August Chat

Move over to September chat.

Farewell to August--last day! ..Had a good morning; went to the gym--surprise! Added some new equipment-new-leg press and more. Appreciated that--then to T.J. Maxx--the pet store and Trader Joes. Now enjoying a pleasant afternoon! ...::: Hugs!

8-31-19 Bye bye August! It ZOOOOOOOOOOOOOOmed! For our weekend off (we work from home, so do allot, everyday) , we are grilling Halibut & asparagus AND lot's of swimming & being together, our little family, DH & LUCY & me. I am so blessed!

Last Christmas

Sparkling, you're reminding me of a line from the song "Too Darn Hot" -- "it's too hot not to cool down." Surely it will cool down soon. At least you have a pool.

Walla, why isn't there a target on the bench? How often do you have to clean off something there before sitting down.

Doing some typing for DH now. Cooking steaks on the grill later.

TGIF. this was a long week with no sleep and lots of stress. Over the next 4 weeks will be the remaining packing, trying to get to see the kids and grandkids as often as possible. Trying to stay on track with my eating. And preparing for the move.

Have a great Friday

8-30-19 going up to 110 tomorrow, yuck! No hike for me, can't be out in it, even at sunrise. Only going down to 89, WAY to hot! More swimming instead!

…:::Hope everyone is having a joyful Friday! And Sunday will be September 1st!

Wallawalla, you're reminding me of a time when I caught a student cheating. She exclaimed, "I wasn't cheating! I was just copying his answers." Still flunked that one.

Got a voicemail from the oral surgeon. He must have decided on a longer, last minute weekend, so I've rescheduled for Wednesday.

My neighbor and I walked Bath Nature Preserve yesterday. I wanted to go somewhere other than the 'hood. I invited her and her DH over for ham sandwiches (have to use that nine pounder somehow) so they could see the kitchen. When you count my NC friend coming over Saturday, that will be company 4 days in one Saturday to Saturday week. Glad DH nixed going to the cookout Monday. I'll need a rest. Wonder if he'll know better than to ask me to cook that day. (Where IS that emoticon where someone is being hit in the head with a flying shoe?)

Today hubby and I took a nice walk in the park. We hope to do the same tomorrow. Skipped the gym for the wonderful weather while it lasts. We went out to an early dinner. I enjoyed the meal although the calories were high. Have not eaten a anything else since. I really need to eat light tomorrow. In fact, I think we will have grilled salmon and salad.

Angela - happy that you are enjoying the weather. Also, I know it is a lot of work to move into a new place. But it will be great when you get there

Pat - I live only 5 minutes from the gym. Drive there and little traffic in the morning when I go. Wow, I hate to hear about your molar. I have a difficult time with dentists since mine retired a few years ago.

Jan - it is so good that you are enjoying your walks outdoors. I agree that it is much better to be out in nature to exercise.

Edited by: LINDA! at: 8/29/2019 (20:16)

Thursday--Hello everyone! Awoke to rain this morning; rained during the night..... What a reprieve after the intense heat for several days. Plan to get an outdoor walk as it is nice and cool. Yesterday got the master bedroom vacuumed and shampooed! Feels so nice and looks great! Planning to finish all the rooms before cool weather arrives. So then, up and at-em! Enjoy your day!! …Three day weekend coming! … Hugs!

Weather for the dinner was fabulous yesterday. Sorry I didn't have time for a walk, but did some gardening. How far do you drive to the gym that you are so faithful to go almost every day, Linda?

Sparkling, fabulous that your mom still hikes with you.

Angela, stay up beat.

Today I will have one less back molar. I'm not having any pain at all with it now, although the decay has reached below the gum line. After the dentist tried prepping it for a root canal unsuccessfully, he topped it with a temporary tooth filled with medicine. My last dentist "put a watch" on it for almost twenty years. I was so angry to find that out, that he is no longer my dentist. Now I'm losing a tooth because of it. All his amiable chairside manner does not excuse this.

good evening all - we are quite busy at work, that and packing and organising the move has me really exhausted. One more month and I will be in my new home and I am getting excited and sad at the same time

Still walking and enjoying the wonderful weather we have been having

Have a great evening

I have gone to the gym most days this week. Getting in some walking also. The temps the past few days have dropped to the upper 70s which I love. It is much easier to go out and do things when it is not so hot.

Sparkling - I also have vertigo. I just developed it in the past few months. I actually more or less passed out at a hair salon. Sorry for your hubby's medical issues. It really is tough as we are over 60. Glad that you enjoyed your exercise.

Pat - I can only imagine how frustrated you are after hubby gets the speeding ticket in your car. Glad that it will actually show up under HIS name...your name will be left out. The sound of the spinach dip sounds great.

darling photo!

8-28-19 Another day of over 100. But I'm learning to adapt! I've turned into a VERY early morning person. Always have been, but now, just before sunrise, so I can get all my fun exercise in!!!!

DH had to go to VA ER yesterday, he was dizzy for a few days. They gave him every test in the book. He can out VERY healthy. Turns out a slight case of vertigo .VERY common in people over 60. Doing GREAT today, praise GOD! I'm not sure I could handle too much more with all his conditions. The VA helps us so much! Preventive actions is what I believe to do, for health. SP taught me this! Let's continue to support each other in our health goals! Love to you, all!

(From hike in AZ with Mom a few weeks ago)

5 o'clock EDST, Sparkling
The menu has been changed. DH nixed the ham. Wants to grill steaks. Seriously? I think we need to save a little money since a letter with a picture of my car (which he used to go on a business trip) came in the mail, along with a lovely bill for $120 for being snagged going 77 MPH in a 60 MPH zone. Thanks, dear. Makes it look like I was the perpetrator.

I made the spinach dip last evening. DH had brought home a bag of shredded cabbage from Trader Joe's that needed to be used. I added grated onion, cucumber, carrot and a new dressing with balsamic vinegar to make coleslaw. He was my guinea pig (I don't eat coleslaw) and said it was okay. Hope so. Then I tried a new carrot cake recipe. It uses only whole wheat flour plus applesauce which substitutes for a good deal of what would normally be oil. It looks rather dense, but oh, well, it's healthier. I bought two clamshells of strawberries. We could always just have those over vanilla ice cream.

Message Removed

Sounds yummy! I'll be over, what time? LOL!

While the house is clean, DH decided we should invite a couple other people tomorrow for dinner, especially since we had so much ham leftover. I'm actually considering making potato soup with ham, corn on the cob, zucchini bread, coleslaw and carrot cake. Spinach dip in a pumpernickel bread bowl for starters. I stopped at a farm market on the way home from an appointment to pick up some fresh produce. Let the cooking begin!

8-26-19 We have ANOTHER heat excessive 107 warning for the next 3 days... I'm REALLY ready for some cooler days! But LUCY had her walk before it hit 85 & I had my swim before it hit 100. So I'm a happy lady! Lot's of working going on. DH eye appointments, he's getting better! I need to go, too. Just haven't made the time.

Getting ready for another week trip. Sept. 10-17. My dentist & 50th high school reunion. I'll be staying & going with my forever friend, at their home in Hollywood hills. We met in early high school, been friends & collage roomies &&&& their children are my Fairy God children, (we never had kids) .

Hope everyone is doing great! Last week of August, YIKES!!!! This is the fastest year I have ever lived!!!! ZOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM! Kisses!

Photo from my visit to AZ 2 weeks ago.... darling, right????

It's really something to look forward to, Angela: getting a fresh, new house organized to your liking and finding new ways to use decor (or buy new).

I kept the house picked up and did a few loads of laundry, then ran errands.

sorry not to have been on the past few weekends - we go back to the apartment and do some packing and there is no internet there. I will try to do better this coming weekend.

It was a nice weekend and I had a really nice dinner out with my husband to celebrate our anniversary. 5 weeks and we will be on our way to our new home. And there is still so much to do.

I have been waking up with really bad headaches and I hope they do not turn into migraines again. Must be stress.

Have a great day

Pat - it sounded like a good evening. Kudos to your hubby for helping.

Sparkling -

Angela - I hope that you and your hubby had a wonderful anniversary.

Moomshine - I understand about the inside sense of order. I had planned to do laundry today...instead I napped. ugh!

All went well last night. Mom was already dressed, but hadn't washed her hair, so no styling happened. The peach roses were delicious, but I would have used less puff pastry and rolled it thinner. The peaches have to be paper thin to roll easily. Next time I would use my oversized muffin tins. DH regaled us with his pictures of China and Africa trips (brought to mind those people who would get out their slide projectors years ago) and we showed them the realtor's pictures of the house when we bought it. So many changes. DH was nice enough to take Mom home so I could clean up the kitchen. Everything was clean and ready to put away this morning when I got up. I am tired though.

8-24-19 2,717 days of Sparking EVERY day!!!! Woo Hoo! Hiked for 2 hours & swam for 1. with DH, YEAH! Ready to finish SP & off to rest!!!! 103 here today, down a little! Have a GREAT weekend everyone!

I love that quote: ...have my sense put in order. I'm one of those with a built-in sense of order, but my sense does need straightening out from time-to-time. Thank you for posting that, Wallahalla.

Last minute clean up needed in kitchen and bathroom. Living room is ready. I told DH it looks like it's staged for a house sale, not like a comfortable, lived-in space. I put back the furniture after learning the installer went out of state, but it is merely arranged nicely until I have to move it all out again.

Last night I made bacon-dill dip for the appetizer. DH suggested having ham, as it's hard to mess that up. Hey, I made Beef Wellington before I was 25, and Lobster Newburg for Mom's 90th; but I went with his suggestion just to make things easy on myself. Add scalloped potatoes (not made with canned mushroom soup), Waldorf salad, corn muffins (Jiffy mix will do) and peach roses for dessert. Cut strips of puff pastry (thank you, Pepperidge Farms), spread with peach jam, layer peach slices overlapping ends, roll up and bake in muffin tins 25 minutes at 375°. Serve with ice cream or whipped cream. They are bringing their garden tomatoes. Can't wait!

Hopefully, DH will replace the outlet covers in the kitchen and clean off the patio and lower deck. Front urns have been replanted, but I couldn't find the black paint I need to do the touch ups on the entry. That was last week and it's too late to do that today.

Mom agreed to come, so I have to fit bringing her from half an hour away, fixing her hair and finding her something suitable to wear into my day. The couple who is coming worked with and were friends with her and my stepfather for many years. They wanted to see her, so I hope the effort is worth it. It took a while for recognition to come (or did it ever?) when I told her who was coming.

I was disappointed, but understanding when my friend called and said she was not well and wouldn't be coming for prayer. I truly think it was nerves, so I stood proxy for her during prayer time.

Angela, I love how you said you have to "step it up" in the exercise dept.

Sounds like everyone else is doing well. Love the "cute as a bug in a rug" designs, Sparkling.

I did get a walk in yesterday. Just as I passed my friend's house on the corner, I saw she was out weeding, so we walked about a half hour. She has a new rescue border collie. Her other dog is getting very old, but is much friendlier. The new addition feels a need to protect his turf. He'll mellow out.

Got the entire house to a presentable appearance. So disappointed about not having the wood floor in the living room. The kitchen tile just got its last wiping, so the outlet covers can be replaced. I'm heading to the store to buy food for tomorrow's dinner. Just have to check and see how mom's dentist appointment went. I'm so glad she can go in-house from now on.

My friend (former neighbor from our old house) has learned her cancer has returned and she has agreed to come to church for prayer. I hope you'll add your prayers as well.

so it is raining this morning but supposed to clear this afternoon. I am working from home today as I have a bit of a sore throat and do not want it to get worse so staying home is the best thing to do.

The people whose place we are staying at are going away for the weekend. This is their last 'camping' weekend for the season (they have a small rv). So my husband and I have the weekend to ourselves and Sunday is our anniversary.

Linda your days sound really nice.

Pat - did you get that walk in?

Have a great day

I had another day similar to yesterday. I went to the gym today for my 60 minute workout class. Went out for a late breakfast with my hubby which was nice. Afterward took a walk. Now working on some laundry and just watching TV. Nice relaxing evening.

Sparkling - great photo. Happy to hear that you had a good visit with your mother.

Angela - at least you have a date for move in. Good luck with everything. I know that it can be tedious.

Pat - hope that you got in the walk. I agree that it has been too hot and humid to walk outside. We may get cooler (70s) weather for the next few days. I will enjoy it.

8-22-19 Hi! Everyone! I had a great trip to visit with my beautiful Mom! Getting back into all I need to do! I'm taking the AARP online safety program.... intensive, but worth it! The exercises are VERY similar to Nicole's 12 minute seated core workout, to keep us flexible as we age. (I LOVE this video, feels SO yummy to do!) It's been HOT! 107 right now, 4pm.... getting up at sunrise to walk our dogie, LUCY &&&& work of course!

Hope you all are doing super GREAT!!!! I made some veggie chicken soup to eat this week, i'm off to it!!!!!

I am going to take a few days off at the end of September so that I can drive up to Lake Country and prepare for the movers to arrive. We do not get possession until Sept 28th and that is when we are hoping the movers will arrive, but if I go up early I can always stay with my sister until they get there.

Pat - there are times it seems that life gets in the way - I am going to start scheduling it once I am in the new place. That way I hope that if it is on my calendar (instead of a sticky) I will really get it done. I have been getting in my 1/2 hour walk daily though but I need to step it up.

Not much else going on so have a great day

Angela, I haven't been doing well with exercise either. The other night it was very late and I just walked on the treadmill. Too hot and humid outside. Yesterday I did a little yard clean up where DH cut off a black walnut limb to allow the satellite signal to reach our dish unencumbered.
Yesterday I was told the flooring installer had to go to California, so I put the living room back together and packed up the extra knicknacks. There are about 8 boxes to go into the garage. This leaves me with the dining room to clean, as the cleaning ladies couldn't possibly have done anything in there Tuesday. I should recharge my FitBit to track my steps, but I guess I'll just slip my phone in my pocket.

we have finally signed off on all the subjects so now are into the packing and moving. We get possession on Sept 28th so lots to do yet

I have not been doing well with exercise - although I am making sure I get in a 30 minute walk daily. I am looking forward to getting settled and then planning my life better

DH says the main drain has to be cleared, so I'm waiting for the plumbers. I plan to pack up any of Mom's stuff that is still out and put the boxes in the corner of the garage until after Saturday's company. Tonight DH has promised to grout the other half of the tile backsplash. I'm still feeling grit on the counter tops in places even though both the cleaning ladies and I have cleaned it. I should have taped papers down on the counters. Even dry cleaning bags would have worked -- anything to protect the granite and keep me from having "leftovers" from the spilled setting material and grout.

Nice!

That has prompted me to get out for a walk along the sea-front before work today.

Finally did the linen closet and the storage closet right next to it. Purged a lot of old sheets and gave a set of towels to the cleaning woman. If I can, I think I'll take out the bottom shelf of the storage closet and put up a rod to hang out of season jackets. One of my DH's favorite items to buy is a new jacket--leather, winter, rain, wool, lined--you name it, he has one or two. It'd be nice to have a place to put the out of season ones.

I did get some cleaning done in the master bathroom. It looks cleaner and brighter now. Actually, cleaned the other bathrooms also. But worked a bit harder in the master bath.

I reckon your Sunday was spot on, Pat! Resting is good.


I had a busy Sunday morning - then spent the afternoon on the sofa reading and drinking tea.

Monday today, however, been to work, done my yoga, now researching a healthy pumpkin spiced latte.............................

What size shoes does He wear?

Dragging today. Just doing laundry, but plan on napping.

So happy for your sale, Angela!
Our backsplash has been installed. DH starts grouting tomorrow. He was busy mowing and removing tackless today.
I think I got all the dried "mud" off the granite, read in my book, took back some clothes to Dillard's and delivered some needed items to Mom. She was nowhere to be found, so I left a note. Hope she was having fun.

I think Fly Lady would approve of this

I am back - yipee - still not 100% physically but am at least sane. Check out my blog for the details.

It will take a bit to get all caught up and back into the exercise routine. I am also at my friends place as our place has sold - we could stay there and we may in September but right now it has very little furniture in it as we had all the staging stuff removed. So we will see what happens.

We have one more subject to have removed and then our possession date is Sept 28th. But the next month should be way more relaxing.

Have a great day

Living room carpet and pad are rolled up and waiting for their new home. Some of the tackless and staples still need to be removed.
This morning, after starting a load of towels, I emptied the dishwasher and cleared off the counters, removed the face plates for the electrical outlets and got out old rags for the installer. I may have a backsplash yet! One precaution I took was to line the new sink with bubble wrap, just in case something might fall in and chip it. Not sure if I need to lay drop cloths on the floor, since workmen are notorious for walking through a drop of tile "mud" and tracking it through the space.

This is pretty much how I think about house-work!

Read my post on "I CLEANED..." because I'm too tired to say it again.

I'm enjoying the chat - even when I don't join in............. I've got a birthday card ready to post to my adult son - he wanted some money towards a DNA test (one of those things that tells you what proportions of different racial DNA you have). I was completely devoid of any idea of what other 'little thing' to send him............ so he just has a card! Like someone said - he has everything he wants and can afford. Things he wants and can't afford, I can't afford either!

I opted for outside time instead of reorganizing the linen closet. Got the driveway edged and the weeds/grass out of the curb cracks. The shed is much cleaner, but the plants need to be put into the front urns. I'll do that today as soon as I can get rid of this upset stomach. I've been reading and resting.
Tomorrow night Son #2 is coming to help his dad take up the living room carpet. Monday evening I removed as much as possible from that room, so we are in a state of flux as I call it. Crowded in one room and bare bones in another. Perhaps Friday (oh, please, let it be!) the back splash tile will be installed. Another move-it-out-of-the-way time. Can't wait for the kitchen remodel to be complete.

Our children and grandchildren are older. We resort to either money or gift certificates for birthdays and Christmas. It is easier than buying the "wrong" thing. Went to the gym this morning. Now working on laundry.

You're bringing this up now?! I can only say I'm glad I have sensible grown children who need nothing and are willing to admit it. We now choose to have a lovely dinner out with the family. Should I give them a small token or a gift card (usually "purchased" from my points stash), that is just a bonus. The grandpuppies are happy with homemade treats.

The linen closet had to wait. It was too nice a day Saturday, so I cleaned out the shed instead. I guess I worked harder than I thought, because I slept the afternoon away on Sunday.

Vacations are always good for walking. Glad you got yours in.

to the graduate

Last night at church we celebrated the 98th birthday of our founder. Afterward I helped decorate flip flops that the kids designed using foamies and jewels. The girls wanted glitter and the boys chose dinosaurs and trucks.

Today is clean out the linen closet day.

I am back from vacay. Had a good time and did get in a lot of walking. I had a free fitness channel in the hotel. I did use it 3 days. I am UP in weight. I hope that part of it is water weight from travelling. We travel again tomorrow 3 hours to youngest DD's college graduation. This is for her master's degree. She is finally finished and will decide if she later wants to go further. I am sure that I will be resting up on Sunday after the travelling.

Walked with my neighbor yesterday morning and today. It's cooler out, but sunny. Enjoyable stroll.
Yesterday I drove to a newly discovered location to pick up some new plants for my two front door urns. The pansies I put in at the beginning of spring have lost their zest, so I'll see how these work to go into the fall. The neighbors have had some extensive landscaping done and they laid peat mulch yesterday, so I may wait until the "fragrance" dissipates before I work outside. Phew!

I am nearing the end of my vacation but really then I only have until the end of September and I might be retired - we are looking in to seeing if financially we can do it at this time. I have my fingers crossed.

Really hot here again today but supposed to cool off a bit tomorrow

Have a great day

8-8-19

Monday was an 11-hour marathon from 9 - 8, sewing curtain panels for the TV studio. That left only one center panel for Tuesday. Trouble was, I ran out of the premade tab topper and neither JoAnn's had any in stock. I had to punt and create my own. Got it figured out, though, and hung them on the rods by 3 p.m.
I'm not used to being on my feet that many hours a day, especially on a concrete floor. Yow!
Thankfully, DH picked up a rotisserie chicken and we've nibbled on that for 3 days.
Wednesday was R & R day. I was dozing off all day.
The house is picked up and I'm off to walk with the neighbor.

Happy hump day

Doing massive amounts of laundry today as we pack to take our son back to college.

Hope it sells this time!!!!!

so the people who changed their mind changed it again and gave us a lowball offer - we were not pleased. However our real estate agent had told the 2 others from Saturdays showing who brought their agents that we had an offer with a tight deadline. And one of them put in a great offer. So we had to wait until the first one decided what to do (they came back with another low ball offer) so we accepted the second one and today put in an offer at the place we want to buy They agreed to everything but the price so we have agreed to that and are sending it off. I am sure it will be accepted as well.

So now all the subjects, the prep for moving, the packing, etc etc etc

So exciting but I am so stressed that I have not been sleeping well - getting catnaps in during the day but am totally exhausted.

Soon

Have a great day

Dibbles said it well. I enjoyed the woods and the river all weekend at my cousin's retreat in northern GA.

thanks for the humor!

8-4-19 The performance went VERY well! About 40 people came out even though it was 109 degrees. The show was inside & cool, but the families coming out, made my day! VERY loving group! Not many photos to share, maybe another time!

(This is DOUGIE mom made him after my DH energy, he is on roller skates!)

Sorry to hear that they changed their minds.

are you selling or renting it out?

enjoying my time off but the people interested in the apartment changed their mind

Nice to stop by and catch up on how everyone is doing. You are an amazing group of ladies.

We had a busy touristy day and it's nice to relax for a few minutes. I have been Sparking for 11 years. I first heard about it thru a Flylady type of Yahoo group.

This afternoon I did the 15 minute sweep. I took a short walk today. Yesterday I exceeded 12k steps but it will be much less today. Suffering from a headache. I will be leaving on Monday for a short trip. I should be home Friday. On Saturday I will be driving up to a neighboring state for DD2 graduation from college with her Master's Degree. Excited for that.

Yes! The 15 minute 'sweep' helps me SO much!

8-2-19 Today has been fabulous, so far! Walked LUCY & swam before heat hits, suppose to be 107, not sure it will make it. I started the day out with a fresh peach & 1 small fresh apricot. So breakfast was my homemade Chicken soup, poolside. I am SO blessed to be living this AMAZING life! Tonight is date night, so glad to not have very many calories. My soup is a perfect BALANCE for me!

I have been on SP DAILY for 2695 days. I prayed to find 'something' that could help me get a hold of my health, this site came up 3 minutes after asking for the help. There are MANY days I only come here to log in & track my goals. Sometimes only 2 minutes a day. BUT it does help me find balance in my life. I am NOT on any other 'social' site. I have learned through SP, it is very different for each 1 of us. For me it is 'baby' steps. & yes, I am about 20# over what I was, but I have still kept off 35#. When I get 'real' about my issues I know I will get back to goal. But I feel GREAT & am VERY active.

I'm excited, tomorrow I get to perform at the Nature Preserve . I volunteer my services. I just signed up for another year! (3 years total so far! ) I LOVE the audiences, they come to learn. These shows help me stay 'rehearsed' with my marionettes AND I get ALLOT of exercise loading & performing & unloading. I perform about 8 times a year there. Have fun everyone! & I will too!

(Mama Beaver, my Mom made, she's 'on' tomorrow)




1 of my audiences, with my favorite marionette!

It is amazing to me at how fast this summer has gone by! I am trying to spend some time each morning in the nice sunshine before it is over!



…::Live it while we can!

Edited by: 2BDYNAMIC at: 8/1/2019 (16:07)

Our daughter is pregnant and today is her due date. We came here to be close by for this happy event, and are living in our RV with two of our grandchildren. Today is laundry and cleaning day.

Goodness! August already? Off to the family reunion. See you next week.

My flowers and potted tomatoes and things are really doing well. And here it is a new month and I'm "going to start" exercising and decluttering again! At least I'm pretty consistant about daily FLY Lady things. But always room for improvement!

Can you believe it? July flew by and here we are at the first day of August.