Hi Everybody,

We are home safely and glad to be here. We kept to our calories, drank a lot of water, and did some exercise walking outdoors, using the stairs to get to and from our room on the fourth floor, and using the equipment in the fitness center.

It’s gray and 55 F (14.7 C) and threatening to rain so we decided that the exercise bike was a better choice than going for a walk. We can’t pick the dogs up until tomorrow so there’s no going to the dog park.

Jeffrey---I’m sorry to hear about Day’s tests. I’ll think positive thoughts that the next results will be better. It looks like all your hard work in the garden has made the vegetables grow and made you shrink. Congratulations on the continued weight loss. Are people telling you that you are fading away and getting too thin?

Marie---I am sorry to hear that you still have pain. At least you are allowed to walk and don’t have to be sitting all the time.

Ellen----we like living in a smaller community, too. We don’t have relatives here but we have a lot of friends.

Gayla----cleaning out your office is just like moving---a lot of work and it feels like you’ll never be done. Sorry to hear about your pain. When Jake was going to physical therapy he used to joke that the therapist should be arrested and put in jail for torturing him so much. But the P.T. really worked and got him back on his feet. Jake watches Canadian football when he can find it on our TV. He loves it.

Sandy----I’m glad to hear that you’re back safely from Las Vegas. I can’t wait to hear about your trip and to hear about Daisy Mae (and see pictures?)

Jake just got off the bike so it’s my turn to get back on.

Hugs,
Barbie

Check out my photos and see my new little girl. :) She was born May 12 and is just adorable. She is so affectionate and lovable and so far has had no accidents in the house. She is already 12 pounds at 8 weeks so I expect her to be pretty big, possibly 80 to 90 pounds. My husband and I love big dogs so we are thrilled.

Vegas was wonderful, it was hot and we were at the pool every day until competition time. My granddaughters team did wonderful and they had three dances in the showdown. We took 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the final showdown which was the big gala night. It was a great trip and yes I did lose money but since we were almost done near midnight every night, I didn't get to gamble that long. My hotel room was the last room at the end of a very long hall so I had plenty of exercise besides the normal walking around the hotel and across the street. I brought my Wii Active with intent of working out with a friend but I forgot the crucial piece of equipment that wraps around your leg so it was sort of hopeless. We did improvise with some of the exercises but actually only used it one day. :( I did watch what I ate so when I came home and weighed in, I was about the same as when I left. Those last three pounds are such a pain but I will try harder now that I am home.

I read all the posts but there is so much to comment on that I would never catch up. I will be back everyday now and will keep up with all of you.

Sandy

Sandy,

Daisy Mae is adorable. Such a big baby too. She likes to sleep a lot. Hey you are not bad yourself. You look so pretty and so trim. Glad you all had a ogod time. You husband had better watch you and start traveling with you and keep an eye on you.

Good morning to all the rest of you.

Love to all Marie

Hi everyone! I went in to my office for about an hour this morning and got my cupboards and desk washed out. It was a big job but it is done. Now I can start to do some work on the house. I won't overdo but some things really need attention, starting with the bathrooms (not sure why we need 3 bathrooms!!!). AND not sure why they all get messy! That will be my job for this week, including the cupboards and shelves in the bathrooms. More stuff to throw out I am sure.
I am feeling so much better the last two days. I found I tired quickly with groceries, at least my leg did. I rested for a bit when we got home and did my exercises for my knee. I have been doing them twice a day and am having so much less pain. I am hopeful. Now I have to try to bring back in the hip exercises making sure it doesn't cause pain in my knee. It is a real balancing act but I won't give up.

Marie -- Wow, you are really dealing with some heat!! I hope it settles to a little cooler temp. soon. I keep looking for you on zaar but can't find you. I think it is a good idea to try the free stuff and then decide if you want to spend money on it. It is worth it for me but I did do the free for several years before going Premium.

Sandy -- Your new baby is adorable, just a little puff ball. So glad your grandaughter had such success in Vegas and that you didn't lose all your money in the casino.

Barbie -- Sounds like you had a nice weekend but always nice to get home!

Hope everyone is starting off the week in a wonderful way. Keep smiling. Gayla

Hi Everybody,

I found a new walking route today. Somebody had told me about it when we moved into this house four and a half years ago and it took me until today to try it. Since one of my goals is to find a walking trail and use it, this is good news for me. Jake was home making phone calls when I walked today so he won't get to try it until later this week.

Sandy, Daisy Mae is darling. Enjoy this time while she's small because it won't last. I keep looking at my big girl dogs and remembering when I could pick them up and put them in my lap

Marie, I hope you're staying cool with all that heat. It was so cold here that we turned the furnace on this morning when we took our showers.

Gayla, I admire all that cleaning and organizing you're doing. Doesn't it feel great to get so much accomplished?

We picked up our pets today and it feels much better in the house with all of us together again. We took the dogs to the dog park and they chased birds and other dogs for thirty minutes. The cats kept asking to go out, then asking to come in, then going out and in. I got a lot of exercise getting up and down to open and close the door for them.

we're getting ready to watch a movie tonight so I'll get some time on the exercise bike.

hugs to all
Barbie.

Good Morning,

Well I finally lost 2 more pounds, one pound to go, yeah!!!!!! Not sure why I lost the weight, probably is temporary since I have been doing so much with the new puppy. I haven't really exercised in a while, but plan on starting today if Daisy let's me.

Hope you all feeling okay and keeping up with the program. I am going to start back today with keeping track of my calories and taking better care of myself.

Have a good day and keep motivated, if I can do it anyone can do it.

Sandy

Hi Sandy, Kind of slow arund here.

Congrats on the 2 lbs. I am still working on he lbs. I gained during surgery and recovery. But I will make it.

Jerry is taking Sammy for a ride every morning on my trike. It has a big basket on the back of it. and He makes hin walk back. He loves it as long as I am not out there, He will jump out of the basket. So I have to stay in while they do there thing.

How is Daisy Mae.doing? He is a cutie.

Marie

Hi from rainy Saskatchewan, hoping for sunshine tomorrow. I have done my exercises, including some for the hip. I wish it didn't make my legs feel so darn weak but I think this is the plan I need to make them stronger. However, the good news is that I did them.

Sandy -- Way to go on the loss of those 2 pounds! Wow, 1 pounds to go, must feel so good.

Marie -- I bet Sammy looks pretty cute riding in the basket. I am glad that Jerry is enjoying the trike.

I have to book a hotel room for our trip to Edmonton the end of the month. I better get these legs stregthened or I will be using Neil's wheelchair. We may have to take turns!
Talk to you all later. Keep smiling. Gayla

Hi Gayla, I did recive an e-Mail from zarr saying that it did not go thru..But I am going to wait awhile before I jpin the Premimum membership. I can save the recipes in my cookbook and that is what I was interest in for now. I tried to ride my trike yesterday but I could not get my legs to get me down. Got to get more exerxise in. Jerry had to come and help me down. Wish we had some of your rain.

I have been gaining the 5 lbs and losing it long enought. I have just about got it sown to my 15 lb lost and I will keep i down this time. So maybe I can get my ticker moving again.

Phoebe...........Where are you. My friend? Was looking for you this weekend.

Marie

hi everyone, Marie, Gayla, Sandy, Barbi, hope you are all well..
sandy, I took a peak at your photos, you are so pretty!! Daisy Mae is adorable, did you name her from that tv show, 'please don't eat the daisies'? I'm showing My age now.
it is a long hot summer isn't it.. but that is the way it is supposed to be.. although, I think a long mild summer would be a real treat, but I would not want to move to a different place to experience it. so I guess I will just complain and envy you cool climate folks.
we made a trip to portland oregon, and went into washington to get apples and pears. just home this morning, and without much sleep, I've been busy all day.. three doctor visits, grocery, and a few errands. I would like to go to sleep right now, but we haven't had dinner. Spaghetti is on the menu. I would be happy with pasta with olive oil and broccoli and parmesan cheese, but dh would veto that.. so it is the traditional stuff here.
I am gaining weight, according to wii.. I remembered to weight this morning, and I gained two pounds from last week. I think I know why, I ate too many cereal bars instead of real food. I buy the ones with high fiber and protein, but still, they all have calories. So, this week, I am taking a tip from Bigramma, and I bought a bag of Craisins 100 calorie snack packs. That should be a good snack option along with almonds. I still have some cereal bars if I have a panic attack!!
Sandy, I cannot imagine being within 1 lb of my goal!! You GO girl!!
Marie, just take it easy on the trike, don't give up on it, just do it when you feel like it. It is most important to keep moving.. so walking in an air conditioned environment during this hot weather is a suggestion from me.
Gayla, I hope your leg doesn't give you too much trouble..it is frustrating when you want to go, but don't feel like it.. I know.. my back is still bothering me. but I am doing the recommended exercises and will put up with it.
talk to you all tomorrow..
I'd better get to the 'sketti', then to bed!

Hello Phoebe. Glad to hear you are home. Get plenty of rest while you are home. When will you be leaving out again? Will talk to you later.

Marie

Hi, here I am again.
,
We had a 2 nite camp out up on the Shuswap Lake with some friends. It was hot but lovely by the lake and lots of walks. Actually turned out to be the first time out for the rv this year, imagine, the middle of July. Terrible. And we had a tire blow about 20 minutes from the campsite. Thank the Lord for cell phones. We called the auto assoc and they sent a truck out to change the tire for us, one of the rear duals. Thankfully it didn't do any other damage. Come to think of it, it was actually the truck driver that changed the tire, but he did use the truck to jack the rv up. It's 32 feet, so pretty heavy.

Not sure yet what the scale hear will show, tho' I don't think I've been eating too much. Will wait till the morning for a w in.

Sandy, loved your pics, sounds like you had a great time. What a sweet looking pooch.
Marie, nice to hear you are getting out and about. Take care.
Barbie, you had a great weekend? You guys sure are consistent with your exercise and food prep. I guess it helps when you are both doing the same thing.
Gayla, trust your legs are doing better. Hope you two have a wonderful time in Ed.
Phoebe, you and your hubby go on the road, right? I forget where you are based, will have to check out your profile again. I always thot' I would enjoy that type of work, but getting too old now, I guess.

Nice to catch up with you all.

Ellen

Hi Phoebe,

I am a sometime poster on this thread. Barbicat and I both hail from Washington, but she is about 200 miles north of me. You were in my neighborhood on that trip you mentioned. I am very close to Portland. I always thought it would be an interesting life to be an OTR trucker, but I know it is very hard work too, and not a way to get rich either, judging from all the "independents" I talk to who are having financial difficulties. I wish you safe travel and profitable loads.

I also can sing the praises of craisin 100 calorie packs. I carry them as a snack when I do my walking, and combining them with about 8 to 10 raw unsalted almonds is a great way to add some good fat to your snack that will make it much more satisfying and increase the effectiveness of it as a means of holding off hunger. You are right about those cereal bars. They can sneak up on you caloriewise.

Your description of the pasta you would like to make made me hungry!!

Barb

:Hi there weaklink. sound like you are in a pretty good jolly mood.

We are headed to the store this morning.. Hope I don't pick up and junk food.

Gayla have a good time in Edm. Do you do some shopping there. How far is it? I have made 2 batches of that cole slaw. Jerry and I both like it. Going to have one of you grilled egg and cheese sandwich this morning.

Hi Phoebe, baarbie cat. Sandy Jeffrey and all the rest of you.

Marie

Good Morning Everyone!

We had house guest again! My wife's half sister and her husband came in from AZ. It was nice to see them. Not a lot else to report on right now. Waiting on some new test to get finished. We should have the results in a week or so. I have been riding my bike about 10-15 miles a day along with my work outs and I have really enjoyed the riding. It breaks up the monotony of my work out cycle. Our cats have gotten a cold! The calico brought it home from a vet check up now the others have it! They are sneezing a lot. The garden is good and we are eating everything out of it. We are thinking of scheduling a cruise before long. I think we are looking at going to Panama and Costa Rica. That should be an adventure!

Barbie- Yes I am getting the comments that I am too thin and I have heard several times that I must be anorexic. I give up! LOL

Marie- Glad you are doing better! Any more family gatherings coming up?

Gayla- Don't over do it. Let those limbs mend a bit!

Pheobe- Great to see your back!

Ellen- Camping is fun. Glad you had nice time.

Weaklink- Nice to see you posting!

Sandy- Nice pics! Looking good!

Well I have to sign off for now. I will check in later on!

Jeffrey

hi jeffrey, great to hear from you!! The vet gave me a tip on a med for the cats that is very inexpensive. I actually take them myself sometimes.. I get theirs at the vet, but it is the same med sold in the stores. I'll have to get the name from the bottle and tell you about it.. it is an allergy med, and does the trick. Not an antibiotic. of course, you get to give a cat a pill, which is about as much fun as having a cold.!!
Ellen, weakleak 109, I remember that we have a few northwesterners here. I love Oregon. The area around, well, actually behind Troutdale is beautiful.. we used to go up there to get loads, fruit and plants. I don't know why we don't do that anymore, mostly the changes in the economy.
Hi Marie, what are these coleslaw and egg and cheese sandwich recipes you mention, are they on recipezaar.
Gayla, I subscribe to Shop Smart magazine.. they have an article about best websites for recipes.. zaar is one of them.

egg and cheese sandwiches now are in my mind.. and reminding me I'm hungry!! I think it is a peanut butter sandwich kind of day.. my mainstay.

I've done two hours today on wii.. so I deserve a sandwich.. haha.. it was fun, I sweated bunches, and evidently thats a good thing, coz the wii said I didn't weigh the same as when I started, so I reweighed when I finished the two hours, and I had lost 1.1 pounds.. ok by me!!

Marie, you take care in that heat.. after lunch, I'm going out into it myself, to put out the mulch around the new plants, and to check their water status.. we heard there was a heavy rain on Sunday here.


Then after that, I am seriously thinking about jumping in the lake!!!! I really mean it.. we don't take advantage of the wonderful amenities we have available.. so today will be a good day for it.. I'll take a noodle and a wave board to float on.

have a fun day everyone!!

Good to hear from those we haven't heard from in a while. Glad everyone is still working the program and keeping track. I am counting calories again but still haven't fit in any exercise. Trying to catch up with all kind of things that need to be done after being gone a week.

Daisy is wonderful, she is such a good pup. She does pretty good on the housebreaking but has had a few little accidents. She sleeps in her crate at night so she does really good at night. She wakes me up about every three hours to go out, but that is fine. My husband is an early riser so he takes over anytime after 4am.

I really am missing my Wii Active and hope tomorrow I can do an hour before my meeting. With everyone coming over to visit with Daisy my schedule is messed up.

Have a great day, bingo tonight hope I win.

Sandy

By the way I think I am back to losing 3 pounds but will wait a day or two before changing.

Hey Phoebe , I been getting my recipes from Gayla Page on Zarr. She really has some good ones. Here is her link

http://www.recipezaar.com/member/199792

don't drown in that water. But stay cool.
Marie

Hi everyone! We have sunshine in Saskatchewan!! It was a perfect day to go to Taste of Saskatchewan, listen to music and sample some restaurant's food. I did ok, the salad I chose was my highlight, fresh with a light dressing topped with yummy strawberries. I wasn't going to tell you that my sister and I also shared samosa's and spring rolls (very greasy but I ate some anyway). Still very little self-control. We are eating light tonight. I made a vegetable soup with lots of cauliflower and will have a tomato sandwich with it. I guess I overdid my exercise yesterday as I woke up with a sore knee. It has settled down now even though I did a fair amount of walking so feel good about that. I didn't do my morning exercise and after dinner I will stick to the knee exercise, it seems it is the hip one that aggravates the problem.

Phoebe -- So wonderful to see notes from you. It sounds like you are busy as usual. Good for you using your Wii, mine still sits in the package. My son tells me when he uses the Wii fit it shouts out at him each time "you're obese". I don't think I would enjoy that. I am happy that he continues to use it. I have the Wii Active and apparently it doesn't do that. I can't wait to get the go-ahead to use it. I was looking for a bathing suit yesterday as my physio agreed that aqua-fit would be a very good exercise program for me. (Of course, my current bathing suit doesn't fit) Is there anything worse (shopping wise) than trying on bathing suits??

Marie -- Hope you liked the egg and cheese sandwich. It is actually something that Dave made for me when we were dating. Foolishly, I thought it meant he liked to cook. Wrong!!! What name do you use at zaar? We will hang out at the big mall in Edmonton but not likely do very much shopping. It is fun just to be there.

Jeffrey -- Glad to hear from you, you and Day pop into my thoughts often. I hope you get good test results soon, I know the waiting is hard. Sorry your cats have a cold. I did overdo the exercise but I have learned from it.

Sandy -- Isn't it odd how quickly things can pile up in a house even when you are not there? Don't worry about the small gain, it is hard when you are so close to goal. You will drop the weight soon with all your puppy activity.

Barb-- Nice to here from you.

Barbie and Jake -- I expect you are busy as usual.

Ellen -- I think it was you that said you went to the Shuswaps. That surely has to be one of the most beautiful places in the world. The colour of the water is amazing. We used to talk about doing a houseboat vacation there but never did -- perhaps one day. I am not sure if I mentioned that my very good friends moved to the Koots a couple of years ago and are loving it. He is a mountain climber so it works well for him and she loves to trek so it works for her too. I likely already told you that, if so, sorry for the repeat.

Take care everyone and keep smiling.

Gayla, I am under caliecat I think or rieriecat. I have been building up my recipes cookbook. Some things I would like to try. I didn't really like the grilled egg sandwich. I left the cheese off for I have been having contipaions problems and thought that I was eating too much cheese. I preferred mine on toast. which I do eat often. Jerry only cook for me when he has too. Tonight I had grilled pork chop and Sugar Snap Peas. Very good.Marie

Hi all,
this has been a great exercise day for us. while i line danced this morning Jake rode the exercise bike. I came home from line dance while Jake was out having Vietnamese lunch with a friend. I ate lunch then took the dogs to the dog park for an hour. Later Jake and I went for an hour walk on some of the back roads near our house. We're looking for a route that is safe, a little challenging, but doesn't have steep hills

Sandy-----We kept our dogs in crates at night when they were puppies and it worked great. We also had to deal with a few "accidents" during the day, but it didn't take long to get all that house breaking taken care of. As you know, dogs are so worth the effort to get them used to being part of the family. Now that you're home you'll get back to your eating and exercise routine and get those pounds off for good.

Marie, How are you doing with the exercise?

Phoebe----I'm glad you're back doing the Wii----they are so much fun and so motivating

Jeffrey---you are my hero---I want to be as active and busy as you are---and I want to reach my goal just like you and not care what people say.

Gayla----I hope you'll keep getting stronger and be able to more and more exercise

Barb---it is always so good to hear from you.

Ellen----I know you're enjoying your lovely weather and lovely scenery.

We're off in a few minutes to spend the evening with friends.

hugs
Barbie

Hi everyone, a storm came up, and although it didn't do much but a sprinkle or two in our area, it rained heavy nearby. So, I canceled my plan to swim. I hope to get to go tomorrow, since I have finished watering for this week, did that instead of swimming.
It sounds like I'm organized, but not me.. my house is a disaster.. however, I will not allow myself to move on to an unfinished project until the project I tell myself to do next is done!! so, the mess takes longer to disappear.. but that is ok, until it is time for company to visit, then uh oh!!
I am working on two computers tonight.. trying to get my laptop up to date. It has been so long since I have used it, well.. it is way outdated. So, I hope when I am done, it will have been worth it.
Jeffrey, I have been up and down the stairs fifty times today, but I keep forgetting the medicine name for you.. I'll get it tonight, and tell you tomorrow.
Thanks, Marie for the link to Gayla zaar page, I will view it when I finish this.
Gayla, I have wii active, but I haven't started it yet.. I will probably take a look at it tomorrow. I know I will be sore in the morning, but I am glad to do the work on wii. Yes, I am reminded that I am obese, but I don't care, In my head I always say... 'No S....t, sherlock!!

Sandy, I know Daisy will be your exercise partner for years to come.. she'll keep you slim!!
Barbie, your walks sound great.. be careful and enjoy yourself. I agree with you about the joy of dogs.. I miss them in our life, but the cats are great.
take care all of you,

Barbiecat, you and Jake are the eight wonders of the world. With your healty eating and all the exercise.
I am not doing so hot on my exercise, Way to hot to get outside. I know that is no excuse but for some reasons i just do not have the enegy to do much of anything. I hope this pass. I don't like to feel like this.
You guys keep the good work up. So proud of you. Love ya Marie

Elii. Your son home yet? Been missing you a lot. Love you too. Marie

MY dear Sandy such a blessing to have you here. Miss you while you were one.

Gayla and Phoebe my dear long time friends, you two know how I feel about you.

Ellen, Barbs, A blessing to have you both here.

Jeffrey who has been here with me from the beginning,Has done so well. And in my book the ninth wonder of the world. I am praying for Day. I know the waiting is terrible. My heart goes out to both of you. Keep us informed.

Beth who is over there to keep our country free. Love you.

Chowhound, a new friend sho is such a joy to me.

Love you all. Marie THATS ENOUGH MUSH

JOLLY BY GOLLY!!!! that I am.

So happy to be here.
So gratful for all of you
So gratful for my huband
so gratful to be alive and walking around/

Love ya, Marie

You are so cool Marie!! You are always so positive no matter what, what a great friend you are.

Another hot day here but I am loving it. Haven't had time to work on my tan but I am still pretty dark from Vegas. Had my son bring Daisy to my bingo hall last night, everyone loved her.

I really have been bad on exercising, but starting Monday I am getting back in full force. In Vegas everyone told me how good I looked and asked how much weight I lost. I was so proud to say about 15 pounds and was so happy they finally noticed. Thanks for all the motivation and encouragement, not sure I could have done it without you.

Summer is always so busy for all of us and we don't all post as much as we used to, but as long as we stick together and make it to fall we can really work together.

Thanks
Sandy