Misc. Idle Chit Chat - Part II (The Sequel)

[nezza]

Didn't get to post anything yesterday...it was a busy day for us! We were out and about, running some errands. The first errand we had to run was a little more than an hour away, in a fairly small, but cute town. We found this "hole in the wall" breakfast place....(those always seem to be the best)...and it sure was! Delicious and very inexpensive. They had something called the "Big Daddy", so we decided to split it...it was 3 eggs, 3 slices of toast, 2 strips of bacon, 2 sausage patties and hashbrowns All for $6.50 It was a great day to start our long day...which then consisted of driving back the whole way we had come to go in the opposite direction...well, let's just say it was a long, but productive day. We left the house at 7AM and didn't get back until 2:30.

The OH has got all of his ingredients ready for Thanksgiving...it's going to be a delicious feast! I'm excited and can't wait!

I don't know how everyone else is doing with their exercise regime...but mine is just so discouraging It's always been hard for me to lose weight...and, i'm only needing to lose 10 to 15...but, it just won't budge. I've been exercising 3 to 4 times a week for the past...geez...since before summer! And, yesterdays breakfast is not my typical. I'm really ready to just give up

Jayme, i worked at Pier One for about a week once when i was younger. It was one of my favorite stores...so, i figured, i would get a part time job there,...at least for the employee discount...well, one day, they scheduled me at 5 AM to come and unload the truck. Now, i'm only 5'1 and, at the time, i was only about 115 pounds....there was no way i was going to unload a truck of furniture!!! I never showed up and i never went back. There are some things i just won't do. I wasn't about to hurt myself for 6 dollars an hour (that was minimum wage back then in 2001)

Driving with cats can be a nightmare for both owner and pet! Like Kian said, there are many choices of meds to calm them...both natural and pharmaceutical. Good luck with that!

Kian, i'm so sorry to hear about your brother in law. And your sister in law. Prayers for his brother.....

[nezza]

Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving Day tomorrow!

[kian]

Happy Thanksgiving to you Nezza! Hope your day is wonderful at work and to have dinner waiting for you is wonderful.
I love "hole in the wall" places, some of those are the best to eat at and that is a amazing price.

Do NOT give up on your exercise program, failure is not a option! My instructor tells us, 90% is what you eat that is where I made adjustments. Weight and core are you best bets for weight loss. What kind of exercise are you doing?

OH's brother is currently in surgery as I type tonight, we are awaiting news.

I have been keeping a eye on the world news, we have good friends who took a cruise to Europe and the Holy Lands, I don't think they will make it to Jersusalem. They do have a stop in Egypt to see the pyramids, that is a all day event. They were warned what to wear, not to speak to anyone other than the group, do not take expensive cameras and by all means be prepared to have it cancelled. They were quite nervous about it, but really wanted to see the pyramids.

Jayme what did you decide about the cats?

[JaymeK]

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone in the states!

Nezza, I know what you mean about the exercise. I've had an extra ten pounds for as long as I can remember. The only time I even got close to losing it was grade 12 when I was going to the gym three times a week and had a personal trainer. It's the eating that gets me. I'm sure if I cut down on junk and bread then I would lose it no problem. I'm only hitting the gym twice a week and I got tired of weights for a little bit, although circuit training is good for weight loss. I've been focusing on running.

Kian, I hope your friends do alright in Egypt.

I ended up finding a place in Burlington. I was just about to start calling places in Kingston when the guy emailed me back and said he would book the cats. Seems like a good place. Not too expensive but big enclosures. It's a pain in the butt I have to drive down there, but I booked them for the day before I leave and the day after I come back, so I'll drop them after work on the 23rd, then head out on the 24th. That way Benson doesn't have to spend the extra time in the car. I'm sure the rest stops will be just horrible on the 24th, but I usually just tie benson up outside then run in real quick to use the bathroom. It's hard when it's just me, I don't want to leave him in the car alone, but I worry about tying him up. He's always fine and waiting patiently when I come back though.

Hope you all enjoy your turkey dinners!

[nezza]

Hi everybody!!

I hope everyone had a GREAT Thanksgiving!!! Mine was wonderful. I woke up at 4AM to be at work for 6 It was a crazy, busy, fun, hectic day. I got out exactly 2PM on the dot My OH had made a banana nut bread with a brown sugar glaze for me to bring into my General Manager...as she requested that he make it, since i brought it in once before and she fell in love with it. It made her very happy to see it on her desk on Thanksgiving morning. She gave me a big hug!

Afterward, i went straight home to a house full of delicious smells. The OH's turkey came out amazingly juicy and tender. We had a glass of wine before dinner, and i tried to watch the Macy's Parade...but, like last year, there was too many acts from Broadway Musicals...and, i'm not into that. I really wanted to see the floats, but it seems like they don't show as many as they used to. Anyway, not a big downer. Just, not my thing. After dinner we watched "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving"...i used to watch it every year when i was a kid with my sister...and it always brings back good memories. Shortly after that, i was EXHAUSTED. Having been up since 4. I went to bed fairly early. A very good Thanksgiving, over all Oh, yeah, and it was 70 and sunny! Perfect weather. Though, we are having a cold front move in...it's going to dip below 30 tonight

Kian, i do hope your brother in law is going alright. And your friends traveling in Egypt.

As for my exercising...no, i'm not going to give up. Just felt a bit discouraged the past couple weeks. I do strength and toning with some cardio. I think i just need to up the time i spend on it and reduce some more calories. My problem is that i LOVE to eat...and with the OH always cooking like he's on "Master Chef"...it's sometimes hard for me to put the fork down. Running around at work helps quite a bit, i'm sure! Or i would be MUCH heavier

Jayme, i too, love bread! And rice. And ESPECIALLY pasta...being from a large Italian family...it IS in my blood. I really enjoy running...but my arches roll inward...and it creates too much pressure on my knees. Maybe if i just add one day of running, it wouldn't be too much?

Glad you found a place for your kitty cats. Dogs are so much easier to travel with. Cats just don't like car rides...no cat that i have ever had enjoyed being in the car. Even just for a few minutes.

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

A belated, but very heartfelt "HAPPY THANKSGIVING" to all of my American friends!

I hope everyone had a wonderful day yesterday and are continuing to enjoy the extra long weekend.

Jayme, I read briefly that you found a spot for your Cats in Burlington, which is excellent. I know all about doing the 401 with dogs (and children) alone, and using the bathroom is nearly impossible!!! I would be inclined, especially since it is cooler, to let Benson do his business and then put him back in the car, safely locked in while you run in and do yours. I would be so afraid of someone stealing him. You can then take him out again before you head off and give him an extra romp. It's cool enough at this time of year to crack the windows and he'll be safe in the car. Better safe than sorry, and if you can manage the drive without a stop for yourself, better still.

I turn into the Camel Lady on the highway as I have an aversion to public restrooms, so as long as I restrict my fluid intake prior to departure, I'm good for a solid six hours. I really, really urge you not to leave Benson vulnerable, and he'll be fine in the car if you let him relieve himself first, and then again before leaving the rest stop.

Nezza, it sounds like you had a very busy day yesterday! I feel badly for anyone who has to work on the holiday, especially those in retail! Your OH is such a wonderful cook and always makes delicious yummy food, so I'm glad you had a lovely meal. I'm sure you were completely exhausted afterwards.

You are funny about the Broadway Musical "stuff" in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. I don't watch it but I know for many it is a tradition. Parades are a lot more fun if one is actually there I think, although I was never a huge fan. My Father loved a good Parade!

The Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Special is also a delight. I enjoy all of the Charlie Brown holiday specials.

Sorry I haven't been around posting as much lately. I've been a titch busy being "Mum" and guiding my 16 (thinks he is going on 30) year old son, as well as planning for my first born's 21st Birthday! I also have some medical "things", mainly dental that are on my calendar and will consume the better part of the next 8 months. Oh well!

I still read as much as I can of everyone's posts so even if I'm not posting, it doesn't mean I'm not paying attention. ♥

[JaymeK]

Nezza, sounds like a great thanksgiving!

Deb, it had been so hot the last few times I went home I wouldn't leave him in the car. However, since it will be very busy at the rest stop when I leave on the 24th, I think I'll take your advice and leave him in the car. I can't do the four hours without stopping, mostly because as soon as I get in the car my mind tells me I have to go to the bathroom!


The Guelph Humane Society was doing santa photos for pets today, so of course I went and got one. Here's Benson's, I opted out on being in the picture since I had no makeup on and thought Benson should steal the show.

[nezza]

Good Saturday afternoon, everyone!

Hi Deb. Sounds like you've been a busy lady! I, too, feel so bad for everyone who has to work retail. All the stores see are dollar signs...they've all forgotten about "family". It's such a shame.

Parades are MUCH better in person. I don't think i'm even going to try to watch next year. It would be amazing to see it in person though...maybe one day the OH and I will get to do that. I should put it on my "Bucket List".

Like you, i'm a camel lady when it comes to driving. I can go for a very long time, if i don't drink anything. My sister was always a "tinkle pot"....she still is. And stops are plenty if you're in a car with her

Jayme, i love Benson's picture! I agree with Deb, on leaving him in the car. He's so beautiful and people...well, unfortunately, people aren't so beautiful. I would hate for something to happen to him.

Well, our cold front has settled in. Today's high is only 40 with bright sun. Winter really is just right around the corner

[kian]

Love that picture of Benson with Santa, he is sitting perfect! It makes a great Avi! I have traveled a lot alone with my two at different times of the year. I don't drink much before leaving, I do not drink any soda at all while in the car. If I have to stop, it's the quickest run in and run out. One trip I had to stop at a rest stop that had a sign "no dogs in the restrooms", it was to hot to leave the dogs in the car. Yup, I took them in, didn't care.

I do have keyless entry so I can leave the car air running if I have to. The car cannot be stolen as I have the "key" with me, which is good. I worry about the dogs getting stolen so I do try to be "camel lady" as well, I do hate to stop.

Nezza your dinner sounds amazing, it's nice to have a OH that likes to cook. I wouldn't want to work in a resturant all day and then come home to cook, you truly have a wonderful husband. I to was up at 4:30 as I had to help OH with his Black Friday Sale by cooking scones. It was fun, we got done by 9am so I was able to stop at a few stores and check on the sales. I bought a Gun Safe, always needed one so I was pleased. Last night I was pooped to say the least! Went to bed at 9:30 and slept till 8am.

It seems we are all getting busy, I have Dad here and we had a good time today. This weekend has been full of food it seems and Monday is weigh in....ugh!

Our Thanksgiving was good, I made two Pumpkin Pies which turned out good, this time my pie crust didn't turn out as flakly as it normally does.

OH's brother had his surgery, it's still touch and go but he is doing better. He has another scheduled surgery to come, he is lucky he didn't suffer a stroke or die.

[JaymeK]

Nezza,

I forgot to mention, about your feet. I had the same problem with my feet rolling inward. I have very high arches and also the start of bunions from my mother's genes. Have you considered getting orthotics? The drugstore ones CAN help, however I would suggest going to get some made for your feet. I had problems with my toes falling asleep when I did cardio, and I went and saw someone. They made me orthotics (they can run you anywhere from $200-$400, insurance can cover it), and now my arch has MUCH better support. They take a little bit to get used to but can definitely help.

If your knees still give you problems you might be better sticking to the elliptical or the treadmill at a high incline!

Good luck!

[kian]

Orthotics are a great! I have a friend who I recently connected with on FB, she had feet problems all her life. She works as a nurse and the Orthotics make a great difference. I have looked into them and probably should consider them.

I forgot to mention how my Turkey turned out. Has anyone seen that picture going around with bacon wrapped around the Turkey? Well I decided to do a smaller version of it and the Turkey turned out great. The gravy had a slight smokey flavor to it, it was yummy.

Today was a great day, got up and chatted with Dad, off to Church, had a great dinner and the rest of the pie. I ate way too much this weekend, got to get back on track first thing tomorrow!

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Jayme, I can't believe how grown up Benson looks now!!! What a handsome lad indeed. He looks so adorable with Santa and is a gorgeous example of the Breed. That picture has made my day!

In December, it is cool enough to leave Benson in the car, with all of your windows cracked, just a little, while you run in for the 5 minutes it takes. If you want something to eat...drive thru! I know in the Summer time it is impossible to do that, so I tend to use the Rest Rooms that are attached to the little parks all along the 401 as I can just take the dogs in there with me....if they're decent ones. Some are, some not so much. It's hard travelling alone with small children and/or pets.

It is an amusing phenomenon for some people; the moment they are "trapped" in the car, they feel the need to "go". I challenge myself to see how long I can wait, especially if I'm in an unknown area, or I prefer the washrooms at the next stop. I've travelled the 401 from London to Montreal so many times, I used to know every single stop and its amenities. Thankfully, it's been a while, and my favourite one was torn down a few years ago, but I hop on the 407 when possible.

Kian, like you, I too would have ignored the signs and taken the dogs in with me if there was no alternative. Let someone yell at me later, or fine me or whatever. It is better that than losing a dog.

Nezza, we've actually had SNOW here!!! I discovered a whole new "weather icon" on my Android phone over the weekend...the one with snow. I thought we were going to dodge the bullet as we had "snow squall warnings" in effect and they were lifted. I woke up Sunday morning to a total dusting everywhere. Thankfully, it is mostly gone now, except for some on rooftops. It has been darn nippy too! We've hovered around freezing all weekend and will do for most of the week.

Big day for me tomorrow as I meet with a Specialist....ugh!!!! Not only am I going to learn how much pain this is going to be, but how much it is also going to harm my wallet. Being one to generally accentuate the positive, I will most likely lose a few pounds at least.

I hope everyone is well, and for my American friends, are sated after their extra long holiday weekend.

[nezza]

There's a saying among Tennesseeans..."If you don't like the weather...just wait a few minutes...it will change."
That saying has proven itself true time and again. Something about how the land here is situated within the mountains and valleys. Today was beautiful, sunny and 60. Yesterday was cold, and the day before. Thanksgiving was beautiful and 70. Tomorrow the high is expected to be 48 Yet, next week is going to be back in the 60's. It's like a roller coaster ride

Kian, i just LOVE pumpkin pie! We had a Pumpkin Pecan Streussel Pie for dessert. It was so good that i couldn't stop going back for a "nibble" here and there...so, on Saturday, i brought it to work for everyone to get it out of the house and away from me!!! I have a HUGE sweet tooth and i just can't let myself get carried away. I don't deny myself...but i have to practice some control or i WILL go overboard. I have seen pictures of the "bacon wrapped turkey"! It looks yummy! i love bacon I'll bet it was delicious and super flavorful. Glad your having fun with your dad. Mine came up last year and i'm hoping to get both my parents up here once we are settled out in Pigeon Forge.

WOW! Glad your OH's brother did not have a stroke!!! How is he doing?

Jayme, thanks for the advice. I, too, have had the same problem you have had with my toes going numb. Also, i notice, if i'm wearing the wrong shoe...my toes will go numb. The OH recently bought me a very nice, supportive pair of sneakers...i just haven't given them a try yet. I'm thinking about sticking to low impact cardio. Weak knees and back problems run in my family. I take Osteo-BiFlex for my joints, it really helps a lot.

Deb, SNOW?!?!?! We don't typically get much here, being a somewhat southern state. But, we do usually get some. It's just the right amount for me. Because, it doesn't usually stick around for long. Usually. In the 4 years we've been here, we've only been snowed in once. It is so pretty when you wake up in the morning to a fresh thick blanket covering the ground. That's when you tuck inside, make some hot cocoa and enjoy it!

Talking about what makes people fee the need to "go"....when i go into the kitchen to wash dishes, without fail, the water running in the kitchen sink, makes me have to "go". It IS a strange phenomenon.

Good luck at the specialist tomorrow. I hope you don't need too much work and i hope it doesn't cost you an arm and a leg!

[kian]

Pumpkin Pecan Streussel, that sounds so good. Nezza you are on your feet constantly, that takes a good toll on the body. When I worked at the Humane Society I was on my feet and on the move constantly, I was in so much pain. I can't work on a hard surface for too long,I pay for it that night when trying to sleep.

Today it started at 23 when I went to the Gym and then it turned very nice. I was in shorts, T-shirt and flip flops working outside, it was so nice. No complaints here! We do need rain badly, I fear this warm winter drought is going to affect us bad in the Spring and Summer.

BIL is doing better, he can finally feel his legs. He is very lucky no stroke.

Deb I saw where you got some snow on the weather channel. I love my Android Phone, lots of fun apps to play with and I do explore them.

I told OH we are going to take a very nice trip next Fall, have been looking at Cruises and Nashville is still on our Radar.

[nezza]

Hope everyone is having a great week!

Kian, glad to hear BIL is doing better

You really should try to come to Nashville some day. Where are you planning on taking your cruise? I love cruises! It's really the best way to travel. Your room and board/meals/activities are included for one price. And, you can't beat that The last cruise i took was from Ft. Lauderdale to Key West and Cozumel, Mexico. It was wonderful. I am DYING to go on another

The OH's birthday is December 5th. I have a two week paid vacation, so i took both the weeks pay and we are going out to...yup...you guessed it...Pigeon Forge. We're leaving Wednesday for a week long stay out there. We have so much stuff planned for this trip. We are going to the "Hatfield and McCoy" dinner show, we're going to see the "Titanic" exhibit...(for me) this is the best one in the country. I've been to the one in Orlando a bunch of times. This year they have a special exhibit dedicated to the movie so i'm super excited! As most of you know, i've been a Titanic fanatic since i was a little girl. Maybe i could get a job there when we move out there?

And we're going to see the "Christmas at the Smoky Mountain Opry". We're also going to this wonderful, romantic restaurant in Gatlinburg called The Greenbrier and afterward we are going to see the Gatlinburg Christmas Parade which is one of the top events in the country to see!!! I'm so excited!!!

http://www.hatfieldmccoydinnerfeud.com/

http://www.smokymtnopry.com/

http://www.titanicattraction.com/

http://www.greenbrierrestaurant.com/