Ella, I just happen across your story this morning almost a year after you posted it. I dont even know if you'll get my post but.. I wanted you to know how touching this story was to me. My whole day will be changed as I think about what was posted. I will call my loved ones and tell them how I feel about them.. I will make time to spend with them no matter how hectic my day seems.I will share my feelings with friends and coworkers as I go about my day. I'll forget the rude remarks (I'm a cashier lol) and remember the compliments.. and I love the idea that someone I dont know loves me. Thanks for brighting up my day. razz

Um... okay.

Wow, so many roses to transport too, Karen! Keeping my fingers crossed all will be smooth moving for you. As soon as I got your email I let Jim know you had written on your thread! I was going to write, but the scary truth is that I woke up at 4:33 p.m. (am battling this terrible chest cough, sore throat and meds have been knocking me out) and then saw your email. Then I had to do rush emergency planting right before the thunderstorm hit (just received roses from Palatine yesterday) and I needed to get everything into the ground before the storm. Well all that labor caused me to get sick again around 8:50 p.m. which is why I didn't write back yet... But I'm real happy that Jim has helped write for me, lol! Karen, I just don't see how you can do all this hard work! I had to throw up my hands and give up many a time....My soil in unbroken new ground is as hard as a rock and basically needs a jackhammer it seems...I just can't get my shovel into that rock hard clay. It's been soooo frustrating...And Australia just seems very desertlike, and it would take great strength to dig into that soil I'm thinking..... I am so glad Ray had real good foresight on providing for you and the girls when he knew he had cancer; and that you could purchase the Tasmania property. With this place that you can take time to develop while you maintain your current home. Be sure to update us on your progress. Smiles and hugs, Serena

@ Harold: You do deserve it. Your conviction and dedication to your health was tangible and contagious and your willingness to help the rest of us and have a consistently good attitude was inspiring :) @Marita: I'm in S. California. I try to eat meat in the morning. Leftover steak or chicken and my carbs for the day. Lately I've been eating a veggie burger for breakfast. It's easy, quick and delicious. Oatmeal and cereal don't stick with me long enough. I like my egg breakfast too: Four egg whites: 64 calories 1 C Spinach: 7 cal 1/2 C chicken (or steak/pork/whatever leftover meat I have from dinner the night before!!): 116 cal 1/4 C tomato: 8 cal 1/8 C feta cheese: 50 cal 1/8 C onion: 8 cal Total: 253 calories I saute the onion in some spray olive oil (0 cal!!), then put in the spinach and chicken until warm and just barely wilted, add the tomato and egg whites, and fold until cooked. Then put the feta on top (I use Spike seasoning) and let sit for a few minutes until the feta kind of melts. That leaves plenty for a slice of toast, some fruit slices, etc. And it's a LOT of food for so few calories. But meat chunks, cheese chunks, bread chunks in the morning are good too. It gives me good energy and fills me up, and I can kind of much for a few hours on that. I don't eat at home, I can't eat in the early morning, so I pack my breakfast and eat at work. This morning it's two scoops of chocolate protein powder 260 cal with one frozen banana 80 cal and 1/4 cup plain yogurt 38 cal. Total 378. Kind of a lot, but it's in two containers so I can ration it out for a meal/snack. I love fish too. Costco has great frozen fish (mahi, salmon) and I can just defrost one piece at a time. They also have good salmon patties- quick protein, low calories. Wodka, I can't imagine losing my home, community, way of life let alone dad and sister. I'm so sorry for your loss. I have empathy... I gained 10 lbs from July 09-March 10 after losing 28lbs from Feb 09 - June 09 with HWW :). I blamed it on the heat, losing my grandpa, family issues, etc... So, I've taken pro-active measures. I joined a gym (combating the heat issue) and am focusing more on strength than weight loss this time. Strong body, strong mind. I'm glad you joined us!! Use that $40 for a gym membership (and still have $$ left over!) or join some club that makes you feel good about yourself. It's easy for me to care about me and take care of me if I'm feeling good emotionally :) Have a great day everyone!!!