Time spent with you is special!

Another fun family day.  We went to Pleasanton and spent a couple of hours having fun at the apartment.  Then we all went out to lunch at La Fuenta on Main Street.  These aren't great pictures, but that's okay.

When dad and I got home we watched a DVD from the library, "Strangers on the Train' with Farley Granger by Alfred Hitchcock.  We both enjoyed it.  Bill and Sadie came to play.  We decided a BLT sandwich was a great idea.  Of course, I'm always blowin' it - while I was frying up the bacon - I buttered both sides of 4 slices of bread.  Yes, like I was going to make grilled cheese sandwiches.  Aaarrrggg.    So, I tossed out the bread and started over with 4 new slices of toast with mayonnaise for our BLT's.  The sandwiches turned out Delicious!

I still want a cool camera.  I want it to take poppin' pictures, but be super small like my little Casio.  Seems there is just a lot I don't know about taking pictures.  Look and click!  Well, it will be another good project.  I see other people take these fantastic pictures.  Mine always look washed out.  But, that's okay.  I'll keep working on it.

National Velvet

What a nice day today.  Dad went to exercise and then they went to their last Wednesday of the month exercise lunch at Home Town Buffet.  Then he came home a dozed a bit and we watched the DVD from the library with Elizabeth Taylor and Mickey Rooney, "National Velvet".  We both really enjoyed this movie.  We actually got to watch it straight through with no interruptions - yea!

Poor LindaRae is having a tough time from her surgical biopsy last week.  The agressive antibiotics wreaked havoc on her kidneys.  Now she is going to have a second surgery to fuse the impacted vertebrae.  It's a long process, so she will be in the hospital at least one more week and rehab following everything.  We are optimistic on a great outcome - patience, patience, patience.

I returned the Canon camera.  It just wasn't giving me that "Happy Glow!"  Luigi and I bought him some of that new grain-free dry dog food.  Cross your fingers it clears up any allergies he may have and hopefully his tear stains.  We won't know if we don't try, right!

Jacuzzi felt great tonight and they are opening the swimming pool April 1.  Just in time for the nice weather.  I especially love going to the pool late, like after 8:00pm when it is getting dark and having it all to myself.  It is so peaceful and calm.  This was a great day.

Worry less! Celebrate more!

Monday, the family went to Dublin and had lunch at the Waffle House.  Do these two look familiar?  Very Cute!

Tuesday, we went downstairs at the senior complex that Uncle Joe and Auntie Isabel live at and had dinner at 4:00pm.  Pot roast, baked potatoes, green beans, choice of breads, mixed salad, jello and fruit, choice of beverage.  All served by young volunteers.  $3.00 each.  We definitely will go back and try that again.  They also had a piano player and a singer for us tonight.  They were both really great.  Upstairs, they had a minor maintenance problem.  Called maintenance.  They came right over, fixed it and were super friendly.  No charge.  Included in their rent.  It is an amazing complex.  That is the good life.  Hope when I'm 92 like Auntie Isabel, that I can find a place this nice too!

Earlier today, Luigi and I went for a walk at Garin park.  I also brought along the manual for my new camera.  For some reason, I'm just not that happy with this camera.  I really want to like it!  I'll keep learning.  It's probably me.  Anyway, it is fun learning about it.  And the weather is so great now.  Right there, that makes me Super Happy!

We stopped at a small pet store in Pleasanton today, and the guy gave me a free sample of some healthy, grain-free dry dog food to try for Luigi.  I'm not sure if he was extra hungry from feeding him so late tonight, but he ate it pretty well.  I think I will try and see if I can find this food nearby.  If possibly his food is causing his tear stains, I'd like to try and find out.  Also, the store clerk said he had heard that beet pulp causes the staining.  Anyway, I would like to experiment and find out.  Wouldn't this be so cool if we could cure Luigi's tear stains naturally through his diet.  Maybe it's time for me to start thinking about what I am eating again.  Somehow, I got distracted and am back on junk food.  I love it, but it is not going to get me the results I am looking for.  You and me Luigi - we can do this!

Look for a reason to smile, and you'll find more than one!

We're off to the Waffle House in Dublin today with Uncle Joe and Auntie Isabel.  Always have a good time there with them.  I've been reading about some supposedly natural ways, besides antibiotics, to help with Luigi's tear stains.  So, I'm going to start experimenting.  None of them sound that certain though.  It's more like, try this, try that.  But, I guess just like people, every dog is different, and you just have to keep trying and hopefully find what works for him.  I have printed out the hardware manual and software guide to my camera.  Might as well experiment with that too and decide what I want to do.  I'm feeling a tad discontent.  All of these small projects, but none that I am really excited to follow through with.  Guess I'm a little frustrated with myself because I can't keep focus on losing weight.  I feel like I'm stuffing all of my feelings in.  I need to find healthy ways to express myself.  Probably the best way is to get out of myself.  Start thinking of others and get more physically active.  I'm kind of glad I have this blog.  It gives me a moment in time to think about what I am feeling and thinking.  It really is more fun to be doing.  Yes, I am going to get more active.  I like to see what is around the next corner. 

Here is the library at our club house.

Just Go With It

Dad and I went to the movies this morning and saw Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston in a light comedy, "Just Go With It".  It was pretty cute.  We both enjoyed it.  Dad wanted to see "Limitless" with Robert De Niro, but I watched some trailers last night and it looked way too mean for me.  Then we did some grocery shopping.  I've been going to the jacuzzi almost every day this winter.  It really takes the chill off and is so relaxing.

Then I made us steak, baked potato, and green beans. 

I am trying out my new camera.  Can you believe, I'm not sure I want to keep it.  It is a tad larger than I thought it would be.  My Casio is so slim, and I thought this camera would be the same size.  So, I will play around with it a bit, but I'm actually leaning towards returning it.  Also, I placed a few small items on eBay to sell.  Haven't done that in a while and just got inspired.  Looks like the rains are winding down and the nice weather is making a slow return.  Yeaaaaaaa!  I have really enjoyed the rain, but you do tend to get a bit of cabin fever.  I just read that someone else has recently gotten their RV.  I sure would like to go travel.  Wish there were some way to take care of dad and also have a life.  He just says he cannot go far, and I guess it is true, but I feel so land-locked.  I can't leave the house much more than an hour and he is not comfortable.  I can't go out at night, he is too worried.  The only time he is really content is when I am in my room.  I'm going a bit stir-crazy.  I'd like to go to work, but he says he needs me at the house.  I mean, everything is good, but.... it's just not enough, you know what I mean.  I need more, and it is hard to get it and keep him happy.  I'm happy to help him, but I'm unclear how to have a little bit more me in there.  Hey, I shouldn't complain.  Really, I've got it made in the shade.  I'll bet with the nice weather returning, I'll find all kinds of creative ways to go exploring.  Hey, I'll "Just Go With It!"  haha

Happy Birthday Patty

Today is my niece Patty's 47th birthday.  She lives in Washington state with her new husband.  How can all these beautiful kids add on the years while I remain so young!!!
 

You're On the Right Track!
Luigi is so cute.  He was still pretty out of it this morning.  I had him go outside and take care of business and then I fed him some nice soft-packet doggie beef stew.  Then back under the bed he went. Dad came home from exercise class and we were sitting in the family room talking - no Luigi - still under my bed.  Suddenly, we hear Bill come out from his house.  He and dad are going out for Casper's hot dogs for lunch - we look up -  who's running outside - with ball in mouth - tail wagging - Luigi!  He loves to play fetch with Bill.  It was so great to have our little puppy feeling better again.  This afternoon, Bill and Sadie will come over and play with Luigi.  Aahhh!  Back to normal.

Luigi is Moosh

Poor Luigi had his rabies vaccination yesterday.  When we first got home, it was like he had taken an Energy Pill.  He was racing every where and full of spunk.  THEN it hit him.  He went down for the count.  He curled up on the floor and hasn't moved in 16 hours.  It is pouring down rain still, so I don't want to force him to go outside.  Dad and I are going out to lunch with Uncle Joe and Auntie Isabel to the Olive Garden.  Hope Luigi doesn't have to go outside while we are gone.  Poor little guy.  These shots usually hit him for about two full days.  Rest easy little guy.

Luigi got up for about two minutes before we went to lunch and took himself outside.  It is now almost 7:00pm and he is still curled up under the bed.  My heart breaks for him.  I don't dare touch him, he is so sore.  He is holding his little body so gingerly.  Well, it is a pouring down rain day, so a good day to stay tucked inside.

The biopsy came back for LindaRae.  She has a staff infection in her 11th-12th vertebrae.  They have her on antibiotics and IV and she will stay in the hospital a few more days.  Sounds like there is also more testing going on. 

My Passion for Design

Enjoying my book, "My Passion for Design" by Barbra Streisand.  Can you believe it has been a week and it is still pouring down rain.  Happy to be cozy in the house this morning and really enjoying the sounds of the rain.  I love to read lots and lots of books and then I either donate them to the library or sell them online through Amazon.com or half.com.  This morning I just sold my book, "Ten Consecutive Years Living in Cars".  So I wrapped it up to get it mailed off, and then I remembered I still have several books that I have not finished sitting on my shelves.  The largest is my Barbra book.  It is beautiful, but my goodness!  I guess I enjoy minimalism and the lessening of items.  But, that is just about my own ownership.  It wouldn't be nearly as much fun, if you couldn't go everywhere and enjoy everyone elses collections and creativities.  Then back home to your own simplicity.  Seems like the perfect world for me.

This morning Luigi goes in for his rabies vaccine and then over to renew his dog's license for three more years.  How can Luigi be 4 1/2 years old!  How could my mom be gone for so long.  How could my dad and I be hanging out for all these years.  Time flies - that's how!  These have been very mellow, lay-back years.  Highlights - family lunches!  haha  Each day stretches into the next, but I think I will always look back on these days with fondness.  With the simplicity and non-pressure of life.  Having someone care about you.  Taking care of you.  Easy to take for granted when you have it.  So, I want to take the time and appreciate it.

It's just that I have such an itch to get on the road and travel.  Go places.  See things.  Patience.  Patience.  Patience.

Tonight I went online to Amazon.com and ordered my new Canon Powershot Elph 300 HS Digital Camera and SanDisk 8GB Extreme SDHC Class 10 High Performance Memory Card.  It's a nice small camera that will fit easily into my jeans pocket.  It includes burst mode, which I love, because I take like 10 pictures quickly in a row and then find the best one.  The camera also has 1080p full HD.  The memory card, I believe is going to allow me to not have to curse at my camera.  I understand the Transcend Class 10 Memory Card sometimes fails, or drops pictures, or is slow to transfer pictures.  You, of course, do realize that my patience often falls a tad short.  I want more patience.  I want it Right Now!  hehe 

There is something to be gained from every challenge!

I really want to start taking pictures and videos again, so I have been running around town checking out the new Canon Powershot Elph 300 HS digital camera.  Also deciding which card I want to get for it.  Then I am going to order it from Amazon, so this will still take a few days.

Luigi and I took dad to the dentist this morning.  Yes, for us that is an exciting outing!  haha  My life is so dull these days that staring at paint really feels like I'm participating in an activity.  But, dad seems happy, so that is a good thing.  His mobility is such a challenge, that we can only do little things here and there. 

Tammie called and said they are going to fuse LindaRae's back.  I actually don't know what that means.  Dad talked to her, so I didn't get any of the facts myself yet.

Hopefully, I will be going on little adventures around Hayward when I get my new camera.  Yahooooooo!!!!!!!

Why dwell on regrets when you can live your dreams?

The family is headed over to Norman's Restaurant - formerly the Hofbrau.  It is alternating between pouring hard rain and bright sunshine.  Looking forward to checking out Norman's now that they have their new sign up.  It's now a little bit more like Carrow's Restaurant. 

Also, I have decided that I am going to get my new digital camera.  The Canon HS 300.  Think I will get it in silver and buy it from Amazon.com and save the tax.  Tax here is 9.75%.  Whew!

Lincoln Lawyer

Third heavy rain day in a row.  We are really enjoying this!  Today is Sunday and Dad and I are going to the movies and see Lincoln Lawyer.  Looks like a pretty good cast line-up.  The reviews looked so-so - but dad and I really go for popcorn!  hehe  Note:  Dad and I both Really enjoyed this movie.

Today is weigh-in day for WeightWatchersOnline.  I am holding steady at 194.5.  This losing weight is very intense.  Lots of work.  I am sort of obsessed with eating.  None-the-less - one day at a time.  I pulled out the scale so that I will weigh myself each day.  Hopefully, that will help me stay more motivated and aware.  I really wanted to lose one pound a week and instead I've stayed steady for two weeks in a row.  How much produce does a gal have to eat. hahahahahahaaaa   I know!  I am a bit spoiled.  Need that self-discipline stuff.  I am determined to lose one more pound.  Wow!  Am I good or what!!!!!!

Bev Morgan came over this afternoon with Cookie to play with Luigi.  Lots of fun.  And, of course, Bill and Sadie come over almost every day and/or night and play with dad and Luigi.  There is always a lot of activity going on.

You Make Every Day Special

Dad and I went to Denny's for breakfast this morning.  We forgot that it is Saturday.   Wow!  There were sure a lot of people there.  We had a great time.  We were going to do a few other things, but it was raining hard and Really Cold, so we stopped at the library and picked up a Winston Churchill movie, Into the Storm, about World War II and headed straight home.  We watched the movie and then lots of TV and stayed warm all day.  We played with Luigi and had sausage sandwiches for dinner.  Honestly, aren't these simple days really the best!

Tammie called and said that LindaRae's blood pressure is lower and they are doing better with the blood clotting and Monday they will do the surgery for the biopsy on her spine.  She is still at the hospital and able to walk around a little bit, and then wants to rest.  I'm not sure about the rheumatoid arthritis part right now.  We love you Lin.

Rainy Friday

A great rainy Friday.  Washed my new silk sheets by hand.  Got lots done around the house.  Watched movies that we rented from the library.  The rain sounds so great and continued all day long.  We had chili burgers made with bison for dinner.  This was a fast, fun, Friday.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

The Family is off to Harry's Hofbrau today for corned beef and cabbage to celebrate St. Patricks's Day. 

You're off to a good start!

Luigi and I took a trip to San Pablo and Richmond this morning.  First, we stopped by St. Joseph's Cemetary and visited mom.  This is only the second or third time we've visited her since she passed away in 2006.  It's only 30 miles or so, but it seems very far.  She's looking pretty happy and contented up there in her private little corner.  It's so many mixed emotions, it's really hard to say, but I'm just glad I had today's opportunity to go visit.  Actually, it was only a couple of miles near a Western clothing store that sells Charlie's Soap Laundry Liquid - to wash my new silk sheets.  Also, my two mesh bags to place the sheets in arrived today!   Seems what I am reading is to wash the sheets two or three times by hand first.  I was hoping to just use the delicate cycle, but I'm not really certain.  I've read several different articles and they all strongly state to wash by hand FIRST.  I'm pretty lazy, but I think I will do this.

Dad and Bill went to exercise this morning.  They then went for hot dogs for lunch and a nice Long drive through the hills of Pleasanton.  They love doing that and he looks really happy.  When he's happy, I'm happy.

Turns out they couldn't take the latest biopsy on LindaRae last night because her blood is not clotting.  So, we have to be patient.  One step at a time.

Most dreams unfold one step at a time.  Take that first step.

Dad and I are staying with Comcast.  The last few days we have made so many calls to AT&T and DirecTV - ordering, canceling, ordering, canceling - it's like a three-ring circus.  After all was said and done - we are staying with Comcast Cable.  They are (hopefully) bringing our monthly cost down from $145 a month to $102 plus tax.  I'll believe it when I see it.  Every single month the bill climbs.  From $86 to $144.92.  Every month they (confusingly) explain why that is.  Yet, we really like Comcast.  Hey!  We don't have much to do around here.  This is as exciting as it gets!  lol 

My niece Tammie called from Virginia this morning.  LindaRae in Oregon, is in the hospital pretty sick.  We don't really know everything yet.  Wishing you love and recovery Lin.  We love you so much.

I don't know why, but I'm feeling very contented today.  It feels good.  Think I'll kick back with Luigi and enjoy this feeling.

You make life sparkle!

Fun pictures of the family.  Spent a couple of hours at Uncle Joe and Auntie Isabel's and then a couple more hours laughing and chatting at lunch at In n' Out Burger in Pleasanton.  Life really doesn't get much better than this.  Seems we never run out of things to talk and laugh about. 

Dad, Uncle Joe, Auntie Isabel

Any time is a good time to be happy!

What a great Sunday.  We had bacon and eggs for breakfast.  In the afternoon, I went to the jacuzzi.  This is the greatest jacuzzi.  It is inside a wood structure with a large front opening and slats to one side for growing trees, greens, and plants and looking out to the weeping willow trees.  It is rather large with 8 jets and choice of the air bubbles.  You can almost swim inside this jacuzzi.  It has cement seating, some higher, some lower - so that whatever part of your upper back, lower back or neck needs work on, it is easy to reach.  Also, I love to use the jets for reflexology.  Years ago, I had bunions removed from both feet at the same time and came down to this jacuzzi several times a day for physical therapy.  It is true that it was actually a pleasure to heal from surgery specifically because of how great this jacuzzi is. 

Tonight we had chow fun and a great vegetable salad for dinner.  We received a call from DirecTV to verify that we do want them to come for the installation Tuesday.  Green light  go-ahead given.  

Ordered DirectTV

This morning dad and I called and ordered DirectTV and their U-Verse high-speed internet.  For 12 months the TV including 2 HD boxes, free installation, 11 movie channels, 225 channels and 6,000 movies will be $61.99 and will go up to $99.99 in 12 months.  The 12MB high-speed network regular $29.99 will be $19.99 for 12 months.  The TV gets installed this Tuesday morning and the internet on Wednesday, March 23rd.  They did stick us for a $143.95 installation on the internet and a 24-month commitment or $20 per month cancellation fee.  Pretty tricky, but we decided to go with it anyway.  We know several people who have and are very happy with DirectTV - so hopefully, this will all be good.

Good News!  My silk sheets arrived today. 

It's A Fresh New Day.  Enjoy It!

Uncle Joe is doing great.  He is much happier with this doctor than the last doctor.  This doctor explained everything he was doing and did not hurt him.  He did get more stitches in his head, and he has another big bandage wrapped around his head.  The doctor told him to just sleep on the right side of his head for now and to come back September 22.  The doctor said Uncle Joe could probably remove the bandages himself in just a couple of days, probably Sunday.

Luigi and I had a pretty quiet day.  First we slept in, and then we took a nap!  Comcast has raised our bill to over $140, so dad and I called AT&T today and we are going to try U-verse.  They will install it also on September 22.  They said internet and tv will be $86.00.  No contract, so if we are not happy we can change.  Had bacon and eggs for dinner.  Can't beat that.

End Insomnia

1.  Calm your nerves with minerals that soothe the nervous system, reduce anxiety and relax muscles.  Aim for 800 mg. of calcium and 400 mg. of magnesium.

2.  Sip beverages earlier.  Drink all of your fluids before 8:00 pm, so you don't have to get up during the night.

3.  Try Melatonin.  Taking 1 mg. of melatonin a half-hour before bed helps almost 100% of people sleep more soundly.  (Melatonin becomes less effective if you pop it nightly, so use it three times a week, max.)

4.  Calm your brain with a scented soak.  Add 10 drops of lavender, chamomile or jasmine essential oil into your bath-water.  Aromatic oils increase production of calming alpha brain waves, helping you fall asleep faster.

5.  Create total darkness with an eye mask.  Even tiny amounts of light can disturb slumber.  So switch off electronics and lights and try a blackout eye mask to block light totally.

6.  Turn off your cell phone.  Cellphone radiation jangles the nervous system, increasing anxiety.  Use a landline to make any calls within an hour of lights-out.

Is it insomnia?
Yes, if you have trouble falling or staying asleep most nights for at least one month. 
-  Difficulty falling asleep at night.
-  Awakening during the night.
-  Awakening too early.
-  Not feeling well rested after a night's sleep.
-  Daytime fatigue or sleepiness.
-  Difficulty paying attention or focusing on tasks.
-  Ongoing worries about sleep.

Dad and I had lunch at Coco's Restaurant with Uncle Joe and Auntie Isabel.  We split a French Dip sandwich, so that tonight I will cook up fried peppers (I forgot them last night) and I'll cut up the steak into bite size pieces.  Unfortunately, last night dad did not get to eat his.  There was gristle and he just does not have the strength to cut the meat anymore.  Getting older sucks!  Turns out tomorrow Uncle Joe has to go back to the doctors.  They either didn't get it all out, or the cyst in the back of his head is growing again!  Sometimes it seems like it never ends with doctors.  He is determined to drive himself and not ask Tommy.  You have to be tough to be old.  I might make it to 60 - I'm a pansy. lol.  Can't believe I'm the one that is going to be left all alone to grow old.  No spouse.  No kids.  No support.  I thought I'd wait to later to get tough.  That's a lot of work to be tough for 40 years straight.  I plan on living past 100.  I kinda really don't want to be tough though.  I just want to be happy and care-free.  I have a lot of things I still want to do and everything is on hold right now while I take care of dad.  He really is a fulltime job.  I guess just knowing I will have so much freedom later gives me the patience to wait for now.

Remove Stains From Plasticware

1.  Plop two denture tablets and fill with warm water. 

2.  Squeeze half a lemon with 1 tsp. baking soda and let sit overnight.

3.  Place container in sunlight for a few hours.

4.  Add Cascade Plastic Booster to the pre-wash cup of your dishwasher.

5.  Mix 1 Tbs. bleach in 1 cup  warm water and pour in the container for an hour, then rinse container with hot water and dish soap until you can no longer smell the bleach.

Prevent Stains from Plasticware

Use cooking spray to form a protective barrier with foods like tomato sauce that could possibly stain container.


Happy Birthday Skip and Cheri

My brother Skip's birthday is March 8 and Cheri is March 9 of the same year.  Here is a cute picture of the two of them.  Also, a really cute picture of Cheri's mom Jean, on her 80th birthday.

I receive a lot of follow-up calls from Mark, at Livermore RV Center.  I met him at the RV show at the Pleasanton Fairgrounds a while back.  January 9th, I posted pictures of the Class C that caught my attention that day.  I really want to travel in a Class B - and I want to live in a Class C.  hahahahahahaa  There are plenty of pros and cons for both and I really haven't decided.  Good thing I have plenty of time.  Plus, you can always switch, cuz I honestly don't know what my travel plans are really.  I'm just looking forward to wandering everywhere and seeing everything and hanging out and doing a lot of nothing - and a lot of everything. 

THYROID FIXES

1.  Switch to cast iron, ceramic, or stainless steel and use cooking spray.  Scratched nonstick pans increase risk of thyroid problems.

2.  Eat protein at every meal provides a steady trickle of tyrosine, an amino acid that's an essential building block of thyroid hormones.  At each meal, eat 1 oz. nuts, 8 oz. milk or yogurt, 1 egg or 4 oz. poultry, meat or fish.

3.  Nourish your thyroid with salt.  To find out if you're deficient, rub liquid iodine - an inexpensive disinfectant sold in pharmacies - onto the underside of your arm.  "If your skin soaks up this mineral, leaving no yellow color, then your iodine levels are low."  Sprinkle one meal a day with 1/2 tsp. of ordinary iodized table salt from the supermarket; eat 6 oz. of seafood or pop a multi that contains 150 mcg. daily.

4.  Reduce your stress 30 minutes a day by either listening to relaxing music; cuddle with your partner or pet;  or sip herbal tea and daydream - and your thyroid function should improve dramactically!

5.  Microwave ordinary popcorn kernels in plain paper bags.  Avoid microwave-popcorn bags which are often coated with nonstick chemicals.  Avoid greasy wrappers from fast-food restaurants and avoid take-out pizza boxes. 

6.  Favor hardwood floors over carpeting with stain-resistant coatings.

7.  Eat 'COOKED'  broccoli and other crucifers.

8.  Eat pumpkin seeds - they are loaded with zinc - which can help stabilize an out-of-whack thyroid.

Mangoes - A daily serving is a top source of selenium, a trace mineral that helps your thyroid gland produce the energizing hormones thyroxine and trilodothyronine.

Curb slowdowns sooner...rather than later.  Even if tests show your thyroid is only slightly out of whack, it's not wise to delay treatment.  Early treatment - before symptoms have flared - helps prevent weight gain, strengthens bones and muscles and cuts your risk of heart disease in half!

Know the signs.  If at least three of these statements are true for you, consider asking your doctor test your thyroid function.

-  I feel exhausted by bedtime, but have trouble sleeping.
-  I usually wake up tired, no matter how long I've slept.
-  I often feel chilly, even when others don't.
-  I struggle with anxiety/panic.
-  Even when I watch what I eat, I have trouble losing weight.
-  I often have sore muscles and/or achy joints.
-  I struggle with digestive problems, allergies or infertility.
-  I feel mentally sluggish, unfocused and/or forgetful.
-  I have dry skin or skin problems, such as acne or eczema.
-  I'm prone to depression or blue moods.
-  My hair is dry and straw-like.
-  My eyebrows and/or hair seem to be thinning.
-  I've tried antidepressants for depression - or estrogen for menopausal symptoms - but they didn't help.

Good News!  A few months ago, a blood test showed my thyroid was out of range and I might need to take a pill every day forever!  So far, at 59, I am blessed that I do not need any pills at all.  I took a follow-up blood test yesterday and got my results this morning.  My numbers are back in the "Normal" range.  Whoopee!!  Now, I will try and follow these few simple rules to keep it there.  I like to be healthy.  And I like to not take medications.

We're off to take dad to Physical Therapy.  Luigi is coming with us today.  Luigi and I will go wait in the car - play with YouTube on my cell phone - and watch Barbra Streisand videos.  A Perfect Morning!

Rented a movie from the library, "A Face In The Crowd" - it's in black and white from 1957 starring Andy Griffith with Patricia Neal, Walter Matthau, and Lee Remick.  I really enjoyed it.  Dad slept through most of it.  They really worked him hard today at Physical Therapy.  So I made us root beer floats to up the energy.  I'm trying harder today to stay closer to my WeightWatchers Plus Points, so I will probably have a salad for dinner tonight - and my mango!

Family Lunch with Kenny and Lisa

Dad and I had lunch today at Rigatoni's in Castro Valley with cousins Kenny and Lisa;  Uncle Joe and Auntie Isabel.  Lisa is looking healthier.  Slow and easy.  Appendicitis is no fun to recover from.  They really enjoyed all the family stories.  Lots of reminiscing.

Today I bought a papaya and a mango.  I love mangoes and want to learn more about the papaya.  The guy at the store says the papaya is not ripe yet.  Wait until it turns yellow.  It's more green than yellow still.  Very exciting.

Week Four Weigh-In

Very happy to report I weighed-in this morning at 194.  That is a one-pound loss each week.  I'm definitely all over the place with eating, but I am trying to include some better choices.  Instead of just eating whole bags of chips...mmmmmmmmm  hahahahahaa  I have been eating more pears, bananas, oranges, blueberries, turkey, crab, lobster, diet coke, flavored water, popcorn.  Recently, I have forgotten to drink my cup of tea at night, and I have noticed when I don't there is much more late-night binging.  This has been fun tracking everything on the computer at WeightWatchersOnline.  Having the time to do it makes a big difference.  This is definitely the right time to do this.  I know that one pound a week seems slow, but considering I go way over my points limit every single day so far, the fact that I'm not gaining is a miracle to me.  Although a lot of things I eat, I can't really find on WeightWatchers website, especially restaurant foods, so I really don't know quite what my real points are. 

Dad and I went to the movies this morning and saw Matt Damon in The Adjustment Bureau.  We enjoyed the movie and Matt Damon, but it was kind of a sci-fi movie - yuck.  It seems like there are so many interesting True stories, why waste time on this.  But, we still enjoyed it, so there you are.  Poor dad and his mobility.  Yes, I am a very sick person, because I was laughing so hard.  He was so cute with his cane and our popcorn coming up the staircase to our seats.  His distances are getting so short and he was smashing that poor popcorn to smithereens.  I couldn't catch my breath, I was laughing so hard.  I finally settled down, and told him next time please wait for me at the bottom of the steps while I get all the drinks and everything settled in and I'll come back and get him and the popcorn.  He is kind of frustrated, but I do explain to him, "Good News!  You Have Me!"  :-)

Went to the jacuzzi at 2:30pm - aaaahhhhh - had it all to myself.  Verrrrrryyyyyy Happy!

March Madness RV Sale at Stoneridge

Today was the first day for the Livermore RV Center's RV sale in Pleasanton at Stoneridge.  What a bust.  It was mostly trailers with a few Class A's and fewer Class C's.  The couple of Class C's that Luigi and I checked out were really smelly and disgusting inside.  We didn't even stick around to take any pictures.  Oh well.  It was still fun to take a quick ride out there.

Dad and I went and visited Rose today at her Assisted Living House.  It is so wonderful there.  She is so happy.  They are friendly, helpful, everything.  The owner, a very young looking - with three grown children - asian woman came bouncing in and gave every single resident a great big kiss.  They treat everybody - even dad and I - like a warm, loving family.  We had such a nice visit in the backyard, where they are adding three more rooms for residents.  The whole house were doing their exercises when we first arrived. 

Then we headed out for lunch.  They are doing a big construction job down all of Castro Valley Blvd.  It look us about 45 minutes to drive about 3 miles through town.  It was really fun watching the big cranes - front row and center.  They were placing the huge cement road dividers down the boulevard.  It was fascinating to see how they get them to all connect together.  While we were eating lunch at El Rancho Steakhouse, the crane showed up in front of the big window and we had a front row seat to the action for a second time. 

The last four restaurants we have eaten at this week, we have had the best wait service.  They just all couldn't be friendlier, more helpful.  It sure makes eating out lots more fun.  It's usually the exception, but we're on a run and we are loving it.

Went to the jacuzzi tonight.  I definitely prefer to be alone, but Anthony is stalking me a bit right now.  I have tried to politely and firmly tell him "not interested", but I need to change up my routine pronto and keep this simple.

Silk Sheets

Yep, I finally ordered silk sheets.  I've been wanting to for years.  I had forgotten how I use to Love wearing silk shirts when I was working - and now have outgrown All of them.  The fact is I spend most of my time in my dark room and don't have a desk, so I use my adjustable bed and laptop computer.  If not now - When?!  I am very happy that I finally did this.  Hopefully, this will also be another piece to the puzzle for sleeping cooler and better.  There was light leaking into my room and I finally taped all the sides completely down all around on my new black out shades.  Now, it is nice and Dark.

We had such a fun time at lunch with Kenny and Lisa at Shari's restaurant in Castro Valley.  No pictures.  Lisa is really trying to get well from her appendicitis and will be grateful I have saved the camera for a better day.  She is a real trooper.  Looks like she may not quite be ready to go back to work next week - so hope we can do one more lunch together while she is getting well.

Here are a couple of pictures of cousins Debbie and Deaunn at our big Family Lunch last Saturday at the Elephant Bar in Dublin.

Dad Had A Great Birthday

Dad received 17 Facebook Happy Birthday messages, THREE birthday cakes - one from Rose at exercise class and one from Miguel at the clubhouse and one from Bill and Carol.    Presents, plus lots of delicious food presents from Bill and Carol to feed us until his next birthday.  Lots of telephone calls wishing him Happy Birthday and we went out to IHOP and had a great birthday dinner.  He was really touched by all the love that he received.  This was a Beautiful day.

Today our cleaning ladies come at 8:30am.  We will grab a quick bite a McDonald's, because at 11:00am he has a doctor appointment with Dr. Gavrell.   At 1:00pm we will meet for lunch at Shari's Restaurant in Castro Valley with Uncle Joe, Auntie Isabel, Kenny and Lisa.  Turns out at 4:00pm Debbie and Deaunn are having dinner at Shari's.  Would have been fun if we could have all eaten together.  But, I'm sure we will another day. 

I put up black-out curtains a couple of days ago in my bedroom and they are working great.  Hopefully, this is one more piece of the puzzle to helping me sleep better. 

Happy 86th Birthday Dad!

Another great year.  I need to get some more pictures of you.

Luigi Before and After Grooming

Luigi is so sweet.  I had his face completely groomed to see how his tear stains are doing.  They are still very deep, but I will continue trying the allergy pills.  I use to use Angels Glow, which actually did work.  If the allergy pills don't work eventually, I will go back to the Angels Glow.

These are before and after pictures of Luigi's recent grooming.  He's such a little man.