09/01/19, Sunday

144.6. Day 7

Wow- September 1st. The true New Year for this former educator ( and always will be, I suspect). Fall is far and away my favorite season, and brings renewal and goals and beginnings. Love, love it all.

DH and I have been watching Swannthepup (AKA Clownydog in my book) while DS#1 is away on business trip/vacation. I am quickly reminded why I should under no cir****tances walk into the local shelter "just to look". Unlike Noodle, who was always a dog in the disguise of a marshmallow with about as much brain and energy, Swann has a brain and is very-well, at this moment he seems to consider us his toy, if that makes any sense. I'm sure, as he ****s his head to the side and looks at me there is some serious contemplation going on- truly seeing me as a personality. I conclude that, unlike Noodle who just handed herself over, mind, bod, and soul, We will have to earn those from this pup - This dog is going to be fantastic one day when respect and self control are added to the already magnificent qualities evident. Until then, we are tethered together while in the house.

Back from Church, and what a magnificent day! Just as I remember summer days growing up in Michigan. Indian Summer is a swell idea. I too would like to see one here in Kansas that extends the fall into late November- warm sunny days and pull the covers over you nights because the heat has not yet been turned on. My understanding is that there has to be a frost beforehand, but can't remember if a hard or killing or just plain frost is necessary.

I imagine others have posted by now. Time to stop talking and do some listening. We are notorious coffee drinkers here (translated, "David, your coffee was delicious, but alas, gone. But the idea of communing with you all with a cup continues if only symbolically- and I tip my cup-o-joe in all-y'all's general and convivial directions.

Ann, your words about Indian summer reminded me of E.B. White's descriptive style. I have always enjoyed his adjective-verb couplings to paint word pictures.

Yes, there has been a lot of truth coming out here the past few days. I like it! The truth is not peeling away pounds in my case, but it sure is making it easier to feel good in my body today and not worry about what I don't look like!

I was thinking that I need to seek advice from the child I once was. My mother used to tell me how when I was quite small she was positive I would never have a weight issue. She deduced this because I refused to eat when I wasn't hungry, or have dessert after a meal if I was sated. Food appeared to have little power over me. Then, of course, that changed. I want to ask him to show me the feeling that went with knowing I was full. What did it feel like to say no thanks to something to eat and go play instead. That true nature must still be inside me, covered up, sleeping soundly. I don't think the feeling is dead because it is a base part of who I was. I don't think those base parts of who we are ever leave us, but they do get covered up by the muck of life that settles over them until we forget that they were ever a part of us. I am grateful that today I am reminded of that part of me.

I had another really productive workout yesterday. We did back and abs with a static upper body (arms and shoulders) assist. My abs and tris are feeling it today. I tried to work out the soreness in my calves yesterday, too, but it did little good. I just keep stretching them throughout the day to quicken the healing. No more weighted calf raises of that nature.

*******

Well, the doorbell rang just before 10:00 am. It was a client/friend/puppy person arriving for her appointment I had forgotten to put on the calendar. So 3+ hours later here I am to push the submit button. The good news about this is that I have made a decision to once again lighten the grooming load. I am going to give notice to some more clients that as of January 1st, I will be reducing my client load. I know one client who will be very upset, but that's just how it's going to have to be.

Ron just got home from church, so I'm off to enjoy my day. Toodles!

My inner child was always seeking food! A famous childhood story, I was 3 years old and snatched my mother's pork chop off her plate, and then ate it "hiding" behind a curtain. Make of that what you will. I probably maintained a normal weight as a kid I was always outside, even in the winter.

Interesting that you started out knowing how to follow what your body needed. DS is now quite overweight for the second time in his life. The first was high school and the last two years here have hit him hard again (he slimmed down in college). But as a child I said the same thing as your mother. He would rarely eat much at breakfast, only a small amount at lunch, then ate a much larger dinner but stopped when full. He loved vegetables, salads and fruits. He still loves those things and probably follows the same hunger pattern, but the addition of many carbs and much larger meals caused his weight gain. I have a feeling he learned how to cope with stress and loneliness the way I do.

Good Morning All - back at City House late last night - there has not been enough sleep but here I am - dropped DH at the station this morning.

The weekend went really well. Started with the news early Friday morning that our second grandson had safely arrived. Big healthy boy. We couldnt go see him before Friday afternoons flights so will go tonight. They live 1.5 hours away so 3 hour round trip. Looking forward to a cuddle

Trip to Tamworth went well - with the exception of flight delays meaning we literally had to run to make our connecting flight. They held the plane for us as Plan B was going to be drive the 5-6 hours if we hadnt made the second leg. DH has his Bachelor now and it was lovely to see him smiling and enjoying the day. We had a lovely lunch in one of the historical buildings at the university. It was delicious. Only downside is he cracked a tooth on entree - so he has an emergency dental appointment tommorrow. Hoping they can do a temporary fix before we leave Wed. Always something. More flight delays last night meant that we got back to Melbourne late. Quick trip over to see DH daughter and partner for a cuppa as it was Fathers Day then long drive home and crash into bed

I have been working since 5.30am and already have the monthly consulting invoicing done. Agreement invoicing is next. On third load of washing - so hoping it all drys during the day as we are yet to pack. I have unpacked the weekends case. Will try and make it back to read everyones posts a bit later

Love to you all. I cant believe Im on my final 2 days of work and will be in the States early Wed morning your time...... Just need to keep working through the mental lists and all will be well :)

Take care all

S

With a pace like this, you are probably looking forward to just sitting on the long flight and having people bring you treats!

Yeah I think so - keep telling myself - once we are on the flight - whats not done - isnt happening :)

Busy bee. Wishing you friendly skies and a restful journey over.

There was an ad for the US Army in the 80s where the narrator said, "We do more before 9am than most people do all day." I always think of that phrase when I read everything you're up to! Good luck with the packing!

Greetings gods and goddesses

This little deity is still on the fat ledge. And for the next week there will be numerous bad eating opportunities. Reunion buffets, girls lunches, and the post funeral church basement luncheon which will no doubt include green jello with pears and marshmallows. Tuna casserole, green beans baked in mushroom soup with canned onions, all the good stuff.

Thinking about my brother and what I will say at his memorial. The truth is he had a pretty rough childhood and was bullied and had mental health problems. But he managed to rise above all that, have a nice family, be completely kind and be an overall solid citizen. It always amazes me that any number of people I have known who had really lousy childhoods (like grew up in orphanage) turned out to be very fine people while others from good families turned into bums. Go figure.

Hey, in my childhood I was always seeking food. I would eat anything - stuff that most kids hate. Like smoked oysters and brussel sprouts. And the worst - canned spinach - looks like something scraped off the bottom side of a boat - which I will not eat today.

I am definitely planning self care time into this trip. I will take a nap after the church stuff since my niece wants me to do to her dog club with her that night. Peps, she is running a french bulldog in agility and he is pretty good! Hope to get some film.

Well I wish everyone a peaceful evening. I can't remember what everyone said today other than its wonderful and insightful. Yay us. Diane S