Good morning everyone.

I thought I’d been doing ok, with 2 strict FDs and fairly controlled NFDs. The scales said otherwise this morning. My clothes were definitely looser, so I was expecting a good number. Hopefully the scales give me better news by the end of the month. Like CG, I have found insulting the scales doesn’t help either.

Neil, I had the same reaction as Cinque to your bazlama bread. I think yoghurt in a flatbread makes the best dough.

Anzac, what a wonderful adventure and memories you’ll have forever of that very special experience.

Thin, it says something that I am no longer surprised by your youthful risk taking – there’s probably a very good reason that you have never met anyone else that hitch-hiked that route through central Africa. Enjoy planning that trip to Rwanda with your daughter – it’s nice to think that someone as well traveled as you can still be inspired to find new adventures.

CG, sorry to hear you have arthritis in your spine. It can take some adjusting to, when your body puts limits on what you can now do. It does sound like you have founds new ways to be happy and enjoy life, regardless of the physical restrictions of an arthritic spine.
I have RA and also some damage to my lower spine. It does get frustrating when I want to do things that my body is no longer capable of safely doing – doesn’t mean I don’t push the limits sometimes.

Cinque, just when you thought you were on a roll the ME reminded you of it’s unwelcome presence. Do you find that with a chronic illness it’s a constant tug of war over who’s in charge? I think you have a better attitude about this than I do.
Here’s hoping today is a better well hydrated day.

Intesha, lovely to hear from you and nice to get a catchup on what has been happening in your life. I remember how worried you were about having to find a new rental property, but I think this one is an improvement on the last – despite the steep driveway. As others have said, I too wish you could find a little more time for yourself.

My exercise has been very erratic this month, mostly because I just didn’t want to venture out when it was hot or humid – usually I can force myself to do it, but not this month. This last week has had milder weather so I’m getting back into a better routine by doing 6-8000 steps a day. Last week was good as I was able to push myself to go for a walk, even on the days I didn’t feel like it. Yesterday I went to Marino Conservation Park with a friend, for a walk up to the old lighthouse and back along the cliff. The vegetation was very dry, but the views were lovely: https://imgur.com/a/492Hws7 It was a steeper walk than I am used to these days, but good for the leg muscles.

Hello to everyone else who is reading. Hope you are all having a great weekend.

LJ, that view looks well worth the effort. I like seeing photos of Oz, everything looks so different, it’s easy to forget. I think my knees will be grateful to get away from all these mediterranean steps.

CG, it would be marvellous to feel so content. I’m sadly a chronic malcontent.

FD is here again and I’m making chicken paprika for dinner.

Where’s everyone else gone?

Anzac’s fabulous photos in Rwanda:

https://imgur.com/EKf1j0m
https://imgur.com/NdRoJWu
https://imgur.com/kSn1vI0
https://imgur.com/FT5NCbd
https://imgur.com/VucaMQw

Good morning all.

Anzac, I hope you enjoyed the concert – despite the unrelenting sun.
Yet another person swearing at their scales – I personally think they immune to all forms of abuse.
I had trouble with imgur a couple of months ago and it seemed to be wanting me to create a login too. After a few failed attempts I saw an option on the screen to return to the previous imgur format and selected that – it has taken me back to the way imgur used to work. I only use imgur on my laptop – because I haven’t figured out how to use it on my phone! So it might be different when used on devices.
Fabulous photos, thank you Thin & Anzac.

CG, sometimes life gets in the road and this thread gets quiet for a day or too. Not good when you are needing to chat, but I’m a prime culprit for going silent when I’m busy or tired.
I absolutely understand you pushing yourself with the gardening, despite your body telling you it’s a very bad idea. I do this too and yes it’s nice to stand back and admire the results.

My FDs and NFDs are both going well at the moment. Fingers crossed it continues.

Take care everyone.

Hi all,

Have been reading posts but too busy to post myself. I have one assignment and my work experience at the gym left to do and then I’ve completed my Cert IV in Fitness, hence why I’ve been silent, too busy with study.

Just a few comments from posts I can remember. Dire Straits concert, yes I also went to the Brothers in Arms concert in Adelaide and in fact, a few weeks ago I unpacked my huge box of concert tshirts that was in the shed and found the Dire Straits one in amongst them all. It was on the 12th Feb 1986 at Footy Park, I would have been 18.

My first 20 years of adult life revolved around music and going to concerts so I have a huge collection of tshirts and concert books. In fact when I looked through the tshirts I’d actually forgotten that I had seen many of them. The most memorable for me was Paul McCartney and Wings (absolutely brilliant) and Bob Dylan (absolute worst – he was awful and in fact he fell off stage – a bit under the influence of something I suspect) but I couldn’t tell if he was drunk or not because his singing was so awful. My all time favourite though is Queen, although I didn’t get to see them with Freddie Mercury, I have seen them twice with Adam Lambert – he has got to be the closest thing to Freddie on the planet – absolutely awesome band and they have been my favourite band since the mid 70’s.

Intesha lovely to hear from you and glad you have settled into your new abode.

LJoyce sincere condolences on the family bereavement and what a lovely and fitting poem.

Thin, still enjoying reading your travel tales and every time I see Rick Stein on the TV where he travels through France on a barge I think of you.

Anzac glad you enjoyed the concert. Can’t recall who commented that they kissed Doc Neeson (Anzac or Thin?) but I had a good laugh because I too managed to get a snog from him in the 80’s or perhaps early 90’s when I was at front of stage at one of the numerous Angels concerts I went too. Reminded me of the bands that I have seen live at least 5 times each, back in the days when Aussie Rock played in local Pubs all the time – Angels, Dragon, Uncanny X Men, Divinys, Hoodoo Gurus, Jimmy Barnes, Rose Tattoo the list goes on.

My weight is still tracking downwards and I’m getting very close to reaching my second goal weight of 59.9kg. Last night I started a 72 hour fast as I haven’t done one for a little while, have done a few 36 hour fasts though. It’s Miss GDay’s 14th birthday in a few days so I will make her a chocolate cake and she’s requested homemade pizzas for tea so just to be polite I will have a slither of cake (I’m not fond of chocolate cake anyway) and my pizza base will be made from buckwheat flour.

The garden is producing an abundance of fruit, vegies and herbs and we have just picked our first apples and pomegranates of the season – absolutely delicious.

Hello to everyone I haven’t commented on – hope everyone is travelling well.

Hi everyone. Fell totally off the wagon the last few days, just bad (yummy) choices, being cross with myself doesn’t help, I need to act on it. The rest of the week will be very strict, I KNOW I can do this. I had my bloods done, which according to my Dr was all normal. Cholesterol low 😃and everything else as it should be. He thinks the weariness is after effects of Covid, and to just rest. What a joke! I do nothing BUT rest, I could sleep on a barbed wire fence. I guess it’s a day by day thing, and have to see it through . I wake up ravenous , so choices aren’t the best, but will nip that in the bud.
Gee all the talk of concerts brings back so many memories, my daughter was a huge Angels fan, and like you all, met Doc quite a few times. I’m a Freddie fan, adored his voice, and agree Adam Lambert is fabulous, but to this day have problems accepting stand ins, or aged rockers looking for their youth. Paul was my favourite Beatle, I saw them when they came to Melbourne, but don’t like listening to his strained voice now. Let it Be Paul…….Let it Be! So, fasting tomorrow 800 Thursday and fasting Frida, just gotta Get Back to TWL 😂, enjoy the evening 🌻CG

Good evening all.

It’s been a busy-ish several days, but it’s great to read all your posts. Had a minor food “lashout” and regained 1.2 kg, but have now reined that in, so I expect to have a reasonable weight loss for February. However, I managed to finish writing a second draft of my introduction and submit it to my supervisors. It’s still way too short, but we’ll discuss that next Monday when we meet together via Zoom.

Good news re the garden – my friend came and removed the trunk/roots of the peach tree so I’ve been able to plant a callistemon there. He also helped me remove a Sydney rock orchid from my front yard. It was HUGE! Needed a saw to cut it into smaller pieces. Two pieces are in two different places at the back (where they can grow to their heart’s content), one piece went to my friend, and the last piece to another friend’s brother, who’s creating a small fernery-type space and appreciated receiving it. I also shifted two rose bushes to the front, so nearly all my roses are there now, and planted yet another callistemon at the back. That’s to attract the birds, once they grow.

Cinque, much as I’d like to wear my smaller clothes, I’ll have to lose another 6-8 kgs first, so another couple of months at least. Oh well, I’m getting there. I always have to buy pants with elastic waists, though, as my hips are much bigger than my waist. Sounds like your CFS is a bit up and down, but really, you manage your symptoms very well.

G’DayfromSA, thin, Anzac65, you and your band exploits! I have to confess – I didn’t even recognise most of the band names 🙁
Well done on nearly finishing your Cert IV in Fitness, G’DayfromSA.

Anzac65, so sorry you and OH are still suffering from the effects of Covid. I hope gradually, gradually, you’ll see improvement. Glad you enjoyed the concert. Your photos from Rwanda of the gorillas are awesome.
Thin, hope you and DD are able to travel there sometime.

LJoyce, good that your FDs and NFDs are under control at the moment.

Countrygal1, I did quite a bit of travelling when I was younger, living for various lengths of time in a few different countries, but I think I’ve come to your position – I like living/ being where I am now, and really don’t think I want to travel again. But, who knows, I guess that could change once my studies are finished. Of course, there’s also the question of money…. 🙂 .

Neil, glad things are settling down with your weight. Your bread sounds yummy.

Intesha, lovely to read your posts, and to echo what others have already said – you need to look after yourself, too, so you can continue to support your dad, so do plan to have a break.

Catch you all next time.

Good morning, Neil positive thoughts for your wife and her surgery. I don’t know what it is for, but medical abilities are brilliant theses days and very safe. It’s daunting of course for you both, but I’m sure God will guide the hands of her surgeons 😘 Anxious eating is to be expected and nothing you wont be able to back track once your wife has the all clear❤️
I’m fasting today, full of determination and vowing to stay on the straight and narrow.
Have a lovely day everyone🌻CG

Neil, all the very best for your wife’s surgery. It’s been such a long wait and it will be great to finally to get it behind you. I bet the surgery will yield a fantastic result, and that your friends and extended family will help get all your ducks in a row to make it happen. Don’t forget to look after your own health though, you can handle these things better from a position of strength.

Betsy, I remember you told us that you’ve lived in China which is exciting enough – where else? I have to admit that travel has definitely lost its gloss in recent decades. Not just the nonsense we’ve been put through to get anywhere by those who with a desire to kill us but the fact that, more and more, places are losing their identity, everyone and everything is becoming the same. The only diversity that’s celebrated is that which occurs in your own country. Even the most remote camping spot in WA finds its way onto someone’s facebook page with a pouty lipstick face in front of it the second it’s discovered.

And then there’s covid. Finally behind us in England – all remaining restrictions lifted as of tomorrow. Well, there is one thing they’ve conveniently omitted to remove, that of the passenger locator form. Funny that.

CG, fasting with you today. I laughed at what you wrote about the ageing rockers – ‘Let It Be’.

BL what a wonderful life and adventure you have had. I hope you kept a journal to reflect back on in your “old age”😂

Countrygal1, at 72, heading for 73 later this year, I suspect “old age” may have crept up on me (ha, ha!) 🙂

Betsy, or BL is it now, thanks for the info. I bet you had many interesting times in all those diverse places (along with the sad ones). I think you were very courageous to live in China all those years, although I am basing that on an assumption which could be wrong, that you were single at the time. Cambodia and Philippines are the only two in SE Asia I’ve not yet seen. Still not the same as living/working in a place as you were.

CG, ha ha re: pesky scales. Fast meal was delicious leftovers from Sunday’s chicken paprika. I had only eaten half an orange until that point and was ravenous. I’m also hoping for better things on the scales but OH is already making noises about tomorrow’s potential restaurant fare. At least you only have yourself to grapple with! One more week of this hopeless advancing and retreat to the trigger weight and then back into a proper routine.

Hi Neil, sending healing thoughts across the ditch for your wife’s operation next week. I can only imagine the stress and anxiety. Please let us know how everything goes

Good evening all.

Well, I have managed to lose 0.7 kg of the 1.2 that jumped on, so I’m hopeful that I’ll get it off again by the end of February. I still have so much to lose that it’s not too difficult to shake lose a couple of kgs once I get past my sticking weight.

Thin, living in China was fairly easy as I was an ESL (well, in China, an EFL) teacher in various universities, so their international offices are responsible for the care of their teachers. As well as a (relatively small) wage, room and board were provided. The only thing I had to pay for was my phones (landline and mobile), and whatever food and traveling around I did. For foreigners, it was fairly safe at that time. And every year they paid for a return ticket home during their longer academic holiday over the summer. Financially, basically, all I managed to save during the academic year, I spent on my 6 or so weeks home in Australia, so I never managed to save anything, but it was a great experience. Loved the students, loved the food. Much fewer “indulgences”, so my weight was lower than it is now (sigh!).

Cinque, good to read your update. Seems like you need to ease off a little on your activities, if at all possible. My other friends with ME/CFS are the same in needing to carefully pace themselves.

Neilithicman, I do hope your wife came through her surgery okay, and is or will be home again quickly.

Countrygal1, good point re remembering. I have to make myself pay attention to things I’ve done, especially routine daily tasks. Otherwise I think – yes, I remember doing that, but was it today or yesterday? 🙂

Thin, I think I prefer the Betsy, though provided I recognise to whom the remarks are being directed I guess it doesn’t really matter.

Anzac65, hope you and OH are doing better with the energy.

LJoyce, hope your FDs and NFDs are continuing to go well.

Good night everyone.

Hope everyone is having a lovely weekend. The scales were kind this morning, creeping me another 0.3 kg closer to the low point I reached earlier in the month. Hoping that by Monday, I’ll be 2.5 kg down for the month (hope, hope!)

Sorry, have to go out very soon so can’t write more. Very sorry to hear, Countrygal1, that you’re still fighting that awful post-Covid fatigue, like Anzac65 and her OH. It sounds most unpleasant!

Onward and downwards 🙂

Morning all, joining you on your FD, Cinque. My plans were thwarted though as the most enormous supermarket I’ve ever set foot in, didn’t have any asparagus last evening. Shops are closed on Sundays so , unless LJ appears to tell me how many green beans I can steam in place of 85g of asparagus, I will have to do some research (no kitchen scales here). Not that green beans will go nearly as well with smoked salmon and a poached egg. A cursory check tells me that I can have three. Oh boy.

CG, your sleep description reminds me of a time many decades ago when I suffered the most awful jetlag ever and slept deeply almost non-stop for a week. I literally could not break out of it.

Betsy, I’m hoping to join you with much better numbers on the scales when we return to our routine on the boat this coming week. I can’t believe how poorly I’ve done this past two months. I don’t like excuses but, if I have any defence, it’s that we are now in our tenth accommodation in two months. Constantly adjusting to different kitchens, improvising, buying unfamiliar Spanish food products – coupled with a lot of indefensible behaviours like failure to say no to sugary delights and vino tinto. When we get back on the boat this week, we have so much to do that I think my mind will be too busy to focus on food.

Neil, it’s this Thursday for your wife’s surgery, I believe? Let us know how it all goes. All the best.

I do believe it is our lovely friend LJ’s birthday today! If yes then I hope you are having a truly lovely day

Just back home from our nice 4 days down the coast and have approximately 7 million things to put away and do before my Dad comes for dinner so just a quick post for the Birthday Girl and to say hi

Happy birthday LJ, have a great one.

Thin, yes Christchurch is where the surgery is. There is only one neurosurgeon in Dunedin and he’s swamped. The Chch team apparently do hundreds of the surgeries my wife needs. Because we have to travel for it the government pays our travel costs, and accommodation costs up to $100 per day, so I only have to pay the hotel they’ve booked me into $10 per night.

Wish us luck and I’ll check in when I’m back.

LJoyce wishing you a lovely birthday, hope you make it a day to remember.
Neil all the best for your wife’s surgery, stay positive, it’ll be behind you soon.
I’m at my son’s at the moment, I have to go to Peter Mac, our main cancer hospital tomorrow, and I wont drive in the city these days, so he is taking me in. Just a check this time, phew….Lovely to have time with him, and my daughter who doesn’t live far away, called in after work to see me, it’s wonderful when we are all together. No 5;2 for the time I’m here being spoilt☺️Catch up soon 🌻CG

Quick check-in just to say that I lost 2.4 kg over the month of February. Not as much as I was aiming for, but satisfactory all the same.

Neilithicman, thinking of you and your wife as she faces the surgery. For some reason I thought it was on Thursday of last week. Silly me

LJoyce, if thin and Anzac65 were right re your birthday – happy, happy birthday for the 28th and I hope your day was blessed.

Goodnight everyone

Hello everyone,

My Sunday fast day pretty much managed to be a fast day, and yesterday was good too. Tried on dresses from the ‘other wardrobe’ 😉 and a couple have gone into this wardrobe. Woot! And a few more are close.

Neil, thanks for the update. Sending a steady stream of good wishes and I will have a candle alight on Thursday and be wishing the best in its steady light.
Hooray for modern medicine and modern hospitals and that you are pretty much the best country in the world, covidwise, even though the current numbers are growing so fast locally.

Anzac, hooray for four days away and dinner with your dad.
Thinking so hard of people facing flooding emergencies at the moment <3 <3 <3

CountryGal, high five to you in Melbourne, so close! I hope it is an easy friendly appt. Hooray for useful sons!

Betsy, cheers! I go about 1kg down a month at my best, so I am super impressed at what you have managed.

Haha Thin, exactly.

Lots of good wishes to everyone. I am planning to fast tomorrow and then on Thursday I’m heading up to Bendigo (in the afternoon, so that candle will burn all morning), with my daughter and granddaughters for a memorial on Friday. I am glad to go but it is a big trip and I might need to hunker down to recover afterwards. See you on the other side. (Ofcourse, I might see you tomorrow!)

🙂

LJ, that aged care facility sounds fabulous. Our elderly, long-time Perth neighbour did something like that. It was a huge initial outlay requiring the sale of her home but the family would get it back upon her death – I suppose the capital being used by the company in the meantime. Pleased you had a lot of birthday celebrations, welcome to the sixties and all the perks you previously mentioned. On a long walk across town, we found a small convenience store open on Sunday selling asparagus so my FD meal was saved albeit at an alarming price. Thanks for the tips on chard/spinach which would have gone well. Green beans only considered because I already had some. I’ve managed to use almost everything food-wise in preparation for our departure tomorrow so very little food waste. One final meal out today and then back into a healthier routine. Laughed at LIVID.

Cinque, happy days moving clothes from wardrobe 2 to wardrobe 1. And great about the two good eating days. Take it easy on the big trip.

CG, best wishes for your follow up appointment and a lovely day with family.

Off to enjoy our final full day in the sun on the terrace overlooking the Med.

Quick hello,
Fast Day!

Good points Betsylee, and being a lot more active than me too, hopefully you can lose faster than me. I think the average is 2kg a month.

Yes, again, I had already lost 15kg when I began 5:2 and then lost another 15 (in 15 months 😉 )

LJoyce, that is the nicest sounding aged care place I have heard of. I do hope your aunt settles in nicely and you have many lovely cuppas with her in the cafe.

Thin, I hope it was a lovely last full day in the sun, looking at the Mediterranean.

Best wishes all x

Morning everyone, quick shout out to all who are affected by the weather and floods up north. Horrendous news coming in daily showing the struggle to survive, my heart and prayers to you all🙏
My hospital visit was good, I suffer from many skin cancers, Had quite a few burnt/frozen off yesterday,…..all due to being a sun lover all my life. I have had
many skin grafts, often unable to weight bear for months depending on the site of the op, feet, lower shin, yet still love the sun but with more caution. It is hotter now, to extreme you can feel it searing your arms when putting the washing on the line. Don’t know if it’s just here in Australia, but unable to stay out in it for long, low 20’s are lovely but any hotter, no way.
My diet went belly up whilst in Melbourne, but fasting today🥴I’m not getting the same loss I did when I first did 5;2 a few years back, might be age, meds, related, who knows, also maybe I stared back during a plateau? Anything is possible 😂but not being a quiter will soldier on😃
Enjoy your day everyone, stay safe 🌻CG

Oh Neil that’s awful, extra stress neither one of you need. At least she can hear your voice on the phone, try to stay positive 😘🌻CG