Thanks very much, all. I spent a very quiet birthday which was just the way I wanted it. This was the big five oh and my extended family wanted to have a big surprise party but DS #2 had hockey, DS #3 had a concert he wanted to go to and DS #1. . . well at least he stopped by unannounced to have a piece of cake with me. That in itself is a big birthday present. I really, really did not want the big soiree. I threw a big surprise party for my oldest brother 6 years ago and they all figured that I would want the same thing. Fortunately, DH and my best friend both stepped in and said that they knew I wouldn't want it. My best friend (since we were 12) brought me over fifty roses - red and soft ivory. They are absolutely gorgeous. They filled my 2 biggest vases. I used your preservative recipe for them, Pudge and they still look fantastic today. For the life of me, Marcia, I can't find the date for the autumn equinox in 1957. My mother brought me up telling me that I was born on the first day of fall so I've always thought of myself as a fall baby. Anyone have a perpetual calendar showing equinoxes and solstices from that ancient date? I've never really thought to search it out before. BTW, I decided yesterday that age reverses at this plateau. Next year I will be 49, the year after that 48, etc, etc. It's all a state of mind, isn't it? : ) When I told my brother that, he laughed and said that would mean I would be playing with dolls again in 40 years. He's probably right. I've had a really, really hectic summer this year (thus my silence) but hopefully, by mid-Oct. things will have settled down and I will be joining in with all of you again. Shauna

QOD: Raeanne, make that TWO of us who have never tasted that green bean thingy! I love all kinds of veggies, but will not touch dark turkey meat....too much string or whatever in that leg and thigh! lol!!! When I was a kid, we had antipasti, lasagna w/ all the Italian meats, 3 hours later the turkey and trimmings were presented, and 3 hours after that we had nuts, fruit, and pie w/ coffee. An entire day of eating...no lie. The Alka Seltzer would fly back and forth that next day. We had a wonderful time in Smithville...got some things in the small shops and had a leisurely dinner in the Inn. My sister's DFIL and DMIL joined us too. Friday morning, my sis and I took DN and her friend to the Philadelphia Museum of Art (they had a college art assignment). I loved it, as there was a large gallery of impressionists displayed and lots of Asian items from B.C.!!!! I could have stayed all day. MENU (for Saturday---Thurs and Fri are too painful..lol!) B old-fashioned oatmeal and a handful of globe grapes before walking 3 miles around the lake whooo hooo to me! S 20 dry-roasted peanuts and cup of fat-free, sugar-free Swiss Miss L large salad with 2 oz ham and slice of ww bread S starting picking at leftovers from my sister, so I moved away from the kitchen! D I'm making a low-fat version of baked ziti with salad (topped with Good Seasons' fat free dressing) Amy, Jen, Besh---good to see you all posting here this weekend. Make it count! Take care, eat healthy, and NEVER, NEVER GIVE UP! DeeMarie

Good Friday morning! It's cool here (50 F.), but it was 39 when I got out of bed, and it was so cold in this house because our heater is on the fritz. The repairman is coming out at noon to fix things, I hope! Suzanne, I'm staying at the house until the divorce is final, 2 weeks from today, then I'll be moving up to Dallas the next morning. We're peacefully co-existing now, and that makes things so much easier. Dee, how worrisome for you that you're gaining weight. Hope you learn worthwhile info from your doc! I've got the questionnaire halfway filled out, but the days are overly full of farewell lunches and this and that for the move. I promise to get to it eventually. I am opting out of the ornament exchange this year because my life is too hectic to remember to do it, or if I were to do it, I'd probably misplace everything when it's time to mail. Lunch at Olive Garden today - the soup and salad. YUM! We did the refinancing yesterday, and it went well. H is being a good guy about having to do this. Wishing everyone a wonderful Friday and a beautiful weekend!

I just saw this so forgive me for being late. So happy birthday--hope it was special.