Maddie - Only you could turn cooking into an adventure. Rog is a very intune guy and knows when a hug is in order LOL. Do you have more to share?

Besh - I hope your MIL is resting as comfortably as possible. I will keep all of you in my daily thoughts and prayers.

NH Suzanne - how was your outing this weekend?

I had a great weekend. We were at the art show for about 3 hours - I even saw my art teacher that I have been dodging all summer LOL. Afterwards we went for a very late lobsterbake, that was so delicious. As we finished dinner, DD#1 called and asked us to meet her, DD#2 and 2 friends at a local tavern for a drink - we felt pretty cool that the kids were inviting us out and DD's boyfriend was paying - even cooler LOL. I can tell you, we were the oldest couple in the place.

Yesterday we had as perfect a day as you could get - went out with friends on the lake and had a picnic on our own island. We are going to try and relive that today.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What a wonderful friend, wife, and mother you are! You always take the time to send us updated pics and we really love watching our cutie pie cyber nieces grow up! Have a great day!

We love you!

(((((HUGS!!!! --- and cake!))))

Happy Birthday Jen. I hope you are having a wonderful day. I agree with Raeanne, you got a great babysitter as a gift so do something special for yourself.

Love, NH Suzanne

Hi Everyone,

Seems like Jen is having a good "party" here today.

Maddie, you crack me up. Have you ever entered a baking contest before?

Raeanne, how nice that your children ask you to join them for a drink! And nice for someone else to pay for a change! Lobster bake.......yum !

I had a wet but wonderful weekend. We arrived on Friday morning and I got my trailer into a prime spot right by the pond complete with Osprey who would fish each morning! It was cloudy and drizzly Friday so we didn't do much of anything but hang out with the horses. Early Sat. morning it started pouring so we were out a 1am getting rain sheets onto the girls who were most grateful because it was cold rain. It rained almost all day on Saturday so we took off to visit a local and very well know Morgan horse farm. It was fun. They had some cross country courses that were some of the best I have seen.
And some of the prettiest Morgans around as well. You know how I enjoy that breed! We also found a little cafe on the side of the road that was absolutely delightful. The food was great and the chef/owner who has been doing this for 30 years in the same spot kept us quite entertained. He is also a divine pastry chef and I gave in and had some of his house speciatly a St. Honore that was to die for.

Late on Saturday afternoon it finally cleared out enough for people to get out in carts and on horseback so the whole camp got tacked and rode out. I stayed back with Sweet Pea and we were the only people there except one girlfriend who was letting her horse have the day off. Sweet Pea went absolutely balistic when everyone left. I have never seen her behave this way. She was hysterical and reared up on me and tried to attack my friends horse. It wasn't pretty. I finally had to put a chain on her to make her behave and she eventually calmed down but it took a good hour. I understand exactly what happened and how she felt. She FINALLY gets out to see her pals and they all take off together without her. This usually doesn't happen. Usually there are lots of people and horses around because the weather doesn't dictate when you go out! It made me feel terrible that she was so upset. After all, I brought her there to enjoy herself. Her friends finally returned and all was well but she scared me with her tantrum. Just like a child stomping her feet! Kids.
We spent Saturday night hudled around my chimenia as it got very clear and cold. It's big sky up in northern Vermont and I swear we could see every star in the sky. It was gorgeous but cold. I think it was in the low 40's that night. We sat up until 2:30am!! I could hardly believe we were up that late. Don't ask how I felt in the morning!

The next morning it was clear and beautiful and a perfect day for a ride or drive. The vistas up there are breathtaking as they overlook the White Mountain range of NH. Just goregous. I rode Sweet Pea on a very short walk and she wanted to go but I had to hold her back as I don't want her feet to get too much concussion yet. We rode by a pond that had loons in it and they were very curious about us and the male yodeled back at my silly attempt to call them! It was neat.

So, we packed up and trailered home. It's a 3 hour drive and I got in around 7pm. Way to late for me as it's almost dark at 7:30 now. Yuck.

That's it. I had a great time but need to catch up on my sleep tonight.

Hope all is well with everyone.

Hello to all, I am new here and have been reading a few of your threads, it sounds like you are a great group of people, has anyone ever been to an OA meeting? If you have can you give me some insight... thanks, cindy

A friend of mine runs OA meetings in Alaska. She's been doing it for years and LOVES the group friendship and support. She says her strength comes from it being spiritually-based. Here are the tweleve steps:

Here is a link that might be useful: Twelve Steps of OA

Joule:

And here is the site map to their website.

Come join us as well, and share the laughs, tears, and friendship we do!

PS: Desserts spelled backwards is STRESSED!

Here is a link that might be useful: OA Site Map

Good afternoon everyone.....

Suzanne - What an adventure. I am glad SP got to get out and socialize. Sounds like she has a better social life than me... hahahha.

Happy B-day Jen.

No much happening with me....still not ss. I have the books out and just need to open them.

My DH and I are taking our cat Simon (1yr) to an eye specialist. He was born with some problems and now that he is older, we are hoping he can have surgery on his eyes. He has one eye with little or no vision and the other has a cataract. So we have our fingers crossed that they can get rid of the cataract in his one good eye. We love him dearly so whatever it takes. My family makes fun of us and they call him "ole one eye" I used to get all bent out of shape with my feelings being hurt, but now it is funny. He is quite the character and "ole one eye" fits him sometimes.

Sorry to go on about my cat, but we have no kids. (yes, I am gonna be one of those cat ladys when I get older).

Take care have a great evening.

Lynn

Lynn - I hope your cat is able to have his vision improved. Even if you have kids, your pets are your family. My friend is taking her dog to Cornell this week for eye surgery - she has a detached retina and her vet suggested going to Cornell.

NH Suzanne - What a weekend and what a picture you paint for us with your words - thank you. That is something else about SP's tantrum - I can't believe how you figured out that she felt left out. SP is truly special and I think she realizes that LOL.

BJ - thanks for posting that site. I have to check it out more carefully.

Cindy - thanks for posting - don't be a lurker, join us.

The lake is a bit choppy today, so I am doing a BBQ here.

I have just enough time to pop in and say hello!!

"Hello!!" LOL

OK....... I have enough time to say that 24 hours in a day isn't enough to get my DD ready for school. We are leaving at 8/am tomorrow and I have a feeling that she will be up half the night finishing her packing. I am done with all the kitchen and household stuff and the truck

I don't know what happened, only half my post is there. So here is the rest......

(the truck )is packed. We are half way done with her clothes and then she needs to do her personal items by herself. Then we have to pack the car. I can't stay up too late though, as this old broad needs to get her shuteye! LOL

I have to go into work on Wednesday and start paperwork. So I probably won't be back on here until Wed. night or Thursday.

Jen - I hope you had a wonderful birthday!!

NHSuzanne - That was quite an adventerous weekend you had. Poor Sweet Pea! I am glad she finally settled down.

Sorry that I don't have time to comment on anyone else's post, but it is crunch time and I can't sit idle too long.

Later,
Marci

Happy TUESDAY everyone!

Welcome Cindy! Please check in here and let us know how you are doing.

Not much here; I attended a Board Meeting of a women's club I belong to....I was the Audit/Budget chair for the 2nd year in a row (before that, I spent 2 years on the Committee). Well, I presented a new, very lean budget to them, because we have not had successful fund-raisers lately (who has really?). What a scene!! People want to be able to give scholarships and send delegates to conventions all around the country, but there is no $$$ in the treasury! It was not easy to get the point across that you need to make money to spend money! LMAO I am so glad that I'm handing this over to someone else this year.

Marci, hope all goes well with the move. Don't stress out too much at work tomorrow, you still have some quality time left for your vacation.

NH Suzanne, I had a dream last night that you rode Sweet Pea to French Lick! How amazing was that? LOL

Maddie, give us some details about your auction!

BJ, check in and let us know all about your exciting plans. You still need to fill me in on the northeast adventure coming up!

Hello to Amy, Patti & Dave, Besh, Jen (hope your birthday was special), Tikansas, Joanne (anyone have her phone number?), John, Gretchen (where have you been?), Raeanne, and to all I've forgotten...........'HELLO'!!!!!!!!!!

Take care, eat healthy, and NEVER NEVER GIVE UP!!!
DeeMarie

Good Morning All,

Welcome Cindy. I know you will find all the love and support you can possibly get here!

DeeMarie, that's too funny. I would love to bring Sweet Pea for you all to meet. How sick is that? They aren't as bad as kids because you don't have to watch them every second if they are turned out!

Marci, follow Dee's advice. Enjoy the rest of your vacation. You can do it!

Lynn, I hope all goes well with you cat. I love cats so much. They are quite unique. I have two Siamese boys, Blue and Garnet. 11 and 9 respectively. Both born on October 22nd no relation. That's wild. I keep thinking 10/22 has some significance for me as the beany baby, (remember that rage?), that DH brought home for me was a Siamese cat born on 10/22!! Too funny.

Raeanne, it was easy to figure out why SP was so upset. At least easy for me. She was acting out of fear that her "herd" was leaving and she couldn't go with them.

Okay, now for the weird story of the month, maybe the year. Yesterday, on the Stearn show Artie Lang was telling about a show that he and Robert Kimmel did in Hyannis at the Cape Cod Circus. When Kimmel got on stage a few women in the front row started screaming at him in horror because he had a brown recluse spider on his neck. If you are not familiar with them, they have a toxic venom that destroys the tissue around it's bite to the point that the limb often has to be amputated. So you can see that a bite on the neck is probably fatal or at least could be.

Here is the weird part. Last night there was a brown recluse spider in the soap dish of my down stairs bathroom! At first I thought, oh another spider. Then I remembered the show. Before I paniced I went on line to get an i.d. on the spider and sure enough that's what he was. My knees got weak and I went get DH to get rid of it! Which he did, down the toilet only he didn't go with the first flush! Of course each time I sit now I will think it's coming back up to get me!

I also read that the spider is not aggressive towards humans and usually bite when they are disturbed. They hunt in the dark, and people encounter them in attics, stored clothing, even bed. I just can't believe that I happened to have one in my house! Also, people rarely die but the bite is nasty.

That's my weird story!

Suzanne, I was listening to that part of the show at the office with my headset LOL! How odd that you should bring it up. I would be looking to put some bug bombs around my house to make sure there are no more! Eeeewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

DeeMarie, How do you listen to the show with a headset? Is it a radio? I would love to sneak in a few minutes here and there. Did you hear Arties intervention this morning? I had to be in early and missed it :((( So bummed.

Suzanne, it's a Sony sports radio...I hide the radio under a file, and I put on the headset. Actually, lots of people in the office plug a headset into their laptops and listen to music, so I figure "what's the difference? Who's gonna know if I'm listening to Howard or Enya?" LOL!!! I didn't hear about the intervention!! OMG, I think he needed one, as he lost his girlfriend because of his bad habits. He's a nice guy, but he was headed down a really dangerous path.

BTW, I've been taking Lipitor for 9 weeks and my doctor's office called with my blood work from last Thursday. Total cholesterol went from 260 to 156! Is that the most amazing thing? I think that's way above the average for this drug, but I'm liking the results. No damage to kidneys or liver, so we are going to continue it for another 2 months. Modern medicine---ya gotta give 'em their props!!

I'm in a hurry right now & I wanted to say something to each of you so I'll be back but I talked to Jen last night. She asked me to tell you that she took today off of work & that she'll try to post tomorrow. I'll be back soon, hopefully!;) Patti :)

Thanks Patti--good to see you pop in once in awhile! Jen, hope that birthday was a happy one!

OK, where are the rest of you? GET YOUR HANDS OUT OF THE COOKIE JARS NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!

He, He, I don't have a cookie jar, I never have the cookies long enough to get them in the jar. I am green with envy at all of ya all getting Howard, I am in a town controled by clear channel and they dumped Howard months ago. Growing up in LA and having all the great radio and moving to SC has been culture shock. A girlfriend and I are going to our first OA meeting tomorrow night I am excited, and a bit apprehensive at the same time. I will tell you all how it is tomorrow. Thank you all for being so gracious and welcoming me into your group. Cindy

Hello,

Welcome Cindy. Please stick around. This is a great place.

Dee, I just got my prescription for Lipitor filled today. My cholesterol is 239. I'll let you know how I make out. Did you get the muscle aches? My pharmacist said that was one of the most common side effects.

I spent most of the day today with my MIL, trying to give my SIL a break. She is so weak and can no longer walk. When I arrived the Hospice Social Worker was there. What a nice man. Just so kind. He sat with her for over an hour and just talked with her. By the time I got there, he knew everything about me and my family. It was great that he got her to open up so much.

My SIL asked me today if I was losing weight. She said it showed! That was the best part of my day today!

Hello to all and (((HUGS))) all around. Thanks again for your well wishes for my MIL. It is just a matter of time right now.

Love, Besh

Besh~((((H U G S)))) It is nice that you gave your SIL some relief. Your family is truly in our prayers.

Cindy~Welcome! I know that you will enjoy it here. You couldn't ask for a better group. Even when one of us leaves for a while, we usually end right back here. LOL

DeeMarie~No problem. That is wonderful about your cholesterol! I'm really happy for you.

NH Suzanne~I envy your trips. I think that you are such a great writer that I can just imagine everything that you are talking about. We have Osprey around here & love to see them.

Raeanne~A lobster bake! The closest that we get to them is getting to see them in tanks. We don't have them around here though. We had them in TX. Isn't that strange. We both love it but just cannot afford it. It is probably a good thing!! LOL

Maddie~We can always count on you for a laugh. I'm glad that Rog picked the right thing to do.

Lynn~We live off of Hwy 60--10 miles east of Lake Wales. We thought that it was bad here but Dave went to Arcadia yesterday & said that it was SO much worse the further south that he went. We have lived in FL since 3/01. We lived in TX before that. We had gone there to see DS#1 graduate from college. Both DSs live in Dallas.

Marci~Sounds like you are going to be busy.

Well, my funny story goes like this. Apparently my parents have decided that they overheard that DS#2, who isn't married BTW, & his SO are going to have a baby. So, I called my Mom today to tell her that she had a new great grandchild. She said, "So, SO WAS pg afterall!" I told her, "No, his name is Corby & he is 5 mo. old & a Schnauzer/terrier mix." That is the way that rumors get started. I had already assured them that she wasn't. And the thing of it is that she is about 5'4" & weighs about 90 to 95 lbs. I mean, who would think that she was showing enough on the 7th of this month to have a baby by yesterday? LOL It takes all kinds. Patti :)

Hey all!

Just checking in real quick.

Besides having been sick, I have had some unfortunate circumstances here. I have had to make a very difficult decision re my sister. After years of verbal abuse, blame for Lord-only-knows-what, I have decided that the relationship is too toxic and am saying "bye-bye" to her. I have had enough. I helped raise her and my job is DONE.
(the woman is almost 40 now...Mom is gone and "stick a fork in me, I'm DONE")

Please, a quick prayer for me as this is NOT easy. I will check back with you guys tomorrow and read all of your great posts. I can't believe how terrific you guys are!!!

Thanks.

Tikanas

Dee - you caught me, my hand was definitely in the cookie jar LOL. I feel like a big spoiled kid and just want to do whatever I feel like doing.

Tikanis - I am sending positive thoughts and prayers your way. This can't be easy for you. ((((((HUGS)))))

Besh - You are a wonderful DIL and person. I am sure your MIL truly appreciates you. My Dr. told me that if you got muscle aches while taking the statins (SP?) to call immediately, so although it is common, let your Dr. know if it happens.

Patti - It's like playing that game Telephone LOL. Funny how rumors get started.

NH Suzanne - I thought your cat's and beany baby birthdays was a weirder story than the spider one LOL.

Dee - congrats on the cholesterol numbers - I am so glad that it is working so well for you and you have no side effects.

Cindy - good luck with the meeting tonight - I hope it is a help and support to you. Sorry about losing Howard - I would be writing letters everyday LOL.

BJ - are you settled in again? I bet your days have been filled with back to school shopping and organizing.

I have to get ready for work - will check in later.

Thanks for all the birthday wishes. I had a busy day Monday, but got to relax yesterday. It was great. I am starting to get caught up on my scrapbooking. I am up to Easter.

Better get back to work. Will check back in later.

Jen

Hi Guys!

I'm checking in real quick here. Back later tonight, hopefully, for a leisurely read and post.

Got back from Alaska and my life turned into a whirlwind once again. 4 kids school supplies (you wouldn't believe what's on the required list---and they call out brand names!---arg!)...went school shopping yesterday; feet are sore today!...been cleaning and de-cluttering the last few days 'cause I have a painter coming to tear down all the wallpaper in this place and re-paint it...he's supposed to be here in 20 minutes and I'm supposed to have 3 bedrooms upstairs cleared out---YIKES!...Got one kid's school orientation, school pics, etc done yesterday---ASB card, yearbook, PTA membership, locker fees, etc was over $200.--ouch!---Today, we hit the Jr High and do it all over again...and to top it off, my storm drain is clogged and it's pouring rain here and the water is leaking into my garage and getting all over everything. What a riot! Man, oh, man, I love it! Nothing like feeling ALIVE! lol!

Sorry, had to vent!

Make your day a happy one! Don't sweat the small stuff!

THANK YOU PATTI!!!

I got the most generous birthday package from Patti today. In the box was a Thomas Kinkade Jewelry box, Thomas Kinkade address book and note pad, an ankle bracelet made of seashells, a beautiful brag book, jar of honey, and I know there was more, but I am having a brain fog. Patti, you really made my day, and it couldn't have came at a more perfect time. Thanks again.

Erica's first day of preschool went great. She really likes it and I got lots of pictures. Tara is really adjusting great to the new sitter. My new sitter is trying to spend lots of time with her to make up for what the old sitter didn't!

BJ, you busy bee! They are at my house today pouring sidewalks. I may be able to landscape soon. ANYONE want to come help me????

Better run.

Jen

Jen - I need landscaping done too. My entire front yard is just going natural and I need to find the time, energy and money to fix it. Glad Erica enjoyed preschool.

BJ - once again, I am exhausted just reading your post. I knew you would be busy, but had NO idea.

Our driveway floated away last week, so this week we are having it blacktopped. The guy said he would be here Thursday or Friday - I am keeping my fingers crossed that he is a man of his word.

It is quiet here today, so I am trying to catch up on laundry, etc.

Hi Everyone,

Jen, sounds like Patti put together a great package for you. Glad you had a great birthday.

I got home this afternoon to a swarm of some kind of insect in my breezeway. I think it might be termites!!! YIKES. I have been trying to identify them or flying ants but I can't tell. Either way, they have to go. I wish I could get the exterminator right NOW but they are closed for the day. This is just great. Keep your fingers crossed!

Good Morning All,

I called the exterminators and they said it's very unusual to have a swarm of termintes at this time of year. They said carpenter ants can swarm anytime so it may be okay. Still, they aren't coming until Thursday so I will be worrying about this until then. It's always something.......husbands, horses, bugs.......is there no end? LOL

Hope you all have a great day. Check in.

Happy THURSDAY!

I've got meetings upon meetings, so not much time.

Patti, I loved the description of that package you put together for Jen!!! This is such a great, fun group.

I have been drinking lots and lots of water lately. In fact, I'm on my 3rd quart here in the office, so when I'm not in meetings, you can guess where I'm heading! LOL There is one ladies' room in this building which takes 2 1/2 minutes to get to....I try to make it there and back several times and day and count it towards my exercise. Hey, 4 times makes it a 20-minute walk----that's what we learned in a health seminar this morning. I'll take whatever I can get!

Make today count, ladies (and John, wherever you may be!)

Happy Thursday!

Jen, I hope that you had the best of birthdays! Sounds like Patti realy outdid herself with that lovely gift, too.

Patti, that rumor story was TOO funny! Amazing how these things get started...

Welcome Cindy! You will find this to be a GREAT group!

Lynn, I have your kitty in my thoughts. Let's hope his eyes can be helped. My cat, Oreo, is almost fully recovered and is surprisingly adjusting to being an indoor cat. Not liking his diet though... : )

Besh, what a great DIL you are. I will pray for your MIL.

Raeanne, what a great weekend you had!! A lobster bake to boot! I was born in New York and lived in Montauk, Long Island where my uncle was a commercial fisherman. Can't believe that I COMPLAINED " lobster AGAIN???" LOL!

Suzanne, you are in my prayers EVERY day! What a wonderful picture you painted with words of your terrific weekend. I feel for Sweet Pea! I wish we lived closer as your adventures sound right up my alley!

Thanks for the well wishes and hugs, you guys re the troubles with my sister. i am feeling much better re my decision to let go of the relationship. I have a good friend from New York who has similar problems with her sister. I sent her an "adoption notice" telling her that I was adopting her as my NEW sister. LoL! It made her day! (and mine too : )

DS turned 16 last week. He has no idea but we are throwing him a HUGE surprise party this Saturday! I ordered a sheet cake with musical notes on it today. ( He is a musician) He's been wanting to cut his long beautiful hair but has been too chicken to make an appointment to have it done. Won't he be surprised when his friends take turns buzzing his head at the party??!! I am going to be sorry to see that hair go... ( I know... lot's of moms wouldn't want their kid to have long hair...) But this is a really GREAT kid! No drugs, drink, cigs etc and he is a very moral human being. Why would I concern myself with HAIR??? I will try to post "before and after" photos. Still have to learn how to do the photo thing with the new camera... Dee Marie, I will try to stay away from the cake : (

Down 2 more pounds and feeling MUCH better after a few weeks of illness. Thanks for reminding me that I need to take in more water.

Have a great day, everybody! Keep up the good work!

Tikanas

Hi all,

My MIL passed away this morning 8/26 at 8:26AM. She was surrounded by her loved ones and went very peacefully. Thank you all for your love and support.

Love, Besh

Hello Everyone,

Tikanas, I meant to tell you that I,too, am estranged from my sister. Ever since my youngest sister died, by suicide, we have been at odds. It's normal for family memeber to want to place the blame for such a horrific act on someone and my little sister put it squarely on my shoulders. She is not mentally stable, never has been really so I decided after many, many years of trying to reconcile with her that it simply was not mine to reconcile. She has the problem with me and she has to fix it. Of course, my entire family, if you can even call it that, was shattered beyond repair when Darcy died. It's hard when you realize that the relationship is indeed toxic but it's even worse when you stay in it because it's "family". We are here to support you .

DeeMarie, don't drown in your meetings. LOL

Besh, I am thinking of you and yours.

Where is everyone today?

Besh,

You are on my mind today, as you have been a lot recently. It's uplifting to have your family and friends surround you now. Share memories and keep her light alive; I know you will. You have been so compassionate about your mother-in-law; this will come around to comfort you in your grief process.

Here, for you, is a quote from Shinmon Aoki:

"First, we lose our attachment to Life;
at the same time we lose our fear of Death.
Finally, we feel peaceful and serene inside.
Forgiving of all things,
we enter a state where we hold all things in gratitude."

Life is so fragile. Gone in a blink, we slip beyond effortlessly, as Light ushers in and directs the life energy of our spirit.

Take it easy and let your emotions flow freely in the days to come.

We're always here. We love you and will carry you in our thoughts as you face the weekend of events.

(((((HUGS, BESH)))))

(((Besh))) - I am so sorry for your loss. I know it must have been hard to lose her so fast, but it would have been harder to watch her suffer for a long time. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Treasure the memories and keep her spirit alive in your children's memories by talking about her life and the special moments you shared.

Marci

Oh Besh, I am sorry. Find peace and comfort in memories and the knowledge that she knew how much she was loved. I also hope you find comfort knowing how much we all care here.

Love, NH Suzanne

Besh - I am so sad for you and your entire family. Please lean on us when you need to - we are here for you. You and your family will remain in my positive thoughts and heart during this rough time.

Oh Besh!! I am praying for you and your family. How lucky this woman was to have someone as caring as you in her life! What a caring person you are. Thank God for the peaceful passings that we have in our sleep.

Many ((((((((hugs)))))).
If there is ANYTHING I can do, please call me. I am VERY good writing thank you cards etc....

XX OO

Tikanas

Happy FRIDAY everyone!

Yeah, I'm out of this office in about 15 minutes!!!!

Got to go food shopping and get some healthy snacks to take along to tailgate party tonight. Jets/Giants Football----Go J-e-t-s !! Tis the season for DH to go nuts (I'm excited, but can't lose sleep over a football team that loses, you know?!) LOL

Have a great day!
Will check in tomorrow!

Take care, eat healthy and NEVER NEVER GIVE UP!!!
DeeMarie

Good Morning,

Happy Saturday everyone. It's going to be hot, humid and summer like here today. I have a load of 300 bales of hay coming at 1pm. DH worked all night in Boston and is going to be exhausted. Hopefully, he can get a couple of hours sleep before the hay man comes. He is on his way home now. Ugh. He's bringing DS#2 and my brother in law is going to help. That makes us two people short. Oh well, we will have to do the best we can.

Besh, you and your family are continually in my thoughts and prayers.

It was too quiet here yesterday. Everyone, except DeeMarie and Tikanas was MIA! I know where I was. Where were YOU?
I was finishing my last day of selling. It was brutal and I didn't make my goal again.

I am going to was the truck.

I was at an early childhood conference (and DS was hogging the computer when I was home) and then DH and I went out to dinner with my parents and my sister and BIL. Today I had to meet DD's roommate at 8/am to give her some stuff that DD forgot. Then I went grocery shopping and got caught in a really bad storm. I looked like a drowned rat. And wouldn't you know that I had cleaned out my car to take DD to school and

And?....and?...C'mon, Marci!!!!! And what????????????

I'll check back to hear....

the rest of the story!

Marci - that's what I call a Cliff Hanger..... we need to know what happened next LOL (my guess is you took an umbrella out of it and didn't put it back in LOL)

I was at work, and worked overtime. I came home and finished a book "Sams Letters to Jennifer" (I liked it), then off to a late dinner, came home and watched Under the Tuscan Sun for the 2nd time and still LOVED it.

Speaking of books, I just finished "The Five People You Meet in Heaven" easy, quick read and nice story!

I have been doing very well with SS lately.

Dee- Hope the tailgating was fun, oh, and the game too.

Happy Saturday, all!

Big surprise party for my son in about 3 hours. I am SO excited! He still has no clue.... and he is SO hard to fool. Wish me luck!

Tikanas

And yes, I will stay away from that gorgeous chocolate cake with the Rasberry filling and the dark chocolate flowers and.... : (

Hahaha............My computer was acting up (or my high-speed internet was in SLO-MO, I'm not sure), and I didn't realize that any of my post had appeared. I gave up trying to post and figured I would just check back later and try again.

Tikanas - I can't wait to hear about your DS's reaction to his party. Have fun.

Raeanne - You were close about the umbrella!!

Here is the rest of my original post:

and I didn't have the towel, umbrella or roll of paper towels that I usually keep in the trunk. I dried myself off with some napkins. I had to laugh though, cause I was really, really wet and I looked really, really funny!! LOL
We had a fairly uneventful trip to take DD to school. I have talked to her every day and she seems to be settling in nicely. She is complaining about having to walk everywhere, but she'll get used to it. Her roommates are both really nice and they have already met some cute guys who live in their building. I am not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing!! LOL

(((Besh))) - I hope you are finding the strength to get through this weekend.

NHSuzanne - Be careful with those bales of hay. Isn't this the time of year that you got sick after handling all that hay?? I will be thinking about you.

Gotta run and get out of these wet clothes, but I wanted to check in while DS was busy elsewhere. Hello to everyone!

Marci

PS - I never did get out my wet clothes. I got busy and just air dried. DH looked at me strangely when he got home (from helping a friend move) until I looked in a mirror and realized how bedraggled I still looked. Oh well, after 27 years of marriage, he has definitely seen me at my best and my worst. LOL

Oh, Besh--I am so sorry--I'm sending much love and hugs to you and your family--

((((((((((((Besh)))))))))))))))

Maddie

Happy SATURDAY night!

I'm catching up a bit after installing a MS program that took 6 hours to install....what a nightmare.

Good night and sleep tight!

Hi all!

Well, I am one exhausted Mom! What a party for my wonderful son! He was surprised beyond belief. All of his youth group friends came as well as his math teacher, 4 math class students and the "guys" from his band. Youth pastor started the "hair buzzing" party game and before you knew it, all of that lovely (sniff) long blond hair was gone! Underneath all of that blond was a dark head of REALLY short hair. He loves it! ( sad for me but, oh wel..., with the long blond hair, he looked just like his father when I met him 22 yrs ago. Having just lost Bill in January, I didn't realize how the similarity was like a pacifier LOL) Now, instead of 16, Braeden looks about 22!!

3 of my friends helped with the food and 2 of his band members did the decorating. His sister picked up the cake. I put disposable cameras on each table and everyone went to town . I am going to make a 16th b-day scrap book for him eventually.

I gave him a big check to help him finance a digital recorder for his band's intro CD.He's been saving every dime all year!)also, I found a brown cordoroy jacket that had belonged to my dad and wrapped it for him. Thought he was going to cry!! : ) I have GOT to find a way to post these pics....

I hope that everyone has had a great weekend. I, for one, am going to drag myself to church the come home and fall asleep with a good book. that way I'll keep away from that leftover cake.... Dee Marie, I did you proud. One tiny sliver of cake and crudites all day! I am NEVER GIVING UP!! : )

later ladies!

Tikanas

Tikanis - how beautiful - sounds like you really surprised and touched DS. And WTG on the food - I know I couldn't stop at a tiny sliver of that cake. What kind of music does DS play?

NH Suzanne - I hope the unloading went smoothly and quickly. I have been meaning to ask how you are from last years hay episode and your foot?

BJ - I'm counting down....

Besh - let us know how you are doing?

John - if you are lurking and haven't come up my way yet, let me know. I have 2 free tickets on one of the cruise boats for you and your guest, I can leave them at your motel - but I have a feeling you have come and gone already - if so, I hope you had a great time and missed some of the bad weather.

I am in shock - I had my driveway paved (it is long) and the guy showed up the day he said he would, it took him as long as he said it would and he pave a piece of our road for no extra charge! It looks good, they really impressed me.

I wanted to go to Pilates this morning, but overslept a bit and didn't make it, so I settled for a long walk. I have never done Pilates and am anxious to try it.

Have a great day.

I just thought I would stop by and say Hi. I am getting ready to go to a picnic and I am trying to drill into my head that I will not overeat and that I will not eat more than one (if any) dessert. I started a new program today that is an exercise and eating program combined. It is designed to be three weeks of intensive exercise combined with a sensible eating program. After the initial 3 weeks, you still exercise, just not as many days a week. The exercise is a combination of walking and weight lifting, and since I already do both, I decided this fit right into my lifestyle. I felt that I really needed some guidance with my eating and it seems like a sensible eating program. Lots of fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean meats, some nuts and an occasional "sweet indulgence". I am hoping that the expectation of a "sweet indulgence" two or 3 times a week will keep me out of the proverbial "cookie jar". (DeeMarie - I really am trying! LOL)

The program is written by a senior fitness editor at Prevention magazine, Michele Stanten, who is "one of the most authoritative individuals in the field of fitness and weight loss". I am having a hard time giving up some of my SS ways, like eating fruit on an empty stomach and not combining carbs and fats, so I will probably try to incorporate some SS rules into her program and see what happens.

Well, DH says he is starving and ready to go, so I'd better get my rear in gear!! LOL

Later,
Marci

PS - Tikanas, I sent you an email about posting pictures. Let me know if you have any questions.