Tuesday...

Tuesday, August 02, 2011

We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.

-- Norman MacFinan

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

AMYISSUCCEEDING 8/3/2011 1:03AM

Very Nice Quote! Thank you for sharing. Report Inappropriate Comment

CHUBRUB3 8/2/2011 11:03PM

Report Inappropriate Comment

BENTONHEALTHY 8/2/2011 9:59PM

Nice. Report Inappropriate Comment

PJGABRIEL 8/2/2011 9:34PM

Very good words to listen to and use. Report Inappropriate Comment

TWEETYKC00 8/2/2011 7:19PM

so true, thanks for sharing. Report Inappropriate Comment

WILLOW49 8/2/2011 6:12PM

So true! Report Inappropriate Comment

ONLYTEMPORARY 8/2/2011 4:48PM

Absolutely! Report Inappropriate Comment

SAHMWICH 8/2/2011 4:42PM

very true!! Report Inappropriate Comment

PICKIE98 8/2/2011 4:38PM

So that is why I feel rich, but look poor!!! I subscribed to yours and Pat's blogs and now it stopped sending them to me.. what did I do wrong? Report Inappropriate Comment

NORASPAT 8/2/2011 2:04PM

WELL SAID, I really beleive that is true. You definitely get what you give, HUGS Pat in Maine. Report Inappropriate Comment

Friday

Friday, July 29, 2011

Thank you everyone who have written in noticing the change in my picture. I jsut wanted something different up for a while. I was getting tired of my fat @ss.

In 1997 I married Jack. This picture is from our wedding at Caesars Palace Wedding chapel, Lake Taho, Nevada. He later died after having a heart attack and a stent inserted. It was at a ood weight for me a comfortable weight. I am hoping to get back down there.

There was a musical show on our HdTV this evening on the Beatles. I rose out of my seat as if i were hypnotized and went to look. I lived in the era of the Beatles and loved them. they were singing "Love me do"

robert brought me a disk that ahs almost 80 Beatles songs when they were solo and together. I've been listening to them. It lifts my spirits.

Monday I had my band tightened and this is a very noticable tightness. I am eating less and not hungry and have lost 5#'s since Monday. Today is last day of soft food stage. A sample of what i ahd today:
Breakfast: Vanilla Yogurt
Lunch: Can of Tuna with a very tiny bit of mayo
Snack: Protein shake
Dinner: Ground chicken with a little marinara sauce
I'll ahve cottage cheese in a bit for evening snack

I need to focus on protein and will eventually fit in small carbs

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SRABANTI 7/31/2011 12:13AM

Dont you think you ate a too less? I can never survive on that.... food is my biggest enemy. Comment edited on: 7/31/2011 12:52:45 AM Report Inappropriate Comment

PICKIE98 7/30/2011 7:20AM

Getting svelte!! Pretty soon you will be so teensy you can RIDE Leone!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

PJGABRIEL 7/29/2011 2:51PM

Cute Picture, and happy you are having success with your band. Report Inappropriate Comment

MEADSBAY 7/29/2011 11:53AM

You will get back there in good time, Deb! Love the new-old pic of you! I'm low-carbing right now with lots of protein, too. Report Inappropriate Comment

WILLOW49 7/29/2011 10:45AM

Just love this picture of you! Report Inappropriate Comment

CHUBRUB3 7/29/2011 10:05AM

Sorry to hear of your first hubby's passing. Hugs, Music is lovely isn't it? Brings us wonderful memories. Your doing great with your weight loss. Keep it up. Hugs, Angela Report Inappropriate Comment

MISSILENE 7/29/2011 6:39AM

Lovely blog, I add some no fat Ricotta cheese to my greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese. Cc has too much salt in it. For carbs, I MASH UP some cauliflower or broccoli with margarine. Up that protein! Very important for weight loss. You look great and I know with this fill you are going to do great. Report Inappropriate Comment

AMYISSUCCEEDING 7/29/2011 4:35AM

Love your picture! You look very nice. Report Inappropriate Comment

ONLYTEMPORARY 7/29/2011 12:48AM

You look awesome and I love that shade of blue! Report Inappropriate Comment

TWEETYKC00 7/29/2011 12:38AM

i like that picture, blue is your color! it's great that you can hear the Beatles singing now, i bet that's a blast. you're doing so well with everything now, keep up the good work honey! Report Inappropriate Comment

Lots accomplished...

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

To begin with I was up bright and early and showered and coffeed and a woman physical therapist who had been at the Guide dog convention I attended in Portland last weekend arrived to do a personal Demo in my home. there was another event on Saturday she was alte to and i missed. She created what si called BackTPacks for Back and hip problems which si ideal for guide dog users or anyone who ahs had back troubles or neck troubles. Yous ee when you handle a dog you need your hands free. robert purchased one for me. It is great. she is also online. Most of the guide dog handlers ahve purchased one. You can get them at clearance prices.

www.statesmanjournal.com/article/201
10710/COLUMN0807/107100361/-1/7daysarc
hives/Physical-therapist-has-got-your-back

After walking the dogs we headed out to My surgeons office at the Weight Management Institute. I received m 4th fill/adjustment/tightening. It all went well and i ahve lsot 2 pounds. Not much but better than nothing. I am trying to get used to the new feelings I am having now. back on liquids until tomorrow. These feelings include a frog like sensation lurking in my throat when i drink liquids and a burp always follows a ssip. (I swear I'm not drinking beer) My sips are smaller and farther apart than before. I just know I will be consuming less than before. I'm at 4cc's in my 10cc band. It all went well and I am beginning to understand now how the band works as a tool.

From that appt. we then headed to SouthEast Portland where we met Leone's Trainer bob who is here from Palm Springs for 3 weeks working with past students. We walked a good 2 miles in SE Portland and he feels leone is doing an excellent job. Sunday when he was here at my home he put on a different collar that is really working much better on her. It's another Prong collar but it has fast release snap on it. Because of my arthritis in my other collar I could not connect it it was an alligator Prong. the Prong collar has somewhat pointed prongs on the inside of the chain but it does not stab at her neck it adds direct pressure. It gets her attention and makes her focus better. She is a changed girl in that collar and does no sniffing on the job. After all she is a working girl.

All in all it was a good tiring day. I was in bed by 9 last night.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

PICKIE98 8/2/2011 4:52PM

so much done! Report Inappropriate Comment

LINDA! 7/28/2011 11:34PM

So happy your dog is doing better. Report Inappropriate Comment

XRAYLADY65 7/27/2011 4:04PM

awesome day,,, Report Inappropriate Comment

MEADSBAY 7/26/2011 9:54PM

Whew! You are busy! Report Inappropriate Comment

CHUBRUB3 7/26/2011 9:43PM

Congratulations Debbie on the lbs lost and doing so well with your band! Awesome! Love hearing of your adventures with Leone and hearing how well she/you are doing. Keep up the great work. Hugs, Angela Report Inappropriate Comment

TWEETYKC00 7/26/2011 8:05PM

sounds like you had a busy and productive day. Glad that you and Leone are doing better. Report Inappropriate Comment

ONLYTEMPORARY 7/26/2011 5:21PM

Very busy day for you Report Inappropriate Comment

BENTONHEALTHY 7/26/2011 4:28PM

Sounds like a very productive day for you and Leone. Report Inappropriate Comment

WILLOW49 7/26/2011 4:13PM

What a busy day you had! Glad that collar is working well for Leone :) Report Inappropriate Comment

PJGABRIEL 7/26/2011 1:27PM

Sounds like a really busy day, and happy your dog is doing better. Report Inappropriate Comment

Happy Birthday Leone!

Friday, July 22, 2011

July 22 today, Leone turns 3 years old.



She is my beloved Guide dog. Those of you who are new probably don't know I went to Palm Springs, California in Mid November and graduated with her at Guide dogs of the Desert. We flew home together December 17th and it has been a beautiful life with her ever since.

Leone was born in a litter of 3 black labs and 2 yellow labs. Her sister Barbee is with my classmate vivian in Walla Walla, Washington. this past Saturday we saw Barbee at the romp. A guide dog convention in Portland. I had my camera but didn't take any pictures.

Leone was born in the Kennel at Guide Dogs of the desert and then placed with ehr puppy raiser at 6 months of age. Cathy remains my friend and we stay in clsoe contact. Cathy has a friend here in my area and while Leone was a puppy introduced her to swimming pools and Lakes and Rivers. Throwing sticks in the rivers and Leone would retrieve the sick and bring it back. Leone was no newbie to the Oregon rain and cold weather as she ahd many trips up here. Leone has graced the apges of Calendars and I gifted one of my very close Spark friends with a Calendar with ehr picture in it.

She stayed with Cathy her puppy raiser until she was 1 1/2 yrs old and then brought back to the Kennels at Guide dogs of the Desert Where she was ina boot camp training program to learn the commands and everyday life of a professional guide dog. So she was in Bootcamp until she was 2.5 yrs old and placed with me.

Bob who was my instructor in the school is comign on Sunday to work with us and make out a plan. He will be with us sunday and the next week. We have one amjor problem that can get me injured. this 70# Lab as very strong and known to get me flat on the street when she sees a CAT.

She will be a working guide dog if she remains in excellent health untril she is 7 Some people use their guides until they are stricken with health issues like arthritis, etc. But the normal working age to retire is 7. I can turn her in or keep her as a pet.



I made my Birthday girl a special treat for her Birthday. Her bright red Kong toy was stuffed with soaked ultra balance dog food and i mxed in a spoonful of peanut butter and then stuffed the Kong and placed it in a ziplock bag and in the freezer. After our morning walk I will present it to her. she will be pleased and have fun with it and it is healthy.

2 weeks ago at the Portland Saturday Market Robert bought Leone a winter Raincoat that is neon orange with Black Trim and a black fur colalr. She looks adorable with it on. Too warm to use it now but surely it will get used soon enough.

We are planning dinner at my daughters Red robin restaurant. the staff will gather and sing happy birthday to her! How about that?!!!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

ASPENHUGGER 7/26/2011 12:00AM

I'll sing too! I know she'll like that chance to howl! LOL The x-ray technician at my doctor's office is a guide dog trainer. She had the cutest black lab puppy in the x-ray room when I was there last week. Well trained too, never moved, never made a peep. I told her about you, & she knew Leone came from Guide Dogs of the Desert. Report Inappropriate Comment

NORASPAT 7/23/2011 4:11PM

Thanks for that wonderful story. I still cherich the photo someone took when you had her brought to you. I love it. It so reminds me of my Lab friend from my childhood. Wendy-Alice and golden lab retriever and also a companion dog for my disabled stepfather. These labs are so intelligent I hope BOB can break her from the cat chasing habit. HUGS Pat in Maine. Report Inappropriate Comment

ONLYTEMPORARY 7/22/2011 11:51PM

She is beautiiful. Report Inappropriate Comment

TEXASLYNN 7/22/2011 11:15PM

Happy birthday! Report Inappropriate Comment

TEDDYBEARGIRL 7/22/2011 10:53PM

HAPPY B-DAY Leone!!!!!!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

TWEETYKC00 7/22/2011 10:13PM

Happy Birthday Leone. Lots of puppy hugs and kisses going out! Report Inappropriate Comment

PICKIE98 7/22/2011 7:47PM

Woof Woof to you, Woof Woof to you, Woof Woof dear Leone, Woof Woof to yoooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!Ow-oooooooooo oo! Report Inappropriate Comment

BENTONHEALTHY 7/22/2011 3:08PM

Debbie, My dog read this and wonders why he doesn't get to go to a restaurant for his birthday! Report Inappropriate Comment

CHUBRUB3 7/22/2011 3:08PM

Ah so sweet! Happy Birthday Leone! Hugs, Angela Report Inappropriate Comment

NATESMOM1910 7/22/2011 2:14PM

Happy Birthday to a very good girl!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

LINDA! 7/22/2011 2:13PM

Happy Birthday Leone! Report Inappropriate Comment

CHLOIANNA 7/22/2011 1:53PM

She sounds wonderful. I lost our chocolate in April. We now have a 4 month old Yorkie-poo. Very different fron Chloe but also wonderful. Report Inappropriate Comment

MARIA_VIGS 7/22/2011 12:21PM

What a sweetheart! Happy birthday to Leone! I wish you many loving years with her! Report Inappropriate Comment

WILLOW49 7/22/2011 12:21PM

Happy Birthday Leone! Report Inappropriate Comment

SETAGOAL1 7/22/2011 11:55AM

Happy Birthday to Leone Debbie Don't give up on yourself. You are the only one that can make it happen for you. You have the power to succeed or fail. You have choosen to succeed. Janet Comment edited on: 7/22/2011 11:56:44 AM Report Inappropriate Comment

CONNIER64 7/22/2011 11:50AM

Hi Debbie hope you have a great weekend and wish Leone a very Happy B-Day from me.I bet she is adorable Report Inappropriate Comment

Tuesday...

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

When we do the best we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in
our life, or in the life of another.

-- Helen Keller (1880-1968) American Writer

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

GINGERPAWZ 7/19/2011 11:19PM

That is so true. Stide for the best and if you miss you are still amoung the stars. Keep up the great work. Sharon Report Inappropriate Comment

TWEETYKC00 7/19/2011 8:48PM

so true. Report Inappropriate Comment

PICKIE98 7/19/2011 7:16PM

We also never know how our words or actions affect another... Report Inappropriate Comment

CHUBRUB3 7/19/2011 3:46PM

So beautiful! Hugs, Angela Report Inappropriate Comment

BENTONHEALTHY 7/19/2011 3:29PM

Best we can is a challenge enough. Thank you for the boost. Report Inappropriate Comment

ONLYTEMPORARY 7/19/2011 2:20PM

Report Inappropriate Comment

DEE0973 7/19/2011 12:56PM

thanks for the uplift Report Inappropriate Comment

MARTY728 7/19/2011 11:56AM

Report Inappropriate Comment

WILLOW49 7/19/2011 11:52AM

Great quote! Report Inappropriate Comment

MEADSBAY 7/19/2011 11:18AM

It's all we can do, really. Report Inappropriate Comment