Charlene K

Karen, glad you made it home.......sorry about the sour lunch. We will talk in Vegas. HUGS! Oh gonna make your Cherry Nut Cake tomorrow. One more practice before Jakob does it for Real. Lori, I think I am gonna check a bag. If y'all want to leave early I will take a cab. Just let me know before Friday. Really, I am going to pack tomorrow just to see which bag I am taking. Janet, where are you this eve......DWTS? I have it on. Michael Bolton sure can sing, but he sucks and dancing. I love Florence! Of course I was an avid Brady Bunch Fan. Joyce, glad you had a good visit with step-sis. Two years.....time does fly. See ya soon! Thanks for giving me a call. I am glad you got to hear my new little one squeaking. lol Bander, I know what you are going through. I couldn't burp either. Take a Gas-X strip 30 min before your meal. It will help. And remember to take that first bite and try to wait for a burp. I call it "first bite syndrome". If I don't get a little burp out......I'll will get stuck. Julie, Linda.....me too!!!.....we will win this time!!!! I am lucky on the quarters. I won 800 twice on the same machine at the Stratosphere. "Haywire". Then I won a 1000 on a dollar machine. Pretty good return. It is pure luck. Later ladies, gotta finish my bottle of water....then shower. Oh, I am taking DD and the DGDS to the town center(mall) for a walk and then new shoes. I know I need to do Water aerobics, but my DD needs to get out, and with all the gear she still needs help. I just think it will give her a boost.

Lori, so glad to see a hard core criminal do hard time. The justice system worked in you DH's case. So sorry for you friend's loss. Losing a child any age is tough. Linda, believe me, I am not a techy. My kids only use text now......so if I want to talk to them I have to text. I will not do twitter. TMI. My oldest DS does and it goes on his FB status. I had to unfriend him because he was junking up the place. I don't want to read about his sports crap. I need to send you Julie's recipe too. It is really close to pecan pie and really easy. I love Paula Deen's recipes. They are really heavy on the butter, but O so Good! Well, exDIL came by for a visit. I think she was hoping I would dish about DS's new woman. She reminds me of my dog Charlie. When another dog comes over or he smells another dog on me he goes in my closet and marks his territory.....just to remind me he is in control...and I belong to him....lol.

Lori, I will make you a copy of Julie's bar recipes. They are great for holidays and get togethers. Yeah, pecan pie is a southern pie. I am not for sure , but I think pecan trees grow mainly in the southern region. There are several orchards just south of here. We had four huge pecan trees on our last place. People make good money this time of year picking up pecans and selling them at the feed stores.

I have had hypothyroidism for years. I don't think your band would cause it. Hypothyroidism is not uncommon with people in our age bracket. Be sure and get it checked out.

The weather man said we are going to have low humidity and 70 in the morning with highs in low eighties....doesn't get better than that. We rarely have low humidity 50%. Oh, my joints and muscles are doing a happy dance. Apples I am a pecan pie slut too. I have to just not eat anything that remotely tastes like pecan pie or I am off the wagon. I babysat my sweet Bethany. She has dimples and is still smiling. Nothing like the smell of a newborn. I am keeping her on Wednesday too. I am blessed! Laura, sounds like a cool place to go. I wish you were coming to Vegas. I guess I will have to go to Florida to meet you. Maybe my future DIL will fly me. She said I won't have to worry about baggies and liquids when I fly with her.......so I take it she has access to planes. Not the military ones though. Linda, I thought you text. Okay, You, Julie, and Janet don't text. Gotcha.....I will call. I am also giving my DH out list that Julie put together for us just in case he can't get me. I will highlight your numbers. Later peeps, gotta do some chores.

I just walked.......Oh my, what a beautiful morning, Oh what a beautiful Day! Our first cool front......weight loss and exercise has paid off......I my legs ached last night and only had to take one ibuprofen . I got up this morning and only my bunion hurt. woohoo!!!! I am off to babysit my new DGD. Then I need to buy just a couple of things for my trip to see my lap band buddies. I am getting excited now!!! HUGS! Y'all !!!!

Yeah, all my overeating was and still is mindless. I am a graze-aholic( new word). Girl, you got to admit, pecan pie is worth eating once or twice a year. Hey, you ought to eat it everyday. That would be an easy 1000 calories. Right before bed....then it wouldn't burn off of you. Well, I did not like the bars I made today. Too much chocolate. Or sweet stuff is just too sweet now. Too funny about the partying. I wish I had your caddy. I love those things. Also, your comment about Fargo. "You Betcha". Is that how you say it, or do I have the wrong state? lol Gotta go to bed......Ambien kicking in.......Later! Oh, Linda, Phyl, and Joyce.....I text you.....Let me know if you got it. Thanks!!!

I got at least one bar worked off! lol Apples, when my DS came over today he wanted to know if i made your Cherry Nut Cake.....he loved it! I am gonna make it one more time before jakob does it. Julie, my dad will be gone 14yrs tomorrow. I try to remember all the good stuff about him. One very good thing about him......he never talked about people, Oh, and he loved, loved, loved his mama. My mother always told him that he loved his mother more than her. I don't think so, but it was close. Isn't weird how food is so related to our memories. My grandmother always had a pecan, lemon, and coconut pie made and sitting on the buffet when we would visit. Pecan was my favorite, lemon for my sister, and coconut for my dad. Pecan is still my favorite. Lori, time to turn on the charm and get it all smoothed out before Vegas. Phyl, I am gonna text to test out the #'s. I may have to borrow that Elvis shirt if they do an Elvis wedding. Oh, My DS would kill me!!! Yeah, I would like to see one of those. My oldest DS got married in Vegas and we ate at the Venetian overlooking the canal. It was so nice. I like Vegas Weddings! Small and lots to do after the wedding. Eva, What day are you retiring? Thursday?

Wow! y'all have been busy on the thread today. I went to church in our new 1000 seat auditorium. I think there were about 800 there. We went from 10,000 sq feet to 100,000 sq feet. It was so nice to have so much room. I baked this afternoon.....more bar Cookies. Trying to decide on which one Jakob can handle making. Julie, your bar cookie recipes are awesome. My life group is still talking about the pecan pie bars. I think I am going to make them for tomorrow night. Well, gang, I met my future DIL today. She is a doll. She has an accent as thick as mine, but she is from Arkansas. She is a pilot in the Air Force......stationed here in Houston. She said the good thing about being in the Air Force Reserve is they fly her to her duty station. She doesn't have to live there. Right now she is stationed here working at the U of Houston. I told her she was an answer to many prayers.....she just grinned. DS has had many girlfriends in the last four years, but this one is different. She is a keeper. I don't know when they will marry. They are going to meet her parents next weekend. I asked them to come to Vegas with me and get married. We could have all gone to a wedding. lol I think they will get married soon. Apples, nice surprise to see you on the thread today. I know you just wanted to get in on page 900. I can't believe we have flown through so many pages. I am sorry for your troubles. Adult children can really make our hair stand on end. Vent, vent, vent, in Vegas.....we are here for you. HUGS!!!! Julie, I was going to take a carry-on, but I am gonna lift it and if it is too heavy, I will check it. My DS said he helps ladies on all his flights. You just have to ask the one who smiles at you. My DS said I really should leave a few gray hairs in my head so i can show my age. I said " what about all these wrinkles". lol. Okay peeps, I gotta go walk off these sample bars I ate. Yep, I ate one of each. I don't dare weigh until next Monday, the 4th. I want to enjoy every minute of our visit. Lori, Move again!!! Heck no! Unless it is in Denver.....glad you don't have to pack so soon. Pam.......where have you been? Your FB pic is beautiful. Looks like you got all your weight off. Good for you! Jodi.....A Limo! That would be awesome. Hey, save those plus size swimsuits....you still have a LAP-BAND® buddy that wears them.....ME!!! Melissa, Even taking a Xanax may relax your stomach. See if you can take something to get a little relief till you can get to the doctor. Don't damage your stomach. Janet, sounds like Texas weather in Vegas. I am wearing a light jacket......bringing a couple of tees, and one pair of capris. I don't wear white pants.....my hips are just too big. I broke in my Easy Spirit shoes today. I may wear sandals since it is going to be warm. Joyce, thanks for the prop on the trip. Linda, gym today! woohoo for you!!! Can't wait to meet you. Do you text? I don't want to text girls that are limited on their phones. I know first hand how it can really run up the bill. Okay peeps, gotta go walk. Then tomorrow I get to babysit my sweet Bethany Marie. Sydney is having her first dental appointment. HUGS Y'all!!!!

What card? I never got a card. I will have to call the dr. office on Monday and see about one. I was supposed to get a card to show for eating out too. I forgot all about getting it. I had to live with my parents during the week when I moved to the country and still worked in Houston. HATED IT!!!! My mother is a saint, but even earthly saints have a few flaws. My dad, well, he was an alcoholic, nuff said. And of course, I was pregnant with #3 so I was no sweet thing either. MY DS has been here a month today.......I probably have seen him six times. I think he is moving completely out before the 1st. Now, my oldest DD told me she rented an apartment and is moving out of her home ( it is for sale). I am glad to hear that news. She won't be moving in after DS moves out. Whew! Linda, I know what you mean about feeling guilty when your kids get overweight. All of mine are overweight. I know I did not teach them the proper way to eat and put them on the pathway to obesity. They are adults now, and they know the right way. It is their choice. My oldest had lap band and lost 120 and gained it back. He has now lost 50 on Quick Weight Loss. The DS living with us eats a lot, but works out a lot. He like food too. My DD that just had the baby has a major weight problem, but she wants to start eating right. Her DH cooks and is skinny. She does have support. Janet, so sorry for DS problems. They still want to talk to mama. My DS that was in the service would call me from Germany when him and his wife were fighting. Sometimes she would call. What was I to do?......I was thousands of miles away. I would just listen. Then I would get on my soap box. Then they probably questioned why they called in the first place. lol. Heck, if they are going to call and whine.........I'm gonna preach!!!! That'll cure em!!! Lori, I am glad today looks better. I hope you enjoy your party tonight. Cheri, I haven't flown alone in many, many years. I too, am very anxious about my flight, but I have been telling myself this is something I have to do. We will have this victory......call it a NSV! Eva, You ready for a roommate? I will be there soon!!! Julie......Are you feeling better??

WHAT!!! Don't you even think about canceling!!!! If you cancel.......I will cancel!!! Don't listen to the shame devil. He is trying to destroy your victory. Take Janet's advice.........CLEAN OUT YOUR FRITOS!!!. Look, I know exactly what you are going through. Change triggers those old eating habits. I have had a couple of bad days this week too. I just know I have to go weigh next week and listen to a dietitian which puts a crimp in my "graze". Just Say No.....To The Frito!!!!!

Janet, my DH just got back from the trainer.......he was dragging. I don't have a problem with exercise twice a day.....I was walking twice a day, but the trainer agreed it would be too much too soon. I am walking twice tomorrow.......no gym. We have to work at church. We are moving from a 300 seat auditorium to a 1000 seat auditorium. Lots of stuff to move. Are you going to the gym this weekend? Phyl, good for you. Yep, I love it! I think we are all in our 50, 60, and 70's. A real nice bunch of ladies. Weird that the people in the morning are real young college age kids or old farts like us. Then in the evening it is a mixed bag of people. Linda.......so cool you get to visit with your DS this coming week. I hope we get to meet him. Lori...... a colonoscopy and then Vegas???? You are a "mover and a shaker"... lol. I hope it goes well. Congrats on the Bunco. I love that mindless game!

Hi peeps! Well, I made through my second Water aerobics.....I love it.....just like all of you said I would. Thanks for pushing me!!!! I didn't go to the trainer tonight because I thought two hours of exercise might be a bit much for just starting out. Everyone........have a great weekend!!!!!

Good Morning Gang! I am off to Water aerobics. My back hurt so bad last night I took ibuprofen then I got up at one and took 5mg of flexeril . I think when I go back for training he will have to cut back a little on the weight. My back and core are so weak. When I did core I could feel pain radiating from my port.....up to my shoulder and down to my foot. Those muscles are Weak! Off to take Charlie to get clipped and then water aerobics. Hugs to all today!!!!

I just got back from my first session with the trainer. He had me on the floor doing core exercises........I know I looked like Orca the Whale. I had black and white blocked shirt and he had me doing crunches then flipping over and doing something else. Then I used machines....all kinds. He was just checking my strength. I think I am going to like working out. Janet, I am not a gym rat yet. Linda, that buffet and Casino sounds great......how far is Henderson? from Vegas?

Hi gang! Whew! Rushing around today. I went to DSW.....they did not have wide Merrel in stock , but I found the shoe that will accommodate my bunion.....Easy Spirit. I think DSW will be my new shoe store. They even have Birkenstocks.....Thanks Lori for the tip. And for Land's End......I ordered a one piece. They tell you exactly how to measure. I am getting a bigger size than I thought I would wear, but I still have big deflated boobs.c-d. Well, I had my face waxed yesterday, and for some reason I have a rash today so no make-up shopping till my face clears up. I cleaned DD's bathrooms and mopped her kitchen. She is doing great, but the doctor told her to get more rest. She is still spotting bright red because of lifting the 2 year old. Laura, sorry for the tough times with your parents. Hang in there! I can tell they really lean on you emotionally. HUGS! for you! Julie, I know you will get better. It will just take longer than you thought. Take time for yourself. I know.....easier said than done, but really, take care! Joyce, sounds like a good plan to me. I am going to get a fill after the holidays unless I start to gain. I ate three chicken strips today. That is unusual for me. The doctor said if I notice that I am taking in more food at one meal I need to get a fill. Linda.......I just saw Drew Carey on the Price is Right....wow! I googled him and he lost it on no carb and exercise 70-80lbs. Good for him. I hope he doesn't let up on the exercise or it will come back. LauraK...Congrats on the 2 miles!! 1 day, glad you are doing good.....again congrats on the job! Janet, I am a avocado nut too. I think I will start putting slices in my salad. Have you ever eaten avocado and cantalope salad? cut and avocado up with a cantalope and put poppy seed dressing on it. Chill for a little while.......YUMMY!!!

Laura, did your dad get bad news on his PET scan? I thought the spots were cold. Can you send food? Picante Sauce and chips or that is a Texas thing? How about Disney stuff......nothing more American than Mickey Mouse. Good luck on the gifts, and safe travels for DH.

Okay y'all, I do have an accent. I got rid of it once when we lived in Hawaii, but backslid when we moved home. My son who travels said my accent is really country. At this age, I don't give a crap. I have learned to embrace it. I weighed in......no loss. Oh well, I am expecting change with this extra workout. I did come home and eat some Cereal and crackers. It made me feel better. I think I was low on carbs, but I should have eaten a banana. Then we ate Mexican tonight. I had a little chicken fajita and ate my dab of guacamole. My dr. said guacamole is healthy......it is what we eat it on that is bad. I don't use chips......I just eat it. Tomorrow night is with the trainer.....kinda excited. Julie, It is so good to see you posting. I know you must be a little better. Yeah, it is amazing how people give up their kids, but he is giving her a gift. My adopted kids where given up by signing a temporary paper in the parking lot of the 7-Eleven. He was so anxious to unload them. Then we went to the judge a month later and swore we would take good care of them. You know that jerk dad of theirs called my DD and wanted their shot records. I sent them and found out later he used them to draw Welfare. Of course we turned him in, but they don't have time to prosecute deadbeats. It all turned out good for the kids. That is all that mattered. We are blessed! Janet, My neighbor walks his dogs separately. One is big......the other is a toy. He gets a good walk and the dogs are happy. Okay, you Southwest peeps.....is it too cold to tour the Grand Canyon in November? We were thinking about taking the tour out of Vegas Nov 18th. Too Cold? Eva and Lori.....I am going to DSW tomorrow. Then stopping by Macy's for MAC cosmetics. I am tempted to go back to Este Lauder. They have a special right now and I do like their foundation. I also need a one piece suit for Water aerobics. What suit has a good bra in it? I need major support. Got any suggestions???? I know I will have to get it online now so any recommendations ?

Good Morning Gang! Well, my two DGDS have colds. I dropped off drops and tissues. I don't want to get too close. I just hope DD doesn't come down with it I am off to nutrition in just a little bit. Did I mention I am tired since Water aerobics? lol I walked this morning just to get going for the day. After nutrition is is pedi time. I think we are going to the gym tonight. I am going light on packing for Vegas. What I am wearing, undies, nightie, and another long sleeve tee with a few sparkles. I am going casual, I vote "whatever" too. I wash my hair every other day so I will be good with just a little cream rinse. Eva, I went to Zappos and didn't find wide. I will look again. I am going to try DSW tomorrow. Joyce......hang in there sista! Kids can really rattle our minds. HUGS and Prayers for you! Julie.....so glad you posted.......so sorry you are in so much pain. I wish we could fix it for ya. Shouldn't you just rest after those shots? When I had epidural shots the doctor had me rest a week before therapy. I hope you improve soon. HUGS and Prayers for you today! Oh Cheri, the funeral must have been heart wrenching for everyone. Such a tragedy. We can take comfort in knowing he is resting with our Lord. HUGS!!! Janet......you running late today? Phy.....I'm clueless about Aveda products. I'll check it out online. Later ladies......gotta go weigh in.....Boo!

Janet, I bought a harness at Walmart. The straps under Charlie's legs( I started to say arms..lol) are black terry cloth material. The top straps around his neck are red like a regular collar. It is so easy to adjust. Charlie walks with me in the morning, but in the evenings there are too many joggers and he goes crazy barking at them. I am still tired from yesterday. I slept all night. If I got up to potty......I don't remember. lol. DH and I have our assessment and first training tonight. Did I tell you I was tired? lol Julie, Julie, Julie.......you got me worried.....How are you???? Eva, I tried on a pair of Merril's today. I loved them, but they didn't have wides......gotta make room for that bunion. Macy's doesn't sell wides. I also went to buy some new makeup. A friend told me about MAk. Does anyone where it? Anyway, the lady was busy. I am going back to Macy's on Thursday.....gotta get my toes done too. Joyce, sounds like the adult kids are circling the camp. Tell them you can only handle one drama at a time. I need to do that too. You heard of " In and Out Burger"......my house is "In and Out Drama". Laura.......So glad your dad has good news on the Pet scan so far. I am sure he must have anxiety just worrying about if it will return. Does he take anything for anxiety and depression? I have a friend that had ovarian cancer in 1991. She has had it return twice, but to look at her you would never know she had cancer. She said she cannot live without antidepressants. They keep her going. She is a miracle. I can't believe it has been almost twenty years. She is 69. Jodi, Happy Holidays! Enjoy your week. Can't wait to meet you. Lori, is the fire out? Apples, Jakob can use a box cake plus extra ingredients so I am going to try the bundt cake too. His mother had a fit over the cherry nut cake. Jakob doesn't like cherries. We told him he doesn't have to eat it......just make it.lol Well, gotta go get some stuff done .....mainly cook dinner.....which means I need to run to the store. Later peeps!

Melissa, Congrats! on your first day. You will get them in shape. I hope this job meets your needs. God is good!

Hi gang! I went to Water aerobics......I am not sore yet, but I am tired. We didn't stop for an hour. I have a trainer tomorrow night and then water aerobics on Wed and Fri. Janet, I am not a gym rat yet, but I feel like a drowned rat after water aerobics. lol Joyce, I was just saying that without realizing it we get tight when we are stressed. I am tight right now because of the weather changing.....yep old Fibro is trying to keep me down. We are getting our first cool front on Wednesday. I should adjust and be better then. My joints have really improved. It is just my dang abdomen and IBS. PO's me big time. Lori, I saw the fire on tv. I am so glad you are safe. Jodi, I saw the train trestle on fire in New York. Are you near there? LauraK, thanks for the eye tip. My dentist said tea bags are good for stopping the bleeding when you have a tooth pulled. My DH gets eye infections several times a year. I think it is an auto immune thing. He started wearing a contact and his eye is so much better. Eva and Phyl, I wish I could meet Y'all for coffee. I will have to wait 11 more days.....right? Jessica, I am glad you are giving the dr a call. He may not be able to tolerate adderal . There are other medication on the market. I hope he adjusts soon. Well, gang, my DS just told me that he will be moving out soon. He is never here anyway. He is off to Chicago this afternoon for the week. I think he is going to marry sometime in the near future. He asked my GS how he like his new "step brother". Sounds like marriage to me.I asked him when he was going to "put a ring on it". He just smiled. Now, I bet when he moves out my oldest DD and DGD move in for a few months. Oh, Julie, How are you today???? Apples, You home yet???

Hi gang! I just finished trying Apples cake recipe for my GS's fair entry. It is yummy and easy. I think he can do it. I made Julie's Pecan pie bars last week and took them to bible study. Everyone wanted the recipe. You know it is almost pecan season here, and we are always up for recipes with pecans in them. Janet, I am going to Water aerobics tomorrow. Kinda excited about it. I treated myself today to a day off from walking.....rain bands from Karl managed to make their way up here. Now the skeeters will be coming out, but I can go to the gym. Yippee! Julie, you must really be feeling bad. We haven't heard from you. Prayers going up for you! Synd......Congrats on the 5K. I could try to walk one, but running......hadn't done that since my kids were little. Eva......Tell Lori and I what is FNSC? Linda.......so sorry you have an eye infection. That is not fun. I hope the drops give you relief soon. Okay peeps.......have a relaxing evening!

Hey girls.......how is going? Dr. Davis was pleased with my progress. He told me not to focus so much on carbs and protein as eating more fruits and vegetables. I gave him a sample of my eating and I only eat vegetables once a day. I didn't tell him I was going to do "Crack the Fat-Loss Code" eight week plan. The eating plan is basically like his only less carbs. I joined LA Fitness and plan on starting tomorrow with water aerobics. In order to start losing again I will have to start using other muscles to confuse my body.....so the dietitian and the LA trainer told me. I am expecting some results in a month. I will be checkin in. When you don't hear from me......check on Indiogirls thread......"I am here to help". I post on there too. Just jump on in and join us. Janet, aka indiogirl is really a good supporter......tough love too.

Joyce, stress can cause you to be a little tight. If it continues you need to see your dr. I was reading on Dr. Davis' chart how to tell if you are too tight. Some of the symptoms are coughing, excessive saliva in mouth, pressure in abdomen where the band is......and acid reflux. I always read it when I am waiting for him.....waited an hr this time so I read it over and over. Sorry about your daughter.......I know it must be tough. HUGS and Prayers for you! Janet, I bought some tees on clearance today. Now I need to order another bathing suit. My top is getting too big. Apples, have a great time! Melissa, Congrats! on the job. Cheri, when it rains it pours......Grandmas don't get much rest. I hope you have a better day at the birthday party. Laura, I hope you get rest soon. Tylenol PM? I bought it in the liquid form, but haven't used it yet. Julie, how are you today? Those shots can be painful at first. I hope you get some relief from them. I just took my mother home. I brought her to my house to meet her new great granddaughter, Bethany. My DD took picks. If she posts them on FB I will swipe them and post here. Trazola......you are going through what we call "bander's hell". You will stay hungrier than usual until you get better restriction with a fill. Journal your food so you won't go over. Walk if you can......it really helps. Hang in there! It gets better. Banding is a tool to help with weight loss, but it is not a magic pill. Lori, I got your number in my phone. In fact, I am going to put all the #'s on the list in my phone. Now, I just gotta remember to take my phone to Vegas. I have forgotten it the last two days. I thought it was sewn to my hip....wrong!