next summer as well, I'll just have to see. I will do whatever I can to be there tho, that is a given! I mentioned the trip to Rick, and he just kind of looked at me, like I had grown a second head or something!! He is used to me mentioning all of you like you live next door----but I don't think he ever expected to be part of a trip! He said he has 5 weeks paid vacation, and a week of bought flex time, so if I can work out all we need to do with that and manage it, he guessed he could do it. Point being, I don't think he is like frothing at the bit to go on our outing!! Although I talked so much about our Gruene trip, and San Antonio----I think he wants to do that! LOL go figure men out!! So whatever our plans, if DH's go----I wouldn't count on all of them, mine might not be there. I mean I know if I seriously wanted him there, he would do it no questions ask---but since I only want him there for this and not that, I think he is ambivalent about it. We have never vacationed separately before I told him---his response was this isn't really a vacation, it is me seeing my friends for a weekend! Now 'splain that one!!! I guess I better get to bed, Kinsey will be here early, and I have a busy few days ahead. Talk to y'all tomorrow.......nighty night! Kat

I know ZIP about facebook! Tracy---------shame on you!!!! You did not give us warning that Macy was having a birthday! Now her card will be late! Tell her the Violets are just s l o w!!!! Just give my Dad a haircut so he could go to a church thing tonight----and look better he said!!! He is so funny! Rick is home.....BBL Kat

Y'all did it......made me jealous, I wanna go to the pool party!! It just isn't fair!! Although I did have a good time last night. We have the county fair going on, and all the local, or at least local branches of the oilfield companies have a big BBQ cook off. With my DH, and our kids we had ties to 5 different groups!!! And of course Dad was competing hot & heavy against the kids and heaven help them if they called him for cooking advice or the girls wanted something for decorating, he gave them such grief!!! We had lots of fun, and ate lots of good food, you buy your plate, then you can sample any and all you want from all the different companies. They judge for bbq pork, bbq beef, ribs, side dishes, and booth decoration. Then they had the Fair Queens and her group polling to get a peoples choice as well. We did that, had lots of fun, then I took my grandson Connor to the carnival! The NSV here, is that not only did I fit into my adult size rides--and DID--I rode the Zipper again a first in 25 years! BUT I also fit to take Connor on the kiddie rides, he was so small he had to have an adult take him----and I fit! On these little planes, we were on, there were 2 girls in front of us, about 7ish. Into being the center of attention etc. So when the ride began they started screaming, and putting their hands in the air---like you do on a roller coaster. Well Connor thought that was the way to do---so he screamed and threw his hands in the air-------on everything!! Including the carousel!!! People laughed at him all night long, I had the best time!!! At one point, the kids were tearing down their booth, and my inlaws had left, and so Rick and I took Connor to the carnival by ourselves, was sooooooo nice, he behaved so much differently without his parents!!! Tomorrow night we are taking Kinsey----they had another work related thing to attend last night. Then she is spending the night, because I have to take my Dad to Albq. on Tuesday and our back up plan fell through last night as for a babysitter for her! Then on Wed. my son has hernia surgery. So it will be a busy week, if you don't hear from me. Trish, glad to hear Mom is improving. Hope your Dad decides to go, but places with lots of people can be really overwhelming to older people---and the thought of the bleachers might make him uneasy too, fear of falling. We just hosted the Connie Mack (HS age) World Series in our town, and we had an older man fall in the bleachers one night, and when I took the ice over, waiting for them to transport him--he kept saying, "I was afraid I was gonna fall, I am always afraid I am gonna fall" --- so your Dad isn't alone if he backs out of going. Betty, do you have an idea of a time frame now for surgery?? Sherry---we are going for a late afternoon, early evening ride today---we won't make 200 miles, no time for that. BUT Rick is off beginning on Tuesday, and I get to choose activity for the weekend (my birthday---MY choice!!) so I might choose to go somewhere cool-----into the mountains for my day!!!! Everyone else take care---Eileen it is the weekend---where ya at? Jessica, keep up the good work---Diane---take another nap & go back to Pats and have fun for ME!!!!! Y'all take care, I'll check in later!! Hugs~~ Kat

Good Morning my Gal Pals!!! Yep it is still morning here---just after 10! I slept in, read the paper, and it was time for a Violet Fix!! So Terry---what part of Colorado are you interested in? Something rural, or urban? I mean, there is always the Denver area---with lots to do.....and Colorado Springs is about the same distance there as our moving around in Texas was. Denver would be the biggest Airport to fly into. There are lots of small places in Colorado as well.......places with natural hot springs, old steam engine narrow guage trains to ride....and most of them will have similar arts & crafts shows at different times through the year. I am sure there are websites we could look. I am close to the Durango area, but not "up" on anything much north of that!! We do hit a little mining town---Silverton or Ouray (you-ray) some----awesome mountains! Love to ride them! They have some absolutely freaky scary jeep trips into 14,000 foot mountain passes!!! Incredible thing to do! I am a chicken and I managed it!! LOL It is actually a large open jeep--on a hummer style---we had like 9 of us in one jeep and 7 in another following at a family reunion trip years ago. Hadn't thought about that in a long time!! Tuesday I have to take my Dad to Albq. for a check up, and Wed. my son has hernia surgery---could be a wild week coming up! Got my picture entered. Was getting lots of laughs and comments already. The background composition will likely knock it out of ribbon range....but I am not doing it to win a ribbon, I want to be able to tell Connor I put it in the county fair when he gets old enough to embarrass!! Suzanne, I am so sorry you are dealing with the issues with your nephew. I know there is little else you can do, but at least he does now know that someone is going to be watching him closer. It is such an emotional thing----to have someone you love not only take something from you, but for it to be something that could cause him harm. Big hugs to you----I know the heartache we went through when our son went through a period of drug use. It thank heavens did not last long, nor did he get seriously--as in unable to help himself--addicted, but it was a nightmare just the same. Michelle---glad you made some cash at your sale. Whenever we have a yard sale, I am always amazed at some of the people. I actually had people in pajamas---and not kids, dressing like they do now, actual pajamas and slippers!! Some REALLY wierd characters!!! I agree (back to our next get together) on setting something up early--then if we need to or want to, we can do like Michelle did, and have a sale or something, start stashing funds for it. Plus get it marked off on our calendars early---before they get backed up. Kinsey begins dance class this week----she is so excited!!! How much ya wanna bet she stands still and won't do a thing out of fear when it finally gets here??!! She will relax eventually! She does the Bella Dancerella thing (a dance video, with the ballet bar, etc) at home all the time, and actually follows it well!!! Well I am going to go find something to eat. Yesterday I had an orange for breakfast yogurt and granola later then ate nothing until the BBQ where I had several samples of pulled pork, and some pork loin, and a beef rib, about 1/4 of an ear of corn, a spoon of baked beans, a sausage stuffed jalapeno.....and a spoon of peach cobbler!!!! I mostly ate a bite of this and a bite of that---I know it sounds like tons, but I really did not go crazy!! I drank tons of water, probably 8 bottles of water and a 44 ounce lemonade! And I walked a LOT and rode rides!!! Love that kind of exercise!!! Kat

Yes Pamela there really is a Texico-----If you look on a map, find Lubbock, TX---then find Clovis, NM----and look right on the border! It is not much, a small place---blink and you miss it-- but it is there! We had a great time at the BBQ cook off, food was plentiful, and yummy, and saw lots of people we know. Took Connor to the carnival! Manda had her company picnic today as well, so she went there, and Jason went to the cook off, but Kinsey chose to go with her Mama. I am getting bad feelings about Jason.....gonna keep them to myself as far as Manda goes right now, but told Rick, and now you guys. Connor had an absolute blast! It is the first time he has been tall enough even to ride with an adult. So I took him on all the kiddie rides, and my DIL and I rode a few things til she got sick. I fit in all of them----even in the kiddie rides with Connor. At one point it almost reduced me to tears. We were on these little airplanes that go up and down, and there were these little girls in front of us, about 7 years old. They were all into the screaming on the rides, so they would scream when it went up and throw their hands in the air. He thought that a wonderful idea, so everything we went on he did it---including the carousel!! He was such fun, I totally enjoyed it! Rick's siblings are leaving tomorrow! His brother did some light fixture updating today that did make a huge improvement. And he built a brace so he could put in the microwave hood range---which looks great as well. The cabinets still look like crap, but to late to fix that! I think tomorrow I am going to be lazy!!!! I am totally looking forward to it! I will check in with all of you then----hugs! Kat

Even in our little area we had a baby born at 8:08 yesterday!!! But he weighed in at 8 lbs. 6 ounces-------------quite surprised a nurse didn't put a thumb on the scale!!! Well the series is over---and it was not bad, didn't really end the way I hoped but the best team won as they say!!! Today I head out to enter my picture in the fair, although Rick does not think they will allow it due to the nudity! Then I will join him at the BBQ cook off--he is already there, getting the grill set up----it is on it's own trailer......and can be manned by as many as 12-15 people at one time! One of the teams has a grill like you see on the cooking channel, it looks like a giant smoking gun! I helped make 36 cobblers last night! In the HUGE commercial size baking pans, 24"X30" easily!!! Barely fit in my oven! Also spent some time out at the inlaws. They are "finishing up" and left the mess to go paint the porch. Meanwhile there are paint smears left all over the walls, and the cabinets did not get polyeurthaned ----so cannot be washed without the paint washing off as well-----smart for a kitchen doncha know!! The baseboards were forgot so someone smeared, and I do mean smeared some paint on them, but they look absolutely horrible! They planned to have a dinner out there, so I got my stuff made and took it out, only to find, that they had decided to put up a new range hood with a microwave in it (on a wall with no support....) so had a mess and the stove was out of use! It was chaos, but nice to see my other SIL and BIL. So what does everyone have planned for the weekend? Isn't TracyKS due back? Hope you had a great time!!!!! Hugs to all---will check on you later!! Kat

Brad, you are SO right! Almost everyone who has eventually reached a wonderful restriction says it was a tiny adjustment that did it! I was one of the lucky ones who reached that spot early on, but still did not imagine it to be such a difference! My band is the 9.75 ml., that holds a max of 4cc.'s so it is a smaller band---most of the new ones are the larger band, my surgeon told me they are better for your stomach, less issues with slippage or erosion. But mine is fine for me! Anyway, my first fill was 1.25cc's---and it did little if anything as far as restriction, it seemed like I had to remember to eat slower is all. So a month later, back I went---and he only gave me .50 cc. One half? That is less than half of what I got the first time, and I just knew it had been a waste of time (6 hour drive one way to be filled) and money. Well my fill Dr. puts you on liquids for a day or so following a fill, so it is really hard to judge right away. But boy let me tell you when I finally ate again, I KNEW what restriction was!!! For a week or so, I could eat no more than 5-6 bites a meal! I had 6 meals a day, but was getting scared, because the weight was dropping, but I did not feel like I was getting enough in for proper nutrition! Eventually it relaxed, and I have never had another fill! I am in fact totally unfilled at this point, having it removed back in early May preparing for my TT----and have not had a need to refill yet. Restriction is so individual, if you will just relax, and take it slow--small increments, but STEADY---------keep seeing the Dr. and letting him/her tweak it just a bit, you WILL find a spot that makes doing this with the band---a VERY doable thing!! Kat

So glad to hear things are working out for you. It will also be interesting to see, since you will be so close, and in the neighborhood---exactly what the plan for your place is.......I am nosy so I would want to know!!! I would also be hoping they get terrible renters next time!!! LOL Like I say --- glad it worked out for you! Good Luck in your new place! Kat

Congratulations!!!! Have you any idea of a date yet??? Let the fun begin!!! I love my band, and would (and do) highly reccommend it!! Welcome to LBT, and we look forward to having you in Bandland!! Kat