Phyl - I'm almost 40 and have begun having problems with my knees too. No injury, but a lot of pain when I bend. I saw an orthopedist a few weeks ago who confirmed there is no arthritis, but I'm now seeing a physical therapist. They say my problem is that I need to strengthen my quad muscles so they've given me lots of exercises. Here a few that they've given me. You should ask your doctor if these might work for you. 1. Sit with your back against a wall or flat surface. Legs extended out in front of you. Contract your quad muscles, pressing the backs of your knees down into the floor. Hold each contraction for 5 seconds. Do 2 sets of 15. 2. In the same sitting position, bend your knees so that your feet are flat on the floor. Place a rolled up towel or pillow between your knees. Squeeze the towel and hold for 5 seconds. Again, do 2 sets of 15. 3. Lie flat on your back and do 30 leg lifts with your toes flexed (not pointed). Do each leg separately Don't hold the lift. Just make sure it's a slow, controlled lift that engages your quads. There are some others that they've given me, but they are more difficult to explain, but you can find many on-line. Look for ones that focus on building your quad muscles since those are the muscles that hold your kneecap in place as you bend, and will take pressure off of your knees and reduce your pain. Hope it helps - for your sake and mine. Hope

QOD: Youngest DD went to a friend's house to spend the night. 2nd youngest DD had a summer slumber party here-I don't know why they call it that; no one sleeps and she has a party to go to today! 15 y.o DD was out last night with 18 y.o. BF - he now has his own apartment whcih she likes to visit. She starts pilot ground school today 8-6 for the next few Saturdays and Sundays. Oldest DD got a job running projectors at the local movie house, so she was working the last couple nights till 3 a.m. w/ the "Pirates" openings? I haven't yet. Me, I'm walking dogs, watering lawns, studying philosophy, ethics, and moral obligations, topped off with a load of meteorology and LOTS of laundry and weeding! I am going to spend an hour in my office as well--cleaning! DH is taking the bar study course 24/7, so things are running smoothly around here, really. GOOD LUCK, ERICA!!! Pictures, please! You are our "SS Daily Queen" mascot EVERY DAY! Zig~ Hope the funeral was okay for you. Those things are tough, but bring people together---and that's a good thing. Dee- Good to hear you're continuing the walking, but sorry about the pain of all. Syill thinking of your co-worker and her DH... Donna~ Did you get to go out to dinner? Raeanne: The questions on the body shape quiz didn't give many options for answers. I was an hourglass too, but have never thought of myself this way---I really think I have a boy's shape, sort of squarish w/ large shoulders. I was wondering how much stock to put in that quiz. Work-outs with enough weight to cause a fair amount of resistance is a great way to prevent bone disease and just plain be healthier---so I'm foregoing the femmy looks for that. Besides, as I get older, I sort of want to look like I can kick some @ss---lol!!! As well, I have really enjoyed increasing the weight at the gym from time to time--POWER! John-cats yet? Besh-CONGRATS on the 2.6 at WW Friday!!!!!!!!! I read about you unpacking your canvas bags and had to laugh---I have the same deal after an outting! Sounds like your weekend is FULLLLLLLLL! Be good! Milkdud~ What kind of swimming do you do? I've been hitting the pool for low key water walking twice a week. It's just a nice way for me to mellow out really. Maddie! Let us know how the Tedster's concert is. We are going to see Kenny Loggins in August at Saint Michelle Winery--1/2 hour from our house--so beautiful out there. Good luck on Monday's interview---I didn't catch what kind of business you're interviewing for... NHSuzanne~ You are so lucky to live where you do. Haven't heard you talking about DH and his sons lately...how's that going? Marci~ Cookie Lady! Good luck--taste and walk, taste and walk! It's sunny here---RARE, so I better finish my indoor stuff so I can get outdoors! Make this weekend a good one! Has anyone seen "The Inconvenient Truth?" (The Al Gore movie) and Has anyone seen "Pirates of the Carribean?" I haven't seen either but want to.

You asked if we thought someone who had not exercised in a long time could get back in shape. well, think about this, if you DON"T exercise some, even a little, what kind of shape will you be in this time next year? You'll be worse. You want to start doing something, and walking is a good beginning, to just stay where you are. You may never get back to what you could do when you were a teenager, but you can certainly improve on what you are today. Give it a good try. It will be well worth it!!

I am headed for a tkr after we're in our new house - will start the process - pre op appointments, etc. in January. I'm not sure how long it will take after that to have the operation...the doctors have told me to limit walking/hiking after the operation, to switch to nonweightbearing exercise like biking and swimming. I hate water, and the nearest public pool is about 20 miles from here. So - I need to look for an exercise bike, I guess. The only thing I'm dreading - I've heard that many people wind up with catheters afterwards - true? I've had them before and hated the pulling feeling whenever I moved. We're about 30 miles from the hospital where I'll go for the operation, but there is a good PT clinic in our small town, so that's good.