Today was an IMPORTANT Day!

Friday, December 10, 2010

Today was an important milestone in my life. George and I went over to the courthouse and got our Marriage license! He pretended to be a nervous wreck, but I know he was happy as a lark about it.

Then, as our Open House Party is tomorrow, we came home and George made the two Pineapple Upside Down Cakes, and while he lorded it over the kitchen, I got out of his way and did the "Party" shopping. Several bags and about 1-1/2 hours later I came dragging in, tired out. But before leaving the house around noon I had boiled potatoes and eggs, and left them to cool; so I made a spot for me at the table and proceeded to peel and chop up the eggs and potatoes, minced some onion and mixed up the dressing to pour over it. I don't know if it is the exact flavor that George is used to -- but it's how "I" make it. Next I finished off a 3-layer jello salad in a mold. Sugar free, of course! But not everything will be on the low calorie menu -- after all, it's a party, so people can make their own choices. My next task was to make the Salmon Mousse and put it in the pretty fish mold that I have. It looks so pretty at a party, on a platter with fresh parsley around it. Tomorrow will be hectic, but I know I will enjoy myself regardless. Many things have to be done the day of the party, and when my back hurts I wonder momentarily "why do I do this?" but deep down I know why, and I'm glad I still have the energy to do it.

Wish all my Spark friends could come -- I'd really have a house full of people!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

PSMITH3841 12/10/2010 5:47PM

Ok, now you have the license..did I miss reading about the date set? Congrats! I just know your party is going to be a huge success..geez, you're going to serve Jello Salad...Yum! I'm 64 years old and my eyes still glaze over when you mention JELLO!!!!! Have a great time tomorrow! Report Inappropriate Comment

STILLFLYIN 12/10/2010 1:33PM

Anticipation and counting the steps up to a big event are what make it so wonderful! Congratulations on getting your license! Enjoy your party! Report Inappropriate Comment

OLDERDANDRT 12/10/2010 11:48AM

Oh, wow!!!! A trip to the courthouse!! So happy for you and your lucky bf!!! Sounds like a great open house, too!! Don't work yourself too much as you'll really want to have a nice time at your own party!!!hehe Wish we could come, too, but you know we will be celebrating with you in spirit!!! SPark on, my friend!!! Comment edited on: 12/10/2010 11:48:34 AM Report Inappropriate Comment

THPEAKY 12/10/2010 8:49AM

Oh...everything sounds wonderful! Felicitations on your upcoming wedding! Report Inappropriate Comment

VITCHY-VICKI 12/10/2010 7:22AM

on getting the Marriage License - Now have fun at the Party and my back is killing me for getting ready for my Open House also Sat but it will be worth it also for loving having friends over to party. Have fun at your party wish you could come to mine also. Report Inappropriate Comment

CBEVNOW 12/10/2010 1:27AM

Congratulations, to you and George, on your up coming marriage. Hope your party is a good one. Caroline Report Inappropriate Comment

Contrary to Your Goals -- Enjoy Your Holidays!

Wednesday, December 08, 2010

I get as wrapped up with the "Holiday Spirit" as the next person, and I also think of myself as a fairly organized, efficient person; so it was still the latter part of November when I pulled out my Christmas cards and the ever diminishing "Christmas Card List." It's very sad to acknowledge, but at my age instead of "growing" my card list is "getting shorter." So many of my friends have included a little note with their annual cards informing that their spouse has passed on. It is sometimes the wife -- sometimes the husband. So sad, but so true.

With that in mind, it gave me a new perspective on Christmas, or any other holiday that I particularly enjoy. Don't deprive yourself of something you really enjoy for that short little time -- make new memories, or add to the old ones. If one of your fondest memories of Christmas is the fact that you can enjoy eggnog -- then enjoy it! Maybe you will come out of the season a couple of pounds heavier! You'll just have to be a little more conscious of what you eat and get in your exercise at a later date.

Next Christmas -- or on that next birthday, or whatever holiday, what if your friend has passed on? So go ahead and have that eggnog, the birthday cake or whatever it is! When we talk about a "healthy lifestyle" we don't mean it to be a "deprived lifestyle" but merely one where we are responsible, realizing if we splurge now, we'll have to be extra good sometime in the very near future!

Enjoy your holiday and . . . . MERRY CHRISTMAS!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

CATLADY52 12/9/2010 6:03PM

I have to agree with you. Live your life to the fullest every day and let your enjoyment show. Report Inappropriate Comment

VITCHY-VICKI 12/9/2010 7:12AM

I agree too lets enjoy the Holidays but be some what good don't go over board but enjoy being with family and friends We can do it in Jan to be really really good Happy Holidays All Vicki PS Happy Birthday PSMITH3841 Comment edited on: 12/9/2010 7:12:31 AM Report Inappropriate Comment

PSMITH3841 12/8/2010 9:22PM

Thank goodness I'm not the only one that feels that way...Tomorrow's my Birthday, my 64th to be exact...I think I should be able to enjoy a Birthday treat or 2... Especially since I'll be going out dancing on Friday night, and will probably burn off any damage I might have done! Report Inappropriate Comment

PURPLESPEDCOW 12/8/2010 7:26PM

I am so with you on this. With the exception of watching my blood sugar levels, my goal is to maintain and so far doing well on that goal. Otherwise I will enjoy my friends and family. Report Inappropriate Comment

OLDERDANDRT 12/8/2010 5:52PM

Oh yeah! I totally agree! Life is too short to life in total self-omposed deprivation! Your first commenter said it. "life style" implying you have a life!! Oh yeah! Totally! Report Inappropriate Comment

STILLFLYIN 12/8/2010 12:19PM

A "healthy lifestyle" implies that you have a life, not just a number on a scale. Live that life! Yup, I agree with you for so many reasons. Report Inappropriate Comment

Missing my Dog - she's "vacationing"

Monday, December 06, 2010

My BF had to go up to our summer home this afternoon and won't be back home until tomorrow, and he decided Amber (my dog - pictured) might like to go along. The yard up there is huge and it's all fenced in, plus she loves to "go for rides." She was all excited.

But --- don't tell George this, I miss her a lot more tonight than I do HIM! I mean the house seems absolutely EMPTY! It's different when I am the one on vacation, I don't notice the emptiness by not having her around -- but here in the house it's like something just isn't right when she's not here!

I'm sure she's having fun, and if I had the choice to make all over again, I'd let her go, but I didn't count on the emptiness -- guess that just shows me how important she is to me!
I know all you dog lovers out there understand!!!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

CBEVNOW 12/8/2010 4:26PM

Yes i do understand. Caroline Report Inappropriate Comment

JANET552 12/8/2010 8:41AM

Totally understand. Sometimes when mine are gone, I still hear the tinkle of their tags on their collar. I'm sure Amber will enjoy the extra attention you'll give her when she's back. Report Inappropriate Comment

THPEAKY 12/8/2010 7:46AM

Dogs Rule! I always have a "spare". At one time we had 4 mini dachshunds...which qualifies me for the funny farm. Now we have 3 and one is quite elderly. Jerry has made me promise when the time comes to keep it at 2. We have a baby crib in our room and that's where they all sleep. Report Inappropriate Comment

LMB100 12/7/2010 12:08PM

Boy, do we ever understand! Even having them be out of the room feels strange! Report Inappropriate Comment

GOOZLEBEAR 12/7/2010 11:58AM

We do understand!!!! I know she will be glad to see you too when she gets home! Report Inappropriate Comment

OLDERDANDRT 12/7/2010 11:50AM

I totally understand! Report Inappropriate Comment

STILLFLYIN 12/7/2010 10:00AM

I understand. It is cool that your BF thought enough of your sweet dog to want to give her a good time, too. :-) Report Inappropriate Comment

VITCHY-VICKI 12/7/2010 7:36AM

I always miss my Grand dog and wish she was here but then after having her for a week it is time to go home to her mom just like kids I guess - Have fun with Amber when she comes home Report Inappropriate Comment

PSMITH3841 12/6/2010 9:27PM

You bet we do! Report Inappropriate Comment

Week-end is Gone -- And I'm Tired Out

Sunday, December 05, 2010

Whew! I don't know where the week-end went, but I'm tired out..... but I think we got lots of stuff done.

The house is decorated for Christmas and ready for our party on Friday!
My menu for the party is all set!
The shopping list for making the stuff is done!
Cooking (most of it) can't be done until Thursday..... so can I relax?
House is clean!
Invitations have all gone out, and as it is an "Open House" no one had to RSVP -- so now it's just wait to fix the food and then see who all shows up. I estimate between 20 to 45. If we don't get that many, we'll probably be eating party food for a long time!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

PSMITH3841 12/6/2010 7:41PM

I bet this party will be a really good time! Believe me, if I lived within a 50 Mile radius, I'd be there with bells on!! Relax and have a great time! Enjoy your friends and new neighbors Report Inappropriate Comment

CATLADY52 12/6/2010 6:13PM

Good time to just relax. Report Inappropriate Comment

OLDERDANDRT 12/6/2010 4:58PM

No worries if you are planning healthy party foods!!! Sounds like you are right on top of it all!!! Way to go!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

STILLFLYIN 12/6/2010 10:04AM

Anticipation is a big part of the fun -- enjoy! Report Inappropriate Comment

THPEAKY 12/6/2010 9:53AM

You are so organized! I can take a lesson! Smiles to you! Libby Report Inappropriate Comment

IMEOWASWELL 12/6/2010 9:50AM

To bad your Sparks Friends can't come! You would have house over flowing with guests. Sounds you have done a lot of work to make this successful. I think you should just sit back and enjoy the evening. You have a great Xmas season. Hugs June Report Inappropriate Comment

VITCHY-VICKI 12/6/2010 7:50AM

I have a Open House here on Sat too and I am almost ready hope to finish all but the food today also - So we both will be tired but glad it will be over soon Have fun at your party wish I could be there Vicki Report Inappropriate Comment

THEWINNER33 12/6/2010 12:10AM

No wonder you are tired I hope many guests show up or it will be difficult to stay on program. Make a plan H? Have a great time at the open house. Hugs, Marcia Report Inappropriate Comment

I Smell Like What????

Saturday, December 04, 2010

This morning I got up and stepped on the scale. You have to remember that I started the "Cabbage Soup Diet" just yesterday; after reaching 146.8 (when I had been running in the low 140's) -- and I was tickled to see that the scale read 145.2 equalling a loss of 1.6 pounds!

I told my BF later that morning that I had lost 1.6 pounds. His reply was "well, good for you."
Unfortunately he then added, "you smell like the soup you are eating." "WHAT?" I asked, "what do you mean I smell like the soup? What does the soup smell like?"

Of course at this point my BF decided that I was offended by what he had stated, and perhaps I was. I mean -- who wants to smell of garlic and onions or whatever smell he thought he depicted? Not me! So into the garbage disposal it went -- the whole bowl. I probably would have lost more weight tomorrow, but for me I'll find a different method.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

OLDERDANDRT 12/6/2010 4:56PM

Glad you through it out! You probably smelled of cabbage! Pretty stinky stuff even if it does taste good. Anyway, the weight you lost is most likely all water. That's how that diet works...makes you pee it all out! You don't want to become dehydrated! I tried that diet once upon a time. Loss isn't lasting which is why changing your lifestyle is best. If you're always eating right (with only a treat here and there), you never have to worry about what happens at the end of a diet! Lifestyle is forever! Come on! Report Inappropriate Comment

BLESSED2BEME 12/5/2010 9:30PM

Sorry to say but I'm glad you are not on that diet anymore. It isn't a "life long change" that works! Report Inappropriate Comment

PSMITH3841 12/5/2010 8:05PM

Ooh Boy, I bet he wishes he had thought that statement through before he spoke...but, quick weight loss or not, you're probably better off...I'm not so sure the diet was all that nutritious... I'm glad your back to the old fashioned way... Report Inappropriate Comment

MARGOMCP 12/5/2010 1:21PM

LOL! Reminds me of the Eastern European short stories where they talk about New York apartment hallways smelling of boiled cabbage, etc. I guess I would have asked if he found it offensive or liked the smell? Report Inappropriate Comment

CATLADY52 12/5/2010 11:26AM

Perhaps you should have offered him some. If you both had some then you could have smelled the same. I did wonder about the yo-yo effect of going on the cabbage soup diet. Report Inappropriate Comment

BUTEAFULL 12/5/2010 11:03AM

I did that diet and the wt rebounded afterwards, it isn't a life change that you could live with permanently anyway Report Inappropriate Comment

THPEAKY 12/5/2010 8:18AM

One of the reasons MIGHT be...Alton Brown says if you cook cabbage it should not cook longer than 7 minutes or it releases a sulphuric smelling compound. I occasionally make borscht- a beef, beet, and cabbage soup but I dump in the cabbage at the very end in slivers and only cook it 3-4 minutes to soften it. That allows for extra time to reheat it...if there's anything left! Most cruciferous vegetables do better with less cooking. Of course borscht would be less diet friendly ... especially with that nice dollop of sour cream in the middle...ah I digress! Comment edited on: 12/5/2010 8:19:28 AM Report Inappropriate Comment

VITCHY-VICKI 12/5/2010 7:54AM

Sorry if that comment hurt but you could have done the diet anyway for a few more days to get down a few more pounds but you know best - It is just going to be hard during the holidays but don't give up Add more exercise in the routine if you can that is what I am going to do - Good Luck on the new plan Report Inappropriate Comment

USFBULL 12/4/2010 11:24PM

Report Inappropriate Comment

JENNILYNN7800 12/4/2010 10:59PM

Fad diets are never a good idea. I've tried many in my life and they don't last. You need something that's going to last a lifetime-a change in your habits not a diet. Diets restrict what you can eat. Who wants to eat cabbage soup for the rest of their lives. Yuck. Besides that you need a variety of foods for optimal health. And what about dessert? A little dessert once in a while is a great thing. I personally would not want a dessert made with cabbage. Cabbage pudding, chocolate covered cabbage, frozen cabbage pops? Ugh no thanks. Report Inappropriate Comment