For Older People with Sense

Chrissy, I know your photos will be perfect! That's quite an honor to be asked, and your lace knitting, oh my goodness. You are about to be "discovered" to be sure and as Lisa said, we knew you when.

Guess my luck wasn't with me because we have to host DH's family Christmas gathering this year. There'll be about 35-40 people. (DH is one of 7 children but only 4 are left.) Of course this party includes children and spouses, + grandchildren, girl and boyfriends, etc. I'd rather have it in the church fellowship hall, but will have to talk with DH, who is already talking about how we can decorate the house. Oh well. I admit I like the big family. I have only 1 sister, and she's 11 years older so it's like our parents had 2 "only children". Just don't know where we'll put everybody, but fortunately all live within driving distance so no overnight guests.

Kathy

Chrissy, the hosts do the turkey and dressing, and iced tea (it's the South, you know), and provide plates, etc, but everyone else brings all the sides and desserts. It has to be a big turkey, plus another turkey breast. I also do my children's favorites, broccoli casserole for DD and sweet potato casserole for DS. DH is already talking about desserts he wants to do but I'm trying to rein him in! The more I think about it, the church sounds better and better.

Kathy

Yes! We got the church hall! DH went over there this morning and reserved it on the calendar and we'll call the secretary tomorrow to inform her, but nothing else was reserved for that day. It sure will be easier than having it here.

DD, baby DGD, DH and I traveled today to see my sister and her husband. They hadn't seen the baby yet and DD had the day off since school was closed. It's always so good to see my sister but it breaks my heart at the same time. I hate it that she's in the condition she's in and it could have been prevented if the hospital hadn't left her off a ventilator by mistake after a reaction to chemo. At the time she was in an induced coma. By the first week she was in the hospital we knew something had happened with her legs because they were so dusky, and eventually they had to be amputated. Anyway, today she had the prostheses on but sat on the sofa for the entire visit. She so enjoyed meeting the baby and holding her, and fortunately DGD was a very happy baby all day. So, it was good for us all. It just always leaves me a bit melancholy, I suppose. My sister's 12 years older, and my only sibling.

The forecasters are saying we may get "just a dusting" now. I guarantee you though, the stores will be void of bread and milk by tomorrow night!

Hugs to all,

Kathy

I hear you sas...

Love them!

what a view from your back yard, Crissy.. the rainbow is my favorite, cause I'm feeling so "sunny" these days (sic)

Hope all is well with everyone.3jays

Love, love, love the photos (both Lisa's and Chrissy's)

I've been trying to download photos from my DD's old phone onto my computer so she doesn't lose them and for some reason my computer won't recognize her phone. Driving me slowly over the edge.

I had my bday trip to NYC. We had a great time. Saw all the sights. I will post pics after I finally get to work with my phone. We saw the play Wicked. What a joy. A great memory. We also went to the Ground Zero Memorial. It was intense.

Then last night was my sleep study night. That was not so much fun. I probably got as much sleep as I usually get, but all the wires and being in a different place and having to ask to get unhooked just to go to the bathroom was not comfortable. They will have a report for me in about 2 weeks.

I am going to start a low calorie diet and work on exercise soon. I have got to get more energy. Anyway keeping on with the journey.

Good luck with the show, chrissy

good to "see" everyone.

That sounds like the diet DD wanted to try. I think she doesn't want to admit that she can't do stuff like that with type 2 diabetes. I can just see what her blood sugar would look like on the "normal" days.

Kathy, the study was to see why I was waking up so often, I don't think it is because of breathing issues. I think it is twitchy muscles, hot flashes or scary dreams because I startle awake. Anyway, they gave me a questionnaire to fill out afterwards and I told the nurse she should fill it out because she had been watching me all night. But she said that she knew all the answers, they wanted to see what my perception was, I answered most of the questions with I don't know. LOL

We got snow, too. Very pretty, just a dusting to 2", but it's hung around for 2 days. The first day, a man tried to stop his car for a truck that was pulling out of my road (I guess without looking) and skidded on the road and mowed down all the mailboxes (including mine). No one was hurt, luckily. It's happened before, they get put right back up. Just have to go collect my mail from General Delivery for a couple of days.

The diet I am going to try is monitored by my doctor and is a meal replacement one. It is fast weight loss and then education so one does not gain the weight back. I have lost 15 pounds on my own in the last year, but I can't seem to keep it going. Of course, eating out while on vacation has not been helping. I want to feel good again. I am willing to try anything at this point. lol

I think I would like your diet, better, lisa.

For my two 500 calorie days, I have a fiber bar and coffee with 1% milk, yogurt with fruit for lunch and a large bowl of soup I make with chicken or beef broth, veggies and a little pasta that I measure for two of us 1/3 cup dry pasta..I am sure it can be done for those with sugar problems..and it is only two days...if you crave something have it the next day, like pizza or whatever.." The Week" magazine had an article showing it was very healthy..

Lisa, that diet sounds like most anyone could do it. I just might give it a try too.

Nancy, we use the excuse that Southerners don't know how to drive on snow because we so rarely get any, but you're in MA. Maybe the guy who mowed down the mailboxes was from the south!

Kathy

Taking a picture of the statue of liberty in the distance.

Chrissy, Wish I could eat like I did when I was young but for a different reason.  I was born chubby (10.5 lbs) and was a chubby child.  From the age of 12 until I turned 57 I was never less than 20 lbs overweight.  Then in 1999 I got pancreatitis, lost 100 lbs and it damaged my digestive system.  Untill the BC dx I had only managed to get back to 20 lbs below goal weight. 

Tamoxifen took me right back down to 100. I'm 5 ft 10.  Three weeks ago my MO took me off that and put me on a different anti-hormonal that also promotes weight gain and I've gained 6 lbs but I've still got a long way to go.  I would much rather be back on your side of the equasion.

My PCP runs a weight loss program out of her office. It is a meal replacement program. I am going to start soon. It is fast weight loss and then learning about maintenance so one does not gain lbs back. It feels extreme, but I want to just get to feeling better and have more energy. I will be medically monitored the whole time. Since I had my babies I have been heavier than I should. I am petite (read short) so I am only suppose to weigh 120. The last time I lost weigh was when my DS was training to get into the Marines. We did an intense exercise program. I liked it so much I kept doing it. But lately I get so tired all the time, I don't do much exercising at all. So we will see what happens. I'm gonna miss food!!! Seriously I am going to miss cooking.

My DD is leaving tomorrow, so I only have to prepare the dog's meals after that. But I will have to get through Thanksgiving and the holiday season. I'll get to eat a little bit on those days I would assume.