Hi everyone. I hope you are all feeling fine. I am still working through this flu process. I did see my Dr. today and of course, he is not sure but did send a swab to be checked for H1N1. If it isn't that then I guess there is another terrible flu bug out there. The labs have been so overloaded that mostly the diagnosing has been done looking at symptoms. I now have bronchitis so he did start me on an antibiotic for that. I do feel like it is getting better. I am hoping that it is gone in the next couple of days. I nearly forgot to tell you that I have had a large weight loss, the 4 that I had put back on and another 6 on top of that. I have never experienced no appetite before. Today I actually feel a bit hungry so I expect the appetite is coming back soon. I won't record the loss because I know it often comes back on after a person gets well. Thanks to you all for your concern, I really appreciate your concern. Someone asked how Neil is managing -- He is doing fine, Dave has really stepped up for us and even doing a bit of cooking.

Marie -- Thank you for thinking of Neil. He would have been thrilled but that is a crazy amount for postage!! Sometimes the thought is enough, thanks so much.

Jeffrey -- Glad your daughter did so well in her pageant. Good for her!

Elli, Beth -- I know I wanted to say something to you but my foggy head will not clear.

Sandy -- Sorry your game was cancelled. Hope you had a fun day on the computer. My computer time has been very limited.

Birdie -- So sorry about your mother in law. I hope she gets well soon.

Barb, Barbie and everyone else who I have sadly forgotten. The thinker isn't thinking for me but I am thinking of you. Time to close.

Talk to you all tomorrow. Take care and keep smiling.

Elli, I read about the dog food and it looks wonderful but more work than I want to do. Also, Jake is in charge of choosing dog food and he's very happy with what we have now (a mixture of expensive dry food and a half a can of wet food.

Birdie, you are so right about eating out of the bag. It reminds me of all the undisciplined eating I used to do. I make a huge effort to put my food on a plate and take it to the table to eat.

Jeffrey, congratulations to Sam on her success in the pageant.

Sandy, the Leslie Sansone DVD I got was pretty easy with possibilities for more vigorous arm movements or higher steps to increase your heart rate, but otherwise as simple as walking. It started slow, then stretches, then faster, then a slowdown and more stretches. I know that there are a lot of Leslie Sansone DVDs. some of them are power walking which is more challenging.

Gayla, I hope the antibiotics will help. Take it easy so you get well soon. How great that you have Dave to take care of stuff while you are recovering.

Beth, there's nothing worse than forgetting to use the facilities before heading off for a walk...... a run would be worse. When I go for my walks, I always stop drinking water at least an hour before I leave the house and then use the facilities at the last minute. Even so, you did a great job.....congratulations.

Marie, this could be the beginning of new resolve and will power.......best wishes for healthy eating.

Ellen, it's good to hear from you again.

Barb, I don't do well sitting still either. i drive Jake crazy because I'm up and down all day.

It's my turn on the bike now, then early to bed since we got up at five.
hugs, Barbie

Happy Wednesday!!

I am going to bingo tonight, but seem to have a free day. I think after my workout I will try and work on transferring my old VHS movies on to DVD's. I have so many to do and have been slack on working on them because I am too busy playing games on face book.

I finally lost a pound but again will not record it until I know it is gone for good. I have had a good week on exercise and calories. I am patting myself on the back.

Hope everyone is well or getting better, their worries are few and there is love in their lives. Life is good.

Sandy

Barbiecat, Are you going for 115 lbs now. You can do it if anybody can. Amazing job you have done.

Sandy. You stay busy. Good on that lb lost.

Gayla, Congrats on your weight lost. Hard way to do it. Hope today is a better day for you.

Jeffrey, I am really proud of Sam. Got to see her picture. Please hurry.

Birdie, You are doing so good. How is your MIL?

Beth, How are you doing ? Are you still planning on being in Texas for Thanksgiving?

Barbs, How are things up there?

Elli, I love your wonderful snow and beautiful home.

I have fanally rested up from my trip. My hips were giving me lots of problems Mon. and Tues. But got better last night and had a good night rest No pain there this morning. But I will never be free of pain somewhere. But it don't hurt to walk now. I feel I am back to normal now. Got washing to do and going to make a veggie soup with some left over roast I have frozen. See you guys later Marie

oh Sandy - you go girl! You lost another POUND! That's AWESOME as low as you are! I'm doing all right - not GREAT, but still way better than i was.

Barbie - thanks for the input on the Cocos Canine Cuisine. I'm still working out some details with my accountants and trying to make a decision. I seem to take awhile with decisions of this magnitude. My Dad and i are disagreeing too. Ultimately the decision is mine - but i like for him to be on board!

Gayla - i SO think you have the h1n1. Let us know when you find out. Don't worry about writing to each one of us - i'm amazed you did as well as you did with the brain fog and all! TAKE CARE of you. I'm so glad Dave has been taking care of Neil AND you!

Jeffrey - congratulations to Sam! That's so cool. Some pics please??????????

Marie - i'm glad you liked the snow pictures. It's mostly all gone now - we're supposed to have weather in the 70's for the next few days! woo hoooooooooo Maybe all my mud will go away. I think i need 2 more loads of rock! I'm so glad you're hips are better this morning! You're such a trooper! Sounds like you overdid though on your trip. Take CARE!

Happy Hump Day everyone!

Good Morning Everyone!

I am behind again at work! LOL Worked until 10 last night and still behind. I just posted a pic of Sam! All is good here. Just busy. We are still planning to go to Atlanta next week to surprise Amanda but the last 2 trips we had planned had to be cancelled due to Days mom, so we are reluctant to get excited about going (but we are! LOL)

Sounds like everyone here is doing well and that makes me smile.

Todays challenge... Learn one new word! and use it in your next post!

Jeffrey

Jeffrey, Sam is a beauty. she will knock their socks off. She must take after her Mom.

Now Jeffrey you know I can't spelled the old words , how am I going to spell the new words. I just read an article if you spelled the first and last letter and just used anything in the middle most everybody know what you are saying and don't know you mispelled it. Thats a + for me.

Marie

lol - Marie, you crack me up! I read that same e mail - about if the first and last letter are good we can usually figure out the word.

Jeffrey - she's ADORABLE! And i imagine she has an amazing personality to go with her amazing looks! What did Marie mean - she must take after Day?!?!?!?!? OK, so you must be SO proud and happy, just don't get all "mawkish". That's my word - i had it in a crossword puzzle.

elli

Jeffrey, no wonder you are such a proud dad, Sam is beautiful. These ladies are funny aren't they? Taking after mom, dad's no slouch either. Maybe you need to post closer pictures of you and Day so we can judge for ourselves. Sounds like the new job keeps you busy, but better than not working at all. You can handle it, you mastered discipline.

Marie and Elli, I also read that email and was able to read the whole thing just by the first and last letter.
Our brains are much smarter than we give them credit for.

Gayla, hope you are feeling better. Did you get the results back yet?

I did not work on my computer as planned. I have been busy doing nothing and getting nothing done.
It has been a stressful day so far, but will get better. Some days are like that. ( sough, a low soft sighing sound.)

Sandy

Hi to you all from sunny Saskatchewan! It would be a perfect day for a walk but I am happy about getting out to the curb with some garbage. No, I don't have any results which likely means my Dr. doesn't either. The other possibility (and more likely) is that it didn't get done and may not get done. Until I know different I am treating it as H1N1 as it likely is. I am feeling a bit better today. I wish the first Dr. would have given me antibiotics and perhaps I would be over this by now. The drugs continue to make me a bit nauseated but I can live with it. I was in bed before 10 last night which is a small miracle in itself. My energy up and went!!

Neil just got back from a bike ride (telling you how nice the weather is). My cousin is conducting a Men's Choir performane this weekend and I really, really want to go. I am keeping my fingers crossed that the tickets aren't sold out before I can make a decision if I am healthy enough to go out in public. I believe it is war time music which will be great. Growing up in a musical family this music really takes me back to my childhood. We spent many, many hours with family gathered around the piano and often the music was from the second WW. One of my Dad's cousins played by ear and if you just sang a bit of the song she would play it. Now that really is a gift! I, alas, am not a good singer (and no, I am not just saying that -- proof that some Welsh people do not sing). Or, should not sing because I do sing, just poorly.

I better go before I find more nonsense to talk to you about. Take care and keep smiling. Gayla

Just kidding Jeffrey, Elli. I know Sam must have taken after both of them. She has wonderful parents and both are so darn good looking.
Marie

A lovely day today with the usual stuff----line dance, dog park, exercise bike, TV, computer, and fixing a batch of apple squash soup from home grown squash and apples (grown at someone else's home, not mine ).

Sandy, I've never transferred VHS to DVD----what sort of special equipment do you need. You are such a techno expert. I am in awe of your skills. I am in agreement not to record a pound until it's been gone for awhile. But congratulations, anyway.

Marie , I'm glad you are feeling more like walking. Your soup sounds good. Yes, I have lowered my goal to 115. I don't know if I'll get there but "nothing ventured, nothing gained" If I want to wear a slinky dress like Jeffrey's daughter I'll have to lose a lot more weight

Elli, I am the laziest pet feeder. My mother used to poach lamb liver for her cats. I had a friend who cooked sweet potatoes and other fresh vegetables and meat for her elderly greyhound. They might have liked your "do it yourself dog food"

Jeffrey, I used to have one of those daily calendar that had a new word to learn every day. I haven't done that in a long time. Jake learned incommunicado today when he found out that the training he's going to in two weeks suggests that he not call home and not bring his computer with him for the five day retreat.

Gayla, I'm glad you're feeling. better. I hope you get to go to the choir performance. It sounds great.

I asked Jake to take my picture knitting on the bike but we keep forgetting.
Time for my snack and then back on the bike
hugs Barbie

I just had to add a little comment about the dog food issue. I am not a dog person at all, nice to look at but way too allergic to be around one. Anyway, back to my little story. Years ago we lived next door to an elderly couple who owned a beautiful Collie. I should have said were owned by a beautiful Collie. This dog had one little quirk, he only ate from a spoon. Yes, his "DAD" fed him every mouthful while Laddie (said dog) perched on a special table. They rarely went away but when they did we watched out for the dog but did not spoon feed him. We left fresh water and food every day and chatted with him. Every day the dog food sat. The owner's said not to spoon feed him and that if he got hungry enough he would eat. They were never gone more than a couple of days but thought it was odd that the dog wouldn't eat from a bowl. You all may know this as a common thing but it was a new one to me. Dogs like people have some unique personalities.

My little Pepper doesn't like to eat out of a dish. He likes his kibble in a pile on a towel on top of the ottoman that sits in front of my favorite chair in my living room. I discovered this little quirk when I accidentally spilled his food on the floor and he couldn't eat it fast enough and when I put it back in his dish, he ignored it.

He also prefers to eat when I am sitting nearby in the chair. SPOILED?? My little goof? Whatever gave you THAT idea???

Mai Li, on the other hand, will eat anything that doesn't try to eat her first! That is how she earned the name "Piglet Girl."

Bradley is not a big eater, but a frequent eater. Likes to have a doggy snack as soon as he gets up in the morning. The norm around here is one meal a day for doggies, but they are good at letting me know when a little "snack" is in order.

I am 2 lbs. from where I hoped to be by Saturday for that luncheon, so cross your fingers that I make it.

Good night all.

Barb

Good Thursday Morning.

We are in fir another nice day. The sun is coming up. I finish my first cup of coffee.

My graitude for today:

Jerry and I have escape the flu bug so far.
My kids are all doing fine.
For all the extra nice people here on Senior Golden Sneakers:
For Mike and his brother for keeping this web site up
Aor all of MFPERS I have met some wonderful people here.

You all make my life more pleasant.

Marie

interesting article on calorie counter this morning Be sure to read

http://caloriecount.about.com/nourish-grateful-attitude-b355693?1

Good Morning!

Pretty quiet here again today. And that is good! My MIL's "irascibility" has been less than normal lately so that is good! (That was my new word!) Sam and Amanda are good. Amanda's car damage was $6,000. Thank heavens for good insurance. Not a lot else to report on right now. Been working out and maintaining the weight. I should get a little busier and lose a little more before the Holidays. It is supposed to be very nice here this weekend so I will probably work outside and get the yard stuff all finished up for the year. It should be the last mowing.

Take care one and all! And thank you for the nice comments on Sam. Sam is just like her Daddy, Amanda is just like her mother! Just an FYI LOL!

Be safe and happy!

Jeffrey

I thought my puppy was spoiled but you have me beat. They are like our children so they deserve all the spoiling they can get, they love us unconditional.

Jeffrey, glad all is quiet on the home front. The girls are two lucky young ladies to have you and Day as parents. Glad Day's mother is doing better, patience is a virtue.

Marie, your site on gratitude was great, We should all be grateful daily for the little things in our lives.

Barbie, I just use a VCR connected to my computer with a program called Studio 9 to transfer my movies.
It is not that difficult and although time consuming it is fun to do. The hardest was the movies that didn't have sound, I added music to make them more interesting to watch. I will be happy when I get to those that have sound so I can just edit them. It will be less "vitriolic" (causing sharp pain to the mind). How is that Jeff?

Gayla, you have been sick for so long and what a way to lose weight. I hope you get back to normal soon and can enjoy that soon to be retirement.

Have a good Thursday. I am spending the day with my sister at a casino to celebrate her birthday.
Wish me luck, which I did have last night at bingo. I won $150 on a pull tab, $10 on a bingo game and then to top it off I won the last bingo game for $500. Yipee!! Hope the luck holds out today..

Sandy

hey everyone! Happy Thursday!

Barbie - you are amazing, i'm sure you'll make it to 115!

I've never heard of a dog eating off a spoon! OR not wanting to eat out of a bowl! Mine have always been happy to eat out of a bowl.

Marie - i LOVE your gratitude list! I say one outloud on the days i walk with the dogs.

I had a treat this morning - out of my big kitchen window (the one in the snow pics) i saw about a dozen deer running across the field to the east! So pretty! The other day the dogs and i surprised one while we were walking. They sure are fat! Corn fed don't ya know?!?!

Taking off in a few minutes to pick my niece up at the airport. She's coming here from Boston to look at CU Boulder. I'll be thrilled if she transfers here!

Have a great day everyone!

Hi Everyone,

One thing about Pepper and not eating out of a dish. He only does this AT HOME. When he visits at his old home, or elsewhere and it is feeding time, he digs right in. I think he figures if he doesn't Mai Li will eat if for him!!

Marie-- I am glad to hear you are feeling better after your travels.

Saturday I am driving north to Seattle for an anniversary celebration for my dad's youngest sister and her spouse--married 60 years. I actually met my first husband at their 25th anniversary party. He went to school with 2 of my cousins. Unfortunately, it was not a successful relationship. We were both still in college, and hindsight is always 20/20, but I did learn to trust my instincts, and since then I won't go through with anything that places doubt in the back of my mind.

My parents will be traveling with me, so I will have to deal with my father the backseat driver. He becomes a curmudgeon (there's your word--Jeffrey) when we travel, so I have to grit my teeth and not say what I would sometimes like to. He is better since the day that I got tired of being told what to do and simply stopped the car on the side of the road. After sitting for about two minutes, he finally asked why we stopped. I told him I had been getting directions all day so I decided to stop and await further instructions!!

The look on his face was very "picturesque" to say the least My mother later told me that was one of the best ways to make a point with him without having an argument that she had ever seen. To his credit, it does seem to have lessened his tendency to "direct."

It went much more smoothly than the time some years back, when I was trying to get us out of the Vancouver BC airport area, which is very confusing and congested and has lousy signage unless you are a local who already knows where you are trying to go. At one point, in total exasperation after he kept insisting I take a turn that would have sent us north to Alaska instead of south to the US border, I told him I had been driving for X number of years and hadn't killed anyone yet but if he wanted to be first I would consider making an exception!!!

It is trying to rain here today, but the doggies and I got our 45 minutes of walking in this morning and stayed dry. Off to work I go, soon.

Have a good weekend. Not sure I will be on here again til Sunday.

BTW, I just noticed the November thread got started under "Introduce yourself" instead of the usual
"Fitness and Exercise" category --guess we can migrate back next month???
Barb

Hi all,

Barbie was telling me about the idea of a new word every day and I realized I hadn't graced you with my presence in a while. LOL.

We've been busy around here which in itself isn't anything new. I had to go back to the Cleveland, Ohio are, where I was raised, Born in Illinois - raised a Buckeye - go figure. My mom isn't doing real well and we had to put her into a nursing home. That sounds really crass or at least arrogant doesn't it? "Put her into." I don't know a better way to put it. She's 93 and full of life and would rather be in her own place, she realizes that she can't be though and actually know this is the best way she can be safe. It was good to see her and I was able to spend every day with her. We became friends as adults so we're both pretty frank with each other and there just isn't anything that has been left unsaid between us. I like that. My oldest daughter live back in Cleveland and the younger two are around the Eureka, CA area where Barbie and I came from before we moved here. My youngest daughter, Larissa, is going back to see her grandma tomorrow. She spend the weekend and then race home to her husband and son. John, our son has 4 kids and is working at anything he can to make ends meet so he won't go back, but will call instead. My three brothers and their families are all back in Ohio.

A couple of weeks ago I spent 5 days in Phoenix for training with the business, I got to tell you the Southwest sure looks good this time of year, but when the rubber meets the road there is no place l;like the Northwest and I can't really see us living anywhere else except, Washington State or BC.

It's raining today so no golf and I got through work early - maybe a movie later. Anyhow I just wanted to say hi and that I was thinking about all of you.

Remeber water is your friend Be safe.

Say Jack you are a busy Man. And you are looking so great.Good to hear from you. You and Barbie are truly an a dream come true. so proud of both of you. May you happiness be many.
Marie

elli, I got the pkg today. Will make up Sammy food tomorrow. And it will be next week before Jerry will get a chance to bathe Him. Thamks. Will let you know Marie

oh good Marie - i'm glad you got the package. Just let me know what you think about both products ok? THank you!

I'm not writing anything tonight 'cause right now i'm just so sad and shocked about the tragedy at Ft. Hood.

Beth - you're in my thoughts. I know my kids are taking this real hard.

Hi my dear friends,

I feel so bless this morning. Such a beauty of a day.
Got back up to my 4,000 steps yesterday. ate on plan.
Have a good one guys.

Marie

Good morning,

Have taken Daisy to the groomer, the cleaning girl is here and I am already tired.

You are right back on track Marie, nothing keeps you down.

Jake, your before and after pictures are amazing. You look like a whole different man.
You and Barbie are perfect for each other, such dedication and commitment.

Did I mention I didn't do well at the casino. It is a good thing I won some money at bingo to cover my expenses.

Hope to get my exercise in today, I haven't been doing well on the pedometer this week. My best form of exercise is my Wii Active and my Elliptical.

Have a great Friday and a great weekend.

Sandy