Hi Guys! Thanks for all the nice b-day wishes and personal emails. I have had a lot going on, but also felt like I got so far behind here at the "garden" that I felt like I couldn't catch up---so I kept putting off checking in. I know Maddie and Dee Marie know how I feel about that! Sometimes time slips away so quickly and then it seems very uncomfortable to try and catch up. I knew everyone here would say, "Just hop back in!" But even so, I wanted to read everything and know exactly what was happening. I keep thinking I'll have time to read the few months I've missed, but it'll have to wait for my yearly trip to KY. I'll print and catch up while in the airports, and getting some time in the bluegrass state. This year, I am taking my oldest DD with me, so it will be a little different! Joanne~ I haven't rec'd the package yet, but the mail system and connections between our 2 countries is not super great yet! Anyway, I'm sure I'll get it soon. I have had a LOT of negative change in my life in the past few months and hopefully, with the summer arriving, the light will be brighter and I will be able to understand more of why I was planted on the earth for. I've had a bout with depression and adjustment and couldn't get it very together for a while. Me? Yes. Imagine that! I was surprised myself. It's nice to be "home" here though. Checking in and seeing that I was still welcome means more to me than any of you can ever imagine. Thanks so much for the emails and all. You are truly an amazing group of friends. Always there. Never invasive. Perpetually accepting. All I can say is wow. PS: Raeanne: Thanks for the link, sis, but I hadn't forgotten how to get here! But you KNEW that was the key for me. Smoochies and Huggles. And Dee Marie, you too. And Tikanas. And NHSuzanne. And everyone. You are simply the best.

Good morning! I've been up since way-too-early-for-me-usually. LOL I was invited to visit the Methodist church here in town, so I went to the 8:30 service, then attended my friend's Sunday school class. I felt right at home even though it's been 40 years since I last attended a Methodist service. Ironically enough, all the hymns today were old familiars to me! I enjoyed the women's Sunday school class, too. I'll definitely return next week if all goes well around here. McPeg, so glad to read that you're healing inside and out. I think it's natural to remember things about your mom. My mom passed away almost 9 years ago, and there are times when I feel like it was just the other month. Memories are sometimes painful, but mostly, they're cozy and comforting. Patti, sounds like you had another good crafting weekend! I need to pack my bag with my tools for this afternoon's card-making class. I'm so looking forward to going, learning new techniques, and making new friends. This making-new-friends business is really growing on me, and I'm very thankful. Internet friends have always been so special to me, but it's nice to have RL friends, too. Today is the beginning of 2+ weeks of keeping grandchildren. (until the 15th of July) Aubrie and I are going to have such good bonding time together, something we've never really had before now. (Alexis comes to stay beginning next Sunday.) Today at church, I was introduced to the nursery lady in case I decide to take Aubrie with me next week, just for a change of pace. She may miss being around other children, so it's nice to know I have that option. QOD: Is there an area in your life that you would like to unload to help you with your goal? I think forgiving is a tough one for me to let go. I did great being around my xh and his wife at my son's wedding last fall, but it wasn't easy. We're supposed to have lunch with them next Sunday, and a tiny part of me felt angst when I heard about it, I have to admit. I am trying to grow up finally at age 60, but there's this small child in me who feels that until someone says "I'm sorry", it's not official. Silly, I know, but there it is! I have let go of much of my past resentments since moving here, and coincidentally or not, my desire to lose weight began around the same time. Maybe that Peter Walsh book, "Does this clutter make my butt look fat?" really pegged it. Sending restful, peaceful Sunday wishes to everyone. Have a great one!

4kids....yep the runner plague !! Great legs and then the rest...haha. It is a challenge to keep the upper body and torso strong when so much time ends up going to the actual running and life. One thing that will help keep you motivated is the prospect of injuries if you keep on the way you are. The muscles only function as well as the ligaments and tendons that hold them in place . As you age and as you run you are putting more stress on the lig/ten and expecting them to continue to hold the muscles as they always have. With age and use you will find that they lose their rubbery quality and they will sag too ! You will get subtle hints at first and then more and more you will be nursing this and that and take longer and longer to get back. I am so glad you are going to change your routine and add the strength training back in. You are to be admired..4 kids in 6 years ! WOW !! Also the other part of this is that the stronger your upper body is the better it carries your lower body, this is more true on trails but also very true on up hills and down hills on roads. If you think about the ergonomics of the moves you can utilize your upper body to help support you when you are doing the ups/downs and it relieves the stress on the lower body. Also of course having strong muscles themselves promotes good posture and form and makes injury less likely. Good Luck and I hope you will post back. Kelly it is SO good to hear back from you. I have wondered how you were doing. I agree that 14 hrs a week is way too much. It is too much to expect of your body and your mind to keep that up. Slow and steady is the way to lasting change. I sure hope you will continue to post back with your progress. We have seen so much support on this particular thread this month and I think it would be great to continue. Judy that is so good to hear. It is indeed a steady and safe way to lose weight as well as a plan for a lifetime of healthy eating. As blfenton as noted she took of a lot of weight and did it in a slow and steady and rational way while exercising moderately. A lasting change is achieved over time night over night. I sure am learning a lot here. I have kept up my runs with my new friend and my walks with my old friend. I did a 6 mile track run this AM and then a 3 mile trail walk this afternoon. I am tired now !! I went to the gym yesterday and did my usual workout and added in some new triceps exercise. Felt good and no soreness so the couple of months off didn't impact it seems. I look forward to lots more discussion here. c

Went to JoAnn's spent at least an hour in there walking up and down the fabric isles, studying all the possibilities and now I'm home again after a 45 minute drive I think I covered exercise for today ;0)