Good evening team.Yes THE TREASURE is back.It is not the computer that has the problem BUT OPTUS! They are investigating my ongoing problem. Believe it or not I have found myself having to use strong words to them even threating to move to another carrier if they do not sort out this problem . 4 mths is along time to keep having the internet drop out with no time to back up my work. We will see!.
WELCOME TO THE NEW MEMBERS. You have picked a winner by joining our AUSSIE DETERMINATION THREAD.
ALSO you are more than welcome to join us on the WTF reunion in March. Be quick if you are interested as accommodation is scarce at this time in Sydney March 16- 21st 2016.
You will not be disappointed if you join us.
No matter what I do I am still 75kgs But the positive side is losing the inches in those other areas like tummy and upper abdo.
Off to Sydney tomorrow …staying at the “OAKS” so hopefully will have lots of positive things to say abpout our WTF accommodation.
GYPSY- you make me LOL very often and I send you LOLxxxxx
CG- A gall stone! no wonder the pain would not subside . Any food containg fat would have sent the gall in to spasm….. Poor you! love on wings xxx
Will catch up with you all next week ….All the very best ….GO GALXXXXXX

Just saw the next page.

GG. Welcome back..missed your posts. Optus can be sketchy but if you were getting strong signal then they must have changed something…keep the strong words going till you get some satisfaction???
CG hopefully this latest setback is the last for you for a while. Forced rest is something that you will find hard now that you are so mobile again. ??????. You will have to get Doggy to send you some of her rain for your new tank.. Hope the rest of your Fast Days go will. ???

Hi all, Suejen I live in Port Stephens, which is north of Newcastle NSW and a lovely spot to retire to. Gypsy I don’t know whether you are serious or not, but I was told that LOL means laugh out loud, so nothing rude thank goodness.
Gearing up for another fast day tomorrow. Not so busy, just line dancing for two hours, so I will try to do some patchwork in the morning. The time flies by when I start sewing. Looking for a good machine to handle paper piecing as my Janome is struggling a bit these days. Any preferences? Any patchworkers or quilters out there?

Huh did work! SO I titled that one Little Miss Suckafinger of course it’s CG and Lexie. Cute as!

Hello, testing, testing…..

Hi all,

New faster, but long considered giving it a go. Only 2 weeks in but so far so good. I’m hopeful of getting good results and losing the extra 8kgs I’ve been carrying around.

My fast days are Monday and Thursday, which seems to be working for me. Any hints and tips for no players gratefully accepted.

Lee

Hi All!
Very wild weather here this morning – no rain at the moment but the wind has all the trees around me doing some ballroom dancing!! Lovely to look at when I’m nice and warm indoors but not looking forward to having to go out later to run some errands. We’ve never been cut off by floods but had a few times when only the foolhardy would venture out in large snowdrifts – very dangerous, icy roads and no snow tires!
CG – Sorry to hear about your gall stone but hope you can follow Gypsy’s excellent advice and get it all sorted before Christmas xx. Love the photo of you and Lexie – so cute and adorable…..and Lexie looks lovely too!! 😉 Well done on being in the 73s too – woohoo!!
Gyps – Oh gosh, I’m ROFL at you sending lol to the grandies for years – good job it didn’t mean anything rude!! I’m sure they took it the way you intended it anyway xx. Wow, you are like a cleaning machine; I had no idea of the practical problems that come with your climate – just goes to show how little I know!! Well done on all the great advice for CG – I totally agree 🙂 I wish your broomstick could get me to the WTF – I’m so sad to be missing it 🙁
SJ – I don’t think I have that much energy in comparison to some of other ADers. Remember, I’m retired (early) and have few other commitments. I take my hat off to all of ye who are working and doing lots of other activities, exercise classes etc. I’m glad you have had sound advice in preparation for meeting your SIL. It’s very wise to have an exit strategy to protect yourself in case things take a negative turn. But I’m hopeful that this will be a way forward for you all and be something you can build on for a better future relationship. I will keep you in my thoughts on Saturday and send good vibes over the airwaves xxxx
GG – way to go girl…kick some a** until you get proper internet service!! Let’s hope you are able to post regularly again now. Have a great time in Sydney and best of luck with the research for the WTF tour! 🙂
Lynkay – welcome and well done on your loss so far, excellent result! Have you worked out your TDEE? (see the HOW IT WORKS heading at the top of this page). This will tell you how many calories you can eat on non-fast days and you can build in your treats to suit that. Best of luck and keep posting here – we’ll all help to keep you on track 🙂
PH – hope all is going well with you. Thank you for your kind comments as always – you never fail to say something nice to everyone xx
Noots – Hope you had a great time at the line dancing – it’s great fun. Can’t help on the quilting front – I’ve no talent in that driection…maybe SJ has some ideas? Have a great day xx
Lots of boring paperwork ahead for me today – just filing and recording payments for my OH’s business – I hate it but can’t keep putting it off forever!! Happy fasting or portion control – whatever your day brings, ADers!

Well what a lot of action tonight. Hello gawdmother. Nice to be talking to you. Looking forward to meeting you in Sydney. What a lot of fun you and Gyps must have, and I imagine quite a bit of quality control for her brews. Would like to participate in some of them myself?????.

Suejen, good to get your email. Feel free to post the photo I sent you if you can manage it. Not sure it will be in the right format. Nice photo of CG and Lexie ..

Noots. I purchased a Berina sewing machine 40 years go and it is still going strong. Have used it so much to make all sorts of things including camping gear, surf board covers and boat covers to name a few , as well as the fine sewing like appliqué and dressmaking. Don’t know about quilting as I have not started doing that yet. I have always had it regularly serviced and that makes quite a difference. I guess they don’t make them as strong as they used to but they are amazing. Expensive though. I am hoping it will last me out…

Lee. Welcome to Aussie Determination. I have found the support on the Forum invaluable. It is good to think of it not as a diet as such as CG mentioned. The best part about it is that you don’t feel deprived like you do on. Diet. You can still have the treats etc on the non fast days as long as you don’t go overboard on them everyday. ?????? You will find the Fast Days get easier each time you do one. Most of us use a program called My Fitness Pal to work out how many calories you are eating. I think Doggy uses a different tool though. Again..Welcome aboard.

Fit. Can’t imagine driving in snowfalls. Very scarey….

Had a lovely day today having lunch with old workmates. It was good to catch up with them all but have no regrets about retiring. Great massage from my osteopath. And then getting into the hydro pool to heat the old body through and gentle exercise after the session. Time for bed ??????

Hi Gawdmother

bejesus – I would dearly love to get over to meet you – and everyone else of course, I get the feeling Gyp is the sister I should have had – got 5 sisters already, not one of them ever ‘got’ me.

Oh well, I’m sure there will be many more reunions and I might get to one – haven’t asked for my Christmas pressie though yet ……………..

CG, wow, on this thread full of medical folk I can contribute to a medical thingy – yay!!! that’l be a first and a last!

You may remember I had my gall bladder out the other week, now of course the Uk may do things differently – I never really had symptoms – none that I attributed to anything other than a dick tummy – but the fat forty female and flatulant wasn’t too far off the mark (flatulance only in the last year!!) but I had the episode that lasted over 24 hours – at the hospital they wanted to know the score – I said ten – they asked how it compared to childbirth – now, quick summary of my only experience of childbirth – grew 8 lb fibroid – waters broke at 8 months – in hospital – sent home – infection – stuck baby – forceps – broken coccyx which still gives me constant pain – burst blood vessels in eyes – scared some kiddies when I was wheeled down for a scan – in hospital for two weeks after birth – boy was the pain from the gall bladder MUCH MUCH worse than any of that – twice a bad. I traveled for 4 hours in that pain in a tiny car just to get to a local hospital, as we were away from home when it started.

Anyway, strongly advised to get it out – keyhole surgery – out of hospital the day after surgery – my first idea that I would be standing at an Antiques fair the next day was a tad too ambitious – took me about 4-5 weeks to get over it, though was up from day one and working – took a bit longer for tum to settle – coffee can send me to the loo still, one or two other things at first – now I can eat anything, and – forgive the info – don’t have loose motions.

Not the same for everyone, neighbour is still in pain after 5 years and takes loo paper when she takes the dog for a walk – she didn’t say why but it makes you think!

But I would recommend it – tiny scars which I think will fade. Interesting that apparently stones are a cause of weight gain – but after the gall bladder is removed losing weight may be a problem. I’m not losing much but I am losing. And I feel great – was surprised it too so long for me to feel 100% but I’m really well – and I’ve stopped farting!!!

Hope that helps.

Hi all, one quarter through my fd. Been sewing but it was going wrong so I’m taking a break. Love reading all your messages. Re the opal card, you can use it now but it actually comes into effect on 1.1.16. I would recommend that all pensioner visitors to NSW get one, it’s easy on line. I had no trouble using mine for the first time yesterday. The ferry ride was a bit bumpy as it was a windy day but still fun. Lots of walking to and from my friend’s unit and her sea view is delightful. Early lunch today as line dancing is on.

Noots – hope your sewing turns out ok and enjoy the dancing 🙂

Morning Team lovely day & heading to 30 today here in the west. Most important info first before I reply to posts. Daughter cancelled/postponed the meeting yesterday & says meet in Jan but can we meet before Christmas to exchange pressies for the kids. Sorry to misuse our favourite abbreviation but…….WTF??!! So today we send back an email saying something like You know where we live. If you’re serious about wanting to talk come & find us. Pressies/grandchildren will have to wait. Not playing any more games. Enough said. I’m fine with it so onto brighter subjects.
As to FD well mine got smashed when the email arrived & I went into emotional eating mode (gobble gobble gobble!) so today I’m up. Never mind next week will fix that up for sure.
Doggie I too re-read the Secret Keeper & think it’s a beauty. Just looked up St Helens & think we went there in about 2000/2001 on our Tassie trip. Pretty sure. Lovely area not surprised you love it.
CG thank goodness you have such a wonderful handyman to do all those jobs. Hope he doesn’t sting you re his charges but sounds like he’s more generous than anything! Just what you need. Makes no sense that you’re having someone from the NBN network do work when you don’t get any coverage…unless this will provide you with some??
Milena your story sounds like my MIL. She’d had 3 boys & then 15 years later went to the dr about her menopause symptoms & the dr said actually you’re pregnant! She was mid/late 40’s I think. They got the daughter they had always wanted!
Gyps how you and the Gawdmuther ever became friends! after that little episode is beyond me!!! But obviously you’ve weathered many a storm together. Great to have her online last night. Gawd (for short unless someone has a better suggestion?) you’re very welcome here! Hope you’re reading that book furiously & taking it all in.
Oh PH you go to an osteopath? I’ve been considering it for the back & neck with my osteoporosis. You find it pretty good? I’ve always been a physio girl but my physio has not been very helpful of late – no ongoing exercises or the like to keep me mobile. Pilates once a week with her has helped a lot but I need more.

Well must go & post a photo of PH so you can all see how gorgeous she looks. And I hope the system is kind to me again like yesterday…I just never know! Then onto the dressmaking. Will post a pic once the first outfit is finished. Not too far away.
enjoy your feed days team but do remember your PC (portion control) or how MANY treats you’re treating yourself to!! suejen XXXX

Oh Suejen WTF indeed. Life can deal out some bum steers at times. Do stay strong. My son has the most acrimonious relationship with his ex. She’s remarried and he has a new partner but she just makes life hell for him. Every holiday or when it’s his turn to have the kids she comes up with some new drama. This has been going on for years. It’s a form of child abuse if you ask me ask me. The kids just don’t want to hear anything derogatory about either of their parents.
Noots I don’t do all that much sewing anymore but was a patchwork, quitting addict for a good few years. I have a Pfaff sewing machine. It’s probably 15 years old and as good as new. Mind you I always look after my gizmos very carefully. I’m not saying you don’t. But some people are very carelss with their possessions and then wonder why they don’t last.
XX Dawg ?????????????. Ei Ei Oh. – reminds me of a tour guide we did a trip with in Italy last year. He sung Old McDonald had a farm to us in Italian together with all the animal noises. This was after a boozy night out. It was hilarious.

Dawg your italian boozy night out with accompanying animal noises sounds like such a hoot! Reminds me a bit of the bnb we stayed at in Tuscany. I only had a little italian she had no english. We used phrase books mostly but she tried to teach me some more italian. Found out later after trying out some of her words on others that she had a speech impediment!!! Very funny. Other funny story from there was when we went to a nearby restaurant one night (only building in the town really). No menu practically no english. Did manage to glean it was seafood night – you get what you get. Lots of newspaper clippings all over the walls re the wonderful restaurant. The menu was endless & the dishes just kept on coming until you said no. Tried snails & other sea stuff we had no idea what it was. Funniest part was the chef…a big german lady who liked guys that could eat all her food. OH has a pretty big appetite & when she came out to retrieve the empty plates she would smile at him approvingly AND rub her ample bosom up against him. Then she’d shuffle out to the kitchen to rustle up the next course! I wasn’t so approved of…I gave in early (and I was female)!! Only one diner that night made it to the end of the menu. And after all that we found out it was cash only & we had no cash. No worries…domani domani…tomorrow…as they pointed down the road to where we were staying. Ha what a night. And of course the grappa & the limoncello & whatever came out with each course. We wobbled our way home laughing. sj XX

CG – Your handyman is an absolute gem. I really need one like him to do all the jobs OH keeps saying he will do and never gets around to. Oh well –cant have everything!!

Here you get to see CG front on with her GS Brody who’s 13 today! XX Hope that bourbon & zero’s tasting pretty darn good CG.

Blew my FD with ice cream and blueberrys. Just craved something sweet after dinner. Ended up at about 700 Cals instead of 500 .oh well that will teach me to think I can do it on a Friday. Friday is always drinkies, managed to forgo my pre dinner drinks only to come undone after dinner. Thems the breaks. Will enjoy the weekend and get back into routine next week. Not going to bother weighing as I know I will be disappointed.

What a spunk you have for a grandson CG. It is plain to se he loves his nanny who is also looking sharp.

Hi All!
Wow!! What alot of posts! Either a feast or a famine!!! Prefer the feast of course!! 🙂
CG – my sister, who is married to an accountant who is not at all handy, tells all her nieces to find a man who can mend and do practical things about the house – she says it’s by far the most important quality to find in a man!! We joke that at least she found a man who can afford to pay a handyman!! 😉 How wonderful and thoughtful that your guy is helping you to prepare for future needs before it becomes an emergency situation. Living on your own, that must give you great peace of mind. Love the photo you (what a glamorous granny!) and your GS is a very handsome young chap indeed. Happy birthday to him 🙂
SJ – my heart goes out to you ((( ))). However, that counselling and preparation did not go to waste, as can be seen by your resilience and resolve not to enter into your daughter’s games and you are protecting yourself….good for you!! Can I suggest you have cards and pressies ready in case she springs a visit in order to embarrass you in front of the grandies; or have money in an account for them and cards to show them in the future if things drag on – then you can show them that you always remembered their birthdays and Christmas. Well done on posting the photos – you are becoming our tech expert!! Look after yourself, dear pal xxxx
PH – how lovely to see you in the flesh, so to speak!! You are a very good looking lady and your GS is an absolute dote!! You have certainly been through the mill with pain and health issues but I’m so glad to hear that you have good people looking after you.
Doggy – sounds like you have your own little corner of paradise!! I completely agree with you about the children who get caught up in the middle of family rifts – it’s so unfair on them. We had buckets of rain here over the last 24 hours too and it is still quite windy still today….we’re getting the tail end of a storm that hit the British Isles over the last 48 hrs….brrrrr!
I had a big pause while writing my post as I had to abandon the computer to let the plumber in to work in my sister’s apartment so it’s now mid-afternoon and I have no chores done!! Have a wonderful weekend everyone and check in with your progress and news 🙂

Gyps. You certainly are one very deep thinking lovely lady, full of sensible comments regarding life’s choices and such a straight forward, no nonsense l way of being able to communicate them to others. The many faces of our Gyps is something I am very much looking forward to meeting, along with Gawd of course. I completely agree that gut feeling is something we all should act on, and tough love, whilst keeping the love flowing and the door always open in family situations. And I agree Fit that the life of Gyps, Zelda and Gawd would make a great movie! Good luck with the test results for the leprechaun.

Fit, thanks for the lovely comments, and yes I just love those big brown eyes looking into mine in my very interesting conversations with GS. Even on Skype.
I am lying here in the middle of the night just listening to the rain on the roof until I can get back to sleep.
.????..beautiful sound. Your weather event is probably not quite that calming. And thinking how very fortunate I am…so blessed. Getting drowsy again.. Nite nite again all.???

Mornin CG! 🙂 Have a great time with getting your chores done in time to watch the cricket guilt-free! You would get on famously with my OH – he is addicted to cricket! Your handyman’s parents did him a great favour getting him out of Belfast at that time – no young man was safe on any side of the troubles. It was an horrific time for all concerned. Just heard that my nephew is in Paris this evening very close to where a terrorist attack took place, 26 dead and many more injured. He went over for the weekend with his girlfriend. They were close by when the blast happened – my blood ran cold when I heard; but thank God they are safe.
PH – hope the weather lulled you to sleep and that you wake up refreshed and in control of the pain. Your GS could probably get away with anything using those gorgeous eyes to hypnotise his gran!! 🙂

Hello,everyone. Well I should be saying “oink oink” instead of “woof woof” . I’m on my own for a few days as hubby is OS working in PNG. This morning I cooked myself an overindulgent large brunch. Bacon, fried eggs, sautéed mushrooms. Now of course I feel like a stuffed Xmas turkey. I’m going to have my FD tomorrow as Monday is a birthday with too many goodies to tempt me with.
Yes CG, Warner is certainly hitting a purple patch in his cricket career. I do prefer a good contest though. I really thought that NZ would be more competitive.
I hoping that we don’t get any rain this arvo as Pepper’s doggy friend is coming round for a play session. Her owner and I met at puppy school and we hit it off very well as did our pups.
Lovely photos of CG & PH with their grandsons. Lexie looking so adorable.
Well I must be up and about before the idleness bug bites me! GG it’s good to see you back. Yes Optus and the like are a pain. We can have any ISP we like, as long as it’s Telstra! Some choice.
Where is Lotus?