VSG Maintenance Group
06/10/2020 Wednesday
I have our TT Words for 2020 posted above my computer. Forward, Vertical, NOW, Thrive, Adapt, Tenacity, Equilibrium, Peace It is almost like we were fortifying for some challenges ! Six months have passed, and we are all in very different places, but these aspirations transcend time.
DC really wanted to redo our deck as a project to encourage activity, teamwork, and cost savings. I'll post pictures on TT later, but we have been tearing down and pulling nails for two days, and two trips to the landfill and we have ALMOST one third of the old wood up. Nothing like emptying the deck and stripping it to truly realize how big it is (30' x 15'). Because it's been close to 90 and mostly sunny for the past two days, we've started at 8 AM and worked until about 11:30 AM, staying out of the heat of the day. Even after showering, we've been too exhausted to take the paddle boards up to the lake. We are pushing on our timeline as the Trex decking arrives next week.
Liz, the slipcovers look great. I am recovering the deck couch cushion in the same blue/green color scheme we share. Does DS have any leads, as things slowly reopen? DD, good for you for mowing ! So sorry you have to wait for the biopsy. Thinking about it is so stressful ! Peps, your hearth dogs are so adorable ! They can find some pretty amazing cool places !! I smile every time you share insights about food and eating. Hope the ear injury is healing nicely. Shirl, you and those grandbabies just vibrate with joy at being together. Remember not to push that knee too much ! Diane, we want pictures of your first harvest ! Is DH using his UV light ? I don't think we've touched ours. BB, love those sweet blondies on FB ! You are looking fit and fabulous too ! Hope your sick pup is better. Miss Bonnie, I so enjoy it when you share pictures and insights ! Hope you are feeling better !! Ceci, hugs to Fergs ! I forget, does he like water ? Filling up the wading pool for S & A today !David, I have wished you lived next door several times in the past two days ! Much respect for your design and execution abilities!!
Age: 64; 5' 5"; High weight: 345; Start weight: 271 (01/05/15); Surgery weight: 218 (05/27/15); Pre-Op (-53); M 1 (-18); M 2 (-1.5); M 3 (-13.5 ); M 4 (-13); M 5 (- 8); M 6 (-12) M 7 (-5, Xmas); M 8 (- 9) Under surgeon's goal and REACHED HEALTHY BMI 12/07/15!! (Six months and one week.) AT GOAL month 8. Maintaining at goal range (139- 144) ~ four (4) years !!
Diane, you have WAY more energy than I! Ripping up a deck!!! My back and hands hurt from pulling brush and sitting in a chair sewing.
Weight 121.4, WW Bluepoints 8. Lots of zero point foods.
I have to call and find out if my tires are in finally. They ordered them Friday - when I called for the 4th time yesterday they called the distributor again who supposedly promised to have them there late in the afternoon yesterday. I have "run flat" tires which means that they never go completely flat (have a core that acts as a spare). It makes them more expensive but eliminates the need for a spare tire. But one tire keeps going so low that I have to fill it every time I go out which takes 10 minutes or so. What a pain.
Other than that I need to talk to my financial advisor today. I have been ostriching about that lately.
DS has no leads as only places which were already doing takeout have opened as they can only open outside with lots of spacing. He is thinking that he may not even look here but try for a fresh start in the Seattle area.
Stay safe and healthy!
Liz 5'3" HW: 219 SW: 185 GW: 125 LW: 113 Desired maintenance range: 120-125 CW: 119ish
Seattle is a bit of a mess lately. Our nephew and niece just left Seattle after living there for 20 years. They couldn't take the filth and homelessness and street drug problems. The lived in the city itself, not a suburb. Yes, it's a beautiful city, but apparently it has really taken a turn for the worse in the past 5 years.
I submitted my grades and paperwork so I guess that wraps up the 2019/2020 academic year! There will no doubt be some zoom meetings for various committees, and maybe some training, but no curriculum or IEP meetings etc.
The weather here is crazy! Monday it was 95, the tropical storm that hit New Orleans rode up all this way on a gulfstream. Yesterday a cold front tried to push in from the west leaving us with rain from 4pm on. Today is WINDY and in the high 60s. We were going to celebrate the end of school on one of our favorite restaurant patios, but we changed our reservation for tomorrow. 60s and 20-30 mile windgusts didn't sound real celebratory.
My COVID screening is set up for Saturday morning. I had been hoping to drive out to see my parents, but now I have to stay home all weekend. As Peps would say, Boo!
We've all saved points for pizza and wine tonight so there will be celebrating anyhow. And probably a soak in the hot tub. The wind will keep the mosquitoes away.
Time to start my summer reading. I ordered 6 books and they are sitting in a nice stack on a shelf in my bedroom.
Good Morning All
Weight is heading back down after a busy afternoon and early night - 172.48 - back within my happy zone
Finished work yesterday then went to collect a toy for my DIL, then onto visit a friend (who passed) Autistic son. He hasnt been travelling so well with the COVID lockdown and refused to see my BFF and I for many weeks after the restrictions lifted. I took him some homemade soups and banana bread as he doesnt cook. I always try and take him something from my freezer as a treat. Then did grocery shopping for my mum and dropped it off for her. Then onto the hardware store for some things then home. I sat and finally had a cup of tea at 7pm with my feet up.
Had a wonderful call from my DSD with exciting news. They have found a house they like so she had called her Dad in QLD and then me. Its a nice home and doesnt need any of the big ticket items. They are talking to the bank today. She is also coming up to the farm with me this weekend. I am so looking forward to having some one on one time with her. Will book our favourite cafe today and treat her to breakfast. I feel very blessed to have been able to build a good relationship in the past few years after not knowing her for 5 years due to her mothers control. Happy to have that behind us and looking forward.
Today is work then the beautiful lady who shared my room in hospital is coming for a cuppa. I am so looking forward to seeing her face to face. My mum is coming mid morning and spending the day here as her electricity is being shut off for area maintenance. So it will be a busy house today. Easy dinner tonight - doing baked sweet potato, topped with savoury mince, cheese and sour cream. I made Peach Frozen Greek Yoghurt last night and popped in the freezer - cant wait to try it. My eldest grandson loves yoghurt so fingers crossed it turns out ok. First timer and all :)
Diane O - You amaze me ! I want to be just like you when I retire. Please take a moment to sit and be still though. Let your body and mind rest - both are much deserved
DD - Congratulations on finalising the end of the school year. Nice to celebrate
Well I had better go and get started with my day. Love to you all. Enjoy Summer and please send me a parcel of sunshine. Winter is well and truely here. We went down to zero again overnight - brrrrrrr
S
Today's post shall begin with FOOD PORN! 
This was my brunch today. A little more than I needed, but it was delicious! This is Liz's shared banana pancakes with my little twist (greek yogurt and 2 TBS of pancake mix added in to the batter) topped with fruit, a little bit of SF syrup and a big dollop of sweetened greek yogurt on top. And this is why a non diet diet is working for me I think.
I never contributed a word to the 2020 word bank. The only word that resonates with me on this day is RISE. We have all had to rise above this year haven't we?
After a good, hard and intense workout yesterday, my weight is slightly up. I also had a few instances of drive by eating during the afternoon. Today is a peak in my downward trend. 
Trimmed one of my 'grown up pups' this morning. Will work on either Ace or Keira this afternoon. I set up an outdoor wash table for bathing since the weather is so warm and the water from the hose is not ice cold. It is so much easier to wash the dogs outside than in the bathtub!
Soul searching has been part of my days for the past week or so. I have had to really take stock of my own belief systems, prejudice, and conflicting feelings that have arisen since the death of George Floyd. I have come to realize that I am quite centrist - almost feeling stuck in the middle. However, I have begun to understand that my conflicting feelings stem from exposure to extremist statements, over generalizations and broad labeling of groups. The absolutes I am exposed to don't jive with my reality, my experience, or my thinking. The pondering, mulling over, and listening to others has led me to know that I am secure in my belief that I can support law enforcement and the Black Lives Matter movement. One is not exclusive of the other.
Cleaning out the garage and office are happening in little spurts and fits, but it is happening.
