Feeling the burn!!!

Thursday, March 25, 2010

This is the first day that I have really felt my workouts. I started out doing my regular exercises

then moved on to strength training and completed all the blc workouts. Followed all this up with a very brisk 2 mile walk up and down the hills on my street. Came in and had a quick lunch then it was back outside with my kitties and worked in my flower gardens .

When I came in to watch the news I realized I hadn't checked on the additional challenge for today - and it was the 15 minute ab workout. OMG I had already done over 30 minutes of pilates. Okay, rolled out my mate and brought the video up on my laptop so I could still listen to the news.

Yes, I do really feel it but it feels good. What a day it has been.

I'm going to finish my cup of tea and head upstairs followed by two kitties.

Mary Anne

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

GRANNYOF05 3/26/2010 6:57PM

It looks like you were trying to burn all those calories from all those desserts yesterday (giggle). Glad you got all of that in today. You sure did accomplish a lot. Good for you. Hugs, Gayle Report Inappropriate Comment

SHAPELY 3/26/2010 2:39PM

Boy Mary Anne I wish I had some of your energy. I haven't got the energy of a bird this week. Hugs Rosalyn Report Inappropriate Comment

BORTEI 3/26/2010 9:17AM

You and your mate inspire me! Report Inappropriate Comment

SUZ139 3/26/2010 7:50AM

AWESOME day Maryanne!!!! Cheers to another one today, tomorrow and the next. (((HUG))) Report Inappropriate Comment

PEGGYO 3/26/2010 7:19AM

Sounds like a great funfilled day Report Inappropriate Comment

KOMAL53 3/26/2010 12:58AM

Glad you went through the day so energetically!!!!May there be many more such days----only remember to back off if something doesn't feel right!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

PENNYAN45 3/26/2010 12:11AM

WOW!! This was a great workout for you today! Congratulations!! Report Inappropriate Comment

GRATEFULADY 3/26/2010 12:06AM

WOW! what a workout and what a productive day!!! Good for you!! Report Inappropriate Comment

SHARONBAILEY913 3/25/2010 11:42PM

And you could still make it up the stairs to bed!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

ARRIVINGUFO 3/25/2010 11:34PM

I'm right there with you! I did the ab workout and then went to kickboxing. We ended the night with... yep... more abs! Way to go and finding that little extra push after a full day of exercising! Report Inappropriate Comment

LADYNETTIE 3/25/2010 11:20PM

Great workout Mary Anne! You are doing so great and should be so proud to have such a productive day! Go girl go!! Report Inappropriate Comment

FELIXC 3/25/2010 11:13PM

Look at you go, super athlete! Great job, Mary Anne! Comment edited on: 3/25/2010 11:15:28 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

RULEBERG 3/25/2010 10:34PM

Good for you. Bet you sleep well tonite! Report Inappropriate Comment

MSUALEXIS 3/25/2010 10:34PM

Way to go! That's a very productive and exercise-filled day! Report Inappropriate Comment

DPETERSON54 3/25/2010 10:34PM

Wow and you can still move. LOL Way to go. Your doing Fanatstic. You rock girl. Keep up the good work. Report Inappropriate Comment

WEISSI1 3/25/2010 10:32PM

Sounds like an extremely productive day! Good for you!! Report Inappropriate Comment

OMG!!! Just desserts!?!?!?!

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Not really - there were salads, sandwiches and fruit. I attended the charity event and it was spectacular. They were hoping to have 250 attendees and had over 500! This was the time that you ate dessert before dinner. I did take some pictures but didn't get them all since it became very crowded.

This was the most original - the birdhouse and tree are cakes and the cupcakes are the nests and were Lemon Raspberry Petite:







This one is called Espresso Chocolate Pudding and was very light chocolate with orange shavings and a chocolate covered coffee bean on top......I tasted this one and it was yummy!!!



This one won the popular vote and was Chocolate Caramel Macadamia Nut Tart With Sea Salt Caramel Cream - also yummy. So, yes, I tried this one also!



This one won the judges vote called Black Granite. There are two picture since the chef brought entire cakes but also the bite size for everyone to try. Looked like a little too much chocolate for me.





These were called Chocolate Tea-Serts and were just a nice light chocolate and two bites worth of "sin".



This last one was my favorite and we loved the chef and his wife - actually plan to stop in to their restaurant. They believe in a light desert and try to match them to the season. It is called White Chocolate Raspberry Pudding with Toasted Almond Biscotti. I would love to have this recipe. It was so refreshing!



These are only a few of what was offered. Everything looked so good and tempting. Do I feel guilty for tasting these temptations??? Not at all. I know that tomorrow all will be behind me and I will be right back on track. That's what these healthy life changes are all about. It was an opportunity that I may never have again and I had a wonderful time but I also realized I didn't want to taste everything - think I would have been sick if I had.

So, every once in a while, I will just get out these photos and remember how wonderful everything was and have an apple!

Now I hope I got the right captions with the right pictures!

So yummy!

Mary Anne

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

GRANDMAROSE31 3/29/2010 10:13AM

Those desserts were so pretty,that it was ashame to eat them and destroy their beauty. Oh who am I kidding, I would have eaten them without any quilt. I'm glad I wasn't there, I would have spoiled my diet. Report Inappropriate Comment

2CATS2LOVE1 3/24/2010 9:13PM

WOW! WOW! WOW!!! My mouth is watering...look at all that CHOCOLATE (my weakness, you know)!!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

ANUT4DISNEY 3/24/2010 4:29PM

Everything looks wonderful but I would be looking for all the salty stuff, lol. Report Inappropriate Comment

SHAPELY 3/24/2010 2:17PM

WOW# OMG how good they all look. Bet you had to tie your hands behind your back to stop from reaching out for all of them, Giggle. They all look so great but my favourite one is the Birdhouse cake, there was a lot of work in that one. Glad to hear you had a great time, wished I had been there also. Rosalyn Report Inappropriate Comment

BORTEI 3/24/2010 10:32AM

They all look so good and what talent some people have. That bird house is amazing I have never seen anything like it. So pleased you enjoyed it and thanks for taking the photos to show us some of the desserts. Everything looked so appetizing. Report Inappropriate Comment

DPETERSON54 3/24/2010 10:31AM

Wow now I am hungry. If I would of been there I would be regretting it. Report Inappropriate Comment

PEGGYO 3/24/2010 9:11AM

Everything looks good. Glad you had a great time and made wise choices. Report Inappropriate Comment

BLUEJEAN_GIRL 3/24/2010 8:49AM

All of that looks so delicious! The birdhouse is so beautiful. I can't believe how talented some people are. Good for you that you kept your will power and I hope you had a grand time! Report Inappropriate Comment

KOMAL53 3/24/2010 4:08AM

I'm so happy that you enjoyed your outing----ALL that stuff looks sinfully tempting and DELICIOUS!!!!I'd have loved to be there with you-----AND I wouldn't have felt guilty eating it all either----'coz I agree with you "Tomorrow's always another day"---with another chance to revert to the regime!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

LADYNETTIE 3/24/2010 1:22AM

Wow my mouth is watering! Really creative and it all looks delicious too. Good thing I wasn't there. It's great that you participate in charity work. If I didn't have a full time job and kids at home I would do the same. Hopefully someday I will be able to. Good for you for just tasting what you really wanted. Love the feeling that we are under control. Have a Sparkly day! Report Inappropriate Comment

Tomorrow's big challenge!

Monday, March 22, 2010

I have been invited to attend an affair called "Sweet Charity" tomorrow evening. Can you guess by the title what the main event will be?!?!? It's listed as a light supper fare with desert contest and wine.

The is a special fundraiser featuring the finest chocolatiers and pastry chefs in the area. There will be judges but the invities are also asked to "sample the wares" and cast votes for the best pastry/desert.

This is something I will probably never attend again with chefs I will most likely never see again either.

How do you track a bite? I decided I could not attend this event and not partake in the contest.

I will let you know how I make out and what I do sample. Wish me luck!

Mary Anne

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

PUDLECRAZY 3/23/2010 9:46PM

I hope you had a wonderful time and tasty,tasty bites! Report Inappropriate Comment

PENNYAN45 3/23/2010 9:33PM

I agree that you ought to go... and enjoy all the bites... and have a good time! Tomorrow you can walk and cut back on some food if you feel you have to. Report Inappropriate Comment

JAKEANDNELLIE 3/23/2010 8:59PM

Everyone needs moments of fun and joy in their life and this will definitely be one for you! Go - enjoy yourself - and taste some for me! Sheila Report Inappropriate Comment

STARKCOUNTYGAL 3/23/2010 8:46PM

well,you know dark chocolate is beneficial to us!! I bought a bag of Ghiradelli dark cocoa,and I eat 1 square a day.(although it is a little bitter,and I probably won't buy it again Report Inappropriate Comment

SHAPELY 3/23/2010 3:34PM

Sounds like you aren't going,BUT, if you do be sure and tell us all about it, and also enjoy yourself. Rosalyn Report Inappropriate Comment

SLKIDDER 3/23/2010 12:28PM

So, how did it go? Report Inappropriate Comment

PHEBESS 3/23/2010 12:21PM

I hope you enjoyed the evening and all the samples, and didn't worry about tracking - sometimes (like twice a year) you just have to do that! Report Inappropriate Comment

BORTEI 3/23/2010 8:51AM

Sounds like quite the event and how can you not sample the goods. Enjoy yourself! It is not like this event happens all the time. You will be fine Mary Anne, enjoy and have some fun. Meg Report Inappropriate Comment

FELIXC 3/23/2010 8:06AM

Oh, wow! Keep the bites small, and you should be just fine! Report Inappropriate Comment

PEGGYO 3/23/2010 7:45AM

Enjoy your bites! Report Inappropriate Comment

KOMAL53 3/23/2010 6:59AM

Good Luck to you----may you survive the ordeal unscathed!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

SUZ139 3/23/2010 2:44AM

We can walk tomorrow in our own houses together...enjoy the event!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

SHARONBAILEY913 3/23/2010 2:36AM

You'll do fine at this affair, Mary Anne...I just wish I could go with you!! This is not a slip or a cheat...it's a deliberate indulgence, and good for the soul. I think that is part of the healthy lifestyle we're trying to adopt...no one should expect to NEVER eat sweets again. Have fun and tell us all about it later! Sharon Report Inappropriate Comment

WHEREISCLARK 3/22/2010 11:47PM

Take a lot of baggies along and just take a little nibble. Put the rest in a baggie in your purse to be enjoyed later. Would that be too tacky? Sound like a fun event. Enjoy! Report Inappropriate Comment

2BLEAN_N_FIT_AZ 3/22/2010 11:25PM

I agree with Ania, have a taste, enjoy the evening and take lots of pictures. I think when the sugar smell assails you, you will only want to have a taste. Have fun! Report Inappropriate Comment

SLKIDDER 3/22/2010 11:12PM

Good luck! I'm sure you'll be fine. Enjoy the chocolate! Report Inappropriate Comment

ILOVEROSES 3/22/2010 10:58PM

Mary Anne, you're right, it's an opportunity to see and taste and judge the best desserts and it's your duty to do them justice. I know you'll just sample them and don't worry about tracking, it would be way too hard. Just enjoy the evening and take photos of the wares. Report Inappropriate Comment

PHANTOMZKB 3/22/2010 10:38PM

Good luck. I hope it is easy for you to stay strong. Remember nothing tastes as good as feels. You can do it. :) Report Inappropriate Comment

Visit with Mom & Dad - pictures included!

Sunday, March 21, 2010

First, I would like to say that dad is doing much better. The timing for my trip couldn't have come at a more opportune time. He is still amazed with all the comments and hugs from sparkfriends. You've all helped to heal his heart. A number of friends have already offered to help with a new kitty but he's not quite ready.

I promised that I would show you what the trays of cookies looked like that I took to the nursing home. Well, here is one with chocolate chip and oatmeal cookies plus peanut butter balls in the middle - I finally broke down and had an oatmeal cookie.



We celebrated dad's birthday on St. Patty's day. My son and I took him out for a Chinese dinner since that is what he wanted. Mom's birthday is not until the 28th but we wanted to celebrate with her. She loves ice cream so I bought two large ice cream cakes - one we used on Thursday and the other the nurses have in the freezer to have another party on the 28th with dad and some more of the residents.

Here is a picture of me with Mom and Dad



Now we've added my son (my daughter couldn't make the trip this time)



Here is a picture of my favorite mountain - Mt,. Katahdin in Maine. My parents have a summer home on the lake. When you walk out onto dad's pier, these are the views you would see (minus the ice/snow in the summer).







If you look closely at the last two pictures you can see how the ice is cracking over the rocks due to the water level dropping in the lake. We were actually able to drive into the cottage since there is almost no snow. Now they are concerned for the lakes and there is danger of fire since everything is so dry.

Sending hugs and kisses to all of you from all of us.

Mary Anne

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

GOOZLEBEAR 11/6/2011 7:15PM

I love your pictures Mary Anne! How awesome to get to see what you look like after being friends for so long! I love them and you are beautiful girlfriend!!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

FLOWERDALEJEWEL 11/5/2011 1:59AM

How lovely you are Mary Anne!!! What great pics and you are very much like your Mum. Your Dad looks like a bit of a character too. So nice to see you as well!! Report Inappropriate Comment

STARKCOUNTYGAL 3/22/2010 7:59PM

Mary Anne, thanks so much for sharing the pictures with us.You are a very pretty lady,and I am glad you got to visit your mom and dad!! Sharyn Report Inappropriate Comment

LIQUID11 3/22/2010 7:41PM

You are so beautiful! Nice to share your picture. I was hoping you would, it seems the right moment arrived! My regards to your family, you are all great! Andreas Report Inappropriate Comment

PEGGYO 3/22/2010 4:15PM

Looks like you're all having a good time. Report Inappropriate Comment

SHAPELY 3/22/2010 2:46PM

I want to say how good the cookies etc look, and I bet your Mom and Dad sure enjoyed them. You look a lot like your Mom. I love the view from your folks place, you know me and snow, I would really love that view every winter. But it doesn't sound good that it is drying up. Hugs Rosalyn Report Inappropriate Comment

FELIXC 3/22/2010 12:50PM

Great pictures, Mary Anne! I've said it before and I'll say it again, you are a WONDERFUL daughter. How lucky your parents are to have you! Report Inappropriate Comment

KOMAL53 3/22/2010 11:27AM

Lovely pictures of you all----your parents look so good together!!!!I'm so happy that you had a great time visiting them---it's good to make happy memories----they warm the heart when you remember them!!!The mountain looks great----like something from a picture post card-----and your parents' home too looks wonderful---all that Snow!!!!Here we're cooking away---Summer's begun early---with full ferocity!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

DPETERSON54 3/22/2010 10:22AM

Your pictures are beautiful. Sure glad dad is doing better. Thanks for sharing with all of us. And I am glad you enjoyed your trip.. Report Inappropriate Comment

BORTEI 3/22/2010 8:34AM

Thank you for sharing your special photos. Your Mum and Dad are such gentle souls. I wanted to just reach in and give them a big gentle Hug! Many lovely memories you made and what a God send to your beloved Dad in his time of great sadness. You truly are a remarkable woman. I love the scenery truly lovely. Thank you Mary Anne for sharing your precious photos with us. Meg Report Inappropriate Comment

SHARONBAILEY913 3/22/2010 3:12AM

Great pictures...you and your family obviously enjoyed each others company, and they live in such a beautiful part of the country! About that one cookie you ate...at least it was oatmeal, that's soluble fiber you know...helps lower cholesterol. We won't talk about the other ingredients. :) Sharon Report Inappropriate Comment

MUSIC66 3/22/2010 12:30AM

glad you had a great visit with your parents. Report Inappropriate Comment

LADYNETTIE 3/21/2010 11:58PM

Mary Anne, thank you so much for sharing such wonderful pictures! What a yummy plate of cookies and it looks like a fun time was had by all at your mom's birthday. You look great by the way, such a beautiful smile just like your parents The snow looks so peaceful and serene, it's hard to imagine something so pretty causing so much trouble in your area! The mountain is breathtaking too! I really enjoyed following your trip through your blogs and am so glad you have been able to visit your parents and the cottage too. Have a great week Report Inappropriate Comment

JAKEANDNELLIE 3/21/2010 11:51PM

I'm so glad you had a wonderful visit with your mom and dad. Your pictures show a beautiful, caring family. Sheila Report Inappropriate Comment

MSSNOWY 3/21/2010 11:04PM

Fantastic photos. What a great place your dad lives! My husband remembers climbing Mt Katahdin when he was in college. He loved it. Great pix of your mom and dad and you and your son as well. I'm sooo glad you had such a good trip. And the cookies look yummy and the cakes sound great. I'm sure they were enjoyed by all! Report Inappropriate Comment

Glad to be back home!

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Just wanted to say I had a wonderful visit with mom and dad. He cried a lot for his little kitty but it helped a lot that my son and I were there. It was hard to leave knowing that he's still hurting.

We also had some wonderful days with mom. There were times that she really knew it was us and other times that she just "wasn't there". The great thing was that dad and I could make her laugh - it is so wonderful to see and hear her laugh.

Again, dad wanted me to thank you all for all your kind words. He is so amazed at the wonderful sp from all over the world. I also gave him all the hugs you sent!

Tomorrow I will post a few pictures that I took while I has there. Tonight, I'm about ready to crash and need to say goodnight sparkfriends.

Thank you all for helping my dad to heal!

Love all of you!

Mary Anne

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MSSNOWY 3/21/2010 10:58PM

Hi, Glad you had such a good visit with your mom and dad. Hope that there is a chance your dad will be able to get a new kitty in his life sometime soon. I'm sure it would be company for him. Great that you and he were able to have some good visits with your mom. Also glad you are home safe. Hope you have a great week! Report Inappropriate Comment

2BLEAN_N_FIT_AZ 3/21/2010 10:00PM

Welcome Home...we're all happy for you that you came back from your trip with wonderful memories, especially when your Mom had her lucid moments, those you will treasure! The unfortunae loss of your Dad's kitty allowed him to grieve for your Mother as well as his kitty. I look forward to seeing the photos. Hugs, Jo Ann Report Inappropriate Comment

GRATEFULADY 3/21/2010 9:11PM

Glad you made it home safely and that you had such a good visit while there. Look forward to the pictures. Report Inappropriate Comment

PEGGYO 3/21/2010 8:08PM

So glad to hear what a great time you had. Looking forward to the pictures Report Inappropriate Comment

STARKCOUNTYGAL 3/21/2010 4:37PM

I am so happy you made it home safe,and glad you had a good time with your mom and dad. It must be really hard to leave them,but you brought happiness into their lives!!with your visit. (still sorry about the kitty, ) Report Inappropriate Comment

SHAPELY 3/21/2010 4:22PM

Just a short one, I have the flu, so I don't feel very good. Excited about seeing the photo's though. Glad your home and that was a really nice trip you had. Rosalyn Report Inappropriate Comment

BORTEI 3/21/2010 8:50AM

I am so glad you are home safe and sound. I hope you rest up from your journey and I am so pleased you enjoyed spending time with your beloved folks. I hope your Dad begins to heal after this great sadness. Having you with him must have helped so very much. Welcome home Mary Anne. I am so looking forward to seeing the photos when you feel up to posting. No rush! You need your rest after such a long trip. Meg Report Inappropriate Comment

KOMAL53 3/21/2010 5:27AM

Welcome back---Very happy to know you had a good time visiting your parents!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

EVER-HOPEFUL 3/21/2010 5:02AM

welcome back you were missed.glad you and your parents had a nice time.is your dad concidering getting another pet?i know it canīt fill the gap left by the one he lost but it might help to fill the loniness.have fun catching up with all your spark post that would have accumilated while you were away.enjoy your sleep.take care.karen Report Inappropriate Comment

SHARONBAILEY913 3/21/2010 2:08AM

Home Sweet Home...Rest up! Looking forward to seeing the pictures. Report Inappropriate Comment

EMSSBEARS 3/21/2010 12:16AM

Glad your trip went so well and that you were able to make your Mom and your Dad left. I am so sorry he is still so sad that will take time. Hope you have a wonderful rest of the weekend and I am glad that you were able to make more memories to check this weekend. Report Inappropriate Comment