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Saturday, December 24, 2011

The day before Xmas---- I don't know about you all--but--my eating has been out of control--It's been like I'm on the ""See Food""Diet---- You know--see the cookies and eat them--I feel like Bertha Blimp--
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And I don't look in the mirror----
Why am I doing this to myself?--It's like I'm procrastinating ---the new year is coming --I will eat properly then----But---(always the big ""but""--)----I'll soon look like ""two-ton Tessie""---and all the work I've done to this point will be for nothing---So-----I'm giving this some thought here---Because there is a lot of food out there right now--, and it all seems to be ending up in my mouth---perhaps I should work on ""portion control""--

Every Xmas eve, because we are part Chinese, and because we like Dim Sum, we serve oriental food this evening--lotza Dim Sum---The kids come over with their kids, Santa (an old friend ) is dropping in also----Calories galore---- I have to eat it----But--(again the big ""but"")--do I have to eat so much??
Of course I will get a walk in-

I heard on the radio about all the people travelling , over these holidays, and I remember the years we piled way too many children in our car, with our cooler--- and even a dog--and we hit highway #75 to see my Mom and Dad---I am grateful to be home this year.It used to take us 3 days to get there--AFTER--we crossed the U.S. Border --The border was always a challenge, husband being Chinese.
And so, as well as portion control, I wish you all to stay safe---and come back to Spark, so we can again, fight the "'Battle of the Buldge"!

I wish y'all time to reflect on you, I wish you peace--I wish you happiness---- and I hope that broccali and lettuce play some part of your diet over Xmas---
Get out there and walk too---
and-----of course------talk to a white haired person sometime to-day-
It might be me!

GOOD MORNING Y'ALL!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

OUBACHE 12/28/2011 9:55AM

I had a hard time this year, too. I made a pretty healthy Christmas dinner--including a broccoli salad--but enjoyed all the cookies, candies, pie, and so forth way too much. I'm not getting enough exercise, either, as usual. Well, all we can do is get serious again and keep on trying to do better. Let's keep the spark alive and get back on track! Report Inappropriate Comment

SUNNY332 12/24/2011 6:31PM

I relate to Bertha Blimp. January 1st is coming so tighten the laces on your walking shoes and get ready for a challenge. Merry Christmas my friend and to you a Happy and Healthy New Year. Hugs, Sunny Report Inappropriate Comment

1CRAZYDOG 12/24/2011 10:16AM

My dear, Merry Christmas to you and your family! I LOVE dim sum, too. Just take a little of everything. That's what I do to be sure. And you're not Bertha Blimp! You're too hard on yourself. HUGS, Lynda. You always make my day with your blog. Report Inappropriate Comment

CAT609 12/24/2011 9:32AM

Good Morning, Lynda and a Happy Christmas Eve to you! Did you read my mind or something? Maybe we are mirror souls. I have been doing the same exact thing! I must stop it. I am going to try to eat less today. Oops, didn't I just have a homemade cinnamon roll? Shoot, OK, I am going to start right now! We can do it,.......Tomorrow?.....OK, Monday it is! Have a wonderful holiday with your family! Report Inappropriate Comment

PRINCESSAA12 12/24/2011 9:32AM

Good morning to you (It's night here though). You will be fine I'm sure. Maybe you can eat, just a teeny weeny bit of everything? Merry Christmas. Report Inappropriate Comment

FLORENCEMCDONAL 12/24/2011 9:19AM

Good Morning Lynda, Don't be to hard on yourself. MONDAY be hard on yourself LOL You don't have to wait until New Years day to start over. You can loose pounds next week, because this will be temporary weight IF you get it off soon. YOU can do this, you have before. Enjoy today and tomorrow, but it would help if you half way watch portions. Merry Christmas Report Inappropriate Comment

BD3269PM 12/24/2011 8:30AM

Good morning to you too. Eat the foods you love, just try to eat less of them. Portion control is so hard this tine of year but we are strong and we can do this!!! Enjoy Christmas and good health to you ard your family in the new year. Report Inappropriate Comment

46SHADOW 12/24/2011 8:27AM

Love it- broccoli and salad. Merry christmas. Report Inappropriate Comment

Hugs to all-

Friday, December 23, 2011

hello you!!
Thank-you---a huge thank-you--to all my Spark friends---
Sometimes--I don't get a thank-you written to you--
But I still appreciate all your support--all your comments , on the blogs--
It really helps to read what you all say --and it encourages me to hang in here-
So--I am sending all of you, hugs-----and wishing you all health and happiness--forever-
It will be Christmas Day , very soon----
And a new year will begin---
We can do this Spark stuff--now--and into the New Year---
And now it's Treadmill time---Have a good day--Be careful on the roads---Bring in yer pets from the cold--Hug a white-haired person----
Merry Christmas to you all---

The Germans --in the wee bit of snow we have---

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

1CRAZYDOG 12/23/2011 10:32AM

Your GS's look so happy!!! Adoreable together. I thought my eyes would pop out . . . . TREADMILL -- NOT DREADMILL!!! HEE HEE Alas, mine is still the DREADMILL! LOL Report Inappropriate Comment

MSPRIS3 12/23/2011 9:12AM

All the best to you and yours! It is nice to have snow for Christmas, we got about 2 inches last night, fingers are crossed that it sticks around over the weekend! Report Inappropriate Comment

HLOCHRIDGE 12/23/2011 8:57AM

I hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas! Thank you for the hug!!! It is returned to you ten-fold. I hope I used that expression correctly. LOL Report Inappropriate Comment

WAYSOFGRACE 12/23/2011 8:30AM

A very happy Yule season to you, and many back at you! Your blogs make me think, which is a very good thing! I may not always comment, but I do always read! BTW...love your Nativity Wallpaper :-) Report Inappropriate Comment

IOEINC 12/23/2011 8:16AM

And hugs back to you!!! I am sure everyone who reads your blogs thank you!! Your blogs always start my day with a smile. Your observations of everyday life are so true and make me laugh. SO THANK YOU LYNDA FOR ALL THE SMILES AND LAUGHTER You are a talented writer and should think about writing a book. A man in my community used to write letters to the editor of our local newspaper (remember when that used to happen?) and he published 40 years worth of letters in a book. Your life's observations are so much more entertaining. Again thanks to you!! AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS!! Pat in PA. Report Inappropriate Comment

DOLLBABE56 12/23/2011 8:00AM

And a very Merry Christmas to you, too! I haven't had time to visit my friends here, but after Christmas I will be back. I appreciate you too! Report Inappropriate Comment

More memories-1st day of winter--

Thursday, December 22, 2011

This is the first day of winter--
But it's still very mild---like around zero--
And I don't hear of any snow storms heading this way.
Maybe that is good, as the highways should be safer for people travelling before Xmas-
The 2 Germans (as in dogs)-go for their bath to-day--I will stay with Tess, the puppy---her first date with the groomer---
To-morrow, lotza groceries to get---
Xmas eve is coming up----so nice---kinda a comfy feeling--
We will be here over the holidays----

I remember when our kids were small, we loaded them all into the car, and drove down #75, to Florida, where my Mom and Dad lived--We would arrive , with 5 children-and my Mom welcomed us with a smile--My Dad squeezed juice for everyone , each morning---It was so nice to not have snow-there, -coming from the northland--I do remember, crossing the border , between the US and Canada, each trip, in the dark, to begin that long car journey--My husband, being from Jamaica(Jamaican Chinese)--was detained probably 9 times out of 10--- One trip they told us we couldn't cross, into Michigan, as they suspected I was smuggling him into the US----We went back to the Canadian side, devestated, as we knew we would not make it to Mom and Dad's for Xmas day--- Of course, we crossed the next morning , with no trouble--We always crossed at night, as husband , being a Doctor, always had to do hospital rounds before we left---
One trip, on the way home, we got stuck, crossing the mountains, in Tennessee----with 5 children---in a terrible snow storm---
We never could afford to fly---too many children---LOL--
My kids still remember the family cooler that travelled with us---
Funny memories eh?----How times change--
Now we are so content to stay home----
Anyway----try to Spark-try to stay away from the chocolate---and stay closer to the veggies-- and-----talk to more senior citizens-----

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SUNNY332 12/22/2011 5:50PM

Had to laugh at Maxine. We are in Kansas - arrived this afternoon around 3pm. We will be here until the 28th and the 29th. Hugs, Sunny Report Inappropriate Comment

FLORENCEMCDONAL 12/22/2011 10:11AM

Lynda, Thanks for sharing, enjoyed read your blog. Have a great day. Report Inappropriate Comment

1CRAZYDOG 12/22/2011 9:15AM

Oh my goodness! I can only imagine how devastating . . . and angering! Well, wishing you all the comforts of home for the holidays! My TO DO list keeps multiplying like dust bunnies . . . like yours I'm sure! LOL . . . it'll all get done (that's my mantra today! That and BREATHE!) Wishing Tess a great experience with her first grooming. I stayed with Spot the Wonder Dog, too, when he had his first grooming. He did well, but I felt better being there. Bet Coal and Tess will look adoreable all spruced up for the holidays! Hugs, my dear! You make me smile evweryday. Report Inappropriate Comment

46SHADOW 12/22/2011 7:47AM

Love the memories!Have a very merry Christmas. Report Inappropriate Comment

Memories of Xmas' past!

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

When I was young, our Xmas was a bit different than it is now---
I don't remember getting very many gifts--but, we thought it was a lot---
One Xmas, my Mother sewed all kinds of doll clothes for a little pink rubber doll, my sister and I each got for Xmas--- She made doll blankets, little sweaters and booties --I remember my doll stuff was yellow-my sister had pink-
She also knit countless pairs of mittens for us---
My Dad gave me a small "'Birthday"" book one year, and I still use that-
We always received a book each--and sometimes new winter boots--
I loved Xmas---My Mom's sister--my aunt--always mailed frivolous things to each of us--One year she sent a jewelry box to me, which I thought was just the best--
When we got older, Dad gave us each $20, to shop , for the family--
We would get the bus, downtown London, ON., and shop at Simpson's and Wendall Holmes, a book store---
I remember Xmas Day to always be a happy day, with lots of snow---
London was in a "'snow belt""--- We would play "'Blizzard"" in the snow----pretending we were lost in the high snow drifts , and had to be rescued--
I always tell my kids , that "'Blizzard"" was my favourite game and I show them, arms extended in front, and pretend I'm wandering aimlessly forward, saying ""Bl--izz-ard""----They look at me weird---Their kids have X-Boxes---70 inch TV's----LOL---
This year there is no snow in most of Canada---

Funny, I don't remember the foods of Xmas Day--- I guess it wasn't a big thing then--food I mean!!
And so, life goes on here- Somehow I managed to do everything yesterday--the banking---last minute errands--the ironing----
Hopefully to-day will be less chaotic----the journal sits on my kitchen table----the water ready in the frig--And another day has begun--Take-er easy Sparklers-
Help a grey-haired person to-day---

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

1CRAZYDOG 12/21/2011 9:57AM

Oh my, Memory Lane! My family wasn't wealthy by any meanas, so Christmas meant lots of home made presents. Each of us kids got one toy, and the rest of the presents were necessities (yes . . . undies! LOL) and clothing. I didn't mind the clothing at all. My brothers . . . well, they'd tear the package open to find undies, look @ each other, and toss them over their shoulder to grab ANOTHER package! LOL My lil sis liked clothing as well. Guess we're the practical ones, eh! I always remember, too that Dad would take us on Christmas Eve to the Zoo so Mom could wrap. Generally we were the only ones in the Zoo! We went into the Lion House and the little baby lion cubs were out and about as it was feeding time. We got to feed them! That is my favorite memory. Make those memories, because they'll last a lifetime. I lost one brother at age 27 (it was on his birthday) and these types of memories are what life on in my heart . . . the time we got to share with him. HUGS! Report Inappropriate Comment

SUNNY332 12/21/2011 9:18AM

I have been reminiscing myself here lately. My Mom loved Christmas and always went out of her way to make it a Celebration to remember. I remember one year she decided "no store bought gifts". Since all of us were older and out of the house, it was no big deal and actually turned out to be one of the best Christmas ever. She made the announcement early enough so we could all get our creative juices flowing. I made Quilted Stars for all of my siblings and My Mom. I don't know what happened to everyone elses but I still have the one I made for my Mother. My Dad gave it to me the day of her funeral saying she had told him at one time we wanted me to have it back. I was so thrilled after all the years had gone by to find out how much that Quilted Star meant to her. Life is good - Memories are Sweet and they are something no one can take away from us. Hope you make some great memories this year. Sunny Report Inappropriate Comment

ANGELCOWBOY1 12/21/2011 8:29AM

My memories of Christmas past are also the people and just a few special presents. I don't remember the food at all, except my mother baking dozens and dozens of cookies to give to neighbors, friends, family and co-workers. Enjoy a less hectic day and keep Sparkin' Report Inappropriate Comment

OUBACHE 12/21/2011 8:27AM

I'll always remember how good my grandma's homemade chicken and noodles were. My aunts and my mom also made great noodles but me, not so much, although I try. It sounds like you have a lot of other wonderful memories. I think playing blizzard sounds like a lot of fun! It looks like we're having only a rainy Christmas this year in north central Indiana, instead of a white, snowy one. We may have to play Noah's Ark! Report Inappropriate Comment

IOEINC 12/21/2011 8:08AM

The only food I remember is the ham my mother always cooked on Christmas Eve and only because its wonderful smell filled the house. This is a tradition I have carried on in my adult life. We always stayed home and friends and relatives filled our house on CHristmas Day. My mother would put out the ham and rolls, she made her own potato salad and coleslaw and we would have a buffet. My brothers and cousins and I would go out into the woods and play hide and seek. My father always put up the tree after we went to bed on Christmas Eve so we would think Santa decorated it just for us. The tree went on a special platform my dad made so he could create a Christmas town, complete with snow and the train that ran around it (not a tradition I continue) My parents were very special people and created the most wonderful memories for me and my brothers. I don't really remember the presents I got, just how special the whole season felt because of my parents efforts. I hope my children have special memories of their Christmases past. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

ANOTHERMOMOF2 12/21/2011 7:51AM

You know I don't remember the food either. I know we always went over to Grandmas for Christmas dinner but I have no idea what was served. I remember the people. Have a wonderful day! Report Inappropriate Comment

Sending Aloha-

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

--We all deserve ""Aloha"" right now----
We deserve peace--time to ourselves---probably not going to happen these next 5 days tho!
Anyway--son#2, the pilot with Air Canada, was in New York City yesterday and sent pics --so busy there-


look at the traffic in New York, compared to here-
From New York, he went to Montreal--then Winterpeg---

view from the sky-----looks so peaceful doesn't it??--

And so the day has begun here- It's not even 7am, and I've upset son #2 as am unable to babysit his 2 little ones at 5am , this Thursday--I feel so bad--but just can't drive to town that m0rning and make it home here to face my obligations for 8am---Now they are angry --Why do I always upset this adult-child?--

Anyway--'tis time to please the hydro company and jiggle the laundry---then the treadmill--Try to stay on an even keel Sparklers--It's hard right now-

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SHASSYSUE2 12/20/2011 9:44PM

I love this saying... You can be Mad, Sad or Glad it your choice, and it is up to your Son to decide... We just can't be everywhere all the time... Take care my sweet friend!! HUGS!! Shannon Report Inappropriate Comment

1CRAZYDOG 12/20/2011 9:28AM

Oh my, it sounds as if it is your DS's issue . . . not yours, because you cannot control the sitaution. Only your reaction to it . . . your DS as well. He'll get over it. LOVE the Christmas wish! Hang in there. Tis the season! Love the pictures. Gotta agree . . . your DS is a talented photographer!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

SUNNY332 12/20/2011 8:47AM

Sounds like our family.... We are leaving on Thursday for Kansas to have Christmas with our Son, DIL and the grandkids. They called the other night and during the conversation, we told them we would be traveling home on the 27th or 28th. They both want us to say til after the first of the year. Yie, Yie, Yie. Even though we are retired, we have obligations. I think we finally got the message across. Hang in there, No is an answer.... Love you, Sunny Report Inappropriate Comment

IOEINC 12/20/2011 8:06AM

I agree. Our adult children think we had no life before we had them and once they are here our lives are supposed to revolve around them. My kids think it's funny that mom and dad were ever young marrieds with no one to spend our disposable income (not so disposable now) on but ourselves. We were married 10 years before the oldest came along and did alot of traveling back then (Now I count a trip to the grocery store as traveling just so I can say I've been somewhere). I'm sure he will get over it as it appears that you have done a great job with all your children. I love the pictures. Is son #2 also a photographer. He's very talented I love the snowy woods. Happy Holidays, Lynda!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

JILLITA55 12/20/2011 7:08AM

He's a big boy now. He can do it all by his self. Cute wishes to you for the new year. Report Inappropriate Comment