Healthy Choices Fourth of July Weekend 7/4th&5th/09

Happy Birthday, America !!!

Good morning JoAnn & all who will come by later!    Happy 4TH of July!

It's raining here, a nice shower.   I just talked to a friend, who's step daughter is a special needs child, and they were getting ready to be in a parade this morning.   Hope it dries up so the parade can go on.

JoAnn, hope you got some sleep last night.    Hate nights like that.   Those pocket size digital cameras would be nice to keep in your purse for events like the boys game.  I'm still the 35mm film camera person.   We have a digital but Dale runs that most of the time.   I really need to just use it and get used to it.

Shirley, I could look at a new picture of Sebastian everyday here!   That was so cute of Holly carrying him out for his potty time.    He must really get worn out from the 2 of you!   Or is it from chasing the cats?

Speaking of cats, I need to go feed a couple at my co-workers house.   She is in Iowa for the weekend and I said I would feed her kitties.

Everyone have a nice day.   We didn't go out on the motorcycle with the weather as it is.

Later!     Pat A

  Good morning friends,

It's going to be a beautiful day.

Other then working in the yard weeding perhaps I don't have any special plans for the weekend.

Holley is still sick so I am trying to keep it quiet while she sleeps.

I put Animal Planet on for Sebastian but he got too excited and used his "big boy" bark at the dogs.

He just does a tiny ruff ruff usually but when he gets excited it's so funny to hear the change.

Jo Ann you were going to send me a couple pictures to post for you ~~~what happened?

Watching the boys play ball must have been fun. Wish I were there to snap a picture for you.

How is Gabi doing with the riding? Did you say she was going to camp this summer?

I tried to call Marti yesterday but I got the answering machine. Did anyone else call besides Verna?

Verna I'm so happy Molly had a good vet visit. She is just so precious.

Maureen was it your DH who was losing all the weight a while back. How is he doing?

I really need to get started again. I am going on a cruise with my DD, DSIL and his mother in August.

ITINERARY: Miami, Bahamas/Grand Turk, Half Moon Cay, Nassau, Miami

I have a hard time walking fast ~~~that is my only real concern. My SIL isn't very understanding sometimes. His DM is tiny and walks 3-4 miles every day. She is 78 and looks like 65. That said she doesn't have bad knees, asthmas or 30 extra pounds. My new knee is good but the shinbone gets very sore. My other knee just gets tired.

I should have my sleeping apparatus by then so that should make me feel better.

Barb, Sebastian can't tolerate the heat because of his little pushed in nose.

Holley tries to walk him every day. I took him yesterday but he seemed to be laboring so I turned around and came back. He couldn't get inside quick enough to his water bowl.

Maureen, I hope things work out in Kim favor now. I'm sure you will enjoy Ava being so close. I don't know what I would do without Holley. We get on each others last nerve sometimes but it doesn't last for long. LOL

Viny I sure hope your resting some. Don't do anything foolish with the GKs this weekend.

You be the supervisor and award the medals ~~~LOL

Pat A you are so thoughtful. Will you be riding when the weather gets better?

Are you IL. folks getting together with Lusi? I bet she is having a great time.

Enjoy your day.

Shirley

Good Morning!    I hope anyone planning activities doesn’t have problems with the weather.   I think we may get some thunderstorms today, not sure.   Yesterday it never happened, but today already looks threatening.   DH is pouring concrete for the 50 ft of fencing.   Only 3 more of those sections for the back and 2 for the side.   I’m inside cleaning and getting ready for tomorrow.   I’m not going overboard, but need to vacuum and mop.

The last I heard from Kim was Thursday night when everything was wrapped up, but she didn’t sign anything yet.   She wanted to go over it yesterday.   It sounds pretty good, you have to concede one thing to get another.   He ended up not buying her out – no surprise there, no money.   So as soon as a few things are done, it will go on the market.   Just tell your kids to try everything before getting divorced.   This has been the biggest 2 year hassle.   And someone wondered if he is really going overseas?   I have my doubts too.   Sounds good, doesn’t it?   Prior to this it was to be late 2008/early 2009, gee, that came and went.   The military can be so flaky in setting dates.   Pat A., don’t take offense, but I know from all that Roger went through in the 8 yrs he lived here.   If you only knew how many times his 2 week commitment to another state in the summer fell through and the guys ended up at the local camp.

Jo Ann, I hope you’re not too tired today with getting such a late sleep.   If it’s any consolation, DH had the same problem last night.   Hope your Mom had a restful night.

Pat, just when there is a parade, the weather seems to want to nix it.   Hope you cleared up enough.

Shirley, that picture of Sebastian sleeping is so funny.   I have never been around a dog who does that.   The other sit is called a “puppy sit” and if you were training him for obedience trials, you would have to break him of that and he would have to do “big boy” sits.   But luckily, he is a house pet and can just be cute. 

Sure hope Holley begins feeling better soon.

Yes, it is DH who is losing weight.   He has slowed down some, but still losing.  I think he is just under 30 lbs lost and needs to lose another 20.   But the slower the better.   He still measures everything out (almost everything) – I now keep the scale where it is easily accessible.   It’s one we can change to grams too, which comes in handy for chips, etc.   He feels like a different man when it comes to stamina and working outside. 

You should give it a go, but it has to be a lifetime goal.   You can slip every now and then, but get right back to it.   For him, portion control is most important.   He does exercise but not as much as he would like.   BTW, I think your sleeping apparatus will make such a difference in your energy level.   It certainly did for my brother.

This has been a good break – will return if I can….   Our bbq is tomorrow.

Hello everyone.  Not chatty yet...will be back later.  Got some ¢rap going on right now...more later.

Shirley..Sebastian is getting sooo big!  He looks bigger than Molly...she now weighs 20.1 lbs.

Back soon...

vammie

PS  Happy 4th~

Love your patriotic colors Jo Ann....What a nice way to start our post.  Sorry about your insomnia.  There was a bit of that going on here too.  And then I got up at 4:45. 

We went to the parade this morning.  Took Heather and met OGD and Landen.  This is his first parade and he loved it.  They came back here for awhile then GD went to work and Landen's Daddy came and took him home for a nap.  Heather left with her Dad so now the house is quiet.  DD, DS and DsonIL will be here in a bit for a BBQ.  All the young kids are busy somewhere having too much fun to hang around with the old folks. 

PatA, I thought about you this morning when I saw the miniature ponies in the parade.  They are so cute.

And, I'm afraind Kenny may lose the title of Capt. Destructo to Landen.  The way he was throwing his toys around here today.  I told him he can only throw balls and took his trucks away from him.  And he's started chasing the dogs too.  They run when they see him coming.   But he's so cute, it's hard to be really strict with him. 

Maureen, I didn't realize Richard had that much to lose.  How tall is he ?  Have we seen a picture of him ?  I can't remember seeing one.  And Jo Anne has never sent a picture that I know of.  I'm afraid we don't know what she looks like !  

Verna, I hope everything is ok. 

Well, I'd better get off here and enjoy my few minutes of solitude.  I'm kind of sluggish today.  And a wee bit tired. 

Most people must be busy, although Verna did pop in for a minute.

I've been madly cleaning and straightening and need to go to the Farmers Mkt to get my fruit and some meat, etc.   I have the chicken but need a 1/2 lb of burger meat for the beans.

I have this tummy issue and feel backed up, but finally feeling better.  I've mostly eaten fruit, water, and some apple juice.   I did have a piece of toast with my banana for breakfast, but I don't think it agreed with me.   I probably need some 7-up or something bubbly.

Anyhow, I may run down to the Neighborhood WalMart to get some of the non-produce items and at least get those out of the way.   I really should have gotten all my food items yesterday but figured today would be ok.   Jo Ann, if you're around, I'm going to try that sponge cake and spoon some of my frozen peaches over it.   I'm halving the recipe since I only need 1 - 8 inch round.   Will let you know how it turns out.

Barb, you got in there while I was taking too long.   Sometimes I get up to do something, like this time to make the iced tea, and when I come back, many minutes have passed.   Richard is probably about 5' 9" even though he says 5' 10.   His goal is 200 lb and that's what the doctor said too since he has a muscular frame.   He's having to pay for sitting around and eating too much and most importantly, drinking full sugar soda instead of water.   And I don't think you have seen a picture, I just might have to find one, although he's not a smiley type guy.

I;m OK...just bummed out a bit.  My caregiver Charlene and I were joking around Thursday evening and I, in jest, said something that offended her.  I've apologized but she's still holding a grudge.  She came in last night all pouty and has decided that she can't work for me anymore.  It's interesting that Barb and Donna both felt she wouldn't come back after the doc cleared her from surgery but she told me she was and I even asked her point blank.  She has been acting weird since she lost her real job back in April...well, probably since she found out she was going to lose her job in April.  Her company was assumed by a group in Houston and the office here was closed.  They all could have had jobs in the Houston office but no one took advantage of that.  Anyway...I'll have to find a new caregiver for the weekends.  I talked with Flora, the other caregiver, and advised her.  Her daughter will help fill in but her niece is interested and I interviewed her this afternoon.  If her background check comes in clean, she wll start this week.  She an interesting little dumpling...about 5 ft nothing and close to 200 lbs or more.  She has the tiniest little hands with little fat sausage fingers....I think her frame is quite small.  Anyway....we'll see how it all works out.

This is the note I sent to one of my older and wiser friends..

Viny, I'm so sorry.  Please accept my deepest condolences.  My prayers are going out for your sister and her family.  Also will keep Pat's brother in my prayers. God bless. Jo Ann

Good morning.

Viny, I'm so sorry to hear about your BIL and Pat's DB.   How far will you have to travel to the funeral and does Pat's brother live closeby ?

Verna, I am sorry about Charlene.  I thought she was working out well and you two seemed like friends.  I will be keeping you in my prayers.  She sounds like a troubled person. 

Jo Anne, sorry Gabi is still having problems.  I hope she feels better today.  Was it stomach flu ?

Sounds like everyone else had fun though.

I would love the grape recipe.  Sounds like something simple to make for family reunion.  I'm not cooking a bunch of stuff up this year.  I always feel like I have to make a lot of stuff and my sister says I shouldn't make anything since I'm having it at my house.  Maybe she's right.  I'll just do a couple simple make ahead things and relax this year.

It's supposed to cool down here this week .  I'm hoping so.  I feel all bloated and yucky in the heat.  And I drink so much water and iced tea you wouldn't think  that would happen.  I should eliminate salt, I know.  And wouldn't you know, those are the very snacks I crave !!

You can have your sweet drinks and desserts...it's that awful salt that I want.

 Landen will be here soon.  Heather and I  are watching him while MJ works.  His daddy will probably get off around 2 though.  Both of them work weekends.  In fact, they work anytime they get a chance.  They take other people's shifts if they want a day off. 

DD stopped in at the store where MJ works on Fri. night .  In our town, they have First Fri. so that the first Fri. of every month they block off streets and have all kinds of things going on.  Anyway, DD met MJ's boss that night.  The boss told DD how much she likes MJ and how  sweet she is. She said MJ is so good with the customers.  They have 22 employees (3 businesses) and they are most impressed with MJ and feel that they are blessed to have her.  We were all happy to hear that.  Of course, those are the things her family knows about her but it's so nice to have  people who don't even know us to  reinforce our feelings. 

Well kids, I must go and get things put away before the Young Lad ventures in. 

Good afternoon friends,

Barb you have good reason to be proud of you DGD,

But, I must agree it's always nice to hear it from other people.

Viny, my condolences on the passing of your BIL and prayers being said for Pat's brother.

Verna I am so sorry about Charlene. Remember I felt something wasn't the same when I was there.

What a loss for her ~~~you have been a true and constant friend ~~

I was hoping we would hear from Marti this weekend. She and Joe have so much going on. And, I know Joe isn't doing well. I wonder when Randi will come. Of course, she still has the big move. I don't know how she does it all. Marti if you are lurking ~~~we love you and Joe and are keeping you both in our prayers.

I'm not going to speak to each person today. I am not feeling well so I am going back to my dark and quiet room. I had a headache all day yesterday and finally it became a migraine.

Enjoy your day everyone. It's perfect weather here sunny with a cool breeze.

Shirley

Good Morning (barely).   I was reading through the posts and just got a call from Kim.  She just got a call from Roger that he is in such financial straights that he wants to turn the house over to her.   Wow!   That is a shocker.   I told Kim it is a blessing and she’s freaking out.   Wonder what DH will think of that.   Roger would be down at his parent’s house since he always goes to church on Sunday with them, so his timing doesn’t surprise me at all.   She will be coming over soon, so I better shower and get busy.  

Plans got changed for today with me being sick yesterday.   I wasn’t sure what it was, so thought it best for Don not to be around me.   We’ll all have dinner next weekend.

I was going to respond, but will just give my condolescences to Viny.   I am so sorry to hear of your BIL’s passing and also the medical problems with Pat’s brother.

Also, that is so sad that Verna’s caregiver feels the need to resign.   Verna, you have been such a comfort for her in times of need, but she has too many problems now to even see the good in other people.   She is probably very jealous of you.   It is hard to know what she is thinking since none of us has the sort of issues she is dealing with.

I will try to make it back on here later.

Good Sunday afternoon everyone.

There was somr strange wet stuff outside this morning....someone said it was rain~  We sure could use some...not a lot,but some.  Doubt that what we've had was even measurable.  But it is cooler...only 85º now.....and that's been our LOW too often lately.

Out for SS and church....had an excellent music program there with lots of patriotic music...very enjoyable.

Viny, so sorry to hear about your BIL....may he rest in peace.  Prayers for Pat's brother also.  Hope you have been taking it easy some this week.

Marti, please check in if you can.  Has anyone called her?  If not, please do so.

Not much going on except the laundry as the housekeeper is here today.  I do have a busy week...as usual.  But I'm glad I'm able to be busy. 

Things were a bit tentative last night...strained, I guess, is the better word.  Hopefully, I'll get the new care-giver in place soon.  I don't like not being able to speak freely for fear of huring someone's feelings.   It's interesting too that Shirley noted a difference in Charlene when she was here last month.  I'm glad it's not just me!

OK...got to get some business done...

Y'all have a good rest of the day.

Viny, be careful on the road.

vammie