The less said about yesterday, the better. Not as bad as the day before, but I did deviate. Now I think I should quit ignoring, and try to analyze the problem: I've been eating a light--probably too light--lunch, then get ravenous by about 4:00. We don't have dinner until 6:00, so I have maybe, a squash, or broccoli. These don't satisfy, as I seem to crave carbs, so I start munching pretzels. I then am indifferent to dinner (last night, just had the other half of my salmon, about 4 ounces). After I clean up after dinner, I seem to immediately start in on the wine and--yes, more pretzels. Last night, I finished them, had another glass of wine, then a fair amount of after-dinner mints left over from Christmas...
You know, I had to quit typing just now to compose myself! I was laughing so hard I almost fell off the new office chair son Mike gave me. Geez, talk about obsesssive! And talk about human garbage pail! Notice, I'm ON WEIGHT WATCHERS, yet I'm scarfing anything that isn't tied down! In a very weird way, it strikes me funny.
Nothing much to be done today except try to get back on the program. Tomorrow is our progressive dinner, too, and THE NEXT DAY, the Weight Watchers meeting, where I'll face the scale. And remember, I had a two week hiatus!
The problems are compounded by the fact that my usual exercise program (the 3 mile "Walk Away the Pounds" DVS at the clubhouse 3 days a week, and about a mile brisk walk with Susan the other days) have gotten sporatic over the holiday. Susan is in Connecticut for a delightful reason: her first grandchild, adorable little Sophia. Of course, I guess I could walk by myself, but no, that's too simple.
Oh, the hell with it. Can only resolve to stick to the program today and most of tomorrow, then show up on Tuesday for weigh-in and keep smilin'.
The one--and probably only--bright spot in all this is the fact that I've continued to honor my commitment to be honest in this blog. If I get cagy, all seems lost.
2006, here I come!

Woe is me! I suddenly snapped last night and, after an approved dinner, started in on a chocolate Santa, apple pie, and marshmallows. Yeah, I really did a number on myself. This morning, feel sugar-clogged and sluggish, but whataya gonna do--it happened and I'll go on from here. Exercise at 8, which should help bring me back from the brink...

Later on Thursday: Had an enjoyable day with Leslie at the mall; didn't find what we went there for (leggings), but got Christmas cards for next year. We then did indeed stock up on veggies at Santori's. Got turnips, red-leaf lettuce, baby bella mushrooms, plum tomatoes, and feta cheese for the salad I'm bringing on Sunday, plus grapes, tangerines, and ripe bananas for banana bread I'll also bring.
A good restaurant is right down the street from Santori's, so of course, I suggested lunch and L. seconded the motion. Had blackened chicken with wild rice and fruit and it was superb. It was probably no worse than the Caesar salad I usually order, so I was satisfied. Had broccoli for a snack and will make the salmon for dinner (beef stew for Pat). Well, I had some pretzels just now, too, I'm afraid.
No plans for tomorrow, so will just tidy up and run some errands. (Whenever I hear, say, or write the words "tidy up," I think of my Aunt Maggie.)

Well, after my brave talk (writing) about wanted to eat light and order right, I had spaghetti and meatballs at Calandrea's last night, which WW calculates as (gasp!) 16 points. Bad, bad, very bad, especially with the addition of two glasses of wine, but oh, well.
Oddly--and comfortingly--I don't feel as if I've put back on much weight. Could be kidding myself, but will find out on Tuesday.
Salmon and broccoli tonight and will strive to follow the program from now until Sunday, when we have our progressive dinner.
Going to Hamilton Mall shortly with friend Leslie. Will see if she wants to stop at Santori's Produce on Jimmie Leeds Road to stock up on goodies. I have to keep reminding myself that veggies are goodies, not pies and cakes. Am I convinced? What do you think?

Had to take Ellen up to Princeton to the shuttle yesterday. How I miss her when she leaves! After, went back to our old neighborhood in Ewing, then stopped at Alison's on the way home to get the dishes, etc. I left there. She gave me lunch (turkey sandwich, a rice dish, and tea). I figured that totalled about 6 points, as the bread was a delicious oat whole wheat and the rice has sour cream in it. Stopped at Joel and Jen's to see their tree, and got home about 4. I had brussel sprouts for a snack and fixed--what else?--hot turkey sandwiches for dinner for Pat. I had only about 2 oz. of cold turkey and about three-fourths of a large butternut squash. Later, had popcorn and wine.
Well, all right already--I cheated a bit after that! Had a second glass of wine and pretzels. I figure I still went only about 3 points over, which I checked off the extra 35 I can have per week.
Didn't make it to WW weigh-in yesterday, so thought I'd go to Manahawkin WW Center at 5:30 last night or at 9:00 this morning. However, Leslie stopped at 8 for exercise, so didn't make it. Thought better of it anyway, and will wait until next Tuesday at the clubhouse.
Hey, it's Wednesday, our regular dinner-out-with-friends night. Not sure where we'll go, but I'll strive to order right and eat light.
More tomorrow.

Great day with Ellen and Alison yesterday. We went to an aquarium at Point Pleasant--a modest one, with just enough to see and do--then back to Alison's for dinner on a gloomy, overcast day. I had packed up and brought all the leftovers from Christmas dinner and the five of us (Pat drove up separately and good son-in-law Mike was there, too, of course) enjoyed a second-day dinner. (In the old south, brides' trousseaus used to include a "second-day dress.") It was so good.
Today, I must take Ellen up to Princeton to catch the shuttle to JFK (sob!). It's been a joy to have her here, but her visit was all too short. I'm hoping she'll be back in the summer.
A-l-ll righty. Guess I'd better revert back to the real reason for this blog. My diet yesterday can be summed up in one word: A disaster. (Yeah, yeah, that's two words, but it's an old joke.) I had two fried eggs--fried in butter, mind you--and two pieces of toast--with butter--for breakfast, then a cheese sandwich at Alison's for lunch. Dinner included all the usual suspects, with pie, and when we got home, a sampling of cookies and chocolate candy. TODAY is WW weigh-in day, but I can't be there because of taking Ellen--that's not my fault, is it?
RESOLVED: To get back on the WW path, at least until New Year's Day, when we host the dessert portion of our progressive dinner.

A glorious Christmas: Wonderful presents, scrumptious food, and best of all, our beautiful family to enjoy. If I say it myself, dinner was great. Very, very basic and old-fashioned, in fact this is the Christmas dinner I almost invariably serve, with few deviations: A fat turkey (would love to try goose one day); the kind of stuffing my mother made (and not from bought "cubed" bread, either--Ellen tore apart the bread by hand); a variation stuffing in which Ellen put apples; peas with pearl onions; string bean casserole (Alison brought that, but it was never "traditional" with me--never made it in my life); banana bread; two kinds of cranberry sauce; mashed potatoes, gravy (okay, okay, I confess--that's about the only thing I don't make myself), black and ripe olives; wine, coffee, and soda; apple pie and pumpkin pie with whipped cream; chocolates, and after-dinner mints. I meant to make and buy fancy after-dinner drinks, but just forgot. This dinner, incidentally, is almost an exact duplicate of what I serve for Thanksgiving if it's at my house. I love new and exotic food, too, and if I'm elsewhere, certainly have no prejudice against almost anything added or subtracted--just like to stick to the tried-and-true myself.
Not food, but food-related: Again, if I say it myself, the table looked beautiful--so festive with the Chistmas dishes I bought eons ago, and gold tableware (thanks to sister Betty's birthday gift of several years ago). I supplemented with the heirloom china that had been my mothers's and used a beautifully embroidered tablecloth and hand-crocheted cloth over that. They look great and go perfectly with the table setting, but are hardly heirlooms: I bought the undercloth at Habitat for Humanity and the over one at a yard sale in Allentown, NJ. The woman I bought it from said her aunt in Germany had crocheted it years ago. How could anyone ever sell such a treasure?
The downside to the lovely table: Everything has to be washed by hand. If I didn't have Ellen here, I probably would have been up until midnight. As it was, we spent more than an hour cleaning up, but hey, who's counting? It was worth it.
Oh, yeah, my food tally: Everything I could get in my mouth--ha, ha!

Went to supermarket at 7 am yesterday, then Ellen and I spent several hours cooking: two kinds of stuffing, pumpkin pie, and smashed taters, to get as much as possible done for today. We then rushed out to get heavy cream and tour Port Republic, a charming little town nearby. I was amused when we stopped for gas and Ellen unhooked her seat belt to get out. "We live in a civilized state," I said, "We don't deliver our own babies and we don't pump our own gas."
Ellen took us out for dinner last night, which we greatly enjoyed, then she and I walked around Sunrise Bay to look at the lights. What a joy to have her here.
Being the organizational type (read that "compulsive"), I wrote out a schedule for what I have to do today (iron napkins, stuff turkey, etc.) and what time everything has to be in the oven. Am having dinner at 4:00 (long story why, but wish it were later) and some of our company (Alison, Mike, Joel, Jen, and Joely) will come early to exhange gifts first, some (Mike's brothers, Brent's partner, cousin John) later. Will record festivities on new digital camera.
Oh yeah, the food part: I had meatloaf at the restaurant, along with a light beer, but yes, indulged in ice cream and cake at home. Am not counting as this point, but at least am acknowledging.
Must now plunge into the day's pleasant duties: Setting the table, stuffing the bird, checking for last minute items. The work is a joy, the house looks lovely, and I'm looking forward to the day. Cliche though it is, I must say it: I love Christmas.

Daughter Ellen in last night about 10--so good to see her. As for me, I went early to Manahawkin and bought new ornaments, then Pat and I decorated the tree. It looks beautiful, I must say. I spent the rest of the day cleaning, putting things away, and running errands. Took a shower and had a well-thought-out, sensible, and well-balanced dinner of a can of peas. Yes, that's what I had. I then fell asleep on the couch. Unfortunately, when I got up, I had a glass of wine, pretzels, and ice cream. Went a little crazy in the food department, but at this point, I'm not counting.
Must now go to supermarket, then Ellen and I will make the pumpkin pie (apple already done), stuffing (won't put it in the bird yet, Betty, DON'T WORRY!), and sweet potatoes. Expecting either 9 or 12 for Christmas dinner, which we'll have early, about 4.
Almost forgot this is supposed to be a "weight and Weight Watchers" blog. Well, sometimes I deviate, so shoot me. Will weigh in on Tuesday and just take what may.

"Visions of sugar plums..." We had good neighbor Barbara's versions of sugar plums last night at a delightful gathering next door. Yes, I went a little overboard with peanut butter/chocolate squares, various flavors of biscotti, snickerdoodles, and a huge variety of other cookies, not to mention wine and liqueur, but hey, let's be realistic: I knew I'd just go hogwild in such a setting and am prepared to follow the program for the rest of the day and--to the extent possible--the rest of the season. Will attend weigh-in on Tuesday and take any set-back philosophically.
Daughter Ellen comes in tonight from California--happy day!--and tomorrow we'll be making the stuffing and pumpkin pie.
We put the tree up yesterday and with the new little round lights I bought (red and white), it looks beautiful, even without ornaments.
Must run. I actually have a few things to pick up, such as tinsel, and want to get to the stores before the rush.

Want to add: My birthday started off with friends Leslie and Susan bringing me lovely gifts and good wishes, as neighbor Anne Mary had earlier. Cousin Marifran sent a pretty ornament which will adorn the (live) tree we'll put up today. Plus, Alison and Mike also gave me darling little "tokens"--one for dinner and one for a movie (I'm dying to see "King Kong")--what a neat idea! The book Betty sent is "Where Are They Buried/How Did They Die?," feeding an interest of mine I don't even want to begin to explain. Good friend Marge sent a birthday e-mail and others expressed their good wishes in person. Wow, am I a lucky woman.

Had a great birthday yesterday at Alison's and received nice gifts of jewelry, a book, and from son Mike, a digital camera. Best part was being with my family, of course, especially after a stressful day of discovering I had nails in 3 of my 4 tires (new 3 months ago) and having to go to Sears to have one replaced (other 2 could be patched). Had to jump in the shower the minute I got home, but made it up to Cream Ridge in plenty of time.
Got calls from daughter Ellen, son Mike, and of course, my twin, Betty (it's so nice to share a birthday with your sister), brother Frank, and a birthday e-mail from son Patrick in Tokyo and cousin John.
Oh, that's right, this is a "Weight Watchers/food/my struggles" blog, so I'll comment on those topics: Alison served up a great dinner, with curried rice, stringbean casserole, and a delectable main dish, Normandy Chicken, which included apples, onion, and heavy cream. Did I indulge? You bet. Did I over-indulge? Hell, yes, to the point of two large servings of almost everything, topped off with a big piece of cake and ice cream. Not to worry: I'll stay on the straight and narrow today--until, that is, the dessert party at Barbara and Frank's tonight.

I've been getting complacent of late. Ate the other half of my salad about 4 yesterday and made hamburgers (Pat had a roll, I didn't), oven fries, and creamed corn (he had, I didn't) for dinner, so that was fine. However, for some reason, I rebelled against my usual at night, skipping the (low point) popcorn for (considerably higher-point) pretzels and a glass of wine. I then consumed more raisins than I should have. Not horrendous, but that's the kind of thing that can slowly sabotage weight loss.
BUT--today is my birthday. Not a milestone--that's looming next year--but my birthday still seems very special to me--I hope everybody feels that way. Best about it is being with daughter Alison and family. We'll go up to Cream Ridge for dinner; whatever she has, I'll enjoy it. Hope and expect I'll get calls from the other kiddies, too, and will surely talk to my twin, Betty, too. I'll call her, probably from Alison's, as we're 3 hours later.
Tomorrow: lunch with Susan, then a dessert gathering next door. It's a battlefield.

Hoo-kay, I lost .8. That's "point 8," which if I'm not mistaken (was never a math maven) is eight-tenths of a pound; add it to the 4.04 I lost before and I'm down a big 4.12 pounds.
I'm fine with that. I've been partying up a storm but, in between, am keeping Weight Watcher kosher.
Today, went to lunch with Marge and as ever, had an enjoyable time. I had my usual Caesar salad with chicken, but--get this--ate half and took half home. I'm proud of myself and will keep on the straight and narrow...
Until, maybe, tomorrow, my birthday. We're going up to daughter Alison's for dinner and I DO intend to have cake.
Then there's Thursday: neighbor, walking partner, and friend Susan invited me to Panini Bay for lunch (yes!) and next door neighbors, Frank and Barbara, are having a few people in after dinner for "Christmas goodies and desserts." Would we miss it? Absolutely not. Will I indulge myself with the delectable treats for which Barbara is famous? Naturally. But then I'll go right back on the program at least until daughter Ellen gets here from California on the 23rd.
I'm feeling good about all this. I'm not WW perfect, of course, but I'm not going sky-high with the weight, either. Am now at 187.2 and pleased about it.

Greatly enjoyed the party at Julie and Gary's yesterday and I DIDN'T go off the deep end in the food department. True, I had two glasses of wine, some chicken florentine, and a piece of cheese pie (can NOT remember how to spell that), but mostly ate a lot of plain boiled shrimp and--tah dah!--ignored the desserts! This for me was monumental. Once home (party was 12 to 4), I had broccoli and squash for dinner. I confess I later had some pretzels and raisins and finished up the handful of gumdrops, but I'm okay with that.
I weigh in tomorrow. Considering the parties and so on, I don't expect a loss. I'm even reasonably all right with a slight gain. I still feel satisfied--not estatic, of course, but satisfied--that I'm doing pretty well so far in the holiday season.

Hem...haw...hem...haw....
I'm hemming and hawing here because yesterday was a falling off the WW wagon one. Met a friend for lunch and we went to the Crab Trap in Somers Point--a terrific restaurant that was a favorite of my mother's. After all my smug talk about always ordering a safe Caesar salad when I go out for lunch, I heard myself asking for the fried oyster and chicken salad platter. Incredibly, it came with two sides and I ordered pickled beets (the virtuous me) and delucious red potatoes roasted with onions and garlic and swimming in oil (the evil twin). Had a glass of chardonney, too, but at least no dessert.
I thought the day wasn't a total disaster because I'd just have spaghetti squash for dinner--but no, I got hungry and heated up the left over salmon. That was okay, but I then gobbled down some cheese puffs and those damn gumdrops. Come to think of it, it could have been a lot worse because there's ice cream in the freezer and Oreo cookies on the counter.
Guess what? We have another party today! This is an open house from noon to 4; guess we'll go over about 1. Let's see how I do with moderation--NOT my middle name. Hem...haw...

Good day yesterday. Had an acorn squash for lunch, 42 pretzel sticks, and half of my jello/yogurt dessert, then salmon for dinner. 42 pretzel sticks equal 2 points.
Damn! Did I actually count out 42 pretzel sticks? Yes! Can't imagine what it must be like to simply EAT TO LIVE and not think about food the way thin people do.
Uh, uh, that may be an insidious attempt to undermine my determination to be aware of what I'm eating. I'd better be careful and get back on my serious-about-calculating-what-I-eat track.
Okay, we went to a holiday singalong at the clubhouse last night--had great fun and I eschewed the lucious cookie table for decaf coffee. Had popcorn later and went to bed happy.
Today, am picking up a friend for lunch, but I don't anticipate problems. Will order a Caesar salad or something.
P.S. The first paragraph may seem a little weird. Maybe IS a little weird. A lot weird. Obsessive, crazy, ready-for-the-funny-farm weird.
BECAUSE: I just checked and I could have had 45 pretzel sticks for 2 points, not only 42!!!

Had a wonderfully enjoyable evening at Flo and Joe's last night. Of course, I screwed up royally in the food and drink department, indulging myself with the glorious desserts and wines (including a delectable pomegrante (sp?) wine), but I'm giving myself some leeway.
I finished the leftover garlic and oil pasta for lunch yesterday and generally strayed from the WW path, but the important thing, I think, is that I'M AWARE of my calorie intake, not just mindlessly stuffing...
Hmm. Sounds good, but yeah, it's a cop-out. My warring personnae seem to hold two simutaneous, but conflicting thoughts: that as long as I know what I'm doing and exercise reasonable caution, the weight won't stick AND that it doesn't matter what I know, don't know, write, don't write, and so on and so forth, nature won't be denied and I'm going to gain.
Hey, I don't feel like wrestling with this. Have a lunch date today, another tomorrow, a party on Sunday, plus my birthday next week, Christmas, our progressive dinner on New Year's Day--yoicks!
Well, so shoot me. I'm in a silly and defiant mood; will take my lumps on weigh-in Tuesday, but in the meantime, kick up my heels--so there!

Got through dinner out last night just fine. That isn't to say I followed the WW line, but for my purposes, it worked out. We went to Mecurio's, which has a list of early-bird specials, none of which are kosher WW, so I just choose what I want. I wanted angel hair with oil and garlic and it was superb. I ate exactly half of it and brought the other half home. Did NOT eat the bread or dipping oil, or dessert, or anything else but salad and coffee. Had a few pretzels before I went to bed, so o.k. Incidentally, I had only a large spaghetti squash for lunch (had to go to rehearsal at 1:30), so the points probably added up pretty close.
Party in Egg Harbor tonight and we'll see what happens.

Up and down, down and up. Gave myself permission to deviate a bit last night, but rest of the day was fine. I always figure it's another whole week to the next weigh-in, so I can indulge. Otherwise, a pretty standard WW day: Following my decision to vary my diet, tried oatmeal for breakfast, had a Caesar salad with chicken for lunch at the Tuckerton Grille, and actually dug out TV dinners from the freezer (turkey) for Pat and me. It wasn't too bad (faint praise!). Not sure how long they had been in there, but probably at least 6 months.
Busy day today: exercise at 8, Drama Club at 1:30 and our regular Wednesday-night dinner out at 5:30. Another party tomorrow--at the League's in Egg Harbor.

Yipee! Just got back from Weight Watchers and I'm down 2.6 pounds! That brings me comfortably into the 180's (188) and--of course--gives me a terrific lift.
Now I can confess--whew!--that I hit the gumdrops last night. I have, however, been skipping the wine in the evening, just having soda with my popcorn.
Today, it's out to lunch again while Susan, Barbara, and I do the Tuckerton House tour. I'm going to order carefully, though, and keep vigilant during the holiday season. I varied my breakfast again today, and had oatmeal, skim milk, and o.j. W
With today's good news, I can make my next goal a ten-pound loss. Now I have a dilemma: I've been so on and off going to WW, that I can't quite figure out how much I've lost. From my top weight, and according to my book where the losses are recorded, I'm down 16.8 pounds. However, it's gotten so confused that I don't want to pretend I've lost that much recently. Think I'll start counting from when I started at the clubhouse, which was three weeks ago, or November 22. At that time, I was at 191, so I'm figuring from there. That means I lost a total of 4.04 pounds and that's okay.
I'm reved up and happy!

Christmas party--oops, "holiday" party--last night was great and boy, so was my falling off the WW wagon. Had two drinks and three desserts. Get weighed in tomorrow and I'm ready to take my lumps. My attitude is this: If I hadn't rejoined WW when I did, I'd most likely gain 7 or 8 pounds over the holidays. I'm keeping it down. How? By being AWARE of what I'm eating and going right back to the program in between celebrations and outings.
Today, will pick Marie V. up and take her to Sea Oaks for lunch. I'm not worried about that, as they have some nice low-cal offerings. Tomorrow, after WW, I go on the Tuckerton House Tour with Barbara and Susan and, yes, we'll lunch together, too. Can handle that, especially because it's after weigh-in. Heh-heh, every WW member knows what I mean by that.

Great fun at our neighbor's for the tree-lighting ceremony last night--and, I'm afraid, great food, too. I indulged in several (small) glasses of eggnog with rum, plus some rolled sandwiches. Luckily, I hadn't eaten dinner, so the damage wasn't too bad. In addition, I ate lightly during the day (veggies for lunch), plus could draw on my 35 extra weekly points, so it was fairly okay. (I'm hedging a bit, I know). The only thing I regret is eating the two sandwiches we brought home. Pat didn't like them and I have this thing about not wasting food, so I scarfed them down, even though I wasn't the least bit hungry. Stupid and I wish I hadn't, but I'm not going to agonize over it.
Tonight is another test, one of the many seasonal ones. We're going to the big Sunrise Bay Christmas party, starting with appetizers and drinks and progressing to a buffet ("Danger! Danger! Red alert for highest-level danger!") of entrees, and another of yummy desserts. You're supposed to plan ahead for these things, so I'm planning to eat a regular breakfast, then as little as possible before we go. Also resolve to choose as wisely as possible and to dance up a storm...yay!

I feel good today. I made the decision, and started to carry it out, to jump-start (stupid cliche!) my diet by changing it. For a long time, I ate the same breakfast and lunch every day--not a bad one, but you're not supposed to do that on WW. Guess I did because I liked them AND most important, Im so damn lazy I get tired of weighing, measuring, and recording.
Well, I changed that yesterday. I had an egg ("fried" in spray) on WW toast and half a grapefruit instead of my usual cottage cheese on toast and o.j. I was out Christmasing until after 2 and at that point, had decided to go easy on the carbs, so for lunch, had an acorn squash and a head of cauliflower. (I don't care if that sounds weird.)
For dinner--get this--I had a big bowl of cereal (2 cups of puffed rice and a cup of skim milk=3 points) which added at least some of the milk WW wants you to have. I then went out to a Christmas pageant with friends Walter and Susan. Skipped the refreshments (cookies) at intermission, but accepted their invitation to come in and have a little cup of eggnog (with about half a shot of rum) after. Felt perfectly comfortable drinking it because I hadn't filled my points earlier. Eggnog isn't listed in the "Getting Started" book, but I suspect this was worth at least 4 points, maybe more.
When I got home, savored my daily reward of hard candies (1 oz.=2 points). Went to bed happily about 11--very late for me--and slept until an un-heard of 8 o'clock. I'm feeling great and ready to continue my innovations!

Ho-hum day yesterday. Heavy snow didn't materialize--yet. Exchanged some things at Kohl's, thought about starting Christmas cards, made dump soup and "barbequed" chicken (the sauce a combination of ketchup and diet soda). I decided to skip the 2 teaspoons of oil, even though the program calls for it.
I'm afraid I'm going to have to jettison my evening wine and popcorn. Last night again, I still felt empty after them, and succumbed to raisins and a handful of gumdrops. Maybe a big salad would be a better choice. Our lecturer, Christine, recommends simply not having anything after dinner, but I just can't imagine that. I always think of my w. and p. as a reward for my day's activities; don't see how I can skip them. However, I'm determined to do well this WW week and will just have to rethink my whole regime.
It's so frustrating to make these serious resolves early in the day, then at night ignore them and go hog-wild (an apt. phrase), but it happens constantly.

Had a neat experience yesterday: Was Christmas shopping in Manahawkin at lunchtime and got very hungry. I remembered there's a Subway next to the new WW center there and that Subway has a lot of sandwiches that carry some fairly low points. I stopped in and found the staff there so cordial and helpful. One very courteous young woman (she may have been the manager) even got WW's book listing common items on fast food restaurant menus. It included Subway, and I ordered a yummy chicken teryaki for 7 points. To my surprise, I was told that, for WW members, the first sandwich is free--neat! Thanks, Subway!
Did pretty well at dinner last night. We went to Mercurio's and I had the chicken marsala--maybe not one of the best choices, but I left much of the pasta. Skipped the bread, had salad instead of soup, and gave Pat the dessert (these are included in the meal). At home, just had my regular wine and popcorn and went to bed happy.
What's looming now are Christmas parties and events. Tomorrow, I go to a play/pagaent at St. Teresa's with neighbors and Saturday, we'll attend a "tree-lighting ceremony" other neighbors are having--with refreshments, of course. Sunday is the big Sunrise Bay Christmas party and that's a buffet--oh, dear. More parties next week. Will keep you posted.

I am SO grateful for yesterday's comment from my beautiful, dear, one-and-only twin sister. It really gave me a lift and yes, made me determined to get right back on the WW bandwagon. Now honesty (I wish I hadn't resolved to be so honest!) requires that I confess to last night's deviation: After meeting a former colleague for lunch up in Lawrenceville (salata portobello, but also indulged in dipping a roll in doctored oil), I didn't get home until about 4:00. Really didn't feel like making dinner, so I gave Pat soup and had odds and ends: spaghetti squash, acorn squash, baked beans, and dump soup. My downfall? Instead of popcorn, started on extra-dark pretzels with my wine, then went for the gumdrops. Really mad at myself when I got up this morning, but with Betty's comment, have revived. YES, I'm going to make it!
Excercise this morning, then our usual Wednesday dinner out with friends. Will report on my meal and later choices tomorrow.

What a letdown! I lost only A HALF POUND after a week of adhering--in the main--strictly to the WW program. Wha' hoppened?? Dunno, it just did.
So I'm still not in the 180's, the lousy half-pound brought me only to 190.6. This is terrible and I'm getting very discouraged. Just to put a lid on it, I lost my WW book, which always kept in my purse. Why did I put that in italics? Have no idea what I hit and don't know how to change it back.
I can recover from my down only by imagining my self six months or so from now, when I would have lost a whole bunch of weight. I'm picturing myself reading this entry and smiling happily, knowing the NEXT week brought me back to the path of virtue and weight loss.
That "morality" wording again...

Ouch! I fell off the wagon yesterday--late in the day, when most of my transgressions happen. Just was drawn by those damn gumdrops and gobbled about ten large ones. Now, the next day, of course, I feel guilty and regretful. I had been so good and I go to weigh-in tomorrow. Sigh...
Just take a glance at that paragraph and note those words. It seems we automatically use the language of morality to describe our weight-loss experiences. Overweight and over-eating are so entangled in the idea of right and wrong--it's disturbing to realize that. May have something to do with the constant bombardment of attractive, slim people on T.V., in print advertising, and everywhere else as the ones who really matter, the "good" ones, the standard people, whereas the huge percentage of those overweight are invisible--too horrible to look at, and "bad" to boot, I guess.
Well, the hell with it. The lousy gumdrops were just gumdrops and I'll go on from here. Unfortunately, I don't feel as if I've lost any this week, which is kind of depressing. If I haven't, I'm just going to have to fine-tune the diet.
Had grouper for dinner last night. Never tried it before and probably never will again. It's about the most tasteless, bland, and blah fish I ever ate. Sure, you could dress it up with all kinds of topping, etc., but if you have to do that, why not just have salmon or swordfish, both of which are so yummy they just need a little lime or lemon juice?
Will go with Susan and Leslie this morning for exercise at 8. Less than twenty-six hours to weigh-in!

Yesterday, went up to Alison's after lunch to cut holly (she and Mike have a huge tree, heavy with berries). Grandson Joel and precious Joely came and we went to Tootie's, a little luncheonette in New Egypt, for dinner. What to order from the standard little luncheonette menu, which included chopped sirloin smothered in gravey, fried seafood platter, and chicken parm replete with 3 pounds of cheese? I settled on Caesar salad with chicken, which was pretty okay, but wasn't like an Caesar I ever ate. It was made not with romaine lettuce, but with packaged iceberg festooned with carrot shavings; included grape tomatos and cucumber, which Caesar doesn't, and was covered with some kind of bottled dressing bearing only a passing nod to a real Caesar's. Instead of strips of grilled chicken resting on top, there were little chicken chunks surely cut off a roast chicken mixed through. When I mildly commented on the non-Caesar aspects, the waitress assured me that the restaurant across the street makes it the same way. I was so amused I shut up and ate the stuff and, you know what? It tasted good. I was hungry, something I often have a problem with on WW, and that made it a good meal. As the French or some people say: "Appetite is the best sauce." Well, that's a paraphrase, but the sentiment is, of course, true. When you're hungry, it makes the food taste good, I don't care what it is.

Kept nicely on program yesterday. It was easy because I was busy: Had a doctor's appointment in the morning (flu and pnemonia shots), shopped in the afternoon, and had a meeting in the evening. I'm convinced that simply being absorbed in what you're doing--out of the house or in--is key to weight loss. Nothing is more disastrous to a diet than boredom, at least for me.
Gave Pat something else and had a vegetarian dinner last night. It may seem bizarre to others, but I liked it: fixed my nightly onions, peppers, mushrooms, and garlic in oil and enjoyed that, plus leftover peas and applesauce, and half a baked potato.
After walking with Susan, I'll go to the supermarket to get something for dinner. I've been on a salmon kick lately and, hey, that ain't bad. May try fresh tuna or something else, though. I LOVE swordfish, but wouldn't you know, that's one of the most points- (and calorie) pricey fish. I gravitate toward high-cal foods; guess that's why I'm 60 pounds overweight.
Note: If anyone tried to comment here and was directed to set up his/her own blog and didn't want to, try again. I changed the settings so comments from anyone should be accepted. Let me know via e-mail if there's any problem.

Went Christmas shopping at Hamilton Mall yesterday and had the foresight to bring my WW "Getting Started" book, which list points values of common foods. It also has an ethnic foods section, and I chose Japanese. Had California roll and other vegetarian sushi. It was delicious and only 6 points. Before I got home, stopped at Acme and bought flounder for Pat, salmon, broccoli, and a variety of squash for me. Had a cup of the butternut squash for a snack--a point, but worth it.
Went to the new WW center in Manahawkin, too--first day they were open--and bought a points calculator for sister Betty for Christmas. They'll have meetings 7 days a week, so if I have to miss here, I could attend the next day there.
Incidentally, this blog constitutes a real incentive to stay on program for me. Last night, I was attacked by the urge to have gumdrops (yes, they're in the house--husband snack), but remembering my determinatiion to be honest here, I knew I'd have to report it. I successfully met the challange, didn't have them, and went to bed happy.

Going out to dinner last night was no problem: I ordered a Caesar salad with grilled chicken, using 10 points. It was delicious and I ate every bite. After an enjoyable evening with our friends, I had my popcorn and wine, and...and...and...
Well, I deviated a bit from the straight and narrow. I just felt like more after the p. and w. Rebelliously, I poured myself a second glass of Country Red (a semi-sweet; I alternate that with White Zinfandel and Cream Sherry) and had probably 3 points of pretzels, too. Okay, I'll draw from the 35 extra points per week I get to use as I please, so I'm all right. Just have to be careful about nightime eating--my downfall, as it is with most of the overweight people I know. The rule I did (and do) break is the "no more than 4 glasses of wine a week" one. I look forward to my 4 oz. at night and I'm going to continue to drink it--so there!
Went with Susan for our usual brisk walk this morning, so am getting the exercise in faithfully.
If I can fit it in after Christmas shopping (must send to Japan and Singapore very soon), will get fish at the supermarket for dinner.
LOTS of parties and get-togethers coming up this month, of course, plus my birthday, which is 3 weeks away. Must concentrate and keep on program.

Our trip to the movies yesterday ("Pride and Prejudice"--it was great) points up a little problem that sometimes arises with my WW schedule. Because I go to exercise or elsewhere in the morning most days, I eat breakfast late, usually at 10 or later. Then I eat a late lunch, sometime between 1:30 and 2:30; otherwise, I'm not yet hungry for lunch, plus I get TOO hungry before dinner at 6:00. Well, we left for the movies at 1:00, so I had a dilemma: It was almost 11:00 before I had breakfast, but it would be past 4:00 when we got home, so what to do? Well, this isn't ideal, but I cooked up a delicious winter squash (I think an acorn squash) and had that. It was 0 points, which brought my points way under for the day, but I compensated by having 45--yes, I counted out 45--pretzel sticks that night, adding 2 points.
Today, I have a more difficult adjustment to make: a Drama Club meeting at 1:00, which should last until 3:30. Guess I'll do something similar to the above to get past it. (Incidentally, the slow cooker chicken last night was delicious.)
Later: Just got back from exercise in the clubhouse (Leslie Sansone's "Walk Away the Pounds: the 3-Mile Walk") with neighbor Susan. We do this Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 8 am, and she stops for me on the other days and we take a walk through the community of about a mile.
Every Wednesday night--that's tonight!--we go out to dinner with five other couples. Dinner out is another test, with which adventures in weight loss land abound. What can I order that stays within the points boundaries? What if I suddenly lose control and grab every edible in sight and/or attack the bread basket? Stay tuned.

All right, I got the news and it came not with a bang, but a whimper (sorry, T.S.E.). I lost 1.4, which brings my weight to 191. Not great, in fact I'm a bit disappointed, as I thought I'd lose at least 2, but considering Thanksgiving, not too bad. What I need to do is remind myself that I LOST weight. I'm philisophical about it, and will strive to do better.
I'll try to focus on little milestones, such as each 10 pounds and so on. I'm going to make my focus getting out of the 190's and into the 180's. Hope and expect to accomplish that by next week.
I'm getting sick, sick, sick of cooking two separate meals for Pat and me. Think I'll have chicken in the crock pot tonight. I'm going to the movies with friends this afternoon and it will be finished when I get home, and we can both eat it.
An explanatory note: Pat, my husband, won't share cooking chores and is the world's most finicky eater, so whenever I have a dinner even slightly out of the ordinary, I make two separate meals. He's an absolute meat and potatoes man, with just an occasional foray into spaghetti and meatballs. Sigh...

Okay, fellows and girls, this is it: WEIGH DAY! In just two hours, I'll be at the meeting and will weigh in. Will I lose? Will I gain? Will I stay the same? Does the future of the world hinge on that scale? Sometimes it seems that way.
Being an internet illiterate, I'm not sure this will work, but will try to post this, then add another post when I get back from the meeting. Let's hope it works and that my news is good...

May have temporarily solved the fruit problem: I took the nine apples I had prettily gracing the kitchen counter (I never eat fresh apples) and made applesauce. Just added some lemon juice and cinnamon, cooked them down, and enjoyed with dinner. At 2 points a cup, they're pretty point-pricey, but I drew from my 35 weekly extra points.
Had an incredibly yummy dinner: My recently-discovered onions, peppers, and mushrooms sauteed in oil, a big salad, and fresh salmon with lemon and pepper. Damn, it was good.
Hmmm.... I realize there's another blip in my faithfulness to the program I haven''t addressed: My tendency to have the identical breakfast and dinner every day. Reason I do is because I don't have to bother weighing and meassuring, decide what to buy, and so on. Guess that's a copout--the real reason is laziness, a malady from which I've suffered for years.
Will work on this.

I'm continuing to "follow the program" to a major extent. The only thing I have a problem with is getting all the milk and fruit in--well, I guess that's two problems. I have plenty of fresh fruit in the house, but tend to ignore it as I'd rather spend the calories on other things. Yesterday, I had my usual breakfast (2 slices of WW bread with a cup of cottage cheese and a small glass of orange juice) and lunch (a turkey breast sandwich and a bowl--2 cups, 2 points--of dump soup), but a weird and not entirely WW-approved dinner. Because I resolved to get my 2 teaspoons of oil in, I again used it to cook onions, peppers, and mushrooms, and just ate that and a baked potato. It satisfied me and later, I had my special nightly treat of popcorn (the whole bag) and wine (4 oz.).
Incidentally, I don't mind fat-free mayo and the point (and calorie) savings are enormous. You just have to regard it as a different spread, as it tastes nothing like mayo, if you ask me. I also use the "buttery spray" on veggies, popcorn, and whatever. To a certain extent, it gives the illusion of butter--I think.
Sister Betty in California is following the WW program, too, but by the back door: She doesn't go to meetings, just does it herself. I get a lot out of the meetings: I like the lecturer (Chris), and enjoy being there with people I know. I NEVER weigh myself at home, so the weigh-in is important to me. It's true it costs something ($120 for 11 meetings--up front because they're held at our clubhouse), but it's worth it to me. To each her own...
Of course, with all this blah, blah, blah--I ate this, I did that, I think the other thing--the real test will be on Tuesday if I lose weight.
I can't imagine being able to just live without obsessing about my weight, up or down. How do normally configured people do it?

Was happy with my eating yesterday, and followed the WW program well. Also went to exercise (we meet three days a week at the clubhouse and do 3 miles "power walking" with a Leslie Sansone DVD.) I'm doing the things I'm supposed to do much more closely than I did before. For instance, I'm including the two teaspoons of oil and the milk products; always did have plenty of vegetables. Am also trying to meet the water standard, but it can be a pain, as you can't stray far from a bathroom.
I gave husband Pat the leftovers we took home from Alison's, just having 2 ounces of turkey myself. I cooked myself peppers, onions, and mushrooms in the oil, too, plus had a cup of vegetarian baked beans. Sounds like an odd meal, but it tasted great. Earlier, I had had myself brussel sprouts as a snack. Later, had my wine and popcorn, then a cup of grapes. Went to bed satisfied both emotionally (I followed the program) and physically (I wasn't hungry).
A kind of test will come shortly when I go out for lunch with my friend, Marge. What I usually do is to order a Caesar salad, 3 cups of which is 7 points (I get 24 points a day). I sometimes add grilled chicken, which I calculate is about 3 ounces and adds another 3 points. Ten points is a pretty big percentage for lunch (my usual is about 5), but I can draw from the 35 extra points you get a week.
Made "dump soup" yesterday and boy, is that good. I eat 2 cups for 2 points, usually with a sandwich for lunch.
Feeling re-a-a-l good...

Have decided to make this a weight-loss blog with no holds barred! (That means I chickened out on blogging my real thoughts and attitudes, as they're generally churlish.)
My weight story is a long and frustrating one, but pretty common, I think: Somewhat chubby as kid, slim as teen and into marriage, started gaining in 40's and up, lost some, gained more back, up and down for years. At last weigh-in, tipped scales at 192.4 (at 5' 3"). I'm a lifetime Weight Watchers member and, most recently, have been attending for a few months, but have been careless about following the program until last Wednesday, November 22, when the meetings started being held at the clubhouse of the over 55 community where we live.
That, of course, is a bare bones outline of my weight life, which also includes a 90 pound weight loss 15 or so years ago, using Opti-Fast. This was an expensive program lasting months, of course, during which I drank only a liquid that totalled 500 calories a day. A doctor took blood pressure, etc. every week and it included group couseling. We used to meet in Princeton and the thing was wildly successful. Of course, as soon a I got to my goal weight, I started putting back on the pounds and more. Such is life...
But back to the present: Was pretty satisfied with myself and my eating yesterday on Thanksgiving. I ate my regular WW breakfast and lunch and at daughter's (Alison's), didn't actually follow the points program, but ate reasonably moderately. There was, of course, an abundance of food--17 people there and enough for at least 50--including the usual turkey and trimmings. I had cheese and crackers, turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, yams, stuffing, plus wine and two desserts, so why am I okay with what I ate? Because I really didn't hideously stuff myself so I could hardly move. I also didn't eat when we got home, although Alison packed us up leftovers, including three kinds of pie.
Did I do exactly what I should have in the diet department? No. But did I just go hog-wild so I'm suicidal this morning? No, no, no, and that's a great feeling. I'll go right back on the program today and continue--I hope and expect to lose this week and continue on.

It occurred to me that this blog is incredibly boring. Who in his right mind would want to read this stuff? I'm musing for real about dropping this and going undercover--ala Valarie Wilson--with a blog that reveals my true thoughts. Hmmm...but do I have the guts? Not sure.

Enjoyed the little birthday party at Leslie's and Dennis' yesterday for their four-year-old grandaughter. Was also pleased with myself that I ate only a moderate amount and skipped the delicious desserts. Friend Leslie leaves in a few weeks to volunteer to help out in Mississippi.
Today, I go to the nurse practicioner at my new doctors.' I'm also going to call George Wimberg to see if I can talk to him about "pre-need" (ugh!) funeral stuff.
Went to see J. and J.'s new apartment on Thursday, then all went out to dinner, Alison and Mike meeting us up there.
Ellen called last night (her usual Sunday evening call) and told me about a little boy in her third-grade class who has a brain tumor and whose family is very poor. Will send a check for him.

Yesterday was my best subbing ever. Of course, there were some conditions that aren't the usual: It was only half-day, there were only eleven kids (one was absent), and the teacher was there the whole time. I was subbing for a teacher who seems to be a kind of floater, so I just helped out a bit. Enjoyed it a lot, but found that Tuckerton pays only $70 a day. That means I made $35, less taxes--ridiculous.
Much as I liked it, I'm afraid it crystallized my decision to quit subbing. Things have changed and I no longer need to work. Also, dealing with children--even the nice, focussed, well-behaved kids at Ms. West's third grade--is a lot of work and can be very stressful. I guess I thought, after all the hassle of getting certification, I should follow through on subbing but, frankly, I think I don't want to do it.
Went for our usual Wednesday night dinner out last night and as ever, greatly enjoyed it. Had a lively discussion about the association and the board, with some disagreement, but it was generally cordial.

When Pat went to Philly for a doctor's appointment Monday (routine dermotology check), he had a flat tire on the Walt Whitman bridge! Luckily, a Penndot person came along and changed it for him. Yesterday, he went to Sears and got four new tires. He left about 2:00 and at 5:45, he still wasn't home. I was worried sick, so called and was told he had just left. He got home soon after with no problem. Hmmm...this means we bought eight new tires in less than a month--to the tune of about 700 bucks. Well, it's only money.
Great news from Alison yesterday: Joel and Jen got the apartment in New Egypt and are moving in. It sounds wonderful as she described it--can't wait to see it.
Being a glutton for punishment, I accepted a request (offer?) to temp in Tuckerton today. It's only half-day, from 11:15 to 2:45 and for third, which has to be better than fifth and sixth.
I called paternal cousin Marifran yesterday. We had had a falling out--misunderstanding, I guess--but I wanted to renew our relationship, especially after losing my maternal cousin, Alexis, last week. We chatted cordially and I was so glad to hear her voice. Hope we can get back on our old footing before too long.

Glorious, wonderful two days! The world was flooded with sunshine and everybody reveled in it. Yesterday, went to Port Republic, an absolutely beauiful tiny town--you'd swear you were back in 1930--then to the store, did wash, hung out. Mike called from Singapore and adorable grandaugher Vivian said, "Hi!" Paula is just back from the Maldives, and Mike from London. In two weeks, they vacation in Bali, about which I'm a little nervous.
Today, went to Atlantic City (about 35 minutes) to see daughter Alison and son-in-law Mike run a half-marathon. Both came in, and Mike came in first in his age category. They were doing blood pressure, sugar, and choleserol there--two of mine good, one (the latter) too high.
Have decided to go to Drs. Lieberman and ?? (long French name), as I need a doctor down here and they're gerologist, plus one has a second specialty in cardiology. Will call tomorrow for appointment and take my papers over.

Went to Weight Watchers yesterday and am glad I did. I had lost 30 pounds last year, but gained back 20. Yesterday, weighed in three pounds heavier than LAST WEEK! Ugh. However, Chris, the leader, gave an inspiring talk, and I feel back on track.
Finally got to lunch with Marge yesterday and as ever, we had a great time. We confide in each other things we probably wouldn't tell anyone else.
Pat and I both slept until 8:30--unheard of for me, usually up at least by 5--and I missed exercise, but will try to walk later.
Must go to supermarket. Still raining lightly--the rain, the rain, the constant rain--I'm going crazy, I tell you!

Rained all day yesterday. At breakfast, I suggested we go to the movies, then e-mailed Marge postponing our lunch date yet again. I don't know why it never occurred to me that I could do both, as I usually pick Marge up for lunch pretty early. Anyway, Barbara and Ray then called asking if we wanted to go to lunch and we did, at SeaOaks--very enjoyable. Got to movie--"Flight Plan"--in plenty of time. It was pretty good, but as with most thrill types, it relied heavily on coincidences and long stretches of far-fetchedness (awkward sentence, yeah, but so what?).
For dinner, I gave Pat leftover spaghetti and meat balls and I had more of my sub. Must do something about my weight, besides watch it balloon. Hmm...I've been saying that for most of my 110 years.

The memorial service for Alexis was sad--she was only 55--but well-attended. People were asked to talk about her and I mentioned going to Gettysburg a few years ago to search out my great- and her great-great grandfather, who fought there. I got home about four, then Betty and Frank came over with subs and we enjoyed getting together. Betty goes back to California today and Frank goes back to Baltimore, will pick up Marybeth, then they'll go back to California, too.
May have lunch with Marge today (after I stood her up on Saturday), then Drama Club tomorrow. I had e-mailed everybody who took Patrick's survey to complete, asking them to bring to the meeting. Hope all comply.

Pat's infection getting better--or rather, HE'S getting better, infection's receding. Lazy day yesterday: went to store, did some wash, talked to neighbors, watched some of disastrous Eagles game with Pat, talked to sister, Betty, on phone. Today, am going to cousin Alexis' memorial service at chapel in Valley Forge. Stopped at Laurel Memorial Cemetery on Saturday and Pat and I agreed to buy plots. His parents, sisters, uncle, and other relatives are there, as well as my brother-in-law, nephew, and others.
Already invited to three Christmas parties in December. Also got another invitation: a jury summons.

Husband Pat had an unpleasant experience yesterday. Thick mucus, which was yellow, not the usual white. He called his doctor at Ft. Dix, who was pretty casual about it. He dislikes this doctor, his primary physician, but naturally, has never made the slightest attempt to change. Anyway, he has to go there today to see the nurse practictioner about the diabetes, so maybe will try to see doctor. Speaking of the diabetes, the big bowl of ice cream Pat has every night, not to mention all the rest of his out-of-control eating may be part of the problem. Well, I guess I'd rather he dies of the diabetes, rather than the emphysema.
Expecting sister Betty and friend, Muckie, for lunch today. Will serve my usual: several breads, including WW rye and banana bread, turkey breast, wholemade chicken salad (we had roast chicken last night), and a big salad of red-leaf lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, feta cheese, and raspberry vinigrette, plus ice tea and maybe a dessert, if I can think of one.
I've decided to go to the memorial service for my cousin, Alexis, on Monday. It's in Valley Forge, Pa., which will take me about two hours.

After talking to my advisor, daughter Ellen, a third-grade teacher in San Paula, Cal., I feel much better about the subbing experience. I was actually called by Tuckerton School to sub on Monday but, unfortunately, my cousin, Alexis, has died, and I want to go to the funeral.
More about Alexis: She was actually my first cousin once-removed, and here's how that works: Her mother, who was 25 when I was born, was my first cousin on the materal side, so Alexis was "once-removed." (We have a huge extended family.)
Several years ago, Alexis, her husband, Bill, cousins (also first, once removed) Bill and Karen, twin sister, Betty, and I went to Gettysburg for the weekend to search out information on our great- and great-great grandfather, Lawrence, who was in the Pennsylvania calvary. We had a great time and found out all kinds of interesting things about our mutual ancestry.
Alexis was a lovely person. She was tall, with abundant thick blonde hair, a strong face, and a wonderfully calm manner. She was beautiful inside and out.
I had meant to call her many times over the past year or so, and I never did. I am so sorry.

Subbed (teaching) the last two days and the experiences weren't total successess. Monday was fifth grade at Bass River School--only 17 kids, but they were somewhat hard to handle. Yesterday started off better at Little Egg Harbor School with 6 kids in a 6th-grade "resource room," which seems to mean some kind of remedial work. It was okay in the morning, but went downhill in the afternoon. I called the sub secretary and told her to take me off the list. May continue to sub at Bass River, but I don't have to work, so may not. The pay is lousy--75 to 78 dollars a day, which works out to less than eleven dollars an hour for very strenuous, not-so-rewarding work.

Part 2 of Baltimore wedding:
After copious drinks and appetizers at art museum, dinner was served in "the barn." One side had Asian food (suishi, dim sum little "purses," etc.) and other had Irish (Irish stew, potatoes), as bride is part Korean descent, groom Irish descent. Then dancing, dancing, and dancing until about 10--great, great fun and I love to dance. Took taxi back to hotel (Betty, Alison, Tim, and I), leaving Alison's car in two-hour parking. Next day she walked over to get it (about a mile) and lo and behold, it wasn't ticketed--great!
Went to Patrick and Susan's new house about four miles away. BIG, beautiful, elegant brick, built in 1920 something. Many relatives gathered, including Patrick's brother and sisters and families, plus the Wessel contingent, the Californians, and others. Had brunch, hung out, enjoyed ourselves, then Alison drove Betty and me home.
As Chrissy said, and I love this expression: "It's all good."
If people are happy and satisfied, yes--it's all good.

Had a fabulous time at the wedding in Baltimore. Sister Betty and I went by train, daughter Alison came next day by car. Friday night, all met at Hyatt where bride and groom were temporily staying, had a few drinks, then were escorted to "duckboats"--amphibians. Were given duck noise makers and tour of city by crazy driver. He drove around, pointing out sights, then drove into water and we toured harbor. Baltimore is a beautiful, fascinating city. After tour, we were taken to an Irish pub/restaurant and had rehearsal dinner. I thought it was mandetory to have Bailey's Irish Cream after, so did.
Next day, Betty, brother Larry (from Florida) and I went to breakfast. Back at the hotel, we met niece Joan, husband Jim, and sons Joey and Jeremy, along with fiancee/girlfriends Karen and Rachel. Later, Alison arrived, and Larry, nephew Tim, Betty, and I went to wedding at Holy Cross church in her car. Parked in 2 hour parking. Wedding was lovely, with a terrific African American choir. There was a shuttle bus to the reception, but nephew Wes, his fiancee Katy, niece and family, Carolyn, Dana, and Finn, all walked.
Reception was at the modern museum and place was wonderful. Loved the whole area--not too big--and cocktail hour was set up outside. We were joined by brother Jim, his wife Therese, and daughter Chrissy. More next!

Picked up my twin sister at the Philly airport yesterday. We then went to the Chinese Buffet in Tuckerton and pigged out. We're going to nephew's wedding in Baltimore on Saturday, also to rehearsal dinner on Friday.
Hmmm...guess I should put some profound philospophical comments here. Can't think of any.

Here's some info on me: Married 47 years --uh, oh! Now all the under-40's will click off, thinking, I'm willing to bet, that they can have no possible fellow feeling for me, being so decrepit and all. Well, think again--I'm much less an old lady than you think. Still not interested? Then beat it--your loss.
Have a husband seven years older with a variety of life-threatening conditions, including prominently, end-stage emphysema. Very few people know what that entails.
Four children, two of each, the BEST, brightest, most interesting people imaginable. Two grandchildren, 22 years apart: grandson is 23, grandaughter 1. Grandson has 3 1/2 year old boy himself, so I'm a great-grandmother. (Yeah, it seems incredible even to me.)
Born and brought up in Ventnor, NJ. After married, lived in Ewing Township, NJ for 41 years. Retired after 27 years at Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ. Was manager of employment (no!, titles are not capitalized unless they come before name). Moved to Little Egg Harbor, NJ two years ago, and love it here.
Have a twin sister and three older brothers. Our older sister died 18 months ago. Mother lived to be 97; father was a civil engineer and was killed in an accident 55 years ago.
I really hate those commercials for products having to do with urination, defecation, and crap like that. Generally, don't like television.
Used to love Stephen King and Amy Tan, but disappointed in both recently.
Is anyone reading this? If so, comment.

Oh, yoicks, I created a blog, now what do I do? Guess I'll list my profile, maybe. Hmmm...will let me children and maybe others read this. Will just keep them informed of their father's and my comings and goings. Presumably, everybody else will be bored to death. Well, I'm musing and musing like crazy...