Hi, JoJo and Happy New Journal!!! :wave: As always you have inspired me today ... I love this quote from your post: "It has been said that growing old isn't for sissies, it takes a certain toughness to face the fact that this aging business is mandatory, there is no turning back whatsoever. But like everyone else I just try to do the best I can. ..."

Your best is pretty dang good, JoJo! :) Your love of life and continued focus on living it in a healthy body comes through in every post I've ever read from you, here at Diettalk and elsewhere.

Here's to a great 2005 ... I do believe it'll be the best year ever! Except I'm sorry it's so cold where you are, but life's good anyhow, isn't it? :)

One of my New Year's Resolutions is to start a new journal here at Diettalk. So here I go.

I am actually a bit surprised to find myself "still alive in 2005" since I turned 78 my last birthday. Now there are lots of people older than I am in the world, but they certainly aren't posting on DT. And in social groups in the real world I live in I often notice that I am the oldest woman present. So it goes. Maybe aging gives the human some insights that might be helpful, but I really don't know.

My weight loss story is this: I began January 1, 2000, following the Richard Simmons program. It worked great for me. Now I am 'maintaining' with occasional difficulty. I joined DT in May of 2001, and became a moderator of the RS forum in December of 2002.

I live in the windy city of Casper, Wyoming with my husband, Bob. Our son lives nearby and there are assorted grandkids and friends here and there. Both Bob and I are active in our church and community, and we have a nice black cat that keeps us in line.

Today is sort of a lazy day here, nothing special planned. Last night we attended New Year's Eve church service, came home and went to bed. I tried to stay up to welcome in 2005, but couldn't stay awake.

The temp. right now is about 15 degrees F., so I doubt if I will take a walk. I will probably fire up the wood stove and do either some reading or some knitting later on.

It has been said that growing old isn't for sissies, it takes a certain toughness to face the fact that this aging business is mandatory, there is no turning back whatsoever. But like everyone else I just try to do the best I can.

A brand new year is rather an exciting idea. New thoughts, new plans, new resolutions, new adventures. May all of us confront 2005 in a positive frame of mind realizing that life is actually pretty good, and we should enjoy it every day and every day.

Hi Jo: So nice to see you have a journal...I think you are just great...and 78 and still working hard on maintaining your weight ......know that you inspire me a lot..and when I am just getting lazy I think of you...

Be proud Jo...You have a great way of looking at life.

:hug:
Louise

HAPPY NEW YEAR JO .... :balloons:

I am so glad that you have started a new Journal and I will have a place to come and visit as well as TO LEARN .... you have done so well and I will be happy to :cheer: you on throughout the year and always. I am as always, Monica :hug:

will look forward to your pearls of wisdom, i have always enjoyed reading your responses to others in here.

Hello JoJo!
I am also looking forward to read your posts.
Happy New Year to you and your family, by the way! :rose:

Sunday, January 2, 2005

Well, looky at who all came to call. Athletea, Monica, Louise, judith6, and aria2000, thank you so much for your visit. Always nice to have visitors, always.

Today we have been taking down the Christmas decorations. We usually try to get them packed away sometime between New Year's and Epiphany, so today was the day. The weather is moderate enough so that the outdoor decorations could be removed, and the indoor stuff is now nicely packed.

Removing the Christmas decorations gives lots of opportuities to reflect on Christmas Days of the past. We actually have a little gold painted glass acorn that was on my very first Christmas tree. Then we have some decorations that the boys made when they were little tads. And we have some bright and shiny new stuff. All of it is good for remembering.

Some of the decorations are being set aside for a humungeous garage sale which we will have sometime next summer. If we are no longer using them, they might brighten someone elses tree.

Christmas is always an enjoyable occasion here. And no, I didn't eat too much. Maybe I ate more than I should have eaten, but it still didn't do anything to my basic eating plan. As a diabetic, I do watch what I eat. It is safer for me that way.

So on we go into 2005. May it be a good year for us all. Now I am going to settle down with the TV and the Denver Broncos. But first I will check in with a few journals.

Jo, our tree is the same, i have new ornaments but i also have everything(or close to it) the four kids made in school. Those are my husbands favorite ones. Some are very pretty others, only a parent could like LOL but i wouldnt dream of getting rid of them, we tell the kids when you marry(i dont know if they ever will oldest is 33 youngest is 20) we will give them to you and your family. All my neighbors have trees decorated like they are out of a store, but we like ours the way it is. The last couple yrs i have ordered some Thomas Kincaide ornaments that i love too. I am just glad it is over for another year. LOL

Happy 2005, JoJo! I think it's neat you have acorns from your first Christmas tree ... consistency seems to be a hallmark of thy character that I admire. Here's to another year of good eating and enjoying life!

:wave: Look who has some new digs! :)

Corinna

Monday, January 3.

Hi, judith6, Athletea, and Corrina, thanks for stopping in.

Judith6, yes, we hang on to those ornaments our kiddies made, don't we? When my children moved out they took some of the stuff with them, but much remained here. That's OK though. If I have it I treasure it. Let the kiddies built their own treasure collection.

Athletea, I don't know if it is consistency, maybe it is just an unwillingness to throw stuff away. Have you ever heard the word "packrat"? But I really am putting together a collection of stuff we don't need for a garage sale next summer. Really I am.

Corrina, glad you like the new establishment. It was sorta about time I began another journal. I did one in 2003 titled "Aging is Mandatory - Let's Do it as Gracefully as Possible" or something like that. It died when I, and everyone else, got bored with it.

Today's doings - I got up early so I could get to Curves early. I miss my workout on the weekends so Monday is pretty important. Glad I got a workout in today since the rest of the week may not allow one.

Mondays are also my day at the neighborhood school, where I help with the reading program for those children who are having difficulty in learning to read. This is the sort of thing that retired grandparent types get to volunteer for. I have a 1st grader for a half hour, and then a 2nd grader for a half hour. The first grader is Taylor, a girl, who is struggling a lot. And I got a new 2nd grader today - Shawn, who is a wiggleworm. Adrienna, the 2nd grader I had had got promoted back into the regular classroom, and I will miss her. These are somewhat disadvantaged kids, either through low IQ or poor home life or whatever they need the extra help learning to read.

Then I visited our public library for books. The weather may take a turn for the worst with major snow predicted. I don't mind being snowbound but I like to have something to read. One of the books I am enjoying is an anthology of Calvin and Hobbes cartoons. I have always enjoyed Calvin and Hobbes, and was sorry when the series came to an end.

Yesterday's glucose readings: fasting (6:00 AM, 120) and 2 hrs. post supper (7:30 PM, 117) which is OK.

Greetings to everyone who reads this journal, and have yourself a nice drink of water on me. And by all means, keep smiling -

Tuesday, January 4

Today's doings - We have been having a blizzard, so I decided to stick close to home today. I had hoped to visit Curves, but decided it would not be prudent for me to drive in this stuff. I did do laundry, baked a pie for Bob, did some reading, and did some crafting. I guess I am having some "After Christmas Blues" which is not too unexpected, but it has led to some eating that I shouldn't have done. I'll feel more cheerful tomorrow or the next day. Actually it has been rather pleasant watchiing the snow fall, unfortunately the wind is blowing which is what makes the blizzard conditions.

Yesterday's glucose readings: 2 hrs. post lunch (2:30 PM, 123) and bedtime (10:30 PM, 92) which is OK.

I think I will go sit next to the fire where it is warm and cozy.

Keep smiling -

Hi Jo: Well a wise lady you are for staying in where it is nice and cosy....I think kind of feeling down after the Holidays is normal...For many people it is kind of a down time...I guess with family gone back home to continue their lives etc...I used to feel worse after the Holidays with all the pill up of bills...Fortunately I smartened up a long time agao...if I can't pay for it don't buy it...and that is how i live today..

I walked 3 out of 4 days and broke up ice yesterday for about 3/4 hour..

Take care Jo.. You are truly an inspiration 78 and going to Curves...I wish I had the privilege to know you better :)

Louise

Wednesday, January 5

Hi, Louise. Thanks for the nice visit. Yes, an after-the-holidays gloomy mood is not unexpected. Actually holidays are full of nostalgia. But we have to just keep plugging along. And I am with you regarding the holiday bills. I also do not buy it if I don't have the money to pay for it. Much less complicated that way.

It continues cold here. I did have a medical incident today which means that I will have to omit vigorous exercise for 48 hours. There goes Curves for a couple of days. So I will settle down with the TV and a good book. And I will watch the snow fall. It is lovely, very lovely. We do need the moisture, so I cherish the snow.

Tonight was our soup night. Every Wednesday Bob attends a Lion's Club luncheon, and that evening he does not want a big meal. So we usually have a homemade soup. I make nice, healthy soups in the crockpot, and freeze portions. Tonight's soup was a veggie soup and it was mighty good. Yum!!! Soup is one of the best, and healthiest, meals I know. Also economical.

Sleep well, everyone -

And keep smiling -

JoJo, I hope you're feeling ok ... that "medical incident" doesn't sound good! But your soup night sounds delicious. Soup is great ... I make mine in my Magic Bullet mini blender. Please take care of yourself and keep smiling! It'll soon be spring! ~ Signed, Your Friend, Athletea (and lots of other names, as thou knowest)!

Jo: I hope you are feeling ok......Did you fall or something like that or is it more personal...Not prying here...Just concerned about ya!
We are getting now about 8 inches today..I need to get my walk in early....as there is ice on the roads and if I walk after the snow I won't know where the ice patches are :)

Have a great day...Snow is beautiful to watch..I love it too...and since we have the new deck and garden/patio doors it is so nice...we feed the squirrel right off the deck...He sits up there on the railing every morning waiting for his peanuts or maybe it is a she?....

Take care
:hug:
Louise

Hi Jojo, hope you feel better real soon! :*

Thursday, January 6

Thanks for all the concerns regarding my medical condition. I am having various tests, some of which are more exotic than others, but I have not received any results as yet. When I learn what is going on I will share the information. As to how I am feeling, I am feeling just fine.

Athletea, my friend of the many names, thanks for dropping in. Always nice to hear from you.

Louise, so you feed a squirrel from your deck. We don't! The squirrels here get in the bird feeder and steal the seeds we have put there for the birdies. Bad squirrels!! So we have borrowed a trap from a friend and trap the squirrels. Then Bob takes them out by the river and releases them. Do they return to our neighborhood? I dunno. Maybe. I can't tell one squirrel from another. We have lots of hungry squirrels around here. Occasionally the squirrel trap catches a neighborhood cat. Those we don't take to the river, we just let them go back to their homes. But we would much rather feed the birdies when the weather is bad. The squirrel trap has also caught a blue jay, but I have absolutely no idea why that blue jay was in the trap. Silly birdie. We let him go of course.

Aria, I'm actually feeling just fine. Thanks for your concern. Tomorrow I will get to Curves once again, and I am looking forward to it. I haven't been since Monday.

The day's activities, not much since it was still pretty cold here today. Bob went to a funeral this afternoon, but I didn't. Tonight we had a worship service for Epiphany, and Bob and I served as Greeters. Poor attendance, but I think that was due to the weather.

Glucose readings today - fasting (6:30 AM, 116) and 2 hrs. post supper (8:00 PM, 145) which is OK.

Food today was OK. Supper tonight was grilled fish. I know, I know. Healthy eating means we should be eating fish more often than our household eats fish. I try to get it on the table at least once a week, but often fall short of those good intentions. Do you eat your fish regularly? Hope so.

Everyone, drink another glass of water, and keep smiling -

Hi, JoJo! Glad you are feeling ok ... sorry it's cold where you are! Re fish, I love it, especially salmon, but worry about mercury. Wonder if that outweighs the health benefits? Trout is good but not available here, even frozen trout. Hmmm, anyway have a wonderful day and enjoy Curves if you go!

Hi Jo: glad to see you posted...Yup we have a squirrel or two (they are gray ones here) in different parts of the country they are different colors) I really don't like them but i have blue jays come too..and I have the little birdies and a feeder....Unfortunately my feeder is not in a good location and is one that the darned squirrels can get into..and if I do not feed them on are regular basis they forget I am here...We have dove that come and eat at the feeders and then lay in the sun on the roof of our garden shed... A neighbor two doors down had her son build condos (like apartments) for the birds (about 20).....She has a lot of birds that come to her feeders to..Red cardinals, some special kind of a wood pecker shows up too...We have fun with the birds...I love them too....but I cannot them them off the deck because of their droppings etc. I do bread in my food processor and throw it out on the snow for the starlings which just love it...

Any sorry I Hijacked your journal...As far as your health. Glad it is nothing major so far... I had some pretty sad news yesterday which kind of upset me for the later half of the day...My friend and yoga teacher who was just 64 had breast cancer earlier this year and then developed brain cancer and died earlier this week....I went to the mall to do some errands and ran into another friend Thessaly and she gave me the news...I was quite saddened and still feel the same...Life is just so precious....an so are friends...oh well I am off my rambling..

Take care Jo.. Hope to hear from you today sometime...after Curves...

Hi Fellow Wyomingite!

Sounds like you're keeping busy and doing well as always.Hearing you talk about the cold weather of Wyoming makes me homesick even more. I guess it will all pan out once I know where I'm going to grad school next year....miss that area.

Hope you have a good weekend and love the new journal.

Melinda :D

January 7

Nice to see so many visitors. Thanks for coming.

Melinda, did you see the Cowboys in the Fiesta Bowl? Yea, Cowboys!! Always nice to have you pop in for a visit. And yes, it is still cold here in the wintertime.

Louise, we have red squirrels here, and they tend to be a minor problem. I don't mind them eating the bird seed that falls to the ground from the feeder, but when they get into the theoretically squirrel-proof feeder and help themselves, I tend to get a bit testy. Go away, squirrels.

Athletea, I must visit your journal this evening. New mascot is who I must meet.

Regarding the medical incident the other day, I probably shouldn't have mentioned it, but since I did and since I don't want to delete this journal I will go ahead and explain. If the explanation offends anyone, they are free to ignore it all.

The medical incident mentioned was a needle biopsy. It was an interesting experience in itself. And it kept me home for a couple of days which is why I couldn't exercise like I usually do. Today I visited with the surgeon, and he recommends a lumpectomy, which is now scheduled for January 17. There will of course be all the preliminary exams, none of which I am looking forward to. But here we go, and this sort of stuff is just part of life. I will keep everyone posted on everything, although I have no intention of turning this into a cancer focused journal.

I did get to Curves this morning. And got in a good workout, the first since last Monday. Seldom do I go that long without a workout. Doing this exercise stuff can be habit forming you know. And I think that is what we should aim for - "Make your exercise as much a part of your life as brushing your teeth!" Would that be a good slogan for an Exercise Forum?

Eating has been OK today, although more unscheduled than usual. Bob and I ate out this evening. Not very exotic, we went to the Village Inn and I had a chicken-taco salad, without the taco. It was OK, and well within what I should be eating. My kitchen stove has a habit of breaking down on Friday evenings, and stays broken until Monday mornings. Have you ever heard of a stove doing that every weekend? Strange, but true.

Bob is now off to Model Railroad Club, so I have a golden opportunity to visit some forums. Usually he wants the computer about this time of day. But not today.

Everyone who stops in for a visit, have a drink of water on me. And have a pleasant evening.

Good for you Jo..You are one exceptional lady...I will not bring your medical condition up again although just accept my prayers that everything goes well for you...I am confident they will.. Sorry if I put you on the spot...and please don't delete your journal...We love you here...

Have a great night...I love those theoretially squirrel proof feeders!

Louise

Yo, JoJo! :wave: I can't imagine anyone being offended by anything in your journal. I love to read about your adventures up there in the cold, cold north (at least it seems cold, cold to me) ... and the med situation is just a part of your life that folks are interested in. And I have this gut feelin' that you'll sail through the procedure with your usual savoire faire ... not sure how to spell that. I will be thinking of you on that date but like Lulu won't bring it up again.

Thanks for visiting my journal yesterday. Have a super Saturday and keep on being kind to those silly squirrels. My mom used to talk to squirrels ... she'd make a noise and the squirrels would run through the trees to get close to her and they'd make the noise back ... not sure where she learned to do that ... said she'd done it as long as she could remember ... hope you are not actually talking to the squirrels just yet, though~! :laugh:

January 8, 2005

Thanks for the visits, Louise and Athletea. Always nice to have you pop in for a chat.

Today has been a rather sleepy day. Our Saturdays are devoted to doing the laundry and some general cleaning, and today was no exception. Then Bob took off to the church where he has been busy installing a speaker system in the parish hall. Bob career was that of an electrical technician so he is called upon when electrical or electronic matters need to be dealt with. Tomorrow the speaker system will be used for the first time, and we sure hope it works.

Then this afternoon one of Bob's great friends dropped in for a visit, and the two of them descended to the dungeon where the workshop is. Model Railroading is a wonderful hobby for a senior citizen. Keeps Bob busy and off the streets, as I often tell him.

Speaking of squirrels, as we have been speaking, several years back we had a squirrel that almost became a pet. It was obviously a nursing mother and she got so tame, or hungry, that she would take dry cat food out of Bob's hand. We even have some pictures of her and our two cats at the time all on top of a table in the back yard feeding together. We have lots of squirrels around here these days, and at times they can be pests. We also have bunny rabbits, multitudes of birds, an occasional mule deer, and so forth. We cheerfully feed the birds, tolerate the rabbits and squirrels, and marvel at the deer when they wander down the street.

I am going to take my shower and head for bed early tonight. Anyone who stops in may help themselves to a nice glass of cold water.

Sleep well, and enjoy your pretty dreams. And keep smiling -

January 9

Happy, Happy Day!! This morning our son informed us that he got a promotion. He works for the State of Wyoming, Department of Family Services, and has been working as a Child Protection Officer. Now he will be a Supervisor. This will take him a bit away from dealing directly with the children, and will also mean he will be out of town more than he has been. I know he was great working with the kiddies, but as a proud mother I know he can pretty much do anything he wants to do. So good for him, and I am very happy for him.

This morning was church and Bible Class. I shared with our Pastor my diagnosis, and I know he will be praying for me. I also shared the information with our son, and I know he will share it with his wife and they will be praying also. I am unwilling to share the information with any others in the real world, somehow I am a bit hesitant to talk about the surgery, etc. We'll see how things go.

Today eating has been OK, and I have drunk enough water. Yesterday's glucose readings were 2 hrs. post lunch: 110; and bedtime: 132. Those are good readings. Guess my upcoming surgery is not as yet affecting my glucose readings. I know from experiences in the past that stress can be a big factor.

The weather here has been very strange for January. Today it is mild, no wind. There was a bit of snow overnight but it has melted on the flats. There is much new snow on our mountain which looks very pretty with the sun making it sparkle. The weather in Wyoming certainly can be changeable.

Let's all stick with our programs as well as we can. As we are all-too-human we are prone to errors in judgment, but if we overeat that just means we should get back on track as soon as we can. Each day provides a new day to begin again. And so often we need to begin again.

And above all, keep smiling -

Congratulations to your son, JoJo! It's nice to be recognized for our work! Have a wonderful, smilin' kind o' day! Life IS good! Huzzah!

Hi Jojo! :*
Like Athletea, I just don't see how you possibly could offend anyone! By the way, Athletea, in case you wanted to know, the correct spelling is "savoir faire" (infinitive form).
Congratulations to your son! I am impressed by the kind of work he is doing, because there are just too many miserable kids out there. We have to save as many as possible.
I will be thinking of you on January 17. :rose:

Congratulations to your son...It is so nice to see someone rewarded for all their hard work.

Thinking of you Jo.:rose:

Louise

January 10, 2005

Hi, Athletea, aria2000, and Louise. Always nice to have drop-in guests. Did you help yourself to a nice, cold glass of water? It is always available to cherished friends who come for a visit. And friends who have nice words to say about my son are doubly welcome.

Today has been a productive day. I did my tutoring at the neighborhood school. The little first grader is still struggling and I think will continue to struggle through the rest of the year, if not throughout life. She meets a new word and guesses instead of sounding out. Maybe she will catch on, but I am not very hopeful. The second grader that I said was a wiggle-worm has settled down nicely and is a very sweet lad. He is working hard and catching on. Today he struggled with the word continent, and there I was trying to explain exactly what a continent is to a second grader. No globe in the classroom, either. Oh, well. I waved my hands a lot in the air, and although the lad did well in our session I don't think he knows yet exactly what a continent is.

After the tutoring session I did my Curves workout, which was a good one. I do like the Curves workout. And I do pretty good there for a 78 year old gal.

Grocery shopping finished up my morning. And the rest of the day has been a lazy one.

It rained, of all things, this morning. Rain in Wyoming in January is absolutely unheard of. The weather is being strange all over the world, isn't it? We like to have moisture here, we are sadly in need of moisture in this dry state, but rain. My goodness. Rain also tells us that the temperatures are warmer than usual.

We had stew for supper this evening. Which reminds me, the morning paper has been running health articles, and one this morning suggested something that I plan to adopt. It suggested filling half your plate with veggies. I like veggies, but I never thought of a half a plate at a meal made up of veggies. I think I will give it a try.

What's my favorite veggie? Broccoli I guess. I also eat a lot of cauliflower, lettuce, green beans, carrots, oh yes I like my veggies. And I certainly agree that they are good for me. Low in calories and very nutritious. Let's join in a cheer for veggies. Rah, rah, rah!!!

Have a pleasant evening -

Thanks for the water Jo... I enjoyed it while i stopped in to see you...Am having another glass as sit here and write to you.....Sound like you really had a busy day....
We had some snow not a lot and have not had a lot this year...strange...but I better not say that too loud or we will pay for it.....(now that is) I think it is better when we have lots of moisture...It is good for the trees etc...and keeps the grubs below the surface instead of coming up as they have for a couple of years now and ruining the lawns around here.....The world sure is changing as are our winters...I remember as a child having snowbanks along the side of the road as high as 12 or 14 ft high...have not had that for over 20 years at least.......

Yup I like my veggies too...I like my fruits too....I like green beans, cauliflower, broccoli, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, turnips ...Well thanks for the water and the time...got to go to bed now..

Have a great night

Louise

:water:

January 11, 2005

Hi, Louise & Aria, how nice to have you drop in for a visit. It always makes me smile when I see that visitors have been here. Come again, any time.

It is snowing right now, and that is great. We certainly do need the moisture, especially up in the mountains. Wyoming is such a dry state, that every bit of moisture is cherished.

Tuesday is my day to stay home and do housewifey stuff. So I did laundry, baked a pie for Bob, etc. I love to read, and a snowy day is a great day to read. My exercise was doing the up-and-down stairs bit with the laundry. Eating was OK. I am now keep track, sorta, of my veggie intake. Today was lettuce, broccoli, carrots, onions, green beans. Could have been better, and maybe will be better tomorrow.

Glucose readings for yesterday were 133 (fasting) and 102 (2 hrs. post supper.) My doctor has me on a schedule of Day 1 (fasting & 2 hrs. post supper); Day 2 (2 hrs. post lunch & bedtime); Days 3 & 4 no checks. Then we start over with a Day 1. He says it gives him a better picture of my status, so I am doing it that way at the present time. If possible I prefer to keep myself diet-controlled rather than going back on medications, but aging affects the whole system including diabetes. So onward we go.

I have the wood stove all ready for a nice fire this evening, and the temperature outside is dropping rather rapidly. There is nothing like a good fire to warm both the body and the soul. Of course making and tending a fire means work, but so do lots of things.

Everyone, have a great evening and a pleasant night with pleasant dreams. And keep smiling -

I have been trying toget caught up with journal lurking and find you are having surgery. I want you to know you are in my prayers.

We have a wood burning stove all the way down here in Texas. I love it. The only thing is that we don't have enough cold weather to use it as much as I would like. We have trimmed so many trees that we have several years supply of oak wood just waiting to be burned.

Take care of yourself and know that I am thinking of you.

Carol

JoJo!!!! Thy snowy day soundeth wonderful ... almost makes me wish it would snow here (no, I guess not)! :) You're doing really well with your veggies ... you got a lot o' the colors in ... green, orange, white! Keep smilin' ... life is good, isn't it! (Someone once told me that!!!!) :) :wave:

I just wanted to thank you for your support when I needed it,sos, :) You showed me I could get through a binge.I took your advice and decided to feed the demon and not try to starve my body.Slowly but surely Im learning not to binge.My son and I had a great conversation on nutrition ,thanks to you.Im chasing that water like crazy.This can be done.Thanks again. :x

January 13, 2004

Carol, Athletea, Bunny, thanks for stopping in. I always enjoy company coming for a little chat, you are welcome any time.

Carol, yes I have a bit of surgery scheduled for January 18. Yesterday I dealt with the pre-surgery tests at the surgeon's office and at the hospital. It made a full day, and was not really any fun. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. They are appreciated. And your oak firewood has me practically green with envy. Around here we burn mostly pine and cottonwood, both much softer woods than your lovely oak.

Athletea, yes I try to mix up the veggies I eat. They are low in calories and full of the stuff that is good for us. I do tend to fall into the rut of sticking to my favorite veggies mostly, but when I put my mind to it I explore a bit into new and different ones.

Bunny, thank you for the kind words. All of us here fight the binge demon, daily. We really do know what you are going through. And I am so proud of you for what you are accomplishing. Just stick to what you have been doing and you will continue to not only lose some unwanted lbs. but you will also make your body more healthy, and that is important, too.

I did my Curves workout Wednesday, even though it was a cold and snowy day. Then Bob and I attended our mid-week Bible class. The afternoon was devoted to the aforementioned pre-surgery tests. We had pizza for supper, pizza is hardly on my diet plan, but so it goes. It was actually quite tasty, and certainly not good for me. Last night was cold and it was snowing, so we just sat before a lovely fire and read books. Reading books is a wonderful way to spend a snowy evening.

May everyone who stops in, have an extra drink of water, and remember that life is good. Even on days when nothing seems to go right in our lives, yet life is good and we should continue to enjoy it.

January 13, (part 2)

Today has been a good day, although it has been mighty cold. January is the right month for cold I guess, and today we have it. There is fresh snow on the ground, so the whole world looks pretty. The streets are clear so the driving is good.

Tonight I have a church meeting, so Bob will be minding the fire. Hope the meeting is worthy of my attendance, usually they are. I will not be too late, and I do need the sociability.

Today my exercising was limited to vacuuming the house and cleaning the floor in the kitchen. Eating was OK, and I believe I have drunk enough water. It is a bit harder for me to remain hydrated in the winter since the thirst mechanism doesn't kick in as often when the weather is cold. When it is hot in the summer I find that the heat makes me thirsty for a nice, cold drink of water. When it is cold the nice, cold drink of water makes me shudder. Actually this time of year I tend to drink warm or hot water, which isn't bad at all.

May all of us remember that even in the dead of winter, eventually spring will come with the colorful flowers and the gentle breezes. Yes, we have turned the corner and the days are getting longer. Have you noticed that they days are getting longer? Really they are.

Keep smiling -

Hi, JoJo! I love hearing you say "life is good." I need to hear that every single day! :)

Warm water?

Ergh.

Do you put tea in it or anything?

Hi Jo: Was thinking of you yesterday with your snow as it rained here and was very warm well warm for January around 44 or 45F...I had to do the conversion s we are in the Celsius here lol....I shoveled all the snow and ice off the deck...it was wonderful to be outside.. I know what you mean by not being able to drink as much in the winter as the summer...I have had the same problem but now always have a glass of water at my side...

I have to agree the days are getting longer...I love the long days of summer.....Thank goodness and if the temps would stay where they were wouldn't that be great...I am sure they won't...but one can dream..lol..

Keep smiling Jo..and we are smiling right back at you

Thinking of you:rose:

Louise

Happy New Year Jo!

That is so awesome, to be so active and energetic at 78 WOO HOO, you are my inspiration and that is the truth. I can only pray I feel that wonderful at 78. Keep up the good job gal and best of luck in "05"

Thank you for dropping in on my journal. I see you are from Wyoming. I lived in Wyoming for a year many years ago. I taught in the Laramie range 80 mi. north of Laramie in an isolated school house. So I know how important moisture is out there. It was a beautiful place. I only had ONE student. Oh, to be young again!!

Have a good weekend. :)

January 14, 2005

My friends, Athletea, Louise, and Blue, how nice of you to stop in for a visit. Always make yourself at home, and have a nice drink of water. Always have that nice drink of water. It is so good for you.

Athletea, yes, life is good. You know it really is. As for the water I drink yes I drink hot or warm water. Since I lost weight I find that if I drink cold water it chills me too much. So I switched to warm water. I gave up coffee for the simple reason that I cut back on caffine, and figured that I could do without the coffee. Coffee was easy to give up - the last time I was in the hospital, about 1 1/2 years ago, I came home from the hospital, brewed a pot of coffee, and found that it didn't taste good at all. So I pitched it, and have had no coffee since. No, I don't put a tea bag in my hot water, I sometimes have a bit of herbal tea, and I also have some sugar-free chocolate drink mix that I use, but I just plain like my hot water. So label me peculiar.

Yes, Louise, it has been another cold day here. The temps stayed right in the single digits (F. here) and it is just plain bitter. But it will probably warm up nicely tomorrow. Here in the mountains we will have a couple of days of bitter, bitter cold, and then the chinook winds will blow and everything will warm up. Then we repeat the cycle.

Blue, you do say the nicest things. Yes, I try to keep plugging along. Today I got to Curves for a workout, the third this week. My current doctor says that I should just keep moving as much as I can. A former doctor told me to keep pushing myself. My surgeon told me to just keep doing what I have been doing. All of which is good advice. So I just keep doing the best I can.

Today's food was rather more abundant than was necessary. It's nice that I like broccoli. Low in calories and very filling, but not too exciting. But broccoli is a pretty color, isn't it? I think so.

I have a nice fire going in the wood stove, so I think I will visit some journals and then settle down by the fire with a good book.

To everyone who visits, nice to see you, have a pleasant evening, stay warm, don't slip on the ice, and keep smiling -

Hi, sbraun, you snuck in right while I was posting. I am so glad that you visited me.

So you were a teacher in one of those one-room schoolhouses in Wyoming. That brings back memories. In 1970 I helped with the census, and I visited one of those one-room schoolhouses. It was lots of miles, I suppose about 40 miles, southwest of Casper on Bates Creek road, there was one student and one teacher, and I was the civics lesson for the day. I will never forget that. It was all very interesting.

I don't know if there are any of the one-room schoolhouses still operating in Wyoming these days, it is entirely possible. Those kiddies got a very good special education.

Thanks for stopping in.

January 15, 2005

It's been a beautiful day today in Wonderful Wyoming, but I have not poked my head out the door at all 'cause it is just too cold for me. Mighty frigid. Tomorrow though the wind will begin to blow which will warm things up a bit.

Our poor old cat, who is an in/out cat goes from door to door seeking the door into summer. When we open any door for him he retreats due to the cold, and looks for another door. Poor thing. Weather like this is hard on animals. Of course he has his kitty-pan for indoor use, but he prefers the outdoors which is hard to use when the temperatures are below zero F. I keep telling him that summer is coming, but he doesn't believe me.

Our cat's name is Jethro. Did I ever mention that? He is named Jethro because when I was a child I had a cat named Homer. You have to be of at least a certain age to understand my thinking on that. Does anyone understand? It is a silly reason.

We had soup for supper. Nice, hot, tasty, nutritious soup. I make my homemade soup in the crockpot, and freeze portions so that the soup will be available for us on days when I don't much want to cook.

May all who stop by this journal for a visit have a nice drink of water and a very pleasant evening.

Peace -

crockpot soup sounds soooooooooooo yummy right now :D

stopping by to say "hi" :wave:

Beth :peace:

I love my crockpot! It's so convienant. Nice! Sopunds yummy! Just dropping in to say hi. Hope you're doing well!!

Melinda :D

Hi Jo: What a refreshing journal to come and visit....All positive upbeat stuff going on here...I remember Homer & Jethro....I used to have a dog (OLD English) named Maggie and a cat, a beautiful cat name Jiggs.....does that make sense to you...Yes winter is hard on the animals... I really would like a nice dog or cat but Ross keeps saying no...no to this and no to everything..lol...I wanted a recumbent bike..and he aid no..but now is coming to realize that I cannot walk the streets very well with my arches....so it is either join a gym and not be able to do that much or buy a recumbent bike and at least I am sure I should be able to do that...

I make a lot of soups too Jo...I find them handy to have in my freezer an with a nice salad on the side and some bread makes a great supper...

Thanks for the water...I enjoyed my visit.

Have a great day...Thinking of you:rose:
Louise

It isn't even cold down here and I made crockpot soup. Our grocery store has a big bag of soup mix. It is their brand. Down here Mexican soups are called caldo. This is a large bag of caldo vegetable mix. It has onions, celery, 2 kinds of squash, peppers and small potatoes and small pieces of corn on the cob. This with some cut up chicken breast or pieces of lean beef in the crockpot is great. I usually put in a can of tomatoes and when it is done a\I put cut up cilantro and a little lemon or lime juice. Mexicans cook a lot with lime juice. I have lived down here so long that I can cook like a native.

I will be thinking of you tomorrow.

Carol

Carol.... your soup sounds super...Are these fresh veggies that they sell in a bag? We never get anything like that around here....We can get diced stuff for soup but the variety is limite...carrots, celery, onion, maybe a few pieces of turnip....etc..

sorry Jo I needed a glass of water so I dropped by for one and hijacked your journal...

Have a good night..:rose:
Louise

January 16, 2005

Company came!!! Beth, Melinda, Louise, and Carol. Thanks for stopping by. It is always nice to have visitors. Always just make yourself at home, and have a nice refreshing glass of water while you visit.

Hi, yourself, Beth. Come again any time.

Melinda, soup is always yummy, especially this time of year in Wyoming. Remember how cold it gets here, then it warms up quite quickly. The warming up is what is happening here today.

Louise, actually we saw Homer and Jethro quite a few years ago. They performed at the Central Wyoming Fair, and we went. They were wonderful, quite talented. And as for animal names, my lovely daughter-in-law had a cat and dog combination named Lucy and Linus when she married my son. I thought that was a nice combination. I do like Maggie and Jiggs, it is another nice combination. Recumbant bikes - Monica has one I believe. Maybe I will get one someday, but right now I am doing OK with Curves.

Carol, the 'grand opening' of me is Tuesday, not tomorrow, but I do thank you for the kind thoughts. And speaking of soups, I grow lots of tomatoes in the summertime, freeze the product, and use my own tomatoes in my soups and stews. Yes indeed, soup is good food.

Louise, hijack my journal any time.

Regarding the surgery, it is definitely scheduled for Tuesday. I passed all the pre-surgery physicals and lab tests, so it is all set. Theoretically it is an out-patient situation, so if all goes well I should be back home late Tuesday. I will be very glad when the whole thing is over. This is something I would rather not have to do, but since I must do it, so I will. It is just so unexpected, since there never has been a case of breast cancer in my family tree. And since there is a strong genetic link, my three lovely granddaughters have been, or will be, informed that this is something they should be aware of.

Today has been a nice day. Church and Bible Class in the morning, then our son and his family took us out to lunch. Our 58th Wedding Anniversary is next Sunday, but our son will be out of town that day, so today was the celebration of our little family.

I hope everyone who visits this journal will make themselves at home, have a glass of water on me, and think kindly thoughts of each other. Remember, life is good, and we should cherish it.

Keep smiling -

Hi Jo;
first time i dropped into your new journal. I will keep you in my thoughts day after tomorrow.

It is wonderful that you volunteer tutor with grade one and two children. That's my job, I train teachers to work with children who have reading problems in grade one and two.
I also work with the children. I will retire in a year or so, I told my hubby that I will volunteer at a school when I retire. So he said; "Why retire then?" Good question!

Funny about your kitty. That's what ours does too. I never thought of it as looking for the door to summer. Hope your weather co-operates when you need to get out and around to Curves.

Pat

I will think about you tomorrow also. lol

Lulu, this is a 20 oz bag of frozen veggies. This is the first year they have had them. It saves me so much time just cut the bag open and put in crockpot plus a can of tomatoes, a can of meat broth plus about 4 canas of water and meat. Jo, I grow tomatoes also but I have never frozen them. Several years ago I had a bumper crop and had to make salsa, chow-chow and chili sauce. This year I am going to freeze some. How do you freeze? The Christmas weather killed 3 of my plants so will have to replace them in a couple of weeks. Winter is the best time for growing tomatoes down here if we don't get a hard freeze. This is the first freeze in about 8 years.

Keeping a good thought for you.

Carol

Jojo, I am thinking of you too! :*

January 17, 2005

Company came again. Hi Pat, and Carol, and Aria2000. Nice of you to stop in, and I appreciate your kind thoughts and good wishes.

How to freeze tomatoes: I dip them in boiling water for about 30 seconds, slip the skins off, cut out the stem, chop them up, and place two cups of the tomatoes in a zip-lock freezer baggie. Then freeze. Two cups of chopped tomatoes is about the same as a 14 oz. can of chopped tomatoes. You could also add such goodies as chopped onions or peppers, a bit of sugar or salt, other spices to suit your taste. I use them in soups, stews, chili, etc. They are good. When we grow tomatoes here they tend to all ripen at once, and I have gone the route of canning and making chili sauce and salsa, but now I prefer freezing them. For me, it is much less work, and I like the much less work idea.

Today was a beautiful day in Wonderful Wyoming. The temperatures were in the 40's, there was no wind, and the sun was shining brightly. So I did my Curves routine, baked a nice pie for Bob, and enjoyed the day. We had a roast for supper, and we have lots of left-overs for the future.

I plan to get to bed fairly early this evening since I have a full day planned for tomorrow.

To all who visit this journal, make yourself at home, have a nice drink of water, and think kindly thoughts of each other and of me. I am thinking kindly thoughts of you.

Have a great evening, a pleasant night's sleep, and a productive tomorrow. And please keep smiling -

Hi Jo: just popping in to let you know I have been and will be thinking good thoughts about you tomorrow...Hope you will let us know that you went through this just fine..
I had a nice big 8.5 lb free range chicken for supepr..with squash..and some mashed potatoes..I made cranberry sauce with splenda and orange juic..I think similar to what Monica makes....

Thanks for the water and listening..
Talk to you tomorrow night hopefully:rose:
Louise

Hi Jo, :wave:

I meant to come on line earlier to let you know that I will be thinking of you tomorrow ... and sending all positive thoughts your way ...

I am as always, Monica :hug:

Thanks for the tomato freezing info.

I will be waiting to hear how you are doing. Good thoughts are with you today.

Carol

Thinking of you today Jo. i will check back to see when you check in.
hugs bell :)

Hi Jo! Remember me? I'm also from Wyo. (sort of!) Moved to Nebraska in 2002, but I'm originally from Big Piney. It's so cold here in Neb lately. Reminds me of those Wyo winters. How's winter treating you? (And an aside not about Wyo: Did you watch the awesome bowl game? I got to visit my family in BP, and we watched it together! Go Cowboys! :))

How did your surgery go? I hope that everything is going well. It's so awesome that you're so upbeat about age, etc. I can't believe you say you're 78. You sound like you're in your 20s! Keep up the great work, and Yes, It's great to be alive in 2005! I'm with you babe! :D

Rikki :D :laugh:

Hello, everybody. I was too tired to check in yesterday evening, but this morning, here I am. Thanks to Louise, Monica, Carol, Bell, Rikki, and everyone else for your visits and good wishes. I am home and on the road to recovery. This afternoon I will get the pathology report, and we will see what we will see.

Yes, Rikki, I watched the bowl game. Go, Cowboys!! It was fun.

To everyone, have a nice drink of water on me, and come again.

Keep smiling -

:water: Hello Jojo! Happy to hear from you. Will keep my fingers crossed for this afternoon! :rose:

Hi Jo,

Glad you are home and recovering. Holding good thoughts for your reports.

Carol

Hi Jo: Glad you are home and recovering...My thoughts and prayers are with you for a good report this afternoon..
Take care...Thanks for the water....:rose:
Louise

January 19, 2005

And aria2000, Carol & Louise dropped in for a visit. Nice to have you here. You are always welcome in my parlor, and help yourself to a nice drink of water.

Medical update, today I had one of the drainage tubes removed, the other one will be removed Friday. So I am taking it easy for a few days. When the healing is completed we will have radiation therapy plus tamoxifin, which is pretty standard treatment following a lumpectomy. I would much rather not have to have all this, but such things are a part of life you know.

Weather has been odd here, the temperature this afternoon was in the mid 50's, which is unreal for this time of year. I am not complaining, last week we had subzero temperatures. Life is the mountains can be strange. But if the weather remains so warm, things will start to happen like the tulips will sprout and get frosted. I asked Bob tonight if I should start the tomato seeds, but he just laughed at me. We will probably have warm weather for a couple of weeks, then have it frigid through June.

Today I lazed around, read some, watched more TV than usual, etc. We had a supper of leftover roast beef and veggies. Gotta have those veggies. What is your favorite veggie? I think maybe broccoli is mine. I like the color, the way it looks on the plate, and the way it tastes. And there are the added benefits that broccoli is good for me. As I recall President Bush #1 wouldn't eat broccoli, which caused me much amusement at the time. I can't imagine anyone not liking broccoli.

May all who visit my journal enjoy themselves, and I now remind you to do something nice for someone tomorrow. It is always fun to do something nice for someone, isn't it? I think so.

Sleep well, and keep smiling -

JoJo, Do french fries coung as a veggie? Just kidding. I think I like carrots the best. What's your favorite fruit?

Are you feeling better? I'm late to your journal, so I don't really know what's going on. I hope all's well.

Glad the weather is nice. I always loved that few precious weeks in winter when the weather was just warm enough for you to pine for your summer clothes, start to enjoy walks outside, etc., etc., and then have a freezing snap come through that lasted through June, like you said! Ah. Wyoming winters. Actually, Nebraska is feeling a little like Wyoming this year. I wonder what's up. Although, we had nice weather today, so that's good.

Keep smilin'. Thanks for the drink...

Rikki :D

Hi Jo; so glad you are doing well so far, I'm keeping all my digits crossed for you. Makes it a little hard driving on these slippery roads but ya gotta do what ya gotta do.

Thanks for all the water!

Pat

Jojo, wishing you the best of luck with your treatment. :rose:
A good thing you are taking it easy.
So you wanted to get started with the tomatoes seeds today, lol? :laugh:
Lucky you, you have a vegetable garden! I am not a big fan of brocoli, but my husband is. He also adores brussels sprouts. I prefer cauliflower and regular cabbage.
But my favorite of all are tomatoes. You can think of me when you will be eating your fresh tomatoes!

I love spring when you want to start planting. That is a rather strange thing for me to say since it is close to spring down here from November to March. I just love the growing season.

I saw tomatoe bedding plants in the store Saturday but decided to wait on those for a couple more weeks. I lost 3 of my 5 plants Christmas so will wait just a little longer. I bought some bedding plants yesterday to put in pots. If it looks like we will get another freeze I can proctect the pots.

Sounds like your treatment is standard. How long before they will start the radiation and how long will you have treatment?

Enjoy your warm spell.

Carol

January 20, 2005

Hello to all the visitors. Rikki, Pat, Aria, and Carol, it was so nice of you to drop in. I do appreciate the company.

Rikki, I do believe I like bananas best of all the fruit, but they are high on the glycemic index so I have to be a bit careful with them. In the summer I don't think there is any tastier fruit than a fresh peach. I have fond memories of Nebraska. We lived for several years in Beatrice, and I have fond memories of that nice town.

Pat, if you are driving with your toes crossed on my account, at least please drive carefully. Snicker, snicker.

Aria, I share your husband's love for brussels sprouts and cabbage, but I don't try to grow them here in Wyoming. Our season is so short that I pretty well stick to tomatoes, onions, green beans, asparagus and occasionally some other stuff. All this talk about veggies is making me hungry.

Carol, I usually start my tomato seed indoors in the middle of March. It is chancy here in Wyoming since the weather is so unsure. There is always possibility of frost through May and sometimes even later. But I like to grow tomatoes, they are so rewarding. Regarding my treatment, things have to heal up before any further action is taken. And I agree that this seems to be standard treatment. Probably about a month will go by before I begin the radiation treatments and the tamoxifin. I will be seeing an oncologist for that. The radiation treatments are a series, which is all I know about that at the present time. The tamoxifin will be a drug for five years. When you are 78 the mention of five years draws a chuckle for some reason. But I am pretty good at following the doctors orders.

Today I stayed pretty quiet. The other drainage tube comes out tomorrow, and then I will probably get more ambitious. Right now I am lazy. Today I watched the Washington DC festivities and parade. And I especially enjoyed watching our two Casper natives being such a major part of it all. Trivia question of the day - what two people from Casper, Wyoming were important people in the Inauguration today? Answers will be revealed tomorrow for anyone who doesn't know the answer today.

So, now it is off to bed fairly early tonight. Let's all get a good night's sleep. Being fully rested is something that we should strive for, it is good for us, and helps keep us healthy. It doesn't get the attention that eating properly, drinking water, and exercising get, but it is also important. And tonight I am focusing on it.

Keep smiling -

Good morning Jojo! :*
Hope you had a restful night of sleep.

wishing you a speedy recovery, and may you have a very easy time(side effects) with your treatment.

Jo,
DH and I have talked about how neat it would be to move to Beatrice. It's such a nice little town. So, do you know all about Valentino's? That incredibly good (but not so good for you) pizza/pasta buffet craze that has taken hold of Nebraska? They used to have one here, but it went out of business. The next closest one is in Kearney. We did eat at one in Beatrice, though. DH and I and his parents met his grandma (who lives in Fairbury) for lunch one day. (Dh's parents live in Lincoln). Anyway, glad you have good memories. Do you like Wyoming? I liked growing up there, but I don't think I'd ever want to move back. Maybe to Cheyenne, but that's it.

Hope you have a good day. Keep smiling! Have a nice weekend.

Rikki :D

I know the answer to your quiz. Dick and Lyn Cheney are from Casper.

I went to the grocery store yesterday and came about 6:30. It was so mild. We had been up in the low 80's during the day and is was beginning to cool off. Although I live down here year round I could sure see why we have so many Winter Texans. I would love that weather anywhere. There was an older couple walking in to the store holding hands. They certainly looked like they were enjoying our weather.

Hope you have a nice week-end.

Carol

January 21, 2005

Well hello to aria2000, judith6, Rikki, and Carol. Nice of you to stop in for a visit. I always enjoy company.

Aria2000 - Yes, I had a very restful night's sleep last night, and a good day today, thank you.

Judith6 - Thanks for the good wishes. I am having a normal recovery, and we will see about the side effects of the upcoming treatment. I am not worried about it.

Rikki - We lived in Beatrice from 1952 to 1959, which was long, long ago. Do you ive in Lincoln since I know you are attending college? Lincoln was always the 'big city' we would go to for wonderful shopping. Beatrice was a nice little town than, and I am sure it hasn't changed much since we lived there. Lots of nice people there too I remember.

Carol - Yes, you have the answer to my little quiz. Dick & Liz Cheney grew up in Casper, actually they were high school sweethearts back then. Now they call Jackson, Wyoming, their home. I never knew them, but I do know people who knew them in high school. Asfor the older couple you saw, that reminds me of Bob and I. We will celebrate our 58th wedding anniversary next Monday. We really won't have much of a celebration, but I do think it is worth a nice dinner out, don't you?

Today has been a mellow day. Eating was OK, drinking water was OK, exercising was non-existant but I am about ready to resume normal activities so that will include exercising.

And to all who visit this journal, may I remind you to eat your veggies? Veggies are so good for us. They are low in calories, they are relatively inexpensive, they are lovely in color, they look nice on a plate. If you don't like your veggies I suggest you cultivate a taste for them. As you can tell, I am a big fan of veggies.

Everyone, think positive thoughts today. And be happy.

Hi, JoJo! Sorry I missed the chance to wish you well before your surgery ... life kind o' got away from me last week, but I am always thinking of you and your stalwart nature and I know you are always going to be ok, Friend! :wave:

Veggies are good, fruits too! :apple: :orange: When I first moved to this state they told me about "veggie hate crimes" ... apparently there used to be laws on the books that you could not say villifying things about vegetables that grew here. I thought the people telling me this were making it up but they said they weren't.

Have a wonderful, relaxing weekend, JoJo!

January 22, 2005

Hi, Athletea, I always like to have you drop in for a little visit. I had never heard about "veggie hate crimes" what an idea. This somewhat reminds me of Oprah and her comments about meat which got her sued by Texas beef barons. I will say it loud and clear, I do not like cooked turnips. Do they grow turnips in the VHP where you live? Will I get into trouble by saying that? I like raw turnips though.

Today has been a lazy day, and I like lazy days. Mostly I have slouched in the recliner and watched the dust pile up on the flat surfaces in our house. Oh, well, I'll catch up with the dust bunnies eventually. Eventually . . . .

Athletea, did you ever hear of the diet advocated by Dr. Peter Gott? He writes medical columns in our hometown newspaper, and other papers, and I read them. Anyway he advocates eliminating all white sugar and white flour from the diet in order to lose weight. I'm sure it would work, and it sounds to me like that is approximately what you are doing. I somewhat lean in that direction since I am diabetic, and it does help.

Another lazy day is scheduled for tomorrow. Bob will attend church without me, and he will also attend a potluck and church meeting in the evening without me. He is vice president of the congregation. I have got a bunch of good books to read. I am an eclectic reader and usually have several books going at once.

The weather continues odd here. With much of the country being battered by a mega snowstorm, Wyoming continues to have mellow weather. It got into the 50's again today. This is very unusual for Wyoming.

Tonight I will actually treat myself to a shower and an early bedtime. Maybe a cup of sugarfree hot cocoa. To all visitors, help yourself to a nice drink of water, and enjoy yourself.

Keep smiling -

No turnips that I've heard of grown here, JoJo! :) Hmmm. I don't believe I've ever tasted a turnip ... they don't sound too enticing.

That was awful what they tried to do to Oprah, IMO, but yes, it's the general idea of the veggie hate crime laws.

Thanks for the tip on Dr. Gott ... I will google him. Yes, that IS what I'm doing and feeling better each day. The torture of cravings and binges seems eliminated. Very odd. :)

Enjoy your eclectic reading ... glad you are not in the throes of a snowstorm. It felt actually hot here today, AC used in the car.

Hello Jojo,
:water: I don't like the white turnips, but I LOVE rutabaga (the orange kind). I often use them in couscous broth with lamb.

Hi Jo: I'm sorry I have not been in fora couple of days but I see you are doing just fine...I am making roast beef this afternoon and was thinking of you as I went shopping to buy my turnips...now being a Canadian I call yellow rutabagas turnips or rutabagos...What the heck is the difference> Ross likes them raw like you and I love them cooked.....I always put a tablespoon of brown sugar in them when I mash them just to take away the bitterness...I think I have heard putting a bit of baking soda in while they are cooing does the same thing...not sure..

I will say like Judith did...I sincerely hope and pray the sides effects will be minimal...We are all different..When Ross had the radiation for his prostrate cancer...he had a series of 35 or something like that...towards the end they got a bit tougher..other than that he was fine...The medication is always only prescribed for 5 years....You have great attitude..and you tend to just take it as it goes..so I am sure you will do well....

Lots of veggies around here now...Got cauliflower, red peppers and green peppers.....and of course turnip or Rutabagas.

Hope you are having a great Sunday..:rose:
Louise

January 23, 2005

Welcome to all my guests - Athletea, Aria2000 and Louise. Nice to have you stop in. I always enjoy having company, and I hope you enjoyed the drink of water that was offered.

Athletea, actually raw turnips are quite good. It's a root veggie so it is rather higher on the glycemic index than some veggies, but I like them on occasion. Not cooked, just raw. Slice them and use a dip. Crunchy.

Aria2000, I don't think I have ever tried rutabagas. Guess I will have to give them a try since I am all for increasing my intake of veggies. Can't be an expert on veggies if I don't know what I am talking about.

Louise, I am sorry to hear that you are having foot problems. You and Monica, is it contagious? Hope not. Seems like the physical problems add up a bit as we get older, but as you know, aging is mandatory. I still haven't figured out a way to avoid the aging, no matter how hard I try. Yes, I have friends who have dealt with radiation and chemo and all that good stuff. I gather it affects different people different ways, so we shall see what we shall see. And I appreciate all the good thoughts from everyone.

Today has been a pleasant day. The weather was lovely today, and so this morning while Bob was at church I went for a walk. I haven't walked for some time, recently most of my exercise has been at Curves, so a walk felt good. No, I didn't attempt too much, I walked for about half an hour, and may try to do it again tomorrow. This time of year so often the weather gets in the way of senior citizens and their walking. But today I got a good walk, good for me.

Tonight Bob is off at a church potluck and meeting. I was sorta unwilling to go since I still have some stitches, they will be removed tomorrow and then I will resume normal activities. I baked a pie for him to take to the potluck, and hope he will bring some of it home. If he comes home without pie, I will bake him another one tomorrow. He's a good guy, and is happy when I bake him a pie. No, I do not help him eat it, ever.

My sweet black cat is indicating that it is time for his supper. Cats can at times speak so loudly and clearly, can't they? I must go feed him. My life consists of keeping the cat happy as well as keeping the husband happy. But they both work at keeping me happy so it is fair trades all around.

Everyone, have a happy evening. I plan to.

Hi Jo!

My grandma told me the weather has been off the wall there! How funny!! SOOOO glad things are going well for you. You are right though,cats do have a mind of their own and know how to speak to you on their terms. It makes me laugh!

I have never had turnips, I don't think. So I don't think you'll get in trouble for saying you don't like them.

Well have a great week! I hope the weather is perfect out west for me though when I go home in May for the wedding. That'd be nice!!

Talk to you soon.
Melinda :D

Gosh, Jo. I am glad to hear that you are doing better. I would love to have a cat but I have a teacup poodle already and DH is not agreeable to another animal in the house. 8-|

Hi Jo! Didn't know you had a cat! I love them, don't you? I have 2. They always tell me when it's time to 1) Feed them 2) Give them treats 3) Play with them/pay attention to them 4) Leave them alone!

Glad to hear the weather is nice. It's so beautiful here too. Very unlikely for January. I hope that when we go to Hawaii, it's a little more like February weather is supposed to be so that we don't leave this nice weather!! (Although, who would need more motivation to go to Hawaii!?!?)

I hope that you are feeling better soon. You're such a great wife to bake pies! I am not that domestic. It's amazing that I can take the trash out without spilling it all over the place. I try to keep a tidy house, but I'm not very good at cooking, or baking or cleaning. Oh, and most of my recipies are from Wyoming, so they're all for high altitude, and I think that has something to do with the fact that they never turn out here. Hmmmm....I wonder....

Have a nice Monday.

Rikki :D :water:

January 24, 2005

Hello Melinda, Tess, and Rikki. Nice of you to pop in. I always enjoy having visitors. Come again, any time, and always remember to have a nice glass of water while you visit.

Melinda, the weather has been unbelieveable here recently. Nice and mellow. We may have to pay for it in the future. But you know how weather can be in the west. As for a wedding in May in Colorado, it could be wonderful or it could be snowdrifts six feet deep. But you already knew that. I will keep thinking positive thoughts so that it will be perfect for the bride.

Tess, a teacup poodle sounds nice. Do you think your teacup poodle and my black cat would get along? Actually my black cat doesn't get along with much of anyone except me, and sometimes my husband. But that is the way cats are. We've had dogs in our lifetime too, but mostly they were what we call mixed breeds. Loveable, though.

Rikki, I personally think that two cats is ideal. They can keep each other company, and they can play together, and they are fun to watch. If we ever get a cat again, it will be two cats I can assure you.

Today was our anniversary. It's 58 years, so let's hear the cheers!!! Actually Bob and I grew up in the same small Kansas town but he is six years older than I am so we didn't meet as children. He enlisted in the Air Force prior to Pearl Harbor, and served before, during, and after World War II. When he was discharged he came back home, enrolled in college, and found me there. We married during semester break fifty-eight years ago, continued in college for a time, got jobs, and lived lots of places. Eventually we wound up in Casper, Wyoming. We raised two nice sons, and now have some grandchildren and an aging black cat. He is a nice man, and we have had a good marriage. We are retired of course, and still enjoy life.

Today was a good day. The last of the stitches was removed this afternoon. Hooray! And this morning I did my exercise at Curves. I had missed it and it felt good to resume the exercise.

Today I have drunk enough water to float a medium-sized battleship, I have exercised at Curves, I have eaten too much (we ate out this evening in celebration) and I hope to do better tomorrow.

To anyone who stops by, have a drink of water. Being married to the same guy for 58 years is perhaps a bit boring, but I still look at him and figure he is what we call a "keeper."

Have a great evening -

CONGRATULATIONS! And Happy Anniversary! I hope that I am still married to Matt in 58 years. Sometimes it seems like we've been married forever (only about 2.5 years, though) and other times I feel like a newly wed.

You're a great role model. Too many marriages end in divorce. I hope that never happens to me. I know it takes a lot of work to make a marriage work!! Thank you for your story.

And thanks for stopping by my journal!!

Have a nice evening. Hope the weather holds for ya! It was 65 here today. Unheard of for January!!

Rikki :D

Hi Jo,

Congratulations on your anniversary. David and I will celebrate or 50th this summer. Time flies when you are having fun. We are going to take a trip to London in June.

I have crockpot soup going today. I thought of you when I was putting it together this morning.

I had two black cats but one got killed by David's dog in September. His dog is the sweetest dog in the world but since she is a country dog she has no respect for little furry animals. I thought the remaining cat would be upset without her sister but she thinks she has died and gone to heaven. She is loving being the only cat. The dog is a real hunter and we have tried to make her understand the difference but if something runs she will go for it. My cats had survived for 7 years with the danger but Savy must have been careless. I have a bell on the dog now.

I am glad you are back at Curves and feeling better. It makes you feel better when you get out of the house and exercise.

Have a good day.

Carol

Hi Jo: So sorry I missed your anniversary..but BY THE SOUNDS OF IT YOU HAD A GREAT ONE CONGRATULATIONS ON 58 YEARS IN A GREAT MARRIAGE :gift: :balloons: :water: :up:
Sounds like you spent a great day too except for the stitches.....I love cats too...We had three one black Alfie, (named after a landlord we had at the time by the name of Alfred)and of course Jigs, and then a Siamese which we called Pam and it was a "he" don't ever know how he got called that...I think it was because it was more like a girl than a boy...Now how is that possible...I don't know she just had this feminine thing about him...lol...Would love another one but will see....

People give up on marriages too quick today I think...No relationship will ever be perfect....and a marriage is a lifetime project in my opinion...unfortunately my husband did not think that... I think you are a wonderful role model....My ex husband's grandparents reminded me of you...They were so close..it was so nice to see.....

Glad you are doing good Jo and got back to your exercises.

Thanks for the water...
Louise

January 25, 2005

Hi there, Rikki, Carol & Louise. Thanks for stopping in for a visit. I always enjoy visitors, you are welcome any time. And thanks for the Anniversary wishes.

Rikki, Bob and I had a good time celebrating yesterday. And today I baked him a pie. I was too busy yesterday to bake a pie, but I am getting caught up on everything now. So he has a pie to eat, and is a happy man. The pie will take him about a week. And as for you, another 55+ years and you and Matt will be celebrating your 58th Anniversary. Maybe you will think of me at that time.

Carol, I love my sweet black cat. Cats are so interesting, each is different. The one we have is especially my cat. He sits at my feet, or on the arm of the chair, or on the foot of the bed. If I go into a different room he follows me. If I go to the bathroom, he sits outside the door until I come out. He is my constant companion. At Halloween I told the grandkids that since I had a black cat and a broom I should go into business as a witch, but they didn't believe me. They are getting a little old to believe my foolishness. We have always enjoyed our cats, and we have had lots of them. Are you looking forward to your trip to London? I would be. We visited London back in July of 1988, and it is wonderful. Unfortunately Westminster Abbey was closed getting ready for Prince Andrew's and Fergie's wedding, so we missed that. I would have really liked to see Westminster Abbey. If you visit it, just remember that that was one place I didn't get to see.

Louise, how nice that your ex-husband's grandparents remind you of me. I will take that as a compliment. And yes, a successful marriage takes two to make it work. When one pardner doesn't help work at it, the marriage fails. And you are right, no marriage is perfect. Ours sure isn't. Of course I am the perfect one, Bob is the imperfect one. Just kidding. Your speaking of a cat named Pam reminds me that my daughter-in-law is named Pam so when I spray a pan with Pam prior to baking something I think of her. Do you have Pam in Canada? The baking spray I mean?

Today has been a nice day, although not a very exciting one. The weather is mellow once again. I got out for a long walk today. Probably went about 2 miles. I baked the pie, did the laundry, cleaned a bit, and now am ready to settle down for the evening. Tomorrow is Bible class, and my lesson is all prepared. I will arise early tomorrow so that hopefully I can get to Curves before the Bible class. For me, exercise has to be done early, or it doesn't get done at all. Eating today has been good. Tonight I had made a casserole out of fake crab plus chopped cabbage, and it turned out well. I should eat more fish than I do, that is something I need to keep working on. Do you eat enough fish? It is not one of my favorite foods.

Everyone who visits, have a nice long drink of water on me. Remember that life is good most of the time. Say something nice to someone tomorrow, and remember that we can always find a good deed to do.

Sleep well -

:water: Jojo, congratulations on your anniversary!!!

Jo, I love all the thoughts you leave us with. Something to ponder over our :water:

There is always a good deed to be done. Today, I didn't do many nice things...But I gave my kitty, Zanzy, a backrub! Maybe my hubby would enjoy one too. On our way to 58! And yes, I will think of you! It's weird how I've only met one DT pal (we were friends in college) but I feel like I know my DT friends personally, and I think of them often. The keep me motivated. If I don't feel like working out, I think "So and so would be very disappointed in me if I wrote in that I was a lazy bum today." So I decide to get off mine, and get to the gym!

What kind of pie did you bake for Bob? I am not a big pie fan. I like cake much better. I just don't like pie crust. But my favorite without the crust is pumpkin.

Enjoy your day tomorrow, and I will be thinking of you when I ponder what a good deed for me to do is... Thanks!

Rikki :D

Cat lover here, too! :cat:

Hi, JoJo!!! :wave: Belated congratulations on your anniversary! :cheers: I love reading your stories, you always perk me right up and I love to hear that life is good ... sometimes people forget that, dinna ye think? ... and then it's nice to be reminded! I'm going to go have a glass o' :water: in honor of your anniversary!

I had to laugh about your black cat. My black cat is "my black cat". She tolerates David. When she was a kitten he didn't make over her and she has never forgotten that. She loves to lay in front of my computer screen or on the desk when I am on the computer. She "helps" me exercise and sleeps on my side of the bed. The other cat was her sister but she was my friends cat until she married again, her husband died several years earlier and the new one didn't like cats. Anyway, my cat never got over having to share me with Savannah. She tolerated Savannah but having two dominant cats was quite a trick.

We do plan to go to Westminster Abbey. Our older daughter and grand daughters are going with us. Rhonda wanted to take us on a cruise instead of a party but we were having time problems. She has so many frequent flier miles that she got all five tickets and still has miles. A tropical cruise for us isn't quite as much fun as if we didn't live in a sub tropical area. We have the beach close and palms trees, etc. so chose the London trip.

Sounds like you are having nice weather up there. I hope you day is good.

Carol

January 26. 2005

Aria2000, Rikki, Athletea, and Carol, thanks for dropping in for a little visit. It's always nice to have company, and it is always nice to have the encouragement that these little visits bring. And there are several cat lovers here on Diettalk - Rikki, Aria, Carol and me. Cats are great fun, aren't they? I may have mentioned that our black cat is named Jethro since when I was a child I had a cat named Homer. Also we once had a female cat we named Simple, and when she had a kitten we named him Simon, naturally. Then we had a Simple and a Simon. So here is another thought - the last cat we had before we got Jethro was our Simon. Does that mean that when or if we get another cat we should name him Garfunkel? Inquiring minds want to know.

Shall we ask John if we can have a cat lovers forum here on DT? Let's don't.

Rikki, the pie I baked for Bob was a coconut custard pie. I have a bunch of recipes for various pies for him. I personally prefer cakes, but neither is on my eating plan, and Bob prefers pies, so that is what I make for him.

Carol, I am glad you will be visiting Westminster Abbey. Take me along, please.

Athletea, your saying "no" to white flour and white sugar seems to be working for you. I am so glad. In my not-so-humble opinion, the refining process takes something out of the products that should be in them, and that can affect many, many people.

Today I got up bright and early, did my Curves exercise, had my Bible class session, took a nice nap, and have really enjoyed the day. The weather is beautiful, which is sorta scary since this is the time of year for bad weather in Wyoming. Where, oh where is our snow! Of course we may get hit big time with blizzards and other ferocious weather, but I really prefer the snow right now rather than in June.

I don't know if I have mentioned that I am just finishing up my year as a juror for the local Municipal Court. And I have enjoyed being in the jury pool. It has been interesting and educational. My current term ends at the end of February. But yesterday I got a letter that I have been selected to be a juror for the District Court for a six month period beginning March 1. I could get out of it because of my age, but I am going to go for it and see what happens. It should again be both interesting and educational. And today my Bob got a letter telling him that he has been selected to be a juror for the local Municipal Court. And he will be going for it, although he too could get out of it due to his age. We both are good citizens, willing to do our civic duty, but it is sorta piling up. It will make for great dinner table conversation in the future. I will keep you posted.

Have a great evening, everyone. Tomorrow is a day to begin again if needful. Hopefully it will be a good day for us all. So let's all keep smiling -

David's very favorite pie is coconut custard. I don't make it very often. His mother used to make a wonderful one. I guess I just didn't want to compete.

We must have been the hot spot of the nation yesterday. We hit 83. It is getting a bit cooler now as we have rain approaching. I went to Wal Mart yesterday and found the cushions I need for our old redwood outdoor furniture. I was in a hurry so will go back Saturday morning and get them. The ones we have now are about 10 years old. I also need to sand all the furniture and put a new coat of paint on them. I long ago quit putting redwood stain on them, it just didn't last. It has been about 4 years since I have painted it so it is time. Anyway, with this kind of weather we sit outside and watch the news on the TV David has in "his" kitchen, so it will be nice to have everything new and newly painted.

I hope you have another good day.

Carol

Jo, glad you're having a good day! It finally got cold here, and we're expected to get some snow this weekend. That's too bad. The in-laws were going to come visit us and stay for a few days. Oh well. You'll have that with bad weather. It'll be spring soon, and I can look forward to my tulips!! They are my favorite flower.

I love coconut anything, so I'd probably give up my "no pie" policy for a slice of your coconut pie!! But then, that wouldn't help me get closer to my next goal, now would it? Thanks for stopping by my journal.

Well, I better get some studying done. I am enjoying doing some DT while I'm on break for class. now what else was I supposed to do? Oh yeah! Eat lunch! Yum yum. Sandwich, raisins, orange, and 2 mini PB cups. :o Those are my favorite candy.

Have another good day, and enjoy your nice weather while it lasts! Oh, I was talking to my mom in Big Piney (The icebox of the nation) and she was surprised that it was so nice in Casper! I guess it's pretty cold there...

Have a great one!
Rikki :D :water:

January 27, 2005

Hi, Carol & Rikki, glad you stopped in for a little visit. Having visitors is great fun.

Carol - If you and David stop in for a visit I will give you each a piece of coconut custard pie. That's a promise. You are certainly a busy one, redoing the lawn furniture. Good for you. Enjoy it with that wonderful feeling of "I did it!!"

Rikki, you too will get a piece of my coconut pie if you stop in for a visit. I agree that Big Piney is the ice box of the nation. We have friends there, and hear about their weather. Brrrrrrr, etc. Yes, we have had mellow weather here, but now it is beginning to change. I guess we always complain about the weather. Actually I like it when it snows because of the needed moisture, but I like being able to drive safely and not slide around.

Today I filled out the form necessary to be a juror in District Court, and delivered the form to the Court House. This took me downtown, where I seldom go. Downtowns suffer when the malls attract everyone, and that has certainly happened here in this town. But our Court House is quite lovely, and I will know where to go if/when I am called for jury duty.

Activity: some walking, some vacuuming, some cooking. Our supper was spare ribs and sauerkraut. Bob is of German descent, and he loves this type of food, and actually it was quite good. I'll be off to Curves early tomorrow, but don't have much of anything else planned.

Everyone, have a great evening. Smile at someone tomorrow: the checkout person, the paper delivery person, the postal worker, someone you don't know all that well. Give them a nice smile. Smiles are contagious, you know. Smiling is fun, exercises lots of facial muscles, etc. Try it!!!

Hello Jojo!
:water:
Wishing you a great day today! :ghug:

Hi Jo!
I smiled at everyone at the gym today! :D

Well, we've got some snow. I knew the nice spring weather was too good to last.

How has your morning been? I got up and dropped hubby off at work so I could use his car. (Our Mustang does not like snowy weather!) I went to the gym, and now I'm enjoying some quality DT time.

Have a nice weekend.

Rikki :D :water:

Hi, JoJo! I would also be in your :cat: lover's forum. Besides my Old Dog, I have a nice Silly Cat that I inherited from my brother when he died. She was all mad at me today because I wouldn't let her sleep near me as I have a sinus infection and didn't want to give her any germs. Cats get quite miffed sometimes when they can't have their way.

I think it's neat that you and your hub are both willing to do jury duty even though you could get out of it. Hope you get an interesting case to watch.

Later, gator!

January 26, 2005

Aria2000, Rikki, Athletea, how nice to have you drop in. And you were smiling, I can tell.

Aria, I hope you had a great day, too.

Rikki, and the people at the gym smiled back at you, didn't they. A smile usually gets an answer.

Athletea, your Silly Cat is lucky to be living with you. I knew you had an Old Dog, but I had forgotten the Silly Cat. Hope the cat doesn't get your sinus infection. We have had cats with diabetes, acne, leukemia, the list goes on. The diabetic one required insulin shots. Oh, dear, I could write a book about cats.

I was up early today, off to Curves for exercise, did some banking, and back home. If I can continue in a routine of exercising just as regularly as I brush my teeth, that will be good for me. Unfortunately I tend to be a lazy couch potato, so the exercising at Curves is still a bit of an effort. I would much rather read a good book. I keep reminding myself that the exercise is GOOD for me.

It has been a warm day here again, but cloudy and the weather is beginning to change. We are supposed to have some snow this weekend. Hooray!!! We need the moisture.

Have a great weekend, everyone, and keep smiling -

Jo, getting my but to Curves is still work/effort for me to - what I have tried to do is make it a part of my to do things list - like return a movie and while I am there go to Curves - pick up fresh vegetables and while I am out go to Curves - weird but it works for me lol ;)

Beth :peace:

Hi Jo: Just popping in to say hello..and to see how you are doing...Same as always...smiling I see....

I think it is great you and Bob do jury duty.. It sure can keep your mind active......

I hope you had a quiet weekend... The weather was beautiful here today...almost above 0 celcius....in other words just at freezing..
Thanks for the water...Keep smiling..I love it in here...The talk of cats and dogs etc..It is a fun place to come to visit.
:ghug:
Louise

Hi Jo!

Hope you got some snow. Make sure it all comes before May!! :) I love your thoughts...like smile at someone tomorrow....that is the best. I try to be as pleasant and smiley as possible!!!

I just thought I'd drop in and say hello and tell you you're doing fabulous! Talk to you soon.

Melinda :D

January 30, 2005

Hello, Beth, Louise, and Melinda. Thanks for visiing my journal. Hope you all got a nice drink of water while you were here.

Beth - Making getting to Curves a habit is the right way to go I think. That's about how I do it. It is just a part of my schedule three days a week. Sometimes I go oftener, but mostly it is just the three days.

Louise - Yes, I am looking forward to jury duty. Our son is a social worker for the State of Wyoming, and he often appears in District Court. Bet I won't be selected for any jury in any case where he will be appearing. Oh, I am looking forward to it. The term begins March 1, so we will have to wait a while to see how it will go.

Melinda - We really, really want some snow, but I will try to have all the Colorado snow move up to Wyoming for the month of May. Will that do? You have undoubtedly heard the old saying, "Happy the bride the sun shines on." We will have no snow on your wedding day. Actually it is snowing right now. Wonderful!!! We so need the moisture.

Today was a bit stressful. Went to church this morning. I had missed last Sunday due to the lumpectomy and I had stitches still. Today I was there, and had to answer all the questions from friends about what was wrong, etc. etc. And everyone is quite concerned, of course. This type of conversation is a bit difficult for me to deal with. People mean to be helpful and encouraging and they are all my friends. But it was stressful, even though I explained that I am feeling good, and I trust my doctors to advise me, and I will follow the directions given. Actually none of us knows what tomorrow will bring, do we? We just have to do the best we can. And that is what I will do. We will take it a day at a time.

Eating has been a bit erratic, due to stress. I did exercise three times this past week at Curves, and I took a nice, long walk twice. Water intake is good. And I am doing my best to stay cheerful and not snarl at anyone including my dear husband. So far, so good.

February is rapidly approaching. Have we achieved what we wanted to achieve in January? If it is time to restart, let's do it!!

And keep smiling -

Hi Jojo,
Thanks for reminding us to take advantage of every day! :*

Hi Jo. Sorry things were so crazy for you yesterday. I understand how that can be difficult to answer everyone's questions, while not getting irrated at them. I hope that you are feeling better, though.

Walks are always nice. I like taking walks with hubby, and we hold hands and talk about whatever enters our minds.

I've been sick for the past 2 days, so I took a nice relaxing bath last night, and hubby came and sat with me and talked to me since we didn't get to go for a walk. And it's been very cold for walks.

Have a nice day.

Rikki :D

Hi Jo,

Sorry your day was stressful yesterday. I know people mean well. They just don't know whether to express their concern for you or to ignore the situation. It is really a no win thing.

I have done grand jury before It was a 10 week committment. I really learned a lot, some of which I really didn't need to know. lol

I hope your week is good.

Carol

Hi, Jojo! :wave: I'm also sorry that your Sunday was a stressor type situation. Can't imagine you snarlin' at anyone, though! :) Now that people have vented their original questions and concerns, I bet they'll take your lead in going back to their normal way of dealin' with ya and thing's will get back on an even keel. I can see how you felt ... your way seems to be to take things in stride as much as possible and sometimes friends get in the way of that. The jury duty sounds exciting! Have a great week!

January 31, 2005

Aria, Rikki, Carol, Athletea, how nice of you to stop in for a visit. I do appreciate it, now go have a nice drink of water.

I appreciate the comments on my Sunday being rather stressful. It was difficult, but I didn't snarl at anyone, and I know they were all just wanting to help. And it is difficult to always say the right thing. This was brought home to me today when Bob and I viewed a short film on cancer and dealing with it. It was pointed out how people find it difficult to choose the right words to say, and I firmly believe that that is true. Things will calm down.

We visited with the oncologist (cancer doctor) today and have a better picture of what lies ahead. It will be radiation and tamoxifen as expected. I will be tested to see if there is any spread of the cancer, etc. etc. The treatments will start next week. One thing stressed is that I must not lose any weight during the treatments. That is reasonable.

On a physical basis, I am feeling fine. Also on an emotional basis, I am feeling fine. And I thank you all for your support.

Today went well. Eating was OK and I have drunk enough water. I exercised at Curves and did my tutoring over at the neighborhood school. And I keep learning lots of things that are interesting. Do you like to learn new things? It is always fun to learn something new. Try it. If you are in school or taking classes you are learning new things every day, but it is also a good thing for the rest of us to exercise our brains. Keeps our brains young and healthy.

And we should smile a lot. It exercises the muscles of our faces, and any exercise is good for us. Really it is.

Hi JoJo
I've been readng your journal and want to what an inspiration you are. Not just for staying so active, but you have a wonderful outlook on life. I'm sorry to hear about your cancer. I'm glad you are feeling fine and I hope you continue to be in good spirits.

Bea
- who tries very hard to learn something new every day.

Hi, JoJo!!! Happy Monday! :wave:

I like your comment about lifelong learning, something I really believe in ... (I got a second bachelor's degree in my 40s).

Was it in The Once and Future King where the future king Arthur asks his teacher (Merlin), "What's the best thing for being sad?"

And Merlin says, "Learn something. :)

Thanks for the reminder, JoJo!

February 1, 2005

Hi, Bea & Athletea. Thanks for stopping in for a little visit. I always enjoy having people drop in for a chat and a drink of water.

Bea, thanks for the kind words. Yes, I continue to feel fine and dandy. And I hope I continue to feel that way.

Athletea, it's wonderful that you got your second bachelor's degree in your 40's. So did our son, we were so proud of him. We went to the graduation ceremonies, and enjoyed ourselves thoroughly. Now he is working, off and on, on his master's degree. I would love to see him get that, but it is not in the really near future. It will take time.

Today it snowed. Lovely wet, juicy, sloppy snow. Several inches. It was a pretty sight to see. Especially is the snow cherished in this dry state because we need the moisture to fill up the reservoirs up in the mountains. Hope we get lots more of the wonderful stuff.

With the snow I felt it best to stay home today. So I baked a pie for Bob (custard this time), did a bunch of laundry, cleaned a bit, read a lot, did my Bible study lesson for tomorrow, and enjoyed the day.

The local college called Bob today to ask if he would teach a class at the upcoming Campus Day which will be the last Saturday of February. He has taught a class each year for several years now and enjoys it. The subject is Model Railroading, and my Bob is quite an expert on the subject. Model Railroading is a good hobby for anyone. As I keep saying "It keeps him busy and off the streets" and that is what a good hobby should do. Actually we have a basement full of a Model Railroad, and anyone who is interested is welcome to stop in for a visit. Come on, now,, everyone likes trains, don't they?

Eating has been OK, the drinking of water has been OK, my exercise was limited to several trips up and down stairs doing the laundry. Tomorrow I will get to Curves - I usually do my Curves thing Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

I hope everyone has a good rest tonight. A full night's sleep is valuable in helping us maintain our health. Are you sure that you are getting enough sleep? Lack of sleep can cause problems.

Keep smiling -

Jojo, can I send you my 11 year old to play with the train models, lol? :)

[b]JoJo, I think that Bob is a lucky guy to have all that piebaking directed at him! And you are lucky to have such an interesting dh. I think model railroading is fascinating, actually. Mayhap someday I'll get me a little set.

I'm smilin'! :wave:

I am glad you are feeling good.

We camped on a lake north of Sinclair when we were doing our drive around Wyoming. It was a beautiful brilliant blue. It was very arid around it but the lake was magnificent. I was very interested in your state. Loved all the historical sites, etc. I was surprised that the state is your number one employer. Anyway, I really did pay attention to your history and your present.

I am still cleaning up from our Christmas snow. I didn't realize how many tropical plants I had until I have had to start cutting things back that got some freeze damage. I have all the small things done but have to trim the Lantana across the front of my house and a couple of huge bouganvillias (sp). I think I have talked my grandson into doing some of that because one of them is the size of the side of garage. Money always makes a job seem more attractive. I am paying. lol

Glad you are doing well.

Carol

Hi Jo,
Thanks for stopping by my journal. I'm feeling better, but I'm also doped up on lots of medication! I've been studying for my accounting exam that is tomorrow. Hate accounting, but I like school. That's cool that your DH was called to teach a class. Was it at Casper Community College? My grandma and papa have a model train that they put around the Christmas tree each year.

Hope you enjoy the snow. You can keep it! I don't want it here, although we do need the moisture too. I think we're supposed to get a little snow on Sunday or Monday, but I'm not sure. It's bright and sunny (and warmish) today, so I washed all the mud off the car today. Didn't get much done because I get tired easily since I'm sick.

I'm (trying to keep) smilin, though!

Rikki :D

February 2, 2005

Aria, Athletea, Carol, and Rikki - How nice that you stopped in for a little visit. I am always so glad to see your bright and shining faces. Come again, often.

Aria - send your 11 year old on over. We always like for people to stop in to see the trains. Actually my husband is what is called a 'Master Model Railroader' so he is listed in various books and publications regarding model railroading, so we have visitors from everywhere. Usually they come in the summer and since Wyoming is a good vacation destination they come to see Yellowstone, the Tetons, etc. and while in the area they stop in to see the Rock Creek Lines (Bob's layout). All are welcome, please phone first.

Athletea - I'm glad you are smiling, and if you do get a little train set I am sure you will enjoy it. It is a great hobby. I myself do not participate in the hobby, I have my own hobbies, but I am glad that Bob does. Actually he had started his train collections before he met me, and we have been married for lots of years.

Carol - I am glad you enjoyed our state. Yes, it is beautiful. It is also sparsely settled, we have a very low population, so we actually live near all the various beauty.
For example, our church has mule deer and antelope wander through the church yard occasionally, and being in most any area we can see rural landscape. This is even in our big cities. We are never very far away from the great outdoors.

Rikki - hope you are feeling better. With Hawaii and all its glory just sitting there in the Pacific waiting for you, you gotta be in tip-top shape for the trip. Regarding Campus Days, this is at Casper College where annually they devote a Saturday each year to classes for the community on such subjects as gardening, cooking, handicrafts, computers, model railroading, etc. The classes run for about an hour each, and are based on the desires of the members of the community. Bob always enjoys getting called on to teach a class, and occasionally I attend a class if something catches my interest.

Today was a great day. The sun came out and melted the snow nicely. I started my day early with a trip to Curves, then a Bible class, then grocery shopping, then home. Wednesday is Bob's day at Lions Club for lunch, so our Wednesday supper is almost always crockpot soup. Today's soup was a veggie mix including spinach, cabbage, onions, and spices. It turned out great, and it also cleaned out the leftovers in the fridge. Made an ample amount, and the remainder will go in the freezer for future use.

Valentine's Day is coming. I plan to celebrate by wearing a red shirt. And I will strive to stay away from all the candy. Yes, we can show our love for one another without giving them a box of chocolates. Give them a smile instead. Or a hug. Or a kind word.

Have a great evening -

February 3, 2005

This has been a rather quiet day. I have begun a special Valentine Basket made with plastic canvas and yarn for each of the two granddaughters. The little baskets will be filled with Valentine candy, and I know the kiddos will like them.

Other than that I have done very little today, althugh it was a beautiful day in Wonderful Wyoming.

Eating was OK (we had fish for supper), I have drunk enough water, I did some walking today, and I am happy.

Keep smiling -

Ah Valentine's Day. Can you believe it's that time already? I'm still recovering from Christmas! But without February, no Hawaii, so I'm happy to see Feb. get here. Time sure flies, though, doesn't it?

That's sweet that you're making nice valentine gifts for your granddaughters. I never liked V-day until Matt (last year) showed me how fun it can be! I personally think that every day should be a day of love, but hey, I'm not complaining about the roses that I got last year! He gave me pink roses one day, red and white ones another day, a sweet card, took me to dinner, and a movie. It was a very romantic day. Ah, husbands! Gotta love 'em! :)

Great job on the exercise and water today. I am feeling better, so I should be able to make it to the gym tomorrow. Probably not a full-fledged running workout, but something worthwhile. I sure hate being sick, but I wish that I could keep my "sick appetite." I'm not very hungry when I'm sick, only healthy food sounds good, and I keep my calories to a reasonable level without even trying. When I'm healthy, I'm hungry all the time, and I crave sweets! What's up with that?

Have a nice evening.

:D Rikki :D

Hi, JoJo!!! :wave: Your Thursday soundeth pleasant and the Valentine basketmaking must have been fun. Do your granddaughters like to knit or crochet? What a good idea to put yarn in amongst the goodies! I wouldn't have thought of that. :up:

February 4, 2005

Hi, Rikki & Athletea. Thanks for stopping in. I always enjoy having visitors.

Rikki - Yes, Valentine's Day is coming soon, and so is your happy trip to Hawaii. I am so glad you are feeling better, it would really be a bummer to be sick on a vacation. Go, girl! Enjoy your trip.

Athletea - Yes, I like to make handicraft thingies for my granddaughters. I used to knit sweaters for them, but they are at the age now when they are mighty picky about what they wear, so I don't make or buy clothes at all. Life