Beautiful Day (Posted by Angie)

Thanks Birgie and Mom.... Hi again all!

Today I have my annual checkup with the doctor. I did have some bloodwork done a few weeks ago and my sugar is normal now which is good. My thyroid is above normal so I will probably start on Thyroid hormone for hypothyroidism. I used to take that a long time ago but when I moved to a new doctor he didn't think it was necessary. Guidelines seem to change and I really think I should never have gone off of it. It made me feel a lot better when I took it so hopefully it will again.

This week has been really difficult to stay on track with all the holiday stuff we have been doing. We had a nice time at the Fallsview hotel but I don't think I would stay there again. We went on the Maid of the Mist and were able to stand on the top deck at the front this time which was awesome. I remember when Mom came with us a few years ago and Jenny and I reminiced about that. I'm glad that you were able to do it at that time with us as it really is something everyone should do at least once I think. Being so close to such a natural wonder is awe inspiring and it really isn't expensive for the experience.

It looks like a gorgeous day today so we will make the most of it. Hope you all do the same. Back to school and a regular routine on Tuesday. I can't believe how fast the time has flown!

Love
Angie

It,s Mom/Omi

Hi all!Good to hear from my 2 Girls.Birgit you are back in full swings thats what I call it.I am happy for you and also you are back in your own bed.I wish you both success and good luck on your show this weekend.Hope the weather stays like it was today.
And for Angie and Jenny the holiday is coming to an end.Did you have fun on the boat at the falls?
I think 2 years ago I was with you,and I was glad to sit down.Omi is getting old my little Jenny.Did you get this time to the Water show in Marine land?The walking was good for you ,hope it helped loosing a few pounds.The last three days will be for relaxing my puddle.Hope the results from the
test,s are oky.Like to hear from you.
And how are my 2 Grand daughters ?Janine you are back in the "New World".Do you still feel
"at home"here?Thinking about you.How is your diet coming along?
Jessy you are going to Joga,great!.I did that years ago and loved it and also lost some weight.
Was also t h a n very flexable.The only thing I never managed was standing on my HEAD!!lol
So What!!!The Pool is open again and the exercise is great,also the other two days were we work out with weight,s on hand s and ankles.The best is,I feel well.
Love Mom/Omi

Good Stuff

Hi All

Hope everyone's enjoying this lovely weather? Angie hope your Niagara holiday went well? Summer has been way too short. We're off to Marshville tomorrow to set up for a 3 day show. Busy getting products ready, replenishing our inventory.It's been exciting checking out all the stuff I had packed away for the last 7 weeks. Back to work!Today I even painted 7 mini watercolours of the Heritage buildings at Marshville in Wainfleet (Al's photos) and printed art cards and prints. It was a loosen up exercise for me. Last week it was abstracts with my lost pallet knife. Also created new pressed flower cards. It's always fun to create new stuff.
Anyways we have walked alot between the work, as well as doing work for some of my art groups . So it's a busy time. I'm feeling stronger , minding my lifting.
Back in my own bed now after 6 weeks alone in the guest room. Glad to be home! All is well! Hope you're all good too? Next week a serious look at readjusting some eating habits. The summer is over, no more holidays! Time for major change!
Have a great weekend all! Jason Happy 31st tomorrow, love you!

Love Birgie

Marineland today (Posted by Angie)

Hi all!

Just back from Marineland where we did mega walking and up this huge hill to the skyscreamer. At least it was a decent temperature so I didn't feel like I was going to have a heart attack. I ate horrible stuff today and my tummy is telling me so. Tomorrow back on track! I hope with the walking at least that I didn't gain anything.

Hope you all are doing well. Let me know how you're doing.

Love
Angie

Holidays are here! (Posted by Angie)

Hi Everyone:

Well in spite of being somewhat naughty on the weekend I have lost another pound since Friday. I was Jenny free this weekend and so let loose a bit and didn't think about what I was eating that much. However, I did manage to not go too crazy and still avoided the booze which I think is key for me. Also I said no to sugary things and when I indulged it was more in the carb (bread and potatos) area. I have to say that after eating really healthy for two weeks and then slipping I really could feel it in my body. I was sluggish and bloated feeling.

Today I'm taking Jenny to the Fallsview Hotel for an overnight stay and our traditional Maid of the Mist excursion (I love getting wet and being close to the power of those falls!) . I also want to check out the Imax movie about the falls and Jenny wants to do the Clifton Hill area.

So bye for now... love you all!

Angie

Small Sampling

CNE & Chinese Lantern Festival

at Ontario Place Friday-

Hot Day 90 degrees

Lots of sunscreen for the kiddies.

More pictures later...

Love Birgie

By Jess

Good rainy afternoon pretty people,

Ang, I totally understand re the weather - maybe me too being a winter babe makes me appreciate the darker, cooler days (for the most part!)...especially the rain. I just want to curl up with a good book, facing the window, a blanket to cuddle with and just let the minutes slowly pass me by. BUT, reality check - I am at work! haha I in turn haev got my patients snuggled up and cozy as we watch the rain trickle outside. I have also made myself and my friend Laura Vanilla Chai tea and it smells like what is to be expected in this weather. My other friend Melissa keeps making ugly faces at the smell of the tea as she doesn't like vanilla scents...but the rest of us think the smell is amazing! Work has been great. I have a nurse shadowing me on the floor and she is great. She is a new grad, Phillipino, and recently married....we have had fun together too!

Last night, I got home from work at 8pm, and waklked into the apartment with dinner made! Matt made me a delicious salad and mashed sweet potatoes with cinnamon sprinkled on top! It was SOOOO yummy. I then had a bar of chocolate from the healthfood store that I have been picking at (like mom does) over awhile...and he quickly reminded me that maybe I didn't need it. It was true, I had no need for it. The taste only lasts seconds, and once down, it did nothing good for me. So, I stopped. From there, and reinspired, him and I went for a vigorous walk all around our neighborhood. It was really nice. Hopefully tonight we can again if he is around after the golf game.

I have brought lots of fruit, healthy cereals, herbal teas and applesauce to work to nibble on. Always the challenge is feeling nourished for 14 hours while I am not at home and at work. It is tough! I am always trying new snackie type foods to sustain me through the day.

Gotta run....as I am at work.

Love you all

And here is Mom/Omi

What a wonderful Family!All your letters and ambition touch me.Now that I have my Computer,I never felt so encluded in all what you are thinking and doing.Thanks for giving me this chance.
But I always knew I had great Kids!!!ha Ha!
They just put a note out here ,that we have the chance to go in September to the Chinise show
at the Ex.So the first thing this morning I raced down to put my and Alma,s Name on the list,
while only 8 people can go with the Van.I can take my walker with me,that,s good.
Helmut ,You always have a great way to say it.Tomorrow I will go with Birgit Al and Angie to the Falls.Looking forward to it.We will talk next week.Hope you have still dry weather for the Golf Game.The sun is coming throught here right now,I SEND HER TO YOU! IoI !!
Looking for the pictures you took yesterday Birgit.You and Al must have had a lot of fun with
the grandchildren,you deserve that.Love you all.Mom.
And BRAVO for the weight los,keep going

Ahhhh its Saturday! (Posted by Angie)

Hi my lovely family:

What a beautiful message Ham. Your words really touched me. Thank you.

I would like to seen the Lanterns too Birgie.... I will have to make a point of that.

My Friday weigh in was 11lbs now, however.... I did slip on my Friday night and ate a fudgsicle and a couple of cookies. Today is better though and I will try to keep myself busy to avoid the sendentary habit after a long work week. I have managed to avoid sugar for two weeks including wine (except for the aforemenioned last night). It really isn't as hard as I thought it would be whenever I have deliberated on it before. You all know that I have accomplished this before but it was so long ago and before Jenny that I wasn't sure that I could be this determined again. I find this change in mindset somewhat startling actually. I didn't realize that I had been working it up in my mind for a really long time until the moment actually arrived to simply "Just Do It" as Ham says. It's like standing on a high diving board and getting the courage to just jump in the cold water. Once you realize you can't go back and the only way is to jump... the moment arrives when you propel yourself and fall to the shock of frigid wetness. Startling... but certainly a great moment.

It's an Angie kind of day with the warm rain and dim light. I know it sounds weird to some .... but this is the best kind of Saturday for me equal to a Snow storm day. It must be because I am "the blizzard baby" haha. I wish it was nicer for you Ham and the guys. I'm sure you will have fun in spite of it all though :)

Thanks Mom for your supreme Mommyness. We are so lucky to have such a wonderful Mother as you!

I'm off now but will see you soon!

Love and Stuff
Angie

Chinese Lantern Walk About

Yesterday was awonderful day. For the first time since my surgery, we had the chance as a family to get together. Al & I,Tania and the kiddies took the Go train to the CNE, to meet up with Janine who bicycled there, then Jason met us after work.It was fun being with Tania and the kids on the train, keeping up with 2 little ones truly keeps her busy.
We experienced the Food Building there, having a couple NO NO's. However walking for so much, probably cancelled it out. Just being with the kids and grandkids made the time so special, I've missed them all so much!
At Ontario Place we took in the Chinese Lantern Festival, truly a must to see. Well worth the extra price.Highly recommend for an evening get together, walking amongst the lanterns.Wear comfortable shoes! So much to see! Al took lots of photos, if anyone is interested, I'll email them gladly. The actual Chinese part starts at 7 pm, it is an additional fee, it runs until October, so to go after the CNE is not a bad idea. Lovely fall evening walk abouts.
Priar to that we had the chance to go to the Children's indoor Lego playground where Sofie and Aiden had a ball. We all loved just interacting and taking in all these precious moments.
All of us have had so many ups and downs this year. This was a major up!!!! Somehow we have all managed to weather our own storms, the path is set for a brighter tomorrow!We are all stronger for them!
Yesterday morning I weighed myself for the first time in 2 weeks. Since the end of May, I have lost 18 lbs. I think Fridays are a good weigh in day for me, better than a Monday. Weekends are prone to occasional slips which can be rectified during the week. For myself I think weighing myself less, only once a week (Friday) may help with my individual loss.
Will be figuring out good juicing items which, Al can juice for us.
In the meantime, walking seems to be a new pastime for me, my quick healing can be accredited to all the walking in the last 3 weeks.
Hoping the golf course walk abouts gives you all great scores. Have a great week all.

Love Birgie

Hello Everybody;

I just want to tell al of you that I am so impressed with the love and the gentleness that you show each other. Even being overweight can not negate the caring that everybody exhibits. Quite stunning!

You can see that even I am attached to my family at 12:30 on a Friday night following a great dinner party because you will always be there, irrespective of anything that occurs.

So keep trying to attack the weight loss and when you fall off the wagon, jump back on because you deserve it! I want you all around with me.

Tomorrow Josh, Matt and I along with one of Josh's friends will be golfing together. No carts will be allowed-we will hike the 18 holes; 7 hours of gardening today and life is good.

So sisters, daughter, nieces and mother have a wonderful weekend because you can.

Love

Ham

Thanks Mom

See you soon.

Love Birgit

Proud Mom

It,s so good to read all the positive letters from my 2 wonderful Girls.You all deserve a price after loosing 10 pounds,I will be glad to pay a price too.You have to stay strong for your own good,your health.It is not easy!!!Wonder if Angie ate the whole PIZZA?If so in the company of your friends
and having fun it would be forgiven.
My dear Jessy and Janine you soon will be on track again.You are an example for me and your Mom and Dad.With the Family Love we all will find good health one day.
Love Mom?Omi .

Happy Weekend

Hi All,

Well Ang you truly are amazing, can't believe you resisted popsicles and candy! Popsicles are a good snack though! Good on you! You can do this thing just as well as you do your job. Think of all the awards you have received at your work? This could be another challenge to better health?
I think after each 10 lbs. lost a special gift will be given to that person for their hard work. We'd like to donate the gifts! We have quite the selection.A gift catalogue is in the making.

A weekend of lots of walking is planned so it should keep me in line!
Have a good one all!

Love Birgie

Today (Posted by Angie)

Hi All:

I did great today, avoiding candy and popscicles they were giving out at work. Tomorrow is a pizza lunch celebration for the end of second quarter. Bee awards will abound....lol... Our motto this year is "Bee the Vision" get it? haha

Anyhow, give me strength oh family to avoid the temptation of pizzaaaaaaaa

Love you
Angie

Fall is Coming.... (by Ang)

It's nice to see some new bloggeroonies..... Jessie that's a lot of working but I know you love what you do and you do it so well :) ... keep up the great attitude and it will take you across the universe I think! As far as gaining goes, I don't expect any of us really will stay in one spot. 5lbs is not a lot as long as you are continuing to try which is great. It's a tough season to get through, though we have a lot of good fresh food we also have hearty appetites with all the activity. This blog can help to re-focus and think a bit more collectively and I miss it when I don't see a new entry. It's great to express how it can really help and I think we are a giving family, so a little howdy do and whats happening news can even make me feel better and more wanting to take care of myself. I wonder how many of us when we are feeling down on ourselves or if we have slipped don't really want to say so? I can only speak for myself and know that it is hard to admit (in writing no less) that I ate a whole pizza and drank a 24 last night..... hahahaha... gotcha... I only ate 1/2 a pizza and a 12 pak...... kidding again..lol. It's really good to be able to spill the beans to people who care about you I think, just as it's great to get a pat on the back for doing well.

I have been trying some of the Presidents Choice "lean" or "blue carton" types of food (chicken, no beef for me) and find that the taste is good and I don't feel left out or deprived. Even the Kraft no fat cheese slices (though I really love "real" cheese") is an alright substitute once in a while if I am craving cheese. Also I love the little no fat jello cups, 95% fat free Philly Cheese and cartons of egg whites even melba toast. I can make a quick breakfast of scrambled egg whites with peppers, mushrooms and onions and even have a light bread with it. I cook the eggs with some Cajun spice for zip and I'm good to go.

So anyhow, I better be off to bed (sorry Jessiepoo) and will look forward to more reading tomorrow.

Love you all

Angie

ON WITH THE CHALLENGE

Hi All,

I'm game to continue, matter of fact I really should, finding myself slipping now and then. Need to get back on track. The walking is really helping. Now that I'm up and about more I'll take a real good look at some really beneficial juice recipes.
Al had quite the fun trying out some many when I was down. One even had radishes.Quite potent.I think juicing will not only provide us with vitamins but also better for our digestive system.
I believe I lost 16.5 lbs since May. 2 weeks after surgery I had lost 11.5 since surgery, it may have been more because I was eating well during those 2 weeks to get back my energy.
I'm glad you're swimming again mom, perhaps I'll squeeze that into the winter somehow, I know in the past I enjoyed aquatic exercises in Oakville.
What ever I have a long way to go to shed those pounds and I find this does help. Thanks all.

Love Birgie

Al made a wonderful stir fry with coloured peppers, onions, potatoes, fennel, apple and a little fried sausage bits. Simmered to perfection, very tasty indeed.
I think I might put my bottles of lemon juice into my schedule again soon, I think it eats the fat as well as fills you up. Since my surgery my bladder is functioning so much better, so drinking is not as big a problem as before.

Long time no speakish (by Jess)

Hi my lovely, talented, kind, sweet, and keener family!

Sorry I have been MIA lately. I worked days yesterday (0700-1900), and as we were short staffed tonight, I am working nights now (1900 - 0700)!!! So, needless to say, my body is right confused! But...I have learned to adjust and go with the flow. I also don't mind helping my coworkers out at all.

Life has been treating me well. Matt and I have camped now 4 times, and cottaged twice, and still have yet to do our exciting Sept Turkey Point camping in Sept! I am stoked! Will book that soon. Otherwise, we test drove the new Jeep Sahara which is awesome and a comfortable, smooth ride. We'll see if we get it this year or not (well, ahem, I mean if Matt will get it).

I am starting up Yoga this week and plan on doing it atleast once a week throughout fall, winter, spring. I am mostly excited to have some spiritual quite time with myself and the universe. Been feeling in need of this for a bit now. Camping has provided me with serious spiritual love...but camping can't help me all year round. So, yoga it is!

As for losing weight, I am sad to say, I gained back the 5 or so lbs I had lost. I suck! Nah....I am motivated more than ever to lose, and feel postive about it. I have decided that I am going to make Sunday my chocolate/treat day. I will keep myself straight and well behaved for 6 days a week, and if when Sunday rolls around, and I feel the need to have something sweet, I will grant that to myself. I am hoping this challenge will continue. If we are all wanting to, we can tally up the lbs lost and see who won, but I do want to keep it up. I need the support! :)

Anyhow, as I am at work, I am going to go around and check on my patients.

Love you all!

More later...

Today (Posted by Angie)

Hi All:

Good for you Mom for eating healthy and doing all that exercise. You sure set a good example for us and we appreciate it. Also Birgie its so nice to hear about how much you enjoy your painting as well as trying new things. Good thing you have Al who I'm sure understands your creativity. That's awesome that you can share that together.

Well three more work days and I'm off for another week of holidays. It looks like it will be a nice temperature so Marineland will be more bearable this time around.

I saw Dianne today and she sends everyone in the family her love.

I hope to hear some of those results soon as I want to know if our team won or not....lol... I want to win a prize :)

Write soon.

Love
Angie

from Mom/Omi

home my little Nenee.It,s so good to hear you had a great time.Hope to see you soon,when you can tell more about the "Old world".Take good care of your health.don,t like to hear that you cannot eat any bread,If it is the Gluten problem,you should find out.I mean well when I speak my thoughts.Love always your Omi.
And to you my Angie,fantastik you lost 8 Pounds,I can see you are doing the right thing.
The reward will came my schnuddle puddle.Love you Mom
And to you Birgit,It,s so good to hear,that you enjoy so much your art,and also keep track what you are eating.The reward will came my Puddle.Love you Mom
I have not ben on the scale,try to eat less and sencable.Do my walking every day,the Pool is open again,so I am 3 times doing there exercise,it feels sooo good.the other 2 days we do exercise in the hall,wich is hard,because we use weights on hands and ankles,not bad for an 84 year old!don,t
you think.I do like it here.Mom

Thank Ye Thank Ye Sissy Poo

Thanks Birg.... btw my yummy chicken didn't turn out. The reason being I am not very patient with recipes and put in the juice of whole lemon instead of a teaspoon... HA! Voila... very lemony, sourpuss chicken. It looked great and smelled great but whoa my palet was not pleased. Oh well... live and learn eh! When you have a recipe pay attention to the measurements and a little bit of lemon can go a long way.

Bye for now.....

Love Angie

YEH ANGIE

That's awesome that you lost 8 lbs. I'm so proud of you! Keep up the good work!

Love Birgie

And the Results are in!!! Posted by Angie

Hi Everyone:

Well Janine sounds like you had great time and 3lbs for the price of living the experience is pretty cheap I'd say! Good for you for getting back into the swing of things and glad you are feeling so good.

I have lost 8lbs I'm not sure where from... probably my ankles...lol. As I say however... this isn't over for my individual challenge. I find that getting enough rest and definately not drinking wine for me is helping. I had a horrid sleep last night though (Sunday night stress) and thus was slightly unfocused today but I stayed within the boundaries and actually ate less than I really should. Lots and lots of pure Hamilton water seems to help... hahaha!

So team mates and opponents if you haven't forgotten the password... let me know how you did. Okie Dokie.... love yas

Yummy!

Janine and Angie,

I surely like your suppers yesterday. Sounds like you 2 have a handle on the situation, good for you!
We were at finger food gatherings Saturday(art group picnic) and Sunday( wedding open house) so we ate mini sandwiches, veggies, fruit etc. My system has a hard time digesting bread these days, so I need to stop eating it. My appetite is good, it's best to stick to the fruits and veggies for me like before. We've been walking alot lately inside and out, I find that it is helping my legs particularily, feel like my thighs are thinning. After 6 weeks my tummy is still bloated, can't focus on trimming it down yet. I think exercise eventually will help that. I bought an exercise ball which I look forward to trying out once my incission heals a bit more.
Today I found my pallet knife, got the easle out, new acrylics , painted a couple of abstracts which Al really likes. He had to stop me before I got too carried away and wrecked them.
Finished off the newsletter for one one of my art groups, all ready for mailing. Happy that's over, it was a committment I made in May, so I'm glad I stuck with it. The group was grateful I did.
Looking forward to creating new pressed flower cards for Labour Day Weekends' craft show. Not too far off.

Hope we'll see you soon.

Love Birgie

bye bye cheese and bread (whaaaa....) - posted by neenie

Hey Family,

So I've been neglecting the blog and paying for it. Europe was an amazing adventure. Melissa and I made our way through France and Spain to end in Amsterdam. We also made it through some culinary delectables as we went. People in France are gorgeous and slim and slight. But they live off cheese and bread. I don't really get it, but when in France, right? So while there I indulged in ample locally-famous dishes, most rich with butter, cheese, wheat and the like. Crepes, ham and cheese baguettes, croissants, fondue, wine, champagne, beer, goat cheese, ice cream, chocolate, pasta, pizza, creme brule, and the list goes on and on.... I ate the opposite of the way that I've been eating generally here in Canada for the last 7 years. When in Rome, I guess... But my taste buds truly loved every ounce of what was consumed. They live well in Europe and the food was decadent. But my hips and energy level have paid the price for my indulgence. I managed to gain some weight while I was in Europe despite the 10 to 20 km walked each day. Just goes to show that my body is pretty intolerant of dairy and wheat and meat and booze. I just don't process it well. I even managed to drink a lot of coffee while away, which is not at all good for me. Sadly, Team A, I'm close to where I started. I'm 138lbs. But I'm not in the least disheartened. I'm cleansing and eating raw foods again and could not feel more optimistic about it. I have a goal in mind but it's going to take me remaining raw for quite a while and beyond. The good thing is that I really love eating raw foods and feel amazing. I really need to feel amazing right now as coming off a trip and back into the milk toast is a little jarring. I'm going to need plenty of projects to keep busy and focused on feeling good and healing.

YESTERDAY FOOD: fruit salad (banana, nectarine, green and red grapes), banana, raisins, avocado with lemon and cumin, smoothie (banana, mango, blueberry, ground flax seed), big bowl of very lightly steamed broccoli with lemon, water.

I'm happy to see that everyone has made progress and is continuing to fight the good battle. It's my hope that we all continue on to support one another. I know that I have been neglecting the blogging and supporting part and I'm planning to remedy that now that things are getting back to normal.

Congrats, everyone!

love,
neenie

Last day

Hi Everyone:

Well its the last day of the challenge and I certainly know I didn't make my goal. However in the last week I have become stronger in my determination and will continue on. I believe I have lost about 5 lbs but tomorrows weigh in will tell more. I had some blood tests done and my sugar was high and my thyroid out of wack. My feeling of discontent and tiredness not to mention knowing that I am beginning a new phase in life ( perimenopause for me and puberty for Jen) I want to be prepared with all the energy I can muster to deal with the changes that will come our way. So I have begun preparing meals that are fresh (and actually not too time consuming). Tonight we are having Chicken marinated in orange juice, lemon juice, thyme, garlic, bayleaf and parsley/ Salad / Brussel Sprouts. Fish will be on the menu at least 2-3 times a week as I find that Jenny actually really enjoys fish which is really cool. I have also quit drinking wine and alcohol entirely and am eliminating sugar except from the fruits I eat.

So that's it for me folks. I hope you all are well and look forward to hearing how everyone made out with our challenge. :)

Love
Angie

Hello Folks;

Back from Saskatchewan with successful bargaining; we were poised for a work stoppage last Wednesday but cool heads ultimately prevailed. It has been a hectic week and I celebrated with sleeping 11 hours last night as there wasn't much sleep all of last week!

So let me see from all of the posts; Neenie is taming her Wanderlust and has allowed for reckless abandon; Birgie is celebrating a renaissance after beating the crab; Angie is challenging her domestic work ethic; Jessie is containing her problem and Omi is applauding everyone in the background. It seems to me that we have a pretty happy crew out there; exactly as it should be.

Today we bought a new sofa beds that will likely do double duty-first downstairs for Sue after her hip replacement and then with a permanent home in the upstairs T.V. room. It will be a queen size and is not like the usual mechanical contraptions. That will arrive at the end of September. Then we are getting a new king size bed for the end of September as well for the other bedroom and miraculously we will be able to sleep the multitudes hereafter.

And all of you happy people, are we remembering our health and our weight?? It's time t0 re-focus, methinks. I weigh in tomorrow with my friend Harvey and I expect the steady decline will continue. Exercise and control what you put in your mouth and voila, weight loss!

So remember that there is still a challenge albeit for only two more weeks> Go Team B!!

Thanks Mom

You are an inspiration to all of us! We will all move forward in a positive way, once we get the summer holidays over with.

Lookout Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love Birgie

From Mom

Dear Birgit !I am so happy to hear the good news.All the years you have suffert have ended,
There is now a new BEGINNIG.You and Al can go on with all your plans.
I wish you both HAPPYNESS,SUCCESS,and of course good HEALTH for many years together
With Love.
Mom/Karin

Good News Indeed!

So happy to hear that wonderful news Birgie! We love you and are looking forward to many many years ahead together.

Love
Angie

Good News

As promised, diagnosis update. After our meeting with my oncolygist today, we were given the wonderful news that all the cancer was removed during surgery 4 weeks ago. According to the pathologist it was stage 1A confined to the lining of the uterus. It had not spread to any of the other parts.
Since the whole unit was removed there is no need for chemotherapy or radiation. YEH!!!
You couldn’t have found 2 happier people. I quess it was a matter of an early diagnosis and quick action.
You can’t imagine my relief and Al’s too? We are so grateful to everyone who helped us get through these last couple of months. Thank you so much!
I am still mending & taking it slow but all the wounds are healing nicely, especially the emotional ones. The doctor’s pleased. Follow up appointment in 6 months.
On, with our dreams!
Love Birgie & Al

Good to Hear from you!

Hi All!

Good to hear from you Janine.... can;t wait to hear the details of your adventures :)

First day back at work and all is well.

Love,
Angie

Sevilla (posted by Janine)

Hey Fam,

just a quick hello from my travels. I wanted to mention that Melissa and I have seen more anorexic people on this trip than we´ve ever enountered in North America. it´s become increasingly concerning. They also tend to put alot of grossly thin people on TV as VJs or news anchors. What has society done to distort our perceptions of ourselves? It´s scarey.

But I´m getting fat of bread and oil. I might just lose this challenge for Team A. Sorry Team A. I plan to do a major detox during my first week of return.

love,
neens

Back to Work tomorrow (posted by Angie)

Wow... I have the cleanest carpets in town! I borrowed a friends carpet cleaner and what a major difference I must say. I spent almost three hours just on the main floor as my carpets are light beige and were very dirty. Needless to say I did "perspire" quite a bit and it was actually a good workout. Jenny went to Johns yesterday for overnight and swam both yesterday and today so had her dose of water which she loves.

I'm glad Jessie that your body is working things out. Taking iron supplements is great obviously you need that. I have been low in iron a few times in my life and funny how just the little supplement gives back so much energy. You look "marvelous" Jess and should just keep on keeping on as you are. Jenny and I are going to do the camping thing with you guys for sure. I may also do a trip just with Jenny when I have a week off at the end of August. Dianne told me about a great family place just beyond Long Point with great beaches etc...

Great that you are reconnecting with your old friends from high school Birgie. I am having diffculty with you referring to yourself as a senior citizen though.... lol. If you're that old I am just behind you and I don't like thinking about that. I still feel like I'm 20 ( well in spirit if not in body :)

Today I found out my good old friend Mandy is not well with a mass on her brain. It's not a tumour which is good, but a cluster of blood vessels that is pressing on her temperal lobe ( I think this is how she explained it ) She has some tests still to be done and then a plan of action which will probably result in brain surgery. She has been working on her PHD and unfortunately has had to stop as she has headaches, double vision and can't concentrate at all. I am praying that the doctors will be able to fix her so she can continue with her dream. It really goes to show that our health if not good can really put a dent in our plans eh? Its unfortunate it takes these serious situations to make us more conscious of the most important thing we have which is our bodies. I'm back on track!

Back to work tomorrow !

Love
Angie

Good Stuff!

Jessie, sound like your Mattie are having lots of fun together. Always lovely to read your bloggs, also enjoying your picture gallery on www.facebook.com.
I'm now on www.classmates.com, reconnecting with highschool friends from 40 years ago. How good is that, sounds like an Ancaster Highschool reunion in the making.
As baby boomers reaching senior citizenship explains this trend I think. We'll see how many responses I get, all this is simply mind boggling!
Off to do a painting, inspired after this weekend's activities as an art observer .

Love Birgie

From Jess

Hi all!

Things here are ok physically. My ultrasound showed normal findings, and the bleeding (of three weeks) seems to maybe have stopped today. My energy levels are increasing as I take my iron supplements and mutli vit. Confident things are working themselves out. My neck that was really stiff too for no good reason has also fixed itself.

For this everyday battle for eating well and exercising...I am doing fair. I have been doing a yoga and pilattes dvd, but I must admit, it is hard to do anything in this apartment during these hot days as even fans don't cut the heat! Today, Matt and I are going to do our usual long walk (this time on harbourfront in hopes of some breeze off the lake) and then to high park where we can toss the frisbee around, laugh, play and exercise all at once! I plan on bringing a large travel mug of ice water to stay well hydrated. I am eating the same - always conscious for the most part, but like all of us, I can slip into love of slick. haha BUT, I really think I am not that bad, but can see I have room for improvement without a doubt! The everyday choices and battles for sure!

This past weekend Matt and I took care of mom and dads country haven and all the pets that inhabit their home, and it was really nice! We spent plenty time in the pool with the dogs, but I found it was great exercise and it was easy on the body as we know. I did some laps and just tried to have fun and be playful. And waking up in the country is always a delight! The sun shining in and all those birds! Matt was on cloud nine! He is made to live in the country! haha

We went to a wedding last evening, and it was so beautiful. It was at the Kortwright Centre which is heavy into environmental stuff...the couple (their parents are German) Lila and Odin are environmental engineers (and Matt knows them from vollyball). They wed outside among us and all the trees (and they had asked we dress casual). There was maybe 50 people there, and after yummy dinner, they had a huge bonfire. We all just talked around the fire - it was so intimate and special! The couple are heading the Costa Rica tomorrow for 2 weeks, and they are renting a car and traveling here and there, without any solid plans. They are cool people for sure!

Well, that's all from me for now. This apartment needs a good scrubbing, and Matt is installing Adobe photoshop on my computer (and we have vista now! wooo hooo), and then walking etc...so, must be go. All the best to you all!

Love and hugs!

PS: Ang, Janine, Jess, Matt and Jenny - so far the campers for Turkey Point! We should keep in touch and if we are 100% going, I will book a site!

Niagara Outdoor Mini Walkabouts

Hi All,

This was to have been one of the art show weekends in Niagara on the Lake for me and my art. What better way to enjoy the nice weather than to see old friends and see they're beautiful paintings. I have always been inspired by others art and I'm sure my creative juices will start to flow again no doubt. Matter of fact many of them are teaching at the Pumphouse which is a terrific place to take art lessons.I might just take some myself again, love the group thing too!
I made a little picnic, then home again for more rest. I find getting used to the drives will be better for upcoming trips. Put a blanket over my tummy and the seatbelt holds it firm to stop the bumps. The walking too is excellent to circulate everything. I suffer no pain after these outings, so that is good. It's good for Al and I to get out too. The summer's nearly over. It's a shame. Truly was wonderful weather. Sorry I wasn't out more of it.

I'm working on energizing myself for our first craft show on labour day weekend. Next weekend a baby shower, the following a wedding in Georgetown , 2 weeks after that labour day at Marshville Heritage Village, then in Octobober our other shows begin.
So I'd better get mobile! I'm avoiding heavy lifting and taking it easy.

Wednesday I get my results, like getting exam marks eh? Being optimistic! Hope you're all well? See some of you next weekend!

Love Birgie

Hi Folks;

Good thoughts Birgie and your past experiences. Between us we sure have had our intermittent flings with weight loss. There's no question it has a lot to do with what goes on in our brain and emotional baggage from the past.

As they say, "you can never go back", so it is best to look at that which we have control of. That takes me back to goals and genuinely looking at yourself as to what you want to look like. It is that image that will strike the appropriate chord for success.

Writing down what goes in your mouth sure causes you to pause. Reducing calories to around 2500 a day will guarantee weight loss. But it means you have to know what every bit is that you are eating. It is keeping food intake on a conscious level all of the time and never deviating. We are actually not talking about a weight loss programme but a way of life forever and indeed that is scary. Some things that I have always enjoyed, I simply can't do anymore. I remember writing about salami at the early stage of the blog. I always had a good stash of it and I know that I will never eat it again simply because I won't stop. Fortunately I took sugar out of my coffee many years ago and I have switched to diet drinks, likewise a long time ago.

Dessert menus are gone and I must admit that that hasn't been too bad. One day I will probably tackle drinking wine but not just yet.

As Birgie said, sometimes we fall off the wagon but it is important to get right back on and not succumb to giving up. Don't feel guilt when this happens; feel joy that you have beat "slick" and you're back on track. It's your life that you are saving!

Ham