New/Improved Birds 7

[KellyGreen]

Hello all!

How is everyone's weekend going? Darn, it's almost over!! I will be Halloween decorating today.....my favorite time of year, YAY! :crazy:

[Maple]

Lemony Snicket what a wonderful surprise to "see" you again. Good for you reaching goal......that was quite a loss wasn't it? The Galapagos, how wonderful! I'd love to see a blue footed boobie up close. Are their feet really that blue? I've not seen Foxworthy at all. Have you stopped posting on that birding site you two met at? Maybe we should send out the scouts and find both him and PattiG. Want to try? I have Patti's email still so I'll email her in hopes she'll return. It would be like old home week with all of us back in the nest.

Trish, I know what you mean about the red tailed hawks. We get another smaller kind eyeing up our feeders but I've see the red tails from time to time. As for eagles, I see them almost daily at our house. They like to sit on the Douglas Fir that has open branches hanging over the beach. I've actually watched one catch a salmon (about a 7#er) and bring it back to the trees to feast. Of course, the seagulls and other eagles usually get in on the "spoils" too so it makes for quite an amazing sight.

Kelly the answer your question about the amount of water to drink a day is complicated. It never used to be, but lately the experts seem to differ a lot. My take on the subject is 4 - 6 eight ounce glasses a day is enough. Anything with caffeine doesn't count (the experts all agree on that one) Green or herbal tea counts as water as do flavored SF waters. Diet soda doesn't count even if it's caffeine free (again the experts agree). Gradually increase the amount of water you drink daily and you body will eventually get used to the higher fluid content in your cells and not want to be releasing it so often. Once you are drinking enough water daily and your system stabilizes, you will begin to feel the benefits of a properly hydrated body. You will have more energy (really!) and your skin will be moist and glowing (that in itself is worth drinking more water for!) Last but not least, the experts have agreed that drinking 8 or more glasses a day isn't helpful in weight loss or anything else for that matter. So drink up girl.....you'll be glad you did :water1:

[KellyGreen]

Hi guys...please check out my post, it's in the women's health issues forum, under Important Issue.....

[buildingdreams]

Morning buddies!!! I hope everyone had a terrific weekend. It poured here all weekend. I was pretty bad yesterday so remind me all if I gain this week and I try to have a pity party for myself. I had 2 parties yesterday. The first one I was good, 1 slice of pizza. the second was a huge bash and I had 2 corona and 2 margarita and although I didnt manage to eat too bad I am feeling the guilt this morning. I guess we all have to indulge at some time.
Kelly- I used to drink like 90 ounceas a day but for the last month or so I haven't been able to get more than 33 ounces in. thats about 4 glasses. I always buy a 33 ounces bottle of water and just keep refilling it . It help to keep track !

[KellyGreen]

Good afternoon every buddy!


It's a crazy day for me!!! :crazy:

Babysitting, cleaning, etc etc.

Hope everyone is having an OP day.....

Does anyone know what happened to Donna?? :(

[Action Potential]

Hi Folks!

Day 3 for me since WI and OP 100%! Yay!

Building Dreams...I agree it's sooo hard to stay OP when at parties even when there are good options to choose from. It's always the high-cal kill-you food that appeals to us (at least to me). WW will say "there's no food that isn't OP as long as you plan it into your day" but I know that certain foods are red lights for me and I dare not go near them. I went to a catered sweet 16 b-day party over the weekend. It was tough, but I did manage to stay OP. I actually had some 0-point veggie soup before going so I wasn't famished and overly tempted to eat the "bad stuff." Could you have planned out the food better before going to the parties? Maybe you can step up the exercise a bit to help compensate a bit.

As for the water Kelly, the best I can do is 3-6 glasses per day. And that's not easy while in classe because unless the instructor gives us a 10 minute "bio-break" on the hour....I'm DYING!!!

Has everyone decorated their homes for halloween already? I haven't even dragged out the stuff yet. Oh well, maybe I'll just aim for the Thanksgiving/Fall things...and if that goes awry just head on in to Christmas decorations!! lol

Patti

[Lemony Snicket]

Funny that you should ask about the blue-footed boobies Maple. I'll have my wife email you a few photos. Their feet ARE unquestionably blue.

I heard from Foxworthy yesterday. Neither of us post as frequently on the birding post as we used to. I understand he's not doing quite as well on his diet as he had been last Spring. But you know him, his entire weigh-in method is by belt notches. Except for the day he joined Weight Watchers, I don't think he's ever stepped on a scale. He still won't, but I'm sure he could easily be persuaded to come back and join 4 The Birds. He did amazingly well when we were all there to support him. We worked well as a team. You and PattiG gave him the incentive and I just yelled all the time. The intimidation tactics always worked.

Does anyone here need to be roughed up a bit to stay OP? :rage: I'm just joking. I'm sure all the "birds" on this thread (both male and female of the species) are all working well together to stay on program.

[Nuthatch]

Hello from the Napa-Russian River-Sonoma Valleys! We are having a blast. It's warm (80 - 85) and the wine tasting is going well. LOL Don't misunderstand, we don't really drink much but do like to sample 2 - 3 wineries a day when in the area which probably amounts to no more than two 4 - 6 oz glasses. We buy quite a bit to take home though......it lasts for the year of entertaining, gift giving and cellaring for future consumption.

Lemony Snicket????? Didn't you write a book or something? I know I know that name. So Maple, we have more birders in here finally. I was hoping the bird topic would fly at some time or other. Snicket, you mentioned someone called Foxworthy who is also an ornithologist. Go get him! LOL

I forgot to take my Silbey's and have seen some birds I can't ID. I know I'll forget what they looked like by the time I get my hands on my field guide when I get home. I just this minute realized I could go online and look them up! Dah.........:rolleyes:

BTW Maple, I welcomed your information on water consumption. I've been reading about it not being necessary to drink as much water as we were once told. I have to admit several years ago I managed to drink at least 8 glasses a day and felt fine but lately getting 4-5 in is all I can manage. Maybe the warm weather will help me out. I do know for sure wine doesn't count! LOL

[PattiG]

Hi Maple! If you and Snicket are back, I'll come back as well. It's been too many months and I'm in desperate need of some good old fashion BC support. I'd like to get to goal and I'm willing to give it another whirl.

So is this truly a new and improved thread? Good, my body could sure use some improvement. don't think I know any of the new nestlings. HELLO EVERYONE!! :wave:

I see there a lot of water-drinking discussion going on. :water1: I have a hard time getting in the daily allotment too. Now that the weather is beginning to cool down, I'd much rather have warm/hot liquids. Plain water just doesn't do it for me. Too bad we can't just hook up an IV at night and call it a day. Then again, if we hook up an IV of coffee we won't ever need to call it a night. Won't our employers be happy!

PattiG

[buildingdreams]

Morning Buddies...rainy here! I am at work and there is no better place other than curled up in bed on a rainy day then work. I'd rather keep my sunny days for Thurs, Fri, Sat and Sun! Boss is out today doing a photo shoot for the new catalog so it should be a easy day. Just me and the bookkeeper! Mom went in the hospital on Monday as planned. I sure hope if they decide to do surgery that it isnt until Thursday! Please keep your fingers crossed! I have Wi on Thursday and I am not really sure how it is going to go. Trying to be good. I feel a little different but usually when I feel like that is doesn't go my way! keeping positive !

[KellyGreen]

Good morning buddies!

I am so proud of myself, I've been staying VERY OP all week...but for some reason, I am really nervous about this Thurs. WI.
I've only gotten in two days of exercise, which actually is kinda good for me.
And I just feel like my pants aren't really any looser, or anything. I've been under alot of stress for the past couple of weeks, and I know that can make you hold onto weight and fat....YUCK!

***Pity Party Over***

Moving on.....I'm glad there are people in this thread that enjoy birding!

Trish--WTG staying OP!!
Maple--I'm glad you joined us!
Hatch--I'm jealous...I hope you're having fun!
Lemony--Good to have a guy in here!
Patti--Welcome, nice to "see" you!
Peggy--We can fret about WI together, lol!

I'll be back later, have a great day everyone :)

[Action Potential]

This nest is loud and chirping in the past few days! Welcome all newcomers (or I say oldcomers if you were here in the past?)

Peggy, I think I missed a post of yours somewhere down the line regarding your mom and the hospital. Is it anything very serious? What type of surgery is she having?

Hang in there Kelly and don't be nervous. If you've been good OP but just retaining water, I'm sure you'll see a loss the following week if not by your WI day. Being OP another two days might still give you a good WI on Thurs. Sending you **************{skinny vibes}}}}}}}}!

Here's a little tidbit of information for everyone. Did you know that we have 10,000 taste buds in our mouth (tongue, pharynx, etc) and each taste bud has 150 receptors which actually respond to a taste? Now that's a lot of tasting going on if ya ask me! I wonder if those of us who REALLY enjoy food have more than that? lol I'll have to ask my physiology professor that one.

Trish

[buildingdreams]

Action Potential - She has diabetes and there is an infection at the site of surgery that was performed 5 months ago. (These are all complications from diabetes) If she can survive the surgery there is a chance she might lose her right leg.This all started 1 month after my father passed away. He passed away 6 month ago and she has been dealing with this health issue since. I pray that she has the will to survive and not give in and I pray that I can give her all the support I can.
I have a brother 25 min away who doesnt seem to go out of his way and my sister who would jump mountains to help lives in FL.

[KellyGreen]

Peggy, I am sending special thoughts your way......
Also, I never went to your picture site before today (dunno why?) and you know, you are really beautiful! I guess I pictured you with brown hair?!?!?
You really are-you are going to be extra gorgeous once you get to your goal!

[buildingdreams]

Kelly thank you! . I didnt see this post and I just replied to your 10lbs comparison pic. I posted that we have something else in commom besides TOM and WI day . My youngest son, Timothy was born premature at 30 weeks and was in the nicu for 7 1/2 weeks. He due date was june 15 and he arrived 4/4. No problem with the pregnancy he just decided to come early. Thank god he weighed 3.10lbs because they said that was big for a 30 weeker and he had his weight on his side! . I have topost more pictures on that site. hope all is well! ((((((SKINNY VIBES)))))))

[buildingdreams]

I have a terrible urge to go on the scale and see where I stand...aarrggg

[Action Potential]

Hi Everyone,
Just a quickie post. For those of you who like soup, especially "cream of" soups...this recipe (cream of asparagus soup) from WW is good and only 2 points per serving!! It has a great texture, good flavor, and is very filling....so it's perfect for lunch or as a first dish for dinner if you want to go easy on the main course. I made it this afternoon and my family really enjoyed it. I think this recipe 's even better than the cream of broccoli soup recipe I posted a few weeks ago. It's easy to make but one note: Don't leave out the roasted pepper puree, it adds a slight sweetness to the flavor that's definitely needed.

Creamy Asparagus Soup with Roasted Pepper Puree

POINTS® value: 2
Servings: 4
Prep time: 18 min
Cooking Time: 11 min

Ingredients

2 cans (14 oz each) fat-free chicken broth, reduced-sodium
1 medium potato, peeled, diced (about 8 oz)
1 cup onion(s), chopped
2 medium garlic clove(s), chopped
1/4 tsp table salt (you'll need to adjust the salt again in the end)
1/8 tsp black pepper, or to taste
1 1/2 pound asparagus, fresh, ends trimmed, cut in small pieces
7 oz roasted red peppers, jarred in water, drained
5 oz silken tofu

Instructions
1. In medium saucepan, bring broth, potato, onion, garlic, salt and black pepper to a boil over medium-high heat. Cover, reduce heat to low and simmer for 3 minutes. Add asparagus; cover and simmer until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and cool slightly.

2. Meanwhile, puree roasted peppers in blender until smooth. Spoon pureed peppers into small bowl and set aside. Rinse blender.

3. Puree asparagus mixture and tofu in blender until smooth. Return pureed mixture to pot, adjust seasoning, heat through.

4. Place a tablespoon or two of the roasted pepper puree on top of soup just before serving. It's adds sweetness as well as eye appeal.

Bon appetite!

Trish

[buildingdreams]

Morning Buddies!!! Horrible pouring rain since 5am. I cannot believe that it hasn't let up yet.:( arrgg. With all this rain I haven't managed to get any exercise in :sobbing: Well today is my Friday and I am in good mood.:D Go to MIL for dinner tonight so its pretty free sailing today. My boss and coworker are back from the catalog photo shoot today so work will be back to normal although I am not sure if that is a good thing! Mother is still having test performed so we won't know about surgery till maybe later today. Please Keep your fingers crossed and prayers coming in the hopes that everything will work out.

[Action Potential]

Rain rain rain rain rain! Bring out the flippers and snorkels. Wow, we have been having a torrential downpour here for 3 days. I'm beginning to grow gills!

So? How's everyone doing OP? I don't have WI till Saturday, but I know a few of us have it tomorrow. Any thoughts on the numbers? And special issues coming up?

Speaking of special issues, I heard a fascinating lecture yesterday in my Professional Development class regarding sensitivity/tolerance and special issues in healthcare. One of the speakers was a post-operation transgender woman (he was originally "Doug" and is now "Donna" in every physical sense of the word). This woman discussed her life before and after her multiple surgeries (including some minor facial re-contouring to appear more feminine) and 9 yrs of hormone therapy and it is simply amazing what she has faced socially, physically, medically, and emotionally throughout her life. What was even more amazing was that as a male, this individual was married to a woman and even after the surgery, the two have stayed in a monogamous marriage (albeit things have to be a little different at this point). I'll tell you, I was enlightened an amazed throughout the entire 2 hr discussion which was opened up to questions. It was interesting to hear first-hand about something that we only occasionally read about. I can't imagine going through what this individual had gone through.

[DonnaM04]

Hi everyone. I just wanted to pop in and let you know I am still here. Haven't had much of a chance to write, but I have been lurking a bit. I have been so busy that I just haven't had time for anything this last week or so. I had company over the weekend and they ended up here until Tuesday. Just now getting my house back in order. The kids are home today because of the holiday and Stephen is driving me nuts. I guess he needs to go to school. I did make it to WW yesterday and lost .6 lbs so I am at 175 exactly now. I hope everyone is having a great OP day!!! Got to go make lunch...then pay some bills and start dinner. I will try to get back later tonight. Hugs to all!

[buildingdreams]

AFTERNOON buddies.... My day didn't start out to well. I had planned to get up at my usual time 5am and go to pick up my moms mail before DH left for work yet it was pouring so hard that all I did was roll back over. I got up at 6 with DH , showered and WI.......up 1.8 arrg. I can only blame myself since I didn't journal anything all week and I haven't walked in 7 days due to rain. I am not beating myself up to bad since I know I wasn't as strict as I normally am. Well today starts a new week. It will be hard with the stress of mom in the hospital but I will prevail!!!

Hey Donna-Glad to see you check in. Hope the rest of your week goes smoothly. Missed Ya!

[Lemony Snicket]

Greetings All on 4 The Birds

Maple I have a question for you. Do you see common redpolls (finch family) in your area? The article I just read included Canada as one of their common grounds and I know you have multiple feeders (is that an understatement?) on your property. As I understand it, their diet includes niger, millet, and sunflower seeds which "appear to be satisfying substitutes for their natural winter diet of birch, willow, grass, weed and alder seeds."

Nuthatch, you do indeed know the name Lemony Snicket as an author, but sadly I have neither his talent nor his fortune. I decided to use the name after one of my children started reading the author's books "Series of Unfortunate Events."

As for being the only male posting here, I'd prefer to have Foxworthy come and join us (if he'd ever take his nose out of his ornith books). I have a proclivity towards saying the wrong thing at the wrong time which gets me in hot water. Or is it the right thing at the right time? Either way, Foxworthy is the man to back me up.

[KellyGreen]

Hi buddies!

Sorry I haven't posted in a couple of days....I've been a little under the weather. Well, I did WI yesterday, and I lost .6lbs. urgh!! Oh well, at least I lost, right??

I don't have too much to say today, other than I hope everyone is doing well OP, and Donna..!!! I was so happy to see your post, I have missed you so much! WTG, getting to 175! I'm very proud of you.

Hope everyone has a good weekend, I will be working on getting better. Ok, talk to everyone later!

[buildingdreams]

Hey Buddies!!!Things are going ok so far. I am online at the family surgical waiting room. My Moms surgery got underway at 1:15. It took me 2 hrs to get here. I got to see her for 30min before they took her down to pre-op.I keep saying lots of prayers. Atleast this waiting area is nice.They have 5 computers hooked up with free access,starbucks coffee and all the gossip mags you could possible find! The space bar isnt working therefor I am not going to personally send hello's out to everyone. Hope everyone is having a good friday and I will update tomorrow!
Peggy

[DonnaM04]

:wave: Hi everyone,

Just a quick note letting you all know I was here, reading all your posts. Good going Kelly, on that loss. You lost the same as me this week. Peggy, I am keeping your mom in my prayers. Hope everthing went alright with the surgery.

Today went alright. It's still raining :sobbing: here and so my plans for this evening got cancelled. I was going to take the kids to a haunted house/hay ride thing, but they cancelled and postponed til next Friday, so til then. I made it to Curves this morning, even tho I really didn't want to leave the house in this terrible rain. It's suppose to stop sometime tomorrow. I have had dinner and still have some points left and don't know whether to eat them or let them be. Guess I will wait until later to see if I get hungry, but I don't want to eat too late and end up going to bed on a full tummy.

DH was suppose to take a vacation day tomorrow, but due to the weather he has to work. So I planned on taking Stephen to CCD and then on the treadmill :work_out: for an hour tomorrow. I hope it stops raining and the kids and I can get out and do something in the afternoon. Sunday is Stephen's birthday party (he will be 11 on Tues.) and he is making me :crazy: nuts. He desparately wants me to make him an ice cream cake. I may be able to get that done tomorrow.

Well, I hope everyone has had a wonderful Friday (it's evening here) and I hope I can get on tomorrow and see how everyone is doing. Stay :strong: !!!