…and Birdy too ! You wont escape me !!

Lovely post Duckie xxx

Wendy 1s always ready for a challenge, 6T and B1rdy…She organ1zes 12-15 yr olds 1n class everyday! 🙂

So much l1ght hearted fun go1ng on here. 1 love 1t! Sweet B1rdy, you’re learn1ng my language 🙂

St1ll laugh1ng JGwen, over your anecdote! You throw1ng half of your prev1ous self overboard 1s B1G news 1n a
small welsh v1llage. The phone l1nes would have been buzz1ng for the rema1nder of the day! When all 1s sa1d
and done, you w1ll probably here tell of some l1fe threaten1ng health cond1t1on that you never knew you had 🙂 1
would have loved to be a butterfly on your shoulder, as th1s woman scurr1ed off to spread the “news”. Ha!

1 was so enterta1ned yesterday, 1 forgot my pos1t1ves:

O/H rece1ved 3 offers to teach as many classes th1s Fall semester, w1th good prospects for a 4th. Th1s means
that h1s dance card 1s full unt1l jan. 2020, so no f1nanc1al concerns unt1l then. Stress 1s not good for a guy w1th
congest1ve heart fa1lure, so 1’m del1ghted for h1m!

Beaut1ful mot1vat1onal post, Duck1e!

Have a great day, all. Pos1t1ves are everywhere, so make them a part of your day 🙂

Ha ha – 1 am laugh1ng out loud! 1 d1dn’t know 1 was go1ng to have to learn code to talk w1th everyone! (Thank you from Allie, our keyboard-challenge specialist!)
JGwen, nice one with those busybodies — I know exactly what they are like — we have them in my hometown in California and they are just nasty. I started to say recently to my sister that women are women’s worst enemies — they don’t want to see you succeed because it reflects us poorly on their choices and jealousy runs deep.
I love their shocked reactions — you GO girl!
Hi Birdy and 6Turkeys!
Wood duckie, I loved the quote from Mother Teresa. As I read her comment I thought to myself, she’s talking about facing life with bravery and an open heart — which every woman and man on these forums has in spades.
It is hard to do all those things, but having read everyone’s comments for years now, I think every person here faces each day with incredible bravery and resilience.
It is HARD to create a meaningful life — but I’d say there’s a lot of that going on here.
And, just for 100% full disclosure, I’m typing this on my cell phone because I poured an entire mug of coffee on my keyboard over the weekend. It’s at the repair place now — at least I could feel virtuous, my spill was coffee but they had six other computers that had been doused in red wine LOL!!

Thank you Jul1a, for reveal1ng that 1’m not the only klutz 1n the ne1ghborhood! 1 th1nk 1 get so 1nvolved 1n the
“l1fe and t1mes” of everyone here, that 1 don’t pay enough attent1on to what my hands are do1ng 🙂 1 guess 1 should
get 1n the red w1no l1ne 1n Bath! Fellow s1nners, all! S1ncerest apolog1es to all who haven’t been able to get
1nto my 1nbox recently. A new gl1tch to stra1ghten out! As O/H and 1 are st1ll shar1ng h1s laptop, he w1ll take
more 1nterest than usual 1n ferret1ng out the problem because 1t effects h1s commun1cat1ons, too!
1n the sp1r1t of
bravery that you alluded to, 1 know that you w1ll conquer the challenge of dr1v1ng on the wrong s1de of the road 1n no t1me.!
Next 1s all the Br1t1sh slang! KazzUK tutors me 1n that every saturday! Last week 1 was suff1c1ently 1rr1tated w1th
the bearded one, and what spontaneously came out of my mouth was “sod off!” Progress 1s be1ng made….He just
looked at me qu1zz1cally, as 1f to say “Where d1d THAT come from?” Happy Days! 1’ll be 1n touch soon 🙂

Good morning all I hope we are all ok?

I have just got in from my night shift and it wasn’t too bad! We were very short staffed so there was double the work which made the night go quicker!🤣

So my early positives are……

1 50% of night shifts over!

2 I have discarded 2 more pounds❤️😊

3 a work colleague noticed I had lost weight and told me I was looking really well😊. Happy days.

The sun is out but I am off to bed for a few hours, see you all later. Birdy💞🦜

1. I just unloaded 20 cans of old paint, 1 container of motor oil and 1 empty kerosene can at the local transfer station. All of them were left behind by the previous owner of this house who had such a huge quantity of clutter that he couldn’t get rid of it all in time for closing. It’s been 13 months since we moved in and I’m still clearing out his insanity from the basement and the garage.
2. It’s finally warming up which makes my daily walks so much more pleasant.
3. My rather somber and diffident 15-year-old cat is currently chasing her tail like a kitten. She does it very rarely and only in one particular chair. It’s so cute I can barely refrain from scooping her up and giving her a giant hug. Which she would hate. 😀

Esnecca, any correlation between cat behaviour and heady fumes from ancient paint/oil? She may just be a bit high.

I didn’t open any of the cans, so she can’t blame her sudden burst of silliness on me. The only thing she’s been huffing is sunshine. 😉

1) Just back from a lovely performance of Beethoven’s 7th – fantastic. Couldn’t work out why some parts were so familiar, until I discovered it was used in “The King’s Speech”.
2) Second day of being back on track after a bit of a wobble. So far so good….
3) I loved seeing the Kent countryside – hedge-lined fields, birdsong, and HILLS!

Good afternoon! Thought it was time I sat down and thought about some positives so here goes …….
1. I have planned a few trips over the coming months so that’s the summer taken care of. Just need to add a sprinkle of sunshine to make things complete.
2. Despite it being too cold to sit in the garden it looks lovely from the warmth of a comfy chair inside! Fences and furniture repaired and repainted, patios cleaned and weeds banished so all is ready for when that sunshine shows it’s face!
3. I think there are a few of us who may be contemplating significant anniversary celebrations over the coming months. I have finally taken the plunge and booked a date for mine!
So lots to look forward to over the coming months but for today I have wonderful sea bass for dinner so I’m off to find a recipe for a nice light sauce.
Enjoy the rest of the weekend everyone.

Good work clearing out all that old paint Esnecca! I love the paint/poisons recycling place at home in California — they take the worst old stuff — the only problem we have is getting an appointment — it is always booked out weeks and weeks. But it solves the “what do I do with all this awful stuff” problem!
I’m waiting for the sun too Verano!
Caronl — your concert sounds lovely!
My positives for the weekend — my OH and I explored the Bath Skyline walk yesterday, wonderful views of Bath and the surrounding countryside — we walked around to the American museum (a couple of miles) and realised when we got there that we were starving but, luckily, they had a cafe there with quiche and salad so I ate the inside of the quiche and the two salads — BSD perfect!
The museum itself has incredible views over the valley — I want to go back on a sunnier day — but the museum itself is a bit spotty, a bit of this and that and doesn’t present the American story very well (so complains the American ha ha).
All in all though, an absolutely beautiful walk and we were happy to come home and settle in to a couple hours of a Netflix documentary on the Roosevelts (I guess it was “America” day for the two of us yesterday).
I am very much enjoying Bath and all its lovely buildings and shopping and restaurants and everyone is so very nice here. It’s a wonderful home away from home!

Hello CG; glad to hear you are enjoying Bath. I mentioned when you first said that you were moving there that my mother lives there; she is in Great Pulteney Street. She loves the city. Have you been to the Holburne Museum yet? Apparently there are some interesting talks on a regular basis, and the gardens are lovely. Plus there is the Waitrose just over Pulteney Bridge in case you have not yet discovered that! I agree the UK could do with some sun – it had started so well! Have a good Sunday everyone! (and Kafin, the one off treatment might be best for Albert rather than the daily medication – tho I do know vet bills can hurt!) My positive is that I hope to report clear movement on scales on the Tuesday weigh-in (thighs and bottom are also feeling slimmer and even the apron seems less “prominent” …)

Hi SixT! So good to know your mum lives here — I love the Great Pultney bridge area, it is so beautiful there with the Avon river running over the “steps”.
I found the Bath Sports and Leisure centre just next door to that area and joined to get my gym classes (they also have a beautiful pool) — it’s been good but it’s VERY popular and hard to get into some classes because they are always full.
It has been a “reminding” experience for me to join a brand new gym — I love fitness classes and I’m a bit of a gym rat but going into a brand new gym, starting brand new classes with instructors I don’t know and meeting all new people was actually somewhat intimidating!!
It reminded me of how hard it might be for non-gym BSD’rs to start up at a gym. No doubt they have a big mental hurdle to overcome and it makes a person feel very exposed to start up all new. I have great sympathy! I had to just put my mind into “silent” mode to get through the first three times but it feels homey now — but wasn’t easy at all!
I HAVE found the Waitrose you speak of — lovely grocery store and it has organic options which Morrison’s does not have. I don’t have a car yet — we need to buy one — so I have to walk home carrying my groceries — good workout!!
Holburne museum is on my list and I walk by it almost every day on the canal walk but haven’t had tome to visit it yet. It does sound like they have a full program of events so I need to go see! This coming weekend is a bank holiday — it would be nice to find something like a lecture or a concert to enjoy.
And regarding the “radio silence” on our threads, I fear the conversation has largely moved “off line” — which makes me sad.

I think you may be right about the ‘radio silence’ Julia and I agree with you it is sad. There no longer appears to be much of the old ‘community spirit’ around.

Morning all I am back after being a little silent as a lot of things going on. I am happy that we have been able to get a big farm house to stay in in Devon for my Aunties funeral, it means the whole family will be together to celebrate her life. I had my parents come and stay this weekend and with my dads big C diagnosis it has been a lovely to have them here and be with my family through this not so good time. Sorry it has kept me away but I needed to concentrate on them. I am back to the forum as it is home and I know you guys are here for me as I am here for you too. CaliforniaGirl I am glad you settling into Bath and already feeling it is home from home. Maybe because it is bank holiday weekend this weekend you and your hubby can go little farther afield and maybe explore Bristol. It always has loads going on and it is vibrant with lots of places to see and it probably has some sort of concert or shows going on. Marlborough is not too far away(down the M4 motorway) either and it is a beautiful old market town. You also have Salisbury which is beautiful too. My best friend lives in Bristol and we have spent many a weekend out and about enjoying the many things the city has to offer! Clifton suspension bridge is a must too.

My positives are

1 spending time with family

2. Knowing you guys are here and you are all amazing.

3 seeing all my extended family next week even though it is a little sad we will be together and will support each other.

I hope you all have a great day/week Birdy💞🦜

I think there are a couple on holiday and the newbies have been great and have really taken well to joining in with us. I personally have had a tough couple of weeks but I have been following everyone with the email notifications, but I didn’t want to drag everyone down with my problems. I should have posted more but with family here all weekend I felt it would have been rude to be on my phone all weekend. I love it here and I am happy to support everyone. I have a more normal week this week and I am here for whoever and whatever we need. I will never leave this forum as I want to give back. You guys are all awesome. 💞🦜

Noooo V , nooo Julia !! Don’t be sad ! It is true that some conversations continue ‘off line’ but nothing has replaced the forum threads for me. It’s a plus to occasionally send a quick WhatsApp message but like Birdy I would NEVER abandon the forum which has helped me so much . Verano and CaliforniaGirl you will always be dear to me and I will be ever grateful for your support.
I do find it hard when people drop off the threads after seeming so keen but I know that’s what happens and we have to accept that. I try to keep your weekly thread going V, as do Allie and Birdy but I should post on here more often xx
So glad you are enjoying Bath , Julia ! It really is a lovely city and I am pleased you have found places to maintain your activities. V your recovery has been fantastic.It does not seem long since you were posting about your surgery too.

My positives :

1) My bigger never to be worn again clothes are selling and I am pleased other ladies can have the benefit of them.
2) I am not replacing my ‘old’ clothes with new ones !
3) My boys are happy and well
4) I am getting lots of rest and enjoying not getting up early !
5) I am just thankful to be improving my health and for having met you all to make lasting changes in my life

Hi all. Good to start a grey rainy Monday with some sunny positive posts!
1) Had a lovely seafood lunch with all the family yesterday, and managed to choose a lovely espresso rather than the desserts on offer. Good to be all back together, so I know what you mean Birdy!
2) About to head into town to buy birthday presents for my “kids”. Haven’t gone shopping in ages!
3) Might also treat myself to some summer chinos ready for our Italian holiday in two weeks….for which I still aim to be at least a kilo lighter….
Have a good week everyone. x

Allie Is all well? You seem quieter than usual? Has your keyboard completely b1tten the dust? x

Hello lovely people, I too am guilty of reading but not posting much recently. Have been tracking the positives on email notifications, but not logging in, so thought it was past time to check in again properly.
It’s been wonderful to see people pulling positives out if almost any situation, spinning potential negatives into positives when necessary.
We are still on Turkey and very much enjoying the laid back life style we have here. On top of that I can offer up the following positives:
1) had my hair cut, treated and styled this morning. Enjoyable bit if pampering.
2) getting ready for friends arriving this w/e for a week’s stay
3) dining out this evening at one of my favourite restaurants, just me and OH

Hi folks, I have also been reading rather than chatting lately, I can’t work out if we are having a dryer year this year than normal, or if its just that I am feeling capable of tackling outside jobs more. Which means I am outside with a bottle of water, not having a coffee break and sitting down with the laptop to check in on the forum.

————————————-

Also I have been thinking through the things I want to do with my time this year, and I have been trying to work out if I want to take up an opportunity to do a PHD, or not. – I will be doing the lions share of the work anyway as part of a community project, so the difference is the extra time in documenting everything in the i dotting and t crossing way needed for the PHD.

My positives,
Looks like I have found a nice person to give a helping hand with change over days in the holiday let.
The group who were in at the weekend have checked out. – With some groups you are glad they are here, and some you are glad they have left. – This was definitely a glad they have left.
Its a slightly cooler day today so I can get on with clearing the area for my new bee hives, am picking up the bees tomorrow.

1. I did not go to the vending machine, I had a cup of miso soup
2. My keto breath appears to be on its way back
3. I haven’t gained any weight since 30 March in spite of being all over the place with following the WoE.

I keep telling myself that this works, that I lost over a stone in 6 weeks, and can do so again for the (several) remaining. And when I say “all over the place”, I mainly stuck to it, but allowed myself lapses of things right in front of me (biscuits). So, I can see the evidence that cutting out carbs as a whole (eg pizza, pasta, rice, bread) is effective and doable, and I don’t miss them much.

Boredom junk hits and wine are what I need to work on.

Avis well done on leaving the vending machine alone! Great positives too.❤️

JGwen go for it, if you are already doing the lions share then dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s will fall into place nicely!🤗. You will then have a PHd to boot. I can imagine some guests are a nightmare! Maybe you could start a thread and entertain us with their shenanigans 🤣🤣. I am sure Scottishgal could do with the distraction 🤣🤣. What a fab positive though, I wish I had done better at school, but I am looking into a course so I can teach English as a foreign language at the moment. I would love to live abroad eventually and I think it would come in very handy. Birdy💞🦜

Hi Everyone,
Just popping in with some positives.
1. I am currently on a ferry with hubby and dog to the Outer Hebrides….two whole weeks headspace.
2. Our campervan is fully stocked with caulirice, konjac noodles, olives, halloumi….and yes I admit it a couple of bottles of red wine 😳
3. I am 1 kg off my target discard of 20 kg, I plan to have achieved this by the end of my hols…gonna be doing a lot of walking!
4. The sun is shinning in bonny Scotland

Duckie, I love that quote from Mother Theresa too. I feel my trip away will help me do most of those things 😍
Hope everyone is doing OK xxx

Good afternoon, my fr1ends! 1 am 1n the best mood today, read1ng everyone’s posts 🙂 You are all 1n f1ne sp1r1ts,
and do1ng amaz1ng th1ngs!

Caron, Cut1e, you are r1ght…1 have been qu1eter than usual. Thank you for not1c1ng! L1fe has been chaot1c of
late, and 1t’s taken a r1d1culous amount of t1me to leave the pneumon1a beh1nd me. Jul1a and V., 1’m l1ke a
barnacle attached to the bottom of “our” boat, and 1’ll never leave these threads unt1l someone blasts me off
the hull! 1t’s been stress central 1n our home, wh1ch 1s always the case at the end of a teach1ng semester. The
bearded one undergoes a personal1ty change from h1s usual easy go1ng self, and turns 1nto a growl1ng bear
when grades need to posted and papers graded, and new syllab11 need to be uploaded. No t1me to even get near
our 1T guy, or do much of anyth1ng! 1 don’t th1nk 1 ever real1zed how much h1s com1ngs and go1ngs effect the
rthythm of our l1ves… (sp.?) My b1g pos1t1ve for the week 1s that 1’ve managed to NOT react to O/H’s peev1shness!
My pat1ence 1s wear1ng th1n, though 🙂

B1rdy, what a wonderful 1dea to rent a fam1ly house for your Aunt1e’s funeral! 1 hope Mum 1s hold1ng up. 1
th1nk you must be the sunsh1ne 1n your fam1ly…1’m so sorry to hear about Dad’s d1agnos1s. Wa1t1ng 10 days
for add1t1onal test1ng can feel l1ke a l1fet1me. How are h1s sp1r1ts?

JGwen, how exc1t1ng to have the bees on the way!!! Are your h1ves all 1n place? 1 know that you gave a great
deal of thought to your des1gn. How 1nterest1ng that we have another beekeeper 1n the commun1ty, too!

Jul1a, 1’m s1mply del1ghted that you are adapt1ng pos1t1vely to your second home 1n Bath! You w1ll probably
need some summer we1ght “jumpers” though 🙂 New England weather 1s crazy as ever, and we’re expect1ng 85F
today! (29.4C) 1’ve just ordered a batch of l1nen sleeveless tees for what’s ahead! 1’d l1ke to be less dependent
on a1r cond1t1on1ng th1s summer. You have found a Gym! 1 knew that would be h1gh on the l1st of your pr1or1t1es.
Your f1tness level really puts me to shame….

Great conf1dence Wendy, sell1ng your lovely, qu1rky dresses! 1’m look1ng forward to see1ng what you w1ll replace
them w1th, as you w1ll be a lady of le1sure 1n jan. 2020!

Enjoy the rema1nder of your day, all. Those plann1ng hol1days…Tell us about your dest1nat1ons! 1’m l1v1ng
v1car1ously through you. No plans on the hor1zon for me unt1l Oct. Kazz w1ll be arr1v1ng then, so 1’m plann1ng
someth1ng spec1al for her. A weekend 1n the mounta1ns, 1 th1nk!

Hi shellbob I hope you have an amazing time and I am sure with al, your walking you will smash it!💞🦜

Good to see so many posts today! This thread still remains uplifting especially if the day isn’t turning out to be one of the best.
I’m struggling to find positives at the moment, which is really bad of me as, fortunately, I don’t have any real problems. So ……..
1. The sun is shining.
2. I forget that it’s just 4 months since my surgery, as Wendy pointed out and my recovery has been really good …. so far …. here’s to the next 8 months and even greater improvements!
3. I’ve started a new type of journal to run alongside my usual one ….. a ‘sin bin’ journal! (Not for your ears Essie!!) I thought that if I noted down all my downfalls (snacks) at the end of each day, such as, a few squares of 90% chocolate, a few Ryvita etc etc. and then my weight the following morning it might just concentrate my mind. I have only done this for three days and it’s working! I know the carbs/cals of most foods and rough portions. I keep weighing food but no longer logging, apart from the ‘extras’. I don’t advocate this method for anyone new to this ‘life’ but I do feel the need to shake things up now and again.
Sorry that was a long positive but the point is it’s helped me to renew my enthusiasm for this WOL ……. yet again!
Hope everyone is having a good day full of positives.

I was ‘writing’ when Allie and Shellbob posted so ‘ hello’ to you both too!

Allie thank you for your kind words both my mum and dad are hanging in and trying not to worry. My dad says he is 80 and he has done well as all his family unfortunately have passed away between the ages of 50 and 72!😢. He is saying he is not worried but I know he is bless him. As you know I went to them last weekend and this weekend they come to me and mum said it was fab as she felt she had been on a proper little holiday. They are due back at mine late Sunday morning as my dad loves to go to the British legion to play darts with some of the guys in the village, he even said he wants to sell up and come live here. Mum and I said no as they have a beautiful h9me in Kent and they are only an hour and 45 minutes away. We head down to Devon early Monday morning and the place we have booked has a water sports park so my boy with weather permitting should be able to have some fun with his cousins before and after the funeral. I know it will have it’s sad moments but it will have some positives for all of us and we will be one big happy family. We haven’t told ny brother that it is all bunk beds yet🤣🤣🤣🤣. He is a real luxury hotel kinda guy😳. But I am sure he will be fine. Glad you have been able to ignore your hubby and not rise to his silliness Allie, you know we are the stronger and fairer sex🥰🤣. 💞🦜

This is my favourite thread so I’m sorry I’ve stayed away. The small things that make others’ day really makes my heart sing when I’m feeling gloomy. All our visitors gone for about 4 weeks and school shenanigans over so I should have a bit more time.
I’m too behind to acknowledge everyone but lovely to hear how your doing.
My positives for today. After a week in the carb wilderness I’ve done 24 hour fast and have something on plan for later.
2 the sun has finally made An appearance in Provence
3. I cleaned the classroom for the final time this year. Hip hip hooray

We’ve m1sseded you, Sk1pp1ng! 1’m glad that you are back from the w1lderness 🙂 When do you break from your
semester? ! th1nk Wendy f1n1shes up @ July1st? 1 th1nk most Europeans engage 1n far more hol1days than those
of us who l1ve 1n the v1c1n1ty of New York C1ty. ! th1nk you do a far better job of enjoy1ng l1fe than we Amer1cans do,
too! 1 need dynam1te to blast my O/H out of h1s study 🙂 Have you any hol1day plans?

Allie, we have a very long break for the summer. The kids have a half week next week then 4 weeks till the summer break which is 10 weeks.
It’s sometimes takes a bit of filling , the main problem is that my husband has the normal amount of leave. We’re off to turkey for 2 weeks, will go to Spain and visit the uk. We’re new to the area so will do some exploring around here too. That’s all supposing we’re not moving again.
It’s normally a massive shock to the system returning in September but I’m
Always ready for it!
Is it really hot with you in the summer ?

I have no problem filling my summer holiday, Allie and Skipping 😉 Officially teachers break up here on July 5th but classes finish earlier to allow for exam preparation, meetings to prepare for the rentrée etc.

I thought today that I must order my teacher planner for the next academic year, the same one I have used for about 20 years !
It will be my last one !! That will be my bedtime positive thought 😉

That’s a novel idea, V , a sin bin journal !!

Good morning all you lovely people!🥰. Thought I would get a early positive in😝

1 I jumped on the scales this morning and I am now 15 stone 8lbs!(221.2lbs or 100.33kg). I am over the moon considering I started on the 1st of April at 18 stone! I have lost 30.8lbs according to my fitness pal! That is a hell of a lot of weight I can’t quite believe it and I did get on and off a couple of times🤣🤣
2 I have also discarded half an inch off of my tummy,hips and underbust so all going in the right direction.

3 I don’t think this would have been possible if I didn’t have all you guys to have helped through all my rookie mistakes and for keeping going when I thought the scales would never move again🤣 so you guys are a huge positive! Thank you.

Here’s to another fab day on this WOL!! Love one very happy Birdy🥰🥰🥰💞🦜

Hi Caligirl, V and anyone else concerned at (seeming) lack of contributions and posters 🙂 Responding regarding suspicions of conversations going on elsewhere (however that is) – Id like to offer a couple of suggestions as to why that MAY seem so . . . but probably isnt 🙂 Speaking from my life and daily itineraries/experiences, firstly let me say I am almost 75, live alone . . . and therefore do EVERYTHING for myself on my own. My income is fixed – and varied by an amazing $1.75 a week a month ago. THAT doesnt cover (anything up to a 10%) increase in most of the household bills and the frightening cost of basic food given our country is and has been in drought for many years (in some areas). (Recent cyclone storms drowned or killed over 500,000 beasts (which hadnt succumbed to the drought) – so as well as fresh veges etc in short supply . . . meat is SO EXPENSIVE). Im down to helping my yard help person to save time and therefore $$$’s, and that includes timing and pruning which I can manage, and doing some cleaning up the day after he has been trimming and pruning. With my 1 year anniversary almost upon me (4 weeks away!) – Ive pretty much got my WoE dovetailed to requirements. Yes Id really like to discard a few more kilos . . . however if centimetres are slowly going . . . and BGL’s are stabilised . . . (which was my original aim) – then this would become extremely boring to report on – even on a weekly or less basis – as would be the fact Im AGAIN culling my wardrobe which requires EVERYTHING being tried on for current suitability – laundered and ironed for donation. For many weeks now . . .(Ive been home 4 weeks since my cruise ended 🙂 ) – Ive been receiving my notifications from one or two threads ONLY. (I hasten to add here I have an old laptop at home online . . and do not use my mobile phone for internet. Therefore, if Im out/away from home, I am not connected 🙂 Also, I have a short timeframe to rearrange ALL my communication methods – home phone, mobile phone and internet provider. Here in Australia this exercise is a minefield of pitfalls and confusing recommendations . . . THAT is giving me a real headache. When I look at “recent forum posts”, as has always been, there are three on offer . . . but if I click on the most recent posts . . . I get a message “there isnt anything to see!” (or similar). SO . . . how do we find them . . .? New threads which havent had “notifications” clicked.) Being impatient, or short on time MY notifications (by email) arrive on the posts Ive visited /have access to 🙂 AND, if I find I have nothing to add to a conversation . . . I dont 🙂 BUT . . . the rest of the postings slide through the cracks . . . rather than being ignored. And to be honest, the informative content hasnt been as full on as it was 6 months ago 🙂 If I feel “slighted” I do my best to place myself in others’ shoes . . . doing my best to not take things personally. Adding to my comments and revelations above, my schedule helping out with my grandchildren (and food shopping on my way home) – has altered greatly . . . Ive also visited a couple who were facing the hubby needing shoulder surgery, my younger grandson playing a very important footie match – renewing my drivers license – which required new photo, dozens of questions . . . so a 1 1/2-2 hour return trip to town . . . another friend who is going through tough times and Ive gone to visit her and shared a meal to give her a break away from her problems . . . I have personal matters of the heart which are not being shared around – there is no need – and it is personal . . . my elder son is working long hours with very little progress towards his goals – (and I cant help him anymore than I have). Ive been busy collating 2000+ photos from my recent holiday . . . typing up the “diary for memories” and getting things lined up to go visit my very very best longtime friend who is in fulltime care some 10-12 hours travel from here. I love the friends and acquaintances Ive made here . . . lifeline for the tough times and when needed guidance, support and reassuring . . . BUT I cant give back if I dont have the connections happening 🙂 And I dont contribute to FB because I find the mundane entries a little tedious and sometimes just time wasting . . . now I dont wish that statement to trivialise ANYONE or ANYTHING – but like most things in life NOTHING stays the same – evidenced by our bodies and circumstances 🙂 People come and go in our lives . . . experiences need absorbing, brains and adjustments need refuelling for rejuvenation. Sure personal sharings may/can help others reassess, review inform, comfort and to (maybe) view things differently. But in the light of day nothing stays the same for very long . . . the world turns . . . day becomes night, we arent the axis – we are part of the flow. My positives . . .? (1) Found a pair of jeans which actually FIT – and with a couple more tummy cms discarded and shortened a little, will be absolutely perfect – AND they were only $20!!! Thank you RIVERS 🙂 (2) With my workload and circumstances, Im still able to get out of bed with a smile, get things organised for my day – and not be concerned if I miss something . . . but my circumstances are VERY – WILDLY different to a year ago – 6 months ago . . . three months ago and we MUST ALL roll with the changes/punches/ and groundswell 🙂 (3) Hope Ive helped someone with this extended post – but please remember – sharing emails, phone numbers, addresses etc isnt something everyone is happy with . . . and if they do then it is their own private business . . . and none of ours 🙂 Its 7.45pm and Im hungry after a busy day . . . fridge food to unpack from cooler bags and think a stirfry will be quick and easy 🙂 A large batch will ensure breakfast will be taken care of as well 🙂 Hugs to everyone with my traditional sign off 🙂 Quack Quack!!!

Duckie, the “Most Recent Posts” link stopped working a week or two ago. I don’t know why. The good news is you can get the exact same view even more conveniently by clicking on “Forums” in the menu at the top of the screen and then clicking on “All recent topics.”

Hi WoodDuckie! Wow what an extensive post. For my part, which is all I can answer for, it was really just an ‘observation’. You are so right when you say that times move on and things change and it would be pretty sad if time didn’t changed us. I’m a firm believer that everything has a ‘lifespan’ and sometimes when one ends, a new door opens and it leads to bettter and brighter things.
Nice to hear from you nonetheless.

Thank for your response and advice re that “avenue” Es 🙂 I guess Ive shown and confirmed Im not a tech head 🙂 I do appreciate there is a way – and am most grateful for you taking the time to direct me! 🙂 Ill make a point of making an extra large coffee tomorrow morning and chasing down some of the backlog of reading 🙂 Quack!! Quack!!

Hi Verano! Nice to hear your recovery is so positive and beneficial 🙂 And thank you so much for your response 🙂 Quack!! Quack!!

As far as I can see the most recent posts link still works. But I will be coming to that page straight from my browser rather than clicking on a link on the website. If it helps this is the link https://thebloodsugardiet.com/latest-forum-posts/

I have had an interesting day and met an interesting lady who came into my cafe today. She must be early to mid 60’s and she has decided to have an adventure! She is riding her push bike 50 miles across country to stay in a youth hostel and meet a friend for lunch tomorrow, then she will be cycling another 30 miles to another hostel and then 35 miles home the next day! Unbelievable and amazing too. She is also fascinated by our diet! She is a massive believer in it and has given me a few links to look at by other doctors who believe in it too, one is a heart surgeon. She was so excited that she had met someone who was infatuated by our WOL, as she too has come across people that think she is mad and that she is starving herself. She cannot believe how hard it is to convince people that calories in/out just does not work! In fact she has given up trying to talk to people about it. She said I was a breath of fresh air🤣🤣. She was such an interesting and lovely lady. I told her about our forum and said anytime she wanted to chat then just hop on as we love chatting about it. In fact I am a little obsessed🤗😍. So another little positive for my day today. Hope you all are having a great one.

Duckie thank you for your post and you are dead right people and life are changing all the time and we have been lucky to have found like minded people all in one place. I am so so grateful for this forum and you guys and I am very much pleased that it has lead to friendships too. Life is too short to worry about things too deeply and sometimes you need to talk about things that would not be relevant or to everyone’s taste in here, so to have place where I can do that too is a bonus. Duckie you lead a very busy and full life and I take my hat off to you. You are a inspiration ❤️❤️. Birdy 💞🦜

I moved 44 bound volumes of LIFE magazines, half of the 1930s, all of the 1940s, 1950 and 1951, from the basement to the attic. One at a time. Up and down three flights of stairs. Each volume weighed at least 10 pounds. To say that I am fatigued doesn’t quite describe it. At the same time, I am absolutely euphoric that this was something I was even capable of, both in terms of physical ability and motivation. What hath the BSD wrought?

Esnecca, I seem to have an issue with a lag between seeing that someone has posted a new comment, with just the first few words, and actually seeing the full post. So I was worried that yours would have said that all the old Life magazines had joined the old paint tins…I’m amazed that you took straight to attic from basement; i would have installed myself in nearest armchair and settled down to read the full 13 or 14 years worth, cover to cover…I had another moment just this evening; settling down with my early supper on a tray (Diet Doctor keto beef patties in creamy tomato sauce with cabbage, not a Fast 800 recipe as 924 cals (10 g carbs) – but it was so good. Cooked two portions, rest is for Thurs. I bought a “sweetheart cabbage” – just fried in butter, salt and pepper, nutty deliciousness) – anyway, sat down holding tray in front of TV, realised I had my reading specs on, and just elevated holding tray with both hands. Hardly ground breaking at 57 years old, but a nice feeling! Duckie, it is odd to think that you are now looking at Autumn approaching, where we in the Northern hemisphere are welcoming the sun and long days. Keep cosy (and can I say you inspired a lot of sorting out of cupboards in my house – obviously I should have been more disciplined with the mouse one – but evidence that the Amaretti bics had not seen the light of day for some time! If that is “mundane”, then bring on mundane). Wendleg, frisee…very hard to get here! But the lardons (and maybe a few simply fried chicken livers….) are a very good match. Do tell me all if I am nattering on and you are sick of seeing me pop up!

Oh I read them all, 6T, don’t you worry. We bought the complete bound sets of LIFE magazine and the Saturday Evening Post from the previous owner of the house (who for obvious reasons was not keen to move them). We’ve been in this house since last April and I read the ones in the library and the ones on that bookshelf in the basement before moving them to the attic. Next up, the remaining four decades of LIFE and all the Sat Evening Posts. Good thing I’m a big nerd. 😀

I adored roasted or fried cabbage. I could easily eat a whole head on my own at a single sitting.

44 x 10lb via six fights of stairs up and down is so impressive I’m lost for words. When I re-read your post on ‘Where would we be without BSD’ I am just so in awe of your achievement and I’m sure that 99% of people in the same position would have had to resort to weight loss surgery to achieve anything near you. You really are an inspiration to us all and I’m so pleased you are posting again.
No time to post positves now as we are just going out of the door to meet friends. Will post tomorrow.

Hello all,
What a busy week and it’s only Tuesday. My 3 positives are as follows:
1) The O/H has just asked if I want to share a twix with him and I genuinely have no interest in chocolate at all. Not even slightly tempted. I’ve come so far.
2) My students sat there first exam today, 1 down 1 more a-level paper and 2 more GCSE papers to go. This also means that I will start to gain some down time’ in school and won’t have to work as much from home. This means more time for me.
3) It’s been one of those week last when I realise I am surrounded by lovely positive family and friends who encourage me to be the best that I can be. I am a lucky lady.

Thank you so much, Verano. It’s funny. When I first started reading your post I thought “oh but I didn’t carry any of the books down the stairs, so the 3 flights x 44 down don’t count.” Then when you brought up my “Where would I be without the BSD” post, I remembered how walking down stairs was once agonizing for me, terrifying, even. My knees would ache, grind and pop with every motion. It felt like they were going to give out at any minute and I’d tumble down and break my neck. I could only do one step at a time, leaning heavily on a banister. If there wasn’t one or a wall to give me support, I would have to sit on the steps and scootch down. It was humiliating and scary and I dedicated a lot of mental energy to figuring out how to avoid stairs.

I trotted down 3 flights 44 times today, light-footed and easy without giving it a second thought. I have a lump in my throat writing this.

Just a very quick post. Sorry I haven’t been able to check in earlier.
I have some great positives !

1) I celebrated my 61st birthday today, 4 stone lighter than when I was 60 !!

2) I anticipate being 62 with no fear whatsoever !! Maybe I will be wearing jeans 😉

3) I navigated the Chinese buffet lunch admirably ( it wasn’t my choice of venue but we have British visitors who are less adventurous 😉

4) My lovely boys sent me a beautiful long lasting plant from Australia

5) I ended the day with a wonderfully touching Skype session with two VERY dear friends who sent me the most beautiful, thoughtful gifts.

6) I am feeling very privileged .

Essie, ….that certainly is impressive and I am totally in awe of you , and your pelvic floor 😉

Essie I have a lump in my throat reading your post. Never forget how far you have come and how much of an inspiration you are for us all.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Wendy !