Nuts!!!!

Friday, March 12, 2010

Pecans, almonds and walnuts! That's what I did all afternoon - made spiced nuts. I'm heading up to Maine to visit dad. In the cooler weather, I make goodie trays to bring to the nursing home where mom is. I haven't brought the spiced nuts before so thought that would be a nice change. I kept breathing deeply all afternoon to inhale the lovely smell. When I prepared the tins, I did allow myself one of each nut - and that was all I needed.

Then the hard part.....I dipped 180 peanut butter balls (that I had rolled the other day) in chocolate tonight! I didn't have one. Won't say I was tempted but I really didn't want one - interesting.

Tomorrow will be my next challenge. I'm making the much desired oatmeal cookies and chocolate chip cookies that they're all waiting for. Dad's favorite is the oatmeal. He freezes them and will take one out and put it in the microwave for a few seconds - almost like fresh right out of the oven. So, if you hear a lot of heavy breathing tomorrow, it will be me inhaling the smell of baking cookies!

I'll have to let you know if I pass the "no eat" test!

Mary Anne

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

GOOZLEBEAR 3/15/2010 10:12PM

Wow, good for you making all those wonderful goodies and not partaking of them. What willpower!!!! I don't think I would be that strong. Way to go!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

MSSNOWY 3/14/2010 11:57PM

Good for you, Mary Anne. I made cookies tonight because we were having company. I had two when they were here. I didn't feel especially tempted by any more than that. Two were plenty. Maybe we are making a transition to moderation here? What do you think? Report Inappropriate Comment

PENGUINROSS 3/13/2010 7:33PM

So good of you to make these treats for your dad and his friends----especially since it can be such a tempting activity! Report Inappropriate Comment

FELIXC 3/13/2010 6:22PM

Be strong, Mary Anne! You are a daughter! Report Inappropriate Comment

SHAPELY 3/13/2010 4:17PM

Boy Mary Anne you have more energy than a barrell of monkeys, LOL. It all sounds so great we should all come to your house and have a party. But ceriously I know your Mom and Dad are going to love all that stuff that you made them with loving hands. By sweetie, Rosalyn Report Inappropriate Comment

JCORYCMA 3/13/2010 10:45AM

Oh my goodness you made ALL my favorites. The spiced nuts were my downfall at Thanksgiving. I'm so proud of you for resisting! That's so inspiring! Joanne Report Inappropriate Comment

DROWSYMAGGIE 3/13/2010 7:34AM

You showed much more willpower than I could have around peanut butter balls, or peanut butter anything for that matter. I am not much of a sweet eater but peanut butter is another matter. Report Inappropriate Comment

BORTEI 3/13/2010 5:42AM

They sound so delicious. So nice that you are making favourite treats to take to your Mum and Dad. What wonderful willpower you possess to make them for your folks and not be tempted to eat the treats. Meg Report Inappropriate Comment

SAASHA17 3/13/2010 2:35AM

omygod..peanut butter balls....cookies...ur killing me...great going on ur self control though:)... i bought 5 boxes of girl scout cookies today..will take them to class tomorrow and share or just leave them there and not eat even one... take care Manasa Report Inappropriate Comment

KOMAL53 3/13/2010 1:42AM

You did well---self control is something one should really be proud of!!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

SLKIDDER 3/13/2010 12:19AM

I almost never manage to bake and not snitch! You have a strong will. Report Inappropriate Comment

LUGNUT_9754 3/13/2010 12:08AM

GOOD LUCK! Report Inappropriate Comment

STARKCOUNTYGAL 3/12/2010 11:59PM

I think I want the spiced nut recipe!!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

LIQUID11 3/12/2010 11:47PM

RECIPES and PICS, ASAP PLEASE! GOOD LUCK, MY REGARDS TO YOUR PARENTS Report Inappropriate Comment

GRATEFULADY 3/12/2010 11:31PM

It all sounds so good. I'm sure your dad and the others in the home will enjoy your "treats". You are being so strong to not taste. It is a mind set though and if you decide you won't indulge, you won't. Good luck with your challenge tomorrow. Report Inappropriate Comment

Who can help heal a broken heart

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

I would say sparkfriends. Today has been really rough. I have been on the phone with dad off and on trying to be the strong one but crying when I hang up. I wanted to hug him so bad. I finally logged back in tonight and started reading comments, messages on my page and goodies with notes. My heart feels so full of love and appreciation for all your support. I don't know how to say thank you. I will relay your messages to dad since my son and I are heading up starting Sunday and will be there for a week. We had already been planning this and the timing couldn't be better.

Dad had rescued his "little boy" from an abusive owner and they had become best buddies. When mom went into the nursing home, dad went into a deep depression. This little kitty brought laughter into the house again.

My heart is heavy but I needed to say thank you to such wonderful friends whom I've never met. So, I'm sending hugs to all of you from both dad and I.

I'm sorry I haven't read your blogs or activity posts today. It's not because I was not thinking of all of you.

Mary Anne

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MSSNOWY 3/14/2010 11:55PM

Take care of yourself. Sorry I've been 'missing in action' here for the most part. I think things are on an even keep around here -- but you never know. Hugs to your dad. He'll be so glad to see you! Report Inappropriate Comment

PHEBESS 3/12/2010 6:58PM

Don't worry about us right now, worry about yourself and your dad. Lots of hugs to you!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

2CATS2LOVE1 3/12/2010 5:02PM

We are always here for you. Report Inappropriate Comment

SHAPELY 3/11/2010 1:10PM

Sorry you and your Dad are having it hard right now, and there isn't a lot we can do, but give you a shoulder to cry on, and Mary Anne you sure have mine, and lots of friends. You and your Son have a safe trip, and be sure to give your Dad a real big hug from me when you get there. Love and Hugs as always, Rosalyn Report Inappropriate Comment

DPETERSON54 3/11/2010 9:55AM

Best wishes to you and your dad. Hope you have a safe trip. And enjoy the time with your day. It will help him heal as well as yourself. My heart is with you. Report Inappropriate Comment

DROWSYMAGGIE 3/11/2010 9:52AM

I am so sorry to hear about your Dad's loss. Once we have loved and lost a pet we understand how very real and painful the grief is. Have a safe trip, it will be wonderful for your Dad to have you and your son for company at this time. Report Inappropriate Comment

SUZ139 3/11/2010 7:57AM

(((HUG))) to you and your Dad. Please have safe travels. I hope you find out what happened to kitty...would hate to see this happen again if Dad decides to get another pet. Report Inappropriate Comment

BORTEI 3/11/2010 7:07AM

My heart is filled with sorrow for you both Mary Anne. I am so glad you are going to spend some time with your Dad, it will be so good for both of you at this very sad time. If we don't speak before you leave, safe journey. Will miss you but I am pleased you are able to go, as you will feel better being with your Dad to help him deal with his sorrow. Hugs to both you and your Dad, Meg x > Report Inappropriate Comment

BUTTONSMUM1 3/11/2010 4:12AM

Sending you hugs n lots of love xxxx Report Inappropriate Comment

SHARONBAILEY913 3/11/2010 2:07AM

This visit will help you ALL cope...stay safe and enjoy your time together. Report Inappropriate Comment

KOMAL53 3/11/2010 12:19AM

Dearest Mary Anne, Please don't say anything---loss is something we all understand---and empathise with!!!Coping with the loss of a dear friend---that too a beloved pet----is shared by all who have loved such friends and lost them!!!!Time and maybe another such friend will comfort and heal the hurt for Dad---unfortunately the void remains!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

FELIXC 3/10/2010 10:29PM

You are such a good daughter, Mary Anne! to you and him both! I hope he liked the peanut butter balls! Report Inappropriate Comment

LIQUID11 3/10/2010 10:25PM

My Best Regards to your Dad! Consider offering him a new pet friend... Andreas Report Inappropriate Comment

HIGHLIFE73 3/10/2010 10:12PM

back to you! You take care and enjoy your time with your dad, have a safe trip! Report Inappropriate Comment

LUGNUT_9754 3/10/2010 9:54PM

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2BLEAN_N_FIT_AZ 3/10/2010 9:54PM

Hugs to you and your Dad! Report Inappropriate Comment

Should I turn left or should I turn right?!?!?

Tuesday, March 09, 2010

Well, with this beautiful weather and the snow out of the road, I have started walking outside again. Living on a cul de sac is great and when I make a loop around and back to my driveway, it's a mile.

As I head UP my driveway and come to the street....hmmm which way should I turn? If I go right, I have a short, steep hill. If I go left, I have, as my dil put it, the never ending hill - you think you're almost at the top and discover and still have a long ways to go.

I have been walking on the treadmill due to the snowy winter and terrible roads we have had. I've decided there is no comparison to the incline on the treadmill and tackling these hills. Yesterday and today I've done 2 laps each day and I could feel it today. On my second time today going up the never ending hill, I kept thinking OMG and I thought I was doing good by getting on the treadmill every day. Surprise! Before this winter, I always started my workout with a walk outside (2 miles) and finishing with a short run on the treadmill. Finally, I will be getting back into that routine.

And, I will continue to turn right at the top of my driveway and save the "best" for last.

Mary Anne

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

PHEBESS 3/10/2010 2:35PM

I always like to think walking up the hill helps tighten and lift my tush. Really. It helps motivate me up up up! Report Inappropriate Comment

SHAPELY 3/10/2010 1:38PM

Hope you had a nice walk. Report Inappropriate Comment

RULEBERG 3/9/2010 10:58PM

We have rain forecast all week, but I look forward to one day walking again outdoors. I thought Hurt Locker was very well done, I can see why she won best director. I felt as if I were there with the soldiers--you could hear them breathing and feel the anxiety. Sights and sounds were experienced as if through their senses. That said, I hate wars and war movies just remind me how much. It was good, but did I enjoy watching it? No. Report Inappropriate Comment

FELIXC 3/9/2010 9:08PM

Isn't it great to be outside after the long winter we've had? Report Inappropriate Comment

GOOZLEBEAR 3/9/2010 6:35PM

Have fun on those hills but like Meg said, make sure you make it back in time for........ Report Inappropriate Comment

BORTEI 3/9/2010 6:03PM

As long as you get back in time just in case................... That is excellent, I wish I could join you on your walks. I could even bring Wasabi and Haley who would love it too. I would even pick up their poo! Report Inappropriate Comment

GRATEFULADY 3/9/2010 3:59PM

Take it slow and you will conquer those hills whether you turn right or left. We are just grateful for some sunshine and the coming of spring, right? Report Inappropriate Comment

WINE4GIRL 3/9/2010 2:47PM

As long as you keep going - it doesn't matter which way you turn! Report Inappropriate Comment

KA_JUN 3/9/2010 2:43PM

Hills make you strong! Report Inappropriate Comment

KA_JUN 3/9/2010 2:43PM

Hills make you strong! Report Inappropriate Comment

Ahhhh, 57 degrees today! So why did I shovel SNOW???

Monday, March 08, 2010

It wasn't because I missed the cardio workout! Even with these warm, sunny days, there are still some large mounds of snow in the yard.

You also have to understand that I'm an animal lover. Poor Ms Molly was declawed when we adopted her so she's only allowed in the pool area. Since I had cleaned off the deck, she would go out there. Today she wanted to go to my flower beds and some of the grass around the pool. Since the sun doesn't really reach the bottom of the deck steps, there was still snow. PolyDacty would walk right through it but Ms Molly doesn't like to get her feet anywhere near snow. So that's how it started.....I got the shovel and cleared the snow. Now, she was one happy cat.

As I go through the gate to put the shovel away, I see this little sad PolyDactyl looking at all the snow on the walkway from the gate to the driveway. So, how could I refuse. I shoveled a narrow path so we could walk through only this took a little longer since the pile was almost 4 ft high.

I don't think I've ever shoveled snow in 57 degree temperature on a beautiful sunny day. It really wasn't that bad and felt a lot better than doing it during those snow storms. The payoff was, I made my kitties happy. I've put the shovel away for what I hope is the end of the season!

Mary Anne

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SHAPELY 3/10/2010 1:36PM

Animals are soooo funny with snow. And just think you got your exercise as well. We used to live where there was a lot of snow, and at the time we had a Pomerainian and she used to love jumping right in the middle of the pile. LOL Hugs Rosalyn Report Inappropriate Comment

KSMGLASS 3/9/2010 9:14PM

Aahhh, you are such a good mommy, I know your kitties really appreciate all you do for them! Report Inappropriate Comment

GRATEFULADY 3/9/2010 4:02PM

What we wouldn't do for our kitty cats!!!! That was usually the motivation for going to the store for me.....I was out of cat food. Report Inappropriate Comment

_CALLIOPE_ 3/9/2010 12:59PM

I'm sure the cats love their momma for doing that! Report Inappropriate Comment

DPETERSON54 3/9/2010 10:28AM

What a neat story. Just think you made your kitties happy. And got some cardio in. That should make you smile. But I have to say that it would be different shoveling in 57 degree weather. Report Inappropriate Comment

BORTEI 3/9/2010 8:23AM

You are such a good mummy to your sweeties. Yesterday was a lovely day here also sunny and quite warm. Unfortunately calling for snow towards the end of the week so our shovels remain on stand by. Mr. Winter is still here but thankfully Spring is on it's way! Report Inappropriate Comment

KOMAL53 3/9/2010 4:33AM

Hope so too---I heard about it being really nasty this Winter!!!Luckily we came back to India in November2009-----I love the cold and Snow---but this much---Dear God no!!!Let's hope you soon get to see your Snow Drops and Spring sweeps in like a lamb!! Report Inappropriate Comment

LADYNETTIE 3/8/2010 11:45PM

You are such a good kitty-mommy and I know your little angels appreciate everything you do for them. I actually love to go spring skiing, because the warm sun makes the snow sparkle like diamonds. If your temps are getting above 50 I'm sure your snow will start melting soon. All our daffodils are up here in Oregon, and the tulips are thinking about it. Have a wonderful week and give Poly and Molly a snuggle from me and Daisy Report Inappropriate Comment

HIGHLIFE73 3/8/2010 10:48PM

I know what you mean about piles of snow being left behind. But I have a lot of melted snow out of my yard so Max is ok. Lucky me! Report Inappropriate Comment

FELIXC 3/8/2010 10:25PM

Ha ha! Awesome story, Mary Anne. Those kitties are so lucky to have you! Report Inappropriate Comment

GOOZLEBEAR 3/8/2010 8:48PM

I hope you are finished with snow also. It was in the 70's here today in Tallahassee. I know your sweet kitties appreciated you shoveling the snow for them, that was so nice!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

MERRYMARY42 3/8/2010 8:46PM

and besides being very nice to your kitties, just think of the exercise you got, Report Inappropriate Comment

STARKCOUNTYGAL 3/8/2010 8:45PM

I shoveled today some too,I also did some Saturday.You are right,still snow and ice hanging on,my yard is melting,but the gutters are FULL of ice!It is supposed to be warmer Tues,and almost 60 Wed with rain coming.Hopefully that will melt the rest of the snow. But..... I am afraid to think this is the end of the winter weather,remember the March saying.In our area,it came in like a lamb,so....... Report Inappropriate Comment

PEGGYO 3/8/2010 8:35PM

You are especiall nice to your kitties. Love the flowers in your background picture. Report Inappropriate Comment

The good, the bad and the ugly!

Thursday, March 04, 2010

This will be short and to the point.

The good - sun was out, it was a beautiful day and I decided I hadn't had cashews in a long time so had some this afternoon for my snack.

The bad - they were salted. Yes it was sea salt but it was salt.

The ugly - now my rings are tight on my fingers.

Oh well, it will all be over tomorrow but no more salted nuts for me! And I don't even like salt.

Mary Anne

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

EVER-HOPEFUL 3/6/2010 3:21PM

you are making me hungry and i have just remembered i have some salted peanuts still in from halloween.why did i suddenly remember them? Report Inappropriate Comment

PHEBESS 3/6/2010 2:55PM

Mmmmmm, cashews!!!!!!!!! And, well, sometimes I think we need a little of what we don't like to remind us why we don't like it. Report Inappropriate Comment

MAGGIEYE 3/5/2010 10:13PM

I love cashews! They're my favorite nuts. Salty foods are one of my weaknesses. I could eat a whole can of salted cashews. This week my treat is natural almonds. They're really good, too. Report Inappropriate Comment

THE_SILVER_OWL 3/5/2010 9:58PM

Cashews - yummy, one of my favorites with or without the salt. Report Inappropriate Comment

LOVES_ANIMALS 3/5/2010 11:08AM

Good post. I had some potato chips last night. Must be the phase of the moon or something!! Report Inappropriate Comment

MILLISMA 3/5/2010 10:12AM

Funny thing is, I did have about 5 more glasses of water after and this morning I was 1/2 lb lighter even though my fingers are still a little swollen. Go figure! Report Inappropriate Comment

FELIXC 3/5/2010 8:17AM

Drink lots of water and that salt will be gone in no time! Report Inappropriate Comment

BORTEI 3/5/2010 7:47AM

I love cashews but I am not supposed to eat any nuts! I hope at least at the time you enjoyed them? Report Inappropriate Comment

KOMAL53 3/5/2010 3:07AM

I agree with you---Water retention is awful---and irritating!!!!I don't like Salt either---the worst thing is that I can't taste Salt at all after my Chemotherapy---unless it's heavily salty---therefore steer clear of it as much as I can!!!! Besides saw your feed---5 hours of walking will tire out folks much younger than us---must say you held pretty well!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

2BLEAN_N_FIT_AZ 3/5/2010 12:18AM

And you thought the tatoo was funny...you crack me up...you had the perfect set up...well written and well executed...thanks for the smile. Besides, we've been there, dont that, too! Report Inappropriate Comment

_CALLIOPE_ 3/4/2010 11:45PM

I love, love salt, especially on cashews!:) But I too could live without the bloated feeling--sorry you're feeling less than 100 percent. Comment edited on: 3/4/2010 11:45:32 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

STARKCOUNTYGAL 3/4/2010 11:45PM

Oh,I LOVE cashews too,but pecans are my favorite. We (sometimes) buy them at Heggy's Nut shop in Canton,they are the BEST! (and are online too) but I know almonds and walnuts are more beneficial to us. Report Inappropriate Comment

GRATEFULADY 3/4/2010 11:33PM

OOPS!!! Sorry about the effects of the salt. I am trying to eat a handful of nuts each day for healthy snack. I am usually eating Almonds Cocoa Roasted. They don't seem to be real salty. I don't use salt when cooking so I think I would notice it. Tomorrow will be better. Report Inappropriate Comment

MOMMA_BEAR_69 3/4/2010 11:15PM

I love the taste of salt...I remember when I would suck on rock salt in the winter...not so long ago even. Those days are long gone however. High blood pressure keeps me from putting salt on any foods that I eat. It took me a long time to give it up...kick the habit...but now even a little bit dries my lips out and leaves a nasty taste. Sorry you are having ugly effects from it. Hopefully things will be well in the morning and tomorrow will be another sunny day!!! Blessings and hugs, Helen Report Inappropriate Comment