4 The Birds #108

[PattiG]

New Thread Time! And hopefully you're well on your road to recovery by now. Between your ab workouts and flu activity points, you will emerge in fantastic shape! Maybe we should both get sick more often?

We're enjoying a nice Memorial Day Weekend here. We had beautiful sunny blue skies for my young cousin's outdoor engagement/wedding party yesterday (he'll be getting married in Australia in Sept) and the thunderstorms didn't start till early evening. I have NEVER seen that kid so googly-eyed in my life. What a mushy, fuzzy romantic he is. A few months back he bought a little hand-held accordian (a concertina?) taught himself to play "That's Amore", and with guts and love in his eyes he serenaded his fiance who was seated in front of him on a chair. lol Mind you he can't sing worth a darn but that made it all the more adorable. Ahhhhh, young love! It was so cute to see.

As for the rest of the weekend, I'm hoping to finally do some gardening and finally plant some annuals. It has rained almost every weekend since the end of April. I was thinking....forget the flowers....go for the mushrooms, they'd grow better!

Catch ya later. Pop onto IM if you're up to it.
Patti

[Maple]

I'm still not better but am on antibiotics so a cure is in site.....I hope. Your cousin sounds like a lovely romantic. I bet his serenade brought tears to many eyes.

The weather here has been unseasonably warm and I've been wasting it inside trying to get better. I read we are in for some rain next week.....guess that's about the time I'll be feeling better and wanting to get out into the garden. Murphy's Law! Since I've not been doing anything exciting I don't have much to chat about here. I hope the reduction of food consumption will stick once I'm better because that would be helpful in my quest for slimdom. BTW, how are you doing weight wise?

My husband is threatening to shoot squirrels! LOL He doesn't have a gun so I think the little critters are safe. He thinks our squirrel population has increased since they paired up and took over the owl box this year and is worried they will start to get distructive up in the soffets. It's really funny to hear him talk about these "wild merauders" (sp?) A big guy like that who has nerves of steel to race a car around the track at 180 mph and get bent out of shape at the thought of what the squirrels MIGHT do. LOL

[PattiG]

Squirrel hunting? No, no, no! I know a lot of people hate squirrels and I know they can be destructive if they get into a chimney or attic but I say live and let live. It's their world of nature. Last summer we had 5 baby squirrels running around together and they've stayed in the yard all winter and all spring now. And this morning, two of them woke me up by running marathons on the roof right in front of my bedroom window. We've never had a problem in either this house or our last one. I always worry when people trap and relocate squirrels. They are territorial and I wonder how well they manage when they're suddenly transplanted elsewhere.

Now raccoons on the other hand have been more of an issue lately. Yesterday my neighbor saw one out by her pool in the broad daylight. When she went out to shoo it along, it didn't move. She called the police and they shot it. I didn't know this happened until tonight. I suppose they figured it was sick. We have had a couple of cases of rabid raccoons in the past two years here on L.I., so this was probably the safest thing to do.

In other news, I am totally flowered out. I've been planting annuals (begonias, dianthus, impatients, dusty millers, salvia, etc) for two days. Ooooh me achin back!

As for WW, I'm doing pretty well both food-wise and with exercise. I've lost a few pounds and am just starting to (just the first wee hint of) get into some clothes that have been out of reach for months. That's the first step and my incentive to keep working hard at it. Since this is my last week of work, I'm going to dive headlong into making some real headway with the weightloss.

Feel better....you've been sick waaay too long now. Just get well! Just do it!

Patti

[Maple]

I'm feeling somewhat better but still need an afternoon nap to get me through the day. I've got a lot of catching up to do and it's going slowly so I don't expect to be back to normal before the end of next week. My clothes are feeling better so that's encouraging.

We had a scare with Charlie and he spent a night in the animal hospital having tests run. $1000.00 later and all is well. It turns out he had an irritated bowl which caused him pain and a hard tender tummy. Seems like a lot of money to find out that, but given his health issues one can't be too careful. Today he's back to normal; tail held high and raring to go.

I was right about being house bound during the great weather last week. Today it rained. Go figure! LOL I still have some flower planting to do myself but will wait until I'm really feeling better. I've got about 3/4 of my planting done so the rest won't take a lot of time. Our daughter is having an all-in-one June birthday bash this weekend for all of us June babies. We've decided to do more joint birthdays since it's just got too much to celebrate each individual one separately.............all that cake was killing us!

I'm happy to hear you are working you buns off on you treadmill and seeing results. There's no easy way to do this is there? :exercise2

[PattiG]

Poor Charlieboy. I'm glad he's ok. Our vet bills for Teddy became insane too after a while, but you do what you need to do if you can manage it. In retrospect, if I ever had to do it all over again with another dog, I'd seriously consider taking out pet health insurance. My friend did that with his retriever and I'll tell you....it certainly paid off in the long run and his dog is only about 6 or 7 yrs at this point.

In other news, only 2 MORE DAYS OF WORK TILL I'm FREEEEEEEEE!!!!! Would you believe it though, I've still been working my tail off the past couple of weeks to try to get things tied up and squared away and even tonight I worked late. Well that's it. For the next two days (actually probably just tomorrow) I say "ADIOS AMIGOS!" :wave: You folks are on your own. One of my friends has arranged nice farewell lunch for me on Friday (there should be about 15 of us going out) so I'm guessing I'll probably head home right after that. If you can picture the Six Flags tv character dancing right now....that's me! lol :crazy: The only thing I really feel bad about is taking down my bird feeders which were right outside my office window. Those birds have been happily fed for the 3 yrs I was in that office. I keep picturing their hungry little face looking in...oh well, it's back to worms and bugs little ones!

[PattiG]

Just a quickie post this early in the morning. Today I'm wearing a pair of pants that I have not been able to wear since last year! Not that they are phenominally loose, but two weeks ago I couldn't even zip them. It nice to finally see my wardrobe expanding instead of my waistline!!! :D

Have a good day Maple. Let's chat soon, I never seem to catch you anymore.

Patti

[PattiG]

I'm FREEEEEEEEEE!!!
CHA CHA CHA!!!

[Maple]

Happy FREE-dom!

I think you must have stole our summer weather. This week will be a mixture of cloud, showers and cooler weather. Burrrrrrr! I finally got all the planting done and have decided not to bother with any veggies other than a few tomato plants. We have such good organic farms close by that it's not worth the extra effort to grow my own veggies anymore. Yay!

I've gained back a couple of the pounds I lost while I was sick but am holding fast at this level and will keep at it so the good loss isn't lost. I'm wearning more of my clothes now but still have a way to go to have a 100% wearable closet. All in all, I'm doing fine. :angel My "anchor" shorts are working their magic and my Palm Springs visualization keeps me focused........most of the timel. Soooooooooooooo, WooHoo for me.

[PattiG]

We have indeed stolen somebody's weather! We went directly from winter to summer without stopping for spring. For the past few days it's been in the upper 80's and so so SO humid. The Southern states have nothing on us....I was outside trying to plant some veggies yesterday and I literally had the sweat dripping off me. Not a pretty sight.

I was down at the school yesterday picking up some papers and an orientation packet. Did I say I was going to have fun this summer? Talk about having misconceived ideas. There's a two-day orientation at the end of June and from what I can see I'll be taking two classes this summer, Gross Anatomy and some kind of computer class. I'm not worried about the computer because I think it will be fairly basic, but for the anatomy class alone....it's 5 days a week (1-5pm Mon-Thurs and 8-12pm on Friday.) AND according to the class syllabus, there's several mandatory review classes, quizzes and exams each week and a TON of reading! I've got to get my books ahead of time because I'll need to have completed 75 pages (of textbook reading..ugh!) for the first day of class. No wonder I never wanted to take summer courses. They cram a full semester into 6 weeks. I have to admit...I had a wee anxiety attack when I first looked over the class schedule. Everything will be just fine, I think it just took me by surprise a bit. The school also requires that I get a full blood workup to check for titers of hepatitus, tetanus, rubella and sundry other things plus I'll need to get some immunization boosters and a complete check-up. LOL At this age I need more of a tune-up than a check-up!

What in the world have I gotten myself into?! Oy vey. I must be out of my mind.

Are you heading out on vacation again? Palm Springs? When? How long? Inquiring minds want to know. :)

Patti

[PattiG]

Come out of the shadows Maple! I'm not sure what's still keeping you out and about but I've got an empty nest here. I've been doing well OP and I'm finally seeing some great results and getting back into some of my summer clothes! I guess I'm tightening up the gluts and all that good stuff. LOL Maybe I'll have buns of steel by the time I'm 50!

Come out and play!
Patti

[Maple]

Sorry for hiding out on my couch but I've had a relapse and feel awful again! I'm glad to hear you're doing so well and approaching buns of steel. LOL I have lost the 2#s of the few I lost the first time around which is making me feel a little better. For some reason this thing is going around here and I've apparently joined in. I hate this with a passion............I'm so bored. Daytime TV sucks and I'm wearing a dint in the couch. The dogs hang about me wondering what's up and pleading with doggy eyes to take them for walkies. No can do yet. I with I had some facinating news to share with you but I'm certain you don't want to hear about Brad and Angelina or how many teeth were missing on the gal on Jerry Springer who flashed the camera guys. Seriously, I actually watched that show once out of desperation but I can assure you I'll never watch it again. Where the heck do they get those people? I think it must be fake 'cuz nobody could be that bad..................could they?

[Maple]

I'm feeling a little better tonight but not taking any chances. I'm going to bed early again tonight. I rescued a baby chickadee today! It hit the window and ended up on it's back with it's little legs wriggling in the air. Seeing it's neck wasn't broken I kept it warm in my hand and dripped a drop or two of water in it's little open beak. After it began to come out of shock I perched it on the suet feeder until it got the nerve to try flying again. Poor wee thing couldn't have been long out of the nest so I was worried it would be afraid to try flying again. It was a happy ending.........it finally gathered up enough nerve to try it's wings again. :D

[PattiG]

Ahhh, another winged victory!

Sorry I haven't posted in a couple of days, I went on a mini road trip with a couple of friends. We're back now. I'll post again later today.

Glad to hear you're getting back on your feet. I can't believe how long this has dragged out. BTW, you are not allowed to get sick this winter....you've already used up your annual quota!

Patti

[Maple]

I'm almost better..........but not taking any chances so I'm still laying low. This was a long one for sure. Guess I got my last few years worth since it's been eons since I got sick. I've started taking the dogs out for 2 or 3 mini 10 minute walks on our trail through the woods on our property. They are happier and the fresh air and exercise is good for me too.

We have a sweet little humming bird bathing in our fountain outside our family room window. It was the first to come to the "birdie spa" and several other species are now following suit. Even one of the quail gave it a try. Porsha has taking over Charlie's squirreling missions......you should see her go! Charlie is content to stand by and watch the excitement. This year we have a lot of rabbits running about too so she's getting lots of exercise on her own. We have to be careful that Charlie doesn't set chase because a fast sudden twist could undo all the work done on his leg. It's such a joy to see him trotting instead of hopping. It's been a long hall but the result has been worth it. I'd say he's 95% better.

[PattiG]

Here I be! I've just been busy tending to doctor's appts and getting things ready for school. In the past two days I have been examined, stabbed, squished, injected, and only god knows what else. Between the blood tests and tetanus and hepatitus shots and I'm just waiting for the ache to set into my arms. Yeesh! I think it was easier to be miserable at work. And though I don't start classes until July 1st, there's a ton of reading that has to be completed by the first day. That's in addition to some ridiculous online English exam and an essay that needs to be completed by Monday.

lol I'm complaining already and I haven't even started school yet. Wait, this is just the beginning.

I'm glad to hear that Charlie has really done well. How do you keep him from chasing the squirrels and rabbits when he's outside? Do you keep him leashed or is he simply uninterested? How about jumping up on beds or chairs? Has he totally stopped doing that as well? When Teddy got old and tired, it was so funny to watch him walk right past the ducks and squirrels in the yard. He'd look at straight at them, yawn, and totally ignore them. He could have cared less. I'm convinced I heard him say "whatever."

Nothing muc new on the birding front except for all the little baby birds that abound on the patio flapping their wings furiously at their mamas to feed them. I love watching them.

In other news...BIG news....or should I say "skinny LITTLE news"....(drum roll please) today I confortably got into those favorite jeans that I have used as my anchor for the past few weeks!! TA DAAAA!! Finally!! I was so excited when they slipped on effortlessly this morniong. Three weeks ago I could barely get my butt into them. Yeah baby!

I'm not sure why has gotten me so focused (like we were 4 yrs ago) but whatever the reason, it's working. What surprises me even more is that I've been staying totally off the scale and relying strictly on the comfort of my clothes. Maybe by next week I'll see how much I've lost, but honestly, I don't care what the numbers are. I care what I can get back into, and from the looks of my closet, there are a LOT of things I haven't worn in a long time. Tomorrow I'll pull out the next pair of pants I'd like to get into and keep them in hanging on the closet door front and center!

Catch ya later and feel better! Afterall, I need to back in tiptop shape so we can kick this OP thing up an notch and be done with it!

Patti

[Maple]

Congrats on your skinny news. I don't have any but I will. The lack of exercise due to my lack of energy has not been good for the weight loss front but I feel I'm on the road to recovery finally and things should start turning around. I too haven't been weighing myself and have been judging my progress, or lack of in this case, by the way my clothes fit. I have been totally funked out this month but feel a renewal happening.

Sounds like school will be taking lots of time. Summer activities here will be taking lot of my time too so I'm not expecting daily posts for awhile. Just as long as we don't let 4 the Birds slip right off the posting lineup, I can handle it. You?

[Gkfurrow]

Hello there Patti and Maple!! What a pleasant surprise to see you both still here. I don't know if you remember me or not. My name is Glenda and I used to post here frequently until I moved in with my Aunt to care for her. She passed away and I guess life happened!!

I'd like to rejoin you gals. I always enjoyed it here!! As you can see, I'm still waging the "Battle of the Bulge"!! LOL I haven't been to a WW meeting for over a month now, but plan to go back Monday evening. I hate to face the scale, but I guess I just need to take my licks and go on!!

Hope you are both feeling good - Maple, sounds like you really had a run of not feeling good!! That sucks!! Hope you are doing much better by now.

I will post more later - hope your weekend is going well!!

Glenda

[Maple]

Hi Glenda! Of course we remember you. Glad to see you back but sorry to hear of your loss. Seems you and I haven't managed to keep focused but I've set myself a June 30th goal to begin in earnest. Why not today? It's my birthday on the 29th. Need I say more? LOL Patti is going to be busy with school and summer is always a mad house around here so posting might get a bit irregular but we won't be letting our little "nest" disappear or drop to the bottom of the thread. Just keep posting and staying OP!

[PattiG]

Hey There Friends!

Glenda glad to see you back! Welcome, welcome welcome. You're not alone in the battle of the bulge, as you can see Maple and I are still part of BC as well. Maple, I'm glad to hear you're setting a "starting" date. Good. I've missed you and I desperately need some company here. Glenda please stick around too! As for me, I'm doing pretty decently for the last 3 weeks. Not stunningly, but good (5 lbs). Oh what the heck...YES I'M happy!! Im fitting into more summer clothes.

As for school, I've got one more day of freedom before classes start on Wednesday. I'm excited but nervous too. I'm still feeling a little creeped out at the prospect of Gross Anatomy lab, but I'm hoping that once class starts it'll be ok. I already have my syllabus for studying so I can tell you now I won't be posting regularly....but I will be checking in and trying to behave OP.

Good Luck Everyone! Let's put the pedal to the metal and get these pounds off!

Patti

[Gkfurrow]

Thank you both for the warm welcome!! It is so good to be home!!

Patti, what are you studying in school? More power to you, my friend!! I think my brain has bit the dirt!! I couldn't even think about doing something that would require brain power!! LOL Good luck with your studies, Patti!!

Maple, I'm glad that you have decided to try to get to your goal!! I guess we will just try together. I went back to WW tonight - hadn't been there since 5/23. I gained 2.8 lbs. So, back to the drawing board, so to speak!!

If you don't mind me asking, how much further do each of you have to reach your goals? I'm still holding at 130 lbs to lose!! My God, that just seems like a mountain I'll never conquer!!

I hope to catch up on all that's been happening with the two of you. Thanks again for the warm welcome!! I will try to post a little every day or so.

Glenda

[Gkfurrow]

Well, this is the end of Day #2 being totally OP!! It actually feels good, and believe it or not, I do think I feel a bit better. I do know that my blood sugar was way down from what it has been - and that's only being OP for one day!! How stupid am I anyway?? (Don't answer that!!) LOL

Hope you both are having a great week. Any plans for the long weekend?

We are going camping with a group of people. Should be fun. We'll leave Friday morning and get home sometime on Monday.

Take care and I'll "talk" to you both later.

Glenda

[Maple]

As I said in my last post, today is the day. I've begun and it's HARD! I expect the next several days to be rough but I'm determined to get past them.

Glenda, don't stress over the "mountain" you have to overcome. Take it in little bits. Set small goals of 5 - 10 pounds and don't look at the overall picture. Each success builds on the last and you'll be surprised where you'll be at the end of the summer.

Have a good July 1st weekend!