Happy Birthday Jojo, sparklers at midnight, how brilliant!!! I love sparklers, sounds like a brilliant party with good friends. The best kind. I hope you are having a wonderful day today. The sun has been shining all day in celebration. Have fun 🙂

Feel pleased with myself this evening – entertained by family members at a hotel and saved up my NFD cals for later in the day except for 2 slices wholemeal toast with scraping of olive spread and some coffee for brekkers and a plateful of cooked green veg at lunchtime
Limited my drinks to a tomato juice and a med glass of white wine and then had soup and fish plus lots of salad missing out potatoes
Enjoyed some nice Italian bread with jut a scraping of butter and a coffee with no choc mints and still reckon I’ve kept within my limit I’ve set myself – diff to be accurate but I’ve tried to be generous on quantities in the fitness pal calculator- really useful!!

WELCOME to 2015

• Our Phones – Wireless
• Cooking – Fireless
• Cars – Keyless
• Food – Fatless
• Tires –Tubeless
• Dress – Sleeveless
• Youth – Jobless
• Leaders – Shameless
• Relationships – Meaningless
• Attitudes – Careless
• Babies – Fatherless
• Feelings – Heartless
• Education – Valueless
• Children – Mannerless
• Country – Godless

We are SPEECHLESS,
Government is CLUELESS,
And our Politicians are WORTHLESS !

I’m scared S**tless and find the above “Priceless”!

Good morning from Melbourne!
Nicky 24 forecast here today – yay! Loved, loved your quotes – priceless but sad too as so true!
Hi Aussie Oma – don’t panic, just hang around here and it will rub off – agree with Nicky, you will get there!
Well done pen nib, your self control muscle is working well!
Oh Wee – I got goosebumps reading your post. Its wonderful that you treasure your dear Dad so much.
I wonder if Jojo is in bed yet? I seriously doubt it!!
Aiming for a good fast day today, the sunshine will definitely help…
Cheers all xx

Hello Fast Trackers
Nicky Emel comespring and Aussie O in South Australia Nama in Victoria Bay in ACT PVE in NSW WiWi in France & Barata in NZ and Jojo SAMM HappyNow Amazon Herm Lizzy Ply Tartan lass Smiffy Lor_PA CakeyWakey Sarah103 HealthCoachB and Hello World (You All know Who You ARE) 😉
Got my walk on early this morning and rolled off a 8km before work got in the zone and missed my turn off 😳 A liquid day today I did think a four day bender might be the go I will see tomorrow my body does not like being 68kg much better at 70-71kg so that’s fine I will focus on the jelly belly and a small envelope just on one side due I think to a car accident ten years ago. 19/5 is still the daily format pushing the window out to 5pm -10pm now with the summer time looming Mon-Thurs day fast and 15000 steps in warm glorious sunshine the paddocks are not as green now and signs of yellowing on the tips of the pasture feed drying out for sure.AO I have been thinking of you not around much from a daily poster I’m glad to see you today.
Nicky quality fun stuff and full of truth albeit (sadly)
Ok cool cats lets get our fast on 😆
Eat Fast & Live Longer
Peace RT

Good morning one and all. I cannot believe that I am awake as under six hours is simply not enough time for me to recharge my batteries. I am feeling a tad down as my weight is not shifting despite my efforts, oh well , shall commit to a fast today and keep chipping at it. Mmmmm I went to sign up for the gym yesterday but have to wait for a call back. I do not want to lose the momentum so hope I can start by tomorrow. My eldest son returned from his car trip to to Queensland and New Siuth Wales – he drove all day from Victoria to start work at 6 pm and then came and stayed the night with us. He lay on my bed until midnight talking about his experiences – I cannot believe he has grown up and yet still will ( on occasion) chat away as if he was still seven years of age. He has just received confirmation that he is to study in Milan next semester so I have to accept he has indeed ” grown up”.

Hi everyone, taking a few minutes at the end of my lunch break to check in. FD going reasonably well so far (total 70 cals to date) so as long as I keep my cool and stay away from temptations I should finally manage a true FD (I’ve planned on having a light meal tonight of 300 cals, mainly veggies with a tiny piece of chicken, 107 cals of grilled chicken to be exact). Have to run, chat later (btw I’ll try to log in and post each day).

Good FD yesterday and achieved my goals! Great to put on clothes that are two sizes lower! Finding one size up is now way too big so throwing these things out or going to keep my favourites in reserve and have them all altered professionally when I reach my ideal weight – what a great goal!!
FD is easier I find when I have things to do which fully absorb my concentration but are also pleasant and enjoyable. If I’m doing something boring or arduous it can be punctuated with pleasant interludes (when I can!)
Having two cups of coffee with a measured amount of semi skimmed milk keeps me going through a FD and I look forward to a planned scrumptious meal padded out with low cal veg like frozen green beans- that works for me!

Good morning all of you lovely people .

Jo jo if you are old I must be ancient lol :).

I got the paint brush out this morning and I have painted the skirting in the back “lobby” as we call it . the wee space at the back door . the sun is shining and it is lovely but a wee bit chilly.

Rt I do a day off here and there pal and I always feel the better for it .

Our DIL kept telling me the other day that I was looking ” wonderful” I just love that girl to pieces ,she is the daughter I always wanted .It was their 30th wedding anniversary yesterday .
Tessy YES crochet is much easier than knitting as I use my arms a lot knitting . I just LOVE trying all the crochet patterns . I have started another style today and just can’t wait to see how it turns out . Go into U Tube and look for ” crochet Geek ” tutorials . She is great and shows you how t do things step by step .

I love looking at all the trees and garden photos you all post on FB. all the things we can’t grow here and are just so beautiful .
just looked in the mirror when passing and I must have stuck my hair to the wet paint lol . .
I am managing to maintain quite well . I LOVE that I can have ” an ice cream blow out” and in a couple of days I am back to where I started . I allow myself a few pound leeway each way ( you know what I mean) .
When I was on “a diet” and I went off I just said to myself ” what the hell” and kept eating . NOW I think I will be back to FD tomorrow and I don’t feel guilty . I never would have believed that I could ever in my life be happy with how I loo in my clothes . A lot of skin needs a good iron:( . And at 73 the elasticity has all gone BUT I can hide that quite well with 3/4 sleeves and I never have worn mini skirts anyway ..wink wink:) .

off to do my crochet :). My head is full of patterns , Guess what people are getting extra with their Christmas this year??? My 21 year old granddaughter wants me to teach her to knit and crochet . Isn’t that great???

catch up later everyone

Take care

Wee xxx

I wrote this about 20 years ago

KATE MY DAUGHTER IN LAW AND FRIEND

I remember the day I met Alec’s Kate
I looked out of the window and down passed the gate
I thought would I like her and would she like me
I thought what does she eat what would I give her for tea
I went into the garden and picked some nice flowers
I tidied and fussed and I polished for hours
He’d told us so much about Kate Alec had
As he sat in the house with just Me and his Dad
I couldn’t stand still and I couldn’t sit down
The thoughts in my head kept going round and around
I thought of the future and what it would hold
I thought of all the nice stories he’d told
Oh! she’s at the door Alec’s letting her in
She said Oh! hello and she gave me a grin
Well from that moment on we’ve been really good friends
But that’s not where this story ends
They’ve been married ten years now and as happy can be
They’ve bought a new house now and live not far from me
They’ve two gorgeous wee girls now what more can I say
So when I look back now to that far off day
All I can think of is HIP! HIP! HORRAH!

Hello My Fellow Fasters,
AO you have a great plan.
RT- Thank you sharing for your plan, I would like to liquid fast with soup, coffee, and tea, I know Jimmy Moore did this for 14 days and with alot of advice. I would have to plan for it.
Nama – Thank you for explaining the four day bender. Yes, I do think RT did not mean alcohol drinking. Especially when he needs to visit his mother in law. What a sweet man you are RT. How is she doing?
Also, Nama, I had to go get my marriage license this year because of health insurance. Never had to have an official one until now. We have been married 27 years. I planning to get a passport soon. I guess I need to find my birth certificate.

Wee- I like your post. It reminds me how I look good in my clothes too. Love this fasting.
Jo jo- I too, like to travel light. You are a minimalist and have money to buy what you need. You go girl. It was your birthday week, scales do not count. Tomorrow you fast.
Take care,
I

Hello Fast Trackers
Nicky Emel comespring and Aussie O in South Australia Nama in Victoria Bay in ACT PVE in NSW WiWi in France & Barata in NZ and Jojo SAMM HappyNow Amazon Herm Lizzy Ply Tartan lass Smiffy Lor_PA CakeyWakey Sarah103 HealthCoachB Tessy pen nib Iona72 and Hello World (You All know Who You ARE) 😉
Yes well spotted Sarah I’m not on a four day bender 😆 Mum is very very sore and sorry for herself right now and a little feisty as she is in the middle of shearing although the farm is leased out and she has no role to play but feels the need to be there anyway and does make awesome fresh cut sandwiches and sultana cake with butter on it that is thicker than the cake 😆 and strong pot tea no tea bag for her. Injuries nil broken bones nil fractures nil bruising massive and some small lacerations on her hands from the iron. Big bump on the back of her head no bra’s for a while so I’m told.. Emphatic she needs to be out before Friday as she sells Royal Flying Doctors tickets outside the bakery then.
Dr tells us it will be next Monday at the earliest however. Thanks for asking Sarah the circle of life is strong
Your family and your love must be cultivated like a garden. Time, effort, and imagination must be summoned constantly to keep any relationship flourishing and growing.
— Jim Rohn
Peace RT

Dear Amazon, please can I come and stay with you, eat your veg chilli, enjoy your apples and then come home with a little jar of Indian spiced courgette chutney or carrot, garlic and ginger pickle, yum 🙂

Hello Fast Trackers
Nicky Emel comespring and Aussie O in South Australia Nama in Victoria Bay in ACT PVE in NSW WiWi in France & Barata in NZ and Jojo SAMM HappyNow Amazon Herm Lizzy Ply Tartan lass Smiffy Lor_PA CakeyWakey Sarah103 HealthCoachB Tessy pen nib Iona72 and Hello World (You All know Who You ARE) 😉
Hi Amazon yes she is a bloody trooper I reckon half of the small town here has been to visit her and y-fee and I need to make an appointment to get into see her 😆
The general feeling through the family and her many many friends is 50/50 from what were you thinking? How could you be so stupid ? your too old for that you should have known better and you could of killed ya self etc. To good on you for having a go for having the confidence and the belief that you can still climb a ladder with a hammer in one hand and some nails in the other that is awesome and you are a champion fantastic effort brilliant and I have to say I am most definitely in the later group.
Ok people lets get our Thursday fast on
Peace RT.
As most of

RT so glad your MIL is on the mend, my Dad did something similar in his late 70’s, I think it was 79, but never fully recovered but that was due to him already having early onset of Dementia and this just seemed to exacerbate it.

Amazon I agree with Sarah, don’t let your friends stop you from getting where you want to be, weight/size wise.

My FD didn’t work on Tuesday as my darling OH decided he’d make dinner for us which was planned for Wednesday, and there’s no way I could say no after all his efforts and as I cannot, at the moment, do B2B today’s the only FD for this week (I have explained, again, to my lovely why we need to keep to certain days for the other meals and he’s said he’ll keep to this from now on).

Had physio Tuesday and am still suffering from this, was in tears last night from the pain, I noticed that my arm was rather swollen and it was visible to others and it is still giving me grief today and is still swollen so I’m going to my Dr to get it checked (feels tight & swollen but also very heavy).

Take care all 🙂

Big hugs AO. So sorry you are still suffering from that arm. X

Hello Fast Trackers
Nicky Emel comespring and Aussie O in South Australia Nama in Victoria Bay in ACT PVE in NSW WiWi in France & Barata in NZ and Jojo SAMM HappyNow Amazon Herm Lizzy Ply Tartan lass Smiffy Lor_PA CakeyWakey Sarah103 HealthCoachB Tessy pen nib Iona72 and Hello World (You All know Who You ARE) 😉
AO disturbing to read of your difficulties may the force be with you and these freebies put a smile on ya dial 😆
HOW TO STAY YOUNG
1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height.
2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.
3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. ‘An idle mind is the devil’s workshop.’
4. Enjoy the simple things.
5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath and your belly hurts.
6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with us our entire life is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.
7. Surround yourself with what you love , whether it’s family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your place. Do with it what YOU want?
8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help from someone who looks healthy and fit.
9. Don’t take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county; to a foreign country but NOT to where the guilt is.
10. Tell the people you love that you love them, and at every opportunity.
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER :
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
We all need to live life to its fullest each day!!
Worry about nothing, appreciate and be grateful about everything!!!
Peace RT

Thanks everyone for your kind words. I must admit the constant pain does pull me down at times, but more so when it is like now. Dr has advised no physio for a couple of weeks, a course of stronger pain relief (oxycontin) for those two weeks plus some anti-inflammatory meds. So it feels like almost back to square one. Sorry if I appear to be moaning that us really not my usual style and will endeavour to not complain for as long as I can, hopefully this will be the last 🙂

Will catch up tomorrow … Thinking of you all, Jojo not long until your trip now, Wee love the knitting and crochet, RT thanks again as without you I would not have a sore tum from laughing so hard 🙂 must run cheers AO 🙂 , again thank you to everyone just for being here 🙂

Hi all,

AO, I’m so sorry to hear that you are still in so much pain, but I’m not surprised as when you told us you were having surgery I realised that it was a bad break and would take a long time to heal. Rest, try to relax, take the painkillers and moan away to us as often as you feel the need.

I am intent on getting to a healthy weight and staying there. The only friend who has said anything negative needs to lose some weight herself so is feeling envious. I hope it spurs her into action, and it doesn’t bother me. It’s my life and I have no-one to rely on so have to look after myself.

Nama, I’m still busy in the kitchen. I’ve got pickled onions, courgette chutney and carrot pickle in the store cupboard, small apple and raspberry tarts in the freezer (mince pie size)apple and raspberry filling also stashed in the freezer. I’ve made coleslaw with the lovely green and red cabbage, carrots and onion which will go well with my lamb chop and sweetcorn this evening.

Everything I have left will keep for a while, but I want to make a squash and prawn curry. A nice hot one with coconut milk in the sauce, so not for fast days. Maybe I’ll do that next week…..

The weather is still fine, blue sky and sunshine but with a fairly stiff breeze that is blowing the washing dry. Autumn is definitely here.

I gave the gym a miss this morning. My back is much better today but I thought another day of rest would be a good idea so I’ll go tomorrow and do a big walk on Saturday if the weather stays dry.

Have a good one everybody ?

Hi everyone:
Emel, AO, RT and comespring in South Australia
Nama in Victoria
Bay in ACT
Purple in NSW
Barata in NZ
Jojo, Smiffy, HappyNow, Amazon, Hermaj, Lizzy, Wee, CakeyWakey, Tessy and Iona72 in UK
Wiwi in France
Applepie in Spain
Ply, SAMM, Lori, HealthCoachB and Sarah103 in US
DJ in Canada;

Wee, such a lovely poem about your DIL. Fantastic to have such a good relationship. Yes, time flies AND also compresses. How else could your son have his 30th wedding anniversary and you only still 37? 😉 Good to hear your dear Dad is still happy and able to get around.

Nama, warm-hot few days to come here. Have a fabulous planting time at Jamieson. What a pain having to deal with bureaucrats. When I got my last passport also couldn’t believe that my ‘original’ marriage certificate, complete with confetti in the envelope, wasn’t considered the ‘real’ certificate. I understood when the patient PO assistant said that those certificates can be bought at newsagents. Do you think there would be a market for Wee’s crochet baby things in footy team colours? Maybe we could pinch her ideas and go into business here in Oz. Like RT, will be cheering for the Eagles – we non-Melbourne types have to stick together. 😉

RT, thanks for the laughs. We drove to Mt Barker the other day and also noticed the grass is starting to get a tinge of yellow in some places. Green grass doesn’t last long in our dry climate does it? A four-day fast/bender? I am in awe of your determination and strength of will but not for this little black duck. Your dear MIL’s fall is worrying but I understand her attitude. Why should she ask for help for something as simple as nailing a bit of iron down? Hope she’s out of hospital soon – not surprised you’re in the encouraging group. I’m about 5 years younger and still get onto the roof to blow the leaves off and out of the gutters when OH can’t for whatever reason. Always did it when he was away for weeks at a time for work and figure if I can still get up there I can still do it. Of course careful, having 3 points in contact with something firm at all times, and I always tie the ladder off for extra stability. You’re so right about family life needing to be cultivated. It takes work to maintain a good relationship otherwise it withers away from neglect, just like a plant.

Amazon, thanks for sorting out my geography. When the cricket WC was in Australia and New Zealand the matches were spread around so the locals could be near a venue at least once. A good idea IMO and also simplifies scheduling the matches. Your cooking and preserving efforts are so impressive. I love to look in the freezer and pantry and feel I could withstand a siege. Sorry you are still having back trouble, hope the long-awaited physio treatment gives you some relief. You’re wise to focus on activities that don’t cause pain. Good responses to your friends: it’s your life, your body and your health!

Emel, lovely story of your almost grown-up son. Sometimes our ‘so mature’ offspring forget their dignity and the younger version peeps out. Milan next semester – how exciting for him, and a trifle worrying for you no doubt. Any progress on the gym front?

AO, sorry to hear the healing seems to be a little in reverse. Hopefully it’s only a temporary situation but go easy on yourself. Are you still working part time? As Nama says, take the meds and easy does it.

Pen nib, well done on achieving your FD goal. So satisfying, isn’t it?

Jo, your departure time is closing in quickly. You say you’re in full deprivation mode. Don’t forget you can also fast on the plane – it’s really so much simpler than eating the rubbish airline food (assuming you’re not travelling first class). I have done it a few times now, although only within Australia so maximum 3 hours but it was an early flight and I just continued for the rest of the day. I was busy with meetings and was able to look at the inevitable plates of muffins, biscuits and sandwiches with amazing (for me) calm, just drinking water and black tea. I had a hard-boiled egg and a banana in my bag and ended up eating them in the taxi to the airport at the end of a very long day. I like to travel light too – it’s not called the white man’s burden for nothing. My best was 8kg in a suit pack for a 3-week trip to the UK, starting in a sleeveless dress and sandals and getting off the plane in boots, trousers, jumper and overcoat, which had been in my hand baggage.

Welcome foomsy – not surprising that you lost lots at the beginning and then slowed down. It happened to most of us. Be patient, this is a marathon not a sprint. The loss will continue and the health and wellbeing benefits will inevitably flow.

Another failed week of fasting for me but next week is another opportunity. Don’t really know what’s wrong but my heart is clearly not in it, otherwise I would not be having any trouble. Have been faffing around the overweight-obese boundary now for weeks. Some people take one DAY at a time but I need to focus hour-by-hour when not at work to avoid absent-mindedly reaching for a snack from the hoard of sweet and savoury stuff OH keeps in the house. I know exactly how you feel Jo – it’s a nightmare! At least today I have at 5pm so far avoided eating between meals and the meals have been within my target TDEE.

Hope you all had/will have a happy Friday. Thanks for the posts – you keep me sane. n xxx

Morning/evening all,

Another lovely sunny day here. No gym again as my back is very stiff and sore despite stretching, anti inflammatories and heat packs. At least physio is in sight.

Nicky, I love to have a full freezer and I like it to be a mix of raw foods and home made ready meals. That means there is no excuse for takeaways as there is always something that can go from freezer to plate in ten minutes with the aid of a microwave.
I have a variety of meals 300-350 calories for fast days, plus some others with around 500 calories. I’ve also got some treats stashed away, raspberry and apple tarts and apple and plum cake which has been frozen in slices. It doesn’t do well in the microwave so eating it has to be planned and the tarts need to be cooked so I can’t open the door and be eating one in seconds!
Don’t worry about not being able to fast at the moment, it’ll pass and you’ll be back on the downward journey soon enough. I’ve been gaining and losing the same few lbs for months now and am still struggling but I’ve set myself a target date to reach goal and haven’t given up on succeeding.
I think my current lack of willpower is due to the now constant pain which is starting to make me miserable and I’m sure that’ll improve as soon as I start my physiotherapy. I’ll continue to fast and work extra hard on non fast days not to dip into the treats too often.

Jojo, You must be so excited about your trip. You’ll have a wonderful time, and there is plenty of really good healthy food available across Australia and I’m sure the same goes for NZ.
Lots of lovely fish and seafood, and if eating out in the cities plenty of opportunities for Asian style spicy foods that you love. If you can continue to fast a couple of days per week you’ll be able to maintain and doing it while travelling is an excellent idea as you won’t be missing out on the opportunity to try a fab restaurant or local speciality while sitting on a plane.

Have a good weekend everybody ?