calling out to women 50+

I'd like to start this thread specifically for women who are 50 or over.

As a 53 year-old woman, myself, I am finding new challenges, unexpected difficulties and wonderful insights on my path to getting to and maintaining my health, weight and body shape.

What seemed to work for me as little as five years ago doesn't work quite the same anymore. My body doesn't seem to respond to what I consider healthy eating habits and good workout schedules as it even in my middle to late 40s'.

SO, I am would to hear from those out there who are finding themselves in situations. OR NOT, maybe you can enlighten the rest of us as to how you keep your shape, or how you're getting into better shape and a healthier overall lifestyle.

Hopefully this will be the start of something wonderful, educational, funny-offer up jokes anecdotes, whatever!

LET'S GET STARTED!

I was on here earlier in the day and thoroughly enjoyed reading all of your posts. Catching up is one of the great things about getting back from a trip. (I typed up a reply before lunch but I guess the internet ate it.  ) A not-so-great thing is going over the food and exercise (or lack thereof) for the last 6 days! We ate out for every meal and driving was about all we did in between. In regular restaurants I ordered salads but we often ate at buffets so that we could feed the 'beast' economically. (beast=17 y o SS) I picked vegys and baked fish there...well, and some desert samplings.  I'm going to give myself until Friday to see what the real damages are on the scale.

BEB, I hope your scan shows your bones are strong. I had a scan done a few years ago. Mine was OK but I got to keep a film and my scolyosis made me look like I had the spine of a snake. Laying down must exagerate it. Since scolyosis and osteoporosis go hand-in-hand, it was a bit of a wake up call to me dispite the good report.

Bonton, how great that you lost inches! The lifting must be the key. WOW! Do you like yogurt? If my breakfast is a little low on protein I have about 6 oz of plain yogurt too. I make my own so it's less tart than purchased plain yogurt. I need to seek out calcium where ever I can find it too. My stomach can take protein powder but not calcium supplements.

Helene, thank you for posting your images. You do have a beautiful home. I have to admit, it tickles me to see bananas growing in your yard! How cool! The picture of Switzerland is really beautiful. I had a poster that was similar in my freshman dorm long ago. I also laughed at the many problems you've had with hired help. I could imagine my kids doing any of it! I guess I can be thankful that I wasn't paying them to ruin my stuff. LOL.

Robbie, good luck with the family arrangements. We had been planning on DH's mother driving up to see us sometime in the near future. After seeing her over the weekend, DH is afraid she really isn't up to it, even if she breaks it up into two days. I'm not sure how we'll handle it; it's a touchy subject. Fortunately she is generally willing to fly so maybe we'll just tell her we found a great airfare deal and buy her a ticket.

Beth, your hubby sounds like a really nice guy. I hope he had a great birthday. We paid $2.59/gal for gas in PA and then $1.89 in Kentucky the same day. I wanted to fill my luggage with gasoline!

Bex, hope your puppy's feeling better. My sheltie got into the trash just after I moved into my current house. While we were out for a few hours, he went on the carpet about every 2 feet in the living room and dining room. What a mess! I cleaned carpet for about 12 hours. We eventually riped it out in the living room and I can't wait to do the same in the dining room. I think of that night every time I look at it. Yuck! I don't think pets and carpet are a very good mix!

Thanks to you all for the good wishes for me and for Puppy Tupper! We are both well again. Appreciate the good vibes! I cooked ground turkey breast meat and rice for the doggie and coupled with the Pepto Bismol it did the trick. I took him on a car ride today to a city a couple of hours from here and he was fantastic. No car sickness. What a great little companion. Yes, Chris, carpets and pets do not mix! I've only got hardwood and ceramic tile now. Big Pyranese poop or tiny Havanese poop, it's too much poop!

I came home from my day trip to discover my daughter had taken a sledge hammer to the kitchen. It was in shreds. The dining room now holds the fridge, the single burner hot plate and the microwave, We are on paper plates and styrofoam cups. The electrician came by tonight and he starts his onslaught on Saturday and Sunday. It's like a war zone in here.

Helene thatnks for sharing your life and stories and now pictures with us. You look just like I imagined you would. Your husband gives me warm fuzzies. I need to become a Buddhist as it brings some kind of inner peace to people I think. The most I can commit to is being an Aquarian. Somehow I don't think that counts in quite the same way.

BEB, I'm not from England but my mom lives about 35 miles due south of where your mom is from, right on the English Channel, in a small village near Worthing. I grew up in Scotland, land of drizzle, sheep, and whiskey.

Bon, good news about the weights trimming off inches! You will have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your whole family in attendance. How lucky you are to have 12 for dinner! What are you making?.

Beth, I have a news clipping about Midwifery being covered by our socialist health care system now, to the tune of 4 million bucks in our province next year. I tried to mail it to you but I have to add you as a friend first. I'm still figuring that out. 

I haven't had a bone density scan but I am having that cardiologist appointment they scheduled me for after those crazy PVC's back in June. It's on Friday. I've been fine ever since but seeing as it took 5 months to get in, I'd better go. Tomorrow the new treadmill arrives so I will endeavor to use it faithfully. I have been coasting, not logging, but not gaining. I need exercise and water. I got some new crow's feet! AAAAACCCCKKKKK!!!!!!!

-Bex

http://charterforcompassion.com/

3 1/2 minutes of your life you won't regret giving up.

Busy, busy at work again today. I have tomorrow off - thank heavens!!! - my daughters and I are going away for the weekend "shop till you drop weekend" and of course eat out at a nice restaurant!!! Enjoy a great dinner and a glass of wine and spend money - what more could you ask for! LOL My main objective is to find myself rain pants for golf and new golf shoes as mine are completely worn out. Uh does that mean I played too much golf??!!

Eating healthy, exercising and staying off the scale!! I have managed to stay off the scale since Sunday - that's the day I usually weigh in. The daily fluctuations were driving me nuts! Might have to wait a few days this week though after our girls weekend!

Bex - I feel for you with the kitchen demolition. I did that in my old house, right down to the studs - NOT fun! But it will be worth it in the end. It is amazing how plaster dust travels!

chris - I don't really care for regular yogurt but started buying Greek yogurt, adding my own fruit, chopped walnuts and drizzle with honey - tastes like dessert!! So I do eat that.

Everyone - have a great weekend!!! My daughter will probably have her laptop so maybe I will be able to check in! Wonder if snow is winning any money in Vegas???

The 10 best foods you're not eating:

http://health.msn.com/nutrition/slideshow.asp x?cp-documentid=100168275&imageindex=1

OK, I'm eating a few of them but I don't think I've ever seen a couple of them in a store near me. Purslane?

Hi girls:

Bone density results: The doctors office called today and told me that my bone denisty test showed that "i am better than that of a 35 year old"..........wow that made my day....i thought with what the dentist said and or my back problems it was going to be bad news but better then that of a 35 year old...didn't see that one coming!!.......wow i am so happy...............wow...i could just jump in the air and kick my heels up.....wow..well with dyputrens in the hands and disc generation and back issues this is GOOD NEWS....wow

Well i won't be around tomorrow so everyone have a great weekend....and i hope my scale gives me good news tomorrow morning? 

Hello everyone!

I am very glad to hear all the positive reactions after I posted my photographs. Thank you for all the compliments. Yes, I do look Italian in spite of my very light skin and red hair. I believe I do not have a single drop of blood that is not from that country, and that what I would say I am, if pressed to give an answer. I am very French too, and quite Swiss now, but I tend to be a chameleon, so it does not really count! My heart is Italian, and THAT counts...LOL

Switzerland is a wonderful country. And it has a continental weather, being at the very heart of Europe, so its summers are as hot as its winters are cold.  I took that picture at the top of the Schyniggeplatte, not far from Wengen, and overlooking the Briensersee and the Thunersee (two lakes of central Switzerland), on a particularly beautiful day last summer. That's the day after I took the picture of my three children so, Robbie, they are just a few months older now. Do they look so young? They are 25, 22 and 19. My daughter is the eldest. Marc, the eldest boy, is the tallest (6'3").

My husband is a very kind person. I think I have never seen him angry in over 34 years we have been together. That's probably why he gives warm fuzzies to Rebbex! LOL

The picture of my family is that of my in-laws, of course. My father and only brother have died, and my Mom is not in very good shape, either physically or psychologically - she is a very angry woman, with a lot of unresolved issues; I try to spend time with her and to take care of her each summer, but it's a drain on me every time. She used to be very funny and caring but her life hasn't been an easy one. She needs a lot of love, for she has none for herself. I have a wonderful relationship with my husband's family.

I have been sewing the whole day and it is time to go down and light the lights around the garden for it is getting dark. I have been alone for the past two days as my husband is still in Chiang Rai till tomorrow night (it is in northern Thailand, not far from the border of Burma and Laos). He called last night and said he is staying at an agricultural research station in the mountains, one of the projects set up by the King of Thailand. He said the place is really beautiful, and that it would be worth it to go and spend a weekend there. Another trip on the planning maybe? LOL

I am glad, BEB, you got good results on your bone density tests. It is always reassuring to know we aren't old crones yet!!! My mother has osteoporosis and I was so relieved when the doctor told me my bones still didn't show any bone loss! So I can appreciate your joy.

I just heard a friend of mine passed away. She was still a young woman, and died when she developed clots during surgery. It wasn't even something she needed to do. She was just trying to stay young and attractive. It's the third person I know who developed complications during cosmetic surgery. Two survived - one had to have three interventions to stay alive, another one's heart stopped and she was revived just in time - the last one died, so I am not really tempted to go under the knife if my life is not directly in danger!!! Debbie is at peace now, but what a terribly bitter blow this is to her family and friends..

Time to go. Have a terrific day everyone. Mine is almost finished... My weight has moved down a bit, but so little it is not even worth mentioning. But I am holding on, as any direction that is not up is good!!!

Helene, in Saigon

Good afternoon girls:

Helene i am so sorry about your friend Debbie, that is so terribly sad for her and family in this kind of situation...i agree with you i would never take the risk even to look better, i believe in growing old..hopefully gracefully!    There was a show on tv today about the ho chi minhs people i watched it, was interesting, what exactly does your husband do that put him in an agricultural station....sounds interesting...and for sure a good way to pick future holiday trips...lol....Switzerland is so pretty isn't it! 

People always say to me watch out for all that sun...being outside alot espeically in summer well to that i say.....bunk...i have been out in the sun avidly my whole life and if anything i look young, my skin is soft and elastic as it should be and look at all the Vit D i am naturally soaking up....i also always feel good after a day in the sun....so for all those who wish to hide under 10 pounds of makeup, uv ray protection i say bunk......anyway i am as you all know by now a FIRM BELIEVER IN MODERATION, and moisturizer is something i have been liberal with since i was about 16, everyday and after every shower i use it on my whole body.....St. Ives not greasy stuff like jergens or anything, that may account for the lack of wrinkles, or any stretch marks, cellulite....i have none and now i believe that my bones are young my face and body is young, i feel young, act young...so............i must be young.......lol.   I have a picture on my site taken in summer wearing a light blue tank top for those disbelievers look at that picture compared to any others and tell me i look 52............bunk..........that is Vit D at work!  That is actually one of MY favorite pictures of myself and no makeup to speak of either, the natural look that's me, i showed Rick a picture of me the night i went out for halloween in makeup and he didn't like it so there you go......anyway i will stop tooting my own horn now...lol....i'm sorry i was just so happy and proud of my density results and seeing that all my hard work and dedication to the cause of healthy weight loss and eating practices i guess it went a little to my head....

I ws looking at skateboards today $100.00 for a half decent one in a sports store here for Kyle as alot of kids are really into this hobby again and of course we have a lot of dry winters without much snow so this wil keep him busy and out of trouble. As for his previous troubles the probation order has now been changed as of today so he will not have to pay the money back for that broken car windshield instead he has an opportunity to do some community service work.  This will be good for Kyle since he has very poor social skills and no work experience to speak of he will do 25 hours or 5 hours per month and do a variety of different tasks such as helping in a soup kitchen, landskaping work, volunteering at the hospital or whatever they deem necessary.....and he will gain a little knowledge, enlarge a resume and when it's all done maybe even volunteer to do some community service of 40 hours that is now required of all high school kids to graduate they need 40 hours of community service.  So this may be a punishment but it actually is a reward of sorts isn't it. 

Anyone:  Well was talking with Rick last night and he said he needs to take some sort of pill to boost his energy level....IS THERE SUCH A PILL...myself i have naturally a ton of energy so it has never been a concern of mine.  DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS, or if not is there a herbal or organic way.

Well the weekend is here, and Kyle is grounded for skipping school...twice..tiss tiss....a so called friend talked him into it...hanging out at the corner store playing video games...............not in this lifetime.....had to nip this in the butt...so punishment...grounded all weekend..and his skateboard is contingent with him staying in school....not skipping classes and of course being of good behaviour......sometimes a mothers love has to be tough...but the guidelines we set today will form who they are tomorrow.

So have a nice weekend to all...!!..............................   BEB

Hi Bonton71

When i was looking at your food intake and carbs. I was wondering if you would lower your carb intake to 20% and see if you start losing weight. It's only a suggestion. What can it hurt?

Hi Longwaytogo

I as you have to lose at lest 100+ . I am starting over again and could sure use some encouragement. How have you been doing?  How much have you lost since April?

beb,

If there's an energy pill I would want one.  Does Rick eat healthy?  I've always had low energy if I'm not careful.  At least since I got older.  watching my protein seems to help me.  Getting more sleep.  Sometimes I think about all I used to do when in my 20's and even 30's and I wonder how I managed all that. 

If there's not a medical reason maybe you can influence him to eat or excise more???

Several yrs ago when I told my dr that my energy was low and I was tired a lot.  Like after work too tired to clean up or do anything but sit in front of the TV all evening, I expected sympathy from the dr.  Wrong, he told me to get more exercise to keep my muscles and stamina built up.  I told him I didn't have time and he reminded me I have a responsibility to my body and to make time.

 Helene,  I'm so sorry about your friend.  It's very sad to lose dear friends.  I lost one good friend several yrs ago and couldn't believe how much I missed her.  I think about how my parents and in laws, when older, lost one friend after another till no one was left.  I never fully realized how lonely that must have been for them and wish I'd been more support to them.

I actually did it this week :)   Since I don't like walking at night, I was determined to get up early and go out to the woods for a walk.  I did it two mornings and loved it.  Saw several deer, up close, one day.  Hope I can continue.  Also I did eat healthier, more protein and veggies this week, less sweets.  I surprised myself with doing so much better.

Maybe being more comfortable in my new job has enabled me to start thinking about other things.  I don't know how I survived the last few months, but now am more like my old self and remembered there is life outside of the office.

We have heavy rain this Saturday so I'm sad I can't get outside on my bike but there will be other days.

The big case I settled in September, involving Emily Rice, goes before the City Council for approval Monday. Now that it's public, I can tell you that the proposed settlement is for $3MM, PLUS a number of important procedural changes to protect future inmate from having medical needs ignored. I hope the approval goes forward, but it's the most the City has ever been asked to pay.

I am feverishly preparing for my teaching in DC next week. I should quit doing this, as I am way too obsessive about getting ready.

Bon: How's DH? Dakota (Shepherd) does not have pancreatitis after all; she has an enlarged liver (which showed up on second sonogram when she had an empty belly). So, just some supplements, hurray. The soup I make is Thai; I shouldn't have said Vietnamese. I'll put the recipe in my journal so as not to make this entry too long. Congrats on the inches lost! Good for you. My clothes fit better now, even without any pounds lost, and I attribute it to weights.

Chris: How'd your date with the scale go? I have a love hate relationship with mine--lately a little more hate than love. How old is your Sheltie? Our 12 year old Dakota may not be around too much longer, and I wonder if Shelties are good companions? Purslane--really?

BEB: You really are my polar opposite--race driving, indeed! So very happy for you that the bone density results came back as they did. I can't agree with you about sun on skin, however, my hubby does. If he weren't so short, I'd suggest the two of you get together when I die. (Joke) Seriously, you may not see it now, but if you get a dermatologist to take a picture of the sun damage, it will shock you. I did that because after menopause (age 53 for me), my skin took a dramatic change for the worse. I had some laser peels, which did help, but I have done too many cases of plastic surgery gone bad to seriously consider it an option--and that's even before reading about Helene's friend's tragic outcome. As for Rick, Dr. Andrew Weil recommends a propreitary formula supplement called Juvenon. Check it out online, and let me know what you think.

Ohio: Good for you on getting up early. That's such an accomplishment, and it sounds so peaceful that I wish I lived there so I could go with you. And kudos on relaxing into the job.

Bex: Crow's feet--what an unlovely term for laugh lines! I used to think wrinkles were a beautiful  mark of character--at least, until I got my own. Hmmm, perspective is everything, isn't it? Is your daughter an architect or a contractor, or just brave? I note you didn't congratulate me on having 14 for dinner--maybe you know my family? LOL. Fortunately, my younger son Nick is a wonderful cook, so he'll help me get everything together. We go traditional: honey brined turkey, parmesean mashed potatoes, giblet gravy, cranberry orange walnut relish, root vegetable stuffing, whipped sweet potatoes with bourbon pecan brulee, and brussel sprouts with sweet and sour bacon dressing. No, it's not the most low calorie, but it's only once a year. Cool web site, by the way.

Helene: I guess everyone looks young to me now. My boys are 23 and 21, but they look older to me than yours. Don't know why. I'm glad you enjoy such warm relations with your in-laws. I did, too, but Tom's folks died very young: 59 and 62. Mine, however, are still reasonably healthy--and don't seem aware of their own age related shortcomings at 82 and 87, which is a mixed blessing. I feel  for Debbie's family, and for you. As to weight loss, sometimes the best we can do is slow the gain. Hang in there!

Good weekend all.

Hi everyone,

I haven't got time to post to everyone individually tonight. We are about to go out. It's been a short day for me. I delivered a big baby last night (10 lbs 7 oz) and got in at 7 am. I slept a lot of the day and then got up this afternoon.

The good news is that I weighed in at 154! I'm sure part of that is the fact that I lost sleep and meals. But it was still good to see. That means I've lost 50 lbs since I began CC and I'm only 4 lbs away from my goal.

On another note... I'm FREEZING! How do you guys stand the cold???? !!!! Two days ago we were running the a/c at our house and I was wearing shorts. Now it's down to 62 degrees and the low tonight will be 40. That may not sound cold to some of you but I'm totally freezing. My  husband doesn't want to turn on the heat yet to save energy and because it should warm up quickly again. But our house is old and drafty. All I want to do is hibernate. I guess there is a down side to loosing all that body fat! LOL

Have a pleasent weekend (what's left of it),

Beth

Beth - you look skinny! That suit looks great on you. 62 cold? LOL. Come to Canada in January and we'll show you what cold is!

Robbie - sorry, didn't mean to ignore you. I didn't know you were having 14 for dinner! That is about the richest menu I have read in a long time. Thank goodness you will have help in the kitchen. And from a male yet! Does he do dishes too? Probably asking too much, huh? My daughter would love to be a contractor bust she's a medical sales rep. Construction is her creative outlet. Some paint, some write poetry, mine bashes walls down. C'est la vie.

Helene - condolences on the passing of your friend. How tragic a loss that is. I am concerned about the quality of care in stand-alone surgical centers, cosmetic and otherwise, and also worried about the cleanliness of their stuff, as well as their overall procedures. On the upside, your kids look like they would talk you ears off. I love it when the young ones gather around the dinner table and regale the rest of us with their stories. 

BEB - watch out for the sun. You may not see any visible damage now but you will. Wear a good sunscreen at least and try not to bake in it too long. I have fair, freckly, Scottish skin and light blue eyes. I haven't been for a dermatology evaluation but I think I should go. The incidence of skin cancer in the world is up huge. 

Ohio - you are at peace in nature so it's good that you live by wide open spaces. When you are at peace with yourself it is easier to achieve your goals, weight loss or otherwise. Nice to see that you are settling into the job and not letting it get the best of you. You are obviously more capable than you first believed. I'm inundated with learning my new job right now. Going away next week for 3 days and hoping that I will have some quiet time in the evening in the hotel to study. I feel like I'm in school again. I even have a test to do!

Bon - found a heat duct in one of the pantry walls we started to take down so rather than have it redirected to heat the second floor, the small wall will remain and we will work around it. I guess I should have looked at blueprints first! Who would imagine there was a pipe in the pantry? Sent Tupper to daycare today to keep him out from under foot. He's exhausted, but it was a successful ploy. He is gaining socialization skills, and hopefully getting over his separation anxiety. I'll know that's happening if he stays diarrhea-free!  He's going for his hoo-hoo chop off on the 25th. Has finally started lifting his leg to pee. We are progressing!

Chris - you are lucky to have a Sheltie! So cute! Does yours bark much?

I think global warming is a reality and it shakes me up because it is coming on so fast. We have had no snowfall to speak of (just one light flurry that didn't last) and today it was +10C ( 50F). It's mid November in the Rocky Mountains of Canada. Something weird is definitely going on. Where's Snow these days.... I mean Snowfence!!

I had a dream yesterday that I was walking along the highway with 5-10 miles to go and knew I could walk that distance myself, but could barely move as I was burdened down by carrying a chair over my head, (it was a chair thats been in my family), and trying to carry my briefcase.   I know my dream was expressing my life, knowing I can do it, but feeling burdened.

The only other time I had a dream of being burdened was when my husband left.  I dreamed that I was again, walking along the highway, going up such a steep hill I didn't know if I could make it. 

I made it then and I will now.  Have no idea why I'm along the edge of a highway in these dreams, but maybe its that I know I'm headed somewhere.  Usually I don't remember dreams.

Robbie:  no, I must not have been a good wife or things wouldn't have ended like they did.  And why should a wife have to like all the same things the husband does anyway?  Also.........what were the ingredients in your baked fish, which you told me about several months ago?  cornflake crumbs and what ratio of (wasn't it crushed peanuts)?  I lost my tagged recipes with the changeover on CC.  And, I can't wait to hear what happens Monday with the city council on the settlement. 

14 is quite a houseful.  Great you have a son that likes cooking.  Your menu sounds mouthwatering, especially the sweet potatoes with bourbon pecan brulee.  Just where do you get all these scrumptious recipes?  My holiday pecan pie recipe has bourbon also. 

beth:  CONGRATULATIONS on being 4# from goal.  it seems to be dropping fast for you now.  wow, yes 10 lbs is a very big baby.

chris:  will you list those 10 foods that are healthy from your link.  I tried it twice and got booted off.  (darn dialup)  I got as far as the beets and cabbage which I like and eat often.  The 3rd, guava, I have no idea what it is and doubt I'd find it around here. 

bex:  Will your kitchen be back to normal for the holidays?  I like helping out with things like that but never initiated it.  I've put insulation in, nailed subfloors, etc.

With the cold weather and Sunday afternoon free it would be a nice day to be baking something or cooking something.  When you're trying to lose weight that's not a good pasttime. Normally I love browsing my cookbooks on days like this, but afraid that would incite my cravings to flare up. 

have a good day everyone.

hi guys!  i didn't catch up yet, but i figured it would be good to at least come on & say hi.  :D

my trip was awesome & my weight shows it.  lol  142, yuck!  at least it's fresh weight, so it should come off pretty quick.  you guys know me...  i'll be walking & eating better starting right now.

Hello there everyone!

Had a restful weekend and it's time to do something with my day. But I wanted to say Hi! first, and Hello Snow, we missed you!

BEB, I have to admit you have an attitude toward sunshine that I have only seen shared in Germany and Austria... They are sun worshippers there, and the mounting number of skin cancer in those two countries is quite significant of the change in the world weather patterns. That reminds me of the story I translated while a Latin student in High School: the Vikings that first came into the Mediterranean warned their brethrens that the place was infected with a strange disease that would make their skin boil and fall off in strips, and would make them so crazy they'd jump in the water to get rid of the torment... Obviously those North Sea sailors had never heard of sunburn and sunstroke in spite of living their whole life on uncovered ships!!! I NEVER sunbathe. I always put sunblock on before going out, wear sunglasses and never swim in the sea without a T-shirt on. In spite of all this, I have had some sunburns that put me in bed and made me change skin several times... I do not know any white person living in the tropics that doesn't have spotted skin, a sure sign your skin has had too much! When you stand in the desert of Dubai with your feet cooking in the burning sand, the sun hammering you into the ground, you just can't think of it as a friend, and come to understand why the locals started the habit of covering their women from head to toe. There is NOTHING that ages skin more than sunshine. Literally dries it out and turns it to thin leather while destroying the tissues under it...  Your skin is still so healthy because you are lucky enough to live in a country where the sun is not too direct. But beware of the thinning in the ozone layer. The relative immunity you have been enjoying may be coming to an end... Keep enjoying the sunshine, but do wear sunscreen. And sunglasses (sunshine also speeds up the forming of cataract, especially if you have clear eyes). I have seen too many tourists sent to hospital with INTERNAL burns not to know that the sun can also be deadly when taken in too large amounts on unprotected skin.

Beth, you are an inspiration. 154... I am still hovering around 179... But I have taken a grave resolution: I will not weigh every day anymore. I'll only do that once a week. And in the meantime, I'll be concentrating on FEELING a bit slimmer everyday. See how that goes. In the group I belonged to before this one, we had a weekly official weighing day, and I found it quite nice as I would really try hard to be at a lower weight on weighing day. And once I had gotten such good results, I was more reluctant to throw it all away with stupid decisions. Unfortunately, that group was short-lived, but I remember the boost it gave to my efforts. Anyone wants to join me in the exercise?

Weather is grey today, but the temps have definitely changed in the morning. Now it's almost cold when you get out there at 6, especially if there is a breeze (I mean, it's in the 70's instead of the 90's LOL). I walked twice this weekend, for a total of 3 hours. I am slowly going back to my good habits. Not too soon. And hubby has decided to take some tennis lessons with a coach at the compound's sports club, so I'll be walking while he has his lesson. Starts tonight at 6...

Have a wonderful day everyone!

Helene, in Saigon

Hello Girls:

Well it's Sunday here in Ontario boy we got about a foot of snow seems like, but it is so pretty sitting in the trees and on the branches, i went to the store and even made a couple snowballs and tossed them, i think that is how i wrenched my shoulder because for the last few weeks it has been giving me alot of agony, i can't lift anything or move it around in a circle so my dumbbell workouts will have to weight(hahaha) at least in this arm.

I am down to a 33 size or size 13 comfortably, feels good to get into my smaller pants again started at 38 and my goal in 28...so i am about half way there. 30lbs down and 21-1/2 inches so far eh.

My plan is to go and get a makeover when i am at my goal, i like having my hair length where it is now it seems thicker and with thin fine hair this is great.  I am though going to treat myself to a new dress, suit and shoes etc....

Beth: Boy your picture transformations wow...your getting skinny girl!  Are you possibly thinking about getting a makeover to go with that great looking blue suit you are wearing that colour really suits you, i was wondering if you thought about maybe getting a makeover done though when your finished, perhaps your hair styled i bet it would make you look 10 years younger, that seems to be the thing everyone does these days, change their hair or colour buy new clothes like on the show biggest loser and then the whole world cheers with you.  Did you think about it at all, i'm certainly not saying anything is wrong with your looks now, you look so good i just wondered?  They have these new warm all in one wooly pjs advertised on tv that is loose in the arms but it's terricloth like a robe one piece that would keep you warm on those cold days.  Here i find i keep my heat low too until now and then i put it on about 73 which is perfect for us, but as we lose weight i find we will feel the cold more now too, we don't have that extra baggage keeping us warm or hot now eh Beth ..lol.

Rebbex: Don't worry about me and the sun been in it my whole life, i wear sunglasses which covers my eyed (no crows feet there), and i use moisturizer all the time and protection when needed but you have to remember i am up here in Canada the sun isn't as strong or damaging as those equator states, but thanks for caring.

Robbie: Those recipes sound fattening where do i go to get them....hehehe what web site, i am curious....can i substitute "splenda" for sugar in them.....that bourbon pecan brulee dish sounds interesting too...hehehe  Have a good time with your thanksgiving dinner, what day is that?????  I know the most people i ever cooked for was about 40 in a womens shelter back in the early 2000's, that was interesting, i had also converted all the children they loved my butternut sqaush, keep coming back for more that made me feel good...lol

Helene: I was logging just as you posted so i will say you are right about the sun, but as i said above i do take care, not to worry, i love the sun and all it's splender, wear sunglasses always and protection.  You have a great idea:  Why don't we all log are weight at the beginning of our post the new # and the previos # say every Friday....

So it would start like this first the reason i say Friday is some people may have eaten out on the weekend and i just thought Friday would be a good day....anyway how about girls are we game to get the ball rolling...i am willng and Helene this may as you say help motivate you too.  So it would look like this:

168lbs - this week 167lbs

Sounds good i'll do it Helene....theres mine...so anyone interested in logging, motivating and supporting each ohter log at the top of your post last week weight and this weeks weight every Friday.....okay

Anyway have to go now it's 12:30am here time to go to bed....love to all.......BEB

I will try to join in your weekly weigh-in efforts, BEB and Helene.  I will just have to remember all the way until Friday   I didn't weigh last week, so I'll have to start fresh this week. 

Eight of us had a great hike on Saturday.  We went looking for a cave containing Chumash Indian pictographs.  The only clues were a photo from a book which showed the surrounding hills looking out from the inside of the cave, and a confirmation from an archaeologist that the cave was somewhere along a certain creek.  Using those clues and Google Earth, our trip leader figured out the location to within about 100 yards.  We hiked 7 miles downhill along the creek (from 6400 feet elevation down to 2800 feet) and were very surprised to easily locate the cave.  The pictographs are fabulous!!  They are between 1000 - 2000 years old and use many colors and patterns.   The cave is sandstone, so there is natural flaking of the rock occuring.  Everyone took great care to not touch anything or even get very close to the paintings, but even so,  eventually the paintings will be gone.  We felt very fortunate to be some of the few people to have the opportunity to see them.  The hardest part of the day was going back uphill 7 miles to the cars after lunch.

BEB, take it easy with that shoulder.  Sometimes that type of injury takes a while to heal, and you don't want to re-injure it. 

Ohio, congrats for getting out walking in the woods!  It must be a beautiful time of year where you are.  In California we really have to search to find any fall color.

If you haven't seen http://www.hungry-girl.com/, check it out!  There are great ideas for cutting calories, and you can sign up for the really cool daily email.

Everyone, Happy Monday, and have a great week!

Alice

Hi Alice, that sounds like a lot of fun, something right out of a movie in fact, did you get any pictures of the pictures....would like to see, or were you not allowed?  It's good that you have joined in our Friday weigh ins so just post last week and this week.....Thanks for the advice i wish i got it yesterday i went and forgot and threw a couple snowballs and not i can hardly raise my left arm...waaaa...man this is silly and yes this kind of injury does take a long to to heal, and theres is nothing that can be done.  Have you ever seen Clnt Eastwood i hear he lives in Bakersfield?

Lets hope everyone joins our weekly Friday weigh ins...........boy the sun is shining, and the snow on the branches it's just so pretty it's like a picture postcard of winter wonderland!!

Well today i made my 7 litre batch of Barley/mushroom/potatoes/stewing beef and spicy beans stew again man 340 calories for 2 cups yippee i didn't lose weight this past week as i was eating some leftover turkey cabbage stew from last xmas and i think there was to much salt, calories in it, and i don't have a clue on the calories of it, however this year when i make a new batch i will have the analysis to judge for me on here.

Robbie what website did you get those recipes from or did you?

Boy xmas is just around the corner and i am broke......trying to pay off my visa and save money at the same time is hard, and I use to be in the acounting field.  Get it paid off and keep it that way, i only wanted it for emergencies and alot came up last year. 

My little kitty Angel did the cutest thing last night, I collect frogs, wooden, brass, plastic, glass whatever and different materials and shapes and well i have a few stuffed frogs around the apartment and  one sitting on my light, in the livingroom above my tv and Angel jumped up there got it down and dragged it into my bedroom while i was sleeping.  When i woke up this morning it was lying right beside my bed where i get up it was the cutest.....darndest thing.....ahhhhhh....our litle furry friends sure know how to hit the weak spot..our hearts don't they.

Well i am confused Rick hasn't been calling or leaving any IM online and Glenn is, so i guess i'll just take one day at a time, i always thought the older i got the more men would make sense to me, but i find them more complicated now then ever.  Maybe i am thinking to much about it, i do know one thing i have been single so long now, since my 2nd marriage broke up in 2000 i don't know if i really want a permanent relationship anymore or just casual friendships without commitments, or intimacy, i am old fashioned, and have values and principals and don't believe in intimacy without love, i know i seem to enjoy my freedom and space more now, only have to worry about Kyle and kitty and me, and of course it is winter and i don't go out much anyway, i know one thing all the misunderstandings disagreements, with Rick online over these last few months and even though he may be right for me he doesn't seem very reliable and that is one thing i do want, with that said maybe Glenn who does live here in Barrie and not 40 miles away might be the preferred choice, but i will take my own advice and be cool and just take matters of the heart one day at a time, i really wish i was lucky like so many of you on here and have found and had the man that makes you so happy for so many years, my grandparents had 60 years together and my parents 51 before death took them apart, i always wanted that and now it seems i will never get it?   Yes i am caring, sensitve, etc but sometimes i think i would be better off living alone, i enjoy motherhood and for my sons whole life put his needs always before my own, i guess when it comes to a man i just want to be his number one and with Rick i clearly am not, he's single but working 12 hour shifts and when he is off he's always with his friends, having beers, hunting or whatever.  Maybe in my old age i am expecting to much or more then they are willing to give, i don;t know as i said my comprehension these days is bad but is it wrong to want to be put first when i was married i always put my husband and son first!

IMPORTANT:   Speaking of kids i am terrified Kyle is going to quit school, 16yrs. old grade 10 he has ADHD and ODD, he is skipping classes, acting out in class, getting suspensions, refusing to ask or receive help, he is on a long waiting list to receive help from Kinark (agency for troubled kids), in school he has been disruptive in class, crumpling up his work, calling kids retard and names, throwing things in class, swearing, ditching classes, lying about it, he is on probation with the court till next august, i have just about used up all my strategies, cards like taking away his freedom, games, and articles he wants me to buy for him i am using all of them as weapons to get him to apply himself, but he just doesn't care, he is refusing help from the teachers, the resource room teachers (IE's), his probation officer, YMCA outreach workers etc....nothing is getting through his thick head, he is not taking responsibility for his actions, mouth, nothing he just doesn't care at all.  I am at my wits end with him, ....i don't know anymore where to turn now i can't afford any doctors am on disabilty, all i can do is love him, guide him.....and it's not enough!!!!....has anyone had this experience or any advice i could sure use some????????..I love him but can't seem to reach him anymore, he doesn't have to pay back the money for the broken window from April (bad medication he was on then) caused withdrawal anger etc, we settled that in court Friday but he has to do 25 hours community service and hasn't called about that, to set up a meeting, he has to call not me, i keep reminding him, he keeps saying later...later....but if he wants to go back to jail, he is heading in the right direction...he just either doesn't get it or just doesn't care.....i practically have to do everything for him, whats a mother to do????????......i'm really scared where this could lead or end up!!...anyone have advice???

Sorry girls, i quess it was my day to rant........