Wow CG you are kicking it this week – congrats! Don’t even think about how or why, just enjoy! You’re right, I think I do notice more on a FD that there is food around, especially free. There were SOOO many sandwiches and cookies, but as I’d gone down after everyone else was done, it was easier to resist. I hate to be the only one eating – unless of course I’m alone in a closet with a bit of Cadbury.
Bert you crack me up, “wide load” lol – life does sound hectic for you. Keep smiling and enjoying those loose pants. The weight shift has happened to me too. So something is happening, at least!
Seahorse, perfect name for someone with a boat – enjoy the weekend.
Fit your pub lunch sounds so cozy – how nice that you got some extra time with the girls. Good luck with the physio tomorrow, bychance is his name Luke? Or Jude? Maybe you can just call him Jude and see what happens.
Uh oh guess who’s going to traffic court tomorrow – the old friend-of-a-friend freebie – I may need some chocolate after that. But luckily I have toughed out a FD today so MAYBE I JUST WILL. xxx

Big weekend for you, isn’t it SJ! Last day of work, those kids will surely miss you – better late than never, I say to the young girl who changed her tune 🎧. I would think young kids would love a little note, though the cupcake idea is also nice – they won’t care if you aren’t a pro with the icing. I can guarantee anyone reading that icing mishaps have never mattered a whit to me😋 And happy birthday to you! 🎂 Hope the romantic dinner-for-2 is delicious (or did you already go? Well go again!). Those places are so much fun, trying to catch all the shrimp if they fling them at you! Ok where’s the shrimp emoji. 🍤 THERE it is. x

Afternoon team! Hope that you are enjoying good weather.
The update for the WTF REUNION…. THE MISTRESS OF TOURISM AND YOUR TRESURE have been working working hard between our jobs.
Here is the itinerary :
WEDNESDAY 16TH MARCH- ARRIVE AT THE OAKS APARTMENTS DARLING HARBOUR.
MEET AND GREET DINNER WILL BE HELD AT ONE OF THE RESTURANTS IN DARLING HARBOUR….WE WILL WALK OVER AND PICK ONE (10 MIN WALK)
TIME ANYWHERE BETWEEN 7PM-8PM

THURSDAY 17TH MARCH-YAM CHA LUNCH AT THE MERIGOLD RESTURANT CHINATOWN.
AFTER LUNCH….PADDY’S MARKET FOR SHOPPING,COFFEE, OR WHAT EVER YOU WOULD LIKE TO DO
DINNER THAT NIGHT….OPTIONAL..YOU WILL ALL BE FULL FROM LUNCH

FRIDAY 18TH MARCH-THE DAY IS WHATEVER YOU LIKE FERRY TRIP TO MANLEY,THE ,ZOO,OR THE AQUARIUM IN DARLING HARBOUR,IMAX CINEMA OR SHOPPING IN THE HEART OF THE CITY ,PITT STREET MALL ,QUEEN VICTORIA SHOPS……THE NIGHT IS FOR PARTING ON THE BRAZILIAN DINNER CRUISE.

Hope that this is fun interesting and enjoyable for you all.PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF THERE ARE OTHER PLACES OR THINGS THAT YOU LIKE YO DO AND WE WILL FIND THE BEST WAY AND PRICE TO MAKE OUR REUNION A VERY MEMORABLE OCCASSION……GO GAL XXXXXXXXD

Gad! Lotus and GG, Well done! I don’t think there’s much chance of WTF NOT being memorable without more! That dots all my i’s. Chinatown was on my list and Paddy’s market. Don’t have any other known targets, will follow where led. It all sounds really great. Thank you both so much for going to all this trouble for us. On top of your workload, too. I suggest Thursday night is in house, maybe in one room or a room crawl, drinks in hand and nibbles (Ha,ha, or a liquid fast after all those Chinese courses over lunch!)And we have the Miranda hats to make. Will need inspiration for that! So I’ll bring the jungle juice. Will sort out what mixers and where to get soda, lemon and coke etc. when we get there. I’ve switched to the green coke for my bourbon, so will be on the lookout for a supermart. Oh, this is such fun!

Love the sound of your floral skirt, CG, you skinny thing, you! You must be so chuffed to see the scales going down again. Well done! I have been exercising like mad and really strict with my fasting, plus doing the tde thing. No extra loss so far, but sore muscles so hope it is just fluid retention for repair. am fasting today and thinking I’ll do a btb tomorrow. Then planning to have the weekend off, so looking for some result by Monday.
My tummy rounded again(doncha hate that!) in the six weeks of sitting to write. So targeting that with tightening exercises. … sigh… probably the best I’ll get is Flat and large, but that’s better than rounded and looking preggers. Talk about MIRANDA WHALE! 85 has gotta goooo!

Jade, you stay strong around that free feast, nuts will attract you, of course! You’re a wag all right. I bet those students enjoy your teaching style.

Fit Hope your diagnosis is showing you on the mend. Still think it’s got a lot to do with stress over your sister. Thinking of you. Hugs.

Suejin. Thinking of you, too and your big retirement day tomorrow. Savour the day and take photos. You will see those kids grow up in the community over the years ahead. They will always nod to you and remember you as an authority figure from their childhood. Hope you have a nice evening planned and a few drinks. Not to mention exciting projects to look forward to, now that you have the time. Make sure you don’t let others gobble up all those free hours (which they will certainly try to!). Welcome to Grey Nomad land! Freeedom!

Bert! Pull ya pants Up! Welcome back!

Dawg, Hope you have a great time overseas! Keep your fluids up!

Well, must get back to exploring the cavernous depths of my wardrobe. And not to worry, the lizzards didn’t get all our booze. The still bubbles on. I have a whole year’s supply of cane crushings and molasses, We’ll be jake. xx Gyps

PS. Did I mention I’m really proud of you PH, Not so long back you were a good bit over the 100 and with being down on mobility, that’s a hell of a win. You are DETERMINATOR OF THE MONTH! I haven’t moved in 6 months, Well done, you. xxgyps

Catch-up time.

SH. Enjoy your 4 day weekend on your boat. Life is too short to give up on those opportunities..catchUp. Fasts during the week. ⛵️⛵️⛵️

FIT. Hope your Physio has some answers for you, lovely to have the girls together again for lunch..keep strong.. Sending love and hugs. 💕💕💕

Bert. Loved the vision of “Wide Load”. You will have to do something about those pants. Can’t keep them up with safety pins forever..but what an achievement..👏👏👏🎉

Jade. ..enjoy your choc treat after traffic court..anything done for a friend of a friend deserves chocolate🍫🍫🍫 and maybe a 🍷🍹

SJ. I’m sure whatever you do for the kids will be just perfect. I’m sure you will be missed by them and I imagine you will miss them also for a while. Life changes coming up for you…love the idea of deleting the alarms each day…🕧🕓💭🇧🇸you won’t know yourself not having to get up in the mornings..and tied to being back from whatever you are doing in time for the afternoon shift. Freedom is just around the corner. Your birthday dinner sounds great and I’m sure OH will make the occasion special. And the restraunt very friendly and interesting..I’m sure the owners will do you proud. What a celebration birthday and retirement🎉💐🎉💐💕.💕 Tomorrow last day..then birthday Saturday. What a lovely weekend you are going to have. Enjoy every minute.

Doggy. Lots to do packing for an OS holiday. Great luck with the shoes and it will be lovely having your fav nephew visit. Don’t stress I’m sure you have everything in hand.

GG. You and lotus have done a wonderful job organising everything. WONDERFUL ITINERY… 👍👍🤑🎉💐🍹🍷⛴⛴🍲🍲🍾🍹🍤🍤🍉🍎🍦🍕🍽🍽So looking forward to it. Good to leave Friday till the last minute so that everyone can get their breath and play it by ear. Love all of the other plans. Love the headpieces. I have found a purple long skirt with gathered layers..just perfect..as CG says amazing what we find when we go looking ..also have lots of bling and a white peasant top so all organised and once we get to Paddys market and get the essentials for the headdresses and then have fun making them with the help of gyps moonshine I’m sure we will be a sight to behold…can’t wait. 🎉🎉💜💜. Agree with gyps that Thursday night in after lunch out would be a good idea. I’m sure we can come up with something exciting to keep ourselves amused!!!that is after we have been creative and made our masterpieces…

Oh GYPS. You are such a wag…I just love the excitement in your post..makes me smile right down to my toes😂😂😀😀😄. I can just picture all the things you have described and am so looking forward to meeting you and the gawdmother. The mind boggles if you are the quite one!! Sounds like you re pulling out all stops to get back on the straight and narrow. Well done …..and thanks for the special message. 💕💕💕I am so thrilled to see that graph heading downwards so beautifully on the tracker.

Oh calling me for dinner so have to go.. Have a great night, morning, evening all and talk to,you all tomorrow..💜💜💜💜💜

..

CG. Exciting to get your new baby. Bonny sounds like a great name, and yes your beautiful hat is perfect.

SJ. Im guessing it will be gyps, the gawdmother, You and I being creative on Thursday arvo/night after our visit to Paddys Markets to get our feathers and fruit. Would be very difficult travelling with one of GG,s beautiful creations or even the feathers for that matter. I’m guessing that GG will have some much needed advice for us and lotus and CG will be able to sit back and enjoy the spectacle. All in together this fine weather with us all helping each other out. 🍷🍾🍌🍉🍒🍓🍋🍋📿🎉🎶🎨🎭🍸🍹 They may not be as perfect as the ones GG has created but it will be fun…as for the skirt you may find something at the op shops if you have a look. I found two but alas the second one would be much to big for you. Doesn’t have to be a skirt though..just what you feel comfortable in, you may have a bright pair of 3/4 pants that will fill the bill..or a bright top. Anything goes!! I’m sure there will be pleanty of bling available at Paddys Markets if we are short. And I am guessing you may be right about crashing on the bed each night. I’ll Have to make time for some couch time every now and again. Enjoy your last day tomorrow…

Oh Purple!! (I’m using your formal name 🙂 to bestow praise.) Those hat/fascinators are drop-dead GORGEOUS. What a talent. And huge congrats on the new weight drop, girl you are on fire. I might fly to Australia just to get one of those. If Gyps will pick me up in her sidecar, of course – can’t be doing the perp walk in one of those getups. Btw Gyps your story about being mistaken for a “lady of the evening” had me rolling 😀
Fit I must be your soul sis becase we have the plumber coming by too – must be sitting on a natural spring as the tub AND kitchen sink aren’t draining. Better save my airfare for mr. buttcracks….Wishing you luck with Eamonn, so is he the Peacemaker? He needs to make some of that happen. And you sure pegged our fearless leader CG, yep removing a few cancers, stitch her up, all in a day’s work now off to lunch and shopping – and a big welcome to darling Bonny. Lovely name and means lovely too, I think? Where’s Milena, isn’t that a scottish endearment?
SJ enjoy the last day, what a momentous occasion – hope you’re showered with love and perhaps a few treats to mark the day. Watch out for flying shrimp at the bd dinner.
Dawg, best wishes to you as you prepare for your big trip – definitely no need to fret about FDs, after all we know how to behave otherwise (don’t we??)
Off I go to see the wizard – or the judge, hope my client brings enough money to pay the fines – have never even met him yet! xxx

Hi jade. I’d love to take the credit for creating the magnificent hats but that goes to GG. I just posted them on the thread for her. Aint t she a clever little Aussie. The rest of us just need to somehow come up to her standards when we make ours after a visit to Paddys Market. With the help of a shot or two of Gyps brew…🎉🎉🍹🍷🍉🍓🍌🍊🍋. You will have to start saving your pennies and come to the get together next year to get a ride in Gyps sidecar…I’m sure we will all be lining up for that…🏍🏍🏍Hope your favour to a friend of a friend at court went well. I’m sure you will surpass your expectations. And then it will be time for that chocolate treat!🍫🍫🍫

FIT. At least you know what is causing the pain now and can put a management plan in place. Pleased to see it is settling down. Physio’s in Ireland must be able to do much more than in Australia. I have to go to my neurosurgeon to get a referral for injections for pain in the spine. I get them occasionally for my back pain when the bulging discs are inflamed and won’t settle down with rest. Hope it does not come to that for you. They are not painful but I Always try to avoid if possible.

With all the excitement re the “hats”. I forgot to say that I went to the arthritis specialist today hoping to get the all clear regarding arthritis. The rheumatoid variety…alas that was not the case and I have that as well as the osteoarthritis. Just what I needed. He can’t understand why I am not complaining about sore hands..they are really good compared to the rest of me…puts it down to the fact that I spend so much time in the Hydrotherapy pool…and knitting etc..keeping everything moving all the time. Move it or lose it..anyway what he also could not understand is the absence of any indication of it in my bloods. so it seems that I am a puzzle to him..my OH says that is understandable ..I have been a puzzle to him all of our life.🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔 anyway got away without any additional medication but had to promise that as soon as I get a flare-up I will go to him immediately..so what I had before Christmas when I got the magic pills was indeed an episode of a rheumatoid arthritis so at least that clears that up. Gave me script for some more majic pills in case it gets bad on my holiday. Might need them at the wtf to keep up with everyone!!!🎉💕💐💐. Woke up early this morning after a very good nights sleep. Might try and get another hour before I get up to go to the pool. Bye for now💜💜💜

SJ. You will probably be getting up soon for this very special day….enjoy 💜💜💜

GOOD MORNING AUSSIE DETERMINATORS !
LOTUS AND I ARE SO VERY GLAD THAT YOU ALL LIKE THE WFT REUNION ITINERARY.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR PRAISE OF THE FACINATORS.
I CAN ASURE YOU THAT YOUR CREATIONS WILL BE THE SAME, I AM BRINGING ALL MY BITS AND PEICES WITH ME SO YOU WILL ALL HAVE AMAZING HEADWEAR.

Will look forward to reading your posts later.
What awesome losses you have had with your weight….. see it does happen. This is a healthy attainable WOL that over time allows you to lose the kilos to reach your goal giving you better health at the same time.OUR DETERMINATION IS SO STRONG!
OUR SUPPORT OF EACH OTHER IS ENCOURAGING.
DAWG- HAVE A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY.
SJ-LAST DAY ….REMEMBER YOU HAVE HELPED THESE KIDS IN MANY WAYS BEING THEIR BUS DRIVER IS ONE THING ….YOU HAVE GIVEN SAFTEY ,CARE AND LOVE ALSO.HAVE A BRILLANT FAREWELL.
OK OFF TO THE CLASSROOM FOR THE BEGINNING OF 2 WEEKS OF EDUCATION…….LOVE TO ALL YOU AWESOME LOT…..GO GAL XXXXXX

Hi all. I too slept in and so will just go down to the local pool today to do some exercise.
CG. Know what you mean about being slower. I can do about half as much as I used to do …but absolutely better than being able to do nothing at all….the months I spent in The wheelchair were sooooo frustrating…..😁😡😁😡😁 I too just get on with things and do the best I can and am still enjoying life to the fullest…🎉🎉🎉🎉was hoping that I did not have both types but not to be..just love my sewing and knitting etc. my hands are the best part of me…however after overcoming my cobalt poisoning in my hip and the three ensuing operations that followed then the long recovery from that followed by spinal surgery I am just so happy to be able to walk at all. So life is great..🎉💜🎉💜🎉🎉.as to the injections in the spine..I am still at that stage even after my operation however all have worked well for me so far and what relief they give.
It was good to get affirmation from the arthritis specialist that I am doing everything possible with the hydro pool and mindfullness for pain and rest to keep things at bay..so onwards and upwards and you never know what improvements may still happen..as you say feeling sorry for yourself is absolutely useless.have walker will travel🚗✈️⛵️⛴🚄.I am hoping that once I lose a lot of my weight that things will improve so am so pleased with 5.2 and meeting all you wonderful Aussie Determination legends…So blessed..the people I see at rehab are so much worse off than me ..makes you feel blessed 💜💜💜

Hi all.

GG I haven’t sent contact details because I haven’t received them! I have just checked again.

Annie, can you try again? Or post as GG suggested. I have never had any unwanted emails as a result of posting here.

Your fascinators are wonderful.

PH , you loser! Fantastic!

Fit , glad you know what is happening.

SJ, enjoy retirement!

Gyps always good to read your posts. Shout out to every one else.

Morning folks. Nothing good to report on the weigh-in front. I’m up .3 on last week’s weight with no special events or anything in between. Very frustrating. Have cut out wines on most days & just enjoy when I feel like it or weekends/social occasions. Walking more. Nothing to do but wait I guess.
Ended up making a chocolate slice for the kids play lunch with 100’s & 1000’s all over – actually had a call from GG while I was in the middle of icing them & had to ask her to hold on for a tick while I sprinkled the pretties on! We had hugs & group hugs as well cos it was darn cold & we weren’t dressed for it. Last run this afternoon. One more time to take the alarms off my clock & I’m done! I’ll also make up a little pack of what’s left of the slice as a joke to present to one of the bus drivers who is ALWAYS hungry!! He has stuff on the bus & then he goes & asks the kids if they have any more they can give him; or to the lady bus driver behind him. So I’ll make it really kiddy looking!
Thanks ladies for all your wishes re full retirement. Going to enjoy it absolutely! Have alrady told OH he is giving me brekky in bed tomorrow morning as a double birthday/retirement celebration. Mmm have to think up something simple LOL.
OH PH that’s not hte news you wanted to get re having both arthritis. I’ve always worried that I might have rheumatoid as my mum had it but with a few unexplained aches & pains through the years they’ve tested but never found it. But you have the absolute best attitude to make the most of your situation. Others might fall in a heap with such news but not you!! You’re sure a glass half full kinda girl.
CG you’re in the same boat & you too have a wonderfully positive attitude ALWAYS. Hope the new arrival goes smoothly & that they all welcome little Bonnie.
Jade I too need an explanation of your client/judge/jail thingy. What’s that all about?
Oh Fit no wonder you’re in so much pain. Bulging discs are not pretty. Only had one once & it was nasty. Do hope that your treatment starts to work. Sounds like you had ultrasound – is that what he called it? That’s what helped to fix mine up. I hope he’s also put you on strict rest ie no housework for yourself or your sister, no dancing etc? You really do need to totally rest it & give it time to settle down. {{ }}

Have a cake to deliver to a gentleman from church whose wife had a stroke a few days ago. Tried to deliver last night but couldn’t find his place. Will get better instructions this time! Didn’t take my phone darnit!! Then I need to try & talk him into receiving some meals from the care team – he won’t be a pushover. Says he’s been cooking for his family since he was 9. And I can quite believe it but now he has 2 hour’s travel every day to go & see his wife & he’s in his 70’s at least. Would be nice for him to be able to just get home & heat something up.

Have a great day all & enjoy your feed days – whatever you set your heart on is allowed! Just exercise portion control. suejen XXXX

Ah, CG, what about “Paddy”? In honour of Fit’s St Patrick’s day. But I like Danny Boy, too. Your little farm is getting back up to full production then? Do you sell them off when they get big? or are they family? Lucky cows. You’ve really shot ahead, can you just hear yourself talking so positively about all that hard work? After the year you’ve had, with 2 major ops. So very good to see. Reckon you’ve earned your whiskey. Enjoy!

FIT! I’m touched!…yes, yes, I know you knew about the head, but it’s me heart now… I mean, pressies! all the way from Ireland? Oh, you make it so real! whatever it is, thankyou so much for being part of us. You WILL be with us! Certainly in every spirit! as we sip…. hmmm… green drink…..crème de menthe? not fond of it meself, but any takers? what about that green watermelon thingy that comes in the canned premixes? Can do the alcoholic essence to add lemon or soda to.

Or do we find an Irish pub with green beer? Before or after gorging on Chinese, lunch? possibilities are endless for this shindig. (I may definitely order a wheel chair to go home! If not half way through) Ooo! Dear! Evil thought, Irish coffee for breakfast! Have to be in the coffee shop, I don’t make whiskey …. hmm, can one hire mobility scooters in Sydney? I’ll have the purple one (ought to be able to drive one’a those drunk… only got stop ‘n’ go, don’t they? Wheee!… hic..) . Fancy a race around the harbour in our Miranda hats, girls? (Just kidding) … tho… come to think of it, the hogs club down there owe me one, I put half a dozen of them up during a storm on their Northern run a while back. They all gave me cards in case I ever passed through their patch. Fancy a whizz through traffic on the back of a Harley, ladies?
Nah? Might be more fun around the Northern beaches next year? But first things first. Need something green for Paddy’s day, Oo! goody, I don’t have anything green….shops!

I have my coke bottle full of $2 coins, My spending money, painless. And the airfares and unit are paid for. It’s stress free and fun all the way this end. Will start another bottle for next year. (will let you all know what one holds when I count up for the bank.

FiT, Glad you now know what’s up with your neck, but I’m with PH, seems like a lot of diagnostic power for a physio???? Has he not at least suggested a Neuro consult? Disk protrusions and erosions are a surgical field. And new treatments are really successful. They have a procedure now where they pretty much use a type of bone cement to shore up and repair without major gouging, fusion and trauma. (so I’ve heard) I would be extremely wary of who sticks needles into your spinal complex. I have had a bone graft at cervical level (for fractured vertebrae) and a spinal cyst removed from the lumbar region. Nerve pain is horrid, but very specialized. To my knowledge, oral cortisone is usually tried before injections are considered and don’t believe our physios even have the power to prescribe them. Anyhow, not trying to confuse you, just concerned. and many nerve injuries settle with time and rest, so yours sounds promising. Take care.

And Annie, glad you glided through the court experience , that sounds confusing, too, were you theres as a character witness for someone? so glad the plumber has sorted you boilers out. Do wish you both were attending WTF.

GG, You Mad Hatter You! Be glad of your directorial ass istance over drinks , on the hat issue. I have a cream, basic fascinator to decorate, will stuff it into the port. Definitely want one of those bright pink feathers, plus a tangerine and black one. And Fit’s idea of a scarf for the turban effect sounds intriguing. Am I sounding like a bower bird, much? Second childhood is such fun!

Wonder what happened to Iannie? Think our talk of bowels and fashion put him off?

Gotta move. All my exercised muscles are going stiff. But I was 74.4 kgs this AM. some movement. Hope it sustains (but buggered up my BTB with another fresh pawpaw, oh, well… ) Keep ya’ belly flat, boobs up and ass in, everyone. It’s Friday. Pub raffles,me. xxGyps

I deffo sent it UP so just went into my sent mail and resent as well as posted my phone number on here. No probs.
Today I was good and bad. I had lunch at the quay and just had 8 cooked prawns but then I had some hot chips and a few slices of my friends pizza. The pizza was thin with not much sauce or cheese and just a slice of prosciutto so not too bad. Then we walked all the way around to Mrs Macquaries chair and along the road past the art gallery to Hyde park and then Martin place where we stopped at the Lindt cafe. Then I had an iced chocolate and a macaron. I had intended on a cup of black tea but it was too hot. Then I walked some more which was good. So far I’ve done nearly 13000 steps today. I will skip dinner. My fitness pal has no clue about iced chocolate drinks so I estimated the contents. I’ve done 1900 cals today which is only a bit past my proper allowance but well over my 1550 goal. Never mind. I had a nice day and would have walked off most of the excess I think. Total walk time was 2 hrs and that’s just the long walks I did. Fitbit doesn’t count walks under 15mins. It is 30c now at 6:30pm so was way hotter than that when I was walking. I’m a crazy person but the harbour was lovely.

Nah, CG, Call it wishful thinking. 84’4. ….. but better than nuthin’. We plod on.

Barb, it’s lovely to hear from you again. Hope life settles down for you and gives you time to catch your breath.
Jade, things are moving on well on both the health front and with my sister. She reluctantly accepted that she would give respite in a nursing home a go for one week on condition that she would then come home…..there’s still a long way to go before accepting that she needs to go into a home full time. However, it’s a good and positive start, so we’ll go with that for now. Hope you don’t have too many papers to mark over the weekend and I hope all the patients are well again so that Florence can go back into retirement! Try to get some time to yourself and get out into pleasant weather xx

Oh Jade that would be fantastic if you made it to Ireland in the not too distant future! Don’t know how we’d top the Carmen Mirandas on the backs of Harleys but I suppose we’d come up with something!