HEALTHY CHOICES WEEKENDER 7/21-22/12

THE SUNLIGHT CREATES RAYS OF LIGHT WHEN GOING THROUGH THE MIST CREATED BY THE WATERING SYSTEM IN THE GARDEN.......

Good morning everyone,

Going out to breakfast for DH's birthday....   one of his favorite things to do...

Later, going to Tom's for another of his campfire cookouts with Ken, Judy and the trips,  to celebrate Ken and Franks birthdays....  I grocery shopped yesterday and took it all out to Tom's last night so he's pretty much all set.  Will get there a little early to help set up, even though he already had a head start last night...  going to be a beautiful day reaching a high of only 83 degrees, so the evening at the campfire should be nice........

Back a little later.......

God bless,

Jo Ann

Good morning Jo Ann,

We were posting at the same time and mine just disappeared  into thin air.

I will be back later    Sorry

Happy birthday to Frank and Ken...may they have many more wonderful years!

Hot here already.  It's going to be a beastly day.  My cousin Tom is bringing his mom to visit....she's about 90 with no sthort term memory but can remember every bad thing I ever did!  LOL!  We'll go out for lunch....not sure where.  It will need to be a quiet place as she doesn't hear well and neither does he.  We have a couple of nice Italian places that are quiet....and that sounds good to me.

I made Maureen's Double Chocolate Zucchini bread.  What a big beautiful loaf!  It is delicious....I think it will be even better today after it's been wrapped in foil overnight.  Very moist.  The recipe calls for an 8.5x4.5 pan but I think it would be better in a slightly larger one.  The edges got a bit dry before the minimum cooking time.  It's very chocolate-y!

I need to grab a bite of breakfast....a carton of yogurt will do.  Back later.

vammie

I've posted but my post seems to be disappearing just like my weather banner. 
Verna, your zucchini bread sounds so good,  I need to look up that recipe,  The year that I'm not able to do anything with my zucchini has been the best year for producing, each time someone goes to the garden they have to toss several that's way too big.


Jo Ann, wish Frank & Ken a Happy Birthday.  Tom's plans sounds so nice. How is he doing.   Your DM is so determined and that is probably what has gotten her through and back on her feet.  I know she will feel better once she's independent again, I don't think any of us like to give up that independence.

Just talked to Carolyn, she can read the post, but doesn't know how to answer on the kindle,   She is visiting with family and maybe tomorrow or Monday, she will come here. She has her Dsis with her and she is having problems sleeping but will go to her DS's today, I just hope she is able to rest there.   Carolyn missed the storms coming through the mtns but did get caught out in one yesterday.  We are having bad storms each afternoon, but certainly won't complain about the rain

I'm on my foot for a short period each day with the bit boot and crutches.  I certainly don't want to mess it up now that it is healing.  I'm hoping this 7 weeks will see a lot of improving. 

Lusi, you will need to go home to rest,  Your uncle has to be so happy and pleased to be in his new place.  I hope your cousins appreciate what you  have done, that's a big job when it's your own parents.  I know you leave for home early this week.  Enjoyed talking to you so much and hope you have a nice restful flight home. 

Barb, enjoy the weekend.
Maureen, you have to feel so good to have your dress bought and closets cleaned out. I'd have a hard time clearing out one for someone's clothes.

Verna, I'm not sure if the post I sent  about your pictures posted, but loved the drapes and the "new" chair.  Looks so good, make me wish I could make some decision about window treatment.  May never do anything.

Sue, thanks for sharing DD's new house,  It's a beautiful house and I know you are so happy that she will be closer to you, it will be easier for you taking care of the girls.  I hope you had a nice time at the party last night and enjoy your weekend in Wis.

Viny, where are you?
JoLynn, I hope DD has made plans to visit you in August.  I know you miss not getting to the the Gkids more often.
Where's NPat & FPat.  Miss you two...

Good afternoon ladies,

I bet Viny is busy as usual.

Sue is having a good time at the craft show.

Marti I know you will be very careful. I am so excited about the trip and visiting you before and after.

Our Pat’s are pretty silent lately especially Nurse Pat. I know F. Pat is working. Maybe N.Pat is traveling again.

Lusi is on the last part of her “vacation” here and will be going home next week.

I hope you enjoy your class dinner tonight, Lusi.

Verna is enjoying her visit with Auntie.

Maureen and Barb are busy too.

Jo Ann is probably at Tom’s by now. What fun they will have tonight.

“Happy Birthday” to Ken and Frank

Where is JoLynn?  She has been missing way too long. Do we need to make a call?

When I sent the pictures of the shower last week I didn’t send one of the buffet tables.

We had so many choices hot/cold selections. It was wonderful.  I can’t say enough about the dessert table.
Carrie’s Aunt Cheryl did all the baking and decorating. She is such a talented young lady. She will be making Carrie’s wedding cake, too.

I might have told you this already.

Both my girls were here today. Holley stopped by after helping Mary, my next door neighbor.

Sheryl came by this afternoon. I was vacuuming and she just took over.

I did a load of laundry, swept off my little patio and clean off the table and chairs.

I did get back to the shredding and put together my new filing system. So all in all I had a very good day.

It is a perfect day weather-wise; sunny with very low humidity. Tomorrow will be the same.

The girls haven’t had time to come over for a swim so next week I might just go alone.
There is usually someone around. I just like it better when one of them is with me. I’ll stay in the shallow part of the pool.

I don’t know what I what for dinner. Since I didn’t take anything out to thaw I guess it will be pancakes, eggs or WW dinner.  Maybe I will make some pancakes the other choices are not appealing to me right now.

Have a nice evening    Shirley

 We haven't had any   yet.

Good evening everyone not a good day starting out I went caching on a real bad trail this morning had seven caches to look for but found only 3 then fell down a 10 foot embankment into a brier patch hurt my back and cover with scratches I quit for the day still hurting.

DW made the Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread we added about ¼ cup walnuts I love it but DW thinks it's to chocolaty I really don't think that is possible very moist. LOL

Verna we used a larger bread pan 9 ½ X 5 ½ but think it would be alright in a regular size will be making another one tomorrow and 2 more of the Zucchini Snack Bread recipe DW makes that with the Chinese Cassia Cinnamon from Penzeys boy is that one good.

Jo Ann I love the pictures you find I really need to look in more places running through the same ones now. Hope you had a good breakfast and a nice time at Toms wishing Frank and Kens a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Shirley how do you like the Shutterfly sight is it working for you alright got your pictures thru them looks good. How are you doing with your hearing aids my right one quit working last week and they sent it in the left one needed a new receiver already only had it back about 2 months.

Marti I sent you an email with the weather banner URL did you get it.

Verna check was mailed let me know when you get it please I also love your chair makeover looks much better then the first picture you sent LOL love the drapes also sometimes wish we had them on the patio door instead of the blinds.

Have a nice day and God bless everyone prayers going out to all that need it.

Viny

 OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK IN WASHINGTON.........

Good morning everyone,

I can't believe I slept in till almost 8:30.  On the other hand, we got home so late from Tom's we didn't actually get to bed till 2 AM...  we're usually up late, but never ever that late..... and I'm feeling it this morning. LOL   The campfire cookout was great.  We all had such a good time, as evidenced by how long everyone stayed.  The weather was perfect and I think the simplicity of grab your own hot dog and cook it over the fire, works well.  I knowTom over did it, but there's no talking sense into him, so  hope he'll take it easy today, using his oxygen more than he usually does, especially since the temperature is forecast to reach 90 degrees.  He just called and was having coffee out on his patio this morning, but admitted he didn't have a good night.  Maybe he'll come in today for dinner, hopefully in his air conditioned car and not on his bike....   we'll see.

Viny, what a fall you took....   so sorry you hurt your back and got all scratched. I hope your back is better today.   Glad there was some reward in the day for you, with Pat making the double chocolate zucchini bread.  Did you eat it in a class of milk the way you do chocolate cake?  

 I'm glad you enjoy the pictures.  I wish I could give you a new site, but I don't have one.  All I do is think of some kind of picture, then Google and image it.  After I find one, I just copy and paste it here.  Today, I Googled, "beautiful national parks", and came up with so many beautiful pictures, I couldn't chose which one I wanted.  I picked this one because it was so three dimensional, and I could just imagine what it would be like to be standing there looking out over such a beautiful scene. Hope that helps you find a new source for pictures...... 

Shirley, what a nice day you had yesterday, especially with both girls dropping in to see you.  It sounds like you really enjoy living in your new home and how nice to have the pool for exercise during the summer months.  What did you end up having for dinner, the pancakes?  

Marti, how nice to have a visit from Carolyn to look forward to.  I wonder when she'll get there, today or tomorrow?  I agree with you, that chocolate zucchini bread does sound good. I would be making it too, but can no longer eat chocolate and DH never was a fan ot too much chocolate......  but I can't help thinking about how good that recipe sounds.  I'm glad you're able to put a little weight on your foot now, that you'r in the big boot.  Little by little, soon your foot will be healed.  Will it just heal or will it be necessary for a surgery after everything is healed.  I can't remember what you said....   I really hope no surgery is necessary. 

Vammie, I hope your day went better than anticipated, with the visit from your cousin and his Mom, yesterday.  Did she enjoy seeing you, and talking about old memories, (only good ones I hope) lol..... and then lunch out at one of your special places?  I know Miss Molley must have been a big hit with her.....   and your house looks so beautiful and comfortable, I'm sure she and your cousin really enjoyed the visit. I can see on the news that you're forecast for more of the same hot temperatures.....  hope you can stay inside and cool today.

Maureen.....  it looks like you found a really good zucchini bread recipe...  with all the good reviews from everyone.   As I already said, I would be making that one in a minute, a few years ago, when I could eat chocolate....  yum!  I 'll pass that one on to Dsis, who is a chocolate lover, and I'm sure she'll make it.

I hope we hear from Jo Lynn today, othrwise, I 'm thinking of giving her a text or a call. I have to be sure I take into account the time difference, otherwise, I would do it right now....... It's been a long time since both Pats have been here too.... hopefully, they'll stop in for a chat today.

Thank you all for your birthday wishes for Frank and Ken.  I did pass them on, and of course DH understood just who they were from and was so happy you all thought of him, but Ken, had no clue how he got birthday wishes from my friends all over the country. LOL 

Still seeing news about the tragic shooting in Colorado...  something so difficult to even comprehend. 

Take care and God bless,

Jo Ann

Thanks Viny, I've post and we'll see if this one stays put.  Thanks for your help

Back later

Viny, it goes away after I post, but I can hit edit and it pops back up,  I'm posting again and seeing what happens

Good morning.   We have been very busy but will take a minute to say hello to all of you.

As you can probably guess, I've not been behaving very well in he eating dept.  I need to get back to normal here, whatever that is.   Yesterday all the kids were here for a BBQ .  The weather has been nice and will continue that way all week .

Sounds like you all have been busy.  I've tried to catch up a bit on the posts.  Jo Ann, your  cookout sounds fun.  I don't think we can  use our outdoor fireplace in the summer.  Will have to wait until fall.  I'm sure the burn ban covers those. 

There in no service at the church today.  It's a community church in the park where all the churches get together for one service.  I don't want to go because there is limited parking and you either have to take a blanket or chairs to sit on and the walk, although it would be good for me, would not be good for my Dsis.  She can't walk far.  We could actually just walk from the house she's renting.  I think it's  only 9 blocks.  I really wanted her to go to church with me while she is here because she doesn't attend one and her memories are of the Hells Fire and Damnation kind we were raised in.  I wanted to show her the difference.

I have to get out in the yard this morning and do some deadheading.  And then, who knows ? 

You all have a good day and Viny, you'd better  start behaving yourself so you won't be injured when it comes time for your trip out here .    Barb

Good morning everyone.  I thought I'd been back yesterday to tell about our lunch...oh well!

We had lunch at Italian Villa.  In order to avoid confusion with my aunt, we all had the same thing...Chicken Murphy....sounds Irish instead of Italian.  It's chicken breast in a white wine cream sauce with mushrooms. onions, red bell peppers (which I pick out ) and jalapenos and served over spaghetti with marinara sauce.  The two sauces sort of combine to make a tomato-y cream sauce.  It was delicious!  Two chicken breasts per plate....and I got to bring all the leftovers home!  I have at least three meals!!  We shared cappucino ice cream pie for dessert....that was yummy too!  They have great garlic rolls there...probably made with pizza dough...but very crusty and delicious.  I'm thinking I may be having an early lunch!

Aunt Joy didn't come in here....she had overslept and hadn't had breakfast so we went directly to the restaurant.  Then we visited so long that they went on back from there and I came back home.  My aunt has dementia....she is still so very gracious etc but got so entranced watching a family with small children who were there celebrating a birthday.  She almost forgot to eat!  She has gotten quite frail and is using a cane all the time...she can barely get up out of her chair...but she is quite determined and I suspect it's only a matter of time before she falls and breaks a hip.  She is the last one of that generation of our family.  She will be 90 next month.

Viny, hope you are feeling better today. What a tumble!  Will you share the the zucchini snack bar recipe please?  I still have some zucchini left.  I thought the bread was quite chocolatey too...but not too much to keep me from eating it!  I didn't have expresso powder so used instant coffee....think I'll omit that next time...I could taste a hint of bitterness.  Wondering if white Karo syrup could be subbed for the honey?  Any thoughts on that?  I am almost out of honey now and no plans for grocery shopping for a while.

I made a chore list for today but have realized there is no way I could complete it...I think it must be at least a two day list!  LOL!  I'd best get started on it.

Y'all have a good day...I'll peek in later.

Jo Ann...y'all partied too hard yesterday...no wonder you slept in!  I slept in because I couldn't get to sleep last night....it's been a week of poor sleep...got to try to figure out why.

vammie

Hi everyone.  So sorry to hear about Dale's mother, Pat.  You have really had a tough time lately! And everyone else has been busy, too.  Winding down my visit here.  Today my sister invited us for a fried chicken dinner, even after I told her I won't eat anything fried!  Listening is not her strong point.   Tomorrow we have have one more workout at the fitness club.  I really like that place!   And I promised to go to lunch with my SIL.  So another busy day tomorrow.  I fly out on Tuesday and will be in Finland on Wednesday morning at 8:35.  DH has informed me that the raspberries are ready, so we will be picking on Thursday.  Back to work on Monday the 30th.  Have a great Sunday!  lusi

Marti, that is so frustrating for you to have that weather banner disappear on you like that..... I'll never understand computers.... just glad I can do what I am able to do on them for the time being....  I just thought about something last night.  I got a new phone and could not take pictures with it, and last night Adam showed me how to do it....  Yikes, we've already  reached that age where they are the teachers and we the students.     Oh.... my!!!  Sooner than I expectrd. 

Barb, I've never realized it, but you are in the area they would have a burn ban on during the summer.  Those huge fires don't take much to get one started....  Did they always burn the way they do now?  I probably was not as aware of them as I am now, but it just doesn't seem like those huge fires always happened every summer.  I've always been so suspicious about  the really big recent ones.....

How nice it would have been if your Dsis could have gone to church with you.....  I hope you worked it out, especially so she can see how differently the services are now than they once were.

Vammie, your Aunt Joy sounds delightful...  to get so entranced with watching a young family with children, you can only wonder what kind of memories that brought back to her...   Your lunch sounds delicious, and how nice to have leftovers for another meal.  

Pat, nice to see you here today.  Lucky you to have a pile of zucchini be doing something with.  Are they from your garden?  We love fresh summer zucchini, either sauted, baked, stuffed or made into zucchini parmesan..... not to mention making those wonderful zucchini breads....  doesn't the chocolate one sound good?  

I'm so sorry about your DMIL and will be keeping you, your family and especially your DMIL in my thoughts and prayers.

Lusi, it's so nice to know that your uncle is settled into his new home and you were completely right in telling his family what you did, about their neglect of him.  It is so sad to even think that something like that has to be brought to their attention at all....  where is the love and closeness of family in their lives?  It's even more sad to think about his disappointment and sadness in their lack of attention or caring for him.  

 I'll bet Leo can't wait till you're home again. 

Well, Tom did come in, and of course on his bike.  He stopped here for a cold drink and a short visit,  and now is off visiting a couple of friends in the area....  He'll be back for  dinner, which is early on Sunday. Hope those afternoon thunder showers don't pop up till after he's made it home again, all the way back to his home . 

Till later......

Jo Ann

Good afternoon friends,

It’s another very nice day here in Connecticut.

I fell back to sleep this morning and was a few minutes late for church.

Tiggie was trying to get Mo and me up around 6:30 and I wasn’t having it this morning. So I cuddled up in my soft blanket and fell back to sleep.

Usually when I do that it is only for about an hour. Not this morning. 

I’m waiting until early evening when the sun starts to go down to take Mo for a walk. The sidewalks get too hot for his paws in the early part of the day.

Tomorrow is my DGS Matthew’s 26^th birthday. We are having an afternoon dinner party for him here. He isn’t working right now and Stephanie (his sister) works the 4-12 shift.

Jo Ann I have lost some of my computer skills lately. I don’t seem to have the patience to figure things out when something goes wrong.  I use to love the challenge but just learning the Shutterfly program is taking me much longer than expected. Perhaps when I get my new glasses things will go easier.

Pat it is so nice to hear from you. I figured you would be lurking and see our posts about missing you.  I’m sorry about Dale’s mom.

It doesn’t make any difference how old our parents are it is difficult to lose them. I will keep your family in my prayers.

Lusi, I know you are looking forward to going home. I have to laugh how Leo lets you know there is work ahead. 

Viny, I am ashamed to say I haven’t been wearing my hearing aids lately.

I need to make an appointment to have them checked. With all this up and down things that have been happening to me I just haven’t made it a priority.

You better be more careful, young man. We have to be in good shap for a trip.Listen to who’s talking.

Okay, I have played on here long enough. I better do a little more shredding. I also have a few folders of old papers that I can’t decide what to do with. Some are my dad’s and some are my stepmom’s. I don’t think anyone will want them so I don’t know why I am keeping them.

Have a nice evening    Shirley

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