phyllser

Here I am! it's just been a busy day. Church, lunch w/Tracy & Jim. Crated Zoey while we were gone, so she was ready to go for a scooter ride when I got back. She's getting pretty hilarious about that.. expects it, almost demands it! Pretty funny. So... off we went for over an hour. Hit all the stores except for Target. Safeway, Bartels, Riteaid, Albertson's, Dollar Store, Hagen's!! Only bought two things at the $$ store... don't laugh... baby wipes for Zoey and a little baby blanket for her small carrier! Pathetic, huh!! LOl! So... lets see... what came after that. I think I played Solitaire on the computer while I had some annoying phone calls. Then cooked some spinach... w/garlic, onion, mushrooms, a little EVOO, white balsamic vinegar and a pkg of Splenda, a little fresh ground pepper. It was pretty good. Earl had halibut in the oven while I did the spinach. After we ate... Zoey was all wired. We're working on the training! She seem sot think if we eat, she should eat. Sits at my feet barking for a treat. So we put an end to that and she sat quietly between us while we ate. But, like I say... she was wired, so when we were done I took her for a walk.. she dragged me twice around the condo. Came home soaking wet w/sweat and worn out! That's the fastest I've walked in a LONG time!! HAHA!! She was running and leaping and jumping! So after twice around, I brought her back and told Earl he needed to take her around a couple of times, too. So he went once! Then my neighbor, Kim wanted to take her. But she said she made it just past our car and planted her butt on the asphalt and refused to go any further. Said she kept looking up at her and looking back towards the condo, and finally decided she wasn't going any further with Kim! So, I let her play around while I talked to the neighbors outside for a while. Then Earl came back out and walked her around one more time. When we came back in, she was still acting like a crazy nut! Earl went to the hot tub and I played catch with Zoey for at least 1/2 hour. She finally tired out! So... I probably spent at least 3 hrs with dog activity today! Food.... eggbeater omelet for Breakfast, and about 3 bites of pancake...Earl made himself raspberry pancakes, so he gave me a small piece of his. Lunch... we went to an Italian place. I had 1/2 of an Italian sausage and about 1 cup spaghetti w/tomato sauce, and a small cup of minestrone Soup. Small shrimp cocktail w/fresh spinach mid-afternoon w/glass of wine. Spinach &halibut dinner, Skinny cow later. One 30 cal cracker w/smoked salmon and a little cheese. Tired...need to go to bed soon. TOPS in a.m., then pool PT right after that. Then I'll have to come home and take Zoey for her ride over to Surf Shack before I have lunch.

Glad you are having such an awesome vacation. I am thoroughly enjoying all your photos on FB! is

We are very proud of you, too! You are an inspiration! Your before/after photos are AMAZING!! Yeah, I might have to get that book, too. Glad to hear Sydney is plugging along. I tried to have my latte iced last week... actually, "blended", but I just don't like them cold. Doesn't taste the same to me. And I don't like it when I have all that foam left in the bottom. So I'm back to hot now. Rainier cherries are on sale at one of our local grocery stores for $2.99/lb. this week, so I bought some for Earl. Well... Zoey looks better, but not exactly stunning because the groomer really couldn't do a thorough job. If you saw my FB post... it was not a happy experience!! Dropped her off at Petsmart a little after 9 a.m. About 11 a.m., we're at our Primetimer's breakfast and it's really quiet, even though there are about 60 people there, because someone just started praying for someone who is sick. So my phone is yelling, "YOUR PHONE IS RINGING"!! It was Petsmart calling to tell me they were not going to be able to groom Zoey because she bit one of the groomers and drew blood! So, "do you want us to give her a bath"?? So I said yes. Then they call back 1/2 hr later to say she's ready to be picked up! We were totally frustrated. Talking to a lady who was sitting across from us at breakfast, she told us about a groomer she's been taking her dog to for a long time. So I used my Blackberry to look up the phone number on the internet and called the lady. I told her exactly what happened at Petsmart and that we were on our way to go pick her up and did she think she might want to try grooming her. So she told us to bring her over right away. Asked her about sedating her and she thought it might be a good idea. So we picked her up, stopped home and gave her a piece of one of the pills they gave us last week and took her to this other lady. This time we both stayed there with her and Earl hoped the lady restrain her. She ended up biting both of them, but the lady got real tough with her then and kept a firm grip on the back of her neck so she couldn't bite them and she was able to clean her up pretty good. One thing she told us is 6 mos old is way too long to wait to start grooming... which of course was out of our control since we just got her. But she cleaned up her face real good, and her bottom, and used the electric shears to give her an overall trim. She hated having the long fur around her paws trimmed almost as much as she hated having her face trimmed. She was yelping and crying and struggling to get away. She was really petrified of the whole process. So now I'm afraid Tracy and Jim think she's a monster dog that shouldn't be around kids! I have her in several stores EVERY day and she LOVES kids and has never gotten nasty with anyone when we're out and about. Once she sort of snapped at a neighbor, but she picked her up weird. And she doesn't like to have her face messed with. But she's really a sweet dog. I'm not sure they're even going to let her play with Gigi anymore and they love to play together. Frustrating day! But we'll definitely be taking her back to that groomer. She said it would be better next time. And... after all that, she asks me if $25 is okay???!! Good grief! I said that was more than okay and wrote her a check for $30.. should've given her more!

You bet... it's called "JEALOUS"!! LOL Glad you let it roll off your back! Ask "Peaches" what some idiot said to her this week!!! When someone cuts you down, it's usually connected to jealousy!

Glad your posts finally worked!! Enjoyed reading about your time on Fire Island to date... especially the romantic interlude!! LOL Vegas will be fun... what is this about the John Lennon tickets??

Steph... do the "Five Day Pouch Test". Google it. Karla... I think I will make some of that chicken salad. It was very good. Sounds like a good lunch thing. So glad to hear Sydney is hanging in there. Our baby goes for a "hair do" this morning. Janet.... CONGRATS!!! :cool::party::wink2: You are our HERO! That picture is SO impressive!! It's my favorite of all you photos. I stole it for my "Lucky 7's" picture folder. Have you posted it on FB??

Absolutely!! What do you think about the YMCA changing their name to "The Y"? I think it's pretty sad.... it seems obvious to me they wanted to get the "Christian" out of their name. Pathetic! YMCA

Looking forward to meeting everyone! LOL! That would be great but I doubt they'd let us get away with that!

Is that the book Oprah was talking about... Love Food God... or something like that? I looked at it in Target one day... almost bought it. I've lost the weekend weight, too, but slow going. I'm at 200 on my scale in the morning w/o clothes and hope to be under again by weigh in on Monday. Gym transition is going well. She gave me a good 1 hr workout yesterday without going upstairs to the machines. I did all the machines the day before and will probably go back today since I usually skip on the weekends. We did several exercises with the big exercise ball. I don't have one, and wouldn't be much point in buying one because way too big for the RV! But, they're good exercises... so will think about that a while! You can't deflate those things, can you?? Karla... hope the dog is okay! Keep us posted. Steph... hope things are going a little better with family stuff now! Earl is re-reading the "Dog Rules"!! LOL! He is showing it to Zoey and congratulating her for working her way through the list!! HAHAHA!! Yeah, he puts her in bed with me in the morning now! She wants to get up with him, so he takes her in the kitchen and feeds her, takes her out to potty and puts her in bed with me! That's usually about 5:30 a.m.!! She licks my face, ears, etc.... not at all freaked out by the CPAP mask! This morning she was actually walking on my face! When she finished all the kisses she curled up next to me and went back to sleep until I got up about 2 hrs later. Janet.... is Bella working her way through the list??? LOL! She is so cute! I see Karri wants a puppy!! We have a busy Saturday... drop off Zoey at Petsmart in the morning for grooming, then Primetimers once a year breakfast at a farm house out by Tracy's. Then we'll have to go back and pick up the "baby".

Thanks! Zoey is doing great--except I almost made minced meat out of her last night... didn't know she was sleeping right under my foot rest until I started putting it down and she started yelping! She's okay, but staying away from my chair this morning! We had a brisk walk last night... twice around the condo units. And we had a couple of scooter rides. She thinks whenever I go, she goes, too. So she was getting real excited when I was getting ready to go to the gym in the morning. DH couldn't stand to disappoint her so he told me to take her with me and he'd drive over in a few minutes and pick her up!! So.... see who is in charge here??!! LOL We usually buy our salmon at Costco, too. Yesterday I bought a dozen oysters at Albertson's. They usually have good seafood, too. No.... I guess I got that at Haggen's... I think that's local. Lady told me the oysters were from Canada. Here in WA they're having a problem with "Red Tide", so no shell fish. No more seafood from the gulf. So the stores have to get whatever local seafood they can... Alaska, Canada, WA, OR. Welcome back, Jodi! We missed you! Hope you have a WONDERFUL trip! Have some escargot for me. Too funny on the gym issue!! I have my two mandatory PT days, and in between, I go because I know they're going to ask me if I've been there! I had Sprint for years, but finally got fed up with poor coverage. All our kids have AT&T, and they have a pretty good discount for retired military. Our DGD was working at one of their independent kiosks at the mall when we made the switch, so she made sure we got the best plan and arranged the discount. I've been pleased with the coverage, and as you know, we travel a lot. My phone is a Blackberry Curve. I was seriously considering getting the new iPhone because I'm due for an upgrade. But, DD#1 got one a month or so ago, and while the aps are impressive, she's not thrilled with the phone. There is the dropped call problem they keep talking about,. Kind of dumb to put the antenna around the outside of the phone where your fingers always are! And she is having problems with the volume. So I am holding off for now. Apple is supposed to make a big announcement today. A friend of mine has one of the older iPhones and she loves it. But I may be upgrading to a new Blackberry! DH started his SS at 62 because our financial advisor told is it was the smartest way to go. He told us how many years it would take to make up the difference...and I can't remember now, but it made sense to start collecting it at 62. I was already on disability c/o arthritis issues. We have a condo in WA state, a little under 1000 sq ft. That's where we are now. It works very well for us. Lots of neighbors to watch out for it while we're gone. And we have a place to call home. We'll be leaving in about a month... early this year because we're going to Buffalo NY first for a family wedding. Then we'll go down to OK... maybe talk DH in to a couple of days in Branson on the way! We lived in OK for over 15 years, so we'll stop for a few days and see friends and visit with our financial guy before we head to Desert Hot Springs. Have to be there before Oct. 1 to drive to Vegas with Janet!

What a rude thing to say! You are looking SO good! It was a pretty dumb comment! So what did SHE look like?? Can't imagine anyone saying something like that! Fill seems about right. Hunger pains gone, no PBing or reflux. Zoey is doing great. Went out with her after dinner because some neighbor kids were rolling down the hill outside our door and I knew she would love to play with them. So I let her out without her leash and sat outside watching and supervising while she played with them. Took two of her balls outside. They had a blast with her. Had to bring her in when she started running out of sight.. I kept telling them to stay where I could see them, but they got carried away with all the excitement. But she was probably out there 15-20 minutes running the whole entire time! So then I took her out and walked her.. twice around the condo complex. Wanted to tire her out. Didn't want to have to play fetch for 45 minutes again tonight! So she is zonked out behind Earl's chair. Ooops... she's up again! This is how spoiled this dog is already.... she LOVES to ride on the scooter and thinks she's going for a ride every time she sees the cover coming off. She runs for the door and starts scratching to go out. So, a little before 9 a.m., Earl uncovered it so I could ride down to the gym for PT. She gets all excited.... thinks she is going. Earl couldn't bear to disappointher, so he tells me to take her to the gym with me and he'll drive over with the car and pick her up when I get there! So that's what we did. I took her in and showed her off to the therapy tech I was working with today. Then Earl had her waiting outside on the leash when I got home, so we went over to Surf Shack and to the grocery store for a few things. After that we had to run some errands.... Navy base to get Rx refills, Goodwill store with excess electronics, etc. It was a very busy day and I am EXHAUSTED!! Awwww... what a cutie! Love the color! WOW!! Nothing but fun and games with that girl, huh!!???? And SHE is ticked at YOU because you want your debit card back???? What's wrong with this picture???

Lots of posts today! Sorry about your parents, Cheri. That's a tough one. My sisters and I are having some concerns about our Mom and Uncle (her live-in) because of recent health problems. Would like them to go into assisted living but so far they are resisting. Aging parents... a challenge! Great article, Janet! Julie...hang in there... keep on keepin' on! Hugs! Laura... what a GREAT trip you are going to have! We'll be waiting to hear all about it! Escargot.... I'd be having some with you. Lori... very insightful comments... "grass is greener"!! Apples... when are you going to try the multi quote!! LOL Okay... that's all I can remember! I should take notes like Julie does! On liquids today and yesterday because I had a fill. But I'm ready for some real food now! HUNGRY! Went to the gym this afternoon... did a bunch of weight machines.. legs and arms, and 20 minutes on bike.

Thanks! I get discouraged sometimes that I'm not at goal yet, but I'll get there! Definitely sounds like you need an unfill. Shouldn't be having things come back up. I use Benefiber in my crystal lite.. a couple of tsps a day, and it keeps me regular. Congrats on going to the gym. Feels good, doesn't it!

LOL! Yeah, something to be said for maturity, huh!! I am about to Celebrate my 3 yr "bandiversary". I'm losing very slowly right now... kind of at a standstill for the last few months. But, it will come off. I'm down to about a 16-18 for the first time in many, many years, too. I have lost about 125 lb and wnat to lose another 50. Had some "issues" with my band a couple of months ago and they took out all the Fluid to let me rest. Then last month, put 3ccc back in and yesterday another 1cc. So I hope to have good restriction again, without a lot of problems eating hard Protein. So far, chicken noodle Soup a couple of hours ago. And I just got a new puppy, so I'm finding myself quite a bit more active the past few weeks! We've had her 3 weeks today. I'm up and down taking her in and out and in and out. She had to learn how to walk on a leash, so I'm walking her around our condo complex about once a day, sometimes twice, and we're playing ball, etc. I have a handicap scooter that I really only use as a "golf cart" around the neighborhood and she loves to ride around in the basket. So I'm not spending nearly as much time sitting in front of the TV/computer. At the moment, I'm contemplating how to sneak out to the gym without her getting upset because she can't go! DH will have to distract her while I escape! HAHA! Good to see some action here.

Yeah, the liquids are getting old. I'm HUNGRY!! So far today.. about 16 oz black coffee, 11 oz protein drink, latte, 24 oz crystal lite. May have some Healthy Choice soup for lunch. Then have some real food for dinner. Yes, my youngest sister is looking in to assisted living. Has a place nearby that she wants them to look at. Thing is, their lease is up next month, so we're hoping to persuade them to make the move before that. Otherwise, they'll be stuck for another year. Lake loop ride early this morning. Earl uncovered the scooter at 8 a.m., so Zoey immediately wanted to go outside. He let her out without her leash. She went and sat on the scooter staring in the door at me! So... by 8:30 a.m. we were on our way. Will walk with her later on.. waiting for the landscapers to leave because all their power equipment freaks her out. In fact, we had to linger in one neighborhood when we went for our scooter ride because it was garbage day and she was jumping out of her skin when we had to pass one of the garbage trucks. So when there was another one up the street, she saw it and went in to a panic again. So we hid until it was gone. I want to go to the gym in a little while but I will have to sneak because Zoey will want to go with me! I will take her shopping later... Earl wants eggs from one of the local stores. Replacement dog sounds very cute!! What color? Bella was the name of that one dog we decided not to take. Cute name. Where did you find her?

So sorry about Ryder! Too sad, but probably best for him. Zoey had a good day. And we took a walk around the complex when we got home. Then later I took her for another scooter ride since we just got to take a short one before we left this morning. she sure loves to ride on the scooter. She'll go out and paw on the cover if it's still on, or get on the floor of the scooter and try to get up on the seat if it's already uncovered. Not much to eat today.... eggbeaters omelet this morning. Then the tomato soup for lunch after my fill - 225 cal. I emptied my 24 oz jug twice.. crystal lite. Then I had that little bit of cheese, and I just drank 11 oz protein drink (E.A.S.) - 150 cal. Had 2 SF, FF 16 oz lattes today, too. I think I might have a Skinny Cow Truffle in a little while. Not exactly liquid, but... soft.... and maybe a cup of herb tea. Talked to Mom earlier today. Uncle Ed is sleeping a lot and very tired. Hope everything is okay. Blood sugar when he first gets up in the morning is around 104. Should be under 100. Told her to make sure she keeps checking it every morning. She said he took a shower by himself yesterday without the shower chair. That's dangerous. Especially when he is feeling weak. Karla...glad to hear your dr was so supportive and encouraging, and proud of your accomplishment. Hope you don't have to wait THAT long for your referral appointment. Maybe you'll be able to take advantage of a cancellation.

Interesting development....old BF contacting you. I'm a pushover... I know that... always willing to extend the benefit of a doubt... But probably not always healthy. Hope all goes well with that and you make the right decisions concerning that relationship. Julie, that's exactly what my cat did when I had my knee surgery last summer and she's done that before when I've been sick or had surgery. That reminds me... forgot to tell you the latest on this man of mine who did NOT want a dog. Now he wants me to look in to getting her certified as a "therapy dog" so we can take her to visit people in nursing homes, etc. She would be great because she LOVES everybody! Love the doggie birthday party story.... yours and Karen's!!! LOL Being a "techy" person, my bracelet is called My Med and has a usb drive in it.. I have ALL my medical info loaded on it, Rx, surgery history, etc. It's a simple text file so can be plugged in to any computer should I have a medical emergency. I'm with you, Laura! I can barely keep up with all the posts! So please forgive me for not responding to all! Love you all and enjoy reading all the posts and keeping up with your lives! Size 14--Good for you!! I will be there someday!

Good clinic visit... saw P.A., not dr. but I knew that. First time in THREE YEARS..... she gave me a hug! She was very pleased that I lost 1 1/2 lb since I was there 4 weeks ago and kept giving me a lots of positive affirmation. She put in 1 more cc and estimates there is 5 cc in there now. Per my clinic records.. I had 7 1/2 cc in there 2 months ago when I first went back in. She could only get 5 1/2 cc back and estimates there was still 1 cc in there... tubing, etc. So last month she put in 3 cc, 1 cc this month, and probably 1 cc still in there... so she figures total of 5 cc now. She told me to stay on liquids for 2 days. Usually just says for the rest of the day. So.. had can of tomato soup for lunch at Jodie's this afternoon. Having a glass of wine now, and had about an ounce of cheese... cut in to little tiny cubes and chewing them to death. I will probably have a protein drink later, or maybe I'll go get another latte since I can't eat. Zoey thoroughly enjoyed her visit with our 3 little grandkids. Thomas chased her all over the backyard. Had to watch her like a hawk inside! Jodie is not the fastidious housekeeper that Tracy is, AND she has 3 little kids! So.... Zoey shredded a kleenex, ate cat food, etc. One time I fished a small marble out of her mouth and while I was putting that out of reach, she picked up a yellow crayon! She is like a baby... everything goes in her mouth!

Amen! 1 John 1:9 (New International Version) 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Will talk to Mom today, but from texts from my sister, sounds like he's doing well at home.. sleeping better, etc. Zoey is good. However, I am being jerked around by 5 lb of fur! Can't tell you how many times I've been in and out of the condo in the last two hours. First peepee, then next time she did her business, so we walked the little baggy to the dumpster. Then pretty soon she was scratching at the door again... a little squirt piddle. Not anything urgent. she just wanted to go outside and see what might be going on. Then she heard Sherry & Terri having their morning coffee next door. So she had to go out again. I lost count really. Now she's out on the leash AGAIN sunning herself. But every time we go out the last few times, she is pawing at the scooter cover, so it's obvious what she is waiting for! I guess I better get in the shower! I agree... the nursery job has to go! Uncle Ed did have visiting nurse stop by yesterday. I assume they will be helping him with shower, checking blood sugar, etc. I think I will definitely be getting a fill. And after doctor, we'll be going to see Jodie and family, so Zoey gets to meet the three youngest grandchildren and I'm sure they'll all have a great time together! CONGRATS!! GOOD JOB!!

Ah... forgot to address the TOPS surgery question.... thanks for reminding me! TOPS created a special category for those who have had weight loss surgery..... "Category 9", I believe. You are eligible for most awards, but not eligible to be "queen". I think that's the way it goes. Nah... I'm sure I won't be allowed to bring Zoey to Vegas! DH has gotten quite attached to her and wouldn't let me take her to Camano for our 7's reunion. He brought her up for a visit one night. Here she is at Surf Shack.. standing up like she's not supposed to, but she's excited because owner, Theresa is about to give her a doggie treat. 2nd picture she is sitting like a good puppy.

So if they could just figure out a way to jack up our metabolic rate we'd all be in better shape... pun intended!! :thumbup::biggrin::thumbup:

I should have that done, too. I think mine is low also. And I am always cold, too. I think your DH is right about that being connected to your low metabolic rate. TOPS program today was portion control... lady who was doing it passed around a divided Tupperware dish in which she taped pictures of what we should eat for a typical dinner. I can tell you for sure that if I ate what was pictured there... I would gain. I could eat the half of the plate that showed 3 oz of salmon, salad and veggie, but the other half of the plate showed some red potatoes and dinner roll. NOT! They tell us we should be eating about 1200 calories to lose about a pound a week. But if I ate 1200 I think I would gain, not lose, or maybe maintain. To lose, I have to eat more like 900... which I obviously have not been doing! I'm sure your DH did not mean to hurt your feelings. Did you talk to him about it?? I think you should. Yes, puppy has bonded with both of us! She has to be where one of us is all the time. She sits in the bathroom with me if I am showering, brushing my teeth or whatever... she is right there. If we're in the living room, she is either in front of or right behind or next to my chair or DH's. Hugs, Phyl

Karla, You don't owe me anything for groceries! The leftovers I ended up with exceed what I spent, I am sure! Candice spent a lot on groceries, too. If anything, send her some $$ if you feel you need to make a contribution. Yeah, $10 is about the max I ever spend on wine... but this bottle is $26.xx. So.... I was up 1.4 lb today. Clinic appt tomorrow and should be getting another fill!! I sure need it. I get so hungry in the evening and go to bed hungry pretty much every night. Back to two sweatshirt weather for a couple of days. Think its supposed to get back to the 70's on Wed., but in the meantime... we're at 59 right now at 2:15 pm. It's supposed to get to 63 today, but I highly doubt it. No sun, a few sprinkles now and then. Good workout in the pool today. If I get my butt in gear tomorrow morning, I'll go over and do the machines before my doctor appointment. This is the doctor of the long drive! I think it's 65 miles down there. But... it's south, so will go see Jodie & kids on the way home. Haven't seen them since their return from Hawaii on the 4th. Jack, PT tech who usually supervises my therapy is 76 yrs old... doesn't look that old!! Looks about 10 years younger. Anyway, he was telling me today that his wife talked him in to his first ever pedicure over the weekend! Funny! He is very active. I think he works there full time, takes care of the pool... coming in most weekends to check on the chemicals, temperature, etc., and he plays on a 70+ softball team. He told me he has 12 games over the next 3 days!!

Marysville.... just a hop, skip and a jump away. We go to the Snohomish chapter. Not sure Monday morning is a good time to have to go weigh in!! :thumbup::biggrin::thumbup: I was up 1.4 lb today. Go for another fill tomorrow, so things should get better. I have been so hungry in the evening it drives me crazy. And making some bad choices. Julie, hugs on the pain... hope you get some answers soon... and your appt at Mayo clinic. Apples... good to have you back! Sorry about your vertigo struggle today. Great--sorry about the death of your friend. Zoey seems to have a built in alarm clock. I hear this little "woof" at exactly 7 a.m. She is a creature of habit and has pretty much figured out our routine. Last two times I've been to the gym... she goes crazy when I get back... she knows she's going to get to go for a scooter ride to Surf Shack. She loves to greet everyone there and she knows she gets treats there! She's recovering nicely from her surgery.. crazier than ever and we're supposed to keep her quiet for a week!! Yeah, right!! She's a puppy!