Drop a few words, drop a few tips, drop a few bad habits, drop a few pounds - need to do it all. Starting a new journal. Logging into fitday and also writing down exchanges. I am hoping for healthier choices by doing the exchanges. My goals:

1. Healthier choices - get control
2. exercise 4x/week minimum
3. Get below 200 lbs.
4. Do more for myself - treat myself (not with food!)


After lunch should have 814 calories and 114 carbs.

I found an exchange list via internet and did realize one mistake I was making (among many). I was not eating ENOUGH. That sounds strange, but by being hungry so much, I would tend to munch or grab something unhealthy later. So I am eating more and breakfast and lunch to try to curb that. The last couple of days I have felt more satisfied. :o

Well, I am writing down all my food intake and did use a calorie calculator to see if I was in the 1200 range. This morning i am down a pound and hopefully will go for my swim after church today.

Good job Susan! Just coming to the state mentally where you are right now is so wonderful! Try to fill up on veggies... be creative... find new veggie dishes that are fat free, low cal.. filling and good! That always helps keep the munchies away because you are full all the time!:laugh:
Looking forward to reading more.. lots more... postive posts from you. I love to watch others chart their progress. It motivates me! LOL

Hi Susan! Hooray for feeling less hungry and more satisfied! :) It seems so counterintuitive to eat more breakfast and lunch when trying to lose weight, doesn't it? But it works. Nice new journal you've started, hope to read more. Have a great weekend (what's left of it). :wave:

That is wonderful Sbraun.
I'm proud of you that you're exercising 4 times a week and eating healthier is also a good accomplishment.
Keep up the Good Work:)

Well, the school year has ended. Too much eating out this week - glad that is over with. Just ready to be at home, work in the garden and get on course with my eating and exercise. Eating more at breakfast and lunch has certainly helped. Seemed I was always hungry before. But I have gained a lot of weight this year. I had lost and basically yoyo'd 5 lbs. Now I am up even more. Lately Blood Sugar levels have been good. Legs have started bothering me again. I really feel it is the added weight. Guess I will know once I get the added pounds off.

eball - thanks for dropping in. I do eat a lot of veggies. They are sometimes a digestive obstacle for me, though. So I have to watch it.

Anne - I just got back from your journal. Thanks for dropping in.

Taina - I am trying to get that much in. This week was OK and I did get out and walk.

Angie - I see you are with WW. That is a GREAT program. I really liked the exchange program from years ago. I still refer back to that. I ate much healthier when I followed it.

Have walked 2 mi. each night the past 4 nights. Legs are getting stronger. STill have not got the eating under control. But I keep trying. Dealing with some stress right now, sick father. Not an excuse, but just trying to understand some things that may trigger some of the eating. Just get mad to work so hard at exercise and then eat it all away!!! GRRR!X-(

Your 2 mile walks are wonderful, Susan. Good job. Stress can cause us to do lots of things that we know aren't "right". Keep working on it and don't be too hard on yourself. You are just starting!! Some days... I just try to manage one hour at a time!

Just trying to get through a FULL day of staying on track. That is my goal for today. Tracking with Fitday and exchange list - just want to stay on track. Still walking and doing some yard work.

Hey Susan, just dropping in to give a thumbs up on the walking! Isn't it nice to feel those legs getting stronger? I love it when I feel results... makes up for all the effort. I hope you'll meet your goal today. Maybe this change in routine (school ending) will just take a bit of time for you (and your appetite) to adjust to? Anyway, hang in there. :)

I missed this new journal for a whole week! Good to see you on regularly again. I've been having a problem staying on track lately, and have noticed lots of other people having similar trouble lately too. It goes in cycles.

Don't torture yourself. Try to set-up your plan to not make you feel like you are being punished too? I get this "I've been bad and need punishing" vibe here for some reason. If I'm wrong, then all-the-better. Don't go there.

I hope that you have a fun and happy weekend. Happy gardening!

Walked on the treadmill due to the wind. Did 40 min. and then 20 on my bike. I also stayed in range with my calories: 1154!!! YES! Also carbs are good. According to fitday, I was up on my fat intake compared to carbs and protein. That is what happens when I eat beef.

I am just happy that I caught myself when I needed to today. Of course stepping on the scale last night was a real wake up call, too. I nearly cried! But it is my own fault. I have gotten very sloppy and careless. I feel full and satisfied today - infact wondering if I missed some food to click in! HMMMM

Well, Anne - thanks for stopping in. I always enjoy reading your journal.

CFJ - Yes, If felt good to take a break from the computer for a while. I get tired of waiting and waiting (still have dial up) and I just get frustrated with the time I waste. But fitday and such programs sure to help me stay focused. Garden is good - HUGE - but good. Getting lots of rain and things are really growing.

Susan, just found you. Congrats on the new journal, it is always a nice thing to do.

That garden sounds like it will help burn off lots of calories this summer. Just don't forget the sunscreen and your sun hat!!!

Be good, you deserve it!!!

Susan,
You must feel great about monitoring yourself on Fitday and also about staying within your calorie limit. Great job. Send some of your wind my direction, okay? Good luck in the garden.

Went shopping and bought some more rose bushes and perrenials to replace some I lost. I am going to have to start carrying a granola bar with me or something. This is the second time in the last week I have been out and had to get something to eat due to my sugar levels. seems since I started this other med, I have had this happen a couple of times. I usually eat fruit later in the morning so it is not a problem. But with eating early - well it is not a welcoming feeling. Just something I have to deal with.

Ate with the boys at McDonalds. Not a good choice, but I had to eat - so will have to compensate at dinner.

Well totaled calories and am already at 1322 calories and 10 carb. servings and have not had supper. May be a cereal night. I also have not had fruit.

Windy again and rainy, so I will use the treadmill later and also plan to bike.

Nancy - Thanks for dropping by. Your journal sounds very busy.

eball - good to hear from you again. I am blowing good vibes you way.

Did get the plants in the ground. Oldest son did most of the digging. Now I can watch things grow.

Sunday was not a good eating day. But I did get my 2 mi. walk in. Back is bothering me, so I am staying off the treadmill for a while. Not sure what the difference is between walking on that vs. outside.

Tracking calories today and trying to stay in range. Youngest has a game tonight. Husband will have to go in early to get the field ready. I may walk in town then. Tomorrow have an evening meeting, so have to plan to walk earlier. Enjoying some nice weather - not so hot. Makes working outside bearable!

Got my walk in yesterday. Was happy to have a breeze. Youngest has classes today, so I may walk around town during that. Have cramps, so not sure right now. Off to a good start with eating. Finding I really have to start my day out better to keep on track.

Hi Susan! Sounds like you are doing really well... I loved reading about your persistence in walking and how you can feel your legs getting stronger. I'm looking forward to that feeling, too. I got some trekking poles to help me with road walking (I have a bad back and knees) and I've used them once already. I think they are going to be good!

When I know I'm going to be shopping and out in the car most of the day, I take a little cooler with lots of water (I know where all the bathrooms are in all the stores...LOL) and I also take either the Optima Slimfast or the low carb Slimfast, so I can just drink it while I'm doing my thing. I've also taken things like meal replacement bars or beef jerky is great, too. You can be creative and then not be hungry enough to drive through the fast food joints. A friend suggested to me that if you're eating at McDonalds, to get a happy meal and that won't hurt your cals. too much either. I thought that sounded like a really good idea, too.

I think you're off to a good start! Just keep working at it a day at a time and you'll get there for sure! Take care and have a great week!

Sorry to hear about your back. Do you have your treadmill set to go faster than you normally start out walking outside? Many of us often set it to the speed that we want to go, and just turn it on, but outside people always start out slower and warm up for a minute or so before they hit their steady speed. It could also be the sliding motion...how your foot sort of sticks to the treadmill platform as it slides back. Anything that forces your hips to jerk or move funny could make your back hurt. Maybe you could try setting the treadmill at slower speeds but on a steeper hill and seeing what that would do?

I'm a big proponent of breakfast. I try to eat most of my calories before 6 PM, because I tend to have binge problems when I'm hungry after dinner. To get in all but 400-600 calories before dinner means that I always eat a decent breakfast. I can't eat just anything, though. My stomach is picky in the morning. Things that are too oily/greasy or with lots of refined sugars upset my stomach before lunch, and too many carbs make me "crash" around 10:00 AM. So, I tend to stick with fruit and dairy for breakfast. Berries are in season...mmmmmm.

I hope that you have a great week. Keep walking.

Good Morning Susan,

Just came across your new Journal and I am looking forward to reading about your SUCCESSES .. take care and have and make it a great day. I am as always, Monica

Hi Susan! Hope your back is feeling better today. Not sure about backs, but I know that people with ankle and/or knee problems (like me) can do more damage on treadmills than on trails. Something about the extra bit of "play" on a treadmill (for cushioning to reduce impact) which can reduce stability and motion control. Perhaps your feet and legs are experiencing slightly extra motion on the treadmill that is affecting your back? Dunno. But anyway, hope it all clears up. You're doing so well!

I once read a list of things that a trainer takes with her during the day (in her purse) to ensure she doesn't get hungry and keeps her metabolism up with frequent small snacks. I'll see if I can find it for you. Off the top of my head, she didn't like granola bars because most are too sugary. She did like those low-fat cheese string things that can be out of the fridge for a few hours without going rancid. Or an apple....

Anne - This sugar thing is new for me since I started a new med. It releases insulin and I must have too much insulin by eating so early and need to get some sugar in my system. A granola bar was suggested by a nurse. Some people carry candy. I need the sugar in a hurry as I start to get shaky. It is not a pleasant feeling.

CFJ - I definitely do better walking outside. My back never bothered me if I only used the treadmill for 30 min. When I go 40 or more, there it goes. I guess I will have to only go 30 min. when I am forced to use it and just be happy with what I get in that time.

Monica - good to hear from you. I am still plugging away.

DJ- I am happy with the walking I have done. Just wish I could get this darn eating in tune!

Today I am up to 1070 calories. That leaves about 400 for dinner. Not much, but I know I can do it. I have my walking done. I walked this morning while youngest was in classes. I good a granola bar as I knew it would be getting late in the morning. I was glad I had it. I had eaten a bowl of cereal for breakfast and knew by 11:00 - 11:30 I would start to feel it. So when I began to feel it the slightest, I ate the bar so it would not get worse or I would not get shaky. If I do this walk again at that time, I will take along an apple. At least I was prepared.

I am tired - slept part of the night on the couch, headache and husband snoring. So I am tired today. They boys are at the pool. worked a little bit in the garden. I am going to make homemade Runzas and freeze some. Waiting for my dough to rise.

Oh! Sorry about the granola bar thing. I didn't remember you're having an actual blood sugar issue. :o Glad you got your walking done! What are Runzas??

Hope you're having a fab day!

Anne - I think Runzas are a Nebraska thing. There is chain restaurant called Runza. A runza is a bun with hamburger and cabbage baked inside it. Some have cheese, etc. I made a huge one rather than individual ones. Have never done it before. Guess I will find out at dinner how it turned out.

Will have to walk early due to a game tonight. Have VERY strong winds today, so guess it is the treadmill. That will limit my time due to my stupid back. GRRRR!

Went to town today to get some things for 4H projects. Hoping to do a little each day to get the darn things done.

Calories continue to plague me!

It is pretty windy here at the edge of the eastern Colorado foothills as well. I hear that many areas out your way and into Kansas have tornado watches in effect for the rest of the day. This is supposed to be one big, nasty, storm. Listen for the sirens, and be careful.

I'm sending you "I'm full" thoughts for this afternoon and tonight. Eat well, but don't starve yourself such that you have even larger binge cravings tomorrow. Take care.

Could not believe the strong winds we had all day and that are still here tonight. Husband had to nail down shingles that were flipping up. I videoed some of it. Tore some fabric on the trampoline, too. Of course the game was still on. Sure blew the dust/dirt around on the field. I sat in the car, but did venture out some to snap some pictures.

Walked on the treadmill slower and only 30 min. Then I did 30 min on the bike. My back did not bother me. Fagan, those "full" vibes have not arrived yet. I am still wating for them. I don't know what my problem is. I am usually better than this.

Well, tomorrow is another game, so have to walk early again. Am watching some old movies I have not seen in a long time and it keeps me going.

Have been keeping up with the walking and trying to up my water intake. Those are two areas in which I have been more successful. Food is still my frustration. But blood sugar was good this morning. The exercise is helping.

Off for a day of errands and appts. Packing water and an apple to curb appetite/BS levels and such.

calories after the morning - 298 carbs 55g =3.6 servings.

Did the bike last night. Did not walk due to a sore foot (tendon??) Hated to miss the walk, but hoping a night off would help. Still bothering me this morning. So might as well walk.

Susan, ouch, hope the foot is feeling better soon. It is hard when we get those injuries and would rather be walking. But, healing is very important so take good care.

Wonderful work at taking the water and snack with you for the day, good girl.

Nancy - Yes, for once I thought ahead!! I was glad I had it. I was ready for sugar after my appt.!

Foot still bothering me. Did a short walk last night. Seemed to bother less as I walked more on it. I think something is just tightening up. Worked in the garde for a bit this morning. Boys are in BB camp for the morning. SIGH :) So I am straightening up a bit. So humid here and looks like rain. Well, we need it.

1610 calories yesterday. Probably more as I waited until today to finish logging it in. I probably missed something.

119 calories for breakfast.

Hey Susan, great job on remembering to take that apple with you!!

Sorry about your foot. Have you tried doing any foot stretches to see if that helps? Hope you get that rain, if your garden needs it. Otherwise... hope you don't get that rain. :laugh:

A rainy day, but we need it. So glad I don't have to spend the day watering. Spent 30 min. on the teadmill last night and 30 min. on the bike. Just glad I am keeping up with the exercise. Guess I will be doing it inside today again due to the weather. I have been watching OLD movies while working out.

Today the boys and I will work on a little 4H. One needs to finish his decorated shirt and another needs to work on a drawing.

Nothing going on tonight - nice.

calories so far - 574. A bit higher than I would like for this time of day. X-(

Guess I will doing some organizing today, too.

Was off to a good start. But calories at the end of the day were 380 more than I wanted them to be.

Powerwashed the front porch and then trimmed all the bushes. Did some laundry in a.m. and later mowed the lawn. So a full day of work. Tomorrow is full of appts. and errands. Will have to remember to take water and an apple. I have a granola bar packed in case I forget the apple. Found one kind of bar that is lower in calories than some other I have seen.

Well, time for a much needed bath.

Had a full breakfast for 413 calories. Had sausage which I have not allowed myself for ages. But made sure I had no biscuit and used egg substitute and veggies. So fat is high so far as well. Need to watch what I do for lunch. The boys and I are going to town. Thought of taking them to a Chinese buffet. But instead, may hit an A & W. They think the frosted glasses are way cool. Also a buffet is usually tough watch calories - although at the Chinese ones, I do pretty good.

Nice day today and lots of sunshine. Supposed to be hot, too. We are planning to stop a couple places to take pictures for 4H.

Did well with water and walking. Calories were over by about 421. I posted 1921 and need to keep them lower than 1500. Also carb serving were 2 over. Need to keep them at 12 or below. GRRRR! The restaurant killed me. There was NOTHING there that was not deep fried. Won't be going back there for a LONG time! But the boys loved their frosted mugs - something different for them.

Did my walk this morning as the day is going to be a scorcher. will only count 1.5 miles as the dew made some walking too difficult (and the mosquitoes!). Will try to make up the rest later.

Called home and my father is not doing well. Still no answers as to the cause. Just leaves me wondering what to do. Waiting is so difficult. May take off next week for home and stay with my parents for a while. So today I am going to take some pictures in for 4H to get them developed. The boys can get them mounted and will have some projects completed. That way if my stay at home is extended, they will at least have some things to enter.

Well, need to take a bath. Still have not had breakfast and need to get off to a healthy start!

Off to a good start with breakfast. 217 calories.

Ate out at subway and later passed up ice cream. Done for the day and have used 1416 calories and 13.7 servings carbs. That is almost 2 more than I should have. Pizza at dinner killed the carbs!

Need to walk yet tonight.

Went to see the third Pirates of the Carribean. What an AWEFUL movie. It made NO sense and was almost 3 hrs. long. Only youngest son liked it and informed us we just did not understand pirates. I guess I don't because I could not figure out the plot.

Feeling stronger in my control of food the last two days. Was watching TV program about all the sugar people eat. 4g=1 tsp. We should have no more than 12 tsp. or 48g a day. So I am tracking that, too. Although the cereal I generally eat is adequate with carbs, it has more sugar (10g) than another variety I occasionally have (1g). So I think I will quit using the 10g cereal. I have to make the carbs count.

Walked 1.5 miles this morning. Could not finish the last half mile due to rain. Husband came to rescue me! :) I will get it in later. I have to do a little less, I guess as my foot is bothering me. I have some swelling yet in it. Sure don't know what I did to it. Bothers me the more I am on it like shopping, etc. So I try to elevate it sometimes during the day.

Well, today we are going to try batik for 4H. I bought the stuff, so may as well do it.

Nice cool day so far. Seems nice to have the windows open.

Only youngest son liked it and informed us we just did not understand pirates. I guess I don't because I could not figure out the plot.

LOL that is priceless. What a smartie!!!

Wonderful work on your exercise midst having a sore foot. Do get it up as often as you can, and take some anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen if you can, that will help with the swelling leaving your foot time to heal.

Good for you for bringing those calories back down, it sure is hard sometimes.

Keep workin at it Susan, you are definitely worth it!!!

Nancy - saw you were online this morning. Looked for you in chat, but no one there. Thanks for the note. I am really trying with this darn walking. Seems it is either that spot in my back or now my ankle. I have to really limit the amount I do, or I have problems. I get so frustrated when I read how some people are exercising 3-5 miles and mega minutes. I don't like getting old!!!

Lately I have had better control over food. I still have a ways to go, but it is better. Thanks for the kind note. You are a sweetie.

Up to 1117 calories after lunch (our biggest meal). So hoping for just cereal tonight. Company dropped in at lunch time and said they would come back later since we were eating. Invited them to join us, but they went to some one else's house. Wish they had called ahead. I did have plenty of most of the food. So guess they will be back later. I guess I will go out and hoe for a while.

Susan, I love it that your hubby came and rescued from the walk in the rain!!! How thoughtful that was of him. What a sweetheart he is.
Give that foot time to heal. Try to do lots of stretching exercises at home, lay on the floor and do some stuff... get movement in , but try to stay off foot as much as you can.

Did better with calories yesterday, but still room to improve. Today I am just hungry. I am trying to stay out of the kitchen before I blow it!! The boys and I are working on batiks for 4H. Youngests just went through the final crackle and turned out pretty good - a pirate of course. Oldest is about ready to apply the last wax and then crackle. He did a neat Christian one. They both enjoyed doing it.

Walked 2 miles this morning. Foot is bothering me today so am going to sit and elevate for a while. Am already 100 calories over and have not had supper!!! I did not think I ate THAT much! GRRRRRR!

Susan, hey there, I am a bit over today too. Some days are just harder than others aren't they.

Hope your foot is better soon.

Nancy - I seem to have TOO many days like that!!! Foot - well I am trying to watch how much I walk on it. This morning I biked instead and tried to not do a lot of standing. Seems to help.

Well, today I know my eating was off. But I did not eat a lot this evening. Just need to stay out of the kitchen now! Ball game tonight. Have a raging headache. Just took something and hope it kicks in soon. Water is good today.

Off to a beetter start. Last two days of eating were awful! 217 calories and 34g carb for breakfast. Need to plan a fruit snack mid morning (apple)to keep insulin in check.
Planned out my lunch menu prior to eating and decided to change my veg. selection to save 100 calories. Will not eat the creamed kohlrabi, but rather make myself some plain cooked kohlrabi. So after lunch I should have eaten 699 for the day with 85g of carbs. I walked 1 mile this morning and hope to do more later. I am breaking up my walking to help my foot out. It is seeming to hurt less. Youngest has a game tonight, so I could walk around town during warm up. Although not sure walking on the hard surface will be good. Working on 4H today and oldest is labeling our finished projects.

When you have an ankle problem for that long, it is time to start thinking about leaving it alone for at least a week, or going to the doctor, or both. Let it heal, and stretch it while it heals so that it does not get too tight and get injured easily again? You should not be hurting yourself. It defeats the purpose of working out, which is supposedly to take better care of yourself.

You are counting the snot out of those carbs. Wow. Don't beat yourself up too much. Do what you can, and try to stay away from trigger foods, etc. You are doing it. Take care.

CFJ - that is why I have done shorter walks and the bike instead. If it does not improve, I do plan to see a Dr. about it. Hey - I biked 4 whole miles the other day!

Today did not put in calories. I ate Chinese buffet. No way to track that, but I did try to watch the choices I made. Lots of errands and appts. today - so much waiting around. SOOOOOOOO HOT today. I was glad to get home. Even the stores were not comfortable.

Hi Susan, finally getting caught up with everything and everyone from before leaving. Is the school year over for you yet? In Maryland right now and the kids just got out last week. Seems a bit late, I think. Trying to catch up on reading journals as well.

Hey Runt - so good to see you back. I just zipped over to your journal. Enjoy your summer before leaving the country again.

Worked in the garden this weekend. Did go with husband and boys to another town to their Czek days. Sort of fun. Lots of polka music. Even danced a bit. Foot would not allow me to do a whole lot. Walked through the car show and antique tractor area, ate kolaches (I only had a couple bites), ate lunch there (hamburger) and tried to find lots of shade as it was very hot. Was nice getting away for a bit.

Still no answers to Dad's health problems, so not heading home yet. Have to attend a conference this week and will be gone from Tue. night through Thursday. Bummer! I did NOT want to go to this thing.

Well, picked some produce from the garden and the potatoes in one area are looking good. I may try to make curly fries (son's request) tonight. Most of lunch was from our garden. Always seems neat when that happens.

Wow, curly fries how do you make those? We just buy frozen ones.

Take time at your conference to put your food up and relax, then you can get something good out of it. Hope it turns out to be better than you expected though.

Take care.

Nancy - we use an apple peeler that cuts at the same time. Some friends did it one time we were there, and the boys thought it was WAY cool. This last time we visited them, they had a mini smore maker! They find the funnest ways to make treats!!

totaled calories and had 217 for breakfast and 1026 so far for the day with 125g of carbs (8.3 servings) Now I have to be motivated to STAY within my range. I am heading downstairs to bike.

Hey Susan, am back for the summer, hopefully there won't be such a lapse when I move to England. I am in a 12 month program and should come out with a M.A. in Education. I am really looking forward to it. Trying to be patient while getting everything sorted out is not easy for me.
How wonderful that you are getting produce from your garden. I am staying with friends this summer and we are still waiting for the first tomato of the year. Hope the conference goes quickly for you.

hey Runt! - sounds like you have a good plan. I am also waiting for tomatoes. They are always late in coming. We are only picking the early stuff like kohlrabi, peas, etc.

Well breakfast I made the guys sausage/egg biscuits. I made myself an egg with toast. So I saved a lot of calories there. Plugged in planned lunch and will have used 667 calories if I stay on program.

I did make fries last night and the guys had hot dogs. I had yogurt with cereal and a few fries. Later had a low carb fudge bar. Also walked for 1.5 miles. Contemplating calling a pediotrist about my foot. So tired of dealing with the darn thing. But hate to see a Dr. over something that seems trifle.

Well, my plan is to finish cleaning my bedroom today, help oldest work on his 4H chair project, and possibly run errands.

Hi Susan. I hope that you are having a great summer. I am keeping quite busy.

Take care!

Hey Susan - hope your foot is feeling better soon. I vote for seeing a doctor about it, even though I don't always take my own advice. Do as I say, not as I do... :laugh: Must be great to have meals from your own garden. My in-laws do that and it's always a treat to have tomato sandwiches from tomatoes fresh off the vine, or cucumber salad from the garden. Sorry you have to go to that conference, but I'm sure it will be over with before you know it.

Anne - My foot is GREAT! I did go to the Dr. - felt foolish doing so. But he presribed an inflammatory med. that had me feeling better already last night. No pain. It was amazing!

Tess - I am busy also! We are wrapping up our 4H projects and getting them all tagged now! Helps to have some experience and actually know what we are doing! :)

Well, I am finishing up watering the garden. Did some laundry and mowed the lawn. Walked 1 mile this morning and am heading down to bike for 30 min. Not sure how much exercise I will get in the next two days. Sure feels nice to have the aching foot pain gone. Won't be back until Thursday night.

Hey Susan - glad to hear the foot feels better! Hope the anti-inflammatories do the trick. A one mile walk plus mowing the lawn plus 30 minutes on the bike sounds like a heck of a good exercise day to me. Have a safe trip to and from the conference!

Susan,

Ah, that is great about your foot. Glad to went to the Doctor, you just never know.

Good work on your food and trying to get in the exercise!!! Keep it up.

I'm glad that your foot feels better. Whatever you are doing that makes it feel better, keep doing it. You may have to leave it alone in certain ways for a bit. Pain is bad. Take care.

Anne, CFJ and Nancy: The foot was feeling better until - - - - -

Forgot my meds while on the trip - GRRRR! Not good. But I managed. HIGH carb menu served so tried to walk which in turn upset my ankle - just could not win. Well, home now and glad it is over. Lovely park, but just could not enjoy to fullest with all that going on.

Also found out Dad had to go to Mayo Clinic. Arrived back in town to a flat tire and going on 5:30. I was so upset with co workers as I told them my tire might below as I noticed it low the night I left and quickly aired it up. Could not take care of it then - too late ! But did we hurry home, no we had to stop and get ice cream (when almost home) and another did not feel well. But these 4 just had to stop. So that made us later and one thought it was so funny I had a flat tire. That really made me feel appreciated. A couple hung around and at least helped me make calls, etc. I did make it to a tire place as they were calling (thanks to a coworker calling them) but they did not have a tire to match. SOOOO I have to wait until Monday and have a loaner. Did not know you could get loaner tires!!
Just ended a very frustrating day with more I had to deal with at home. I did walk a mile and am not going to bed.

Happy Summer Susan.

I thought I would drop by to drop some encouragement. I wish you well and hope that you are hanging in there.

I am so happy that we have had some wonderful rain this spring. Everthing is so beautiful and green. I think the western Nebraska drought is lifting. What are your thoughts?

Have a great day!

Ah Susan, that is frustrating about your co-workers not having any respect for you tire problems. I am sure it would have been a different story if it was their car.

You forgot your meds?!?!?!?! LOL, that is what happens when we get feeling better, isn't it. We just forget about it. Well, get back on them and take care.

Wow, you still walked a mile when you got home, holy smokes, I would have collapsed in a chair for the rest of the night. Good work.

Hey Susan - sorry about your ankle. :( And the tire! X-( And the insensitive co-workers. 8-| But I'm glad you made it through the darn conference and can enjoy your weekend. :)

So does the doctor think the inflammation will go away? Are you supposed to rest your foot or ice it or... ?

(Is your dad okay?)

It all sounds very frustrating. Go out and do something fun this weekend. Something fun, that does not hurt your ankle, that is. See a couple of movies, go swimming...something. Way to go with the food and the co-workers. Take care.

Nancy - I probably just walked out of frustration that night. GRRR

Tess - I am relaxing a bit too much this summer. I need to start in on garden produce. Just started a school project. Time is going too fast!

Anne - thanks for dropping in. I am calming down some - just glad to be back and will soon have the tire fixed.

CFJ - I tried with the food. When you are at the mercy of what is on a table, well, I did the best I knew how.

Finally baseball is over. The boys won their league with a first place finished and undefeated. They also won the tournament. Now - football! Seems one sport just runs into another!!

I have decided to go to Minnesota in July to meet my parents at Mayo clinic for my Dad's appt. They really seem to want me to go. So I need to line up some things to help out the boys on this end.

I still need o walk today and am low on water. Helped youngest make more posters for 4H. I will take the laminating in Monday when I get my car fixed. Have lots of errands to run.

Well I need to visit journals. I have been neglectful.

It is nasty to hear about your co-workers concerning your flat tire. Never heard of a loaner tire either.
And your ankle. It is feeling any better now? Congrats to your boys on their baseball season.
Things here are slow, at least they seem that way to me. But you sound as busy as always. I have a hard time believing that you are relaxing too much. Your boys alone sound like they are keeping you busy. Have a good week and good thoughts for your dad.

Hi Susan,
Looks like you are back on track and doing pretty good.
Sorry to hear you hurt your ankel! Hope it is a lot better now.
Boy here school is out and you are still a busy bee.
Keep up that walking that is so great for you. Take care!
.....Hugs, Millie

Runt - Thanks for dropping by. Ankle still acting up. Gave up walking the country roads due to unevenness. Tire if fixed - and yes, I thought a couple co workers were pretty insensitive. I am glad I don't have to go on those often.

Millie - Where have you been? I have "dropped by" several time. So good to hear from you.

Boys are at the pool. I worked on another chapter in Language book. I am feeling good about what I have accomplished there. I am half done!!! :) Watering the garden. Have not been too physical. Did mow this morning - but I have a rider - so not too tough. So darn hot today. Really need rain.

Well, I am enjoying a new treat: graham cracker with strawberry cool whip sandwiched between and frozen. MMMMMM! I have to figure out the calories, yet. Wish I could find the chocolate grahams - but cannot anywhere. Have to finish making FLAG cake for tomorrow. Always a refreshing and cool dessert. Had the works at lunch - brats, potato salad, corn on the cob, beans. Will have to go easy tonight. Told everyone it is clean out the fridge night. Too many small bowls of left over.

Oooooh, FLAG CAKE! Mmmm. Hope your 4th was fab.

Congrats to your boys on winning the baseball tournament! Which do you prefer to be, a baseball chauffeur or a football chauffeur? :laugh: Hope the heat lets up a bit, and that your gardens get some rain.

Which language are you learning?

LOL, ah, leftovers night, we have those once in a while too.

Hope you had a good week and an enjoyable 4rth of July.

Anne - LOL - just learning English. When I said I was doing Language - it is language Arts - Grammar, writing, all that stuff. Still not rain and pretty darn hot. Yesterday was a HOT oven! YUCK!

Nancy - 4th was OK, but very warm. Boys enjoyed the pool. Have been staying in most afternoons due to the heat. How is the painting coming along?

Well, SIL just left today. She dropped in yesterday right before dinner. Luckily I had made a meatloaf earlier. Threw together some potatoes and a leftover casserole. Whipped up a SF cheese cake, too. Man that lady can talk. I can only handle so much. We were up until 1:00 a.m. and husband got up at 5:30 to bale hay. He had a nice nap later. Spent the day helping the boys finish up some projects as the fair starts tomorrow. Had to patch up the stepping stone. Project did not work as I had expected. Live and learn. But youngest thinks it is beautiful, so we are taking it along.

Getting off base with my eating again and foot is bothering me, also. It is like the med quit working. GRRRR! This is so frustrating!!! I guess I could chop it off. That way I would be rid of the ankle and some weight at the same time. Hmmm!

I'm sorry your foot is bothering you so much. Can you go back and get it re-assessed?

Great job on mowing through the Language book. And here I had visions of you learning Russian... I was going to ask you for help. :laugh: So what kind of fair are the boys going to? Hope it has a ferris wheel. There's just nothing cheerier than the sight of a ferris wheel, imo... Anyway, hope you have a great day. Don't do any foot chopping!

Don't chop the foot off. LEAVE IT ALONE for 2-3 WEEKS! It took me years, over 4 decades actually, to finally listen to this advice from others and my doctor. It works. No kidding. Let the foot heal. Do something else for exercise that does not involve the foot directly. Really. No kidding. I'm really serious.

I'm sending "back on track but don't punish or torture yourself" vibes and thoughts your way. Plan ahead whenever possible. Don't starve yourself until you end up with plates full of trigger-foods in front of you when you are famished. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, drink plenty of fluids, get enough sleep, don't eat too many fats, pay your taxes...you know what to do.

Take care.

Susan, really hope your foot feels better soon. Have you talked to your doctor about the medicine?
Don't stress about your eating. Tomorrow is always a new day.
I haven't been to a fair in ages. Is is just a county fair? What kind of projects did you and your boys work on? The only projects I have been working on lately is baby knitting.

OK, guys! I won't chop it off. Today I walked 1 mile in the morning and one in the evening. It seemed to be OK.

Anne - Russian! You really overestimate me!! I just try to get my English to come out OK!! LOL

CFJ - I know! I know! I really have cut back on my walking. Am going to copy down some exercises and use the bands.

Runt - Baby knitting sounds great!! Good to keep your hands occupied!

well, Wed. is the big day at the fair. It is a county fair. Oldest found out one photo he took will go to state. He is pretty happy about that. He has never had that happen in photography. Tomorrow they take their baking, gardening, posters, citizenship projects and house plants. Needless to say, we spent the day in the kitchen and garden. But it went much better than last year. We were much more prepared and also are taking less.

Will have to eat out 2x. Have been thinking about that and trying to plan ahead. I am tempted to pack a picnic lunch for lunch. That would help with one healthier decision.

Husband decided we will go camping Thursday. He and oldest will haul the camper north of here about 20 miles. Youngest and I will go later after son's ball/pool party. We plan to stay 2 nights. I made a list of what to take. Am trying to leave the kitchen sink home! This will be our first time camping and I am a might nervous.

The park is near a bike trail. I know husband wants to do the 10 miles and then back. I am not sure I can make it. But it will be good to get out and try the camper. I was hoping he would wait until I was gone next week. This way I can stay with the camper while he runs home to do chores 2x each day. The joys of farming.

Survived camping. Did quie a bit of biking and did OK. Bought a new bike and it sure made a difference. Tired today as I did not sleep well. Will sleep tonight I am sure! Glad we went Thursday as it is turning hot here.

Did not walk much. My foot is killing me again. The last two days have been awful. So I am no walking at all (for exercise) to give it more of a rest.

News from home regarding my dad is not good. That has been very upsetting. I did a web search to understand the disease he may have. Not much to expect in treatment unfortunately. Guess will just have to wait to see what Mayo Clinic can tell us. I know I cannot talk about it without breaking down. I just hope I don't do that when I see them Tuesday!

Well, I did mow lawn today and clean a bit. Trying to get all the laundry done. Going to church tonight. Tomorrow, maybe I will take oldest to see HP movie. May be too scary for youngest son. would help to also get my mind off things.

Went to see Harry Potter today. Liked it - sort of a filler movie - one to fill in between two movies. Thought it followed pretty well. Liked the characters - new ones! Brought home 4H things. Terrible clouds moved in, but we barely got anything. Was hoping to avoid watering Monday. Talked to sis and Mom regarding the trip this week. Foot is killing me. May attempt a Dr. visit tomorrow if I can get in. Just not sure what to do.

Well, just finished a DVD of the boys and need to add a few more pics tomorrow and then burn it. Thought my folks might enjoy it.

Hi Sharon... I do hope you decide to get to the dr. about your foot. Doesn't seem like it should be hurting this badly this long. Take care of yourself!

My husband wants to see the Harry Potter movie... glad to hear that it's good! Sometimes our expectations of sequels let us down. My daughter ordered the new HP book that comes out sometime this month, I believe.... she got it for him for Father's day and he's looking forward to reading it.

Take care of yourself and have a good week! I hope you get some relief for your pain very soon!!

Susan,

Glad camping went well, it will be some great memories for the kids.

I agree with Dj, get in there, demand care for your foot.

Take good care of yourself.

I agree too Susan, have your foot looked at again and taken care of. That is something you shouldn't be worrying about right now.
I haven't seen the new Harry Potter movie yet, I am actually not that big of a fan of watching the movies. I really enjoy reading the books and I am scared that I would be disappointed with the movies.
Sending good thoughts for you and your family as well.

How's the foot? How are you?

I'm so sorry to hear about the news re: your dad. I'm thinking of you. Please hang in there.

Did get in to Dr. and am wearing a boot. So limited with activity. Have been in Minnesota at Mayo Clinic for almost a week. My dad is very weak and thin. It hit me after we took a drive that this may be the last time I get to spend this kind of time or activity with him. He was hoping to come home Friday, but they needed another bone marrow. Plus he needed more red blood cells. He has his next appt. Monday, and we are all on pins and needles. Must say I broke down the first time the Dr. talked to us. Never good when the Dr. says, "Well, it is not good news." Mom and sis are doing great and so thankful sis (a nurse) is here. She really knows what to ask and mom listens to her. Don't think Mom would value my ideas as much since I am not too knowledgeable in medicine.

Took Dad to emergency room last night for platelets. That was an experience!! He is feeling much better and had been bleeding in his mouth. We have taken some short drives and I got to see the birthplace of Laura Ingalls Wilder (Pepin, WI). Also enjoyed a wonderful drive along the Mississippi. I sometimes think - this may be the last time I can do this with my folks.

So glad I came out here. Hoping we can leave Tuesday. Guess it depends on what the Dr. says.

Thanks everyone for all your prayers!!!

Hi, I know we don't know each other well, but I just wanted to pop in and say that you are right to treasure every minute you have now with your dad. It is important to really be in the moment and not worry too much about the future if you can manage it.

And don't worry about crying in front of them. As someone who is going through a lot of illness issues with my own dad right now, I know that sometimes it seems harder on me than on him -- or should I say differently hard? My dad, for example, is NOT taking the changes easily. However, I know -- and have been told -- that illness affects different people different ways. But, in my mind at least, there can be a lot of satisfaction and comfort for them in having family around, showing them how much they will be missed and how much they are loved. I think your pop is very lucky to have all of you there with him.

:console:

Thinking of you and your family Susan. Glad you are all together there.

Still at Mayo. Dad is getting chemo treatments here. The Dr. gave him the choice. We knew he wanted to go home, but also knew that if he did, he would lose more time. He is very glad he stayed to start a 5 day treatment here. So sis and I did laundry today. My brothers are coming tomorrow. So all will be here. Dad is not sick yet from the treatments. Thought he might have some side effects today. But so far, he feels OK.

We are hoping he can travel Sunday. Not sure if the treatment will work. The goal is to get the body to produce blood cells and platelets again. Nothing in his marrow. This is quite an awesome place and Dad is very impressed with the quality of care he is getting. He is so happy he decided to stay and of course, we are, too.

Chum - I am such a crybaby and it just bugs me! But thanks for the advice.

Nancy - thank you for the thoughts. Not visiting journals since I am using available computers at Mayo and the motel. Just hoping I am not gaining too much. gRRRRRR! Hope you week is going well.

Susan - I'm sorry to hear that your dad has been sick. Hopefully the treatments will be what he needs. That's wonderful that the place he is at is doing such a great job.

take care! Katherine

dad continues to do well and still feeling OK. I really thought he would get terribly sick. all my brothers are here - arrived last night. so nice to see everyone and have the family together. I think it has meant a lot to Dad, too.

Susan,
Thank you for the update on your dad. I'm happy to hear that he's doing well.

hugs,
Katherine

It is so good that your Dad is handling it well! I know that is a relief for you.

Again, I'm so thrilled your Dad is doing well with it. I think it is all these modern anti-nausea, etc. drugs they give them at the same time as the poisonous chemicals. Your Dad sounds like a brave guy. You all are lucky to have each other.

Katherine - thanks for dropping in. Dad is doing better today.

Chum - yes, the steroids gave Dad a burst of energy and we noticed some giddiness and chatter. He did not feel the best yesterday and seems to be doing better today. He is resting more - at least would if everyone would leave him alone. It really is hard for him to get rest.

Dad is doing better today. Yesterday he had little energy and we were a bit worried. He tries to rest when he can. seems someone is always in his room checking something or visiting with him about the situation. We are trying to only visit for short periods to allow him to just rest. the plan is for release tomorrow (Saturday) and try to travel part way home to break up the trip. I am going to leave in the morning.

Sat up last night until after 12:30 with Mom, brothers, and sister - LAUGHING, reminising, etc. I have one brother who is just hilarious!!we all needed that, though I am tired today. Need to take a nap. Found out from sister and mom that I snore. Mom had to poke me last night. Couldn't have done it for long as it seems I wake up every hour.

The boys are anxious for me to get home. I certainly need to get back on track with eating and some exercise. Long drive tomorrow. Am hoping it all works out.

Susan - I'm so happy to hear that your dad is doing better. I love talking over old times with my family. My sister took a video of our trip to the East Coast, from 2001, and we always have a wonderful time looking at it. Good luck with your drive tomorrow and getting back on track. I know you can do it.

much love to ya,
Katherine

I hope you have a safe ride home. I'm glad you could be there for your Dad. He will probably rest easier at home. Take care of yourself!

I arrived home Saturday. Was hoping everyone else would be doing the same. Received a call about half way home that Dad had taken a sudden turn and was having chills and running a temp. Learned later that everyone was VERY concerned as he was extremely sick. Things are looking better today and everyone is hoping for a Monday release.

I am trying to get back at making healthy food choices. Must admit I am not being too successful. Have not stepped on the scale since arriving home. I am sure it is not good.

Katherine - thank you for the good wishes. It was a fine drive home, but I was pretty nervous after receiving the news of my dad's change of health.

Chum - seems this just never ends. I just want Dad to get home where he wants to be. Thanks for the note.

Well, I'm very glad you made it home safely. And I'm glad that, although your Dad had a scare, that he was doing better when you last wrote...did he get out on Monday? I've been thinking about you. My Dad has been declining quite rapidly too, the past few weeks. He saw a neurologist last week, and if we can convince the man to take a head CT, then perhaps we can get some answers. It is nerve-wracking, isn't it?

As for the eating, just know that if you eat a little better, it will give you strength to get through whatever comes your way. You will sleep better (which is hard to do when you are worried), your blood sugar will stay level so you can be alert on a moment's notice, everything is much easier for you. I think it is hard to not reach for junk when you are upset, but it almost always makes you feel worse.

Just some thoughts. Hope everything is going ok.

Sorry you have had to be away from your boys and hubby for so long. Hope you dad finds new strength from being in his own place and getting more rest. When my uncle was sick my cousin sent out an e-mail to all friends and family to NOT come visit for a while as all he needed to do was get lots of rest. I think people understood and then didn't feel obligated to visit either. Might be something to think about.

Take care of yourself too Susan. We love ya.

Made a fast trip home to MI so Dad could see the boys. I am zipped right now from driving and looking forward to sleeping in my own bed tonight. It was a short fast trip, but worth it to see how glad Dad was to see the boys. Spent limited time with my parents so as to not wear them out. Very emotional in many ways. Eating has gone out the window.

Chum - excellent advice. I need to really take care of myself!

Nancy - Most of my parent's friends are giving them time - just calling to see how things went. This has been so stressful on my Mom who is now battling some new problems of her own. Good grief!!

Well, I have one day left and then begin work. I thought I had until Thursday - but a co worker called to have my husband tell me that we begin Wed., not Thursday. So that cut my trip shorter, too.

Foot is doing better. The boot has certainly helped. Wish I could walk longer, but just am glad I am walking at all.

Well, I am off to snooze land.

Susan,
That's really nice that you took the boys to MI, so they could see their grandpa. Sorry to hear that it was an emotional trip for you, i know how that is. Glad to see that your back safe and sound. That's wonderful to hear about the foot doing better.

hugs,
Katherine

Wow that was some drive!!!

I'm glad for everyone involved that the grandkids got to spend time with your Dad. I would love it for my nieces to come back for a few days to see my pop too. They did come back a couple of times last fall though, which was fantastic.

I'm happy you are home and finally getting a good night's sleep in your own bed!

Susan,

Glad you got the boys to see your parents before the busyness of school and routines started up. Hope you find yourself sliding into routines easily. They are a real 'sanity' saver sometimes.

Need to get busy with better eating habits. Packed my lunch yesterday and today. But today I ended up going out and then having the salad I had made for dinner. Calories too high by 283.

Yesterday I had a bagel which I know was loaded. Principal asked anyone to bring food Monday. WHY??? Do we really neat that stuff. I know there will be rolls tomorrow before yet another meeting. SIGH!! I feel as though I am bursting. Tired of meetings!!!

Katherine - thanks for stopping in. yes, it was nice to get the boys back there. Although it was a tough trip, I am glad I made it.

Chum - Dad is failing fast and was given pretty frank expectations yesterday. Basically he was told to get his affairs in order. He has lost another 10 lbs. That makes about 30 since spring. Seems like he is fading before our eyes.

Nancy - routine will be nice. I am already tired of meetings.

Here is a hug coming at you...the next little while will be tough, so make sure you talk to your pop every day and try to look for something to make him laugh once in awhile. It's funny, now that I've recovered from the not-shocking news of the brain metastasis, I'm actually pretty positive and hopeful that it will not be a painful way to go, and that if he is to be very ill, that it happens quickly. They told me today that there is rarely much pain, so I am grateful.

I suppose I think that I can be grateful for the conversations and help Dad feel like it is ok, no matter what happens.

I don't know what to say to make you feel better. There is nothing anyone is saying to me to make me feel better. Except my Dad, who tells me he has had a good life and that he is glad to have lived so long. Somehow him finding a little peace was the only thing I ever wanted anyway.

I'm thinking about you...

Susan,
I totally understnad what your saying. I usually will plan out my meals, and then I end up eating things totally different. I think that having better eating habits starts with planned meals, and sticking to them. When you said that the bagel you had was loaded what did you mean by that?

hugs,
Katherine

Susan, hang in there. You have quite a bit to deal with. I wanted to post something in your journal that I saw on PBS the other night. A woman was talking about menopause and she covered quite a bit on diet and exercise. One thing that she said that stuck in my mind is that what a person eats for breakfast sets the tone for what they will eat the rest of the day. A breakfast should not include bad carbs. She said that when she previously ate a bagel and coffee for breakfast, she would stand by the refrigerator and graze all evening. That is always a problem that I have. That dreaded nighttime eating.

Anyway,
Hugs!

Tess - I agree that the morning eating can set the day or "set off" the day. I usually avoid bagels. Don't know why I took one except that they were there. I am going to pack a snack on Monday to HELP me avoid temptation (if possible!!)

Katherine - bagels are always loaded for me. Just too many carbs!!

Chum - I do talk to Dad every day. I am glad I have a long distance calling plan!!

Well, today I did better with eating. Inside as the heat is unbearable. Trying to get my water in. Went shopping very early to avoid the heat. Bought a watermelon which we all enjoyed for lunch. Made some smart choices for lunch.

Susan,

You might try WESTERN BAGEL LOW CARBOHYDRATE The Alternative BAGEL .. they're absolutely delicious and they have several varieties -- PLAIN, WHOLE WHEAT, ONION and I believe Cinnamon-Raisin .. 110 Calories with 8 grams of fiber ... using the Weight Watcher's Point Values = 1 Point ..

Take care Susan and if I can be of any assistance, please let me know. I am as always, Monica

Susan,

Here is a hint when freezing corn. I take a bunt pan, stick a cob in the hole so that the corn is standing firm and then cut the corn off with an electric knife. The corn falls into the pan and no mess!

Susan,

So sorry about your dad, but it is wonderful that you have a good relationship with him and are able to talk to him each day.

Oh, we love watermelon too. You know what I like to do, I like to cut it up in bite size chunks and eat it with a fork, just a small fork. That would be an easy snack to take and refreshing.

Maybe take a plate of fruit or veggies with you to your meetings. Surely there are others there who would like to have some also. Just a thought.

Tess - what a neat idea!! I did cut it into a bowl. It is much better than using a board or plate. I only did up half of the corn. I will do more as we eat the rest.

Nancy - Yes, I had thought of buying a melon tomorrow and then cutting it up at work. Depends on how much time I have. I don't have access to a store on Sundays in our little town. I just thought it was strange for the principal to ASK for people to bring something. We don't usually do that - planned. Most would prefer to not have a lot of stuff around. It will be a long day with open house that night, too.

Well, we had a terrible storm go through here. Many branches and some trees are down in town. We lost a tree and a lot of corn. The corn fields look terrible. Have a lot of flat areas. Hoping DH can salvage some of it! Had 60-70 mph winds and about 2-3 inches of rain. A lot of flooding in areas. So unusual to be getting all this moisture in August. Did cool things off for a bit. Seemed nice to have some fresh air afterwards.

Eating went better today. Have a headache. I think it is just from the air pressure changing outside.

Susan,
Oh my goodness, sure sounds like you had a really bad storm. I hope everyone was okay. Great job on the eating today.

hugs,
Katherine

One week of school down. Class is pretty well behaved (RELIEF!!). Hot here yet and high humidity. Canned 21 qts. of tomatoes. Cut up and froze some peppers. Peeling and eating the cukes as fast as they come. Made stuffed peppers for dinner today. MMMMMM!

Legs tired this week as I get used to being on the cement floors. Tendonitis acting up, but I think that will be my life. Not sure it will ever go away completely. Tomorrow youngest has his first football game. I may poke around at school for a bit since we have to go in so darn early.

Susan,
Great job on the canning. Now it looks like your all set for the winter. My mom loves stuffed bell peppers.

hugs,
Katherine

Oldest is baking for State fair tonight. BUSY BUSY with the start of the school year. Trying to pack a sensible lunch and doing well with lunch and breakfast. Not the best with after school time.

Also busy canning. Did 7 more quarts of tomatoes last night. Should do more tonight, but too busy in the kitchen with son about doing his projects. it will have to wait. Keep getting LOTS of rain. So unusual for August. feel like monsoon weather. Sure is affecting the garden, too.

Hanging in there by a thread but not letting go!

Susan,
Sounds like things sure are hoping around your place. What is your oldest baking for the state fair? Sorry to hear that all of the rain is effecting your garden.

hugs,
Katherine

How is your pop? Been thinking about you lately.

You did one heck of a lot of canning! You will have lots of spaghetti sauce this winter! hahaha

Came home Friday sick. Allergies or a cold, not sure. Just feeling pretty miserable. So not doing a whole lot this weekend. Did can this morning. Oldest did the lawn last night and today for me. He had never done it before on his own. He did pretty well.

Hoping to feel better by Monday to return to work.

Chum: Dad - not so good. Getting weaker and harder to go between transfusions.

Katherine: Thanks for dropping in. I love stuffed peppers, too. But last year I made too many.

Not here much. Does not look like I am missing much, though. Was sick this last week and just trying to stay afloat with school and such.

Still canning. Just learned of a diet a couple co workers are on. Need to read the material they gave me. Waiting until I am over this crud.

Dad not doing well. Getting weaker every day. I had hoped he could make it to Christmas. Now I am trying to figure a time to go home before then as I am doubting he will be around that long.

Tendonitis is back. Not happy about that. May have to get back in my boot. Hoping we can all get away a few hours tomorrow.

I used to can quite a bit, Susan. I have gotten away from it. I am, however, going to try to put up some grape jelly. My husband has grown quite a few grapes this year.

Susan,
Sorry to hear that you were sick last week. The couple at your work that on a diet, have they lost a lot of weight. I'm sorry to hear about your father, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Hugs,
Katherine

Katherine - they have had great success with this diet. I am still unsure.

Tess - I may make corn cob jelly yet. It is my boys' favorite. I did make grape flavored jelly from beet juice a coupld years ago.

well, I took a meal over to the cousins today. Their mom died a couple nights ago. Visited a bit and now have to work on cleaning the house. Am taking the boys to the pool. Very warm and the last day it is open.

Working on backing up some audio boooks for school use. Otherwise, enjoying my day off.

Susan,
Hope your labor day was good. How are the audio books coming along.

Hugs,
Katherine

Katherine: Youngest is sure enjoying the audio books.

Tonight I stayed busy just checking homework and getting dinner around. Made a SF cheese cake for tomorrow. Oldest will make mac and cheese as I will stay in town for a funeral wake. Then I am off Thursday for the funeral. Just not worth it to drive all the way home and then back again.

Only bad thing is SIL is coming out. Hoping it is only for one night.

Ordered flowers on line tonight as I forgot/had not time during the day. I just have no breaks at school!! Finally found an arrangement we could afford yet looked nice. Only one place allowed you to order online. I was surprised.

EAting went well today. rEalized I am not drinking as much water as I should be. Did buy a lot, and need to get it moved into my classroom.