Thanks for the reply Bill. These are being grown in the ground and run up a vine. Though they dont grow very tall as they are a bush variety. I have regular cucumbers planted next to them and those are doing fine, no misshapen ones.

Thank you so much for your responses, and I should have been a little more clear. My daugther can exercise, but I have been cautioning her because of the additional weight. She just returned from the special assignment, checked in with her supervisor, and is on a leave for a week or two to study for a test. She has 2 months before she has to take the PT test, and knows she has to exercise. She has a treadmill in her house as well as weights. She absolutely loves the Navy, but when on special assignments, she cannot always eat right. There are no fresh foods, she get tired and eats what is there. She was not in a dangerous place, but a place where she couldn't go out and purchase good foods. Whenever that happens she overeats and has to lose weight. I am afraid that she will develop gall stones or injure her knees. We have a very good relationship, and laugh about our eating habits. 12 hours after talking to the Jenny Craig people she ordered a pizza. But she called the 1-800 number and talked to the Jenny Craig counselor before she ate it. She thinks the program is good. I was impressed that they had a number for her to call. She loves pizza and had not had an American pizza in 6 months. The more she talks about it the more I think the program sounds good for her. My own experience is that additional weight can hurt your knees. She has access to a pool but does not want to go there and walk. I thought walking in water was the very best exercise for people who needed to protect their knees, but she has moved a TV into the room where the treadmill is, and she has her own plans. I sure would appreciate any suggestions. The military will never mention her weight to her, she will be required like anyone else to weigh in at that certain time, which is 2 months from now. I just don't want her to injure herself or get sick with a funny diet. In the past she has taken some weird pills from non Navy physicians and has had problems. It sounds like for her Jenny Craig might work. I did talk to her about the amount of exercise and the 1200 calories. Health clubs have always told me to eat no less than 1800 calories when I work out. Sammy

I feel like I am here whining about my schedule and stress. I know we ALL have both. I know it is a matter of changing my patterns and most importantly, making time to get to the store. I have grown to abhor the grocery store and I argue with myself as I pass the store on my way home--"you really need to stop at the store" "noooo, I can't take it today-- I'll make do with what I have" "you have nothing fresh" "I'll get a pizza" I am glad you mentioned fats. I definitely find it helps to combine fats with carbs-- and I try to make sure that i always have fruit and bread products with a protein or a fat-- preferably both. I add a small dollop of butter and nuts to my oatmeal-- toast with peanut butter or cheese-- fruit with cheese. As I say that, though, i am sitting here eating a clementine with nothing else-- and it is the first thing I have eaten all day. :( Baby steps though. When I can take a little longer break, I will make a can of soup. Anele, I definitely know that my poor sleep habits and the stress work against me... as does my age. My metabolism was always slow and I made it worse by fasting in my teens and twenties-- I am also much less active than i was. Again, I won't sit here and tell you that I never overeat or never indulge in high caloric foods-- but that is the exception. I am one of those people who HAS to constantly work at sparking my metabolism. I won't argue with those who insist it is all about calories in and calories burned because there is a lot of validity in it-- but it is not the only factor. It isnt simple math. This is why I am trying to break my lazy patterns. When I eat 5 times a day I not only spark my metabolism, I don't need to worry about portion control. It takes care of itself. My sister is still going to do the nutrisystem plan. It worked for her before and she doesnt have as much to lose. She needs a kick start-- I need to change patterns. Thanks again-- and I am going to pull out my can of coconut milk! I love thai food but I have never made a thai soup-- I think it is about time I try one!

Sounds good! Recently had rosemary pork tenderloin, sliced, served cold. Really good.