THE LIGHTER SIDE CAFE MONDAY 6/17 - SUNDAY 6/23

Good Morning, WW Friends ~

Happy Monday!  Thanks, Ann, for getting us started this morning.  I just got DH out the door and sat down at my computer, so it was a welcome surprise to find the Cafe already open and ready for visitors.

When I woke this morning, DH asked me if I had to work today and I had to ask him what day it was?? I am off today but work tomorrow only not until 11 o'clock so there will be no morning rush.  Just the way I like it!!  My only trying day will be Friday when I start at 7:30 a.m. (way outside my comfort level) but it is for a very dear friend, so I just didn't have the heart to say no.

We got out for a one-time-around walk last evening after DH got back from Kroger shopping.  We agreed that we'd do our walking BEFORE supper as usual because we seem to have more energy then.  We have another dreary grey day in the 50's but a promise of low 70's.  Where, oh where, is SUMMER?!?

My biggest plan today is to spend some quality time with George Foreman grilling some chicken tenders for supper one night and hamburgers, chicken sausages and turkey burgers for the freezer for lunches and quick suppers.

BBL.  Make a great day!

Good Morning!

I am all caught up on your news after checking both threads. I slept well last night and my Vivo confirms it. It is supposed to rain here by early afternoon, so I have already had a 35 minute walk. I stuck close to home because when I left showers were imminent, but they ended up going just slightly northwest and I was able to finish. Now, I have laundry started and am enjoying a cup of coffee. I have Alzheimer's caregiver support group this afternoon and plan to go to a vinyasa flow class at 5:30. DH and I decided on the traditional red beans and rice for our Monday dinner.

I guess it is only to be expected that by reaching our age, most of us, our spouses and friends will have some type of health issue, but I still find it somewhat distressing. It is hard to accept the natural flow of life with grace. As I huffed and puffed on my walk, I reflected that even 5 years ago, I would have maintained a faster pace and it would not have phased me. I had to remind myself that I should be grateful that I am still mobile, with only minor health problems.

Judy - It sounds like your DD's visit will be great and I know you will treasure special time with just her and the kids for a couple days. It really takes so little to keep kids entertained. One of the things I like to have on hand in case of cool, rainy weather: put 1/2 cup or so of macaroni in a sandwich bag, add some rubbing alcohol and a few drops of food coloring. Seal the bag and toss until the macaroni is dyed and then layer on paper towels to air dry. Once dried, you can put them in a clean bag and save. Do several different colors. The kids can string them on yarn to make necklaces and bracelets. Also, a blanket over the dining table or a few chairs makes a great cave and is always a hit.

Sue - I had to laugh at your having to ask what day it is! That goes on quite a bit here, even though we both keep calendars online and I also keep a paper one. Even so, I occasionally forget something. I did see an article somewhere that says exercising before eating is better. Your meals always sound so healthy! DH won't touch chicken sausage or turkey sausage or burgers, though I sometimes buy turkey sausage for myself.

Ann - Enjoy your mani-pedi today! I am in need of a pedi, but will wait until next weekend when we go to the camp. Speaking of which, my DSIS told me when she went for a pedi Saturday, they were turning people away due to a staff shortage. It seems one lady was killed in a car accident and another didn't pass a licensing test because her English was not good. I will plan to go early next Saturday.

Well, time to re-boot the laundry and get busy! Make yourself a great day, Cher! (As one of my Cajun mentors would say.)

Very productive day at my house. I have finished up some laundry. I have marinated and seasoned meats to grill later.  I cooked the bulgur for my Buglur, Mango, and Avocado salad and it is chilling. I also mixed together a can of well-rinsed white beans and halved some grape tomatoes and added some sliced onion and FF Zesty Italian dressing. I chopped up the last of my fresh broccoli and halved grape tomatoes to make a batch of my Broccoli Feta salad (with LF Ranch).  When I get the Bulgur salad put together I will have three salads on hand as well as lettuce and chopped salad.  I will be grilling later.

Pam ~ I am so glad you answered Judy in your post because I had missed her post on yesterday's thread. Now I have gone back and read it.  The chicken sausage we buy is Amylou Chicken/Apple/Gouda which I got to sample one time at Sam's Club and liked.  They are very good (and I couldn't imagine eating chicken sausage either).  Turkey burgers are a favorite because I buy the Jennie-O Seasoned 1/3 lb burgers and they are very good.  Of course, they may be an "acquired taste".  I use Google calendar which updates on my iPhone, DH's phone, my desktop and both our tablets automatically.  When I first wake up, I don't have one near me to check. Maybe that will be next?? But not as long as DH knows what day it is.

Judy ~ I am glad your DH had a nice FD. I wondered about him yesterday, but knew you would make it special for him as well.  Congrats on booking your Alaska trip.  That was our very first cruise, and I remember when our friends came over (that we were going with) and we booked our flights, etc., together (back in the day).  That was all so exciting!!  I am happy for you!!  Sounds like you have great plans for your visitors.  Keep us posted ..... I love hearing about it.

Ann ~ Great that you got your mani and pedi done today. That is such a good feeling!!  We had a peek of sunshine for a few minutes, but whoops .... it's gone again!!  I would love to eat outdoors today but we'll have to see.  I hope to get a few minutes to read this afternoon.  I am currently reading "Whiskey River Rockstar" by Justine Davis.  So far I am enjoying it very much and look forward to picking it up again.  

I need to go put together my Bulgur salad. I sat down here at the computer to check on the portions of ingredients in the dressing, and peeked in here and just had to write.  Now to go chop mango and avacado and mix up the dressing.  Then later I'll fire up the George Foreman and get 'er done.

Sorry gang - I just realized I posted on the wrong week earlier!  I am glad some of you caught it.  

Hi friends,



I missed posting over the weekend since we were at the Cape and dashing around getting ready for the onslaught of company for the next month or so! :-) I am so looking forward to seeing my DD and her two kiddos on Monday from CA. Her DH is coming a bit later. We're both happy to have some time alone and will celebrate our little guy's 3rd birthday on June 30. DD is a little disappointed that my DS and DDIL and the baby won't be here by then, but it'll all work out and they will arrive a few days later. Sometimes the 1:1 is very nice for a while. We have lots of fun things planned including swim lessons at the Y for our DGD and DGS, a trip to Edaville Railroad (a great theme park for little ones), the beach, the aquatic rehab center near us and my DH bought a good sized backyard inflatable pool at BJs for them to splash around in, too. Plus, they have their bikes and toys and the time will go by fast. I hope to get in some games of the Old Maid with my DGD. :-)



Book club was really fun. We had a delicious spinach pie from a famous Greek bakery near Boston accompanied by salad, guacamole appetizers, sangria and for dessert homemade brownies, key lime pie and ice cream, too. I skipped dessert for the most part - just a taste of pie. We chose Where the Crawdads Sing for our next book, Ann! Coincidentally, my Boston Public e-version of the book arrived today for my Kindle so I am set to read it. Per usual, we solved the world's problems and all its complexities at book club. LOL We managed to talk about the book for a few minutes. lol



Father's day was quiet for my DH. DD and DS both called him which is all that matters to him. He and I had a lovely brunch at a pretty old Victorian restaurant and we sat on the porch before the rains began. On Saturday PM, we celebrated by having lobster rolls, chowder and a tiny side order of fried clams. He is really trying to lose lbs as well. Last night I made my last Blue Apron WW dinner - a stir fry steak tip/mushroom/cabbage and zucchini dish with a very nice Asian flavored sauce concoction. Then I knitted for a bit and watched some of Bob Dylan's Thunder Review tour movie on Netflix and headed to bed.



We booked Alaska today. Fingers crossed that all goes well.



Ann, good luck at the doctors this week. Sue, I can't believe it's already been 3 weeks since your DH was hospitalized. Sounds like he is doing so well with the walking and all! Hope his doctor appt also goes well. I agree with you overall on "where's summer???" Ironically, it is beautiful today and of course, I am stuck inside working. The staff picnic Friday was really fun - bittersweet because it was the last one for one of my best buddies. She is retiring soon. :-(



My DH also goes to the dr today to check on his breathing/fluid retention issues. Plus, my very good pal's husband is in the hospital with excruciating back pain. He was going to have emergency surgery Saturday for the herniated disc and spinal stenosis but they delayed it until today. She said NONE of the strong pain meds worked one whit on his agony. Poor man. Yet, he is the most cheerful and kind man and all the nurses love him. Say a prayer for Steve.



Ann, hope the mani/pedi was fun. I need one, too.



Pam, it really pains me, too, when my DD is in emotional pain. You wish you could take it on for them. Heartbreaks are so hard and compounded by work worries. She must love having a safe place to land with you and your DH. In hindsight, we all realize at this old age that often the heartbreaks are more about issues that the bf has more than about you, but it still hurts a lot. Hugs to her. Wow, you are really stepping up the walking and Sue, too. My turn, my turn! You are inspiring me and jumping on Ann's bandwagon. She's a pro walker. :-)



TTFN.

Pam - do you mix the rubbing alcohol with the dye or how do you do it?  Proportions?  Just curious! Thanks.

Good morning all. Loved reading about y'all. I was getting beautified yesterday with fingers and toes and then had issues with the desktop again. Not fond of posting via the phone. I just can't get the knack of it.

Sue, how did your bulger salad come out? That sounds like a good idea to put TURN THE PAGE on the previous week. Now to remember to DO it LOL.

Judy happy that you had a nice laid back fathers day and DH got to talk to the kids. I also hate when the library book gets poofed, especially when it's a popular one and someone else is waiting for it. That's happened to me a few times. I hope you are less tired.

Today we have the carpet cleaners coming between 10:00 - 10:30. Hopefully it's not going to rain, but I heard we are in for some. Should that happen, we'll just go to one of our neighbors that are 'dog friendly' and visit with them.

Will try to pop in later.

Wishing AWF a wonderful day!