What's New....It's WED

Good Morning Everyone!

Way busy around here. Went to Chehalis to "tag team" with Erin on Friday. We left for Seattle Saturday morning, and spent the weekend at my sis in law's vacant condo on Lake Washington. We had LOTS of visitors all weekend. We just stayed put and let them come to us. It worked out well. Headed over the pass (snowing as we came over!) and got home about 5pm on Monday. Now it's show and tell time here as the twins are having their first sleepover at Mim and Papa's house. 

They are full of smiles and starting to try to "talk" to us. They purse up their little lips and watch our mouths and you can just see them trying to figure out how to "talk!"  We'll be here til Saturday morning; then we'll head back to their home, I'll spend the night and then come home on Sunday.

Lots going on with the house sale and the new house. House sale is moving right along and should close on or before June 27th when we have to be out.  New house electrical should be in within the next week.  Looked at one of the builders completed homes and really liked the finish work details that we saw.  We picked out a gas fireplace, but now need to call them back and order a fan. Thought we might not need it but decided since it is the kind that could be used as a heat source in a power outage that it might be a good idea. 

"Kaching, kaching!" Mike says each time we add something. But we both feel like now is the time to do those things not later when it will cost more to make changes or remodels. I know we won't get it all "perfect" but we're trying to think things through as we go. Next decisions involve flooring, tile and carpet choices. 

Kathi, it's wonderful to read about how well you are doing. I just knew you would! You were so prepared.  Best wishes to you all. I miss you when I'm not able to at least read up on you.  Cheryl, so happy to hear about the very personal memorial that you had. . . It was truly for the living wasn't it? I really believe that is what it should do. Help you to say goodbye, but to also remember and treasure the good times. 

Gotta go.  Babies are needing cuddling! They kind of keep the same time schedule that I do. Erin went back to bed, so it's my time!! Take care,

 Good monring Marti and my OFF  friends.. Marti, my mom lives in Wisc. between Lake Geneva & Kenosha, the river is very high by her but luckily no water in the basement, although in places its up to the street. I saw about lake Delton, we used to go there in the summers for mini vacations. It is a shame the lake is gone. Margo- I 'm saying prayers for your Grandma, hubby and you. You have alt on your plate right now  Annette, you made me laugh about the food police, I do the same here, if it's not in the house I can;t eat it! Good luck Pat with your knee appt. My hubby has had both knees and hips relaced in the last 5 years. Carla I really enjoyed chatting with you yesterday, can't wait to get to "see" you in August. Ceeidee-taking the hihg road is always the better choice besides they're just jealous, cause you look so great!  Karen- have fun with those babies! I had my granddaughters yesterday and we played dress up, then went to a new park, always so much fun. today its garden work for me, pulling weeds and planting the rest of the onions, so I'll get lots of tomatoes, green peppers and onions this summer. . Also have to transplant some Hostas.  Have  a super day...Paulette

Paulette, My hometown is Kenosha and I heard this am that interstate 94 is closed in one direction by Johnson Creek due to the Rock River only few inches from the bottom of the bridge. It has been "crazy" here and more rain today, tonite and tomorrow. I've never seen so many tornadoes as we had last weekend. We had about 9 inches rain last weekend, 3 inches on Sunday alone. After the severe winter we had I thought we would have a mild summer...no way.  There is so much flooding here in the surrounding counties...was on the road for work on Monday and seen many areas where creeks were into farmers' fields and houses. Makes me alittle nervous travelling across bridges with the rushing water below.  I know other parts of the country have had worse disasters but we usually don't see this in our area. The Mississippi is behaving tho. Have a great day!! Alice

Morning! I have a break this morning so I cna actually update am read some of the posts. I have been so busy lately I don't know if I am coming or going.  N came home yesterday from the hospital. We went grocery shopping and picked up several dvd's to keep her occupied while I am at work. I have her all set up with everything she needs to take care of LP. She can go up and down the stairs, but really needs to limt how often she does so.  I don't know if it is the heat, the stress, or just plain being over tired; but my hip is hurting today. I wish I could stay home and take some nice pain medication. Tylenol is helping some, but I am still limping.  I have been out of the office all week at another location testing new software. It is a boring venture. There is a lot of wait time in this process. Maybe I can leave work early today.  Have a great day!!!!

Good morning, OFF girls! I hope that today is going fairly good for everyone. I look forward to this time each morning since I feel this is our chat time.  Today is our 20th wedding anniversary. That time has just flown by. Not always fast but I just can't believe that 20 years has gone by. Where does the time go? In about a half hour it will be 20 years that our wedding started. It was just a very small one. We had our immediate family only and my girlfriend played the organ for us. My cousin took pictures so we have lovely pictures of our day. I look back and think that so much has happened. Good and bad. I know that there is no one on this earth that I would rather share my life with than Bill. He is so good to me. He has his faults but I got some doosey of faults too. haha But don't tell anyone that since they all think I am perfect!! So many people didn't think that we would make it since we only knew each other a week when we got married. That is so unlike me~to jump into something without really sitting and thinking it through for a gazillion years. We are speding the day here at home. We chose not to do anything. We usually always go out for lunch or dinner and today we chose to stay home and have steaks (of course on the grill since my George Foreman is a not so lean, not so mean grilling machine!) for dinner. That is what we wanted to do. We aren't exchanging gifts either. We are just happy being here together and stay in the peace and quiet.  Bill's cousin just came over for a few minutes. Bill is out there talking to him before he leaves. He told me about a place in Valparaiso that is the called the bucket place since they put handles on buckets. I guess they pay $12.00 an hour. I think that I am going to go and look into that place. I need a job and that sounds like not what I want but it is a start. I would be devastated if they wouldn't hire me. I guess they hire just about anyone. haha I always say that it is easier to get a job when you have a job. This would be a start! Does it sound like a good plan to all of you? Just sounding things out.  I guess Bill's family is having a cook out on the 4th of July at his cousins house. I guess we are going. I don't mind going since most of us women just gab all day. The guys go out and they stand around and talk and then sometimes they play their guitars and sing. Typical hillbilly stuff. haha I always call Bill my hillbilly Billy, since his given name is Billy. My family doesn't do anything for the 4th so what the heck? I guess I better get going. I want to get breakfast because I am so hungry. I am keeping everyone in my prayers and special ones are going up for those in need. I am sending lots of love and big hugs to everyone. Have a happy one today and don't forget to look for the good in everything. Sometimes it is hidden.

Good morning Marti and Friends.  Yes, I heard about the flooding up your way.  How awful.  I completely understand the devastation, BTDT.  (Not on a personal level, but so many friends, coworkers, and a family member lost everything with Katrina.)  My prayers are with all those suffering. Got to work late, blood drawn this morning.  Still busy and shorthanded.  Coworker/friend Pat's dad passed away yesterday afternoon.   Boss should be in shortly.  Yes, it's after 10:30 and he's not here yet. Will check back when I can. Debbie

Hi Marti and everyone: Marti, so good to see you again ... yes, saw all the stuff going on in the Dells ... boy, the houses floating away and the lakes being lost is horrible. I remembering going on the boat tours in the Dells several years ago with my friend Roxane (I had won tickets and we went camping at Merry Macs campground, then took the boat tour). It's beautiful country up there; couldn't believe the houses floating along the water. It's just devastating.  Yes, Marti, I am exercising, although I had to quit the Y for financial reasons. I ride my little exercycle that fits under my dining room table just about every day and then do some weights and stretches and floor exercises (leg lifts, butt lifts, etc). Some days I do more than others. Actually, I'm doing more now than when I belonged to the Y, although I do miss the pool. Margo, glad all is well with your grandma and husband.  My personal drama, well, continues, although I'm getting through it all. Talked to the bankruptcy attorney's paralegal today ... she told me Friday is the last day for creditors to object to my revised budget plan, so by next week I should know if I'm going to get more money in my paycheck. I also asked her if I had to have permission to apply for a loan to pay off the condo association fees that I owe; she said I did and I probably wouldn't get permission. She said as long as I am paying something to them every month, she doesn't think they can do anything to me, but then she added "I'm not a lawyer." I think that's probably a good assessment (the first part), so I have to go with that. I offered to pay them $100 a month and then give them something out of next year's income tax refund; they didn't like that at all, but I don't know what else I can offer them because I don't have anything else. It's not like I have a new car to offer; my car is 12 years old. So, I'll quit whining for now and start exercising. Have a good day everyone.

Good morning Marti and everyone........ Good to see you this morning Marti. Sounds like you have been very, very busy. Don't forget to take time for you!! Margo.......glad Michael's surgery went well. I don't envy you his recoup time...men can be such babies!!  I will continue to keep your g'ma in my prayers. Bless her heart! Pat R........prayers for you too.....hope you won't need any further knee surgery. Cheryl........glad the memorial service for your friend turned out so well. Those two women should be ashamed of their behavior especially at a memorial service!! You handled it well. Aime.......you amaze me. I always thought you were an wonderful person. You go above and beyond to help your family. You have earned your wings!!  Debbie.......Sorry to hear about the passing  of your co worker/ friend's dad. As for me........I slept in today. Out of pure exhaustion!!  One of my dear friend's that I met through WLS is dying.I was with her the day she had her WLS. She came home from surgery and her husband packed up and move out the same day. He had a affair that had been going on for a long tiome. She had no idea about it. A short time later she discovered she had cancer. It has progressed and she is on her final days. I hadn't heard from her in awhile. That wasn't unusual for her. She sent me a post and told me she is on a morphine pump and having more morphine in shots to ease the pain. She said she is about at the end of the road. She moved away and I have no way to locate her. I am not sure exactly where she is. We just sent emails back and forth. I am so sad and am trying to locate her. I sent her another email...in fact more then one. I haven't recieved any replys. Please keep her in your prayers. I am just sick about this. I can't eat ...if I try to I get sick. I am keeping down Slim Fast protein drinks and water. I will try to eat later today. Have a good day ...love and hugs to all.....connie d

HI Marti and Everyone, I've been thinking about you and everyone else involved with the amazing and tragic weather striking all over the mid-west.  It's so terrific to hear you are back to working out and doing for yourself, too!  I got here very late today.  Spent as much time as possible with my daughter before she left for the airport.  I don't know what we did to be blessed with such wonderful children but my daughter was an absolute gem through this last week.  Thank you, God. I'm continuing to do great!  I've gotten my protein and water in yesterday and will meet my requirements again today.  I'm still on liquids so I suspect that's alot easier than when it comes tim to do it with food -- but I'll take the accomplishment anyway. It's been 6 days since surgery so naturally I jumped on the scale today.  I'm doing 9 pounds since weighing in right before surgery.  More importantly than that (if you can believe it) is I feel very, very good!  I got to sleep on my side last night!  WOO HOO!  That sure felt great... Otherwise, nothing new for me.  Hubby and I are once again "childless" with no kids in the house and nesting.  Take care, Hugs, Kathi