I’m a Pear ? the sequel part 2 !

Good morning fellow pears, it's my non working day so thought I would pop in. I'm enjoying the morning peace and quiet with a coffee. There is something special about a day off work that isnt a weekend-feels like a naughty treat?.
Thank you for all your kind comments. Indeed Fourormore my daughter has already lost 4lb! Oh the days when you could stick to a plan and be guaranteed regular results! I dont know whether its age or hormones or both but it can be so frustrating,as we all know,when you do everything you are supposed to do and the scales grudgingly show progress. Conversely a few slip ups and the pounds go up with the speed of a rocket!
I certainly think it's a case of a major change in how we think which is extremely hard and complex. I think one stumbling block is often the concept of a treat,whether that be on weigh in day or when out and about.
I certainly know in the past I've been guilty of the in for a penny type thinking. It could have been a day when I had eaten something that in theory ruined my diet for the day or if going out for a special occasion. The temptation used to be that I had slipped off my plan so i would eat everything i had deprived myself of,or if i was going out for a meal i would be splurging anyway so would treat myself all day plus eat more than wanted at the meal.
I still have slip ups but various things have helped.
Like Whiff I never have multiple items in the house that I know I will overeat. In the past I have bought an item as a treat with the intention of having a small amount a day,it just never works out that way.!
Calorie counting after many years of Weight Watchers and a brief time with slimming world probably made the biggest difference. With no food being unlimited my portion sizes reduced drastically. At first it was quite hard but I have got used to smaller-appropriate portions and now really cant eat the amounts I used to.
My daughter has done both slimming world and calorie counting and for her SW really works. Unfortunately their portions are massive which I think is an issue if you come off the plan. We have however had some very positive discussions about treat days and how to approach them. Rather than a frenzy of forbidden food choose one thing and really enjoy it. Whiffs Pizza reminded me of this. It was thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated but the need to go OTT and have a pudding as well was resisted. This is what I try to do now as much as I can,I am much more mindful of the off switch that doesnt seem to naturally exist. It's not easy,otherwise I would be a size 12 but at the very least its helping me maintain and lose a small amount occasionally.
Like you Shirleyw I do lack the resolve and focus at the moment for consistent weight loss. I try and make positive choices and dont buy treats but nothing is written down and at the weekend I cautiously approach the scales! In our favour it shows that we still have motivation for change and havent given up?.
I think the past few years have been incredibly stressful and genuinely believe we will be feeling the impact for a while yet.
Lockdown was interesting in retrospect and affected everyone differently. Some took the opportunity to focus on health and diet successfully. Others(like me) spent a lot of time comfort baking and cooking. There were very few distractions if you were focused,limited or no opportunities for social eating,trips to cafes etc. It was an easier time to focus on weight loss if you were in the right place. Since the summer those opportunities have increased and I think all of us have commented on how special they have been. Such simple pleasures such as a coffee or light meal prepared by someone else and shared with people we care about. I dont think any of us will take it for granted again. The quiet pleasure of having a coffee in a cafe and people watching.
BUT despite the opportunities being available to do more normal things I would argue that consciously or unconsciously we all are aware that the old normal has not returned and may not return for a while yet. In the summer it was easier but I think as winter approaches that vaccines may be losing some of their efficacy,indoor meetings be more common. Some people act as if covid doesnt exist others are more wary. It's a time of terrible uncertainty at the moment when you really think about it.
For me a perfect example is Christmas at work. There were lengthy discussions about Secret Santa and how we could do it and stick to guidelines,including isolating gifts for 3 days. At the same time there was an email about a xmas meal which it has been decided is on the 10tg of December ,indoors at a restaurant. My initial thought was that would be nice but now I'm not so sure. Isolate gifts but sit indoors at a restaurant? It makes very little sense when you think about it?.
So Shirleyw I do wonder how the above affects motivation for most things,including diet! The everything is normal but not normal concept is quite mind blowing and maybe most of us to some degree are in state of uncertainty?
It's the same with public transport,yes it's there but how good an idea is it?
I also think that any diet plan however good gets boring after a while. One becomes complacent or takes short cuts. At the best of times motivation can be hard. It can be a case of reaching a startle point when the scales go up a little to much and that kicks you back in to action. It may also be a case of forcing oneself back into action. Buy a pretty new notebook to record food intake,write down some goals,plan new seasonal menus. Plan a treat when lose a set amount such as new book,nail polish etc. Its not easy but sometimes you just have to physically do it until it becomes a habit. Actually that does sound quite good advice-I think I'd better take it?.
Well done Sarahmob on hitting that BMI,that really is wonderful news?
Cocopops I'm so glad all was well with the biopsy ?. Hope all goes smoothly with MRI Whiff?

Cocopops very glad your biospy was negative. Should have Covid passports here. People have got to complacent. Lot of people on the bus who wore masks before aren't now. Idiots. Covid numbers are on the rise and it's now flu season. The hospitals and GP surgeries are going to be overwhelmed again. All because of stupidity.

I must be odd . Must be because it's the first time I have stuck to a eating less for life for 4 years now. I don't find my diet boring. I like having set meals a day. Porridge for breakfast, homemade whatever vegetables and lentil soup for lunch and some sort of stew for dinner always followed by yogurt and fruit.

As I don't always feel on top form . Making my largest saucepan of soup which does for 6-7 lunches and the same with my stew which does for 6 dinners that way I always have meals in the fridge. Only have to reheat. It makes my life so easy. Especially now as my Wednesday, Thursday afternoons are taken with exercise class and craft group . Friday's I go to my daughter's for lunch and then home after 5. Friday is my treat day. Last week it was 2 plain choc digestive biscuits heavenly.

My MRI when well. I didn't sleep well last night because it was in the mobile unit . Last time I had one in a mobile unit the end was blocked off but that was about 5 years ago. This time it was open both ends. But when they put me in my nose almost touched the roof so I had to come out. They removed one pillow and it was ok. Had to have electrodes on my chest and a large panel on my chest attached to the MRI bed. At least my arms wheren't strapped down. Was in the machine for hour and half. Had to have dye injected and hold my breath over 20 times holding my breath for between 20-30 secs. Pleased I did . But my limbs had stiffen up. They had to lift my legs to get off the bed and help me to the changing room. They said because I did everything they wanted got really good pictures . So I treated myself to a twirl for after my lunch. Didn't enjoyed it as much as I thought I would . I must have lost my sweet tooth.

Have a good week pears.

Your sooo right dorset……thanks for that…..
Your well organised whif with your meals. I have 3 to cook for so I do different meals for me mostly, depends what meals I decide to cook…..I love cooking. My dh likes chocolate biscuits so he has 1 pack a week…he can eat just a couple a day where as I can’t stop at 2 if I start on a packet lol….they don’t tempt me though also he has cashew nuts and I bake a cake most weeks or make cookies so I can’t not have any tempting stuff in the house….dh and son don’t need to diet…..
I’m busy making Christmas bunting for my gds bedrooms, also got 2 sweater dresses to make and curtains for my daughters house so I’m busy doing other stuff atm which dosent involve food (dosent stop me from thinking about it ?).
Hope results from mri are ok whifwhen do you go back for results?

Shirley it's easy for me with meals as there is only me. When my husband was alive and we where a family of 4 I sometimes did 4 different dinners. Also he could eat anything and not put weight on. ?. When we first married he had a tin of plain chocolate digestive biscuits by the side of the bed as he got hungry in the night. I soon put a stop to that. To much temptation for me.

I love baking but take what I make to my daughter's. I can't control myself. know my limits.

You have a lot to do making wise I hope you post your finished work on the art and crafts forum. I cross stitch can't eat while doing that.

Having my flu jab today. Had already decided if they can fix my heart they can do what they want. But if they can't I lived for 62 years before finding out I was born with a heart defect last year. The AF clinic are looking after me. So not worried but would be nice to know what the defect is.

Raining heavy here again. Hopefully we will have a few dry days just a few things I need to do too get the garden ready for the winter.

Hope you are all keeping well .

Dear Pears
Well done to all for keeping on keeping on.
I completely share your frustration and the ( temporary, I’m sure) misplacing of motivation, Shirley, and I well remember feeling like a short order cook when we had a houseful. I don’t think I could have stuck to weight loss at all, back then, so kudos to you. Also the baking. How do you not lick the bowls out? Highly impressive! Maybe a Non Scales Victory will restore your spirit.
Glad your MRI went off ok, Whiff, (it does sound claustrophobic) and that you are enjoying the exercise class. Congratulations to your daughter Dorset, and how nice to be doing something so positive together. Wise words on how long term loss seems so slow and incremental, Fourormore, and Cocopops, very glad your lesion is nothing too worrying. Sarahmob- huge congratulations on getting into the green zone! It does help ( me, at least) to remember that this daily struggle is about health, as well as beauty! It is so hard to keep going when the scales are stubborn or weird.

The week before last, having had my rant on the unfairness of appearing to gain in spite of (guide’s honour) sticking to fewer than 1200 cals/ day, I appeared suddenly to lose over 2lbs overnight- but as this was water weight due to The Incident of the Bitter Courgette ( explanation to follow) I wasn’t at all surprised when the scales refunded the missing couple of pounds, quite promptly. Sad, but not surprised. And there, more or less I remain.

I did however have a Non Scales Victory yesterday, which has boosted my morale- and recommend such moments to all who are feeling their mojo going down where the water weight goes. In Primark I was looking for a pair of cheap navy leggings, to make a change from my many pairs of black. None to be had except in XS. V annoying. Now this is going to sound like what DD calls a “humblebrag” - I swear it’s not- please remember that in Feb 2017 I was a size 26 in skirts and tops, and had no idea what ( but larger, no doubt, due to Pearishness) in leggings or trousers ( hadn’t worn same since the age of 18 due to said Pearishness). Anyhoo, seeing that the navy XS leggings were only £2.50 ( I did say cheap), I bought them anyway, on a whim. Ok, I know leggings are v v stretchy, I know that Primark sizes are not to be trusted, I know that my “proper size” in jeans and trousers is between 12 and 14, but, dear Pears, they went on ok, did not pop at the seams, and did not cut off my circulation! Also, were not so stretched out as to be almost transparent ( unlike a poor young lady I walked behind a few days ago. Unfortunate look.) What a mood booster! Am good now to carry on with the program for another few days at least!

The Incident of the Bitter Courgette.
I have suspended eating gourds and squashes for the moment, due to a very nasty taste in either a pumpkin or courgette which spoilt the whole of my dinner ( I tend to cook many veg together) to the extent that I had to throw everything away. Looking up “bitter taste in vegetables” online, I discovered that gourds and squashes can occasionally be cross contaminated with wild plants that cause them to develop a steroid type chemical and a foul bitter taste. A German had DIED??? from eating a supper of such courgettes, and two French women had suffered food poisoning and later alopecia after similar consumption! Flipping heck, thinks I, glad I stopped eating- but also wondered who in their right minds would carry on. You know that stuff you paint on nails, so as not to bite them? It was like that. So I’m off the pumpkins ( 26 cals/100g) and the courgettes ( 17 cals/100g - shame really) but on the plus side I have rediscovered swede. And yes, I did have an upset tum that night ( hence the water weight loss.) I’ll let you know about my hair!

All power to your efforts ladies. We can, we will, we are doing!!???

JoMarch wow getting into the leggings. I know what you mean about women wearing them and they are so strength they are see through. The worse sight I say was years ago a larger beautiful young woman had a purple pair on and you could see she wasn't wearing any knickers. Would have looked ok if she had a long top on to cover her bottom and tummy.

It's only been 2 years since I felt confident enough to wear trousers. I like the wide legged ones. It's only because of my daughter's encouragement that I tried a pair on. I even own 2 cord pencil skirts.

It's funny how with the weight loss my attitude to clothes has changed. When I was a 32 clothes wear camouflage. And could only wear what fit. Now a size 16 I wear bright colours and own more clothes than ever.

Thanks for the info about courgettes etc. Didn't know that. Hope you are fully recovered now. Courgettes and butternut squash are among my favourite veg. Come to think about only salisfy I don't like. I can't eat fruit and veg high in potassium as they effect my blood chemistry. Who knew tomatoes and mushrooms where high in potassium. They are the only veg I still eat but only a few about every 6-8 weeks. Gave up other fruit and veg I loved. Been doing it for 10 years now.

Had my flu jab on Tuesday my arm hurt for a couple of hours and had a mild headache for a short while.

Exercise class was fun yesterday we are up to 5 now. Our latest recruit is 93. Finally the church let us use the kitchen so we had tea and biscuits afterwards. But we had done a solid non stop hour. It was lovely. At 63 I am the youngest. Apparently I am nought but a girl yet. ?.

Had a cough all night so have taken a lateral flow test it was negative but decided not to go to craft group this afternoon. I will pop to Aldi this morning instead. My thinking is if it is a cold I will only get worse as the day goes by and class is 1-3. Which means I don't get home until after 4 . It's been raining heavy all night again.

Hope you don't loss any hair JoMarch. Mind you I notice I shed more during the colder months than hot ones.

Enjoy the rest of the week pears .

I think discovering clothes and the fun you can have with different looks has been the main reason I really really don’t want to get big again, Whiff! I started due to a health ( possible ovarian cancer) scare, but have stayed the course so far ( one day at a time, etc etc…) due to vanity! I love charity shops and bargains, and have way too many clothes for my wardrobes. Like you, I get a big thrill out of pencil skirts and trousers ( who’d have thunk??), and even leggings and rara skirts -I was never able to wear them first time around in the 80s. Mutton dressed as lamb? Bah!!
Hope your cough turns out to be just a tickle.
And that all Pears keep well as it gets cooler.

I’ve learnt something new about courgettes jo… not a nice experience.
Oh gosh, you do see some sights with leggings, long tops always with those. I wear them, so comfy, under tunics , long tops and dresses….I also wear brighter clothes now I’ve knocked off a load, in fact, I have some lovely colourful leggings from ‘Lucy locket loves’…I’m a bit quirky, 62 and wearing biscuit assortment leggings ?, also got a pair with dogs on ,they are so comfy and soft…I where them dog walking and about the house.

Went out yesterday…came back without my purse…..talk about panic, someone did well yesterday, had a 100 cash in it course cards had to be cancelled but the thought of losing it makes me feel nauseous. I’ve calmed down a bit now, course, I’m awake silly hours, writing this at 1.30.

Onwards and downwards girls.

I’m so sorry Shirley about the loss of your purse. Mine was stolen from my bag a few years ago. What upset me more than anything was the loss of photos of my two grandsons. I bought a short chain from Amazon and now have my purse attached to my bag.

Joy it is great enjoying the pleasure of wearing the clothes you want. I’m into colour too now.

Whiff fingers crossed that your cough has now gone I find Broncho tablets from Boots help with a cough..

Well in a few hours time I am off for the weekend to celebrate our Golden Wedding. I know I am very lucky to still have my DH. We are meeting with friends for lunch on Saturday who were actually at the wedding all those years ago,. Then on Sunday we are returning to the church where we got married to Renew our Vows. The following weekend we are with our family to celebrate with them. I will definitely need to get back on the wagon after all this indulgence.

I must try to get back to sleep now. Bye girls.

NanKate huge congratulations on your golden wedding anniversary . How lovely to have a renewal at the church you got married. Have a wonderful break.

It would have been our 40 th in May. But consider myself lucky we had 29 years as a couple married 22. Some people go their whole lives and never fine their other half. We are the lucky ones who have. That one person who knows us inside and out . The only person who knows the real us.

I hope you are wearing something new for the renewal ceremony along with something borrowed and blue. Hopefully the weather with be kind to you and you can have lovely photos taken.

JoMarch funny enough it was having jaundice and being very ill for 5 months and couldn't do anything for the first few months that gave me time thinking about my life and now no one was dependent on me what I wanted. Only 3 things lose weight,move and get fit. Like you I never want to be big again. I love the new me.

Shirley sorry you lost your purse. That's always been my worry. I only have hand bags with zips and my purse also closes with a zip. When I get money from an ATM I never move until the money is in my purse and in my hand bag. My thinking is if I get mugged it's all on camera. I hope you feel better today.

My cough turned into a cold. I can't take any form of cough medicine due to the tablets I have to take. I love a hot honey and lemon calorie counted of course.

Fetching my new reading glasses today then off to my daughter's for lunch, playtime and baby sitting.

Have a good weekend everyone.

Morning Pears pleased to say lost quarter of a pound this week. Any loss is good no matter how small.

Finally did the last bit in the garden yesterday. So it's now ready for the winter. Bench and parasol stand in the garage ready for next year.

Think I have now got all my Christmas gifts sorted. Just got to get some wrapping paper then I can wrap them.

Had a good time at my daughter's on Friday. And my new readers are great.

Just got a few jobs to do today the can spend the rest of the time cross stitching.

Have a a good week .

After my disappointing result last weekend I am delighted to say that 1.2lb has gone this week!
As Whiff says any loss is a loss (well done!) and that is absolutely right, but I was really really fed up last week when I had worked so hard for next to nothing!
We are all struggling and it seems so unfair that it takes so much hard work to lose a pound, yet one moment of lapse and that pound turns up and brings his friends!!!
We will persevere - onwards and downwards - together we will win the war!
Keep going everyone!

Good morning fellow pears.?.
I'm glad the MRI went okay Whiff,it does sound very daunting. Hopefully your cough is improving too now. I did read somewhere a small square of dark chocolate is supposed to help but tbh it didnt make any difference when I tried it!
It was interesting how your Twirl didnt live up to expectations. I think tbh Cadburys isnt as nice now. I also think when you spend most of the time making better choices those "forbidden" foods can be better in the imagination than reality. My daughter also found the same after a few short weeks. I helped her with a craft fayre yesterday. At lunch time someone from the next table had bought in chips from chippie, the smell was divine. There was also a cake stall from a local cafe whose products are very good. We had a fairly lengthy discussion. The chips smelled divine but after a few we would regret it. The same with the cake,jolly nice but big portions and £3 a slice,somehow we decided to resist!
The craft fayre was a few minutes walk from my local pharmacy and so I finally got my flu jab.! My surgery is very efficient normally,this year not so. I got 2 texts to register online for it,the website had no vacancies whatsoever up to December. Then there was another text saying to contact surgery about it. I had seen on FB that my pharmacy doing it as walk in,no appointment necessary. Done and dusted in 5 minutes.! My booster jab is due about the end of October so everything crossed. I did try and book online but told to come back later. Things do seem very uncertain at the moment with infections rising and government saying get boosters but implication that people are having issues getting vaccinations let alone boosters. I must admit I find it concerning. I think the government have ridden on the coat tails of a successful early vaccination but now we seem to be world beating only in being the worst. I wouldnt want to go into lockdown again,or WFH particularly but I have very little faith in this government to do the right thing?.
The crafting sounds wonderful Shirleyw, I do miss having as much time to devote to it.
JoMarch well done with leggings,your post did make me giggle! Scary about the courgettes though!
Shirleyw I hope all has been sorted with your purse. It is upsetting and such a nightmare cancelling cards etc.
Happy Wedding Anniversary Nankate-have a wonderful time??.
Finally I have lost 1/2 pound which was quite a surprise ?. Still not formally counting calories, but,I suppose informally I am as all the snacks I have are under 100 calories and my evening meal is always under 500. I have the occasional treat but it seems to be evening out. It is in the back of my mind that if I was more focused I would maybe lose more but then I'm always short of time?. I would probably say for the first time in my life food is viewed as a source of energy rather than a temptation/treat. On the whole I'm so busy I dont have time to over focus on it,I eat because I'm hungry ! I think it also helps I'm supporting my daughter. If I did have chocolate etc in the house firstly I would eat more than supposed too and secondly it's not fair on her when shes motivated to succeed. She has already lost 7lb, very proud?. Have a brilliant week everyone. Stay safe and wellxxx

Good afternoon Pears,
It’s been really good to read through all the posts this week, lots of encouragement in reading about non scales victories. I’ve recently bought my first ever pairs of leggings (which are very thick and worn with a long top that covers my bottom). I’m eyeing up a pinafore dress at the moment, but am thinking it might be a bit ‘mutton dressed as lamb’ although my daughter is very encouraging and tells me that she’s sure it’ll look lovely. The scales have been rewarding again this week with a half pound off, but we’re going away this week for a few days in a nice hotel so …
I’m pleased that the MRI went well Whiff let’s hope they get you sorted out soon.
Dorset it sounds a bit like double standards going out for a meal together but having to isolate gifts, I guess we just have to do what we can to feel and stay safe.

Hope you all have a good week

well done on the losses. Put on 2lb

Many congratulations on your 50th wedding anniversary nankate, hope you both had a lovely time.

Daughter , grandaughters and their new dog came today, our dog has met theirs last week, we went to a enclosed field where they can be let off and the 2 got on well but i know it can be different when another dog enters the other ones house but it went really well, no grumbles at all...and new dog even curled up in JessiKas bed and she didnt mind at all, couldnt believe it

Weather has been lovely...hope you all had a good weekend.

Evenin' all. Well it's 9.45pm here in BC where the rainy season upon us now. I don wellies and waterproofs and sally forth with my dog as usual though.
Good to hear of your weight loss everyone. I lost 1 lb, probably by looking after GC all weekend. Don't mind admitting I'm knackered now unless it's due to the flu shot I had on Friday.

Just had a scam text from a mobile number saying I was eligible for a Covid passport. I report it as spam as I have the NHS app on my phone and it shows my vaccines on there.

Don't press the link as I think they will want your details.

Four well done with the loss. It's harder to loss now it is getting colder . But then again it's not as if we have had long spells of hot weather this year.

Dorset well done resisting the chips and cake. Will power of iron. Why isolate gifts if you will be sitting close together for a meal . I haven't seen any evidence that Covid stays on hard surfaces . I know there was scares at first but as it's airborne it wouldn't settle for long on anything.

Well done with the loss and well done done to your daughter. Doing it together means you don't buy your down fall foods. That's why I bake to take to my daughter's every 2 weeks that way I have a little treat. This week made a Bakewell tart. Yum.

Sarahmob I always loved pinafore dresses but think I am to old now for one. It's only been 2 years since I started to wear trousers. My daughter is my fashion guru. It's only because of her encouragement I have brought some of the clothes I have. Your leggings sound lovely and warm. I'm in my 40 denier tights now. I wear them under my trousers as I can't wear socks any way they keep my bum warm. Don't know about anyone else but since I started to lose my bum I hate it went it gets cold ?.

Well done with the loss. Have a lovely time at the hotel.

Shirley it's a blip . Glad everything went well with your families visit. Glad the dogs are friends at least next time they meet they will remember eachother.

Cocopops well done with the loss. I found my arm only hurt for a couple of hours and had mild headache which was short lived after my flu jab on Tuesday. Glad you had a lovely time with your grandchildren I love being with my grandson's but find I fall asleep in the evening watching the TV after I have been with them. My daughter and grandson's came yesterday afternoon for a few hours . Yep fell asleep around 8 so went to bed when I woke up. Been raining all week here. But at least there is still plenty of colour in the garden.

Have a good week pears

There is a thread titled Michael Buerk is obesity a disease. Don't read it . It's mad me mad as hell.

So mad if I wrote what I wanted I know it would have been deleted by Gransnet.

I have had to put up with the attitudes there all my adult life. It's just another example of bullying people who have a weight issue.

I notice no one bullies people who are bulimic or have anorexia.

?????

Back again just seen Michael Mosley's latest diet 800-1000 calories a day. Honestly how many people will do the 800 calories. It's to low. Ok you will lose weight in the first 2 weeks then your body will think it's staving and hold on to all the fat it can. Trouble is people will take it the calories can be made up with any foods not nutritional well balanced foods.

It's not sustainable and people will get disheartened. Honestly that man is a menace . All he is interested in is making money . But that's my opinion others most likely differ and think he is some dieting guru. ??

Isn’t it 800 cals two days a week whif? I have a couple of his 800 books solely for the low calorie counted meals not to consume 800 calories a day, don’t think I could make it even for twice a week but I do like the recipes. I think his wife who’s a GP helped with the book, think she was the recipe planner or something like that.

Shirley the article I read said it was 800-1000 per day. Didn't say it was only 800 cals for 2 days. Also it didn't state it was for a limited time. So unfortunately some people will blindly follow 800-1000 cals per day for a long time.

Has Michael Mosley been massively over weight in the past? As all the photos I have seen of him for years he looks normal weight for his height.

To be honest I have never used low cal recipes out of a dieting book. I was brought the hairy bikers dieting book. But when I worked out the calories on their recipes I could make low calorie ones myself.

It's like ready made low cal meals. When I look at the size of the meal the calories and all the additives I can make a bigger portion for less calories without all the additives.

I have used them in the past but always had vegetarian ones as never fancied the meat or fish ones. But only if I had been away or to ill to cook and my daughter picked me one up.

But eating less for life is different for everyone and what works for one doesn't work for another. We all have to find our own way.

Glad you find the recipes helpful
.

Good evening to all Pears.
ShirleyW, I hope your lovely doggy field day has cheered you after the loss ( theft?) of your purse. It’s not just the annoyance or inconvenience, is it, with such things? It’s the horrid feeling of possibly been tricked by a stranger, or at least a circumstance. And there’s all the admin of stopping cards and ringing banks etc etc. In my last near-miss with probable pick pocket, I noticed my back pack zip was undone, and a young lady hovering way too close to me. I said something like “What on earth are you doing?” and she scarpered like a rat out of a trap. I then spent the next few days feeling awful that I might have accused her unfairly due to my own prejudices ( she was definitely Eastern European, Romanian I think) but the fact remains that my bag was securely zipped when I entered the shop, and then it wasn’t. Unpleasant experience all round.

Nan Kate- huge congratulations on your Golden Wedding. What a lovely way to celebrate. I’m not in the slightest surprised that you were posting in the wee small hours, I expect you were far too excited for sleep. I hope you had a wonderful time.

Your positivity, Whiff is an inspiration. To have been widowed so young is horribly cruel, but then you remind us that that you did have many happy years together with your lovely chap. As I get older the thought of losing my DH terrifies…big hug to you for your bravery - and for keeping on keeping on. I know exactly what you mean about people thinking that they can be rude about others’ size. This week there’s been that whole hoo haa about Tilly Ramsey and the radio journalist. So she’s not a stick. But she is a v pretty girl, who seems able to dance beautifully. It is a horrible form of bullying. I don’t object to Michael Moseley myself- his blood sugar diet has helped me not feel hungry most days- but I basically adapt his mantra- loads of low carb veg, and a portion of lean protein as big as your fist, and that generally works for me. You are quite right. We all have to find our own way.

But of course we need support. Dorset, I’m very impressed that you and your daughter managed to talk each other down from the chip/cake ledge. Giving into temptation has been almost my specialist skill in the past; and DH and I did give in yesterday to a gorgeous lunch in a v pretty riverside pub that we had never tried before in all the 20+ years we have lived in these parts. Triple fried chips… ( drools…). Am going below 800 cals just today to make up…
Fourormore and Cocopops congratulations on your losses- I bet the dogs and GC keep you active Coco. And Sarahmob - definitely go for that pinafore. Happiness is an outfit that makes you smile!

Apart from the diet break that I indulged in yesterday ( which I sort of think of as a “reset the enthusiasm” day) I have other evidence that I need to work on my balance. Not so much in the physical sense, although I do mean in the context of exercising. I have been… enjoying is too strong a word…but…tolerating Leslie Sansone’s Walk at Home Workouts on You Tube, and have been experimenting with a couple of other presenters on her franchise. Did half an hour a day or two ago with a jolly young chap called Jordan. Gordon Bennett!! He was like a firecracker. I now have a sore left knee and right hip. Think I need to remember that I’m a lady of a certain ( insert big number here) age, and that I do not have the shock absorbers of a person of half my birthdays. I know that Leslie herself is in her early 60s ( and looks extremely good on it),so I think I had better limit myself to her!
So lovely reading your news, dear Pears, and blathering on with mine. Have a good week, all.

Oh did it whif? I did not read that, whether it’s 800 every day for the first 2 weeks , I think it’s that then twice a week after.

Hope your knee and hip has improved jomarch….easily done. I don’t mind Leslie Samsome, I didn’t know she was in her early sixties, like me ?…she does look good though.

Car is in garage as it’s leaking water so bus to work later. I don’t mind the bus as I take a book and can chill out for 25 minutes , depending who I’m supporting as the bus drops me off right outside work but sometimes I support a couple which is a fair shomp away, then I need the car.
Mary Berry’s new book is out today so #excited about that,

Whether has been mild for October…nearing November….the best is yet to come ?.

Behave girls…..

Weather

JoMarch the it's because of my husband I can carrying. He knew me so well he knew what I needed so I could live without him. He made me promise a lot of things . And keeping those promises are very important to me. The main one was live the best life you can. And I do. I don't think of myself as brave but I am stubborn. Also having both parents and mother in law dependent on me and the children kept me going.

Ok having more health problems and my son deciding May last year he never wants anything to do with me and not only losing him but 3 grandson's as well was very hard to come to terms with. But I haven't done anything wrong . Also the way he did it was cruel and cowardly via email and then letter months later. But finding help on the estrangement forum especially the one thread I came to terms with it last year. Yes it hurts and he wouldn't even tell me the name of his youngest or his date of birth. My heart broke when my husband died and you can't break something that is already broken. And still is.

But there are people worse off than me. I am an atheist but the only phrase I can think of to cover how I feel is I count my blessings. Also I know myself very well. I am a good person,good mother,mother in law and grandmother. I am loyal ,honest and trustworthy. But I also know my faults have a temper , stubborn and very windy? , I repeat myself and forget sometimes mid sentence what I am saying but that is part of my neurological condition. Also my body won't always do what I want my neurologist says my brain and body are out of sync it drives me mad at times. But been like it for 33 years since I was 29.

I know and met lots of people worse off than me. That's why if I can I try and help others. I treat people how I want to be treated. If they are vile to me I can be the same if I choose to be, but usually I just walk away as you can not win with some people.

I know it sounds like I am blowing my own trumpet. But because of my husband that's why I can face each day and I am lucky I have family and friends who I love and care for and who love and care for me. I am happy . Happiness is an under rated emotion. I always try and find a positive from a negative. Even if it's something silly.

You saying about the zip being opened on your bag reminds me years ago where I used to live the police issued a warning about thieves using magnets to open zips on bags that way you didn't feel anyone touching your bag. Don't know if that's how your bag was opened.

Noticed yesterday on the bus the ones who had stopped wearing masks had them back on. Covid levels are on the rise here but it's also flu season. Had my flu jab last week Covid booster next month.

I also hear there is a super cold going about . I read about it on the health forum . It's knocking people about and lasting weeks in some cases. My mask is always firmly on when out.

Went to exercise class yesterday we had another 2 members up to 7 now. I am still the youngest at 63 the oldest is 93. The hour flies by have a good workout but also have a laugh. And the last 2 weeks been able to finally use the kitchen so a cuppa and a natter. Plus a biscuit.

Shirley I love Mary Berry. Her recipes are no nonsense and love to watch her programmes . Also because of her hands she has adapted to do things a certain way that makes cooking easier for her.

Well think I have rambled on long enough. Craft group today.

Have a good day pears ?