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Post by ann1953 on Dec 18, 2019 11:37:41 GMT
Good morning all. Supposed to be warmer today with no snow....I'll take it Today marks the 10th anniversary of my first bc surgery. My how times flies. Still 'dealing with it' but I need to focus on the fact that I'm cancer free and move forward from there. I have a LOT to be grateful for Need to make a pit stop to Hannaford's. After that??? Who knows. Will CBL
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Post by suewms on Dec 18, 2019 14:24:35 GMT
Good Morning, WW Friends ~
Happy Hump Day!! I just caught up with all of your posts, but unfortunately have no time for personals. I'll try again later.
We have frigid temps today (wind chill in the single digits) so I know we won't be going outdoors. We have been having a great time at school swapping gifts. My partner knitted me a beautiful 3-shades of grey and white bulky scarf which matches my school coat perfectly and I LOVE it!! Secret Santa has been fun and continues to be. I have received a coffee mug, candle, and some lavender vanilla scented oils. Also various treats have been dropped off for us to enjoy throughout the days (as if we need those LOL).
I have WW WI this afternoon and really have mixed feelings about it. I was right on goal when I woke this morning, but we'll see what the afternoon reading says. I'm not going to stress over it (it's only a number).
BBL. Make a great day!!
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Post by ann1953 on Dec 18, 2019 14:50:07 GMT
Bundle up Sue and that scarf sounds so pretty and warm. Enjoy wearing it in good health.
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Post by sunshinep396 on Dec 18, 2019 17:31:39 GMT
Good morning!
It was great to have updates from each of you waiting for me this morning.
Sue - Lavender vanilla is currently my favorite scent. I use bath gel, cream, lotion and body spray in that scent. Your scarf sounds lovely.
Ann - Congratulations on your 10 year anniversary. Being cancer-free, even with your current issues, is a blessing.
Judy - I hope you are infection-free for your vacation. I don't blame you for putting off the testing, but wish it could have been scheduled in January. Maybe they could notify you if they have any cancellations in January and you could move up the testing date? I love pork in any form, so your roast dinner sounded delicious.
We have GNO at my favorite fancy restaurant in BTR tonight. I like everything I have ever had there, but am leaning towards a baked speckled trout filet topped with lump crabmeat for tonight. I will splurge with a cup of their crab & corn bisque, which is excellent. I will be eating light until then, with a brunch meal instead of breakfast and lunch. Fruit salad topped with Greek yogurt will be the main part of it. I may add a vegetable and a slice of Dave's Killer bread toast. The scale is behaving again and I don't want to mess that up. It is a cool 48 out, but sunny, so I have pledged to actually take a walk today. I have slacked terribly on my walking lately.
I want to get DH some porters & stouts (beer) as part of his Christmas, so I will go into BTR a little early and stop by a specialty grocery that has a person who has been very helpful in helping me choose a selection in the past. I am woefully ignorant about porters & stouts as that is not a form of beer that I like.
Not much else on the agenda today except some housework. I am grateful for a couple of days that are not jam-packed with activities. I am also thankful that my usual holiday season depression seems to be absent this year. My dad died just before midnight on Dec. 23 in 2012 and was pronounced dead on Christmas Eve. This year, I am concentrating on how much my parents loved Christmas and the happy family times we had, rather than the trauma of that one very sad Christmas.
Time to head out on that walk before I talk myself out of it, lol.
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Post by ann1953 on Dec 18, 2019 19:34:48 GMT
Back from running errands. It's cold out but lots of sunshine and no wind make it pleasant to walk. I was happy to get a good hood walk in earlier. Stopped at Tractor Supply for LuLa's can food then off to Walmart and last but not least Hannaford's. Love shopping weekday afternoon as they are not crowded. We bumped into several people we knew which made out trip take longer. No big deal as it fun fun being out and not having to be at a doctor appointment. Pam I suffer from holiday depression....my grandmother was buried on Christmas Eve and my dear mom passed on New Years Day. This year, however I too am not as teary as I have been. Perhaps it's the milestone of my surgery that is pushing me to being grateful. I don't know, but I'll surely accept it (((hugs))) Actually I never heard of that beer. Not a beer drinker...I stick mostly to red wine. Enjoy your meal out at your favorite fancy restaurant Going to relax a bit now and I hope to finish my book.
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Post by judy709 on Dec 18, 2019 21:10:11 GMT
Hey all,
I am back at work today just in time for a day filled with parties. Our Secret Santa aka Yankee Swap for our group just wrapped up- or should I say unwrapped! LOL It is different from the Secret Santa in that you don't necessarily get to keep what you choose from the pile. There were 25 who participated and everyone draws a number. Everyone who opens after you can choose to trade for your gift or keep the one they opened. The #1 person can take whatever they want at the end after all the gifts are opened. We had some funny wacky gifts and some very nice one. My big box of Ferrarro Roche was fought over-lol and so was the adorable hat, scarf, hot chocolate and chocolates I opened. I lost it quick to someone who opened a very funny but useless two foot tall pirate statue. HA! I did not want that one so luckily another person opened more chocolates and her DH is diabetic so she took the pirate for a laugh. I was relieved. It's fun and a bit rowdy with this group and we had way too many homemade sweets, gingerbread men, whoopie pies, Jewish latkes and more. Next, we have the big fancy party that the President hosts. It's catered and very nice - loads of shrimp and fancy hors d'oeuvres and signature cocktails, etc. I plan to go for about five minutes and duck out since I am still not up to par. I'd like to see the decorations but not eat the food.
Pam, your dinner sounds heavenly. The crab chowder sounds especially yummy to me and the fish. I am glad your depression has lifted a bit. That is a lot to bear with the memories you have of a difficult Christmas, but you are so right. Focus on the good memories and the happy holidays you had with them. I get sad at Christmas because I miss my parents so much. They truly made Christmas so special and started their preparations very early in December - making Swedish meatballs, Swedish Glogg and all the special baked goods - even well into their 70s and 80s. It has never seemed the same to me since they've been gone though we try to replicate it and now have fun with the DGKs. So, I understand what you and Ann mean. We are all lucky we have those kind of memories.
Ann, congrats on your anniversary and here's to continued GREAT health in 2020.
I'll be in touch later! Waving to Sue - you scored big time at your Secret Santa. Hand knit items are the BEST!! That is so thoughtful!
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Post by ann1953 on Dec 18, 2019 22:23:44 GMT
Lol Judy. So happy you enjoyed the yankee swap. We used to do that when I worked at T&G back in the day. Happy you didn't end up with the pirate Thanks. My Christmas wish is for all of us to have a wonderful 2020. I'm listening to the ol' crooners sing Christmas songs. Martin Sinatra Sammy Davis Jr Rosemary Clooney.....and a boatload more. Doesn't get any better than that.....
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Post by judy709 on Dec 19, 2019 1:34:04 GMT
Ann I love the old classic Christmas songs. I tell Alexa to play Christmas classics and nat king cole and all those greats come in! My dad always had the “hi-fi” going with them.
Bundle up tomorrow, Ann. It’s frigid now!!
I stayed at the fancy party about 15 minutes! I visited with a few and ate nothing. Home by 5. I’m partied out!
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Post by ann1953 on Dec 19, 2019 1:57:25 GMT
Not looking forward to the cccold temps tomorrow, Judy. Keep warm as well. I was admiring my neighbors glasses and she got them from an optician in town. I will go tomorrow to check it out.
I hear you on being partied out.
Time for a glass of Chianti.
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Post by ann1953 on Dec 19, 2019 12:39:50 GMT
The word of the day is BRRRRRR Woke up to 9 degrees with the 'real feel' of -6! I'll be back when my brain thaws
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Post by suewms on Dec 19, 2019 13:46:33 GMT
Good Morning, WW Friends ~
We also have the ccccold! It is 15 dg right now with a RF of 5. Looks like an indoor day (again!) sigh ....
My WW WI was okay. I was up 0.5 lb which is still within my "legal" range (even if at the top). I plan to maintain throughout the holidays then buckle back down in January before my next WI. So many treats, so little time!!
Judy ~ GFY for skipping the treats at the party! I had anticipated your candy offering would go quickly! My DH likes them also and I have a coupon in my purse and it is on my shopping list. Hope you continue to feel better!
Ann ~ Congrats on your anniversary! That is great and such an accomplishment! Here's to hoping that teary feeling stays away, and only happy memories prevail.
Pam ~ I am also glad your holiday depression has taken a leave. It seems we all have something that summons up nostalgia at this time of year. I know I have been reminiscing more than usual. I also lost a son a week before Christmas and though many years ago, the memory lives on, so I especially think of him this time of year.
Today is my last day of school and to deliver Secret Santa. Tomorrow morning (at 8 am!!)) we have our staff breakfast/Christmas party/gift exchange. I got a 12-pack of fun-size Snickers from my Secret Santa yesterday (along with a pair of warm slippers) and DH and I each enjoyed one last night.
BBL. Make a great day!!
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Post by ann1953 on Dec 19, 2019 14:46:00 GMT
Back again before we 'face the cold' and head on out to look at eyeglass frames. If I don't see anything I like, I'll get to BJ's at some point next week. No biggie. Sue being up .5 is a maintain in my books...and kudos especially now with all the holidays. Enjoy your last day of school and your 8 a.m. Christmas party tomorrow MMM to the fun size snickers. I always have those around for my 'sweet tooth' and I keep them in the freezer! Time to get a move on. Again, thanks for all the wonderful anniversary wishes Y'all made me feel special!
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Post by judy709 on Dec 19, 2019 16:25:09 GMT
Hi all,
I am feeling beat today. Just too much to do and not enough downtime. At this age, I am feeling it so much more. I forgot my iPad at the Cape last weekend and won't have time to retrieve it before we leave for CA. So, I'll rely on my iPhone and Kindle - I'll survive! But, forgetting it made me realize and DH also mentioned that when we are rushing around too much without any rest, we all forget stuff. Leaving at 5:30 AM wasn't easy on Sunday and I thought I had packed everything up Sat. pm. Oh well, c'est la vie.
My TOPS group is meeting today- a few of us. I have not seen them in ages so I look forward to going and listening. I don't feel peppy enough to add too much, but it'll be good to see them.
Sue, I am sorry you lost your little boy at the holidays. How sad. I am sure you think about him all the time. I lost so many - some miscarriages and two full term (a girl Elizabeth Anne at birth and a little boy-cord accident near birth) but your story is even sadder. I'm so lucky to have two healthy children.
DD called last night and we chatted for over an hour. She is feeling better but still on heavy duty antibiotics and under a careful eye of her doctor. She will have more testing while we are there on the 27th so we will have a chance to help with the kids. We don't have big plans for our stay with her--but she is always on the go with ideas and it'll depend how she feels. I'd like to play with the kids, maybe take a day trip or so to the zoo or beach and just relax. The week will fly by.
You should see the disaster of a guest room now where I am packing. LOL I have way too much on the bed and will cull half of it before I pack but at least it is all in one spot. Yesterday, I donated two huge bags of older work attire that doesn't fit or get worn - suits, dress pants, blazers, etc. to a program called Dress for Success to get women in shelters back on their feet and into jobs. I feel good about where the stuff goes. I also donated another big bag of robes, warm casual clothing to Abby's House - a local shelter.
Ann, my brain feels frozen solid today, too! This puffy full length coat is a lifesaver! I'll check in later.
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Post by ann1953 on Dec 19, 2019 17:07:46 GMT
((((((((((Sue and Judy))))))))))) so sorry. I have no idea how losing a child would feel. Only 'children' Carl and I have are the 4 leg variety and that hurts enough. Can't wrap my head around that. Judy sorry you left your ipad behind. I agree with DH...when moving in more than one direction at once something always happens. I do hope that you can get to relax and spend some nice 'down time' with your DD. Your mention of Abby House brought back fond memories. I can remember attending several high teas there as well as a strawberry shortcake festival Such a wonderful place to donate. I stopped at that in town optician only to find that it was closed due to an emergency and will reopen today at 1 pm. I will either go another day or just stick with BJ's. Not happening going out again in this frigid weather. Tomorrow Carl has grand jury duty once again. Just finished rolling 103 more buckeyes. Carl is dipping them in chocolate as I type LOL. Those are peanut butter balls and very tasty. Nobody has to twist my arm to eat anything with peanut butter in it I shall be VERY generous as we give them out to our neighbors and friends. Too many of those left behind is not a good thing. They freeze well, and also taste great frozen LOL. Time to get a move on. I still have some chores that I want to accomplish. I've been lolly gagging too long on the computer and playing games on the phone. Take care all and KEEP WARM
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Post by sunshinep396 on Dec 19, 2019 17:21:54 GMT
Good morning friends!
First, I want to say how much I appreciate having "kindred spirits" to communicate with, who so often share my feelings. It also brings home the fact that sadness and loss are a part of life that we all have to deal with, and my grief is no more special than the next person's. Sending all of you virtual hugs and prayers for comfort and peace this holiday season!
Last night was fun and the food was everything I had hoped and planned for. I enjoyed a piece of the delicious, warm baked bread with a smidgen of butter, a sensation salad, a cup of crab and brie soup, cedar-roasted redfish topped with lump crab meat and a lovely Cabernet Sauvignon. No one mentioned dessert, but I would have passed anyway as I was very full.
My dear friend who is in the early stages of Alzheimer's has slipped a little more. I would feel less angst if she would go to assisted living, instead of being at home alone, with no family closer than Ohio. She has mentioned going to visit one after the first of the year, but she has "visited" before and done nothing. Currently, she is still driving and definitely should NOT be, especially in BTR's heavy and unpredictable traffic. She was out past dark a few days ago and called one of our friends to come and get her because "either my headlights are out or I am going blind". She had parked at the school next to their apartment complex. The friend helped her get herself and her groceries home and they left her car overnight. A disaster waiting to happen...
My hospice visit for today was cancelled as the patient died yesterday, so my calendar is clear until yoga class at 5:30. Lunch will be my leftover fish/crab with some fruits and veggies as sides. Dinner will be brats, cottage fries ("greasy potatoes" as my kids called them) and sauteed cabbage with a little garlic. We also have a few leftover beets to add. Today's daily WI has me down .2 from last week. We'll see what the official WI says tomorrow. Right now, I am just hoping to maintain through the holidays and not have a big gain.
Judy - Happy packing! Just remember you will have access to a washer, so won't need as much clothes. I know you will be so relieved to actually lay eyes on your DD and KNOW that she is doing better. Our hospice gift swap allows a gift to be stolen 3 times before it is "retired", so things can get quite hilarious as everyone tries to be strategic with their thefts.
Ann - I love the classic Christmas carols, too. My mom had a Bing Crosby Christmas album and hearing "Christmas in Killarny" and "Mele Kilikimaka" bring a nostalgic tear to my eyes.
Sue - I am sure indoor time with the kids is getting trying. It seems the closer to Christmas, the more excited and energetic they get. It's probably the effects of too much candy, lol. Your Snickers bars would not have tempted me. Now, if they were Three Musketeers bars...
Funny story about DD3's little Leah, age 2: She has taken to yelling "Help! Help!!!" when she doesn't like something. Yesterday, she complained the seat belt was too tight (it wasn't) and yelled help all the way to daycare. When her dad picked her up to go home, she was playing and didn't want to leave, so screamed "Help! Help!!!" all the way to the car at peak pick up time, which brought lots of concerned looks from other parents, until they realized it was her dad. I told DD, Mike's lucky they weren't at Kroger, or I'm sure someone would have called the cops, lol.
Everyone have a great OP day and stay warm!
P.S. A sad note: I saw on Connect that Kathy's little dog, Princess Leia, died a couple of weeks ago. I know she will be sorely missed.
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