I did it, I did it...I got to the gym two weeks in a row. Then of course there's cake. Yesterday I agreed to go get the cake for the office birthday's in October celebration. (Me! Of all people a lifetime Weight Watcher, true I can eat all I want...but do I want to spend that many calories? ) I'm hoping that I can tell myself that I shouldn't undo that little 20 calories that I burned this morning by adding 220 of chocolate cake. It's not steak or chicken, or even portobello mushroom. So why would I want cake? <>I'm confidant that right now part of my brain can reason with that. We'll see after I get there and I crack open the plastic cover and get that whiff of dark, dark chocolate frosting.. with those big chunks of shaved chocolate falling off the edge, almost falling off onto the counter..Oh, no-I might have to just pick off that piece before it falls onto the floor, maybe check to make sure its not stale and oops, is anyone looking?...
Check out this entry! from 

 wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/06/Chocolate_cake_with_chocolate_frosting_topped_with_chocolate.jpg Image found with a Google search of the web

Reading also a passion this little garden girl has been overwhelmed by her surroundings and still engrossed by the story. Will you be by the end of the day?

P1030889.JPG The in the basket at the link here are fresh from my backyard. Great in a cobbler or straight on top of a bowl of Cherrios or Shredded Wheat cereal in the morning.

I've lost 70 lbs! You see at my max I was 189 lbs and here I am at my current 119! My love of the outdoors and having this great desire to enjoy the second half on my life was crucial to how I changed it so dramatically.

Originally, I lost 25 pounds (dieting) but never felt that was a real lasting change (I had done that before) It was not until I began working as a manager of a DUI program and at first saw so many alchoholics fail, and knew many personally whose lives seemed doomed from the repetition of destructive behavior. Then, the behavior "light" I saw that awoke one or two clients, I learned from observing was internal.

Those who embarked on this personal journey, truly took a path that was less easy, yet more fulfilling.

Change is possible, its finding that inner strength and staying with the quest.

Mine was to never lose that child that hungered; and realize it wasn't for food that would destroy me but wonder at life, beauty and possiblities.

Up 2 My Knees ...a little about women from a woman's point of view. Its a comfort to know that in attempting to have others see a divergent view a small bit of progress can be made. Its just sad that progress often needs to go a little faster than a mind can be changed.

Running up the path with glee, the children suddenly stopped with prompt uniform attention turning as if their twin-like communication was telepathically asking them to wait - gramma was not keeping up.

Jen was married off by the time this photo was taken, and we were heading for the onramp toward the Mojave and Calico b4 making it home.

Visited our rental yesterday and cleared out some some burmuda grass around the base of one of the rose bushes. My rental is a small house; we were attempting to replace the sink we took out of the garage long ago. As usual, two trips to the hardware store and a lunch break, and we were still not finished. Found on inspection the bouginvilla was blooming, a few of the other plants I planted though, did not make it past the winter.

Trimmed away some of that invasive ivy and went to visit an aunt and uncle, where we worked on their printer and scanned some old photos.

Roses, here are from ones in my yard. They remind me of the ones I planted at the house the year after my little brother Richard died. It was on Independence Day and it was my first house. After I moved they were choked out by the weeds or not taken care of, so died off early in life, like he. So full of grace he was, like the rose which was called "French Lace". Someday I'll find that one again.

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Here are some photo's that we downloaded yesterday from a trip last summer to Italian Bar campsite, which is near the north fork of the Stanislaus River.

It's lunch time and I'm still sitting in my new silky PJ's. I know, you're anxious for me to start on our list of things to do today; go buy more photo paper, maybe take a drive to that Antique show that we both know will be a dud. Although, we know in the back of our minds (or I guess you are probably thinking) that guy who always sells crocks is there with one you don't have.

I want and you want different things and yet we discuss this. I give in eventually to the things you want. I want and you always give. What I really want is after Sunday is gone, laughter for me. I'll get it listening to the radio on my way in to work, but I'm not looking forward to work.

Not looking forward as I'm still in process of last month's reports, and others that are overdue, and then dealing with the mess of moving from a large office the three of us analyst's were sharing to three tight little cubicles next to the newest analyst.

Attitude - where's my can do attitude?

Sunday is looming
The tree is so pale
I can't forget I bought that gift
It was for you and then
why on earth would I

Then you spoke and I lifted my eyes
Turtle riding was no great thrill
but the lift was appreciated
good son go far give more

Sunday is looming
I'll perish, but not before
I give this gift
I can't forget to give this.

Yes, its night now and the news show was so dreary that I'm here at the keyboard, was looking yesterday to buy some headphones on eBay, and need to but am reluctant to check out my email-so many things to read.

Oh, why do I subscribe to those email news letters? Guess, because they aren't as threatening as real people who want to sell stuff to me.

Tomorrow I've got to go in and work on reports to send to the State. Have lunch packed already. Today was spent in bed 'til nine, and after that Allen called to ask me to breakfast. (He sneaked out at 6am to go to the Auto Swap Meet.)

I behaved at I-hop-only ate half of that Harvest-Nut Pancake Combo, and gave away one sausage to Allen. The other half waits in the frig for tomorrow morning.

I got on the scale later this afternoon, after raking and weeding for over an hour. Just to check (I was 130 lbs.) That's ok, but still need a little more room before Halloween, and Thanksgiving come around. Haven't even looked to see what my lesson for next weight-watchers meeting is to be.

Enough about this life. I'm ready to begin reading now. Bye!

From Sunday's gone. Carry on.