Good Monday morning, Suzanne and everybody! It's overcast and slightly cool here this morning. The leaves and pine needles are really dropping. It's quite pretty to watch.

We had a wonderful time in San Antonio this weekend. Not much night-seeing for us women, but the men got to do some and enjoyed themselves. I learned a lot more about the organization I've joined and met many lovely ladies from all over Texas - 135 of them to be exact. Did you know that ESA purchased the first iron lung for Texas, for example?

Our friend who went with us ended up in the ER last night after we'd dropped them off. Blood clots. They treated and released him afterwards, but it made me sick just hearing about it. He did pretty well all weekend and enjoyed it so much though.

My eating well went out the window, so I'm starting fresh today!

Suzanne, what a truly thoughtful and special gift Patti gave you! That woman is just full of surprises, isn't she?

Got to get ready to go work out now. Afterwards, I'll replenish the groceries, then do all the usual after-a-trip kind of household chores.

Wishing y'all a great Monday!

OK, where oh where is everyone hiding? LOL

NH Suzanne~I'm so thrilled that you liked your gift! I loved doing it for you & to tell you the truth my style has changed quite a bit now but I love the way that your SB turned out. I especially liked the first page that was a tribute to Blue!

Milkdud~Glad you had a good time but sorry about your friend. Did you get to eat some good Mexican food at least while in San Antonio? Yummy!

We had to leave before 7:00 this morning to go to dr. Dave has double pneumonia again. But, we had the therapist appt today. So, off we trekked for that. Then it was to different stores to find what we cannot get around here. Now we are broke! :-( But, we have stocked up on some things.

Here is the Christmas card exchange list I have & if there is anyone else who would like to be on the list then please let me know:

NH Suzanne
Donna
Peggy
Raeanne
Milkdud
BJ
DeeMarie
Jan
Patti

If it is all right, I was thinking that Dave & I would pick names this weekend unless you think we need more time? That should give everyone plenty of time to get the addy & make their card or buy--whichever they decide to do.

Let's see--my weekend: Saturday I went shopping with my 2 new friends & we left here at 9:30 & came home about 3:30. Dave was sick so I did a LO & I think that was about it for Saturday. I woke up early Sunday & did 4 double page LOs & finished a word album. It looks really pretty. I think that's about it for me this weekend. I had a great one & am getting more involved around here & having a great time. I hope everyone is having a good day! Patti :-)

NH Suzanne~I was thinking--Did you find the key chain calendar? Just wanted to be certain.

Patti,

Hope Dave starts feeling better soon. Yuk! Yes, I got the key chain! How cute is that? Please email me your phone number privately, I would love to talk to you more about the scrapbook! Yes, what a tribute to my beloved Blue. I miss him so much that my heart aches for him. You know, I love all my animals but every once in a while there is one that touches you to the very depths of your soul........I guess he was a soul mate to be sure.

It sure is quiet here today. I hope everyone is having a great day. Check in and share.

Milkdud, there is no moss growing under your feet!! I am glad your friend is doing okay - that's scarey! Have you and your gym mates thought of an alternate plan for working out?

Checki in everyone.

Hi Everyone,

I'm being a little slow this Remembrance Day - getting dressed shortly to go downtown for the service. I need to go. I remember my father who took us to these services year after year. I remember my friends in the military. I remember how sad I feel each and every time another fallen soldier is in the news. I want to go and remember. Support our soldiers of all nations.

My diet is still a challenge but I'm trying. Not so much how much but what I'm eating. A work in progress.

Patti, if no one minds, could I have all of the addresses? I'd like to send everyone a card. If that is alright. All of you mean so much to me.

I've not posted as much because there is not a lot of news. Had a bit of a challenging weekend emotionally with the estate issues and my sister - really wanted a drink to calm my nerves but I got over it. I have a new tactic in my arsenal - I concentrate on what I 'honestly' got out of having a drink to calm my nerves in the past - not much. I'm also realizing I have not truly enjoyed it either. So that is progress. Today my AA meeting will be replaced with the downtown service. I am doing great. Next week I go back to work to start decorating xmas trees. Can't wait. Hard work, long days but fun.

In Flanders Fields
By John McCrae

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row by row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard among the guns below.

We are the dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe;
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If yea break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Remembering all VETERANS today, especially my father who fought so bravely and WWII and sustained lifetime injuries. He was quite a guy. Special shout-out to Dave who served and is ill this morning.

Thanks Peg for posting the poem; it brought back many memories, as we had to memorize it in Catholic grammar school.

[[[[[[[[PEG, PATTI, DAVE & ALL WHO NEED THEM]]]]]]]]

Never, never forget.
DeeMarie

We had plans to go to a service for Veterans this morning but our friend who has cancer called & was in the ER so we hurried up there to be with him. He had started his treatment yesterday & had some pain. It scared him & he called the ambulance. Dave took him home & dropped me off to pick up groceries. Then he came & picked me up. We have a resident's meeting tonight. I've got to get a nap or rest before we go though as I am bushed.

Thanks to all for remembering the Veterans. So very nice. I know that Dave appreciates it. Here's hoping that you are having a beautiful day. The weather here has been absolutely beautiful! Patti :-)

Hi Guys!

Happy Vet's Day! (((((HUGS, Dave))))))

Not much going on here. Weather has been WET and cold.

I need to get a bunch of stuff done around here. But I've been more interested in cooking high fiber recipes off the Mayo Clinic site. They have some yummy ideas over there. One of our friends spent last week with diverticulitis and it made me think. Hey! We're not getting any younger here and we need to eat more fiber and exercise more. Well, I'm going to get to the exercise part soon too...

McPeg---I am SO proud of you for skipping the cocktail and getting busy on assessing your feelings. One day at a time, sistah!

This is my day:

I'm off to my new quilting class in about an hour. I'm sneaking out of it about 30 minutes early to get my flu vaccination. Then lunch & off to a friend's house for scrapping afternoon. I'm so excited. It will be busy but fun. Have a great day! Patti :-)

BJ~They have wild chickens in Ybor City. They were planning on catching them & releasing them in other places. (This was talked about on the news last night.) This morning they announced that they are going to leave them alone except that they are going to tag them & monitor how many there are. Everytime I see them I think of you!!

Good morning!

I've got company coming tomorrow to see our house and have lunch. My cousin from Dallas is flying in to visit a friend, so both are coming. Need to get busy and straighten up.

It's taken me a long time to figure out, but my housecleaning and weight struggle seem to go hand in hand. I procrastinate until the last minute to do something about either, then panic. It seems like it would be so much easier if I could once and for all make this a "lifestyle" change.

For instance, my husband just informed me that we are meeting friends in New Orleans next weekend. I'm putting off buying anything to wear until next week - like all of this weight is going to disappear in a week. I could kick myself. My closet, pre-Katrina, had clothes of every different size. Of course, that all blew away. I've been gaining weight ever since, and have not bought anything really nice since the storm. I cannot wear my black sweat pants with the white stripe on the side (the uniform of us fat people) to New Orleans. ha.

My neighbor who just got back from the Virgin Islands has decided she is going to join her WW at work, which means we will not be doing it together. I don't blame her, but it kind of irked me that she said let's wait until I get back from vacation and we'll join. I should know that I don't need to rely on others. I have done nothing but talk about doing something to improve my health, weight, etc. I need to just do it, but, of course, can't today, because company's coming. (Always an excuse is also part of my problem.)

Thanks for listening to my woe. What a pity party. In the big scheme of life, this is nothing. Just bothering me more today than usual.

Hope everyone else is having a good morning.

Good morning from rainy (3 days in a row!) SE Texas! The temps are cooler because of all the rain, so that's a good thing.

Patti, I love the sound of your Wednesday. Nothing like a full plate to make you smile! Enjoy your crafty day.

Peggy, that's awesome that you were able to resist the temptation to drink. You should feel so proud of yourself.

I got this in my mail today, and thought I'd throw it out here if you want to see what your new user name could be:

1. Use the third letter of your first name to
determine your new first name:

a = snickle
b = doombah
c = goober
d = cheesey
e = crusty
f = greasy
g = dumbo
h = farcus
i = dorky
j = doofus
k = funky
l = boobie
m = sleezy
n = sloopy
o = fluffy
p = stinky
q = slimey
r = dorfus
s = snooty
t = tootsie
u = dipsy
v = sneezy
w = liver
x = skippy
y = dinky
z = zippy

2. Use the second letter of your last name to determine the first half of your new last name:

a = dippin
b = feather
c = batty
d = burger
e = chicken
f = barfy
g = lizard
h = waffle
i = farkle
j = monkey
k = flippin
l = fricken
m = bubble
n = rhino
o = potty
p = hamster
q = buckle
r = gizzard
s = lickin
t = snickle
u = chuckle
v = pickle
w = hubble
x = dingle
y = gorilla
z = girdle

3. Use the third letter of your last name to determine the second half of your new last name:
a = butt
b = boob
c = face
d = nose
e = hump
f = breath
g = pants
h = shorts
i = lips
j = honker
k = head
l = tush
m = chunks
n = dunkin
o = brains
p = biscuits
q = toes
r = doodle
s = fanny
t = sniffer
u = sprinkles
v = frack
w = squirt
x = humperdinck
y = hiney
z = juice

My new name would be Dorkus Farkletush! I think I'll stick with milkdud! LOL

I attended the community center's Veteran's Day luncheon yesterday, and I have to say that it was lovely and touching. They had the local high school's JROTC present the colors; all the veterans present stood for introduction, and the speaker was a retired navy colonel (I think that was the rank). The lunch was catered and was a traditional Thanksgiving dinner - delicious, too! Last night was my ESA meeting where we brought our favorite timepiece (or a photo of it). Our theme for this year is "Time". We had a salad supper, and I enjoyed every bite of the very different types of foods served.

Today, I'll go work out then meet a friend for lunch and a session of "what will we do about finding a place to work out in January?". So far, no viable solution has come up, but now that more people know about it, perhaps someone will have a brilliant idea to save our favorite spot. Funny how quickly you can get attached to a place like that.

BJ, care to share some of those yummy-sounding recipes you're trying? You sound so "up" and content, and that makes me happy for you.

Hope Dave is feeling better by now! ((((Hugs))))) to any and all who may need them today. Remember that the week is half over!

Have a good one!

Hello from Dipsy Dippintush - I bet I am a long lost cousin of Dorkus Farkletush LOL.

Patti - you are busy busy busy. Today sounds like a lot of fun for you (except for the flu shot LOL).

Wodka - you talking about your housecleaning and weight remind me of the book "Does this Clutter Make my Butt Look Fat" or something close to that. I bought the book and never read it, probably couldn't find it now either LOL. That was a little rude of your neighbor - but it is a good lesson.

BJ - I saw that huge rain cloud over your part of the country and thought about you.

Peg - I am so glad you didn't give in to that temptation. You are really doing so well - I am proud of you.

Suzanne - sounds like Patti gave you a beautiful surprise.

I went to a Chamber of Commerce dinner and they had a hypnotist for entertainment. He needed volunteers, so you know that I ran up there LOL. It was fun and he actually hypnotized me. Fortunately he didn't have me quack like a duck (at least I don't think he did LOL). I have never been under before and it was a nice feeling, just a very relaxed state, you are aware of what you are doing but you aren't aware at the same time - if that makes any sense.

Enjoy your day!

Hi there

Sloppy DippinDunkin here! LOL

Can only stop in to say "hello". I have had back-to-back meetings over the last 3 days with no time in between to get the actual work completed. Over the next 2 weeks, my calendar is a joke! Thank goodness for our department assistant who graciously offered to help with the beginning of a monster project! She is a doll!

Gotta run!

Best to all and [[[[[[[[[[[huge squeezy hugs]]]]]]]]]]]!!

Love
Dee

Hi all,

It's a beautiful (but cold) November day. The sun is shining for the first time this month! It's like a switch for the sun goes off as soon as it's Nov. 1st!

Patti, hope you are having a great day.

Raeanne, I knew you would be the first one up there! I wish I had seen that.

Milkdud, thanks for the giggle.

My name is: Crusty FrickenBoob! Funny, I refer to my fricken boobs all the time! They are always in the way. ROFLMAO!

raeanne, that's so funny that you should mention that book. I bought it, too, and also never read it. I will probably find it today as I straighten up the house for company!

-Sloopychickendoodle

Dorkus Farkletush checking in after my wonderful lunch!

I love y'all's cute names! Isn't it funny how close to home some can hit, like Suzanne mentioned about her b**bs!

My friend and I went to another town for lunch at Cracker Barrel. The food was delicious and such a nice change from Applebee's. We shopped a lot afterwards because they had their Christmas things already marked down! Plus, she shops there often, so she knew all the "treats" worth buying. I now have 2 nice gifts bought and stocking stuffers, thanks to my friend's input!

Jan, I'm just like you. Oh, yeah. That last 40 lbs. is going to melt away in 1 week after my procrastinating for 100 weeks! Just go treat yourself to pretty new things for NOW and worry about LATER later. Your friends will love you no matter what you're wearing, but you'll feel better about yourself if you're as prettied up as you can get.

I've officially invited 3 new friends to join ESA, or at least come to the tea in January where they'll learn more about it. Who knew that I could introduce long-timers from around here to something new? They're all 3 such fantastic women who would be such an asset to this group.

Raeanne, I'm jealous that hypnosis worked on you. I tried it for weight-loss while living in Dallas, and it never worked on me. I never felt any different and I sure didn't lose weight then. You could use it for "good" since you're susceptible.

Dee, many calming thoughts coming your way for all the busy-ness you have going on right now.

I've got soup going in the crockpot for dinner for our friends and us tonight - chicken, mushroom, and barley soup. It smells wonderful right now. Our friends will get biscuits with theirs. We won't, and we don't need them. I was appointed chair of the hospitality committee at the meeting last night, and that got me to thinking about cooking things for others, I guess. I am supposed to let those in need decide whether they'd like a meal or a plant though. Oh, well, I can't control the world!

Think I'll sneak in a nap so as not to be out here smelling things cooking and getting hungry! Cracker Barrel fed me well today - their special chicken pot pie. YUM!

Back to your regular programming!

I think Raeanne & DeeMarie are my 1/2 sisters! LOL

Tootsie DippinBoob here! Over & Out

I am so sorry to tell y'all this, and the only reason is so I can ask that you keep my sister and our family in your prayers tonight and for the next few days. She has taken a turn for the worse, possibly will not make it through the night. I am leaving early in the morning and will stay there with our mom for the "duration."

She did not want to go to the hospital, so the hospice nurse has given her breathing treatments and morphine, and said it could be within the next day or two, possibly tonight, and that she will just go to sleep and not wake up. She is scared. Our sweet mother and one of my sisters are staying with her tonight, along with two of her sons. Her third one is on his way in.

I knew her cancer was terminal, but never did I think it would be this fast. I am numb with sadness. I will be away a while, but thank you for your thoughtfulness and prayers.

Love,
Jan

((((((Jan)))))) I am so sorry to hear this about your sister. May her passing be swift and painless. May the pain that you and your family will experience be eased by knowing that your sister is no longer suffering.

I know how painful this is for everyone right now. Unfortunately, I've BTDT many years ago. It's a journey which you all have no choice but to travel, but be grateful that you'll all have one another from whom to draw comfort. Prayers for everyone this evening and in the days ahead. I am so glad that you're going to be with your mom. You'll need one another. Please update us when you can. Meanwhile, please know you're in my thoughts and prayers.

((Jan)) - As someone who is still hurting from the recent loss of a loved one, my heart goes out to you. Losing her will hurt, nothing can change that; but she will no longer be in pain. Bless you and your family and may you find the strength to be there for each other.

Marci

((((Jan)))) please know that prayers are coming to you, your sister and the entire family. I am so sorry to hear about this and hope everyone finds the strength to get through this together. xoxoxo

Jan and family (((((HUGS)))))

I too know how painful this is for you. Unfortunately, I too lost my youngest sister many years ago. Milkdud is so right -It IS a journey which you all have no choice but to travel. I hope you will find comfort in the fact that your sister knows she is loved by her family and I hope you all can draw the strength you need to endure your pain. I also hope your pain and sadness will quickly give way to the joy of your memories of having her in your life for as long as you have and the fact that she is not in pain or suffering any longer.

Prayers and thoughts to you and yours. Please let us know how you are doing when you can.

Peace.

Jan~Hugs, prayers, & loving thoughts for you, your sister, & your family. Please know that you have a family here that loves & cares about you too. Let me know if there is anything I can do for you.

Jan you are in my heart and prayers to all of the family. You are never alone in this. We are here for you anytime.

I've been a bit tardy in posting - slump this week in some ways but it will pass. Still 'want to' diet but having a tough time with the getting motivated. My seasonal disorder for dark days makes me want to eat carbs, carbs, carbs. I need to spend the money and get more fresh fruit. Next week is work again and busy on your feet decorate trees, walls and walk, climb, stretch - can't wait to get motivated again. Sitting around kills me.

Patti what kind of quilt class are you taking? Being a quilter (sometimes) of course I wanna see pics or know more!

Love my new name - Dumbo Gizzardhump. I think the last name suits the way my butt feels!

Been stewing around creative ideas in my head to try some new projects. Want to get into polymer clay and have purchased some cameo molds, lace. Want to make some chokers to sell. If I only do enough to cover the materials cost for now I will be happy. Also playing with my card stock I got in. Nothing fancy, just printing some pics on my printer and thinking about it further. I'm really a crayon girl. Nothing more to do outside now. Snow is coming next week.

I still don't care for a drink right now and this weekend I will have pop or tea or water when visiting the in-laws. I am upfront about everything and they already know I've joined AA.

I may not be back until Sunday to post but I am keeping Jan and family in my prayers.

LOL to all,
Peggy

[[[[[[[[[[Jan]]]]]]]]]]]]]] Heartfelt wishes that you get through this peacefully with your sister and family. I, too, have been through this a few times. Saying prayers for all of you.

Not sure I will be around again until Monday or possibly Sunday evening. We are leaving for my sister's this evening, and this work laptop needs to be upgraded sometime today.

Donna, many thanks for the thoughtfulness. Got the card yesterday, and I am feeling better. Thank you again...you are a special, special person. :0)

My prayers are that all of you find peace and rest this weekend.

Take care,
DeeMarie

Hello from Sloopy Dippenfanny.

I just breezed through posts, was sick myself a couple days with I don't know what. If I didn't know I had no gallbladder I would swear I was having an attack. Actually turned around on my way to work Tuesday morning and went home...got sicker when HVAC system died that day and had to buy an entire new one :-( Of course this is nothing next to what others are enduring.

(((Jan))), you, your sister and entire family remain in my thoughts and prayers. I have never lost a sibling but have lost my Dad and, like Suzanne said, know it's a path you travel against your will. Cancer is such a vicious disease.

Dee, back at ya :-) Glad you're feeling better.

((Marci)), glad you checked in. You remain in my thoughts and prayers too.

Will catch up and check in later!

Love to all - Donna

Jan- (((((HUGS))))))) It's always too soon. I lost my 36 yr. old brother 21 years ago and I still talk about him like he was here yesterday. And newphew, Brandon (at 21), too young, was an unconsolable sadness that weighed on our hearts for a long, long time. The memories are what keeps them alive in my heart. At this age, unfortunately, many of us realize that the days on earth are never to be taken for granted. Check in when you can. We will think of you...

Marci: Happy to see you back. I think of you often. Hope you are getting through the days okay and the holidays aren't too painful for you and yours this year. The first year is the very worst.

Peggy: Keep on truckin'. I log on here, wanting to hear that you are taking it day by day and each successful day makes me smile. STAY BUSY and drink tea, pop, whatever...Don't WAVER! We love that you are S-T-R-O-N-G!!!

Patti- On a happy note: the wild chickens aound fun to me! I love chickens that just hang out and ACT like they're SUPPOSED to be there!

Raeanne and Jan-When you find "Does This Clutter Make My Butt Look Big?" Don't bother reading it. Peter Walsh is much better in person or on TV or DVD. His books never do it for me. Uh, not that I've actually SEEN him in person---but Ty Pennington, I HAVE seen him...(yum, in an I'd-probably-let-him-eat-crackers-in-bed-kind-of-a-way.)

Raeanne-I was hypnotized once--to lose weight, but it wore off. The goal was to actually drink more water, which I did for a while. But it was a VERY relaxing feeling whilst I was under.

Dee: Glad you're back at it! YAY! Man, that was a hummer of a cold you had.

Signed,
-DoombahGizzardButt here.
How becoming is that?
I didn't even get a "chicken" or a "boob" in my name.
I honestly believe I was ROBBED!
That's it...I'm changing my name to:
-BoobyChickenTush

Good morning, BoobyChickenTush and everyone! It's 36, sunny and not so windy today, TG! Yesterday's wind could have blown us into the next county if we'd hung around outside much. LOL

Hubby and I are up early to go to the first church service for a change. Then, I'll attend Sunday School, and follow that with heading out in carpool to lunch, then on to see "Menopause-the Musical" in downtown Houston. It's supposed to be very good, and I'm also looking forward to spending time with these ladies as I only get to nod "hello" at church and SS so far.

Thinking of Jan and her family today and praying that all their pain is bearable (((((hugs)))))

It's so nice seeing Marci, Peggy, Dee, BJ, Donna, and Patti posting. Suzanne, I'd love a pic or two of your animals when you have time. It's been too long.

Got to go get dressed, so I'll wish everyone a great day!

I don't know if anyone will check by today or not but I've sent out an e-mail to everyone letting them know who they have for their Christmas Card buddy. Right now, you only know who you have & nobody else knows who anybody else has. If you want everyone to know then I'll tell but this way it can be a complete surprise. Peg has asked to have everyone's addy & if no one has any objections then I'll send them to her. I thought that I would make certain one last time before I did that though. So speak now or forever hold your tongue! LOL I know, I'm such a tough cookie. Ringmaster or something like that. ha ha I'll post this tomorrow too if I need to just to be sure that everyone sees it. Have a great day.

[[[[ JAN ]]]]

Milkdud! Wow! Whadda Sunday! Lots to do for you! Sounds fun, tho'!

Patti! I got your email and...YAY! This will be fun! BTW, I don't care who has my snail mail addy in this group. It's nice for us to have contact info outside this board, I think.

It's cool and misty here. We're going to the sculpture park today with the kids. There is a HUGE RUSTY (intentionally) IRON HORSE SCULPTURE there and I always think of NHSuzanne when I see it. It'll be nice to let the kids run around and get some exercise myself.

Hooray for Sunday, everyone!

Patti - I got your email too. Thank you. Yes, you can give out my address. I wouldn't mind having them as well, if it's not too much trouble and no one minds.

BoobyWildChickenTush - Yes, it was just relaxing to me and that's not a bad thing. I was thinking of going to him for weight loss. I know you have seen Ty in person, I have his autograph to prove it! I am glad you told me not to read the book. I have no time to waste on useless info right now LOL.

Milkdud - I hope you enjoy the show. I have only heard good things about it. I tried hypnotism previously and it didn't work for me.

Jan - thinking of you and your family, sending prayers.

Love to all!

O-M-G! This is SO funny---

Besh's Idiot Proof Diet from NOVEMBER 2004 is Baaaaaaaack! That thread simply WILL NOT DISAPPEAR! I'm sorry, it cracks me up every time it is bumped to the top again!

Raeanne-Yah, I remember when I was with Ty and he asked how to spell your name, I was so excited, I couldn't even think! He wrote "BJ, Thanks for all the love, TY" in my book and my DH wanted to know what THAT was all about. Riiiiiight....I should have asked him to write, "Thanks for last night, TY" JUST KIDDING--gawd!

Doing laundry today...again...back from the sculpture park. My DD is doing Tae Bo and I'm on my hands and knees, cleaning the tile floor, listening to it--"One, Two Three Four, Five--WORK IT!" Over and OVER AGAIN! Although it does make the mopping easier, I suppose. Luckily, in this rental I'm in, the tile area is not huge, so it shouldn't take me long.

Okay, back to the floor.

((((HUGS to my special, special sisters.))))

Hi All,

I can't believe it's Sunday night already :-(

Milkdud, you sound like you had a full day..hope you enjoyed it!

I did lots of laundry today also.

Patti, I got your email. I have no problem sharing my addy with Peg or anyone else on here. Like Raeanne, if not too much trouble I would love everyone's address also.

Got to run, I want to try and watch the Lifetime movie The Two Mr. Kissels - fell asleep last night.

Take care and have a great week!

Donna