ocotillo

Apples, I wasn't raised in Alaska, just born there. I was the 3rd kid of 7 biological kids (MOM) and I was the only one adopted out. My adoptive parents moved to Texas when I was 1 year old, so I wasn't aware yet in Alaska. I've been back since (4 times now) and yes it is beautiful, especially the Kenai pennisula. I like Homer, but I think I like Seward better....had a much better fishing experience out of Seward and just gorgeous scenery from the boat. Back out to yard work....check back later.

I also drink coffee most days. I also need to "diet" to lose weight. When I eat normal, I just maintain. So leaner meat, veggies, carbs last. Calories in and calories expended is how it works....so however you achieve that should be the ticket. Haven't tried alli and I'm thinking it wouldn't be a good idea. Good luck.

I never thought about new house design....is it really so disfunctional that you can only put furniture one way? Guess I've lived in old houses most of the time. Of course this house is sort of limited because I wired the cable Tv to only one spot in the LR....the outer walls are adobe and there was no way to get the wires there without them showing. Cheri, sorry to hear about your fall....glad you are doing alright afterwards. Laura K. So what are you doing to your LR? What color paint? Using any special techniques? Apples, the (and she is the only neice from my biological siblings) lives in Anchorage. That's where a bunch of us are from...oldest brother, sister, me, younger brother, were all born there (3 others weren't). This particular neice is adopted too and is our 2nd cousin also. Aren't families fun? DN cooked dinner, shrimp with pasta and it was pretty good. She works as a cook in hospital right now. I need to try and sleep again. Guess I got too much last night.

Apples, I didn't take it wrong....or think it weird...of course weird is where I live................. Going to sister's for dinner. Her daughter is here from Alaska. Boy is she ever tall and skinny...and really attractive. BBL Eva

Just finished trimming all the front bushes with my new hedge trimmer....wow, I wonder why I waited so long to buy one. It worked great. Still have a little raking and picking up to do, but I can get that tomorrow. I'm pretty tired and a 5 pound machine held out at arm's length is quite a workout. I think I will feel this tomorrow. Deb, I hate it when that happens....lose a post. Glad you are pulling out of your slump...it's hard. Just know someone here will respond if you need to say something...you can PM any of and we'll get back to you as soon as we can. I think I'm going to take a nap before the next project...I'm brining a turkey so DH can smoke it tomorrow. Eva

Kazumi...and it's in the Hillcrest area. It's tucked into this building that has a gym and some other stuff. Really fresh fish, inventive, and the owner and his son are the sushi chefs.

We must have been posting at the same time Cheri and Lori. Lori, that's cool about the Rocky Mtn Arsenal being turned into a wildlife refuge. If I remember correctly, it was a big controversy many years ago. I remember that rodeo...it's held in a covered arena right? Too cold to be outside in the winter. Colorado Springs has the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo. Cheri...I feel the same way with my garden (or somewhat lack of one) I'm just feeding the birds and lizards. I can't keep anything without chicken wire over it. Pictures...we had a Mardi Gras theme wedding. Now, I was technically married the month before, but no one knew, so this was a staged wedding and was great fun for me. So the group shot was of everyone that wanted to be in it...and there's a shot of me an my sisters. Then the table arrangement is something I put together.

You guys are just wonderful!! Arlene...I started taking an anti inflammatory (generic name is Piroxycam) last weekend and I've slept better than I have in months. It's taken all the little aches and pains away that would wake me up at night and the ones I feel (back, hip, etc) during the day. Maybe ask your doc about an anti inflammatory. The problem with this drug is I can't take any other anti inflammatory such as asprin, tylenol, etc. I have the vicodin if the pain gets too bad. I'm also on bp meds...been on the same one for years now...no cough or adverse side effects from it. BP is normal or better. I really feel for your aches, it's miserable to live with that. Laura, you are a sensible parent it seems. I can't believe people are so concerned about the gift that they care about a gift receipt. It's very superficial. I love giving pratical gifts...have a hard time giving something basically useless. I always thought kids were easy because there is so many things out the to amuse them....but I guess those kids have a definite idea about what they want too. As for sushi, this particular sushi chef/owner is very particular about his product...nothing is old or stinky. He is Japanese and is still a Japanese citizen and is here on a green card. I can barely understand him, but enough to get by. He's taught me a lot about the art and skill involved and he tries to do his stuff in as traditional manner as possible. He makes all his own sauces and they are yummy. He has spoiled me because I've only found one other place that is equal to this place and it's in San Diego. I don't eat sushi when I travel anymore because it's usually disappointing. Julie, sounds like you are well rested and raring to go. Hope you have a wonderful day. Yep, those "pigs" are ugly, but when you see a mom with a couple of little babies, they are so cute. Don't hurt yourself undecorating. And yes to whomever asked, javalinas are mean....they are wild animals. A mom will protect her young and males don't like to be challenged. They've been known to bite people and dogs. You can usually just yell at them and chase them away, but not always. I am very careful with my encounters with them and keep the dog away. We've had as many as 30 in the yard at one time...moms, dads, and many babies in various sizes from pretty big to very tiny. They are generally nocturnal, but you do see them in the day. Can you tell I really like my desert creatures? Except when they eat my plants and know over stuff like the garbage. Apples, you can complain about the cold all you want...it makes me more grateful to me here. I love to visit the cold but don't want to work in it. I think if I ever lost weight to where you are, I would have a similar figure as you. It will be interesting to see. I have fairly decent legs and I don't wear dresses because I can't keep my knees together. Also, when it's hot here, I sweat and I can't stand the feeling on my inner thighs. I used to wear dresses or skirts a lot, but they just aren't that flattering anymore. Maybe some day in the future. And I do believe the world is getting more casual because you see people in very casual clothes everywhere. Tucson is especially bad because it's a laid back town and people wear jeans everywhere. That's why I had a formal (in a manner of speaking) wedding and we dressed up for new years. I'll post a couple of pictures. Gee, I'm beginning to like doing that. I have to go get my brand new hedge trimmer going and get those bushes cut down. Talk to you all later. Eva

Forgot the javalina picture

Melissa...do you like the new car? Have you checked out what the air fare would be? We sure would miss you if you couldn't make it. What kind of gas mileage do you get with the new car? I've been having hot flashes since I was in my 30's....am 2 years post-menopausal now and still have occasional hot flashes. Been having them a little more the last couple of weeks...so not sure what's going on. In the summer, I sweat like crazy at night....I wake up drenched and have to change my t-shirt some times...we keep the house around 78 in the summer. In the winter, the house at night is around 63 and I sleep under 1 blanket but I rarely wake up in a sweat. Jessica...we know you are not lazy...but some MIL's will never find the woman their darling sons marry good enough. I hope you guys can find a way out of the situation you are in and move out on your own. I wish you the best with the gas pain. I was very fortunate and didn't have much pain....but did I ever have a big gut. It was huge for about a week, then everything settled down. The port site and tubing places hurt for quite a while afterwards...burning feeling, but the subsided too. Hang in there, you'll be fine. Heather....you haven't failed....you've still lost weight. You are just at a stand still right now and need to get your head around the eating issues. I'm working on the same things...I have lots of head issues. I just continue to work on it and know I have support and the tool that can help. It's really not easy but we both can do it...I know I will be sucessful, if not today then in the future and so will you. You can do what it takes...it's making sure you eat the right stuff and savor what you eat. Find the joy in it. You will be alright. Apples, yep, sashimi and sushi are an acquired taste. For me, certain fish is like eating butter - it's rich and savory and amazing. Other fish needs sauce, either wasabi and soy or ponzu. The rolls I eat have spicy stuff in them or Japanese mayo and they are yummy. As I said...it's an acquired taste. Great...a javalina is a giant rat in the shape of a pig....they actually look like pigs but they are a large rodent supposedly. They stink...really bad, especially in the summer when it's hot. You can smell them before you see them. The eat everything and will tear stuff up just to see if it might be good to eat. But, they are part of the desert and we live in their territory, so I have to deal with them. Oh, did I mention they are ugly? I'll post a picture...this one was on my front porch. Janet, we are 1 hour different now. I'm always in Mountain Standard Time. By the way, I changed my flight out of Tucson for Florida and I think I'll be on the same flight as you from Dallas to Orlando. Julie, sorry for another loss in your family. You are a good family memeber, very supportive. I really hope your family appreciates you. I like your worry meter phrase. It's a good way to express it. Arlene, you are one of us - the sun belt people. You blood thins once you've been in warm country a while. Hope you enjoy those steel cut oats. I prefer the texture to regular oats now. Laura...sounds like a very nice and relaxing day for both of you. So do you have to get presents for the birthday parties? Does Nels like them? Phyl, wish you were coming to FL too...you'd have fun. Maybe you can exchange your ticket (for a nominal fee) You could fly out on the same flight with Janet. Cheri, sorry about the pain...I went back on the anti inflammatories because I couldn't sleep...hip, back, etc. I like the joke thing you said to Jewel...it's a good idea. Have fun hangin'. Well my "machine" arrived today....it's heavy. I'll put it together tomorrow and see what up with it. I also bought a hedge trimmer this evening so I can take care of those bushes tomorrow. Can't see the city when I'm sitting on the porch 'cause the bushes have grown too tall. Work was good today and food was alright. It's getting better and I did walk today. So slowly, I'm getting back on track. I think DH will smoke a turkey breast on Sunday and maybe something else and I'll have healthy food for lunch next week. Have a good night. See you tomorrow. Eva

We just had 8-10 javalinas in the yard and I tried to take a picture, but the camera wouldn't....I had the flash on and it was set to automatic. I think it is too automatic sometimes and the javalinas were too far away for the flash. Darn...next time maybe. I really need to learn how to set the camera up on manual, then I can force it to snap the picture. Apples, well, sashimi is raw fish...artfully laid out with other stuff. Regular sushi includes rice and nori (seaweed). There are a couple of types of sushi, nigiri which is a ball of rice with a piece of fish laid on top of it, and rolls that have fish or veggies in them with rice and are wrapped in a nori wrapper and then sliced into bite sized pieces. I really don't need all that rice, so I eat the sashimi. I have been eating sushi since the early 80's...before it was such a trendy thing. The sushi chef I frequent worked at the Japanese Kitchen in Colorado Springs at the same time I lived there. He's had his own restaurant here for 20 years and I've been going there at least 16-17 or those years. It used to be just a treat for me....expensive food, but now I go once a week at least for lunch. It's usually the only time I go out for lunch. This is why I can afford it. Here is a web site with a lot of info on it. The Sushi FAQ - The Definitive Guide to Sushi and Sashimi Okay, gotta work....blahhhhh Eva

Evening ladies.... Julie, I'm glad you were able to get to the hospital and visit. That's special especially with one birth and one possible loss. Truly the cycle of life. Can't wait to see you soon. Apples, that's some snow. I made DH get out of bed and come look at the pictures. My DH has a problem with finishing projects too. He can get very intensely involved with something he is interested in, but other projects....well, they get tinkered with. I'm very bad about sticking to any project but cooking (I usually finish that). I always get distracted and side tracked. I have to be really motiviated to finish something...then I do. Feels good then too. Linda and Cheri, very interesting stories. Both of you should be proud of yourselves. Prayers for Tinka. Laura, I'm like you....freezing when it's 50...but then other days, 50 is ok. My fingers are cold this winter. They get cold and I can't get them warm....this is not usual for me. Great...pins and needles until we find out what you are going to do......Oklahoma maybe? The retirement thing though is a really big issue (IMHO). You can always move back to CO when you retire. Phyl, don't think anyone is going to let you off that pancake hook. I was pretty grumpy yesterday because of some stuff at work and I thought the company was making a really stupid decision on a huge project we are doing. It may be easier for someone now, but it would cost us big time in the future....well...I found out today, our planners are going to do it the way it should be done. It really helped to know we can make good decisions (sometimes). I'm so glad tomorrow is Friday...yipee. I had sashimi for lunch...less than 1/4 c rice and raw fish and veggies....yum. For dinner I had BBQ beef (home made) and as good as it was and I wanted to eat more I didn't. Yeah. I'm still full. I'm noticing that beef digests much more slowly and it keeps me full longer. I prefer chicken thighs over breasts too. I still can eat anything so maybe after the next fill that will change, but right now....anything chewed up and eaten half way slowly goes down. Seems I'm always the last one posting. Hope you all had a good night. Eva

You all are too funny...crosswords, pancakes, guns, cops, and cold weather. Quite the conversation tonight. Meredith...nice to hear from you again. Sorry about the friends brother. It is very sad. You people from the cold country would want to swim in February. Janet and I will be huddled under a blanket trying to stay warm. LOL. Good, Janet the food cop....that's cool. I am doing much better with the food thing, just not perfect yet. Letting go of that refined sugar (cookies, etc) is helping. I threw everything away after Christmas, but it still has a lingering effect. Funny though, I'm usually after the chocolate and I haven't been craving that at all. Lori, I just sleep on the way to Colorado, not when I get there. Have you driven I-25 to I-10? Big chunks are pretty boring especially if you've done it countless times. I was in Colorado 9 times one year (2004-2005). It was pretty bad. Laura K...so sorry about the PBing. I still haven't done that...slime yes, but that's it. Hope you feel better really soon. I'd love to do sudoku...but I haven't signed on to Facebook in weeks and don't think I could keep up with it. I barely keep up with here. Okay, it's almost 10 and I need some sleep. Hope everyone has a great night. Eva

Linda...wow on all that exercise. You are making up for lost time. That's very cool about you being published. I have the Leslie Sansone walking tapes...I do like them. Laura, did the trash man make it? How did lunch go? Eventually, Nelson won't want you around when he's at school, but I bed he was excited today. Sorry about the orange slice slip-up....it's really hard and I still don't know why we do it. I have the same problem. Julie, good luck with the insurance. What a pain...in more than your shoulder. I hope you can find a solution. Hey Arlene, wow DH is doing really well. You are too, glad the meds seem to be working. Congrats on the new grandchild!! It's cool that there are a bunch of little cousins. Hey, I agree with you and the cold. Don't mind visiting the cold, but don't want to live there. Ha.....my cat is chasing the 80 pound dog around the room...it's pretty funny the this big black lab runs from a cat. The cat is mean, she bites and makes the dog cry. Of course the dog is very sensitive like her Daddy. Lori, it's nice to hear you are separating yourself from your sisters since they cause you so much grief. It would be nice also if they reached out to you, but until they do, take care of yourself. Sounds like you got some cool stuff. Apples, its so nice to hear how you and your DH can work well together. I think that is a hard thing to do. I'm not sure I could work with my DH. We think differently. The last recipe you posted sounds really good. I'm going to have to try that. Cheri, you are doing so well with exercise and diet. Good for you. You are a good story teller. Jessica, hang in there...the craving should be just in your head. The protein drinks help. Make your own chicken broth or beef broth...it tastes better and is better than canned broth. I had a bunch made up before surgery and froze it. It really helped get through those initial days. Janet, I agree, I think Phyl is a natural at being a desert rat. She sure knows a lot about the desert. I think that is pretty cool. Speaking of beans, if you like different beans and want to try something new, go to a web site called Rancho Gordo and they have beans they get from Mexico. They are heirloom beans. I haven't cooked any yet, but my boss loves them and recommended the site. I got some right before Christmas, so there hasn't been time to cook any up. http://www.ranchogordo.com Busy day as usual. DH and I are doing date nite on Tuesdays...an excuse to go out and eat dinner somewhere. We are trying to go new places but he wanted sushi tonight. We ran into our friends there and had a nice visit. This sushi bar is a regular for us. I go at least once a week and it's one place I can eat and not worry about it being healthy. I got my fill appointment for the 23rd and I'm going to make my flight reservations as soon as I finish posting. I did pretty well today with food, but didn't get much walking in. Tomorrow will be major walking day. I love to travel with DH...whether in a car, train, plane, etc. When we drive someplace, I bring audio books and it keeps both of us entertained. He likes to drive and if we aren't listening to a tape I can sleep...unless it someplace new and exciting. If we are driving back to Colorado, I can sleep through that. Hope everyone has a great night. Eva

JB, I'm so sorry about your baby. Been through this a few times and it doesn't get easier, but she has had a great life and both of you are better for it. My Glimmer (black lab) sends her love.

Here is one web link for the show....you can also search Tucson Gem & Mineral show and get several sites with information. 2010 Tucson Gem Show

Deb....geologic time...LOL..my DH's first degree is in Geology so we can appreciate slow moving humor. We have a huge Gem & Mineral show here in late January and early February...if you want to see a lot of stuff, this is the place to be. They have the most amazing specimens. Good picture of you too! JB...I'm an engineer for the phone company (yes, one of those old fashioned telephones that no one uses anymore). Worked for the company in many different capacities for almost 34 years. Laura, great going at the gym. Sorry about the cat pb....don't they get they're supposed to do that on the tile so it's easy to clean up. Yep the storms can be spectacular here. We've got some pretty decent lightning pictures. Lori, you are greatest and smartest person in the world...it's what your dogs think that really counts. Guess that coat was meant for your DD. Sometimes when I wait for something to be marked down, they don't have my size anymore. Back in the 70's Colorado used to have really big blizzards and lots of snow every year. One year search and rescue had to take us home from work and pick us up in the morning. I was an operator then and our jobs were considered essential. Things have changed. Apples, with a population of 156, you would know everyone in town. WOW, that's some picture and what a beautiful dress. Your boys were really cute too. Thanks for sharing. OMW that tractor is huge!! You don't want to be around that when it starts up and the driver doesn't see you...you'd be squashed like a bug. Janet....that getting up early thing, I just barely make it to work by 8 now and that's getting up at 5:30....I doubt I'll get up earlier to do the rebounder. I'm more of an after work exerciser. Got my walking in today. I know that I could be really busy for 6 months if I wasn't working...I have so many projects, large projects that need to be done that I could be busy all day. You could scan your old pictures in and then you could share them with us too! Jessica....yep keep walking, it will help all that gas move through and out. I swear it's one of the reasons I didn't suffer too much from surgery...I was moving from the time I woke up. Welcome to bandland. Julie, so sorry about the S-D...don't let her get you down. Honestly is she someone you want to spend time with? Maybe you don't need people around that really bring you down. Did you go to a bunch of work for that dinner? I think its quite rude on their part to accept an invitation then turn around and say never mind. I really don't think it's you...it's her. You clothes buying women are a bad influence on me. I just bought some Land's Ends stuff. Free shipping and sales got me. Of course I buy T-shirts and got DH a couple of belts and my sister is getting a shirt too. I don't need any more T-shirts...I don't have enough room for the shirts I have now. I am not an early riser...even though I do get up early. I move slowly in the morning and usually have some chores to get done is why I'm up early. Left to my own devices, I'd be up until midnight or so and sleep maybe until 7 or 7:30. I believe that would be ideal. In the summer I have to water my out door plants at least every other day because it's so hot. Right now it's once a week for most of them. Okay, I have to make reservations for my fill. I really think I'm going to need it. BBL Eva

Picture 1 is of the two trees (sort of) we are removing...the messy green stuff to the right is the one DH just chopped down...the one in the center (eucalyptus) is the next to go, but our overhead power line is in the way. Both of these trees have invaded my garden--all those lovely raised bed you see and the dirt patch below which should be grass and nothing grows. So the trees will be taken out and replaced with friendlier trees. #2 Front yard with bushes blooming...you can see some vegetation off in the distance..I think I posted this one before. #3 Tucson with snow...not this year yet. #4 is the view from my front porch during one of our wonderful summer storms.

Geez, you guys were busy again...I'm up at my usual time 5:15 - 5:30 and have a little extra time this am. Still trying to figure out how to quit work and manage my life style...dang...I have to go to work. I'm really glad to see all the stuff on the lap-band lifestyle. I think it's very good for me to be re focused and apply myself. Lori, March 26th isn't very far away. Big wedding. I invited about 100 to my wedding and about 70 showed. It was amazing. I thought that was enough. Yes, we have trees, I'm posting a picture and you should be able to see trees. The sonoran desert has lots of vegetation and animals. Palo verdes, mesquites, ruse lancia, palms, eucalyptus are just a few...then there are the bushes and cactus. It truly is amazing here. I grew up in the Canon City area and although it has the big trees around the river, it's pretty much desert all around...cactus and scrub juniper and chapparel. In fact, my part of the desert has more vegetation than the hills around florence. Janet, you want to go to that show while we are in FL? Okay, I have to go to work. Later ladies. Eva

You will not gain all the weight back if you follow the recommended eating plan. Track your calories and your activities and you will be fine. The weight battle is exactly that, a battle and you are going to lose some and gain some...but overall, you will lose weight. Everyone I know on this forum has fears of gaining the weight back, but you have a tool now that should help you control the amount you eat. You still have to make the decision to eat correctly, not eat high calorie sliders, but you can do it. I am battling my food addiction also and it is very hard for me. I keep putting stuff in my mouth that I shouldn't. HOWEVER, I am not gaining weight overall, I just am not losing and I'm working on my issues. Do what ever it takes. The woman I chat with have lost 100 lbs or more and have kept it off from months so far to years. They battle with their weight too and the desire to eat more than they should. Other women are still working on their weight loss and they are a year or more out. Please be patient with yourself and understand this is not a rapid weight loss program. The weight will come off, it will be slow, but it will come off.

Cool chart Janet....that helps. Lori, are you getting excited about the wedding? How many people are you inviting (your DD I should say) and I forgot, when is it? I love the flowers. Laura, thanks for the link....I'm going to think about that, it might be really fun to see. Hope the nail biting with Nels doesn't turn out to be a big issue. He's gone through a lot lately too so maybe it's just his way to relieve some anxiety. DH cut down a tree about a month ago and we finally moved it to the street today. Our city has bulky trash pick up twice a year and our week starts the 11th. So they will take vegetation, old appliances, a few tires, lumber, etc. It's a great way to clean up a yard. This tree has infested my garden and nothing grows, so the tree had to go. I also have a bunch more stuff to cut and take down to the street, but it will wait until next weekend. I have to say, I feel good after that effort...hauling, cutting, stacking, bending, etc. A little exercise in beautiful weather. Yeah. Later folks. Eva

Congrats to all you recent bandsters.....be patient. Your bodies have just undergone surgery, it takes it a while to recover. The weight will come off. I did not lose anything the first few days because I was so bloated from the surgery, but everything really moved after that. I also gained after I went off liquids, but that too settled down...this is not a lose weight quick plan, it's a tool to help you learn to eat slower and less food. You have to make good choices about what you eat, just like a diet, but if you do that, the weight comes off. Be patient, play by the rules and you will see results. And it helps if you weigh weekly and not every day. It's so tempting to weigh every day, but truly the weekly weigh in really does keep you from tweaking about a pound gained one day. Good luck everyone.

You might want to give more details such as were you on a diet pre-band? How much and what sort of foods are you eating now? How often are you eating? Are you following your doctor's recommendations now? Do you have a nutritionist? The band affects everyone differently. I get hungry, but it's not like it was before banding. I wasn't hungry for more than a week after banding. Sometimes it's head hunger, not physical hunger you are dealing with. More info is needed.

Hi Dee, I will let you know about the new "machine". I get bored with walking sometimes too, but it's a waste of money for me to join a gym. I have a stick-to-it-ness problem. How are things going for you?

Morning ladies, Jessica...great job on the weight loss. Your liver will be fine. I had the same worries and everything was fine. The dieting really helps with the hunger after the surgery. You won't be hungry for a week or so, but once the initial swelling subsides, you may get hungry...if your stomach is smaller (not the banded part, the lower part) you won't be as hungry and it will take a lot less to satisfy your hunger. That's the whole idea behind the band. You will do just fine!! 1 day....25 is cold...at least for me too. Burrr....I'm such a wimp when it comes to living in cold weather. Arizona spoiled me a long time ago. We went out for dinner last night with some friends. It was fun...this was a "steak" place but not your usually hunk o' meat on a plate. They made kabobs, stroganoff, fillet fingers, and different sauces for the fillets. They also had chicken. I had kabobs and they were delicious. The meat was very tender. They served 3 skewers and I ate 2 and gave the rest to DH. It's always interesting to try a new restaurant. I slept last night....from just after 10pm to 4:30am. This is unusual for me and it felt wonderful. I started the anti-inflammatory the day before so I don't know if it's because of that or because I was pretty active yesterday and just tired. I love to sleep well. Are any of your Florida bound people interested in some kind of "show" ie, music, a play, etc. while we are in Florida? I'll look for something if you are interested. Have to get dressed and move some wood...we took down a tree. BBL Eva