Almost Monday July 30

Dear Carbon, I'm so sorry for your friend and for you! My prayers are with his small children and those who will rally around the children and support them through this tragedy. Hope your friend is a strong woman.

Ann, so glad you had a nice weekend. I love charcuterie myself and as nibbles go, the smoked meats and cheeses and olives are high calorie, but at least not high carb, which in the long run will serve you better. Take it from someone who chooses to consume no alcohol, that socializing does not need to include wine or ****tails. I know it's hard and it took me some time to get used to it, but after close to 2 decades I don't even give it a second thought.

Liz, you're busy as always! I do believe you keep yourself as busy as I do, though being retired I'm sure you have more flexibility. I went to RI for the first time 2 years ago. Loved my day trip there. I went to see the "summer cottages" in Newport.

Diane O., I'm sorry you have had such a hard few days. I'm guessing you were more upset that you gave into old coping mechanisms, than by the fact that you needed to cope with tough medical news for Chuck. Am I right? I hope you can find in your heart to be kind to yourself in the way you have encouraged me to be to myself.

Cecily, enjoy your alone time. A trip to Canada sounds far more fun than a family visit to Cincinnati! LOL!

Shel, thanks for the glorious pics and the suggestion for my eventual WA trip.

Diane S., will you be going to Dixon this weekend? Let me know if you will be coming to other shows with Tesla. I'd love to come and say hi and hang out, if you are local.

I personally on some level am choosing to remain in my cycle of understanding change is needed, but am seemingly unable to act upon the knowledge. Seems to be working on some level, I guess. I am worried that I don't have the new trainer lined up. I feel like I have a lack of accountability, but at the same time I see it as an opportunity to prove to myself that I can be self accountable.

Perhaps being tired has a little something to do with my lack of inspiration to make systemic change. I am tired. We have reached the vocal stage of puppy life. Having "puppy ears" I wake up when I hear the whimpers of hunger. I get up, encourage Ella to feed the pups, and give Ella the praise and petting she deserves for taking such good care of her babes. This morning Ella needed to go potty first, so I let her out and then occupied the pups so they wouldn't wake up Ron. The entire process only takes 5-15 minutes depending on the night. Usually it's only once per night, but sometimes twice. I do think though that this interruption each night does take a toll on my rest quality. Luckily, I find the positives aspects of puppies far outweigh the interrupted sleep.

The puppy stuff is so interesting to me. I didn't know the mama's would need encouragement to feed their puppies... you learn something new every day!

They don't always. It's usually only in the middle of the night. It's also getting to be cutting teeth time, so I'm sure that adds to the lack of urgency in hopping into the box to feed the little vampires!

Ouch! Poor Ella...

Greetings Monday Mavens

149 today. I had to get up early (at least for me) and go get a blood draw for my upcoming annual physical. No pee in the cup - yay. Since I was in the city I went to Starbucks and then to Target to get gift cards for fire victims. Word is they have plenty of food but need all manner of other things so Target was a good choice. Costco is waiving their membership requirement and allowing anyone to shop there. The animal shelter burned so pets are being kept in vacant spaces in shopping centers and such.

Peps, I am entered in Dixon and there are majors and I am planning on going. However I woke up with a cold, the highway we had planned to take is now closed and there are reports of power failures. Its so darn hot that air-conditioning is a must. So our trip may be scrapped. Will keep you informed. There is a cardio clinic I would like to have Tesla attend.

Carbon how heartbreaking for your friend and her grandchildren. I know you will be there for them. Life sure dishes out a lot sometimes. Glad your visitors were fun.

Since getting this cold (which might be the old one that never really died) I don't feel very hungry.

Yeah, social eating and drinking is a big issue. Just can't avoid the occasions and issues of weight should not force one to be a hermit. I remember going to a wedding when I was about 90% to goal. I knew there would be toasts and I was at the head table so i worried and worried about a low calorie drink. I finally settled on a wine spritzer. I have fond memories of those days when I got super thin and was never hungry. Wish I could get that back - well of course I can but it would be work.

Shel, great hike pictures as always. Glacial lakes are spectacular. I want to go to Glacier National Park before all the glaciers are gone. I'd better hurry up.

Hmmm, pet insurance. Maybe I should get some. So far I have been fortunate with few vet bills even with my older dogs. I think its the result of good breeding.

Take care all. Diane S

Doing a little late night on line reading regarding Eating Disorders. Came across this and the Bagel reference reminded me of Liz's post today and reaction and identification with what she said. I enjoyed the simplicity of the article and the ease with which it called a spade a spade in the realm of disordered eating.

Five Strategies for Man aging Eating Disorder Thoughts