Good morning!

I put in nearly $1000 in repairs on my car in the last few months because it felt very unstable on the road, especially when it was wet.  It broke down twice when I was driving it, once on the freeway at 55 mph because the place I took it to put on the new wheel bearing wrong, nearly causing me to get in an accident.  I put new tires on it about a year ago and had to put 2 year tires on the front after it broke down, hoping that would make it feel more stable.  It was a very small car and very light and that may have been the problem.  It had also been in a previous accident and that may have messed it up but I just got to be to scared to drive it past 40 mph and I have to go over a bridge to get to work and it terrified me because it felt like it was hydroplaning.

Anyway after all that I just took it and traded it in for another car.  Of course I didn't get much but I don't even care any more.  At least I'm not afraid to drive this one.  With the winter bad weather coming I have a job where it is mandatory to show up, even when they call for all nonessential personal to stay home when the weather is really bad.  My job is considered essential so I didn't want to take a chance.  Anyway, I like my car but I'm pissed about all the money I wasted on it.  Honestly I put in another transmission, clutch, new tires, brakes, struts, alignment, bearings, wheel axles, gasket seals and who knows what all else.  I feel like an idiot for doing all that but I was desperate to be able to drive it and after a while I just felt like I had put so much into it, more then I could ever sell for so I had to fix it up to keep it.  

Anyway, I am baking pies, or trying to.  I bought some dough for gluten free pie crusts and I just made them and I'm not thrilled with how they came out but the filling will cover it I guess.  I'm also making 4 cheese mashed cauliflower at special request since it was a big hit last  year.  I am going to my daughter's tonight and my son's on Thanksgiving so I have a lot to be thankful for.

Good luck with the pies, I just like the filling anyways. I am sure they will be good.

I hear you about the car, I also try to fix what I got. I hate having a car payment, but safety first. I ended up giving my minivan to my step son last year and bought a used dodge caliber, what a difference to be in a car again, but its been pretty good so far.

Hi Maria!  Better late than never, I guess!

I got tasked with a dessert for Thanksgiving.  My family is SO traditional it is pumpkin and apple pie.  So my daughter also has to bring dessert so shes baking a pumpkin and apple pie.  So I'm off the hook!  I would have gone to the grocery store and bought one anyway.

I did see a recipe for a sugar free pumpkin cheesecake on Bariatric Foodie's blog today.  Looked good.  Last time I tried to take something healthy I ended up bringing it home... so I give them the sugar and I don't eat it... I may have a small slice of pumpkin, but I can take it or leave it.

Car issues - UGH!  I got the brakes and rotors done on my car a few  months ago.  A friends' son did them and only charged me $400 - I know I got off lucky.  Now the car needs a new top (convertible).  So, it's sitting in the garage until I can decide if/when I want to do it and am driving the Durango.  Could be worse I guess...

COLD here!  It was snowing a bit ago, and quite a bit.  Guess I'd better get used to it since it IS Michigan!!  LOL  Heading back to VA on Sun (boo).  No warmer there tho.

Hi Jody!

I need to check out that pumpkin cheesecake recipe, I have a good one from my atkins day, but its high in fat and I dont want to dump.

Stay warm and safe travels!