Yay GG! Will have to look up Brazilian dress. but don’t care about authentic, Just the flavour of bright and blingy sounds fun. do you know about transport? do we walk to the boat?. Foot wear will be relevant, so no spike heels for me!

Fish and chips on Lucinda foreshore under shade trees was great. We then spent the afternoon raiding my wardrobe while the fellers watched the cricket. Our gear is often interchangeable and even though we don’t have the same style, she always makes my gear look better! Having lots of fun planning. Gailo is now excited about the Brazilian night and it’s given her incentive to get back on the wagon. She had lost about 15 kilos (tho not all on 5:2) From 90ish, CG. but I’ve been neglecting to support her new beginnings(Like all of you)so she is back up to 80k’s.It is not the same without the thread to keep us on track. She has gone home all revved up now, tho, and with full instructions. Plus miso and slendier noodles from my stash. Got her on a promise to phone in daily on fast days. So we’re cooking with gas!

I am trying to ignore doomsday predictions about major flooding in March. We will make it! Off to boil tomorrow’s eggs. Have a good night everyone cheers! gyps

Gee my weekend has been so busy i am going back to work tomorrow for a bit of a rest! I am involved in prison ministry as a volunteer so we had an all day training session on Saturday. I took everyone carrot and celery sticks and homemade hommus for morning tea. And watermelon. At least i could eat the morning and afternoon teas! I was out all day today with church and socialising. Its a cafe church and we still go to a coffee shop and hang out afterwards. Its a very social bunch of people. Tonight was all admin work for meetings i have to chair this week plus i did the church roster for the next 3 months. I also have to write an MoU and a talk for the prison ministry which is due on March 5. And i walked for an hour tonight around Pyrmont which was lovely.

Weight has pretty much stayed the same this weekend. I will fast on Tuesday and Thurs i think this week. Its been so hot here this weekend…late 30s C. At least we have had a cool breeze in the evening. However its made me really tired.

High 5 to SJ and the levi’s. Well done. It must feel really good.
Fit – reclaiming your life is hard to do but you need to take your own needs into account. At some point your sister will be unable to be at home even with a carer so maybe its best if she gets settled in now. Its not an easy decision but you deserve a life as well. Very few decisions are ever final and this is worth a try. She may be happier.

I emailed my details re WTF and will wait to hear further details. Worst case i will come to the Marigold only.

Lots of posts in the last few days – Ive read them all but have no time to post replies as its getting late and i am wrecked. Need to have an hours down time b4 i sleep

Happy FD for tomorrow for those who are fasting. I am defrosting a veg curry i made in my first week to have for dinner on Tuesday.

Ax

PH our posts crossed. Yes, sounds good! we’ll have a craft arve for all the dear little old ladies. Was wondering where I can pick up the bag flasks….. I believe they call it ‘the naggin’ in Fit’s land. (200mls of some spirit often stashed in the bra or handbag) I can see us sneaking a swig behind our hats. Excellent cover! So best I bring some after dinner liqueurs Not so strong as straight spirit, can’t have you all spluttering on the candy!

Thinking Irish cream, butterscotch schnapps, Turkish delight, Cointreau, Pinocolada, and there’s UP’s mulberry gin, straight bourbon, CG’s honey bourbon liqueur. Any other requests? I make very nice rum. All high grade medicinals. will only be able to bring small 300ml plastic bottles. but up to 5 litres is allowed. If no one drinks any of the above I’ll leave it out, but can add a few more, so say oi if I’ve covered your preference, or add it to the list. they will be travelling separately in a carry bag esky. Really must go and have a progress tasting. Nite girls. have agood fast day to those joining me tomorrow. xx gyps

Oh, poor you, Annie……that’s a bummer! Hey, gyps….you know those plastic lemons that you can buy lemon juice in……well, you could empty those and fill them with your potions and everyone could wear one in their Carmen Miranda hat! Problem solved! 😃😋👍😉👒🍇🍍🍒🍊🍋

Ah, Fit, Yore evil. I like it!

Sob… Annie… so sorry! We could dose you up with Phenergan and carry an epi pen, one of us might have knees left to do resuss. I’ll direct proceedings….. Not to worry, love, You just come and have a good time.

Nite GG. xx Gyps

Hi there Jade, yes thanks, the pain has eased and no, I’m not delirious on pain meds! 😀 Glad to hear your D is on the mend and that you get to have some fun together. It’s funny how being ill turns them right back into kids again and all they want is mum’s nursing care. As for OH, well, you know why they came up with the term ‘man flu’!😉🙄 Enjoy the rest of your day the best you can and remind your OH that he owes you a pampering! Have a great week and best of luck battling the scale demon 👿

Work those polishing muscles Jade……it does wonders for the body and the temper! I’m just home from the MRI scan which was painful because I had to hold still for so long. I will be back with the physio on Tuesday so should have more info then. At this stage, I must be boring everyone silly…I’m even boring myself now! I did get quite a boost from the radiographer who asked me, after doing all the preliminary checks, “Are you absolutely sure you couldn’t be pregnant?” I burst out laughing and said “did you not see my date of birth?” He said he didn’t take any notice but just thought I looked young enough. Woohoo! I’m 57!

Finally lost the 2 kgs I put on helping out my son. He shifted towns to be with his girlfriend yet everything seemed to go wrong all the time. Since moving back and getting things right Things are finally falling into place for him. He is allowed a dog since last November but everytime one has come up they were taken quickly. Since we finished his house another puppy came up for sale and he managed to have a choice of three and loves the one that picked him. First thing in the morning he gets up and spends time with him. It is doing both of them good.

There is still not much movement round my stomach I am trying not to stress about that measurement but would like to be under 80 cm. Underbust measurement is lower than this. The weather here is starting to turn as there is dew on the ground when I get up and the nights are getting cooler.

Morning, CG, sorry to hear of the tum issues — yep getting older is a like a magical mystery tour every day. The digestive system can really throw a wrench into things, I hope it subsides soon. Say, did the doc ask if YOU were pregnant? Fit, I’d sure take that as a compliment, wow! Last time I got a similar question it was “do you qualify for the senior discount?” (at least they asked!).

Man flu continues, but he has my sole attention now and is less crabby. Go figure! xxx

Ah, Jade…..if we could figure out the mystery of men and their foibles, we’d be millionaires! 😀

My son is a dog person. When my FIL passed away his old working dog suddenly would not stay where he had lived and adopted my son who was toddling at that stage. Spot was very gentle with him and they were inseperable. When we had to shift into town we managed to get the dogs adopted out as it is cruel taking them off farms. Since then I have not had any pets as I have had my handsful with the children. I like the luxury of being able to do what I want when I want without having to find people to look after them. Some people don’t return favours. Also I have Rottweillers next door so nothing would be safe as they are the type that charge fences. Nothing has been done by the shire about them. You need proof.

CG sure hope that was it – the body can be moody that way. D had gall bladder removed and fatty foods are a potential problem, but sometimes she indulges and it’s OK.
GL, I love pet bonding stories, congrats to your son on this happy addition. Know what you mean about the obligation, it’s on our to-do list anytime we travel with all our furry clan.
Back to grading papers….sure wish students had learned grammar and punctuation before grad school – common complaint among writing teachers here. ::mean face emoji:: xxx

HI all. Yes Doggie we had a golden retriever too (with a newborn baby in the house) & he was very gentle always. When he died we replaced him with a nutty but very loveable cocker spaniel – they are such mad dogs, certainly not as intelligent as retrievers!
I’m trialling a glass of warm water with lemon juice this week to try and speed up the metabolism maybe??! Bit sick of this no losing. Also went back to my original plan of a HB egg for both brekky & lunch for FD. I was losing well then but it probably makes no difference really!
CG OH always has troubles with roast chicken & we’re pretty sure it’s the fat levels. He can get away with using one of those upright roasters where the chicken gets put onto some metal stands & the fat drains into a little tray underneath. The skin still does brown beautifully so no dramas there. Get them in kitchen shops. Might do the trick for you if it happens again – worth a try if it means you can still have your roast chicken. Also by putting water in the tray under the chicken it is really moist too. Hope it’s eased though.
GL we have no pets at the moment for the same reason & we travel a bit with family overseas. But I can’t wait to get another one really once we’re too old to travel!
Dear Fit sure hope those scans will reveal the problem & you can get started on treatment & also know for sure what you can/can’t do to stop stirring it up.
PH I agree with GG that it’s a fab idea to have a craft afternnon or similar making our fruity gear. I need some help in the creativity/dress-up department…it’s not really my thing. But if everyone was doing it count me in! And Fit love your suggestion of the plastic lemon thingys! Devious aren’t we all!!
Gyps I’m wondering how I’m going to survive the WTF!! I’m not a spirits girl usually more into wines so the results could be interesting!! I do enjoy them though when I have them. Luv irish cream though & the sound of the butterscotch schnapps.

Well better get moving on my house cleaning…the floors look rather ready for it. Oh we bought a Garmin watch for my birthday with steps/calories/distance on it plus it has a sleep analysis thing which I thought would be interesting. It does also have a watchface which many don’t so thought I’d use it more that way. Will get to test it out on Saturday! Will let you know how I go & maybe it will aid the weightloss by making me more active. Oh it also sounds an beep when you’re sitting for too long. I expect mine will be going off rather frequently at first!!!
Have a great FD all stick to your resolve & don’t let anything make you stray. Head for the water first if you think you’re hungry – often does the trick!! sj XXXX

Oh the sweet dog stories – we had a lovely shepherd who guarded our youngest from the moment we brought her home, his post was in her doorway whenever she was asleep, one ear up to listen for trouble. Dogs are such great pals.

Dawg thanks for the reminder of Fit’s “brazilian” quip, I howled at that one. You all will be howling too if you mix them up. Might need an extra hit of gyps’s potions or a wee bit o’ the lemon 🙂

Hi all, Just checking in, fast day going well so far. Am busy distilling today. (can breathe in the fumes in lieu of a wine). SJ, there’s no need for anyone to worry re getting plastered at the venue, (it’s optional!)Apparently we all have fridges in the rooms, so will be able to pick up some wine home supplies. Hopefully there’s a balcony/pool or somewhere to sit and watch the sunset. But I actually don’t much like bought alcohol (spirits), it has more toxins and definitely more synthetic additives than my stuff.Plus REALLY expensive over the bar. So I’ll be drinking wine out. Our venue isn’t a pub, or have a bar, does it? I figure we’ll all enjoy a few “room relaxation moments” and I like a nite cap, but not paying 70 bucks for a bottle of bourbon! Gark! But, providing I get it there without getting arrested, am not planning to transport any back (will have empty container for shopping!)so you all get to take home any left. I personally don’t often drink liqueurs, But had to perfect the art of making them for my grand daughters’ learning to drink days.Can make them very low alcohol but usual shop bought are 17 percentage alcohol for liqueurs. While a spirit is 37/40. (So mine are same) I keep my hand in now and make them for xmas pressies. Today’s batch is for our reunion. Smells like a brewery in my house!

CG, sorry you’re crook again. hope it’s just transient. envy you all your dogs, Will get another one day. Hi Annie, Jade, Fit, Gl, Dawg, gotta run, will check in later, xx gyps

It is such fun reading all of the posts for the day. Hope you are feeling better CG . Sounds very much like the fatty skin did the damage. Lovely to have that sort of relationship with your doctor.
🐓🐓🐓 I had a terrible nights non sleep last night so nothing has changed it seems from my trial with the sleeping tablets. I’ll just have to continue with the other remedies and hope for the best I guess. So I slept in until 10.30. No pool for me today but have had a productive afternoon. I had booked phone calls with financial advisors in order to sort out my super. Need to start drawing some to top up the pension. So have now set up a meeting for after I come home with the super fund financial advisor to fill out all the forms etc. there is always something…however once this is all set up that should be the end of it till the money runs out.!! 💸💸💸💸

Gyps. I’m with you regarding buying over the counter drinks. Very expensive way to go. It is much better to all gather together on a balcony?? Or somewhere and supply our own nibbles and drinks before going out to dinner, when we should be able to buy by the glass or share a bottle of wine. Good idea about the flask though? oH used to have one somewhere..will have to find it. I will bring a bottle of scotch with me as it is my preferred drink with ice and water. But would love to taste your concoctions. 🍹🍸🍹🍸maybe a nice toddy or nightcap”. before bed to help with the sleeping?? Lots of options …lots of fun. 🎉🎉 I will have to go through my wardrobe next week and do some alterations before I go as well. Can’t imagine getting dressed into anything good though with all this heat. Should be a nice breeze on the harbour though and Sydney not as hot I’m guessing. Glad the gawdmother is getting back on track and looking forward to WTF..

UP & SJ. same same with the dog situation ..love the stories but we are at a time of our lives that it is much better to be free to travel without the need find somewhere for the pets to stay. Since losing Brandy recently we have decided to wait till we can’t travel anymore before we get another one. Love hearing about everyone else’s dogs though. Im Sure GG and Doggy could not imaging being without their special friends…

FIT. Hang in there girl…you are doing great…hopefully get to the bottom of this soon. 💜💕💜💕💜
Jade. Lovely story about your D and you giggling over old photos. Makes your heart sing…hope OH gets over his manflu soon . My OH went to his doctor and came home with another anti-depressant to try. This is the 7th in two years. With a bit of luck for him…and me ..this will be the magic pill. 💊💊💊. So. I have better though with D home to share the load. And he is loving having here here and tries so much to not let his lethargy and moods effect our time together. 💜💙💚💛

Annie…my oh my what a beautiful caring busy person you are. Doing so much for others and still having time to get all of your exercise in and eat well. Great stuff 💝💓💝🏃🏃🍎🍉🍐🍳🍑🍋. Bummer about the reaction to the vino…however I’m sure you still live life to the fullest without it. I find I cannot have much wine these days also without getting a headache..scotch with water is OK though. Lots of Ice, lots of Water and a little bit of scotch.
GL Well done getting back to where you were before helping your son. Way to go and love the dog stories. 🐕🐩🐾
Have had a good fast day today. Only an apple so far and now OH calling me to dinner, flathead and steamed veg with cauliflower and sweet potato mash and herbs…yummy. So should come in well under the 500 today. Monday’s seem so easy..I think it is because we are ready for the fasting after the weekend. Hope everyone else had a good fast day and good luck with your tomorrow CG..💜💜💜💜

CG. Hope you are well, sorry I missed you out. Great organising for wtf. 💜💜

Finished the day with just 435cals. Got to be happy with that. Hope everyone had a good day. Talk tomorrow. 💜💜💜

AA, hope you manage to have a dog in your life again soon, sounds like the ones you had before very well looked after and lived to a happy ripe old age.
PH, brilliant job on your fast day, woohoo! Sorry to hear you had a bad night again, maybe money worries were on your mind, I know that is one thing that keeps my OH awake. Hope your financial adviser can give you good advice and put your mind at rest. I’m sure Gyps will be able to administer some knockout drops when you’re on the WTF tour! 😴
Gyps, delighted to hear you’re taking your brewing duties so seriously…..obviously a little sampling has to happen for quality control but don’t overdo it!😉😋
GG, you’re one very busy lady and still managing to do all this research as well, fantastic! It’s great that you have Lotus helping out with arrangements too. It will all be amazing! 😀👏👍❤️

Happy birthday PH. I hope you have an awesome day 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉💝💝💝💝💝

Hi all. Fasting today instead of yesterday.

PH, it wasn’t me talking about dogs but having said that, with all the travel I do, my dog is an issue but I knew that before I got him. I always make sure he is well cared for in my absence but it is a headache sorting it out!

I am spending 6 weeks around Queensland in April, May and so want to take him but with national parks etc it can’t really be done.

He has been such an enhancement to my life however, that I don’t regret it for a minute. 🙂

GG, I have to think about the outfit. Some of us have to travel in public! 😉

Happy birthday PH, 😃👏💐🍾🍸🎂 Enjoy the shopping and whatever treats come your way 👜💄💍👠💃💅
Barb, good to hear from you, how are you doing?
UP, that will be a lovely trip….enjoy it all😀
CG, so happy for you that you had such a good sleep and are feeling better, not to mention another great loss! Woohoo! 😃👍👏
We met with a substitute carer for our sister today, she seems nice enough but I think she’ll just do the bare minimum. She couldn’t get out of the place quick enough. Also she doesn’t work weekends and my other sister is going away for this weekend so it’s going to be hard. My scan shows degenerative damage to three vertebrae in my neck where it meets the spine. I will have more info from the physio on Thursday, the appointment was postponed from Tuesday to allow time for the report on the scan to come through. Fingers crossed I don’t have to have surgery.