Apples2

Yep, think we are all nervous about Katy, JoAnne. I'm going to stay positive and look forward to her letting us know she is recovering just fine. She's been through hell and think she was plenty scared going into this last surgery. (As we all were just as concerned for her). How are you nerves, JoAnne? I am sure you are anxious for your trip. The time will be here b/4 you know it. Hope you have sufficient time to get your baby quilt done. Zero visibility here today. Ice storm this morning and full blizzard by 11am. I feel like a caged animal.:biggrin:

Ask away, Stampergirl. I also have a suggestion. I subscribe to a thread called "I'm here to help". Thread was started by Indiogirl and you can find it under the "Mentor/Buddy" section. You can also PM me if you like.

Went and did a check. Does not look like she has frequented an Aussie thread for awhile. It's usually just this thread that she would visit. I am sure they will need to keep her in the hospital for a bit after having the surgery she did. I am worried though. Wish we would have asked her to have her DD or someone else post that she is OK and surgery went OK. Been thinking of her a lot as I am sure everyone else has been.

Oregon...I believe Katy is somewhat close to folks in one of the Aussie threads. I could do a search and go ask

Just to let you know I am thinking of you, Katy. Hope all is well and cannot wait to hear from you!

Allie...I wouldn't want to go part time either. You'd most likely be trying to fit your entire job into half the time. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you that things remain as they are with your job. I had not heard the Pasta thing either. It is something that my doc says to stay away from but he said because of all the carbs in bread, white potatoes, white rice and pasta. Long....have fun on your break from the family...enjoy!!!!!

Hey guys...some ideas from a bargain shopper. I hit goal last October and have been having fun with the shopping. We spent a month in FL so needed all new summer clothes. Did most of it online. Gap/Banana Republic/Old Navy site. I got $7 capris and $5 tshirts. Also found some things on Amazon.com and Macys.com. All for REALLY great prices. I also LOVE TJ Maxx and Ross. You can find some great name brands for a lot less than regular department stores. I, too, need a tall and most of the online stores carry 4 tall which is tough to find in a store. Overstock.com has some nice name brand clothes but find they are a little more expensive than other sites. When I was in the weight loss process, I picked up my tops at WalMart or Target. It got me through until I hit goal. Happy Shopping!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Great news, Iteach...hopefully this will be the end to your troubles. Take it easy and follow doc's orders.

Brown...sounds like you are doing great....such a good feeling to be so close to goal...keep it up. I also am wide through the shoulders and remember the "shoulder pad era". Ridiculous looking but that was the style.

Charlene...belated Happy Birthday...and many more. Sounds like a scary incident in your area this morning. Take care. Wishing your DS good luck with his surgery. I, too, love to take care of my kids. Every once in awhile my oldest (who works with us and is here daily) has to remind me that I am mothering too much. He does appreciate me but I tend to go overboard sometimes.

Julie...might be a good idea to check with your doc on that problem. Even if it is gas he can recommend something. That happens to me once in awhile and it's usually when I get a lot of Fiber. I take Gas X and it seems to work OK. Not fun when it happens though. Long...you are certainly on the downhill and will see your goal within a short time at the rate you are going. Whatever you set your goal at... JoAnne...please share your quilt photos when you are done with it. Sounds really cute. Dark and dreary here today also. We are in winter storm warnings until Wed morning. We are in for 12 inches supposedly. So want to be done with the snow. Just hope it does not interfere with my upcoming Vegas trip. Got all my packing done this morning...tried on clothes...eliminated some due to over packing. I zipped up the suitcase and refuse to open it again till I get there. DH and DS are off at meetings all day so I have the house to myself. Busy scanning photos and such for 50th bday party. Going to set up a 10" digital frame that a bunch of us girls went in on. We got some crazy photos from bday girl's DH. Crazy busy week...just hope to stayed organized so I can fit it all in. Hope everyone else's Monday is all sunshiney!!!! Not happening here....but, I feel kind of sunshiney on the inside!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey Lucy...cute shoes...hope you can go pick them up soon. I did a little (more than a little) shopping over the weekend. Needed shoes for a few weddings that we have this summer and fall. Found some cut open-toed Ann Klein shoes on clearance and some Soft brand shoes (really cute) and found a pair of strappy black sandals. Also, not into wearing sleeveless and never have been. Found a black Lauren dress and needed some kind of jacket to go over it. I ended up finding two cute mesh Laura Ashley cardigans...black and a white one. I should be set and need to stay away from the shopping...ALL DONE! Long....hang in there with the family thing. It will all be behind you soon. Just get out the peanut butter, bread and jelly and give yourself a break on a few meals! Hey Allie...how's it goin'? Everyone else....have a great day!!

Hey Becky...hopefully you will get into your new kitchen soon. It really is an inconvenience when things are ripped apart. We basically gutted half our house 8 years ago in a remodel job. We lived in the basement for three months (one of those months I tripped off to Australia and left DH with the mess). Living in a basement in the winter is not recommended. Snow covered the windows...pretty depressing. We love our new rooms and was well worth the inconvenience. We have redone every room of this house and think we are finally done. Yahoo!:confused:

Good evening everyone....Had a nice weekend. Benefit for our DS's friend went well. I swear everyone within a 20 mile area showed up. Nice silent auction, loads of people at the supper, dance and party after. DH and did not get home till 4:30 this morning. We have not done that for years. All my DS's friends and classmates were at the after party (kegger) and was so nice to visit with them. I was the sober driver and didn't mind waiting while the rest had a great time. I think my DH thought he could keep up with those young people. He has a beer now but not a big drinker...he had a smile pasted on his face. I ordered a G.Foreman grill with the five interchangeable grilling plates. Have not used it yet but thought it would be a good appliance to have for doing my Proteins and things in a pinch for DH and I. I had one years ago but did not like it cuz plates did not come out to wash them. Will give the grill a try tomorrow when I make chicken. Decided that I am heading to Vegas in a couple of weeks. Was invited to go out for a 50th bday party for a friend (12 going) but turned the invite down because I had conflicting things scheduled. Well, those things are now off my schedule and off I go. Me and another friend are going to surprise bday girl. Not telling the others we are flying in. Should be a good time. Have a busy week getting ready for another friend s 50th which is Friday night. We are expecting over 150 people and myself and another friend are taking care of all the provisions, decorations, etc. I am making the cakes and about half of the other food for party. Hope everyone had a great weekend. Later.

Iteach...I am hoping for you that you have not slipped. I would be willing to bet that the on call doc does not have a clue what is going on with you. Sounds like he was pretty rude. Nobody needs to deal with an attitude like his. Please let us know what you find out...am anxious to hear that you are just fine and have not slipped.

Katy......am thinking of you today and praying that things come together for you. So sorry you had a spat with DD and mother. Only added to your stress. I will be on pins and needles until we hear from you. Take care and God Bless, Helene.

Lynn...I did the big burn out on sewing also. As young as 12yrs of age I hired out to sew for the teachers in town. Then when I had children, I sewed all their clothes and DH's shirts. Made all the Christmas gifts for others in the family and continued to hire out to sew for others. About 25 years ago when I went back to work full time, I shut the machine up and never went back. Totally burned out on it and never picked it up again. Not sure if you can call this a talent or not but I can do a NY Times crossword in about ten minutes flat...LA Times also. Every night I do each. Started this many, many years ago and continue to do so to keep my mind fresh. And, I'm coming back in my next life as an interior decorator!

Both traits should be considered talents, Oregon. (Now we have to watch how we diagram our sentences!). There aren't many people who are easy to talk to and REALLY listen. If you've been told that, consider it your talent!

Katy...will be thinking of you this weekend, Monday and until we hear from you again. Wishing the best for you!

She's crazier than the lady down the street (where I grew up) that had 15 kids (no multiple births) and had at least 7 of them leashed to a tree at one time. And to think...local authorities let her get away with it!

and don't be shy!!!!!!!!

OK...speaking of talents...let's get to know each other a little better. Everyone name what YOUR talent is...

Julie....explained the coke roast above and about the beer bread...it is make in a loaf pan and has a beer taste...we love it. It's a cross between a biscuit and short bread. It's made with self-rising flour and beer. If you type it in a recipe would be sure to pop up!

Janet...you and me both!!!!! I had responded to everyone....great big long post and "POOF"...gone. I said "damn it". The roast is made with real Coke...one can. I take about a 3lb roast, (I brown it first b/4 I put in crock pot), sprinkle with onion or garlic powder, dump the can of coke over it and let it cook. I don't make gravy out of it but I have friends that do. LJV...cooking and baking really don't get to me. I'm a planner so I just make sure I have my own meals planned for the day if I feel I cannot eat what I am cooking or baking. I used to drool like my black lab but now I have myself conditioned to not even crave what I cannot have. I do believe in treating myself to homemade Cookies, bars, cakes, breads......but small portions and very rarely and I "plan" my treats. (Well, not right now cuz I am trying to gain a few back). But, when I am really watching it and in the weight loss stages, I had my planned treats. I would never allow impulse treats. It really did help to make me not feel as if I was being deprived. Phyll...such a funny story about your painters. I would be telling that story over and over! OK girls..Janet asked about the popcorn. I did use my air popper last night but I have another way I make it that's easy and healthy. Take a brown paper lunch bag. Put 1/4 yellow popcorn seeds..fold bag over just a bit and then put three staples in the top. Set your microwave on the popcorn setting for the 3.2 oz. and pop away. You need to be careful so the staples to not get in with your popcorn! I just cut the top off right away with a pair of scissors and throw away. I use Pam spray or Butter Buds brand and also ICBINB spray. Speaking of popcorn......................bye bye...

Peaches and Joanne......ALL the quilts are just so beautiful. I am so envious of your talents.