Apples2

Hey to everyone...Unplanned day trip today with friends. Went to Cedar Key. Lovely little place with lots of character. Had lunch and walked and drove around taking it all in. Drove back late this afternoon in teeming rain. Took us twice as long to drive back. Was very nice. Rain has subsided and was a beautiful day. Now just watching and listening to puppa and poppa sleeping on couch. Such snoring going on! Was a great "hockey" party yesterday. Were a few over 50 ppl. Went well, had fun and well worth it all. DS is flying in tomorrow. Not sure if he will land around here or in Daytona. Either way we will get to spend some time with him. He had the plane fired up earlier today but weather grounded him. Should be able to fly in the morning though. He will be bringing 2 students with him. He will be going up and giving them their final "check ride" b/4 they get their instructor's license. Then he will be able to spend some time (a couple of days) with mom and dad. Looking forward to it. Janet...rotten thing with the Ipod. The worst part is having doubts about who took it. We had similar experience with a exchange student. Ripped us off. Sad. Joyce...hope all went well today. Take care and post when you can. Julie...sorry to hear you are in pain again. I have sooooo wished in the last 6 months that you could get to the root of your problem. Hope it comes soon. Eva...you too...sorry you are having some pain. Bummer. You can do this eating thing. Maybe a tweak?????? A big "HI" to everyone else. Time to go make popcorn. That will wake my guys up. (Nightly ritual at our house/cabin). Most likely will not check in the next few days. Going to out and traveling around with DS. Just gotta let you girls know when I go MIA. Sorry for the non-response to most of you. Will catch up soon. K

Laura....my pots and pans traveled with me. Just never thought to throw in my hand held mixer. Next year. Happy you had a good bday even though DH was feeling funky.

Joyce...just want to wish you the best. Will be thinking of you tomorrow. Just know that you will not go through this alone. You have a very supportive group right here to help you along your journey. Take care and keep us informed on how you are doing when you feel up to it. I think it was Linda that made the comment about packing hockey sticks, etc. Nope...not that crazy. We hit thrift stores and Goodwill to find what we needed for our outfits. Everything is ready to go. Made a whole wheat salsa bread this morning and will serve with melted pepperjack. Now that all is made for the meal and cabin cleaned, it's time to sit with my feet up and read the Sunday paper and do a couple crosswords. Also plan on finishing a book today. PPL will show up about 3 and serving meal at 5:30. I just love doing things like today. So, Cheri, this is not work for me, it's something I love to do...always have. You love dancing...I love cooking and entertaining. (I also love dancing). Hope you had a nice anniversary.. Sorry your plans fell through. Hopefully you can go out and dance with hubby very soon. Hi to everyone else. Life is good. Sun is shining and supposed to be a beautiful day. Blocking out of my mind the fact that we will be leaving in a week and heading back to the tundra. But, will make the most of these days and also will take joy in walking in the door of our house and settling back into life in MN. Things will be very different for me this spring, summer and fall. Not sure if I posted that I am paring back on the number I feed. Time for the guys (except for my 2) to pack their own lunches. The restaurant is closing...

Sandy..sounds like you found some good buys. I love a good deal. TJMAXX is my favorite store. Can spend hours just looking. Half my wardrode is from there. Nice brands and cheap. I have to drive almost 3 hours to the closest store at home so I am taking advantage of the ones here in FL. Have fun tonight, Judy. I would love to go to a singles dance even though I am married. DH is very self-conscience about his dancing skills and I will take any opportunity to dance...even at a singles! Heck, DH would most likely even pay my admission so I would get my fix! Laura...I love it when you share photos. Such beautiful wedding shots and what a diff in your progression ones. Eva...nice to have that bonus and know what you will do with it. I have not had a bonus since the mid 80's....been self employed since that time. Hmmmm...think I will go write myself a nice bonus check.

Oh Gosh...I miss our daily chats. I am caught up on all the posts but impossible to respond to all. Sorry. Cheri..Happy Anniversary. Missed that earlier. What a beautiful day in the forest. First time I have worn capris. In the mid 70's and also tomorrow but with a chance of rain. As log as it's warm, I'm good with it. Doing a picnic tomorrow with a bunch of Canadian friends for the Olympic USA/Canada hockey game. We take so much crap from them but we have a plan. I made a banana cake and decorated it like the US flag. DH and I each have hockey sticks with US decals all over them. Flags to wave, can coolers in red/white/blue. We are even going so far as to wear shin guards, etc. Also dressing in our colors. Been cooking all day. Cooking utinsels are minimal in our cabin so takes a bit longer. I stirred my from scratch cake and got quite the workout. Make a huge batch of LF potato salad and also a large stockpot of white chicken chili. Tomorrow will be for relaxing and having fun. Our time here will be coming to an end after this next week. We will be packing next Sat and leaving early Sunday. We are wishing that we booked another month but need to take care of some tax business at home. DH had quite a few stops picked out to look at machinery and equipemnt on the way home. He is thinking of taking 2 weeks to travel home. Just going to enjoy the time remaining here. Have something planned every day with friends...lots of day trips. Hope all who are under the weather, feel better soon. Phyll, hope you head to your doc. 2 weeks is a little long especially with your torso pain issues. We all love you and want you to be healthy and happy. Take care. All you are getting from me lately are ME, ME, ME posts but I just try to post when I can. Sending the love!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DEAR LAURA HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU Laura...have a great day. Sending birthday love and hugs!

Hang in there, Joyce. Sounds like you have a great attitude about it all. Make sure you stick around and keep us informed every step of the way. (Speaking for all of us)...We love following ppl through the process and sharing our experiences.

I read in the daily newspaper that he passed away. Just from observing, I figured there was not much of a possibility he would survive. Sad. Have fun on your trip to Vegas. I could travel every day of my life. Wonder why we dubbed my DS "The Happy Wanderer" at a very early age? Hmmm...wonder where he gets is from? Good luck with your fill. Hope it does the trick and is the right amount. That 3lbs will disappear. If you have never had trouble with being too tight when flying, you should be OK. Just make sure to drink enough water and get up and walk when you can. Have fun!!!

Good Afternoon, Friends! DH is back from his mini equipment trip. Saw him for a few minutes and he loaded his dog in the truck and took off. Invited me along but I just got done doing the laundry and wanted to catch up with everyone while I have internet connection. (Iffy when the sun is shining). DH spotted a consignment type store on the way home so wanted to look around. Beautiful day here in the forest. Sun is shining and not too cool...60's. Spent two hours at the laundromat (Uhg). The tongues were flapping. Women fighting over dryers. Life's too short. Janet...happy to hear sis is out of the hospital. You take care of yourself and catch up on your rest when you can. You've been on a roll for quite some time now. My take on the muscle/weight issue. A person needs to move and build SOME muscle to be healthy. But, weight is weight. Body builders are at just as much risk (IMHO) for health issues as an overweight person. I think everything in life is about a happy medium and calories in count, exercise counts and when a person steps on the scale, weight counts. It's all about the middle of the road. Speaking of the middle of the road....went shopping in Deland yesterday with a friend. On the way back, I turned at a busy four way corner onto another highway. There was a utility pickup with a wide load sign on it. In front there was a man laying on the road and an older lady and also a young woman...maybe late teens. She was waving her hands and yelling. In front of the pickup, a man with a green safety vest was laying on the road. Could see he was not in the best of shape. I have some training but just the basics. Pulled my vehicle over..my friend had seen the man on the pavement and knew she could not handle getting out. Anyway, he was breathing but barely. Read in the paper that he was run over by his buddy in a semi that he was guiding. They both were out of their vehicles to take a bit of a break and he somehow got caught and run over by 60' trailer. This happened 30 minutes from any town so took quite a bit of time for rescue vehicles. Helpless feeling. All I could do was say say a prayer for this young man's family. Laura...sorry to hear DH is ill and you are not feeling well. I remember those days when the kids were young. Things seemed to run the course with everyone in the household. Take care and get rest. Way to go on the 223! And, a little friendly competition between you and Eva would be fun to watch. You two are just spunky enough for a good challenge. I have a feeling in my bones that she is going to take you up on it. Good luck to both of you. Oh..and by the way...you are both at that point of no return after breaking your plateaus....I'm going to just sit back and watch "the game"! Sorry you needed to cancel your visit with Mom and Pop. Better to not pass along what you have though. I know this is heartbreaking. Hugs. SAMC...Hang in there with the liquids. One thing that got me through was low sodium broth. I would sip that throughout the day. Also, getting enough protein seems to help. Good luck and keep us informed and make sure to come and post when frustrated. Cassie...ditto what the others said. Get rid of the cookies or get them out of sight. Don't set yourself up for temptation. You can do it! Also, when I was in the weightloss stage, if I didn't get enough SOLID protein during the day, I was ready to eat anything in the evening. It helps even things out. Even if it's jerky or a handful of soynuts. Sndycnrd...Good for you on the running. I am active and walk but no desire to run anymore. I used to run track in college (the mile). I don't have joint issues but it's just not in me anymore. More power to you! A big "hey" to everyone I did not address. Going to post b/4 I lose this. Then, I am sure, when DH comes back he will want to catch up on his Ag Talk forun. Next year I want to be sure to have another laptop along on our trip. Sharing sucks!

Oh Phyll!!!! That is great news on the weight loss. You deserve it and an all time low is even better. Also, happy to hear about GS. Hope GF parent's take good care of him. Also hoping that he will follow through on what needs to be done. Thanks for filling us in on him. You must be breathing a sigh of relief. Take care.

Joyce...I don't appreciate computer issues either. We are vacationing for a month in a cabin in a forest and we have intermitent internet service. I just grab on when I can. It's weird...service is terrible when the sun is shining. No phone service in about a 15 mile radius so we hooked up our own phone this year. Need that security and want to talk to our sons when we need or want to. Just wanted to wish you luck with your pre-op diet. Hang in there. It will be behind you b/4 you know it and you will be a banded person. I think I can speak for everyone when I say we look forward to following along with you on your band journey. Always nice to have someone to look to when you might have questions and this thread is a good place to find some advice. This is where I came when I was frustrated and never left. (They just cannot shake me:laugh:). Just be prepared for some minor ups and downs during the process. Not everyone has plateaus but I think the majority of us did. It takes patience and stick-to=itness. You just need to take things day by day, have a plan and go from there. Keep focused on the final result that you are looking for. I think for most of us it was our health that we wanted to restore. You are going to feel so much better not too long from now. I guess the bit of advice that I give time after time is to follow all of your doc's rules and start MOVING as soon as you are cleared to do so. Just some kind of exercise 30 minutes a day makes such a difference in how a person feels and how the weight comes off. Find what is right for you...and remember to mix it up a bit so that you don't get bored. Same goes with your menu...plan, plan, plan but make sure to try new things once in awhile. Ask if you need some ideas for your food plan. You will always have someone willing to share their experience. Well, ready to lock up the cabin for the night. Puppa is missing Pappa and had a restless day. Think he will be sleeping with Momma tonight. Take care and everyone have a good evening.:biggrin:

Whoohoo Linda...congrats on breaking that plateau! You have the right attitude in no expecting huge weekly weightloss. Lb per week or every couple of weeks is a good goal. Judy..congrats also on the lb. lost from your weekend. Most likely not the nuts but the salt on them. They are actually a go-to snack that I have had on hand for a very long time. Quite healthy but on a limited basis. And, just half serving (1/4 cup and 110 cals) can stave off hunger for a long time. I sometimes use them as a meal supplement when I am on the road and no time to stop for meals. Julie...giving up white bread is probably the best thing you could do for yourself. I know you have said many times that it is your weakness. You know I am not lecturing you on this....we all have our weakness'. And, giving it up might just be what you need to break the going up and down on those couple of lbs. you were talking about. It's worth a try. I think (for what that is worth) giving it up could just be the ticket for you. Really watch the carbs in the crackers also. Maybe you will have some takers to a 7 week challenge from others that want to give something up for lent. You talking about giving something up for lent reminded me of my youngest DS. I think I have posted this story b/4 so bear with me if you have heard it b/4. We used to be Catholic and my kids were encouraged by their Sunday School teachers to give something up for lent. You have to know my youngest to really understand how he operates. Think of MN and winter and that certain fruits and veggies just are not available during that time of year. The little bugger came home so proud to let us know that he would be sacrificing and giving up corn on the cob and watermelon. LOL

Janet...Laura's post reminded me that I did not comment on your sis. Hope she has a quick recovery. You have had soooooooo much going on the last couple of weeks. Hope you can find time to get some rest. Feeling better today? Phyll...sorry to hear of your GS's trouble. I'd like to go smack his mother and tell her to get her head where it belongs. With her kid. I know you will do what you can to help but sometimes these things just need to run it's course and hope he learns from this experience. Hugs. Funny...I brought home a jar of salsa from the weekend that Judy bought for Julie and I picked it up at the 7/11. That's what I threw in the bread. We did not have the priviledge of tasting Eva's salsa, but her tamales and beef jerky were the best. Can't believe she travaled all the way with them in her suitcase and they stayed frozen. Oh wait.....they were in DFW and in MN type weather. LOL Hope you start to feel better soon. Seems everyone around here has the "Snotty Nose Syndrome". I am knocking on wood. So far, so good. Laura...I am doing the happy dance in your honor. Congrats on breaking your plateau. Poor Nels. He's had his share of virus' lately. How's the rash? It sure was a strange looking one. My kids usually had the sandpaper looking one. I know if your DH was concerned, it must has been a bad one. Would love to follow you on Survivor, Laura. You have strength and determination and could kick some butt. Sign up and let me know if you need a manager when you become famous. Jewel...good morning. Sorry to hear you are also sick. Good job staying home. Not only to protect others but to get your rest. Take care.

Morning Girls.... Eva...have a safe trip. Hope your flight home is much easier than your trip to FL. Nice to hear that you and DH had a good time. Was so nice to meet him. Fun and just nice guy. Not too many men would be so laid back and accepting of so many women. Also, DH sampled your tamales (sp?) and beef jerky. His feedback was that the jerky was "The Best" he ever had and he loved the tamales. He, also, has never had them. They were wonderful. Not what I expected but will now be more apt to order when we go out for Mexican meals but doubt they would be as tasty and buttery as yours. I understand where you are coming from on trying to express how you feel about the time we all spent together. All I can say is it was very special and I thouroughly enjoyed meeting you and getting to know you in person. No surprises. You come across just like your posts...caring and so down to earth. No problem using up all the excess food that I brought back with me from the weekend. Had ppl for dinner Sunday and last night and every last morsel is gone. Made a fruit salad with Greek yogurt and a shrimp creole dish with all the shrimp and sweet peppers and cheesy Mexican whole wheat bread with Julie's leftover salsa. Only thing that went in the trash were a few cukes. Setting our sights on enjoying the last 3-4 weeks of vacation. DH was off by 6am and headed for the same neighborhood as we stayed last weekend. You would think he was a young kid heading to Disney World. There's a heavy equipment auction and he is meeting a little buddy from MN that flew down yesterday for the auction. I have visions of having to purchase a semi truck and trailer and me driving 80 MPH through Atlanta on the way home (DH does not drive through large cities). But, we plan on taking a couple of weeks to drive home. DH has a number of "equipment stops" to check out. I will make sure I have a number of good books in the truck to keep me occupied. DH will be gone for 2 days so it's just me and the dog hanging and taking walks. My stomach is finally settled this morning. I tend to never have a problem but dealt with it for a couple of days. I could eat but had to make sure it was bland. Anyway, that's behind me and ready to pick up a book and veg. Hope everyone has a great day!

This post is for the purpose of sending healing hugs to Phyll and Nelson. Hope the crud subsides soon. Also Pyll...hope I have the pleasure of meeting you someday in the future...happy to hear you had a nice trip and good going on losing your cruise baggage. Hugs and get some rest.

Hey Gang...sooooooo happy to see all of you that have joined the thread. It is just so nice that you felt comfortable to jump on and share. Some of us have been here for quite some time and I can say I look forward to every post and I am looking forward to hearing more about you. After meet all the girls this weekend, it is clear in my mind why we go to each other for support, encouragement, and friendship. I will state one more time that the only thing that could have made it better is that all that wished to be there, could have made it. I felt the love and I feel it every day here on this thread. And, yes Janet....I too shed some tears. I tried to be strong during the goodbyes but had to pull my truck off the road into a gas station and get it done with about 2 miles out. Gotta tell you, Great...almost sent you (by mail) a Coach bag. Janet had left her bag (the bag the Coach store clerk put her purchase in ) by the door. I wanted to fold it up, put it in a manilla envelope and say we all got you a "Coach Bag". But, couldn't be that nasty to you and it was already loaded with some trash. I did not purchase one...no need for one more in my life and had just picked up an Eddie Bauer one I love not too long ago. My big purchase was 3 Eddie Bauer sweaters. I am thinking that we will meet again next fall and maybe I will rent a room out in your area (SD) so we can spend a little more time together this year. Sound good? OK...apology needed on my part for that comment about my Valentine apparel. Surely did not want to plant horrible visions in all of your brains. Old lady/red teddie....Ewww. And for all of you that asked.....nope....not sharing...LOL. Julie...what a nice post and thank you. You are one of a kind and so happy for the greeting DH had for you.. You talk often of how special he is. You lucked out with him. Have to make this short. Have guests coming for dinner and need to run out for a couple of items. Hope you all are having a wonderful day. I have a bit of an upset stomach today. Think from overfilling the pouch a couple of times over the weekend. It will settle down. Eating bland items today (oatmeal, cream of wheat,etc.). Talk later.

Damned cold around the campfire tonight. Had a tough time concentrating on the conversation. Was thinking about the past weekend and my lifetime friends. It went so quickly and thoroughly enjoyed our time together. Only thing better would be? You could all finish that sentence? Yep, to have ALL of you with us. There was great anticipation on my part about meeting my friends. What I took away from it was...the friends you draw to online are no different to the friends you draw to in person. No surprises with my friends I have known for the last 18 months or so online. Julie, I and Laura (and my nephew Nelson) were gifted with about 24 extra hours together due to the DFW weather. We had our fingers crossed in hopes that those hours could have been spent with Janet and Eva and Lori also....but it gave us some time to bond. We were lucky enough to visit with sweet Jessica and her VERY patient DH. This weekend was a very special time and I will carry the memory for a lifetime. Thank you..But, I have to say...I met you all face to face. But, I KNEW you and loved you b/4 I met you. And, I also want to add....even though I did not have the opportunity to meet all of you....I KNEW you and loved you b/4 I met you. You make me smile... I will catch up with all of you tomorrow. I am going to go put on my sleazy Valentine teddy (yes, Eva...stopped at Beulls Outlet on the way home. Who knew? $10.99. Underwire teddy with hearts). TMI...sorry. Now just gotta peal the dog off of me. He's been pasted to momma from the minute I drove in.

OK...fly by...hope you all had a great trip home. Having a Valentine's campfire and cookout and have a number of guests so no time to post. Will catch up with you all in the morning. Wonderful time with everyone and wish all of you that wanted to be with us and could not, you were missed and it was a disappointment that you were not there. It was just wonderful meeting everyone face to face and I want to thank you girls for the wonderful time and all your contributions. Will talk in the morning...just cannot do it now. Had a lawn full and cabin full of ppl when I drove in and time to go burn a marshmallow or two... Hope EVERYONE had a great weekend... Welcome to our new friends that have posted.

Went to bed about 11:30...knew I needed to get some sleep so I could leave here early to pick up Great....What a disappointment to wake up and find out you are out of the weekend also, Lori. I'm just going to sit with my fingers crossed and hope you all can make it. And, being the optimist that I am, I am going to have the time of my life with all that can make it. Janet and Eva...let me know when you get in or if you know you get your connecting flight from Dallas...I will be there to pick you up. Don't worry about the time. Julie...have a safe trip..will (hopefully) see you later today. Laura???? Nels still counting on the airport to pick up Julie? Or, do you want me to do it? Let me know, please. Great...I'm just thankful I had the opportunity to meet you last November. I'm crushed that you cannot make it but at least I got to know you a bit. Next time!

Well, Janet, it is what it is and if you cannot make it, we will truly miss the honor or meeting you...same goes if Eva cannot make it. Head back in the paper bag:crying:

Kdee...so sorry to hear of your troubles...don't panic though. Just get ahold of your doc's office. Sounds like you are a little overfilled. Might just need a tweak of an unfill. You are most likely irritated and your system needs a rest. Getting an unfill does not mean taking all of your fill away...just a little might do the trick... Call your doc A.S.A.P. in the morning...or...tonight if you are not getting fluids... Let us know how things are going. Take care

Oh Jodi..aren't you just the sweetest thing...I swear you have a way about you...you see the good...I love that about you

Not a problem, Lori. Whatever, whenever.

Lori...calm down...stick your head in a paper bag and breath....I will be leaving here, no matter what, about 6-7am. If you get stranded and are late, it does not matter. Just remember, I have no phone service, so leave me a voice mail or text me and I will be able to answer you once I am on the road for about 30 minutes. I am a VERY flexible person and will be available no matter what time you get in...or anyone else for that matter. I will check this thread or email up until the time I go to bed at 11pm and also in the morning. No worries....

Joyce....I remember a couple of years ago being on a different thread and a bunch of the girls were going to meet...I was new and looked forward to some day meeting other lapbanders. Welcome and I am looking forward to getting to know you. You just have to jump right in. (Like we all did). And, mayber you can meet up with us on our next meet. OK Gang...I have an idea. You would all be welcome at my place in MN for our next meet, but, I have a better suggestion. How about Duluth? It is absolutely beautiful. I could pick up at least 4 at the MPLS airport and most likely, one care would need to be rented. Just an idea. Have a paper bag on my face....hyperventilating cuz I'm so excited. I'm packed (overpacked...you gotta know me) and ready to head out the door but just gotta wait a few hours. DH was pushing me to try to get in resort yesterday or today and hit the spa just to pamper myself. He's the type of husband that most dream about. He would do most anything for me. OK...just going to say this again...wish you all could make it and I just know how tough it is to look on this thread and see the rest of us sooooo excited to meet each other. I could just cry...that's how bad I feel about it.. But, we will not leave you all out of it...we will give a blow by blow. You will all be with us in our hearts. Love ya all! Lori..see you at 10am...will give you a call when I get to the airport. See the rest of you when you get to the condos. Hyperventilating again.......