Hi all! Thanks for all of the bday/anniversary wishes--I had a great week, and we had a really nice anniversary! :) Rog got me tickets to see A.J. Jacobs (the author--he writes for Esquire, and is like Bill Bryson--really hysterical!), and tickets for Anthony Bourdain the next night. Now, he's yummy! :) Then, this past Friday night, I went to see a live showing of Rocky Horror--gad, that was f*u*n! No props, but it was still fun yelling out the lines to the actors! :) We're going to Chattanooga, TN next weekend to look at fall foliage, and just have fun and relax. So, it's been a lovely couple of weeks! School is going well, too. I just took another algebra test, and did suprising well on it. I am one point away from an A average, so hopefully, I can get it. Even though I've worked in corporate accounting/finance for decades, I still am not a math person. Go figure. LOL! I'm enjoying it, though, and it's good to get the ol' gray matter up and working again. I did get a very nice complement from a friend. We were discussing my going back to school at my age, and she said that I was her hero for doing it, and that she'd like to be a nurse too, but that she didn't think she could do it. I told her that I thought that if *I* can do it, anyone can and that she'd be a wonderful nurse (and she would). I just thought that was nice as I've never been anyone's 'hero' before. :) Milkdud--liver! Urk! :) I like the taste, but can not get past the texture. Congrats on good numbers! :) I started eating better, and walking 3 miles a day, and I feel so much better. I think that mess I went through in July was a real b*tt-kicker for me to take better care of myself. Speaking of that........ (drumroll, please!) I am down almost 50 pounds from my top weight!!!! And I have bought a pair of 7 for All Mankind jeans, and got in Âem, and they are comfortable. I am thrilled, to say the least! I want to lose another 20 pounds to get to a healthy BMI, and then maintain this. I canÂt believe thatÂs itÂs this close to Halloween already. Gad, what a year. Does anyone what to do a Christmas exchange this year? (I know that I missed last years, so IÂm hoping that we will do it this year!) Anyhoo, gotta goÂhope all is well with everyone! Love and hugs, Maddie

ah--i'm happy to know that i'm not the only one that almost missed this event! but you know i wouldn't let it pass by without my very best wishes for a wonderfully happy and healthy year! you've helped me many times and in ways beyond the confines of my kitchen linda and for that i thank you. happy, happy birthday to you!

Vicki I also appreciated your QOTD posts. I must say that I gained some new insight on some answers and learned a few new things along the way. It is hard to come up with questions and must say you thought of things I never thought of... wonderful job you did. The idea of one person who comes up with a question is a goodie and calling it a QUESTION FOR TODAY is a nice title. This is the season most of us begin to do so much outdoor work, and have a tough time getting the necessary sewing projects done. Thanks for your post, and if I think of something I will also add a line or two. Have a great season. hugs around, BARBARA

This weekend I'm prepping for my recovery time after knee replacement surgery (5/16). I will be moving my primary sewing machine to the dining room table where it will be easier for me to sit. I'll get a couple of my on-going projects stacked up and ready to go, along with all the thread and other supplies I might need. I'm also going to cut out all the pieces for a few more of the hand applique blocks that I was working on last year! Won't that be great to get back to that project?!? I'll have that kit ready so I'll have something to do even before I can sit at the machine. If I can find time this week I hope to get new covers made for the cushions on the patio furniture. Kate