Day 20, London, UK, NFD

The scales are not playing ball at the moment despite my consistency and downright angelic behaviour ……………….. is the weekend catching up with me??? That was a FULL 3 days ago!!😡😡

I remember seeing a documentary about Koko the gorilla, absolutely fascinating! Although Bo-Bo can’t sign (lack of opposable thumbs & all that!) he’s pretty good at communicating! When he kicks his water bowl over, it means ‘let me out now, I’ve got a date!’ when he follows me around winding his way around my ankles like a furry trip hazard, it means ‘feed me now, before this gets ugly’ and when he sits on my lap kneading and kneading and kneading🙄, it means ‘as comfy & warm as this bed is it needs levelling off, so shift around until I’M happy ………… please!’😺😺

Ah yes @funshipfreddie, I got that one in 2 but I dithered for ages between going for the obvious SPELL rather than SPELT!! I’m not sure Usain bolt would call it ‘a tie’ as I sauntered over the finish line 8 mins after him!!! (In truth, 8 mins is a bit optimistic!!🤣🤣)

Good grief @at, that sounds traumatic! Both wrists!! I just can’t (don’t want to) imagine having to cope hands-free until they heal.😥

I’m off to ‘manage’ my unreasonable scale expectations!!!

‘If nothing changes, nothing will change’

Day 20 – Rural Nebraska, USA – NFD – 160.8

I decided to make yesterday a regular FD and ended up with about 300-350 calories, and called it good. And then I slept 9 straight hours, and called that even better.

Today is pork burritos at home for lunch, and sloppy joes at church for supper, the last of the church meals. It’s lovely to walk in and just eat, but I far prefer when I plan and prepare our own meals, so I’m just as glad to have them over.

@at A simnel cake–how cool! That’s a new recipe for me, so after a delightful fifteen minutes of browsing various recipes, I’ve pinned several. That’s my calorie-free version of baking. 😂 I’ll bet your cake goes down a treat! And so sad about the gal who walked with your group for the first time. Reminds me of last fall sometime when two of my then-eleven piano students broke a wrist in the same week–that was a high percentage of my students, and sure made it hard to play piano!

Thanks, everyone, for the good wishes on my back. The ibuprophen managed the pain until the regular motions of life, plus 24+ hours distance, took care of the pain, and I’m fine now with only tiny twinges that’ll be gone tomorrow. Irritates me that I’m apparently in such bad shape that the little bit of lifting I did had such dire (well…relatively speaking) consequences.

My mind is racing with all the various things that need doing by Easter and then by April 11 when we (finally!) fly to Indiana. We’re hosting Easter dinner again this year, and will have Crown Roast of LAMB–a first for us. Anyone done that before?

Okay, I’m again off to be productive. 😉 Have a grand one, everyone!

USA. Day 20. FD

Pocket List
@ccco

Hope everyone is a great day!

Day 21 Auckland FD 74.7kg

I’ve gotta keep walking the line… My mojo is OK but without much enthusiasm… I need a woosh!! And to remind myself that the excess weight around my midriff and hips is what the next few kgs are about. I replaced my baggy jeans and now the new ones are baggy so I’m keeping them up with a belt until I get to 70kg… My shirts are too big also. A word of advice for those on the downhill. Don’t save up your favourite clothes for something special. WEAR THEM NOW!!! Suddenly they become too big and don’t have that X factor anymore… Luckily shoes don’t change size!!!

@at Gosh That’s pretty unlucky to do both wrists in…What an upsetting event for your walking group as well…
Simnel Cake! I have my gt grandmother’s recipe which I have never made so I’m going to dig it out!! And the Easter biscuit recipe from my grandma. I also have a great hot cross bun recipe from the Times which I make with the sourdough starter.
Good on you @excelsior12309!! Judging by my sudden Easter recipe enthusiasm after reading @at’s post it might be better to drink beer rather than make Easter treats…
@flourbaby Bo-Bo obviously trained you. With Koko it was the other way around!!
Hang in there. The weekend excesses will dissipate…
@brightonbelle Sending healthy thoughts to you!
@stitchincarol Yum! I haven’t cooked a crown roast but have eaten one and made the wee white hats that decorate it!
https://www.agfg.com.au/recipe/crown-lamb-roast
@northgeorgia Do take care of yourself… and that also means eating sensible amounts of good quality food and drink…

Cheers everyone! 11 days to go!!

Pocket List🐑
Merry🍎

Day 21 2nd post

@stitchincarol Here’s the other site I meant to add
https://www.nzspringlamb.com/new-zealand-spring-lamb-crown-roast-racks/

Day 21, London, UK, CD

Aiming for a controlled day today as I woke up STARVING!!! Nothing to eat yet, but I’m currently enjoying a lovely mocha with cream, not very controlled, but lunch & dinner will be veg heavy, although the cauliflower cheese for dinner is probably 50% cheese!!!

@northgeorgia, sending some healing vibes your way, and also to you @stitchincarol, you don’t have time to be poorly!!😄😄

@merryapple, I agree, as you lose weight you need to make use of all the ‘special occasion’ clothes before it’s too late!! A trip to the supermarket in your ballgown is NOT out of the question!!!

It was a close call @penz, but I’m 1lb down this morning after a NFD, so (almost) all is forgiven!!⚖

@jaifaim, I’ve never had a Dexa scan, I must do some investigating!

I seem to be struggling with time management at the moment, everything takes twice as long as expected and there’s definitely fewer hours in the day!! Having said that, my procrastinating trait is in full effect!!!🤣🤣

Onward & downwards folks!!!

@funshipfreddie, wherefore art thou???😕

“Ensure that your goal outweighs your temptation“

Day. 21-No. VA USA-NFD

Words of advice for you, @stichincarol: Instantread thermometer for baking and taking temp. of roasts, etc–greatest kitchen device ever! The lamb roast will be delicious.
Off to early doctor’s appt. for my husband. Will try to check in later.
Stay strong, fasters!

Day 22 UK CD

Oh dear we are a poorly lot at the moment , wishing all a speedy recovery I’m with you in the not ill but “off” camp @jaifaim , hoping a couple of steady days will see this pass 🤞

I think she might end up regretting crossing you @funshipfreddie – looking forward to hearing how Gategate progresses

Lambs a favourite of mine @stitchincarol I imagine your crown will be perfect 👑

Off to try a bit of gentle yoga 🧘 to try and restore Have a good day all

Day 21 – Rural Nebraska, USA – WFD

Was awake for two hours in the night, and finally fell back to sleep, but now I’m running late.

@funshipfreddie I love @brightonbelle‘s name for your situation, and also look forward to hearing the outcome of Gategate!

@northgeorgia Glad you’re better!

@merryapple Thanks for the two recipe links; I’ll enjoy reading them. Between those and DS27’s mad cooking skills, we’ll be great, I’m sure. The kid can read something and remember it three years later–he’s amazing. But it’s always nice to know what’s going to happen, so that’s where recipes come in, giving me the info I need to plan the meal’s timing, etc. He’s a better cook than I am, but I’m far better at accomplishing whatever time I’ve set for a meal. Together? We’re seriously dangerous. 😂😂😂

@penz I do hope you’re better today!

@excelsior12309 You’re absolutely right; I have a complete set of digital thermometers, including a cordless instant read one, and they make all the difference.

I cut out the fifth of six giraffes yesterday and reflected on how fun it is to get into my sewing room and accomplish a bit here and there throughout my days. I also bought pansies on Tuesday and got them planted and put out yesterday. My two-page to-do list doesn’t stand a chance of besting me! 😁💪🤣

Okay, I’m off to church to accomplish my duties there. Have a grand one, everyone!

Pocket List – Day 21 🐑
@merry🍎
@funshipfreddie
@ccco
@stitchincarol WFD

USA. Day 21. FD

My regular fasting day is going well today. So far no cheating! :). It’s a boring day, as I have to wait for the workmen to complete my new bathroom, so can’t go out! That does set me up for temptation out of boredom. :(. I am keeping my fingers crossed in hopes of keeping myself out of trouble.

Merryapple, I have a mojo problem, too. I wish I could sustain myself better for longer periods of time. Tomorrow, I am going to try another WFD. I need that whoosh, too. It is more likely to come after a WF! 🙂

I have yearly Dexa Scans. After a certain age (which I am), they are important, especially for women who are of North European extraction. My doctor says that is the group most at risk for fractures, as we age. I discovered that I have osteoporosis (also a high risk for North European women). I have a number of fractures over the years, so you all need to be careful!

Sorry we have some friends not up to snuff right now. I found that my allergies are back full force with the onset of spring! No fun!

Northgeorgia, glad you are feeling better! Penz, hope you are better today, too!

Good luck with all that FUNSHIPFREDDIE. I have a neighborhood association that dictates all that. It can get dicey. That fence you put in sounds lovely but there are always complainers around. If I do anything outside my house, including repainting or putting in a new roof, I must request permission beforehand from the neighborhood association, even if the paint color remains the same. They also dictate what our window style. I believe I have to ask permission for plants to be removed but I drew a line there and removed a lot of plants. No one has complained, thank God! The old people who lived here before planted a jungle, which was half dead by the time I got here. I ripped it all out and told my neighbors that none of my plants can be taller than I am. This way I can take care of them myself! I ripped out almost everything and now my property is simple and neat.

To those of you who supple us with wonderful recipes, I rarely mention them. They are all so good but I need to ignore them or I will be cooking and eating up a storm. They will have to wait until after my 5:2 is successful!

I hope you all are having a great day! I am dying to get outside before it rains again! 🤗👍

Day 22 – Ireland – CD- 🚫 ✅ 🚶‍♂️ 🌾
157lbs … groan 🙃

Hurrah! Welcome back @daffodil2010 👋 so very glad to hear you are well and just needed to take time out.. no better place than Malta to help with the reset process.
We missed you lots so just happy to have you back. 💕 🌼

@funshipfreddie good to hear you are on the case of the white gate or Gategate (brilliant @brightonbelle 😂) and totally agree, who wants a brown or beige scheme throughout an entire village/complex. it sounds to me like Judy has no case!

@ccco great to see your chat… I have regular dexa scans too and so far have no issues thankfully. Strength training is so important for those with osteopenia/or at risk of osteoporosis – i should be doing more of it….sounds like your gardening has you sorted in that area. 🏋️‍♀️ 👩‍🌾

@stitchincarol bravo on the giraffes 🦒⭐️ sounds like you are having proactive times… I’m in the procrastination camp this week with @flourbaby and not getting enough done… and I’m super busy so they don’t go together well.

@merryapple I have so many shoes 😂😂 you’re so right! Wear the clothes…⭐️ I hope you are doing ok 💕 🌸

Hope everyone is feeling a little better and @penz did you have the FD? You are right this year is just whizzing by!! @at

I’m honestly not sure what has set me back so badly this week weight wise having got back to maintenance for 2 days but have been feeling off/low/unproductive so maybe it’s all tied in.
Today the sun is shining ☀️ and I’m off to work… hey ho hey ho 🎵

Onward and downward ⬇️
We rise by lifting others 💕

Day 22, London, UK, NFD

I forgot I’m attending an informal leaving ‘do’ for a colleague this afternoon, I may (or may not) partake in a glass of vino, so I’m calling it a NFD, to avoid any angst later on!! 😌

@funshipfreddie ………………. “Take HER down!!!”😡😡 She sounds like a nightmare, unfortunately it’s true that “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely” Love the “Gategate” @brightonbelle🤣🤣 I’m eagerly awaiting the next update too!! I truly wish the gate had been hot pink!!! Brown/beige?? I think that might hasten some resident’s ‘final’ journeys!!😮🤣😮

Good to know you’re feeling better @northgeorgia!! Drugs, drugs & more drugs!!💊💊💊

The stars have aligned and …………………….. @daffodil2010 is BACK!!! So good to hear from you! I know when I stepped ‘away’ from the challenges, I lost the plot & piled on the timber (hence all the shout outs to you, I wouldn’t want anyone to follow my path to destruction🤯!!) Other life stresses didn’t help, but falling out of love with myself was the biggie; so I’m thrilled it was only 3lbs for you!!!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

@jaifaim, I feel like I’m wading through treacle trying to get ‘stuff’ done ……………………. Considering the ‘stuff’ is what I get paid for, I need to pull my finger out!!😜

Stay strong folks!!

“Every storm cloud eventually runs out of rain” – Maya Angelou

Day 22 – USA/GA – NFD

Weigh-in: 229 lbs. Antibiotics continue for several more days, which means no FDs for a while. I’m just going to not get carried away with meals and avoid snacking. I am feeling better though!

Awaiting the next episode of Gategate. I hope our hero wins 😉

Day 22 – Rural Nebraska, USA – NFD

Had a truly tough day yesterday, and even cancelled the three piano lessons, and took some chill time for myself, and finally felt better. Today, I plan to cross lots of things off my list, as I’m sure that will make me feel better yet.

So in that spirit, I’m going to scoot.

Have a grand one, everyone!

Day 23 Auckland FD 74.8kg

I’m managing to stay in the 74s despite eating late last night – Shepherd’s Pie made with the lamb roast leftovers accompanied by beer, wine and a blokey friend who ate 3/4s of it luckily!!
@penz and @flourbaby I have been to the supermarket in my striped pyjamas for a bet. I don’t own a ball gown as such… I do have a rather sack like silk dress with an interesting dark knitted argyle printed pattern on it which functions as my best dress but my girlfriend has just told me it is too big now…🙁 She shops at the quality recycle clothing shops so maybe I will have to take a deep breath and have a look…
@funshipfreddie Go you!! Fight the good fight and put an end to shoddy colour schemes and corrupt dictatorships💪😇
@stitchincarol Take care and everyone else with the ‘only one week to go’ blues.
Tomorrow morning is the Westie and Scottie Club walk. I am still on the national committee so will gird my loins and join it.
Have an enjoyable Sunday!

Day 23 – Ireland – CD- 🚫 ✅ 🚶‍♂️ 🌾

A great CD yesterday… my day went north while yours went south @ccco – it’s strange when days just go like that.

@merryapple I will be thinking of you tomorrow 🐶❤️

@funshipfreddie I have just one question… who in their right mind (or wrong mind) would have a fountain painted brown????? 🟤 ??? And get away with it??? Time to rise up I say!

Onward and downward ⬇️
We rise by lifting others 💕

Day 23 – Ireland 🇮🇪 – NFD

Having a super lazy Saturday so far. Not minded to do much but sit about and relax, and right now I am in my bed and considering a wee nap after posting here ☺️

Thanks for the welcome back, things seem to be getting back to normal. My mood is much brighter and I feel content with life. I more than likely had some low level,depression fir the past 6 months or more, looking back I remember that I did not really look forward to anything or felt much joy in things that I normally would have loved. Hmmmmm.

Anyway, plans now stirring for the future, getting excited about things again.

Malta was just the tonic. And as I have finally caught up on all posts, I wanted to let @brightonbelle and @merryapple know that we stood for ages taking in the Carraveggio in St Johns Cathedral in Valetta…”The Beheading of John the Baptist”…..stunning.

@merryapple, I had a lump in my throat reading about your wake for Mr Mac. Hugs for you xxx

Congratulations on baby Mae @stitchincarol 😍

@funshipfreddie a brown fountain?… Gah?

Have a great rest of Saturday. No fasting poor moi, but back on it on Monday.

I will be in the temporary office on Monday (we have to hot desk on a rota as not enough room for the entire company…so that a bit stressful trying to bag a good desk)…..however we were told yesterday that our lovely office will be habitable again from 22nd April. Yay (remember our office had a major electrical surge and everything fried last October?).
Cannot believe I am looking forward to my lovely desk by the window again 😂

Day 24 – USA/GA – NFD

Weigh-in: 229 lbs. One more week of this, then I’m back on the train.

Day 25 – South Africa 🇿🇦 – NFD 69.0 kg 🎯

Rogue post above reported 🤨

Sunday FD done & dusted; would’ve been nice to have had company on that list of one, but it’s over & I’m looking forward to brunch.

@penz – check out this section of the forum – ‘Coping Strategies for Hunger’. https://thefastdiet.co.uk/forums/forum/mind/coping-strategies-for-hunger/ There are 130 topics & a zillion threads & tips. There has to be something there that will help you. Personally, I just don’t give myself the option of eating before 6 pm on FDs. And when I do eat, it’s something I’ve already planned, between 600 – 700 cals. If I get hungry earlier, too bad. It won’t kill me, the hunger will pass & I can eat what I want tomorrow. I don’t really need a distraction, but I do tend to clean a lot on FDs 😅 Or how about watching something about really large people on YouTube, e.g. My 600 lb Life? I think I could easily do a 3 day water fast after watching one episode 😳

Gotta run. Sending RESOLVE to the Monday fasters 💪

Pocket List – Day 25 🎯
@penz
@jaifaim

Day 25, London, UK, FD

MIA for the weekend as usual, and of course results on the scale are as usual!! I hate getting derailed by the weekend, but I CANNOT work 7 days a week just to stay on track!! I just need to be mindful & plan my weekends better ……………….. perhaps AFTER this coming Easter weekend!!!🤣🤣

@funshipfreddie, Ooh Fountaingate!!! I can’t wait for the update!! If I had to imagine a fountain, it would be white or natural stone ………………. Brown????😲😲 I agree with @merryapple, you need to start a petition against “shoddy colour schemes and corrupt dictatorships”!!🧛🏼‍♀️………………………. “I’ve removed all traces of vitriol & sarcasm. I’m going to take the Mr nice guy, kill-em-with-kindness approach” ……………… What a shame, I was hoping it was going to properly kick-off!!🤣🤣🤣

@merryapple, I hope your walk went well, no doubt you had some unseen company🐶. Can you get one last outing to the supermarket in the dress before donating? I have sooo many items I’ve only worn once or twice that WILL eventually 🙏🏼need to go!! I see me cooking & cleaning in them before that time comes!!!😜

@daffodil2010, with your green fingers I hope you’re looking forward to Spring, or is it here already?? I can’t say the last 6 months have been great for me either😥, partly due to the dreary weather and continuous RAIN!!! I’m baffled by the weather at the moment, I hear they’re expecting 4” of snow somewhere up north today whilst I admire the daffodils from my office window – like me, you probably enjoy going to work for a change of scenery!!!

@penz, weekends are my downfall with fasting, simply because I’m NOT at work and can procrastinate for Britain!!!!

Getting back to work now, another deadline looms large!!!

“Somewhere there is a past you overflowing with so much pride looking at how far you’ve come.”

2nd Post – Day 25

Pocket List – Day 25 🎯
@penz
@jaifaim
@flourbaby
@excelsior12309 FD800