HEALTHY CHOICES WEEKENDER 7/5-6/08

Good morning everyone,

We had beautiful weather, yesterday ~ great for swimming.  It was fun watching all of the kids in the pool.  There were 8 little ones in all, ranging from age 4 to 10 and they can all swim except for the 4 year old.  He's so proud of himself because he can go under water now with his eyes open.  Tom brought his camera again to take underwater pictures of all of the kids.  They just love doing that and seeing themselves underwater.  My sister had one picture of her two grandaughters blown up and uses it as a background for her acquarium and it turned out really neat.  The girls love it because it looks like they're in the acquarium. LOL

Mom is here now and we're going to be going out for breakfast soon.  I thought I would stop by to check yesterday's posts.  I'm so glad to hear that Shirley is sounding so much better.  Thanks for keeping us up to date, Vammie.

Pat, what a cute story about Kenny (is he the Captain?).  It sounds like he had no plans on keeping his bedroom clean either.  LOL   I want you and Lynn to know that Chris is remembered in my prayers every day.  I hope this next six months will go by quickly for him and for Lynn and he'll be home again soon.

Maureen, what a mix up that was for you and your sister.  You must been on pins and needles all day wondering what was going on.  I hope they can get the fires under control and out soon and especially that it doesn't reach her home.  Maybe I never paid attention to it before, but I wasn't aware that there were so many wild fires evry summer.  We have our tornados and storms and they have their wild fires.  I guess every area has it's own risks. 

Barb, you're right.  At first I didn't know who you all were refering to when you asked for some Capt. stories.  It sounds like he was quite a cute little character, still is from the story Pat just posted.  How were the fireworks last night.  We couldn't go becausse Mom was spending the night here.  That was really okay with me because after all day at Dsis's I have to admitk, I was tired.  It was a fun day though.

Well, time to leave soon, so I'll be back later.  Hope everyone enjoys the long weekend. Take care and God bless. Jo Ann 

Good morning JoAnn and those that follow. We had a nice, quiet day yesterday. We went to my brother's cabin at Coeur d'Alene Lake (about 45 minutes from here). It was just my mom, sister, brother, sister-in-law, dh & I there. The weather was perfect - it actually cooled off (about 75) and the food was good. I made a really good salad with Romaine (I used some of the fresh leaf lettuce from dfil's garden, too), feta cheese, fresh pears, toasted almonds, and avacados. The dressing was very good - it used frozen apple juice. If anyone wants the recipe, I'll post it on our HC Recipes to Remember post. We didn't get to see any fireworks last night - most of them don't start till about 10 p.m. and then we would have to drive at least 1/2 hour to and from. That's just too late for us old folks.

JoAnn, what fun to have those pictures taken underwater. It sounds like you had a good day, too. I hope your dm didn't get too tired. Enjoy your breakfast out and the rest of your day.

Maureen, I'm so relieved to hear that your ds and her cats are safe. That must have been very nerve-wracking and frightening for you. I'm glad to hear the Kim's eye isn't anything too serious.

Barb, You are right we live in a great country. You did well stretching your meal to include the unexpected guests. It sounds like a nice day.

Verna, thanks once again for keeping us updated on Shirley. I hope that she can come home this week - I know she will rest more comfortably once she gets home. I will try to get her called sometime this weekend. Enjoy your lunch out with Rob today and I hope you are able to get him to complete the list you have made out for him.

FPat, it sounds like you had a nice day, yesterday, too. Thanks for the cute Cpt storry -we haven't had one of those in quite some time. You know we always keep Chris, Lynn and family, as well as the rest of our military personnel (and their families) in our prayers. There is not a day go by that I don't appreciate the sacrifices they have made for us. Do you have to work this weekend? Or, do you get a 3 day weekend.

Sue, how was your picnic? Did the weather cooperate so you could have one down by the pond?

Viny, I'm  pretty sure Pat won't pick out a "girlie" comforter for you. For some reason, I just don't see her doing that. You said your ds was partaking of some libation the other night - was he doing the ironing (lusi's way)? lol

lusi, after your description of what it is like at the cabin, I don't blame you for not wanting to spend many nights up there. Leo must have really wanted you to go up there with him, if he was willing to take you to a concert in exchange for you going up there with him.

I think dh & I are going to the city today. The doors he ordered for our little storage shed (it actually is a bathhouse that was built next to the pool (we filled it in after we moved here) are in and he wants to go pick them up and get them put on while we are still having cooler weather. He is also working on a new deck for doors we have off our den. We had a small wooden porch there that my dad built many years ago and it is getting kind of rickety. So, we are putting a small vinyl deck out there.

I'll try to check back later. I sure hope this posts - the last time I wrote a long post from home, I lost it.

Take care.....

Jo Lynn 

Hello everyone.  I survived the Finnish wild once again, and it wasn't even bad.   It takes some effort on my part to get there.   You see, I prepare all the food in advance here so that I don't have to fuss around in that very basic kitchen.   If just DH and I go, it is very easy.  We can eat simple food.   But Ari went along this time, and he had his heart set on a chicken stir fry in a special pan we have on the outside grill.   And I had to prepare food for two days.   Since Antti was working, he stayed behind, and I had to make sure he also had a stash of good food to warm up.   I know, I spoil them rotten, so it is my own fault!!! 

We did go to a concert.  The summer concert series here are really nice.   Mostly young, professional musicians doing repertoire that they don't normally get to do in the classical world.  This concert was called 4th of July, and there was music from all over the world which has been influenced by American music.  It was all classical, but sort of interesting - from Gershwin's Porgy and Bess arranged for violin, to Australian jazz fusion.   Even Ari enjoyed it, and he wasn't so keen to go.    

Today we made two trips in the morning to the dumpsite.   We had cleaned out the attic of our "barn", and it was full of junk from the previous owners.   The dumpsite is well organized with different areas for your junk - plastic, wood, metal, machines, computers.   You have to pay a small fee, but it is well worth it to know that the junk is being disposed of in the most environmentally friendly way possible.    After that Leo and Ari went fishing.   I got out the scythe and started whacking the weeds in our Christmas tree field.   These are seedlings that Leo has moved from other parts of our property.   I suppose the area is about the size of a football field.   The trees look great, but the weeds were almost as tall as most of the trees.   It felt good to be doing this physical labor, but as usual, I overdid it, and I feel every muscle in my body at this moment.   I think I may need some libation juice this evening as a last resort to numb my muscles!  I'm trying not to let on to Leo how much it hurts, because then he will have the great pleasure of saying I told you so!!

OK, I have rambled far too long.   I have been reading a couple of books I must tell you all about.

I hope you are all having a relaxing weekend.   By the way, Barb, God is moving some furniture around over here just now!   lusi 

Good Morning!   DH just left to go to the landfill to pick up a load of compost.   That’s what he’s putting around the swingset over at Kim’s.   He’s not sure if it will take 2 or 3 loads.   I’m thinking of spraying Round-Up in the far back behind the barn (very small and old).   Also thinking of weeding around a large Ash tree in front where I have perennials.   So many things to do – seems never ending.   I still have to deadhead the roses in the back, there’s 14 back there in a rose garden setting.   But I’ve got all day, we’re not doing much, well, he is but not me.   The paper says 92 for today but it was already in the high 80’s and our hottest time is around 4 pm. 

Jo Ann – that sounds like the best kind of July 4^th – those are the kind we had when we lived near family in CA.   My one brother always had a pool and the kids and young fathers had such a good time.   And we had way too much good food.   I really miss not living near extended family – it’s a bummer.

Jolynn, I would like to try that salad and dressing please.   I’d be taking advantage of that cooler weather too.   I have the energy but this heat tends to put a damper on things.

Lusi, I bet you surprised yourself with enjoying the cabin.   Wouldn’t Ari be shocked if he had to eat simply like you and Leo?   You are spoiling these boys, but haven’t we all done the same?   For some reason so many of us think the boys are helpless, but don’t we contribute to that?   I bet Verna didn’t spoil her son.   I can’t believe you use a scythe – I don’t think I’ve ever seen one.   You don’t worry about whacking off some tree branches too???   Smart to keep it quiet on the aches and pains – those “I told you so’s” are irritating.

I did get to talk to my sister late and she was going to spend the night at the shelter which is at San Marcos High School.   She wasn’t the one who walked from the barricade to retrieve the cats, it was some animal person from the shelter.   She was not allowed into the area.   Luckily the landlord had left a note with her cell phone #.   So now she is finding out this whole fire thing could take a week or longer and she has to decide where to put her cats – probably at the animal shelter for the time being.   She is going to stay at the shelter this weekend as her friend had different events planned with family.   Patrice could go but she would rather stay put for now.   She has no family in the area – all of our brothers and sisters are about 2 hours away.   I looked on the internet this morning for new info on the GAP fire and not much has been updated.

Well, I think I should get busy.   When one sleeps in till almost 9 am, the morning goes by very quickly.

Wow...what a skimpy group here today.  I read the post from Jo Ann earlier but didn't have time to post myself.  We slept in this morning and DS actually showed up this MORNING!  He got here about 1030....I had just finished dressing.   He had stopped to pick up my new blinds and some dog food for Molly...so he must have left home fairly early.  Got all the blinds but one put up.  Got the towel ring replaced.  Habitat for Humanity finally came and got the patio doors and bent screens.  DS finally took the two large boxes of stuff he had here....stuff I'd cleaned out and passed on to the first taker.  We headed out to lunch and when we got there, the place was no longer there.  Whew!  I didn't have to eat something weird...so we headed north to another place and when we got there, it had changed hands and wasn't the same anymore...we did eat there and it was quite good...but they still were serving from the brunch menu at 3 pm....I found a raspberry chipotle grilled chicken sandwich with bacon and some sort of cheese grilled on sourdough bread.  It was quite tasty.  But now I won't want dinner...too full.

We did not begin to get all the chores completed...too much going on.  I'll check in tomorrow.

vammie

Good morning everyone.

One more beautiful sunny day, here and then they're predicting scattered thunder storms again.  Went to see "Little Shop of Horrors" last night and enjoyed it.  It's a fun play to see. 

JoLynn, what a nice get together at your brother's cabin for the holiday weekend.  Your salad sounds delicious.  I'll check to see if you put it on HC  Reciipes to Remember.  My Mom did really well, for being out all day and even stayed up till 10:30 PM at our house that night.  Maybe now with that good experience, she'll be willing to get out a little more often. 

Good for you, Lusi.  You survived and even made a stir fry out in the wilds.  I'm sure Ari appreciated that.  Look forward to hearing about the two books you're reading.

Maureen, you must have felt better after you were actually able to talk to your sister.  Has she ever had to be evacuated before?  I haven't seen too much more on the news about the fire either.  How horrible it must be to be away at a shelter and not know if your house will stil be there when you return.  I hope it's controlled and out soon for everyone's sake . 

Vammie, your son surprised you!  How great, he got there nice and early and did accomplish some of the things on your list.  It sounds like he's a great help to you when you need him. :)

Well, we're having a slow start to the day.  I didn't water the beds yet and they need it.  I'll do that when I finish here.  We're watching the men's finals at Wimbledon, off and on, this morning too.  Ken and Judy called and invited us down to the boat for a cookout this afternoon, but we had to pass on that because we have to stay in the area for Frank. He has to stay near for any emergencies that need his supervision.  Hopefully, it will be a quiet day. 

So few of us here, this weekend, everyone must be having a busy  weekend. Marti, I hope you and Joe are doing okay.  Waiting to hear when Shirley will be able to come home.  Hope it's soon, she'll be so much more comfortable once she's home. 

Will check back later.  Take care and God bless. Jo Ann

Hello.  I hope you are all enjoying a nice Sunday.  Also wondering about Marti and Joe.  Hope they are ok!

A lazy Sunday here.  DH and I ha da long walk this afternoon.   Now my foot is throbbing a bit, but it was ok when I was walking.   I was happily surprised this morning when I realized that I had no aches and pains from yesterday's work at the cabin!  

One of Ari's good friends, and the son of our family friends is leaving for the army tomorrow.  Military service is obligatory here for young men.  Many do it as soon as they finish high school, but you can delay up until the age of 27.   I made chocolate chip cookies for Ari to take around to his friend and family tonight.   Our own Antti is thinking of doing the army service right away, which means that in a year's time, our own family could be facing this.   Military duty is a civil duty here for young men, and a voluntary one for women.   Not many women go into the military here.   And the Finnish military is mostly involved only in peace keeping missions, but then they are only on a voluntary basis.   Otherwise, most people just do the required 6 months to one year duty, and that's that.

I have read two books this past week that I recommend highly to anyone interested.   These are true stories, both of which read like thrillers.   Both are African stories.   One is called "Aboke Girls,  Children abducted in Northern Uganda" by Els de Temmerman.   The other is called "The Translator" by Daoud Hari (Random House).  You can learn more about both of these books by doing a search on their titles.   The Translator has its own internet page: www.thetranslator-book.com   The translator is the story of a man from Darfur who worked as a translator there to escort journalists doing their reports.      You don't need to understand African politics to read these books, but you will understand something of them after you have read them. 

This week, I am going to read A Thousand Splendid Suns - about a woman's life in Afghanistan.  Has anyone read it?

Leo is leaving for two weeks in Sudan on Tuesday.   He takes it all so calmly.   I am nervous enough for the both of us!

Back to watch the Wembeldon tennis final which was interrupted by rain.   lusi 

Good morning... I can check in just briefly - today is house cleaning day and I need to get some things done. We got the doors and dh even dropped me off at the mall for an hour (woohoo a whole hour) to do a little shopping. I didn't get much other than some makeup I needed.

Verna, thanks for the compliment yesterday. Oops, I just re-read your post - I thought you said we were a "skinny" bunch! Then, when I re-read it, I see you said "skimpy" not skinny! lol I'm glad Rob got there early and you were able to accomplish so much.

JoAnn, it sounds like you had a good time last night at the play. Your friend was in it, right? I hope Frank doesn't get called out today and the two of you are able to enjoy a nice quiet relaxing day.

Maureen, it must be a relief for you to at least know that your ds is safe. However, it must worrisome for her (and you) to not know whether or not her home will be there when she goes back. I'll try to get that salad recipe posted a little later today.

lusi, I think we all spoil our kids - much more spoiled than our parents spoiled us! I'm glad you survived another trip to the cabin.

Okay, I better tackle my list. I'll check back later when I need another break.

Take care....

JoLynn

Good afternoon everyone. 

I was a slug this morning and didn't get up and out to church.  It is just sooo hot.  Takes all my energy just to do what has to be done.  I thought my freezer was going out last night.  The alarm on it kept beeping.  I think it's just so darn hot in the garage.  We discovered yesterday that there is no insulation over the garage.  I will have to remedy that immediately.  I have commented to several folks about the garage's heat...my other house has a garage that faces west and it was never this hot...but we did have insulation in the attic....I'll have it here by the end of the week I hope!

Question about freezers....My current freezer has the hinges on the right side.  They cannot be changed like most refrigerators.  Has anyone ever seen a freezer with hinges on the left?  I could put the freezer in the utility room if the hinges were on the left.  I need to investigate that further.

My caregiver came early last night and we cooked a bunch of meat on the grill.  I'll package it up and have it to eat on all week...along with my pasta salad and coleslaw.  Easy cool meals that way.  I cooked boneless pork chops and chicken breast...I have enough cooked meat for 8 meals.

Today my horoscope said to clean up my workspace.  OK.  Yuck.  Actually that was my plan for today...clean up in here.  I started doing it Friday and have a ways to go yet.  But it will feel so good to get this behind me.

Jo Lynn...I guess skimpy could mean that we are skinny....skimpy amount of meat on the bones!  Have you gotten the bid from the second contractor yet?

I'd better get busy so I can fulfill my horoscope today.  Hope all are well.

vammie

Good afternoon all! It’s getting warm out there, not as HOT as Verna’s though.

I did work yesterday till about 2 then went home for a nap. Don’t know why I’m so tired at times. After going out for a bite of supper, went home to wash & iron. DH is going to Lynn’s on Sat to watch the kids while her babysitter spends time with her dad who is home on R&R for 2 weeks. He’s thinking, weather permitting, of riding the motorcycle. I’m placing bets that he winds up taking the car...

JoAnn, you’ve really had a busy weekend. Glad to hear your mom made out well staying over night with you. Yes, Kenny is known as Capt. Destructo, along with his pal Hop Along Holly. There is a story behind that one too.

JoLynn, your get together sounds like it was fun too. I agree with the old folks part for me anyway. I heard fireworks but didn’t look outside to see any of them. Mostly neighbors shooting them off here. Did not have a 3 day weekend here. Of course I can’t complain, got off of work on Wed at 1 and didn’t have to go back till Sat at 9 am. Les’s project sounds like a good one for this summer. When do you start the harvesting out there?

Lusi, I’m so glad we don’t have an outhouse at our Pennsylvania place anymore. And we have city water there but I remember going down the hill to the well for water when my grandmother lived there and we were visiting. Was the best and coldest water we could get. Your concert sounds like it was really good. Why didn’t the sister get out there & clean out the barn? Sounds like something she would of enjoyed & then she could have left your house alone.?? LOL Will Antti come back to another year of school over here then do the army time? Will keep Leo in my prayers for his time in the Sudan area. I can understand about you being nervous for the 2 of you...

Maureen, you always keep so busy, your yard must be the best in the neighborhood! I am surprised that you’ve never seen a scythe! I remember my grandparents using one when they cut hay for the cow & pig. There was one in my mom’s garage but don’t remember what we did with it when we cleaned it out. Hope your sister’s fire gets taken care of quickly. How scary for all those poor people.

Verna, sounds like Rob did pretty well on his list of jobs to get done. And you got rid of those boxes of stuff! Your sandwich sounds interesting though. I did have to LOL at your comment on eating something weird. You eat more strange things than I would ever think of eating... Of course I don’t like the hot stuff you live for....

Time to get outside & pull weeds... Had my pony fix this morning, took carrots out to them at our friends house. They lost one of the babies last weekend. He had a blockage in his sm intestine that probably wouldn’t have been helped with surgery, so they put his down. I love going out there & petting or playing with them. I hope to take the grandkids out there, Brenden is at his grandparents in the next town so I’m sure we’ll have his some of the time.. He’s the oldest of my grandkids.. Later! Pat A

Hello again.  The tennis match is going into the fifth set, and stupid Finnish tv stopped showing it live after the rain break!   So we are watching the banners at the bottom of the screen.  

Pat, I have to clarify.  DH's sister DID clean the barn when she was here!   She sorted all the rubbish very nicely.  It was all packaged and bagged up so that all we had to do was throw it in the correct bins!  But the dumpsite is only open on a few days each month, so couldn't do that while she was here.   And yes, this project kept her busy for days!  She did put aside a lot of things she considered to be "treasures", but I tossed most of that!

i*m afraid I tasted too many cookies today and I feel like a blimp!   I'll do better tomorrow!  lusi 

Good Afternoon!   Think I’m done working – it’s one thing to work outside when it’s cool but another when it’s way too hot.   I think I’ve run out of gas or ambition, maybe both.   The lawn and flower beds look much better at Kim’s and the swing set is all put up.   She will be so surprised that it’s done.   Whoa, we are looking mightly dark outside, wonder if we could get rain?   I don’t care much as I’m inside for now.   We are going up the canyon later to have dinner at that place we like.

I haven’t heard from my sister since the other night.   Doesn’t surprise me though as I don’t know if she’s keeping her phone charged plus she doesn’t have very many minutes on it, the landline was her main phone.   I do know they’ve evacuated more people and it is 24% contained.   That is better, but still such a danger.   I read that what’s burning is 20 to 30 years worth of underbrush.   No wonder it was so beautiful where she lives.   I’ll call the other sister and see what she knows – those in CA know more than we do.

Jo Ann, I’ll have to check out Wimbledon – when I got in my car to come home, I heard that Federer was down by 2 sets and that there was the rain delay.   He beat that other guy so easily the other day, but I’ve seen him get beat before.

Maybe a quiet day for you and Frank is more to your liking today?

Lusi, you military duty doesn’t sound so bad.   I think Antti might be smart to get it out of the way.   Prayers for Leo – I know he feels safe, but many of us aren’t so sure.

Jolynn, I could vacuum if I could get DH out of the chair.   He went out to mow and it’s raining.   I knew it looked awfully dark.

Verna, I take it someone has checked up top on the left side – there should be some plugs there.   If not, then I don’t know what to tell you.   I talked to DH and that’s all he could suggest.   I like your idea of cooking lots of meat at 1 time.   We had bratwurst last night that I had cooked in beer and then frozen.   I put them on the grill after thawing them and they were so good.   I commented to DH that is something I should do – cook a bunch of them and freeze.   What an easy dinner.

Pat, I’m not so sure about our yard being the best in the neighborhood even though it does look nice.    I am mainly the one to tend to the flower beds and vegetable garden, even though DH does all the mowing.   It’s a lot of yard to keep up, but something I’d much rather do than work inside.   I get more satisfaction out of seeing plants grow and bloom.   That is funny what you said about Vammie and eating something weird.   She does eat more variety than most of us. 

Lusi, I just went in to check on Wimbledon and found out who won.   The winner was parading around with the trophy.

I think I’ll finish this affidavit.   Kim had gone over it, not too much to change, but I did like her changes.   Then I can get it to her tomorrow.

I don’t think we’ll be sitting outside to eat in the mountains if we are like this down in the valley.   Up there they are probably thundering.

Not sure if I sit tomorrow – I thought Ava was going to her Dad’s but need to check with Kim.

Hello all.

Busy weekend here.  Yesterday we went shopping and then I spent time in the kitchen.  DH commented that I am just like my Mother.  That  I love to "putter" in my kitchen.  Little does he know I am in there so I don't have to watch yet another Western or War movie  on TV.

Lusi, I listened to A Thousand Splendid Suns on CD.  It is very Good.  I think You've already read The Kite Runner haven't you?  Another one I would recommend is Water for Elephants.  It's not in the same catagory  but it's good.

It was interesting reading about the voluntary service for the young men in Finland.  I think it will be that way again here someday.  It was when I was growing up. 

Went to early services.  Our senior Pastor left so we will have some of the other pastors and elders doing the service until they select a new one.

DH is playing golf so that gave me  a chance to clean the house.  I got the wiping and mopping all done before I came here or I  figured I might put it off another day.

 We are going to a BBQ later.  I am taking a Black/Blueberry layered Dessert.  I made extra of the blueberry topping so that I can use it for milkshakes.

I have a sythe Maureen.  It's an old, old one and I use it in one of my flower beds as a decoration.  I have several old things out there. 

I slept on the sofa last night and now I can hardly turn my head because I guess I bunched up a pillow wrong and it hurt that bone at the base of my neck.  Anyway, it was stupid of me.  Heather stayed all  night and she has decided she can't sleep good up here in her own bed so I gave her mine and I just stayed on the sofa since I was already laying there reading.  I know better than to do that. 

Speaking of pillows, I got a notice from Costco that those soft ones that I bought a couple months ago have been recalled.  They might contain some metal shavings or some thing.  I'm not taking them back unless they have some more I can trade for.  I love these pillows.  I will have my DS bring in his metal detector and I'll see if I can detect anything.

Well, I must get off here and go put the last layer on my desssert.  Tons of whipped topping.  Yummy, Yummy stuff, this !

Well, the men's final at Wimbledon is over, with Nadal being the winner. It was the longest match ever and very exciting tennis.  Lusi, I'm so sorry that Finnish TV stopped showing it before it was over. There were some very exciting points scored.   Both players were  gracious during the awarad ceremony and Nadal climbed the stands to  his family and then to personally greet the Prince and Princess of Spain, who were there watching the match.

Maureen, yes, it's nice to have a quiet day once in a while and especially to wind down after a busy weekend.   I think we needed it.  My mephew stopped by for a short visit, but that's all that happened today.   So far Frank didn't get called out.  The calls were pretty much routien things easily handled.   Tom is busy building a small waterfall by his pond.  He loves projects to work on and I can't wait to see this newest one. You must be happy to have the affidavit finished.  I hope the rest of the proceedings go smothly and quickly.

Pat, thanks for filling me in on the Capt's full name, Captain Destructo. LOL  I''m beginning to get the picture.  Glad you were able to get your pony fix.....I'm sure the grandkids would love to see them.  I know I would too. 

Vammie, does your garage have a vented roof?  I know you said it needs insulation, and it probably is vented, but you never know, so I thought I would ask.  It really does get awfully hot in there. 

It's unusual not to hear anything from Marti.  I hope all is well there.

That's it for now. Hope you all have a nice evening.  Jo Ann 

Hi Barb, I missed you when I was posting.  That dessert sounds yummy! I love blueberries, well, I love all berries and so does DH.  Too bad about the pillows.  What a good idea to use the metal detector.  Hope yours are metal free. It sounds like you need a good night's rest tonight.  Maybe sleeping on your regular pillow will fix your neck problem. Take care and enjoy the bar-b-q.