ocotillo

Lori, it's still early for you, but Apples, you are still up? Don't you get up before the chickens?

Evening ladies...it's taking a while to finish all the posts. Cheri, condolences on the loss of that little boy. How sad for you and all the people that knew him. I wish you all peace in the aftermath. My mind has just gone blank............duh................... I've been running around like crazy the last couple of nights. Our friend is moving to Spokane so we spent the last 2 nights with her and helping her with some stuff. Work is very busy and I spent this afternoon outside and it was HOT, so I'm a little burned out tonight. Didn't get my walk in either so now I'm thinking I need to get up earlier than normal and try and walk. It's going to be hot all week. Vegas, so you early morning arrivers are going to meet and wait for rides? It's about 300 miles from Phoenix or 400 miles from Tucson. I'm debating whether I should get a room for Thursday night, then I can be there to pick you up when you get in. Votes? Phyl, yes, we live in a cul-du-sac and you will be able to turn the RV with the car attached around. No problem. Melissa, good luck on the job. Jodi, really like your thoughts about getting issues worked out in this life, etc. Limo huh? Nice!! Laurak, congrats on the no cigarettes. That's an accomplishment. Laura, some days are like that. You will get your routine down and everything will fall in place. Darn car trouble. DH's broke down last week...fuel pump issue. Sorry about your Dad, hope he starts feeling better. Janet, it's interesting that Andrew is talking to you more now. He loves you and can't take you for granted now. Linda, glad your SD is getting better. I really hope she gets her stuff together and starts taking care of herself and her daughter. That little girl is a gift not to be thrown away lightly by not taking care of herself. Apples, glad you are back again. Harvest is almost here again and then you will be very busy, not like you aren't now. Charlene, you going to post more baby pictures? Joyce, looking forward to meeting you. It certainly is getting close. Great, the bible study sounded interesting. Glad to hear about the mix of people. That would sure give you different perspectives. Sorry about the cancel on the trip. Next time. Julie, hope you can work through the PT. I think my Dad's shoulder problem was something similar and he did feel better after a workout. Best wishes for you. Sandy, good job and lapband or no, you are a success. Okay, I'm going to wind down and try and sleep. Have a good night everyone. eva

Once again, I have travel envy. But, I have been to New Orleans. I want to go to all the states too, but I have a lot more to go than you......lots more. Gee what an ambition for retirement. So sorry about the heartbreak, but you can't fix others. You can be supportive and loving, be there for them, but you just can't fix their problems...either emotional or physical. I'm so sorry it didn't work out but you need to take care of yourself. Phyl, glad you are having a good trip. You going to be able to stop by on your way through? Janet, I get it with the air conditioning bill. Ours has been running $300/month for the last 2 months. We are on swamp right now, but it's supposed to get hotter and more humid again, so we'll see how long that lasts. Laura, wow you are just crazy busy. Enjoy your new job!! Keen's make shoes with wide toe boxes but they are ugly shoes. If you don't mind ugly, they sure are comfortable. No one will be looking at your feet anyway, they'll just be looking at your beautiful face. Arlene, good for you and only 1 cookie. Don't think I would be that good. Okay, off to work....14 working days....then 3 weeks of traveling, then true vacation. Yipee!! Eva

Julie, congratulations on being a GM again. As Great said, there are a rash of grandbabies. I'm happy for all of you! You'll get to see Karen in three weeks. Time is flying by. Did my aero pilates today and feel pretty good. Back/foot bothering me, but it is what it is. I feel like Janet, not motivated today and we might be going out for dinner. Sort of didn't want to be committed to anything today, but DH wants to go, so I guess we will. We went to a friend's photography show last night. It was a benefit for Haitian relief (medical supplies, our friend is a NP and has lived in Haiti for years). I think she did very well. We went out to the tapas restaurant afterwards and caught 3 seconds of the flamenco show. We're going to try and see the entire show one of these days. The food was great. We had a vegetable stew dish that was delicious. It's great to be able to order little plates and everything is available in little plates except the paella. Guess I'll go be not motivated somewhere else. Have a great Sunday everyone. Eva

Oh, I forget to tell Janet, walked for an hour today...probably just shy of 3 miles because it was in the neighborhood and all the ups and downs. DH walked with me. He needs to get in walking shape too for Argentina. I sort of kicked his butt in Baltimore in the walking department so he didn't even fuss this morning when the walking discussion came up. Here's the best thing about walking...after getting home and sitting for a little bit, I can get back up and do my chores without being wiped out. I do like that aspect. A month ago, an hour walk would have required a nap. I'm hoping to do at least 4 miles or 5 miles after work one night this coming week. I think I'll take my shorts and t-shirt because walking in my work clothes is too hot. later ee

Julie, if the solution was easy, your current doctor's would have found it. I'm so sorry they didn't come up with an answer, but hang in there and go back as much as they need you to. Have faith (and I know you have faith) that the right doctor will find you and you him/her and they will figure it out. You just need to keep up your belief in that. I strongly believe our faith has validity and will do what is best for us. Joyce, you have an absolutely wonderful attitude on life. It's always interesting to read your posts. As you know, Janet and I are desert rats and we don't stay out of the sun either....the sun is damaging but I wouldn't trade it for a sunless environment. I believe (here's that faith thing again) I keep my sanity because I have the sun here. So the weather has dropped into the perfect weather state again. 90's during the day and 60's - 70's at night and the humidity is down. I love this time of year. We ran the swamp cooler all day yesterday and it was cold in the house last night. I'm grateful to have an air conditioner and use it during monsoons, but truly love the swamp cooler. It's quiet adds just enough humidity to make it comfortable in the house and the air is moving all the time with it. The air conditioner unit is in the living room, it's noisy, we have to keep the door propped open because it doesn't draw enough air through the vent and it only moves the air when it is running. We do have ceiling fans but don't run them on high all the time. So I'm happy with my environment right now. Okay, laundry is calling me. Have a really good Saturday. Eva

Janet, my restriction is probably perfect...it's my choices. I know it's part of my addiction and the reason I'm here. One thing I must say, if it wasn't for the band, I'd have gained everything back by now and more. I need to wrap my mind about my choices and the days I do, I'm fine....it's those days I let stress or any other excuse rule, then I get in trouble. So I'm getting that most of us are noise sensitive. I am too. The smoke alarms are very annoying and I cringe when they go off. All then noise is one of the things about Vegas I don't care for. I can only handle it for a little while. Our trip will be the perfect length!! Cheri, sugar-free candies and other things are are often sweetened with sorbitol. Sorbitol can cause gas in some people. It does for me and for another friend of mine. She can't tolerate any sorbitol. It's one of the reasons I don't eat sugar free stuff often. I take Fiber Choice chewables and that causes gas too, but it's weird, that gas works it's way out easily...every time too. Sorry if that is TMI. So sorry about your DD's hair cut and the stress it is causing. Maybe she could try another place to try and fix it? Cute story about the naughty GS and being naughty...yep sometimes that is more fun. Charlene, your grand baby is adorable! She does look like she's smiling and happy to be here. Thanks for the synopsis on the anti aging face stuff. I like nutrogena moisturizer with sunscreen stuff. It helps keep the blemishes at a minimum (I don't break out with it). You'd think at 54 you wouldn't have to worry about blemishes. Good for you and your walk. Welcome back Gwen. 1/2 pound a week is still progress. Lap band is not bypass and it does work slower. Have patience and be committed and it will come off. I got up to let the dog out and now I'm reading LBT. Good thing it is Saturday morning and I don't HAVE anything to do in the morning. Took my Jeep in yesterday and had new tires put on. Walked back and forth to the shop (through the mall) and ended up buying two pairs of pants, a skirt, and a blouse. Since most of you are bargain hunters, one pair of pants was $52 regular and I got them for $26. These are black cargo pants that roll up. I've been looking for a pair of black pants, but don't care for the knit ones, so these look ok, if a little casual. The other pair are capris and were $8. The skirt was marked down from $59 to $14 and the blouse was $7. I'm good with that. So now I'm ready to drive to Vegas and have some new duds too. I'm trying to control my shopping because I want to shop in Argentina. I want some leather goods. Okay, I'm going back to sleep. Hope everyone has a good weekend. Eva

Evening ladies Glad at least one of her doctors got to see her in pain (not that she has the pain). Hydrocodone aka Vicodin will mess you up after a time. I'm worried about Julie and hope they find something they can treat without the Vicodin. Balletgirl, it's a battle and you can't let your guard down. I definitely am not winning mine but I do understand the battle. Janet and the rest of the group do give great advise and hopefully they can help. Janet, I walked tonight...1 hour 10 minutes...so maybe 3 1/2 miles. It is cooling off a little here so walking after work is a possibility....at least for the next 3 weeks. DH's truck broken down so I had to go rescue him. He had the truck towed to the mechanic so they'll get a surprise in the morning with the big red truck parked in front. You know every day is an adventure. Hope you all have a good evening. Eva

I think visiting cemeteries and visiting the dead was important to our parent's generation. My parents thought it was very important to visit people they cared about. Therefore I try to visit my parent's graves at least once a year, when I'm back in Colorado. I do it because it was important to my mother. I change the fake flowers and try to honor them. For myself, I told DH to do what he wants...I'll be dead and I don't care. I know he wants his ashes scattered over the ocean....I think I'd rather have them scattered over the desert or buried in my garden. It was a hot day today. I spent a lot of it outside and now I'm tired. DH went to Phoenix with his boy to check out a tech school today. Should be interesting to hear how that went. They aren't home yet. I guess not much is happening today. Hope Julie gets some answers tomorrow. Keeping my fingers crossed for her. Hope everyone has a nice evening! Eva

Morning....fly by, couldn't get on again last night and I have to go to work right now. Arlene, congratulations!! See you all later. Eva

Charlene, hopefully congratulations Grandma will be in your future today. The walking is for Argentina not Vegas, but it sure won't hurt in Vegas either. I've seen those commercials for Hoarders and I'm afraid to watch them....so gross. When I was installing and repair phones, I would have to go into people's houses that were gross like that. They couldn't understand why their phone wouldn't work...well if the phone jack wasn't full of roaches, maybe it would. Yuck. Janet, you are the best looking one of the bunch. Glad you had a good time and you didn't fall off your shoes. I hope Andrew find's his way and you both are good with it. Did he take the new puppy Bella or did he go get Strider? Apples, welcome back again. So another end to the cabin by the lake is coming up. I'm glad you have the opportunity to do the every year. Most of us are stuck at home all the time and don't have a retreat. So the next time you see those kids and they are 4 or 5 inches taller, you'll be able to give them just as many hugs and enjoy them growing up. How much longer will you be going up there? Linda, glad to hear your DSD is finally taking a turn for the better. I hope she finally decides to take care of her self but that is a tough one when you are in denial. I bet all that curly hair is tough to wash, good thing it doesn't have to be washed every day. Who watches your GD when you are at work? Cheri, sounds like you had a very nice weekend. Good thing your son treated you well. Maybe he is growing up and figuring it out....parents are important and need to be take care of. Yep it's back to work today. I need patience and I know you have quite a bit...send me some please. Have a good first day!! Julie, how far away is the Mayo clinic? I take it you will be going and spending a couple of nights? Keeping my fingers crossed for you. Maybe if you have some extra time you can look for a new MOB dress....what did your DD want you to wear? Keeping my fingers and toes crossed for you. Laura, your Dad is fighting a disease and depression I bet. I'm starting to see that a lot in our aging parents. Wish I knew more about it when my parents suffered from it, but I was always trying to be optimistic around them. Hope his next test comes out negative too, then maybe he'll feel better. Him coming to Florida was something at least and I'll keep my fingers crossed for him too. You are going to be very busy with volunteering and school and your new job. Keep your self sane lady and take care of yourself. Joyce, good for you and going to the gym. The movie will be there another day. I don't usually change the font but I think you might have to do it each time you post. Apples and Great can correct me about that. I'm lucky just to get a post in. Jessica, wow, you have some great things coming up in your life and helping with a library, that's pretty cool. Maybe your son needs an advanced class? Do they have such a thing at his school? I did get some rock raking in yesterday...not a lot, but it was better than sitting on my backside all day. Eventually I have several tons of rock to spread over the back yard, but it needs to be leveled and the large rocks removed. We have many many many many large rocks. It's pretty much what the back yard consists of. So this is a start. Well I'd better go start day 18. Thanks for the count down wishes. Have a great Tuesday!! Eva

Joyce, I think it's cool that you went to Bali to study after reading Eat Pray Love...what I wanted to do is go to Italy and eat. I actually took a class in Italian, but then work got so busy, I didn't pursue it. Now I'm going to Argentina with my Italy money. I did enjoy reading the book, haven't seen the movie yet. Linda, hugs and prayers to you and your family. It's amazing how stupid some people can be and how bad their choices are. They seem to think they can use and abuse those closest to them and it's their due, like we owe them something. I'm sorry you have had to deal with it. I'm sorry your step son treats you this way. We know you aren't the bad person, just the person that wants him to take responsibility for himself. (Man I sound like the preacher). Laura, glad your parents are able to visit you. Just having them get out of their normal routine is a good thing. Hope you can relax enough to enjoy this time with them. Janet, have a wonderful time at your concert. Good luck with those shoes too. I know I'd never wear them...but then again, I don't look as cute as you do. Jodi, sounds like a good decision not going to Fire Island and congrats on the commercial. That is too cool. I'd love to see it, so if it's out there somewhere, let us know. Your daughter is very lucky to have you as a mom. You know a 6:45am wake up sounds like heaven to me. My alarm goes off at 5:15am and I am NOT a morning person. Julie, you are smart to have some one lined up to do the cake and other stuff for DD's wedding. It's much better than panicking at the last minute. DF's ex will have to be really bad for her to lose custody of her daughter. We tried some of that with Robbie's Mom. It does say something about Mimi's dad and good riddance to him. DD and DF do need to keep a log of every time they have a problem with Bailey's mom. I certainly won't hurt. Your appointment is coming up soon. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you. Charlene, your heart is as big as Texas isn't it? My sister adopted our second cousins too but not because the parents were drug abusers. Their mom is epileptic and she couldn't take care of them. These families get pretty complicated but I'm glad there are loving people like you and Linda around to share their love and homes. Lori, I'm so glad you asked the boys and waxing question because I'm not sure what they are getting waxed either. I can't even get DH to trim the hair out of his ears (sorry if that is TMI). You know your kids are still young and full of themselves because they are young. I'm not sure they would understand your hurt at them leaving early. Just know they love you and will see you often. I believe I was insensitive that way too when I was their age. They will understand more when they have their own kids. Oh and it's 18 more working days. Cheri, I agree with you about our youth feeling entitled. I know not every kid is that way, but there sure are a lot of them out there. I'm sure working where you do you get to see the whole gamut of behaviors from good to bad. You have a lot more patience than I would and I applaud you. I couldn't get on line last night again, but today everything is working fine. Yesterday, DH and I just loafed all day. I did do laundry and fixed a couple of meals, but that's about it. Today I got up and walked again 4.2 miles. It took me an hour and a half, but I don't care so much for the speed right now, I'm looking for the stamina. I still want to be up to 6 miles by the end of the month, but we'll see how that goes. Hope everyone is having a lovely Labor Day weekend and I'll be checking back later. Eva

Linda, I'm so sorry for your DSD. Hugs to your family and healing thoughts to her. Your GD does need her mother. Maybe this will be what it takes to have y our DSD realize her daughter needs her. I think I have a cold. It's not a bad one, but I'm feeling a little weird and it's not allergies. Guess that means I'll be taking it easy this weekend (still walking however). Mornings are really nice right now and it would be a shame to waste them. Okay, have to get ready for work. Eva

Janet, I'm sorry the Andrew parting is not optimum, but the kid does need to find his own way. I know you love him, but he'll appreciate you a lot more after he gets out on his own. Your work sounds chaotic and crazy. I hope that doesn't stress you out too much also. Sounds like you had these accounts before so it won't be too bad to take them over again. It's hard when our companies keep everything in upheaval. Is tomorrow your furlough day? That's nice a 4 day weekend. Arlene, that's a lot of work, but your daughter is going to really appreciate it. I bet she is miserable but it will be over soon. The walking does help the stamina a lot. I'm not even walking every day but what I do has sure made a difference. Lori, I have one of those grinders for my Kitchen Aide and I love it. I almost always make my own hamburger and yes, they clean up just fine. So there's no IKEA in Denver? That's surprising...but what a great excuse to see your DD again. Yep, better get the driving in while the driving is good because you just never know in that country. Julie, wow that is some drama with Bailey. We had a bit of that with Robbie's mom. She was in jail for a couple of months too. Fortunately Robbie is seeing through his Mom's craziness and I hope he realizes drinking isn't all it's cracked up to be. I hope DD and DF are able to get full custody of the little girl. Stability is a great thing. And I hope you do find something that help besides those pills. The pain killing drugs and mess up your thought processes. I watched that happen with my father. Please be careful with those drugs. I get why you take them, I've had to do it too, nerve pain is unbelievably hard to deal with. Wishing you the best with your Mayo clinic, only a week from today. Another day gone and tomorrow is Friday, YIPEE. I have three more jobs to do. I'm afraid it's a never ending cycle and I'll be working up to the very last. I worked out on my pilates machine this morning. It helps with the stiffness. I've noticed my stomach muscles are shaping up a bit too, so slowly, every so slowly things are getting tighter and my stamina is better. I also notice I don't sleep as well. Oh well. Speaking of classes on line...it's pretty funny because I am looking at on-line classes. It definitely is a possibility. We'll see. I'm going to go work on DH for a while. I have to spend quality bugging time with him or he won't think he's married. Have a great evening. Eva

Evening ladies, LauraK, I'm so sorry you won't be able to meet us in Vegas. Gee, guess that means we will have to figure out something else in the future won't we. Cheri, congrats on another GK! You get so much joy from your GK's so happy you have another one to look forward to. Sounds like you are having very long days too. Hope your school finds the help it needs. Hope the new med really does help your niece. It would be good if she could have a somewhat normal life. Lori, wow, another wedding....maybe. Sounds like your girl weekend was a lot of fun. It's always a bit of a let down after everyone leaves. You planning on going back to Colorado for a grandma visit? Hey, good job on the doctors visit too. It's really nice to find out your body is functioning as it should. Apples, congrats on the car. Looking forward to seeing that new smile too. Enjoy your lake time! Arlene, hope the dietitians work out for you. That was one of the fields I was interested in and still may pursue but it would require real school. Not sure if I'm up for that yet. I bet you are feeling a lot better with all the walking you are doing. It's a good feeling when you realize your legs are shaping up and your backside is developing muscles. Julie, are those little girls getting along better? I've never heard of cabbage rolls being called pigs in a blanket. We just called them stuffed cabbage. I haven't made that in years....I'll have to do those again this winter when I have some time....LOL. Jessica, I think some kids do get bored and that is when they get in trouble....my DH's kid is a prime example. He's proven over and over again that he can do the work, he just isn't interested because he's bored (he's 17 now) but we thought he'd flunk out by now. He's actually doing better than ever. He's been kicked out of 3 schools because of bad behavior. He will graduate next year...yeah!! Linda, sorry about the drama in your life. I hope that sorts itself out. Hello to everyone else...it's getting late and I need to sleep. Have a great night. Eva

Oh, I was going to comment on Apples purse and jewelry party. I hosted a purse party and I love the idea of it, but the practicality for me wasn't what I hoped for. The regular sized bags aren't flexible enough to fit in my backpack. They are still cute for dress up though and yes they are cheaply made. I did use the big bag on this trip and it worked very well. It held a lot and was easy to use and carry. I will use it again. As for jewelry, I don't wear much and love it, but since I have a bunch and never wear it, I don't buy any hardly anymore. However, I did go to a jewelry party a few weeks ago and bought a bracelet and I have wore it and I really like it. Maybe I'll bring it to Vegas.

Welcome Susan. A lot of people in your age bracket have made that decision. If you have any questions, just ask...lots of good advise here. Take away what ever makes sense to you. I'm back from Baltimore. Great concert but the guitarists were just kids but amazing music. It was hot and humid there. Lori and Janet understand about the humidity and us desert dwellers. We did have a good time though. I didn't sleep well and now I'm fading. DH went to work, hope he makes it through the rest of the day. Phyl, great pictures, you look wonderful. Yes, we are about 3 miles from I-10 and you can see it from my house. Let me know the time frame you think you might be through. Laura, great pics of Nels. Sounds like your life is going to be a lot more focused here soon. It's a good thing. Okay, I'm about toast but I do want to say what I'm grateful for today. I'm grateful that I can travel, have wonderful friends, and the ability to appreciate life. I'm not so grateful about the heat and humidity, but understand it's part of life and it goes away after a while. Later ladies. Eva

Hello everyone, Posting backwards.... Phyl, the pictures are great...happy couple and is that their baby? Isn't that supposed to happen afterwards? LOL don't think those rules apply anymore. So if you are going to be on I-10 on the return trip, are you stopping by to visit me? I'm in Tucson. You can park the RV up here on my street. Lori, have fun this weekend with girl bonding!! I envy your ability to take off and go with DH. We'll get there someday. Laura, I'm so sorry you are having such a hard time right now. So funny about the repair people affair but so sorry you actually have to see them...butt cracks and all. I pick up the house too before the cleaning lady come. I don't clean, just pick up the mess so she doesn't have to. I'd rather have her cleaning than picking up my or DH's mess. Julie, isn't it funny those cats have to be right in your way when you are on the computer. When DH's has to get into my computer he always comments about how much cat fur is in there. The only time the cat wants pets is when I'm at the computer. No you do not sound cheap, weddings are expensive and if you can save money, do it. I did my invitations myself and really enjoyed doing them. I'm hoping to have enough time and energy to do my Christmas cards this year. Charlene, so this is Saturday night, no baby yet? Glad you found some shoes that work. It's magic when your feet feel good. I walked probably 4 miles today in my new Merrills and my feet are doing fine. Part of the walk is on rocks and they have aggressive enough soles (trail walking shoes) that I couldn't feel the rocks through them. You'll actually get to see them in Vegas. Linda, Merry looks really good. I'm so glad to hear her recovery is going well. It's amazing what animals live with and we never really know how they feel. Good for you and getting back to the gym. It does feel good to get a good workout in. Cheri...I really like the beige, tan, olive colors and have quite a few clothes in those colors. I also have some other stuff but I'm kind of a dirt person and like dirt colored clothes. I did buy a really red t-shirt recently and I do enjoy wearing that. I also wear a lot of white. The Church of the Inner Spring....cute! So sorry about your niece. I do hope they find something to help her. Jodi, your village sounds charming even if it is a city. That was very cool of you to let your daughter and her friend have their space. You certainly know your kids. If I had any, I would love to have you around for advise. I love the idea of living close enough to walk to stuff. I could walk to me grocery store, but then I'd need a ride home because it's all up hill and about 2 1/2 - 3 miles. I could walk that far I think, but not carrying groceries or even a pizza. Melissa, are you starting to feel better with that nasty bronchitis? It's good to see you posting more too. Take care of yourself girl! Janet, so you might be more famous than you are now? That would be so cool. You deserve any and all recognition that you get for your accomplishment. Yeah, I wish there were designers that worked with large women of all shapes. I find pants are sometimes made for women with hips which they added to my stomach instead of my hips. I'm also with you about the sleeves. I never go sleeveless, haven't since I was in high school. Nice blurb you wrote! LauraK sounds like you have a fun family and yes, your Mom was busy. Guess she wanted to get the diaper thing over with quickly..LOL. Hope you have a great time!! Hello Joyce, what's keeping you busy these days? Judy, I know you are out there too. Hi Apples! Okay, I'm sure I've missed people again. Hello to everyone. Met with financial planners this week and we hosted FNSC yesterday. I dropped the real estate class because I just couldn't do that on top of everything else. So today I got laundry, watering, bills, dinner, and many games of free cell done and tomorrow I'll be in Baltimore. We are going to another show, Rodrigo and Gabriella. My sister-in-law will meet us there and go to the show with us. She lives in Annapolis, so it's not too far. We actually had rain this evening and it's cooled off a bit yeah. I did walk this morning about 4 miles...took me 1 hour 20 minutes and it isn't flat. I live in a hilly area and it's up hill all the way home. I'm please with the walk because I wasn't totally wiped out from it. My goal is to get up to 6 miles and not have to sleep for the rest of the day. Okay, I'll be off the web until probably Tuesday. Hope you all have a great Sunday. Eva

Evening ladies....too tired to post so this is just to say hi. Have a great night!! Eva

Apples welcome back and yes, we love you junking up the thread. And I might be a contributor too when I'm bored all day, sitting around watching TV and can't figure out what to do with myself................nah....................probably not, but I hope to be a little more responsive then. I'll send positive thoughts Jacqui's way. She is very helpful and I'm sorry to hear this news. I wish her all the best. Glad your wrist/arm/hand is healing too. The recipe should be in your email. Wished I could help with the corn. Nothing like fresh sweet corn. When I was growing up, we grew corn (in Colorado). Dad would pick it and Mom and I would husk it, clean it, and the freeze it. Of course it would have to be cut off the cob because Dad didn't like it on the cob (go figure). Those ears that weren't fully developed would go in the pot and Mom and I would eat those for lunch, sitting on the floor on newspaper and watching her soaps. Now that is a good memory. Janet, the real estate license is to be an assistant, not a listing agent. I am a terrible sales person, but great at organizing and doing back ground type work. I love the idea of the travel agent, but there isn't that much of a market for it these days. Talked to the first financial planner tonight and he says going with the annuity (regular retirement payout/month) would work for me since I'm so young and would probably be better than the lump sum. As for the 401K, he has some interesting IRA investment deals. We have someone else to talk to and then we'll see what we want to do. I'll probably sign my papers and get them mailed in next week. Laura and Jessica, both of you are so cute with getting your sons off to school. I don't think you can protect them from everything, but you can be there for them when they need you. Hang in there Moms. Cheri, that is an interesting proposition regarding your parents. It would be very hard work for you but could be rewarding also. Make sure you get everything in writing and that all the siblings agree. Hi to every one....it's getting late and I need to sleep. Catch up tomorrow, I hope. Eva

Oh Linda, I'm so sorry about Merry. I hope she recovers quickly...poor little thing. I just had written most of the previous post and hit a couple of wrong keys and it disappeared. I was really bummed, but I found it...yeah. Have to stop fat fingering things. Okay later ladies. Eva

Laura, as usual, your pictures are great. So tomorrow you hit the gym and Nels goes off to school. Is DH going to do the gym with you? It really helps if you have someone to workout with. Then you can't wimp out because someone else is depending on you and I know you do operate that way. I wonder if you can put in a personal ad for a "workout" buddy......LOL. I'm sure there would be a bunch of people taking that the wrong way. Linda, wow you had a very busy weekend. Glad you had fun at the fair and you know, if your doctor is happy with your progress, don't beat yourself up. You look fabulous, be happy with that and be proud of yourself. Sometimes we are never happy with ourselves and I believe part of the journey is to learn to accept the unperfect parts of ourselves. I'm not so sure how free I'll be after I stop working...I already have a lot of stuff planned for my "free" time. Julie, congrats on your bandiversary! 100 pounds is quite an accomplishment and you have more to come in your future. As someone said, September 9th isn't that far away. I bet you don't have that many choices for a pool where you are, but my girlfriends pool has steps so you don't have to pull yourself out on a ladder...too bad you can't find one like that. I actually go up and down the stairs for exercise at the end of the regular pool workout because it works different muscles. Melissa, you almost made me cry. We love you too! You will find your way! I'm glad to hear you aren't going off the deep end, that is great progress. Not so sure I would be able to maintain so well. Jessica, sounds like you are doing really well. I'm proud of you girl. You are going to be one heck of a nurse. Janet, sounds like you had a good weekend and yes, sometimes we do have to take computer breaks, just like it's good to take a break from anything you do regularly...it helps keep it fresh or interesting or what ever the buzz word is. The planner is just so I know what to do with the 401K money...I'm pretty sure I'm going to take the regular retirement $$ as an annuity. We'll see and yes I'm going. I'll still be employed when I meet you all in Vegas, but my official last day will be the day I fly to Argentina. Yeehaw!! Charlene, you are a good Mom to help out your 36 year old son. I hope he can get done what he needs to get done and can be independent again. Although I know some people that live in that old fashioned family style and grandparents, parents, and kids still all live together. So he's not getting his favorite meals huh? Maybe he should be cooking? That sneaky scale....taking a break may be helpful!! Judy, enjoy the puppy, just don't bring him home. You might have to house train them. Or should we be calling you our "cougar"? One of our FNSC friends is in her 30's and is worried about being a cougar...we just laugh...she doesn't have the age for that yet. LauraK...glad you had a wonderful B-day weekend. So now you are all relaxed and ready for another year. Sounds like a really nice place to have a church service. I'd like to see that. Gwen, was that Madrid Spain? Cool, enjoy!! Cheri, I'll email you my Protein Bar recipe...it may or may not help you, but it certainly has helped with keeping me a little more regular. You're going to be very busy soon, take care. Sorry about your neice, hope they find some help for her. They had an article on NPR about seizures today...you might be able to find it as a pod cast or just be able to read it on the NPR website. It was on the Diane Ream (sp?) show. Very interesting information. I'm sure I've missed someone, but I hope not. The memorial service was long and there were sooooo many people there. It was held at his parents house so there were people everywhere. At least some people got to share their experiences with him and put a little closure on it. We are doing what we can to help Cheryl, his girlfriend. She is DH's friend from decades ago, but I really like her too so what ever she needs, we are trying. Sunday, we went to Mescal (Benson) and did peaches. I canned 6 1/2 pints of jam and 10 pints of peaches. My friends tree is loaded and there were plenty more, but I ran out of jars and truly, that is enough for me. We don't really eat that many canned fruits, but guess I'm going to have to learn. They are very good. We also got some pears and I love fresh pears. I love fruit season. I was so wiped out after standing for hours at the memorial and then the canning, last night I was beat. Watched TV and went to bed. This week is going to be busy too. We are having FNSC on Friday, Saturday I'm going to my real estate class and Sundy we go to Baltimore. We get back from there on Tuesday and then I have to play weekend catch up. Ugg. Then it's Labor day weekend...Yipee, three days in a row off. I'm posting this before I lose it. Eva

Quiet today on the thread. Walked this morning. Got an hour in Janet. Have been doing chores and stuff the rest of the day. We have our friend's memorial service this evening. DH is not having an easy time with this. He is very sensitive but he'll get through it and we'll remember Mark with love. Melissa, I think Jessica has good advise. Check into that field and so if you have to do a little math and English, then you can get through that too. I don't care for math at all, but I did what I had to do to get my degree. You can do it too. Jessica, good for you and losing those 3 pounds! I need to get through this pile of papers. Hope every one is having a great weekend. Eva

My post got split up...weird. The new shoes are Merrills and they are light weight hiking shoes, not boots. I can wear them to work too. Since I have to do like a mile of field notes next week, they will get a good workout. ee

Reading back a bit, so if the posts aren't current, that's why. Linda, thanks for well wishes and the back. I really don't stand too much at work...the problem is, I go take field notes which may take 10 minutes to an hour depending on the job and that is a lot of stopping and writing, then I go back to my office and sit. I get very engrossed in what I'm doing and sometimes I have to go to the printer or move around a lot, but not always. I think if I would keep the exercise up regularly, it might not be such a problem. I'm terrible at regular anything except work...oh and laundry. Apples, the Charlie stories are funny, keep them coming! Joyce, all those kids, no wonder you are very zen. You at least embrace technology and try to make it work. I give you a lot of credit for that...any people will not learn how to use a regular cell phone. Melissa, sorry the job fair wasn't what you were looking for, but you will find the right job, you just have to keep trying. What sort of work would you LIKE to do? Maybe a career change is in order. Leave the sugar alone....it's evil...it makes your brain say you want more.....I have the same problem. Have to fight the urge....all the time. So I uninstalled my virus scanner and am testing to see if that was the problem. I think it might have been conflicting with some other update. Bought new walking shoes tonight because my regular walking shoes are already breaking down. They just don't last if you wear them all the time. These are supposed to last a lot longer. They are less expensive than the Brooks I've been wearing too. Did Pilates machine today and will walk tomorrow. Sunday I'm going to Mescal and can peaches with one of my friends....yum fresh off the tree fruit, I love it. Okay...got to see what other trouble I can get into. Oh...26 WORKING days left.....I'm been flip flopping, but will more than like go. Have appointments next week with two financial planners. Should be interesting. Later, Eva Laura, Nels will do great on the bus. He's a social kid and will find a buddy to ride back and forth with. Cheri, that's quite a family update. So many problems with so many people. Sorry about the dog, but it must have felt loved when it died. That is a good way to go. Sorry about your parents, that is going to be a rough way to go. Gwen are you a night owl? I don't think its a good idea to lose a lot of weight quickly either. You can learn to deal with how your body changes and the other stuff when it happens slowly...at least that's my humble opinion. Jessica, some men can just stop eating and lose weight, but not everyone can do that for very many reasons. You have to do what works for you, not him. LauraK, have a good time floating! Janet, I bet you are tired with all the workouts you get.