I'm here to help...

[Apples2 19]

Janet...I'm still holding a grudge from 7 yrs ago when I forgot I had my stainless steel nude man lighter in my purse and one of the TSA female agents copped it. It was a gift from a GF for being maid of honor in her wedding (I know...a little strange...but I loved this girl and she has passed away). Stupid me for not remembering it. I bet that TSA agent thinks of me every time she takes a smoke break.

Yep...we've had quite a few wakes/funerals this year. Beginning to feel like this might become our social life. Funeral hotdish anyone???? All the coffee you can drink???? A little Jello salad????? All our friends parents are elderly and we live in a community where everyone knows everyone and a person is friends with most. Just part of life but I hate seeing my friends deal with the death of a family member. The friend of mine who lost her mother was the one that almost lost her daughter twice this summer and she was in mayo for a loooooooooong time. The one we had the benefit for in Sept. She also lost her 14 yrs old daughter in a horrible accident where 3 young teens were killed during a state fair trip.

My house smells wonderful. Have a low fat turkey pot pie in the oven and a pot roast with carrots and potatoes in the slow cooker. I was almost certain that my DH was the neatest person in the world. UNTIL I spent the last few days in the house with him. I have been picking up after him all morning. Crap everywhere. Just think he wanted to relax, eat, sleep, make a mess....a real man mess. Hope he got that out of his system. Next time he's going to clean it up. A regular work day in the shop for him and DS. Yeah! Got the house to myself. Can still see my guys during meal time and kick them out again. My kind of day.

[Great2BThin 5]

Janet, my bet is you had to go through security again because of entering the US from another country. Everytime I've flown int'l I've had to redo security at my first stop in the US also when we went to Isreal we had to do it again at the gate here because Isreal has different standards, etc.

Phyl, I can read the posts on my phone because right now I have immediate email notifications set up so I get an email with every post here. It's a pain to come home and have so many emails (my phone and hotmail accout don't sync for some reason so I have to delete them here and on my phone) but it lets me stay in touch. LOL I may change this option after the holidays if I stay put more. LOL

Apples, sorry about another wake. Tis the stage of life we are entering I suppose.

Arlene, think you need to cut back on the oatmeal every day? That's got to have lots of carbs??? Just a thought. How were the decorated homes??

Janet, just saw your pics on Facebook, looks wonderful there. How was the resort?

[ocotillo 0]

Morning ladies and gent,

I've been scanning many posts and please forgive me for missing stuff. As you know, it's almost impossible to catch up after a lengthy absence.

Cheri, I'm so sorry about the loss of the children. It's so tragic and I always wonder why things like this happen. I will agree with you about the frosting and cake thing. I eat the cake too, but really do like the frosting the best....especially the whipped cream frosting. I'm not a big cake eater however...cake and donuts are not my favorite but give me a good cookie any day.

Marilyn, hope your doggies relative has recovered. I agree, some people don't understand how an animal can be so important to us. They are missing a wonderful aspect of life. So you get to decorate your new house do you? What fun!!

Jodi, this time of year has got to be very hectic for you. Enjoy your holidays! It's interesting to see how you are not obsessing about the cooking this year....great progress.

Janet, welcome back. So you scuba? Are you certified? DH asked me if I wanted to go over New Years to San Carlos, but I need to take a couple of refresher courses before I go again. And yes, I am certified....or maybe certifiable is a better description. Wireless mouse and keyboard....that's what I use. Love them. AND you can get a USB hub to increase the number of USB ports you have. They are easy...just plug them in. Glad you had a good time on your trip!

Phyl, so did you get a new golf cart? Cool. Zoey will love going anywhere you do. It took about 6 weeks for the people at the Sheraton and my bank to clear an erroneous charge from my CC too. They are sure quick to take your money but don't want to return it even when it's their fault.

Great, I sure agree about the airport security. I'm glad to see your post about it because I wondered how you handled all that with as much as you fly. It annoys me to no end especially with the pat downs. I believe the TSA is completely out of control and they have NO sense of humor. All the recent security issues have been from foreign airports not domestic, yet we have the strictest security. And yes, I've flown internationally recently, so have experienced both. Glad you had fun shopping in MPLS and didn't get too stuck there.

Linda, where are you from in OHIO? The state is so diversified....my bother and niece are in the southeast part of the state. My niece is a high school principal and showed us around her school while were were there. Makes me almost wish I was a high school student again. She has some awesome programs available for the kids in her county. Sounds like you need a new computer at home....maybe Santa will get you one for Christmas.

Kelly, drunk and QVC? Dangerous....although the Dean Martin thing isn't so bad. It's funny, 20 years ago I wouldn't have give old Deano a second thought, but that era of music has started to appeal to me. I guess I can appreciate a wider range of music now. I agree with living somewhere where you can see the snow now and then, but don't have to live in it. Yuck!

Chris, remember no laundry folded or not is worth the healthy of your spine. I used to be a telephone installer/repair person. I would have to carry a very heavy fiberglass ladder (28 ft) to do my work. I learned very early on, if it's going to fall, let it because trying to catch it can mess up your body worse than anything that will happen to the ladder. It was a great lesson and one I practice today. I have a herniated disk in the back and do nothing to jeopardize it anymore. Take care of yourself young man.

Sandy, a triathlon? Wow, I'm impressed and good for you. I like to swim...I just don't like getting out of the pool and being wet. How weird is that? My DH has done an outdoor triathlon but he doesn't run so well...he looks pretty funny running, but he sure can bike and swim.

Jessica, congrats on the running and good luck new weekend. Sounds like life is going well for you and I'm very glad to hear it. Your Dad is younger than me...I hope he finds his way to better health for himself and for you and your son.

Arlene, so sorry to hear about your friend. Prayers and healing thoughts to her and her family. How was the house tour? Glad the additional exercise has helped with the FB. It's going to warm up again...running in the 70's here so I bet you get some of that your way.

Joyce, sorry I didn't get to see you when I flew though KC. I stopped by my god-mothers and then we ended up in Abilene that night. I had several hard days of driving and had to get home. Next time I hope to have more time to visit.

Melissa, what is this about someone going through your purse? That is offensive. I don't even want my DH going through my purse unless I ask him to.

LauraK....how are you doing. You post on other people stuff but say little about yourself. What's up with you?

Apples, I don't want to be in your cold country for long. It was 17 degrees one morning when we headed out and I thought about you. I can't imagine standing outside for hours watching races...but then again, it wasn't my son racing either. So do you do your baking then freeze it for Christmas? Or do you start giving it away already?

Julie, are you around? What's up with you?

I have a doctor's appointment today (yuck) and have to run some errands. I've been working on my Christmas cards pretty much non-stop since I got home. I need to make around 40 more, so I need to keep busy and get those done. I'll try and be better about checking in. DH set up my big computer again and I can see the script again. Yeah!!

Talk to you all later....and have a great day.

EVa

[Charlene K 1]

Charlene - Girl you just gotta understand that you gotta budget those calories - I think WW is great - I don't know about the point system as I learned it on the exchange system which limits your starches - but again it's not about dieting - it the way to eat for the rest of your life - that you can't eat the way you want - you really gotta watch the starches.

Janet, well it won't let me change the color if I copy and paste.......anyway, My DD has joined WW. They launched their new program last week. It is still points , but they raised the points on processed food and veggies and fruit are 0 points. Also they are counting Protein. I want to check it out. I think if my DD and I are on the same plan we will do better together. I do have an appt to get a fill on thursday. Once again, the weather has turned cold and I have restriction. My band is as fickle as my system. I am still going to talk to the dr about the fill. I just got back from Water aerobics and sat down to eat a green salad with chicken....started sliming.

Phyl, the home tour was so nice. When I went to homes by people my age they were filled with collections of santas, snowmen, and trees. Then I would go to a home owned by thirty year olds and it was what is that word for the uncluttered look. The big thing this year is colored mesh used for garland around trees and on wreaths. One place had big santa hats for the toppers. I wonder where you get them? All I know is my stuff is outdated, but the grandkids don't know that. They think is is awesome.

Great......I think I heard on TV that there are only 40 scanners for 400 airports. The one at Houston wasn't working because I don't think they have enoughtTSA workers trained. Then coming back from Vegas my DH asked for the scanner. It was so much easier, but still a huge invasion of privacy. No how are they going to catch terrorist when the only people being scanned are those with replacements. Please! There has got to be a better way.

Apples......what kind of Cookies. I don't make cut out Cookies. They are a pain. I do make a cookie called "sweetie". You drizzle almon flavored glaze over it and it soaks in the cookie.

Eva, it would have taken forever to get down to where I live. I sure would have liked seeing you. I hope we can get together next fall again.

CBL

[Apples2 19]

Hey Eva...nice, newsy post. Happy to hear from you.

I try to do my baking and space it out so when I deliver it, it is fresh. Very little goes in the freezer.

Just told DH of your 70's temps. We cannot wait. Whine. You guys are going to hear that whine every day until we take. Whine

[Mrs. Bubba 0]

OK guys, I'm alive................... So sorry to go off the radar...... Life has been hectic....doctors and more doctors..... Sick of it all..... I considering firing them all, stopping all medication and just doing what I think is best for me instead..... Couldn't be much worse than it is now...... enough of that....

Besides that I have been busy ... finally got my Christmas decorating done today.. Need to start some baking now, but have vowed to not do much... All the baking I did for the wedding has me burned out a bit.... don't need it anyway... Also, have to start doing daycare again.... for both girls some days... tomorrow... but DH is home now so he helps and they are easier now... Not really much lifting, just supervising.... We had terrible fog this morning so as I gaze out my window I see the heavily covered tree branches and it looks so beautiful... Wish you could see it, those of you who don't get snow......

I did not get to read the posts yet, but I will.... Sorry to make this quick, but I have lots to do today.... won't get anything done tomorrow with my little monsters in the house..... I love you all so much and hope all is well... Have been praying for you, Cheri,....... hope you are getting back to some sort of normalcy after the tragic events..... I promise to try to get back more often now... Hugs and prayers.... Julie

[Charlene K 1]

Julie, I am so glad you posted. What are the doctors giving you for your condition? I know you are so tired of the pain. I can totally relate in a small way. I am going to make your bar Cookies and freeze them for Christmas. If I put stuff in the freezer I won't touch it. My kids like homemade stuff for Christmas. That is just a tradition I can't stop until I can't do it anymore. Try to check in more often.....even if it is just to say HI! HUGS!

Janet, I went on FB to see your picks. I saw your son, DIL, DGDs, and DGS. Looks like y'all had an awesome time, and the place was gorgeous. My DD got married in Playa de Carmen. They didn't want anyone there. Boo! I should have gone anyway. I bought two huge bottles of vanilla in Cozumel, but I just went through customs at the port.....we didn't fly. I did buy some drugs.....prevacid, flexeril, and antibiotics. Stupid me, they asked if I bought drugs in Mexico and I said "yes". I had to go through my luggage and produce a bottle of prevacid. This twenty something kid scolded me and let me go. Geez! I would never make a good drug dealer......I have too much of a guilty look when I lie.

[LittleOleMeinFL 1]

Morning ladies and gent,

I've been scanning many posts and please forgive me for missing stuff. As you know, it's almost impossible to catch up after a lengthy absence.

Talk to you all later....and have a great day.

EVa

Eva~ Wow, I am feeling a little like chopped liver! LOL. Snifffffff. No post to me. : ( I am kidding you. I signed on and yours was the first post I saw. I then realized how long it has been since I posted regularly- life sometimes gets in the way. We are glad to have you back. It sure was quiet without you and Janet around. I mean, really quiet..LOL. You guys talking about all these cookies! I am having a sudden craving for COOKIES! I don't think I am baking any this year. Nelson's school has a strict policy for no baked goods (for allergy and sanitation- everything has to be from a store- sealed- and with ingredients labeled!) A policy like that will sure knock the baking bug out of ya!

Just wanted to say hello and give you a HUG. peasout. Laura

[LittleOleMeinFL 1]

you guys, I can't figure out how to upload a photo that isn't so huge! All the pics show such detail (like Apples' nose hairs!) I liked the old option better, where it put 5 small files. And like Phyl said- it's impossible to get back to the post after you look at a photo! There isn't a close option. Hmmm.. growing pains! On another note, I am loving the new Facebook profile option. It's really nice to see people at a glance. I went through and took off all the BS though. No more farmville, farmtown, or pics of the day. Just too many viruses on those applications.

Julie~ Sometimes taking a step back from all the doctors can be wise. You need to make sure you have a primary care provider who is getting all the reports from the specialists. Someone needs to review everything and check the different medications for side effects and cross reactions. Hugs. Last we spoke they thought it was Sjögren's syndrome. Is that still the diagnosis? What did they put you on? (If you feel like sharing.) After you and Cheri both were diagnosed, I am noticing an increased incidence. I had a patient just the other day that I suspect has it. Wild.

Have you noticed if you go from quick reply to full editor, it doesn't keep your font color and size? uurrggthhhhhh.

Great~ I hear you on the TSA stuff. When we went to France they had 3 different check points. I bought us each a big bottle of Water only to realize they had another one for our gate! So frustrating. The last two times I flew though went private and it's amazing. I could get used to that. : )

Janet~ Glad you are back!!! LOVED LOVED LOVED the pics on FB! You look so happy surrounded by your family! You are so nice to do that for them. Trust me, those are memories no one will EVER forget. The more I know about life- the more I see how important memories are.

Arlene~ Sorry to hear about the gain. You seem really sensitive to carbs and sodium! Most likely it is the salt that explains the gain b/c it's pretty much impossible to really gain 2-3 lbs overnight except with Water weight. Let us know how the WW thing goes. Everyone's advice needs to be taken with a grain of salt. I get it. You aren't really doing it for the "diet" but more for ideas and for being accountable, right? Good luck!

Is anyone else annoyed that they are now using more than 1/3 of the screen in ads???? I would rather pay subscription than to have to look at falling leaves and PapaJohn pizza ads! They should have an opt out option! I know, lots of bitching. : )

It was in the 40s last night here--- and now expecting the 30s tonight!!! I live in FLORIDA, right???? Just crazy! I think I need to move to the keys! Heck, just checked Key West and it's going to be 50 there! Brrrrr

Just found out DH has to go to Wisconsin in Jan for a hospital conference. I am pretty sure he will freeze to death. I just bought him his first winter coat from Lands End. What kind of gloves do you snowbirds recommend? Scarf? fleece, cashmere or acrylic? so many options! When you guys need help with your sunscreen and boogie boards, let me know.

Time for TKD and homework. TTYL....peasout.. Laura

Pic of Nelson torturing the cat..LOL

[JeweI 2]

Welcome Back Janet!

Wowwee, I had a great day today. I got 991 points on a 1000 point exam. Could've done a dance but others were still testing. Also got alot of work done and ran a 5k in 54 min today. I changed up my running routine by getting off the treadmill and on the pavement. It is a big difference for me. I feel my weight more and it takes more effort to push forward. I run again on wed and that is my last run until saturdays 5k.

I have been having a hard time reading lately. Everything is blurry. It just has been the past 2 days. Don't understand it but it is hard to study. I have 3 finals next week and as long as I pass them I will be moving on to next semester. One class is pretty much done. I have an A in it.

[IndioGirl55 32]

Ok - got new keyboard /mouse so my bad typing is going to be worse ;0) and got a usb port splitter :0) - I hate that I can't get multi quote to work !

Apples - that would piss me off to the max too - she went thru your purse - I have never had anyone go thru my purse - hell a couple times I forget to take out my liquids (they are in the little baggie) out of my carry on and I still get thru - don't think Palm Springs is that picky.

I have a few friends who still have their parents - and since I have lost mine - I know how hard it is.

As we all know - life just sucks big time - sometimes - Hugs on your friends loss..

I Love pot pie - but right now craving fish & veggies - still detoxing from all that processed food

Great - I don't remember having to do that when I flew from Canada a yr ago - infact their went thru customs when I was in Canada not the USA -

Resort was very nice - We agreed that we liked the resort - but liked the food better on a cruise - the specialty restaurants were good - like a cruise - but you had to make reservations their - since we did the higher scale resort (like 5 levels within one resort) we had unlimited # of reservations that we could make... The had room service $7 xtra - drinks were included but like I said must have been watered down booze - the 1st day I had 3 or 4 drinks should have had a buzz but didn't.

But again to do anything was off property and time consuming to get to - taxi to playa del carmen $40 and took about 30 minutes - and the concierge that was included was nice - we would go back - the pple we were on the scuba diving said Istobraret (sp) was a great place - and the Eldorado where we para-sailed & scuba dived from had a great beach and great place to eat (real mex food rest on the beach) - Don't know if it's an all inclusive resort though - As you can see by the size of my family - they are BIG eaters They would have broke me had we not done an all inclusive - you would have though that they were starving children from Africa they way they pigged out - it was sort of embarrassing - but like Joseph said - Mom you use to eat like this too - well not as bad as I could never consume tons of food all at one time like they can..

Eva - I'm not certified - it was only a 30 ft deep dive - but deep enough for me - they talk to you then you get in the Water and practice and then you dive - It was super cool - I would have loved to be down longer - it seems like they didn't have enough weight on me - but I loved it - I got the pics from the water camera - sorta muddy/not super clear - will post later or wait til I get the disk from Joseph from the professional who took pic's while we were down. Since it was stormy that day - water wasn't super clear - but can't wait to do it again

Charlene- I love WW - it's basically how I eat (imho think it's the most balanced healthiest eat plan out there)- am glad to hear that they have changed things up a little cuz hell on the point system you could eat 29 points in all bread ;0).. It's where I 1st heard - lifestyle lifetime change - well it didn't register then - but once I got banded - I got it - can't ever eat like I use to - the diets don't fail us - we fail by going back to our old eating habits which for most of us are unhealthy in the 1st place. It's good you are going w/DD - the accountability factor is very important..

Salad sounds good - but that means I have to go to the store again - house is sorta bear ;0)

Julie - Glad to hear from you - Maybe you should just do that - quit all the meds and do what you think best, since they don't seem to be really helping you that much - I would hate to go to the doctor often - I am not a doc person - only go when it's totally necessary ;0)

I won't be baking - may not even decorate this yr - since it's just me and the dogs - plus Christmas is so commercial now a days - It make me not like it very much - We (family) discussed going to resort next Christmas instead of presents - hell everyone has everything they need - so going on a family vacation would be great... I know a lot of pple do that now a days especially once everyone gets older (kids) - So told them to start saving...

Laura - Hugs gf - yep when you get my age and have lost most of your family - you understand that all we have are our memories - I'm 55 and know tomorrow isn't promised and I wanted the kids to have some great memories - I think Kaitlin will have the best - since we scuba dived and para-sailed together - great time for Grandma & GD ;0 - Plus she thinks I'm a cool GM ;0).. Andrew goes on vacation a lot w/his Mom and we have done 2 major ones - so for him it's not a super big deal - but I think he enjoyed it - it made an effort to make me happy so it's all good.. But we (me joseph melissa) would like to take an adult only vacation ;0).. Maybe next Christmas - there present will be a little 3 or 4 day cruise by themselves and I'll watch the girls ;0).

I can get back to post after looking at pic - but don't know how I do it - will pay attention next time..

ok been typing this for an hr most likely 10 post since I started this and drier just went off - cbl

[LittleOleMeinFL 1]

Laura - Hugs gf - yep when you get my age and have lost most of your family - you understand that all we have are our memories - I'm 55 and know tomorrow isn't promised and I wanted the kids to have some great memories - I think Kaitlin will have the best - since we scuba dived and para-sailed together - great time for Grandma & GD ;0 - Plus she thinks I'm a cool GM ;0).. Andrew goes on vacation a lot w/his Mom and we have done 2 major ones - so for him it's not a super big deal - but I think he enjoyed it - it made an effort to make me happy so it's all good.. But we (me joseph melissa) would like to take an adult only vacation ;0).. Maybe next Christmas - there present will be a little 3 or 4 day cruise by themselves and I'll watch the girls ;0).

I can get back to post after looking at pic - but don't know how I do it - will pay attention next time..

I love that Kaitlin will have those memories with her cool GM! : ) Cute.

OK, now that you said you could do it... I tried every key...LOL. ok Esc works! You would think they would say hit Esc to exit or something. duh.

I think I am developing a latex allergy. sigh. I remember a few years ago after wearing the sterile gloves for procedures that I would get red and itchy but would leave work or have a weekend and it would stop. I remember thinking it could be possible, but it went away. Well, now that I have returned to work- I have noticed things with elastic starting to itch me more. Well today, Lord have Mercy, I am itching to death! I just took two benadryl and will likely be asleep before Nelson. All along my elastic on my panties is a red line. Nowhere else. oh please tell me no. There are a lot of latex free products out there now (even bra and panties) but they are expensive. I am hoping it is a fluke. The soap I used is my same Dove, but it's a new package. Maybe they redid their formula? SIGH.

Jewel~ good luck on your 5k! And WTG on your test!

CBL... Laura

[Apples2 19]

Laura...DH is very sensitive to laundry soap and I have to be very careful even switching between varieties of the same brand. It's usually the elastic in his tidey whities and tops of his socks that it affects first.

Jessica...you rock! Good going on your tests and keeping up with your 5K training. Cannot wait to hear how you do. Just completing it is an accomplishment.

[llkb4me 1]

wow every one was busy busy.

Eva, I haven't been up to much. Weight has been the same, not moving, but my butt hasn't been moving much either. I still go to yoga 2x a week. I have went on a couple of dates but not moving on that either. Started to get some of my Christmas goodies made, sent some out to my DD so she has some at her place. She will be home on the 23rd. She went to Reno this weekend and to Lake Tahoe. Said is was beautiful and she will be taking me when I visit. Cold and snowy here, yuk....

I finally got caught up on reading but can't remember much. So good juju to all.......

LauraK

[Great2BThin 5]

Janet, I believe Canada is different when it comes to customs, after clearing there you can come straight into the US. I don't remember it all so much anymore but was up on all that when I worked at the airport but it's been 6 yrs already. Wow how time flies. Sometimes I miss it but most of the time I don't. People aren't nice when they travel any more. I got tired of getting yelled at for things I had no control over. I try to remember that when at security and am all frustrated by the procedures and the TSA. They are just doing their job, it's not their fault (well except the rude one who didn't screen me properly LOL). But it's so easy to vent and lash out at the frontline employee which I was.

We went to dinner tonight. Went to a seafood place and I actually used my Restaurant Card. I've never had a problem before ordering off the lunch menu for dinner or even a kids portion but tonight the waitress said she'd have to see her manager and the manager came to see me. She said so many people are doing that these days to cut back on costs etc. that they are getting stricter on their policy, I asked if this would help and showed her my card and then she was so gracious and said anything I wanted. So that was nice. She said they'd always accomodate something like that. I had halibut and prawns, yummy!