ocotillo

Laura, I'm so jealous, your kitties get to go outside. Mine just tries to escape now and then....she ran out a couple of weeks ago when it was raining....she got about 30' stopped and decided rain wasn't her thing. I opened the door and she ran back in. We have too many predators in the neighborhood so I can't let her out. Cat is one of the coyotes favorite foods. Looks like you two had fun...see any manatees? DH and I saw a bunch when we were down there....it was at the out flow from a power plant outside of Ft. Meyers. Oh my...now I have to get used to everyone being a different time again. Now we are the same time as California and Washington. The east coast is 3 hours different. Yesterday was nice....took my time and cleaned up after the party (used mostly paper plates) so it wasn't too bad. Worked in the yard...I potted a couple of house plants that had been sitting in water for probably a year. Cleaned out the fish pond worked on laundry, talked to my girlfriend, took the dog for a walk and generally had a great day. Today is DH's birthday so I took him out for breakfast...I did make him a card and gave him an Amazon gift certificate (he like music and books) and will cook dinner for him. We'll have roast beast, roasted potatoes, and asparagus. I have a new remote sensor meat thermometer that I haven't used before, so that will be fun to try. I'm looking forward to to nice relaxing day. I'll post pictures in the next post. Hope you all have a nice Sunday. Eva

I've had to go back to page 606 to catch up and now you guys have me crying....."I love you man"........then I'm ROLFMA...the guy with the green teeth did that. Oh my...sh*t on a shingle....haven't heard that in a while. My parents used to cook that periodically. Some of you are going to read this and wonder WTH? Phyl, you are so funny with the guitar glasses...I can just imagine you out partying in them. So what did you get on your shopping trip? Aren't you heading to NY this summer? It would be really cool if you could meet Julie. Judy, what a wonderful story about the fostered pet. I'm so glad you do that. I have a friend here that fosters dogs too. She ends up keeping one or two, but she's let a few others go...someone needs to love them. Hope you had fun on your outing....sound like fun. I want a golf cart too!! Charlene, I'm so sorry about your friend, even if she did treat you badly. You don't wish bad things even on your enemies...it's bad karma. Good thing you had this checkup. Hopefully they won't find anything really wrong. Sounds like the doctor will keep an eye on you too while you do this new diet..it's a good thing. You know where to go for emotional support too. Great...loved the pictures...I'm really envious. Yeah, that jet lag really gets to me too. Ooohhh....I just checked out Zappos.com and there are some really cute shoes there. If you already knew what fit you, it looks like a great shoe connection. Apples, yes, post pictures of the deck....those sound fabulous. You are lucky to have welders in the family. Wood stuff goes away here pretty quickly, either termites of dry rot, so metal stuff works well. We don't have too many rust issues. Wonderful pictures, looks like you had so much fun with the hockey games. Those black labs are always so shiny. My Glimmer is really shiny too although she needs to go on a diet. DH feeds her and he's going to have to give her less food...she's too big and it's affecting her joints now. Your sons look good too! Janet, good for you on the 138 and the gym. The outfit is really cute...nice color. You have to stop referring to yourself as an old broad....you are not OLD, you are beautiful and in the prime of your life. Heck you are in better shape than half the people younger than you. At our age, we are just wiser - it's the privilege of our age. LauraK, Great on the exercise Laura!! No you are not weird about the volunteering and it being fun. If I wasn't so busy with the rest of my life, I'd love to do that especially with gardening. Do you have a picture of the flower you mentioned? I don't think I've ever heard of it. I have Chinese ground orchids that are beginning to put out flower stalks. They are very pretty. When they bloom, I'll take a picture and post it. Jodi...so glad you are back from surgery. Glad the trouble with the surgery was resolved. My doctor doesn't fill the band at all to start with...he waits 6 to 8 weeks before the first fill. I had great restrict for the first 3 weeks, then not so much, but it was the area healing after surgery and as it healed, the restriction diminished. Laura, glad you are going to your parents for Easter..sounds like that is just the ticket for both you and your Mom. What Apples said about it giving your Mom something else to focus on is so true. Wow, what a deal on pants. I can't wait until I can fit in an 18 pant...maybe I'll be able to find good deals too. Okay, you are ahead of me with the WL...I'm still at 220. Don't want to know what I am today after my party. I wasn't exactly watching everything I put in my mouth. Hey Deb, sounds like maybe you are feeling a little better? Hope so. Keep posting a letting us know how you are. That's cool about your DH's band...what fun! My DH plays bass but hasn't in quite a while. He still loves music though. Joyce, those dogs are such a wonderful addition to our lives aren't they? Glad your GD appreciates your help. It could be the other way around. My Godmother lives in KC. We are going to try and see her this year...don't know when yet. 1day...how are you doing today? Have you been able to get back to "the program" yet? It's really tough and I sure have up and down days with it. Cheri...it's always going to be struggle...you really need to find what works for you. Walking is my way to relieve stress too...sometimes, at work, I have to walk quite a bit before I can calm down. Hope your pain eases soon. You have got to change that color...it's killing my eyes to read your posts. Shrinkin Shan, congrats on the new mattress...that can sure make a day better-after a good nights sleep. You've been doing great with the exercise (much better than me) good going for you...keep it up, it makes a world of difference. Julie, good shopping trip. My mom used to have commissary privileges and I would go with her. Sometimes they have better deals than the stores but other times if you watch the sales, the regular stores would beat them. Glad you found stuff for DD...it's nice you help her. Okay, I think I got everyone. I'll check back later...it's a beautiful day today!! Eva

Party's over and was a hit...now I'm tired, but need to wind down a bit. I'll catch up with the many posts this weekend. Just wanted to say hi. Eva

card scans...they are a little hard to see at this size..and a couple of them are on their sides, but you can get the idea at least.

Ok Charlene, if the Splenda was in the fridge, where was the cream? I do that too sometimes. I've actually put the kitchen washcloth in the fridge....so figure. Glad your weather is nice...it's freaking cold here. Welcome back!!! Thanks for the prayer....that is really special. Sounds like a fabulous trip. I like falafel, but I make my own so I know what's in it.....beans. Looking forward to those pictures. Deb, I've had some very bad food days too, but part of this journey is learning how to deal with those and continue on...not give up, but jump back on the band wagon....as you mentioned you are doing. Yep, I eat emotionally too...and when I hurt, and for several other reasons. I'm learning, sort of. It's good that you are making those connections, it helps when you recognize the behavior then maybe we can stop the reaction before we shove those 20000 calories in our mouth. I am so glad you are liking your job and it's keeping you on your toes (pun intended). Keep those spare shoes in your car so you can change them when you need to. I understand about not being able to break out of the 3 pound weight cycle. It really takes shaking things up for a week or two to get everything going again. You'll find it in you to do that, just get Apples or Janet after you...they're great with the encouragement. Sorry about the car too.....some people just have a way about them....my mom couldn't keep a watch running either. Phyl, congrats on the size 16....way cool and on the 2 mile walk too. That is amazing!! You go girl!! Sorry about the L-5...mine is between the L-4 and L-5, herniated disc and yes, it has been so bad I cried. The arthritis can do the same thing in different spots. Hopefully the pills work and you find out what's going on with your eye...don't mess around with that, go have it checked out. Okay Laura, my game face is on...not sure about my brain however. Good job for you going to the gym. Julie, great run down on everything. So are you liking those massages? Hope you get the government to rent you spaces....hey, get some of that tax money back. I'm sorry to not hit all of you but the brain is tired and I didn't want to quote everyone. I am thinking of you and say HI!! I can't seem to get up in the mornings....I'm tired...like I'm sleeping really well and just don't want to get going. During the day, I'm fine and I've been really busy as Julie has stated. After Friday night...things should start to slow down and I'll crash big time. I'll post some of my cards...I have them scanned so I can remember what I did. Okay ladies, have a good night!!! Eva

This sounds like gazpacho with shrimp....yum.

Moxie.....68 pounds isn't anything to be disappointed in. I've only lost 45 pounds, but hey, it's 45 pounds I'm not dragging around with me....same for you. You are almost 70 pounds lighter...hang in there and even if it comes off at 1 pound a month, that 1 pound off and not gained. We do the best we can and we keep trying...that is what we need to do.

Chatty chatty girls..... I'm watching my cat chase her tail...she's catching it too...pretty funny. Happy Birthday Arlene...you are in very good company this month, my sister, husband, father, and some very good friends all have birthdays this month!! Hope you have a wonderful day. As usual lately, I'm pretty booked up. Work is really busy again, my sister is coming back from Texas tomorrow and I'll pick her up from the airport. I have more shopping to do for FNSC. I did some of it tonight. And I'm making birthday cards. I haven't made any in a while, I just haven't been inspired, but I'm making myself do it and I still enjoy it. Okay...sorry short post and of course it's all about me. JODI, best wishes for you tomorrow. Keeping fingers and toes crossed for you tomorrow. LauraK congrats on the size 10...way cool. LauraA...we need to figure out how to do our challenge. Okay, time for sleep. Take care everyone. Eva

Apples, so sorry for what's going on in your life and the loss of your family. DH and I send you healing and loving thoughts. Laura, I think you and I had a challenge after the BD party and parents left....we still going to go through with that? I'm at 220 too. Jodi, congrats on the pre-op. We'll be here rooting for you on Tuesday! So you are de-haired are you? Ow! I just do my eyebrows, can't imagine all those other places, but it does feel good to be all prettied up doesn't it? Take a picture before surgery and then keep a photographic record periodically after wards. You'll be glad you do a few months down the line. Jessica, good for you and the C25K....that great! Maybe that will inspire me to get off my butt more. Although I'm doing a lot more now than I used to. To those new posters, there are some very nice people on this thread that have done wonderful with their weigh loss. Okay, to any of you that I forgot, I'm sorry. Please don't feel slighted, I am thinking of you!! We went to some friend's house for dinner last night. Had baked chicken with noodles and I couldn't eat all the chicken (breast). It wasn't dry, but still a little challenging. I still was able to eat slowly and well. The ultimate test of this band. They are very nice people, and the lady just lost 43 pounds with diet and exercise. She is 71 and always amazes me with her energy. Today we are going to an Irish food cookoff downtown. A friend has an entry in it and I missed it last year so I need to go. It's supposed to rain and it looks like it's going to so, that should be fun. I'll get to use my rain gear again. I'm going to try and get some cards made this week for the combined birthday party I'm having for my DH, sister, and another friend. We are combining it with Friday night social club so that should be fun. Of course I'm trying to come up with some good recipes that I can do easily. I think I've got a plan. DH wants a cream cheese dip thing shaped like the two fish that is the Pieces sign. I specialize is making cheese balls shaped like things. I did a cheese birthday cake last year...it was pretty funny cause it leaned a bit. Okay...off to get something done. Hope you all have a good Sunday. ee

Morning ladies, I can sure tell Apples is back....yeah!! Lots of posts. Cheri, glad to hear you are recovering and that your DH has started working. It's nice to have the extra income but it's also nice to have that added dimension to your life. A little outside stimulus can be invigorating. Yes, hips are big joints and when then aren't working right it is amazing how much they affect. Apples, it will be interesting to hear how you two (your DH) cut back on work this year. I bet it's going to be just not to do all that work at first. After being gone, I like to be home too. I've bought a 1/4 beef before from a friend that would fatten and butcher their roping calves. It was good, but I'd love to find a source of grass fed organic beef...I would definitely buy a quantity of that. My DH is a beef eater and I believe the organic grass fed stuff is much better for you than the commercial stuff. Thanks for the oatmeal reminder, I need to cook some. Hi Deb, hope your son figures out what not to do in the future. Stop by more often, sometimes having a on-line life can stimulate the real-time life. These guys inspire me to get out there and do more stuff. Charlene, breath....count to 10....breath. No, you don't have to let it interfere with your band journey. You get to choose, not them. Lay out the rules before them move it and make sure they understand this is a temporary situation and they have to live my your rules, it's your house. (Much easier said than done isn't it). We'll been rooting for you. LauraK...it's really hard to separate yourself from an unhealthy relationship. Wow as I read further, you really don't need her in your life, what a scumbag. I wish you peace and love through the process. I think we have to "hibernate" every once in a while and regather ourselves, but you'll be out there again soon. I really like Apples solution. Julie, I have to agree with you about home being our haven. I was much more likely to stay home than go out to visit with people the last couple of years with the most recent weight gain. I recognize the behavior, but sure didn't do anything about it. Now I am more willing to go out (obviously) and do stuff. I'm not forcing it either. Now, I've never been an all day pj wearer. For some reason, I need my comfy clothes to be comfortable all day. But I'm ready for those pj's at night. Laura, yep, we could tell your DH was a gem. Sorry Nels is feeling rough again. Boy those little kids sure pick up a lot of stuff don't they? I remember when I was little 4 or 5, I would get really bad sore throats and colds, but they had my tonsils out at 5 or 6 and that was the end of that. I was in a assembly line of kids having the tonsils out at Hardin Simmons in Denver. I was really sick once after that and ended up in the emergency room and ice-packed. That wasn't fun. Guess we have to build up those immunities somehow. Janet, you are so funny. You can come here and get your hair done. My guy is very good with color and a really nice guy too. He's really into making sure your hair suits you. His wife works at the same salon (they just moved back to their old salon) and she is just as good. I did my aero pilates yesterday and my stomach muscles are sore today. Need that stomach support to help my back. Judy, what fun to be able to play with the dogs and cats. It just breaks my heart to see all those animals and I want to take all of them home, but of course you can't. Glad the show is going well even with sound problems. What are you going to do after it closes? Have another play in the works? Just read about the "diet" word....but remember everything we eat is our diet...so concentrate on nutrition. I really think that hit a cord with me and makes sense, so now it's eating nutritiously not dieting for me. I have to go feed my sister's pets. Hopefully, I'll be back and continue posting. Eva

Evening again...another quick post. We went out to dinner at our favorite sushi bar with some friends (they've never been there) and they really seemed to enjoy it. I was sort of amazed at how fast they ate....I certainly am slowing down with the band. I am really full but not stuffed. Got a hair appointment in the morning so I won't be on line until afternoon. Just wanted to check in and say hi. Hope everyone has a great evening. Eva

Evening ladies, Webinar info. My band doctor's contention is you have to eat foods that you chew, 3 times a day, and eat 1/3 of what you ate before banding. Eat slowly and chew thoroughly is part of it. Then tonight's webinar was on nutrition/diet. Everything we eat is our diet...no matter what it is...what we need to strive for is good nutrition. (This one was done by the nutritionist). She stressed the basics, whole grains (50% of our diet), fruits and veggies (5 servings), milk/yogurt (2 servings), meats/beans (50grms daily), fats/oils (3 teaspoons). So most of this is what we learned a long time ago. She gave the website for the mypryamidMyPyramid.gov - United States Department of Agriculture - Home but says she gets confused by the ounces and colors (she is from Mexico and Spanish is her first language) I think it's an interesting site. She did not stress carbs/protein/fat instead she stressed food groups. Eat only the small amounts recommended every day. So this is your webinar information center signing off for the night because once again, I'm tired and can't think straight. Eva

I attended a webinar by my band doctor regarding fills. His contention is you have to eat foods that you chew, 3 times a day, and eat 1/3 of what you ate before banding. Eat slowly and chew thoroughly is part of it. Then tonight's webinar was on nutrition/diet. Everything we eat is our diet...no matter what it is...what we need to strive for is good nutrition. (This one was done by the nutritionist). She stressed the basics, whole grains (50% of our diet), fruits and veggies (5 servings), milk/yogurt (2 servings), meats/beans (50grms daily), fats/oils (3 teaspoons). So most of this is what we learned a long time ago. My point is, maybe we should not be stressing on the "band" rules of high Protein, low carb, as much as eating slowly, chewing well, and getting good nutrition. I go through phases of losing a pound here and there and not losing for sometimes several weeks, then I lose again. I think for me at least, it's the fact I'm still losing 8 months later...this has never happened before in my life. Even when I'm not losing, I'm not gaining and that hasn't happened either. So you lose focus on the "band rules" but if you have proper restriction for you, your band should be helping you with maintaining those "rules" at least with the amount you eat and how fast you eat. You still need to make the good nutritional choices (not always easy). Hang in there Healthy-in-AZ...so there will be two of us in AZ that are healthy.

Laura....I was up at 2am MST too...back/foot issue though. You would have been asleep again by then. It's the sister that lives here that I'm taking to the airport. I bought her a ticket to visit a friend/sort of sister in Texas for her birthday and she leaves today and comes back on Tuesday. Charlene, I have another webinar tonight...it's about the diet or lack thereof. I'm pretty interested in hearing what they say. When I've gone in for fills, it's mostly eat 1/3 of what you did before banding and eat solid (chewable) food. Keep us posted on how you are doing. Apples, hope your trip is going well. My dog loves to run around in the grass so we would stop at parks and stuff and take her for walks...it's not quite the right season for that, so do you let Tanker out to run every now and then? 1day....brrrr....snow no. It's nice to stay home in bad weather, but do you get paid? That's always an issue. Linda, I bet your GD's room is really cute. She is going to appreciate the fact you've done something special for her...maybe not right this minute, but she will. I'm not too much into kids, but I think all the stuff you can do to decorate and make things cute is really fun. I worked on making DH's son's living quarters as cool as I could when he stayed with us. Joyce, that's so nice of your sister. I tell you my first egg after banding was wonderful. I really didn't mind the liquids except most stuff was sweet and I got tired of that. I never went on mushies...1 week of clear liquids, 2 weeks of full liquids...then right on to chewables. LauraK, everyday life does get a little hectic somedays. CRS is definitely catchy....I got it too. Janet...yep laundry...the never ending chore. Jessica...great news about the school funding. It's so hard to pay for an education out of pocket. U of A is trying to up their tuition $1400/semester. I don't know what it is now, so I can't even begin to think how much it would cost to go to school now. Judy, congrats on the 11lbs...great job. Julie, I really get you on the rent thing. I'm going to have to deal with my renters again too...not looking forward to it. I'm just going to have to kick them out for non-payment. Ug. Phyl, I want to go with you to the musical....too bad a 6 hour drive is kind of too long for that. Hope you had a good time. Okay gotta take the sister to the airport....talk to you all tonight. Eva

Hi guys, Sorry this is going to be another fly by...can't believe how busy it is right now. I actually sat and talked to my DH this evening. I'm usually on the computer, but it was nice just to chit chat. Laura, congrats on the weight loss. It's amazing. Glad your visit is going so well. Julie, glad you liked the massage. I'm still not sure if I like them...only when DH does them...his hands are really warm. LauraK...keeping my fingers crossed for DD. Hi to everyone else.....got to go to sleep. I'll be up extra early 'cause I'm taking my sister to the airport in the morning. Have a great night and I'll catch up later. Eva

Laura, HAPPY BANDIVERSARY!! 90 pounds is amazing. I'm very proud of you. Charlene, very interesting about the planned diet. Yes, let us know when this starts. I have no doubt it will work, anything works if you stick with it completely. And learning how to eat differently is what this journey is all about. Although my weight loss is very slow and goes is spurts, what I'm noticing is I will lose weight and then slow down and not lose for a while. My body does still look the same and then a few weeks later, although my body still looks the same (and I knew it would) it's getting smaller. Suddenly I can fit in a size smaller and my butt is smaller and my fat gut is smaller. I have 3 new pairs of size 20 pants that fit...they fit really well. I haven't been in a size 20 since at least 1995 or 96 maybe....it's been a very long time. I'm not doing killer exercise, but whatever I'm doing, it's working. Guess this is a NSV for me. Okay, gotta go to work. Later ladies, have a great day!! Eva

Good for you...looking forward to seeing you post your losses here!

Evening ladies, Just experienced my first webinar...a web based seminar with my lap-band doctor. The subject was what is the "right fill". Very interesting. He listed many factors that influence the band and told us what we should be experiencing when the fill is "right" for us individually. He does flouro fills and had a couple of actual flouros to show us a good fill, a loose fill, and someone that was way too tight for too long. That was very scary. The pouch and esophagus was so expanded it looked like a stomach. The doctors is going to have theses webinars twice a month and I really think it's a good thing. Thursdays one is on the band diet...or not. Laura, sorry your Dad is feeling poorly, hopefully he will get some rest and can bounce back a little. Nelson's cake is really cute and good for you in getting rid of all that extra temptation. Crzytchr, what a tough job you have. I commend you for being able to and wanting to help this child. Don't think I could do it. You are welcome to vent when you need to...we all do. Hi Janet, did you have fun with your son? Sounds like you are just glad to be home. I know what you mean, I'm staying home next weekend too. Judy, after this seminar, the doctor said you need to have your fill checked if you are PBing too often, you might be too tight. For me, if I'm PBing its because the food is too dry, I eat too fast (don't let the first bite go down before I cram something else in there) or I don't chew enough. When I practice good band habits, everything seems to go down fine. Oh geez, I'm tired. Think I'm going to go to bed early. I'll try and catch up tomorrow...I think my brain is shutting down. Have a great night ladies. Eva

Hello July 09 banders? Where are you? How are you doing? Either everyone has found other threads or have stopped posting. It would be nice to know how others banded in July 09 are doing? Even June 09.

Laura and everyone else posts these really cool pictures of family and events, etc....I show you dirt. Cheri, I hope you are feeling better after your fall. It sounded really bad. Hope you didn't damage anything permanently. Phyl, I missed you too. How are you doing?

The first two pictures are of the trench in the back yard....it always amazes me how rocky our soil is. The 3rd pic is what used to be there...an old falling down porch with our gas line on the roof of it (we've already fixed that). The next picture is of the retirement ceremony...can't see much but backs, but one of the guys on the podium is my cousin.

Hey gang....trying to catch up on posts here. Jodi, as for sushi (you posted this 2-25)...I eat sushi at least once a week....I eat everything including the squid and ocotopus which is very chewy. I just chew a lot. If you ever get to Tucson, I'll take you to a fabulous little sushi bar. The chef is very picky about his food and I think you'll love it. I've also had the quail egg and salmon roe sushi. I love the quail egg, but not so much the salmon roe...but I'll eat it to. Have to keep your options and horizons open. Now do you think a 10 year old will ever be happy with everything? At least she has friends and family to share her holidays with and a loving mother that takes really good care of her. I just strained my chicken and beef broth through a strainer and it was clear enough. I made both ahead of time and froze in portion sized zip locks so I could heat up just what I needed. I really like my own broth better than any I've ever bought. Janet...hope you are having a great visit with your DS. I'll make you some more jerky when beef goes back on sale...it has to be the right cut otherwise it's too hard to get decent pieces. Judy...glad the show went well, wish I could see it. Maybe sometime in the future huh? Great, you should be on your way across the globe. Wishing you a safe and fun journey. Send postcards...or just buy them and scan them to us when you get back. Take lots of pictures. I'm really excited for you, dang, I want to go too!! Joyce, I use Isopure protein mix too...it's not too bad if you mix it with really cold water. I like it because it has 50 grams of protein and 220 calories, so if you are low on protein, it's a great way to catch up in one fell swoop (or rather two scoops). It's also pretty filling...you have to keep shaking it up to keep it mixed up. I mix the chocolate with the vanilla and it seems to taste a little better. Linda, how are you doing? Jessica, you'll be fine flying. Most airports have great signs and you check the "boards" that shows arriving and departing flights and they'll tell you what gate you are flying out of. If you don't have any delays, you'll be fine. If you have a confirmed seat, they won't bump you unless you volunteer (usually). There's usually someone who wants the voucher for a free flight or something so you'll be okay. Charlene, how are you doing? I suspect my rainy weather is heading your way...hope you are feeling alright. How are the sessions you've been attending? Are they helping? My Mexico doctor is starting to do "webinars" seminars on the web. The first one is tomorrow and I signed up for it. It says he's going to do one the first Monday and Thursday of every month. I think that should be interesting. I bet you give really nice parties and you must enjoy them or you wouldn't keep doing them. Deb, I see you lurking...how are you doing? If you need to talk you can always PM one of us especially if you don't want to post to the thread. Hi Sndy, how's it going? Laura, great pics of Nelson and his class...congrats to him and his TKD. The BD party looked like a lot of fun. So sorry the RSVP's didn't show up. I take it they didn't call either...rude. Guess they don't consider how much work goes into setting up a party and getting food/gifts drink amounts just right. Your parents should be there about now. Hope you are having a great visit and they are doing okay after the trip. LauraK...well this is Sunday so your daughter should be in Phoenix and I think it's raining there too. It will clear up and be nice by tomorrow though. Thanks for the recipe...I copied it and put it in my file, sounds very yummy and will be great for my veggie friends. Julie, great pictures and your new avatar pic is great...you look wonderful. Good luck on the insurance letter again. Apples, have fun with your party and have a safe trip...be careful (I know you will). Go USA!!! It's been raining since before I got up this morning. We've almost had an inch of rain. I can't wait to see how all this rain will affect the wild flowers this spring. We got home about 11:30 last night. It was an interesting trip meeting cousins I've never known or even known about. Got to visit with my uncle and aunt (biological mom's brother and sister) and they got to meet my DH. My cousin retired from the Navy after 27 years and we went for the ceremony. It was very interesting. The weather was nice on Friday and since the ceremony was outside in a park that was a good thing, but it rained yesterday. I'm going to post a couple of pictures of my back yard as soon as I upload them. We have a mess back there. We are changing the overhead power line to an underground one and the trench is open. I've been posting about 2 hours now, so I better go get something done. I'll check back in later. Hi to anyone I've missed!! Eva

Janet, thanks...and I'm doing okay with food the last couple of days...really good...hit the 45lb mark. Thanks for the reminder about the GPS...have fun on your trip! Joyce, sorry you are hungry...I wasn't hungry for days. I did get tired of liquids after a couple of weeks. Glad you are doing alright.

Hi Jody...pre-surgery date? So you go in for what exactly? See you haven't even had surgery and you are already starting to think like a bander. You do not need to feel guilty for not making everything from scratch...you need to take care of yourself too, that's what this journey is about. What is hamentashen? Great...sorry about the Mom conflict again. Weird how they can affect you from 2000 miles away. I bet you are really excited about your trip. Will your sisters help out with your grandma while you are gone? As for the chips, well, it's part of our issues and you recognize it. It's a step better than just eating and hoping that will make the other pain go away. Judy...thinking about you...have fun tonight. Apples, it's great you are having a good time. Enjoy it. LauraK, I have this really big eucalyptus tree and they tend to poison everything around them and their leaves and branches exude an oil that kills surrounding plants so I can't grow anything in my raised beds...so for Christmas, my DH gave me a tree removal gift. Of course the tree is still there but things are progressing and maybe in the next month, I won't have a tree there anymore. I really want to respond to everyone, but I'm really tired. I have to get my boarding passes and then go to bed. We are leaving really early in the am and will be back very late on Saturday. Hope everyone has a really good weekend and I'll try and catch up later. Eva

LauraK, I took a master gardener's class more than 10 years ago and I loved it. If I had the energy and time, I would pursue it again, but I really don't have a functioning area to garden in yet. Janet, yep the no choice thing would be better but I know how much I rebel after doing that for an extended time. I'm actually going to buy that book...maybe this weekend while in San Diego. Hope you have a safe trip to your DS and enjoy your visit. Linda, your cold weather sounds so delightful....not. But at least you have sun and that helps a lot. Jessica, those are exactly the sorts of messages you need to tell yourself. You are turning your life around and you will be successful. The school journey and the weight journey are really big steps and you are doing amazing. My best friend, at the age of 40 something, applied for and got accepted to physical therapy graduate school. She had to take chemistry and anatomy and sounds like all the classes you are taking before she applied. She got in the first try and is now working at the VA as a physical therapist and loves it. So there is a great future for you out there. Gotta run....will continue later. Eva