O.T. - Where I've Been

Hi Friends, 
Some of you have asked where I've been & what I've been up to, so I thought I'd make a post for an update.

I think of you often & am so grateful for all the help & support I've received in the last two years.   I do pop in & read posts periodically, but often don't seem to have much to say (funny, 'cause I'm so wordy!!)

So, here's what I've been up to:
First, I've been spending a great deal of time with Mom.  She will turn 91 years old soon, and is beginning to have difficulty with daily living, so we are looking into Assisted Living.   I am the "responsible party", but want to get consensus/approval from 2 sisters & 1 brother.  Mom really doesn't understand.  In the end, I think it's really up to me, and that responsibility weighs heavily.
Second   I've been gaining about a pound a month, which is not good.   I try to eat right & exercise, but with the stress of Mom's situation, I so want to revert to all the bad habits.  I know I have to take care of me.
Third  My piano class is one of my saving graces.   I have developed a website for our class where you can here our performances..   Note, we are only intermediate students, but we so love the music.   You can see one of my performaces on:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HG_5w-e1Aks (sorry the camera is turned sideways).   Here's a pic of me & my duet partner.  Note, we dress for the part:

Fourth  I have been crocheting & knitting up a storm.  I have discovered (thanks to Kathi) a new website for knitters/crocheters that is a great source of idea & a place to showcase/document my work.  It's http://www.ravelry.com/.  you must request an invite, wait a couple of days, & then you are "in".  Unfortunately, you can't check it out until you have a login.
Here are a couple of the things I've made lately (other photos are in my profile):



Welcome to all tne newcomers & best wishes to all!!!!
I have missed you!

Hi Jan:  So glad you posted.  You have been missed for sure.  It sounds like you have been a busy lady.  Your crocheting is absolutely gorgeous.  What a talented person you are.  I am envious.  You look great Jan.  Please don't let the stresses in your life interfere with the success of your weight loss.  Please keep us posted when you can, how you are doing, Okay?

Huggers,
Sandy

Thanks, Sandy...... How are you doing?    It feels good to be in touch again.   Things should settle down soon.

Hello beautiful lady! It is so good to see you. Thank you so much for your updateand may God inspire you with your heavy decisions. I am happy to see you have been keeping a balance in your hectic life.
I know some extra protein in place of other choices will get you back on track.
You are so beautiful inside and out.
Take care!

Thank you, you most beautiful lady!!!!   I do pop in now & again, and you know you have my prayers and best wishes always.    You are such a strong woman.    You continue to amaze me with you inner strenght & loveliness.     Ain't nothin' can get you down, especially when you know we're all here for you, even when some of us don't post often.      Keep it up, seems like soon things should be lookin' up for you!!! 

Jan,you have no idea how I needed to hear that right now.
God bless you.

Hi Jan,

What great pics!  You lookd wonderful, and I love your musical blouse. Being a clarinet player, I love all things "note"worthy.

I understand your stresses with your mom's situation. My MIL is declining and the family is trying to find the right fit for her. We're 2000 miles away and it's so hard to do anything except be there to listen.

Knitting is one of my other pleasures, and I must say, I'm very envious of your abilities. What beautiful work you do!

Come on by whenever and as often as you can, we miss you

Thanks Susan,   I do miss everyone.    I am lucky that I'm near Mom.    It's alot of work, but she is soooooo sweet & easy to help.    Knitting is certainly a stress-reliever, I wi****hought exercise was a stress-reliever.  I've heard it is, but can't say I've noticed it myself.

jan... your life is so full right now that i appreciate you taking some time to update us-and to change my avatar!!

treasure the time with your mom ...don't sweat the pound a month too much cuz it's probly momstress..

your music and needlework are awesome!!!

and as always i love your smile!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi Margo,
It's a pleasure to do your avator & I'm always happy to help.      Helping others is what I miss most about not working.    What a beautiful pic ---- I think you look younger now than 2 years ago when I first signed on to OFF.  That's a  WOW !!!!!!