ocotillo

Let me see if I can get some photos here. These should be all the creatures....tortoises, Mom, yearling, and hatchling from 2008, the hatchlings from 2009, my cat in her holiday finery, the gold fish, and my old dog....this was a picture from last year.

Yep, I have a whole bunch of tortoises. I started out with 2 in 2004 (male & female) then in 2006 they had two hatchlings, then in 2007, we had 5 hatchlings, and in 2008 we had 12 hatchlings (two died), so now I have 2 adults and 1 yearling (these are outside in their respective burrows) and 10 hatchlings in a bin in the house. I'll try and posts photos. I will give the babies away to responsible homes or the Sonoran Desert Museum has an adoption program. I have seperated the adults so hopefully we won't have such an explosion again. Meredith...so glad to see you again. I think many of us are in the same boat. I gained 2 pounds too and haven't lost any for months, but I'm going back on the wagon again too. Your pictures are great. You are coming to Florida aren't you? Janet, I didn't something wild and crazy (at least for me). I bought a AeroPilates Deluxe Anniversary Performer with Rebounder from QVC. It shipped so might be here next week. I'm not going to join a gym and need some other exercises besides walking. I've never bought anything from the TV so it will be interesting. bbl...taking down the tree ee

Laura K...DH and I saw Blind Side when we were in San Francisco. I really like that movie too. We picked it because it was then next movie to start. I drug DH to the movies because he wanted to just go back to the room and sleep and I needed to do something else. He didn't regret it. Laura...lovely view from your pool. You know, it's just not going to be warm enough for me by the pool unless the pool is heated. Being a desert rat, I don't go pooling until it's close to 100 out. Last time I was in Florida, I was cold. Stay warm during your cool spell. Lori, hugs to your DH too. His uncle wasn't very old....and so sad to go so soon after retirement. I wonder about that sometimes. Do we put so much effort into our work lives that some of us just fall apart when we no longer have that job? I hope not. Cheri...it feels really good to get projects done whether big or small. I can't wait to have my guest room finished too. Yep, it does sound like you are excited about the little ones. Hope you have lots of fun with them. Good news about the school, glad you'll have a pay check for a while longer. Apples, so your next party is tomorrow? Are you ready for that? I bet. I suspect everyone really likes when you visit, especially when you bring all the food. Janet, have a good nap? How were the black-eyed peas? We had those for dinner too. I really like them, but no one else is quite as thrilled. My sister came over and shared king crab, black-eyed peas and Caesar salad for dinner. I was going to make that last night, but just ran out of time and energy. We went to a friends house for a NYE's party. It was mostly FNSC people with a few extra's in the mix. We decided to dress up because we never do. I actually wore my wedding skirt (it's black velvet with really cool kick pleats in the back) with black tights and black ankle socks with lace on them and a red long sleeved knit shirt. I also wore make-up and jewelry. I don't wear those too often. I didn't take any pictures, but maybe someone did and they'll be on face book. We really had a good time but I was sure tired by the time we went to our room. My sister has a time share, so we had a little one bedroom condo about 4 miles from their house. Our house is about 20 miles away so it saved us some driving time. I made this huge bread pudding for the party because I wanted to get rid of all the extra bread from Christmas. It came out pretty good. I put raisins and dried cherries and cranberries in it. I also made a sauce that people could use on it if they wanted it a little sweeter. I solved my bin problem and moved some stuff around now everything is in a bin (5 total including wrapping paper and bows). My baby tortoises are in a bin too, so when they go back outside in the spring, I'll put my Christmas lights in that bin. I really enjoy getting something organized or cleaned...don't do it often, but get great satisfaction when it's done.l Cheri...sorry but we were just in Chicago in July. Only stayed a day, but did visit the art museum. You are right, it has a great collection of impressionist art. DH was amazed and quite impressed. Guess I'll start working on my paperwork. Yuck. Have a great night ladies. Eva

I'm glad you decided to connect. I completely understand about the depression...I'm pretty sure I have some of that too, but I am able to kick my self out of it most times. However, the physical manifestation is the weight issue. I've had that all my life. Do you talk to you Mom often? Does she know you care and love her? Even if you can't be there, let her know how much you care and understand that you still need to take care of yourself. I've been reorganizing the Christmas stuff. I managed to put all the ornaments in one smaller tub and darn, I found another pile of ornaments and now they won't all fit. I'll have to buy another tub. That will make 5 tubs (including the wrapping paper one) and I think I'll get another smaller one for the outside lights, then everything will be in plastic instead of falling apart cardboard. It looks like it's going to be one of those frequent posting days for me. Happy New Year!! ee

So I'm back on page 459 so if some of these responses seem out dated....they are. Linda, I can't even imagine having 14 tubs of Christmas stuff for inside. I just bought my first 3 tubs and that will take most of the stuff. I don't have space to store 14 tubs of anything. I'm really impressed. Jewel, I didn't have any really bad pain except from the port and that took about 3 weeks to settle down. I didn't even stay in the hospital over night. Heck, I didn't even stay in Mexico overnight....I left as soon as they let me go and came back to San Diego, rented a car, found a room for the night and flew back home the next day. I was pretty luck as far as the surgery went. BUT each of us is different. I've had much worse pain the the arthritis so I guess it's all relative. Your new years post is so positive and filled with all good things. Good luck to you with your surgery and we'll all be here rooting you on as you undertake this journey. Hi JB, glad to get to know you. Phyl, your new year's wishes (rules) almost made me cry. Thanks for posting them. Arlene...great thought for 2010. I agree, it's a new year and a new start. Julie, you would be so much fun to experiment on. I'd love to cook veggies for you to see what you like. Maybe we can try a little of that in Florida. What haven't you tried? It will be a challenge for me. Linda, your pictures are amazing. Congratulations on doing so well. Janet, I'm so sorry about the sad news. Your family can't take much more. HUGS to you and your BIL. We turned Dick Clark on last night briefly just before midnight. My he's changed...he looks like he is wearing a mask. You have to give the guy a lot of credit for hanging in there and continuing the tradition. Laura K....your rant on your kids is understandable. Someday, they will understand. My sister's daughter stormed out of the house one day after she graduated high school and told her Mom she wanted to be treated like a guest...didn't want to do anything around the house. (Boyfriend influence). It was almost a year before she talked to her again. Now they have the best relationship they've ever had. In fact, she'll be here next week for a visit. Deb, congrats on the 50lbs. Great job! Getting excited about clothes is a new thing isn't it? Being so overweight really inhibits my clothes and shoe excitement. Laura, what an amazing transformation! You are brave to post those pictures....I couldn't do it, but it really shows how far you've come. Glad you are back. Lori....your evening sounds delightful. Glad your knee is healing well and as determined as you are, it will go even better. 1 day....sorry about the car. That is a bummer. Maybe you can find the perfect replacement on the web. I think web access has really increased our abilities to find exactly what we want. I also really like your wishes for the New Year!! Cheri....Happy New Year. The best to you in 2010. Eva

happy new year to one and all!!!

I don't post for ONE day you there are 5 pages to read. I'm only on 460 and have to get ready for the boob squishing appointment at 9:30. I'll finish reading when I get back and post more personal stuff. THANKS everyone for the well wishing on the back. I'm thinking I might have to go back on the anti inflammatories for a while, just to get everything settled down again. Then I can stop taking them again. Okay....off to the imaging center.... Eva

I'll see what I can do about the Grey Goose Girl!! On the subject of veggies...for me...broccoli needs to be cooked tender, but green beans works for me raw or cooked. Carrots have to be raw, cabbage can go either way. I ate raw broccoli today and I still don't really like it, but it filled a hole. I can eat as much lettuce as I want. I'm finding my "system" works better if I can get the veggies in. Doing laxatives daily just doesn't seem right to me. I also drink V-8...it really helps when I get hungry. Fruit is good, but apples make me feel more hungry...I know I'm not, but for some reason I feel hungry after eating apples. I don't get stuck on anything unless I don't chew it enough which I tend to do more frequently that I should. Then I have to stop and wait, then I remember to chew more. I strongly suspect I need more of a fill, but I'm going to use will power for a few more weeks, then make another trip to San Diego. I do have restriction, just probably not enough to stop me from eating too much. Okay, back to the hanging off the bed thing. ee

Evening ladies.... Apples, so sorry about the stones...hope they pass soon. I can't imagine the pain. Shall we send you psychic sonic waves to help move them through? Good job to all of you that "threw the junk out". I did too. Yep, it's time to get back on track and it sure isn't easy. I had a good day today and I'm working towards a perfect day tomorrow. I think I screwed up my back over Christmas. Before, if I stood too long or walked too slow (like shopping) my leg would start to burn and I knew that nerve was getting a little more pinched. Since Christmas, it's burning a lot more, even when I sit. And the other side is giving me a bit of trouble from the sacrum area. I really hope this calms down again. It's too soon for surgery. What brought this on is I walked to the mall at lunch and went shopping. Usually, that two block walk wouldn't phase me a bit, but about 1/2 through the mall, my leg was starting to burn. By the time I bought the last item, my leg was really burning. Walking at my normal pace helps relieve the pain and by the time I got back to work, it was better, but this shouldn't be happening at all. I'm also out the in field every day lately, doing measurements and I really don't want to be in pain doing those. UUggggg. Getting old isn't for sissys. Hey Laura, it's good to hear from you. Glad to hear your Dad is doing a little better. Hope he gets to go swimming. That always feels good. Okay, I'm going to try and hang up side down from my bed...wish me luck. Eva

Apples, sympathy is there and in place....poor baby!! What can you do for them? Cheri....nice rant. You do have to take care of yourself...that will in turn help your relationship too. When you're good with you, then you can be better with others. Janet, AVATAR is one I'll buy too. I may break down and go see it again however. I really did enjoy it. Julie, hope you don't get sick from Mimi....aren't you just getting over one cold? Lori..good progress with the knee. A nap sounds nice. 1 day....glad you are feeling better. Wow, don't know how someone could eat anything with 9 cc's in a 10 cc band. I guess it's really true, everyone is different. New year's traditions....uh......none really. My DH calls it amateur night on the road. I usually do black eyed peas because my Mom did them for good luck. She didn't do collards however. Maybe that's why we aren't prosperous. You can get fresh black eyed peas at Safeway this time of year and usually the stores will carry frozen ones. I really love them, but don't eat them often. Back to NYE...we are going to a party on the other side of town and have a motel room close by to go to. It's supposed to be a dress up party. That should be intersting. I am so tired....I stay up too late. Have a great night ladies....talk to you later. Eva

Evening ladies....fly by post. Very interesting day today...made lasagne out of the left over pasta dough, cheese, meat and sauce from Christmas this morning, then my sister from Phoenix, her DH, son and his friend stopped by and we exchanged gifts today. Then my neighbors came over to look at the baby tortoises. Then my sister that lives here, DH and I went to see Avatar. I really enjoyed it. We rushed home and ate the lasagna (timer on the oven is a wonderful thing) and went back to see New Moon. It was okay. Avatar was better. So it's been a busy day and I have to work tomorrow, so I'd better get back to bed. Later ladies, Eva

Apples, I can't believe you are counting the days until the Florida meet. Have a good party!! I'm lounging today. Just doing stuff I want to. I need a day off and today is it. Hope everyone has a good Sunday. Eva

OMW...great pictures everyone!! I'm glad to hear everyone had a nice Christmas!! Melissa, hope you are feeling a little less sore...sorry about the accident. Cheri...nice gifts for the grandchildren....I really like the idea of getting back to more basics. Janet.....glad to hear you had a great Christmas. Lori....fantastic that the family thing went better than you thought. Good going with all the gift certificates. Phyl, sounds like your Christmas has gone really well too! Did you have fun with the GK's? Meredith, welcome back!! Linda, great pics....your GD looks very happy. So cute too! Apples, nasty weather...darn. Now you'll just have to entertain another day. I know I'm missing people...trying to exercise my memory more, but alas.....it doesn't seem to be working. Merry Post Christmas day!! I only fed 17 people so Lori had me beat, but it was an exhausting and wonderful day. Had a very nice Christmas Eve with DH and sister. My favorite gift is a little rubber ducky that quacks and lights up when you push a button on it's wing. I wore it on my shirt Christmas day...people asked what was up with the duck. It's funny. The ravioli was a hit and we have very little left. My sister ended up making most of them, I helped, but she rolled out the dough and filled and covered, and I pulled then off the trays, cut them and seperated them so they could dry. Very time consuming work. Today was clean up and it took me until about 3:30 because I wasn't really motivated to get everything done quickly. But it's done now and all is well. I'm still exhausted and my hip, back, and legs are complaining, but I should be better tomorrow. Laura....Merry Christmas to you and your family. Hope your day was special. I'll try and post pictures later. Sister is coming over and we are going to watch a movie maybe. Love you all....you are truly wonderful people. Eva

I'm so sorry you have to work so late tonight. Don't they know it's Christmas Eve? Well one good thing is you do get paid and it usually is slow....have fun at your party tonight! Jewel, sounds like you are going to have a really nice quiet Christmas. You son will love it. I really do enjoy small kids at Christmas, it's so special for them. Lori, you'd be welcome to join us...you and your family. I'm sure I can find a few more chairs. I really understand how you feel about your Mom and the disappointment you feel. Some day I'll share the crap I went through with my Mom before she died. Hang in there and I know you'll figure it out and do what's best for you. Well I'm just about caught up. I'm taking a break because I can. My bread is rising and will go in the oven shortly, 2 of the appetizer trays are done along with the garlicky bean dip, and I' just have dinner to fix...nothing fancy. DH has his sour dough bread rising too and that will bake after mine does...so everything is progressing. I ordered a bottle of 20 year old balsamic vinegar from the place we visited last weekend and am having it shipped to my sister. I don't think it will get here today, so I scanned the bottle and printed the picture and cut it out and taped it to a rolled up piece of card stock and tied a ribbon around it. I put it in a fancy wine bag and I'm giving it to my sister tonight...it's pretty funny. I think I'll take a little nap. HAVE A PEACEFUL CHRISTMAS EVE!!

Julie, I'm really sorry to hear about your family member. It really does seem worse when it's around the holidays. I'm not as anal as I used to be about cleaning, but my dinning room is in the unremodeled part of the house and it serves as a catchall room all year. It also doesn't get cleaned much. I really can't stand to see dust bunnies and cob webs when I know people will be here. It looks pretty nice now. We strung white lites around the ceiling a couple of years ago, so those will go on and I have 5 tables set up and 20 chairs. The table clothes will go on tomorrow along with candles. Lori, glad the knee is starting to function better. I always have MOM on hand now. Since banding, things don't always move like it should. I also do the miralax on occasion, but MOM works over night. Does your Mom even get it when you talk to her? IMHO your Mom should be proud of you and the fact you have your life together with a loving family. Your sisters need to take responsibility for their own choices and not be envious of you. Of course you know this and I'm sorry I can't go lecture your sisters and Mom (not that I would actually do it) but I sure would like to tell them to get their heads out of their butts and appreciate you for the loving caring person you are. Arlene, what a wonderful story....it made me cry. This is truly what Christmas is all about and it makes my heart soar to know there is such kindness and generosity in the world. Cheri....what Janet said about the dentist. I've had every tooth in my mouth worked on and have $$$$ of dollars in root canales, crowns, etc. On the positive side, you will keep that tooth and not be in dentures too soon. Linda, glad to hear you are recovering so nicely after that surgery. Hip replacement is in my future, so it's very interesting to hear about your progress. That appetizer with the beef and pickles sounds very interesting. It sounds German and I like that. CONGRATULATIONS ON THE 100 LBS!!! WOOHOO AND WAY TO GO!! I'm really sorry to hear you may not be able to join us in Florida...I was really looking forward to meeting you. Maybe your neice will wait a year. Sucky insurance...mine does a similar thing too...have to use all your vacation before diability kicks in. I'll keep my fingers crossed that your neice will postpone the wedding until next year. Janet, I'm only 6 1/2 hours away....and 1 tank of gas. So you can expect to see me again in CA....maybe you can cruise this way too. I do have a guest room. Laura K....have a very Merry Christmas. Nice tradition, the birthday cake to Jesus. Apples, I can just picture your DH and puppa in that recliner.....it's a very nice picture. Yes, the on-line friends ships are important too. There are amazing people in the world and it's another way to connect. I talk to my one girl friend about the band because she is my best friend and we can talk about anything, but it's better here because you all KNOW what's going on. Julie, all those wonderful things you said to us....back at you. Have a very Merry Christmas filled with love and laughter. Hug that Mimi for us!! So after about 5 or so hours of sleep, I went shopping at 7am this morning (hate dealing with the crowds) and got the few last minute things I needed....have two bread starters going, fixed breakfast and am cooking down my butternut squash filling. It has to cook down until it's almost "dry". How that is going to happen, I don't know, but it's bubbling (or steaming and popping and fizzing) away right now. It is getting thicker and the flavor is concentrating. I don't do squash, so this is a new thing for me. I don't know why I'm so excited about this Christmas but I've been in a great mood am really looking forward to tomorrow. For tonight, my sister is coming over and we are going to have crab cakes and spinach salad for dinner, then open some presents and watch "Scrooged" if nothing else is on. I need to get It's a Wonderful Life because I love that movie. White Christmas is the other one I really love. DH and I watched Miracle on 34th St last night. I have that one (the new version is Dylan McDermott) on VCR..it came on regualar TV, so we put the VCR on and watched it that way, then turned the regular TV back on and it was still going, so we watched it to the end again. Hope everyone has a really great Christmas Eve and if I don't get back to the thread and really special Christmas day! Hugs to everyone. Eva

Charlene...as Apples and Great say, you are going to get younger...enjoy your time at the hair dresser. Apples, sorry about the postponement of the Christmas festivities, but with the storms and people being sick, I think it's great you can move things out. I keep threatening to not do Christmas dinner, but I am compelled to do it. As we were posting before, it's become traditional. It will be very nice for you and DH to cozy up for the day and just enjoy each other. It's cold here today...it rained last night 1/2 inch. Now that doesn't sound like much to you guys probably, but I live in a desert and it's great to get that much rain. Tonight it's supposed to freeze, so all my sheets and stuff are drying out so I can cover my plants. Kalanchoe (sp?) are getting ready to bloom and they are not frost tolerant. They have really pretty red blossoms for weeks and I don't want black mush this year. I've been cleaning...fireplace (we burn candles in there), dinning room, bathrooms, etc. Just picking up and reorganizing getting ready for a house full. Janet, I just put your gift out in the bathroom. It's perfect!! I've decorated with poinsettias and those bottles work perfectly. I need to set up the extra tables and get the chairs corralled. I might have enough. Not sure if I have enough plates, I'll have to go count them. Okay, enough of a break... ee

I had this nice long post typed in and fell asleep at the computer last night....literally. I ended up over typing everything with a kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk. Now I can't remember all the stuff I wrote. Apples, your generosity is wonderful. It's nice you try and include people that might not have anywhere else to go. You are so set up to cook for 20 or more that I suspect it's no big deal for you. Charlene, that check thing to Santa is pretty funny. Now why did Santa need a check? To help pay for reindeer food? It is so much fun to create the illusion for little kids..as much fun for the parents (or should be) as for the kids. Hey I got a Chatty Cathy one year. Lori, sorry about your leg...you rest today. Your Grandma is very lucky to have you and you to have her. I hope she gets through the decision making alright. It's pretty tough for them at that age and it's very nice she has you to help her. So you didn't mention your own traditions, just your DH's. Did you adopt his? Laura K...mimosa? Sounds like a great new tradition. I can just imagine the kids with their cookies. Must have been lots of fun. Julie, your Christmas sounds nice too...not too much cooking and being close to those you love. What did your parents tell you about having presents early? Phyl, your RV looks great...congrats on the prize!! So are you driving that decorated RV up to the SF area of just taking your regular vehicle? It seems like a lot of work to pack up your house for a short trip. The decorations really do look great. I love Christmas lights. Cheri...I can understand why you don't have any set traditions with all the changes you've had over the years. I'm also sorry you don't seem to have a really good friend (besides your DH). What I wish for you in the New Year is to find a really good girl friend...a really good friend will love you no matter how abrasive you might be and will stick with you through anything. I find my friends really help me through the rough times. They put up with me no matter what. It really makes my life fuller. I wish the same for you. Janet...you've had a few changes too. You've handled everything so well and I'm glad you are happy. The story about Star and the tree rearranging is pretty funny. How did you manage to sleep through that? Sorry about the leg cramps. Hope that gets better quickly. I stayed up rather late last night....falling asleep at the computer. I've started on the prep for Christmas Dinner. The number is growing, 16 confirmed and 19 possible. I'll have to borrow chairs from my friend. Today is trash day, so I cooked all the meat (chicken, pork, sausage, hamburger) last night and deboned the chicken and drained all the fat off so I could get it in the trash today. We have trash pickup only once a week and if I get all the stinky stuff in today, I won't have to smell it later in the week. So the chicken (organic thighs) and pork (tenderloin) will be ground with some proscuitto to make the meat filling for ravioli. I'll get that together today and will just have to add the eggs on Friday before stuffing. The hamburger (home ground beef) and italian sausage (made at a local shop) is now simmering with seasonings and tomatoes to make meat sauce. I have the vegetarian sauce already made and in the freezer. I'll make cheese filling today too without the eggs and add the eggs Friday. I'm also going to make butternut squash ravioli with a sage and browned butter sauce. So besides three kinds of ravioli, we are having 3 sauces, caesar salad with home made dressing and croutons. Fresh bread (DH makes sourdough and I make regular). Appetizers are white bean and garlic dip, veggies, roasted olives, a meat and cheese antipasto with marinated mushroom and artichokes. Fresh bread with olive oil (oil I brought back from SF). Desert is all the cookies and stuff I have from cookie exchange, a pear cobbler with cranberry streusel and a cheese board with a bunch of cheeses and fruit. I love to cook like this, but I'm usually exhaused by the end of the process. So if you don't hear from me you'll know why. I'm trying to pace myself so I'm not so wiped out I can't function. Do I take on too much....maybe, but I really enjoy the food prep and I love when people eat it and love it. I also like the interaction of all these people I know...I could just be a fly on the wall and be happy. I did get on the scale today after weeks of being afraid to do it. I'm up 2 pounds.....and I've been at this level for a while. I was afraid I had gained 5 or more pounds. YIPEE, I love my band. I really believe that after Christmas I'll be getting back on the "band wagon" and applying myself to eating right and the weight will start dropping again. I think I needed the time for my body to adjust to this weight and then it will be ready to let go and I'll start losing again. Okay, I'm off to do something...I have to clean the dining room and get it set up for a bunch of people. Later, Eva

Hey Janet....no concert...didn't get tickets. But it's okay. We do see a lot of concerts every year. Apples, traditions? When my parents were alive the main thing was I got to open my presents on Christmas eve night. We would have dinner then open presents. My parents told me it was because Santa had so many people to visit he stopped by our house early. I still open presents Christmas eve...mostly because I'm so busy Christmas day with dinner. I don't need to add house cleaning to the mix. Now...since I've been in this house, it's been I host a Christmas Day dinner. Everyone is invited and welcome. This year it looks like anywhere from 10-15 people. So, it's not as big as some of your families, but it's really nice to visit with friends. We also get some people stopping by for coffee and visiting. Cheri, your picture is fabulous. You are looking very good. Congratulations. I am home for lunch and need to get back to work. Have field notes to take and then some more computer work. Then I'm off for 5 days. Check in later. Eva

Evening ladies....wow, I'll never get all these posts read. San Francisco was really nice. The shopping was overwhelming for me. Too much really expensive stuff, but I did buy a couple of things. I found a little credit card/driver's license holder at Fossil that suits me perfectly, found some Christmas ornaments at Crate and Barrel, and these really goofy reading lights at Brookstone (for DH). We toured around SF on Saturday with our own personal tour guide. He was a friend of the lady we know there and he took around and showed us some very interesting things...then we wound our way up to Sonoma by late afternoon. We managed to get to one wine tasting...they closed at 4:30 and we showed up at 4:25. Then we did an olive oil tasting at another place. That was cool. Brought back 2 bottles of wine, 2 bottles of olive oil and 1 bottle of 20 year old basalmic vinegar. Flew out of SF at 6am on Sunday morning with a full plane and Phoenix was a mad house when we arrived. Glad I'm not doing that until after the new year. It was a very nice trip..now I have to catch up. Apples, I'm with you buffet style entertaining. Show them where the drinks are and let them get it themselves. I love to cook, but I'm not a very good hostess. Melissa, glad to hear you are joining us. It will be fun. Cheri, sorry about the messy family stuff. I guess we all want everything to be perfect but life just isn't that way. Wish you the best over your break...enjoy the time off. Julie, take a picture of the church in the snow...I'd love to see that. By the way, thank you for the ornament. Did you make it? It's very cool. My sister has a couple on her tree that she got from her mom and now I have one too. It's hanging off my light. Laura....sneaky with the presents. I think having kids is the best part of Christmas. When DH's boy was younger and we had him for 1 Christmas, I had a great time with his presents. That was the only time we had him. Anyway, I give you a lot of credit for not having any modesty....it's being honest. Interesting info on the "codons". Between you and Phyl, we should be a healthy bunch. So that donut got stuck.....sorry it hurt so bad, but ain't banding a great thing! Lori, hope you are doing a little better today. It will get better day by day and by New Years you'll be up and dancing. You are in good hands with Phyl and Laura. Okay...I just read the fish thing....LOl....I want your dreams. Okay, I know I didn't get everyone, but I'm running out of steam. Hope you all have a great night!! Eva

Morning ladies, Posting from San Francisco!!! DH left his laptop and there's a wireless connection at the hotel. We got up early in search of breakfast and I walked him to the convention center than came back to the hotel, showered and now am enjoying my self watching TV and reading posts. This is so nice. The stores aren't open yet, so no shopping yet............I'm heading out in a little while. Lori, I'm amazed at how well you are doing with your knee. Yeah if you get to go home early, but then again, you do have room service where you are now. A hike this summer sounds like a great goal. I was hoping to be hiking this fall and I'm still not doing it, but it will come eventually. Julie, sorry about the cold...poor baby....drink lots of liquids. Hope you recover quickly!! Cheri, sorry about the GS's and the schools woes. Really hope the kids are okay, my heart goes out to little kids in distress. It's nice the people at your school are pulling together to get you through the rough stuff. Apples......so now what are you going to do....no running out to the drying bins.......I'm sure there's plenty to keep you busy. As Julie says, those men just don't have kitchen etiquette. DH would do the same thing....just grab the easiest thing and run. Deb, it sure would be great if you join us....but $$ is always a big factor. Hope you can swing it. Your ornament session sounded like lots of fun. I love doing that...we used to get together with some "stamping" ladies and do the same thing. It was great fun. Jewel, well I'm sure you can find a way to fill your time between semesters especially with a 5 year old. I went to college and worked full time...when semester was over, it was always weird because I had a lot of extra time. Now I can't imagine giving up my "extra" time for school. Hi Phyl....I though you were doing pretty well with those steps. Laura, I know it's getting a little close to "that time" where your packages won't get there on time, but sending N's gifts to your parents sounds like a great idea, or pack them in a couple of extra suitcases and take them with you.....you pay for shipping that way too. Tell Nels you need lots of warm clothes for NC. Spending Christmas with your parents may be a very special this year...what's your DH think? Okay, sorry if I missed someone...doing this from memory. Hi and hope all is well. Okay, it's 10am and shopping is open....I'm off. I'll check in later maybe if DH doesn't get out of the convention early. He was really happy to see me......LOL. Later, Eva

Wow, you have great insurance if they will pay for your tummy tuck. I've haven't lost enough weight yet and I'm a self pay anyway, but there are a couple of people here that can tell you what they did. I just had to comment on your insurance. Good for you in getting back on the wagon...I really need to do that too.

Good Morning everyone. Once again I've been MIA because I've been trying to get everything done before my little trip and get set up for Christmas. I've been doing Christmas cards after work and I can't do that and read posts for some reason...I'd end up responding to a post on a Christmas card and who ever got it would really think I've lost my marbles. Apples, when we go to Florida...I'll bring some tamales. I threw the extra ones in the freezer so they'll ready to go. They are NOT low fat food, but one isn't going to kill you. These are vegetarian tamales, no lard. Made with butter and vegetable stock. Your baking is amazing...I can't even imagine making that much stuff because I don't have anyone around to eat it. Janet, I still love reading your posts....you still are an inspiration and thank you. It's helping me get back on track. Julie, I'm so glad to read you are sleeping better. You sound so much more positive and happy. A good nights sleep is a great mood elevator. I've noticed that myself. So you don't want to work at a day care do you? I think (as my sister says) it's great to be a grandma because you can love the little ones, then hand them back. All the previous posts on steel cut oatmeal got me inspired to make some....just took it off the stove. I'll have a late breakfast before heading off to Phoenix to catch the plane....yum...I add dried fruit and cinnamon to mine too. Sometimes I'll eat is as a savory dish, a little salt and pepper on it. Lori, I'm thinking of you during your surgery. I know everything will go well, you have a great attitude and that is a great part of the healing process. Laura, I'm so sorry you have to go through this with your parents. I understand the sadness is overwhelming and your concern for your Mom is difficult. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Hi Joann....glad to see you back. Sounds like you've been very busy. Congrats on your 1 year bandiversary. Both of my sisters are quilters too. It's an amazing skill and art. Both sisters have long arm quilting machines too...one has a giant Gammel and the other has a much smaller Jewel. Of course, I benefit from their art....no complaints there. Meredith, your picts are amazing. You look fabulous. Good luck with your end of semester and the house. Yipee, home ownership soon I hope!! Laura K....glad to see you here again. Your carmel corn recipe looks good, might have to try that some day. Linda, you are so upbeat and positive. How's the hip doing? 1 day....sorry about the really long shifts...I understand about being busy. I'm not sure we have anything planned for Florida beyond the rooms. I believe there are tons of things to do and with as many of us as there are, I'm sure we will be doing something and/or you'll find one of us willing to do what you want to do. When I visited Janet, I found just sitting around talking worked too....we really had a lot to share. Jewel, once again, sorry about the issues with your family. They are tough. The band will not make you lose weight. Only you can do that. I'm speaking from a little bit of experience here. I was banded in July and am totally stalled out right now because of MY poor food choices....not failure of the band. The band is working, but it doesn't stop me putting crap into my mouth. If you want this "system" to work you will have to make it work. Absolutly follow your doctor's advise. I was on liquids for three weeks after banding and a very strict diet three weeks before banding. It really helped shrink my stomach, settle my blood sugar levels and helped immensely with the hunger issues after banding. It was worth every minute of it. Arlene, I tried polent a couple of times and didn't like it, but now I really like it. It's yellow corn meal...don't know the difference between cornmeal and masa, but it may be the proecessing. I've made polenta, let it firm up, cut it in squares and saute it (basically to warm it) and put a poached egg on top with a little pesto. Yum. Okay, all the chores are done...it's taken me 4 hours to write this post. I just need to get dressed and head out. I'm going to San Francisco to meet my DH who is at a geophysics conference there. For me, it's any excuse to travel. I have someone coming in to watch the animals and I think all is set. I have to drive to Phoenix to catch the plane, it's saving me over $100 even with the gas to drive there and parking. I was supposed to be wrapping presents this morning, but I'd rather catch up with all of you. I miss being here. So I'll be gone again for a while, but hopefully will be able to be more regular after Christmas. I don't have any big plans after Christmas dinner. Have a good weekend.....(maybe I'll be able to use DH's computer and check in while I'm gone...ooohhhh, hummmm....what an idea!) Eva

I'm trying to get through all the posts from yesterday....haven't been able to do it yet....have to go to work. Finally got all the tamales done last night. Most are in the freezer or given away and now I can finish my laundry and do DH's Christmas presents (wrap them). He's in Arkansas and it's a great time to do his stuff. Fly by gotta run....CBL. Eva

Linda, I'm so glad to hear you are doing well after surgery. What a positive attitude you have too. That always helps. Also glad to hear the nursing staff sounded positive about the gastric band. Jessica, glad to see you posting regularly. It does help with everything. The ladies here do have good advise, both with the dieting/lap band issues and with life. They have a lot of experience and don't mind sharing. It's a good thing. I truly wouldn't want to live with my MIL. I love her a lot, she is a wonderful person but I don't want to live with her. It would be great if she could live next door. DH loves her and would help a lot with her but we both get frustrated because she insists on not moving and it's causing her to fail both physically and mentally. At least your MIL is still active. Does she help out with your son? Glad you had a good time at the Nutcracker...I love to see that during the holiday season. We went to Mannheim Steamroller this year instead. Lori, sorry about having to clean....yuck, not my favorite thing to do. But it's good to have a job even if you don't especially have to HAVE one. I thought you were still looking for the MIL dress...I remember some conversation about that earlier but can't remember if you found a dress or not yet. I have a couple of friends that don't drink coffee, mostly because of the caffeine. I don't like it without it being doctored....white stuff and sweet stuff. No point in drinking it other wise....as I sit here typing drinking my coffee with Sweet 'n Low and FF half and half. I had a pedicure before my lap-band surgery too...they weren't operating on my toes. I love both manicures and pedicures....and I found someone to wax my eyebrows. I'm terrible at plucking. Phyl, sounds like your red hat group has lots of fun. Wow a group of 200, you need a convention center for that. Deb, you lived in an ashram? Cool....do you still do yoga? Janet's nose jewelry is pretty cool....very classy...just a little tiny stud that flashes when she turns her head. My nails are soft and peel, and my hair has been falling out too. I think it sort of stopped now, but it doesn't seem to be growing back too fast. Pizzelles are a lot of work, but so good. I grew up with them but no one here I know makes them. I don't think that is something I want to start either. It would be as bad as tamales. At my sister's holiday food exchange yesterday, we had a conversation about phone calls after 9pm....we must be on the same page because most of the people think if you are getting a call after 9pm, it has to be an emergency. It must be the age we grew up in. Julie, stop with the negative messages...it doesn't help. You have done very well with your weight loss and will continue to do so, if not this minutes, in the future. NO NEGATIVE MESSAGES TO YOURSELF!!!! Seems like you have Mimi a lot.....just during the day and not so much at night? Janet, oxtail Soup? Did you have that when you were growing up? Arlene, I love Christmas movies too....I want to get a little flat screen TV in my bedroom/office so I can watch them while I'm on the computer. I can watch them on the computer, but then I can't do computer stuff. I have Miracle on 34th Street....it's one of my favorite. DH likes "Scrooged" with Bill Murry....."so you like it rough Frankie...." I bought him that one for Christmas one year. I'm kind of achy too...with the cooler weather and all. ug Apples, that squash recipe sounds good, may have to try it....along with the cocktail sauce. Hey, why don't you put together an "Apples" cook book. My sister put together a "Thompson Family Cookbook" for one of our reunions and it's pretty cool. Have to go do something....more later. Eva

Phyl, Congrats on the door prizes. I don't care for the "sweet" veggies...cooked carrots, butternut, acorn, etc squash, pumpkin, sweet potatoes (orange sweet stuff), but my GF makes a casserole with butternut squash that is wonderful.....It's cubed squash sauteed, then you put it with some walnuts and squares of white cheese in a casserole dish and cover it with a milk and egg (custard) type mixture and bake. It's savory with just the hint of sweet from the squash. It's one of the only ways I like it, but it's not a really low cal recipe. If you want the entire recipi, I'll get me GF to email it to me. Apples, your cream cheese appetizer is very intersting...I'm going to try that one of these days. I'd like to be your neighbor too...not for the leftovers, but to help cook once in a while.