Christmas dress challenge - week 6

Christmas Dress Challenge

Last week's wt.      165.0
This week's wt.      163.2
Difference                 1 .8!!!!!

I was really busy last week again but I obviously did something right.
Did I exercise? Not at all unless you count stripping and sanding a cabinet
Did I log everything I ate?  NO
Did I even step on the scale once until this morning? NO
Did I pay attention to what I was eating and try to make better choices? - YES
Was I surprised when I saw that number this morning? YES - surprised, excited, and very happy!

 Hope everybody else is doing good too - look forward to reading all the posts.

It'sFriday!

Time to head over to Hilary's at Feeling Beechie for Follow Friday Four Fill in

Here are this week's questions:


This week’s statements:

1. I have a ____ at ____
2. I always buy ___ that___ If___
3. I spend way too much time _____________
4. I hope that when people meet me and think about me they __________________________

My Answers:

1.   I have a cat at home that thinks my bed belongs to her and will actually scold me every night when I get in it.


2.  I always buy enough canned goods that I will be well stocked if for some reason I cannot get to a store.

3.  I spend way too much time worrying about things that may or may not happen.

4.  I hope that when people meet me and think about me they are a little confused - I like to keep people guessing!

Now to Mama M's  of My Little Life for Five Question Friday:

1. Do you prefer cotton, silk, or flannel sheets?

For 30 years I slept on a waterbed with plain old cotton sheets - just loved to crawl into a warm bed. Last year when I moved I was afraid to put the waterbed upstairs so I went with a traditional bed - and flannel sheets. I love the way they feel so soft and hold the warmth.

2. What time zone are you in?

Central Standard Time

3. What is your favorite part of the holiday season?

The big meals with family - I love every part of it - picking out the turkey - preparing - baking - the smells coming from your kitchen - people showing up early and pitching in to help - people showing up late and coming right to the table(s) - the laughter....................all of it.

4. What is your favorite "wintry" drink? (It doesn't have to be an "alcoholic" drink!)

I like spiced cider on occasion but normally stick with coffee (I am SERIOUSLY addicted to my coffee). 

5. In your opinion, what is the worst job in the world?

The worst job would have to be a funeral director - dealing with sadness on a daily basis - I couldn't do it.

Time for Wednesday Hops

Chats on the Farmhouse Porch 14 

It's time to go over to Patrice's porch for our weekly chat. I look forward to these every week! This week, everybody is full of questions!

QUESTIONS

1. Barbie asks: What's your favorite coffee drink?
2. Dreaming asks: What's the chore you hate the most that you wish Blogger would come do?
3. Farm Girl asks: Why did you decide to start a blog?
4. Suzanne asks: Who's your most famous relative?
5. Cathy Kennedy asks: Have you ever given yourself a home perm?

My answers:

1. Favorite coffee - plain old Folgers - and I drink LOTS of it; now if I'm at a coffee shop I would love a caramel macchiato.
2. I wouldn't actually want anyone else doing my chores - something about not wanting anyone else to see my house dirty?
3. My DIL started one when they went overseas as a way to keep in touch so I started one in order to follow hers and post stuff for them.
4. My most famous relative? That would easily have to be Randall McCoy - patriarch of the famous Hatfield-McCoy feud.
5. Home perm -I have suppressed that memory and that's all I'm saying.

Now I'll head on over to Joyce's for the hodgepodge!

  Questions for the Wednesday Hodgepodge-Vol 50

1. What gives you goosebumps? -

watching shows with paranormal themes

2. Halloween-are you a lover or a hater? Okay, that sounds harsh...Halloween-yay or nay? -

Definitely yay! I just love Halloween and seeing all the little kids dressed up, and I love the corn mazes and haunted houses..................

3. Can you respect someone you do not trust, and can you trust someone you do not respect? -

If someone is not trustworthy, they are definitely not worthy of respect - As far as trusting someone I don't respect - possibly - I try to be trusting until given a reason not to  but I do not necessarily respect someone until I know them personally and know their values, etc.

4. Apples or oranges? Yes, you have to choose. -

Oranges please!

5. What is something you wish was in your town? (shop, restaurant, attraction, etc)

An Outback Steakhouse would be nice.

6. What non-food item is in your refrigerator or freezer?

Well, besides the boxes of baking soda, there is the eye mask in there.

7. Are you at all superstitious?

Having been "Southernly" raised-with some people who are believed to have "The Sight" (and I believe they do) and others who claim to have it (and I do not believe them all)- I would have to say yes - there are some things that simply cannot be explained otherwise.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Why is it that a man will take his socks off and drop them anywhere - and that's where they stay - on the kitchen floor, under the table, under the couch, computer desk, chair, bed.........anywhere! And they stay there until you pick them up (and you never find them all until you do laundry and don't have mates so you go looking). Is this genetic? Something to do with that Y chromosome? Does it infuriate anybody besides me?

Check out these giveaways!

Here's a couple of giveaways I found at Patrice's porch - she got them from Farm Girl. One is  a fun Canada package. I think you'll like it. The other is giving some lovely wool and other goodies. Here they are.

Camp and Cottage Living

Sassafras and Winterberry

Christmas Dress Challenge week 5

Christmas Dress Challenge

Last week's wt.      166.2
This week's wt.      165.0
Difference                 1 .2

I was so busy last week I didn't have time for much of anything but I did manage to do 2 workouts. Also, can I count stripping a cabinet as a workout? I think I can as we worked on it from around 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and it definitely involved using some muscle. I did watch what I ate all week last week so I ended up with what looks like a good loss but considering I gained last week, it's only .8 lbs in reality.

One day's work - one can of stripper

So much more to go.

Friday Hops

Time to head over to Hilary's at Feeling Beechie for Follow Friday Four Fill in

Here are this week's questions:


This week’s statements:

1. I am afraid of____
2. My ___ is my favorite room of my house
3. The last time I _____ I couldn’t ______.
4. I got my first _____ when I was ____.

My Answers:

1. I am afraid of spiders - creepy, crawly, and way too many legs.
2. My kitchen is my favorite room of my house.  
3. The last time I got a speeding ticket I couldn’t really afford it so I decided to stop pushing my luck - now I drive like a grandma.       
4. I got my first snowman Christmas ornament when I was down home in TN many years ago and now my entire tree is nothing but snowmen. 

Now to Mama M's  of My Little Life for Five Question Friday:

1. Where do you escape to when you've had enough?

My kitchen - usually end up baking something - gets my mind off of things.

2. What shows are you watching this fall?

I plan on watching "Bones" when the new season starts.

3. What was the longest roadtrip you've ever taken and where did you go?

From Normal,IL to Orlando on spring break eons ago.

4. Do you plan on taking your kids to Disney World?

My kids are 28 and 26 and we never went - maybe my grandkids when I have some!

5. What is something people would surprised to know about you?

I'm not a very surprising person - usually quiet - I learned a long time ago that you can learn a lot by keeping your mouth shut and your ears open - I guess people could be surprised to learn that I can do just about anything any construction worker can do. My ex did that kind of work (when he actually worked) and I got right in there and helped.

Almost Friday - Already

Does anyone besides me notice that the days are going by faster and faster? I could swear that I just started on this "team project" yesterday and I just realized that it is due the coming Monday! That's just 3 days away. And why is it that it seems to be just me and ONE other team member (who is also a non-traditional student) doing all the work on this thing. There are two other "team members" who (kids of course) have done ... hmmm.....NOTHING! Was I like that when I was younger? I don't remember ever shirking my responsibilities...

Ok - done ranting now.

An Award!

An Award!

 

I got an award from McGuffy Ann! This comes as a total surprise.

Although I've had this blog for quite a while, I have just recently gotten into blogging on a regular basis. I don't think I lead a very exciting life but just post about ordinary things. I'm really honoured to be given this award.Thank you so much McGuffy Ann!

I am supposed to list and answer seven questions regarding seven posts.

This is really hard, but...here goes:

1. Most Beautiful Post....Can you see the baby

2. Most Popular Post...Christmas Dress Challenge.

3. Most Controversial Post...Bummed?

4. Most Helpful Post..The Tae Bo Story

5. Most Surprisingly Successful Post...What have I got myself into

6. Most Under-Rated Post...From A to B

7. Most Pride-Worth Post...Ta Da!

I absolutely love comments so feel free.

Thank you again, McGuffy!

Now...I pass this award to:

The Blue Ridge Gal

and

Life Through Bifocals

Please check out their blogs. Both are awesome.

Wednesday hops

Time for the Wednesday hops so I'll be heading to Joyce's first this week. If you're here for Chats on the Farmhouse Porch at Patrice's, scroll down.
Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. How do you typically react in a sudden, extreme, pressure-filled crisis? Would we want you nearby in an emergency? 
I also do some of my best work under pressure. I'm a trained EMT so I know what to do in emergencies. Scares me to death but in those situations I usually just react and then fall apart later.

2. Caramel apple-caramel sundae-caramel corn-caramel macchiato...of the four, which carmel treat would you choose?

Caramel macchiato - NO CONTEST!

3. Is there such a thing as destiny? Explain.
I'm a firm believer that we are in charge of our own destiny.

4. What's your favorite piece of furniture? I'm referring to something currently in your possession as opposed to something on your wish list. 

Right now I'd have to say the built in cabinet, shown here - so many possibilities - I'm excited.

5. Wednesday night marks the start of the 2011 Baseball World Series. Did you know? Do you care? Will you be watching? Ever been to a professional baseball game? If you're not an American do you find the title 'World Series' annoying or amusing?
Not a fan - didn't know - don't care.

6. A sound that takes me back to my childhood is____________. 
Rain on a tin roof - it's one of my favorite memories about growing up at my granny's house.

7. On average, once you've linked your hodgepodge post to mine how many other participant blogs do you visit? Do you ever come back to the Hodgepodge later in the day or even the day after to read posts? 
I try to visit as many as I can - it's usually in the morning before I go to work but sometimes I do come back to visit more if I have a chance on my lunch hour or even when I find some extra time during the day. I love reading comments on my posts so I try and comment on at least 5 or 6.

8. Insert your own random thought here. 
My daughter came in to town yesterday so I took half a day vacation to spend with her. She wanted me to go over her insurance choices (her company is changing the options available). She wants to be sure she has the right plan for when she does get pregnant. As some of you may know, she desperately wants a baby. We went to lunch and did some shopping for her brother's expectant child - her idea. Made me feel so bad - she was almost in tears when she saw a onsie with a saying on it that she said would be perfect for her baby. I'm so happy that my son and dil are expecting - can't wait to be a grandma - but I hurt for her and try not to show how excited I am for fear of upsetting her more. Any ideas on how to handle this?

Now to go over to Patrice's for a chat on her porch

1. What kind of camera do you use?
2. What will you have for Thanksgiving dinner? If not in the US, tell us about a special meal, please.
3. What's the biggest vehicle you've driven?
4. Have you ever been on a train? This can be a commuter train or the chugga-chugga-choo-choo kind.:)
5. What question would you like to ask the people visiting on my porch next week?

My answers:

1.Mine is a point and shoot that my daughter go t me for Christmas a couple of years ago.

2. Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, homemade noodles, homemade rolls, pumpkin pie for my daughter, sweet potato pie for everyone else.

3. Believe it or not a great big 18 wheeler - drove it a couple of times and HATED it.

4. I have been on the little train at the St. Louis Zoo - almost like a carnival ride.

5. What is your favorite Christmas tradition?

Christmas Dress Challenge week 4

Christmas Dress Challenge

Last week's wt.      165.8
This week's wt.      166.2
Difference                  -.4

I think the stress of work/school got to me. Working on a big project in one class and had a midterm in the other. I actually DID exercise but obviously did not do a very good job of monitoring what went into my mouth. This week is also going to be challenging for me as I have a potluck meeting tonight and a photography class Wed. night - and I have to finish the class project before next Monday. I promise I will try to do better.

What have I got myself into?

 I've posted about the built in cabinet in this house that I wanted to uncover on the kitchen side - I could tell that it was supposed to open from that side too.

 Here it is again.

 The paneling came off this morning - no turning back now.

 Wow! not in very good shape.

But I think it will be cute when it's redone.

Friday Hops

Time to head over to Hilary's at Feeling Beechie for Follow Friday Four Fill in

Here are this week's questions:

This week’s statements:
1. ___is my least favorite household chore
2. ___ is my guilty pleasure
3. In the __________, I think ___________.
4. My favorite ___________for _________ is _____________.
My Answers:
1. Ironing is my least favorite household chore. I let it build up until I have nothing to wear to work until I do it.
2. Mocha Carmel cappuccino  is my guilty pleasure
3. In the long run, I think that getting a Masters degree at my age is really not going to help me much, except to be able to say I did it.
4. My favorite time for blogging is early in the morning before the work day starts.


Now to Mama M's  of My Little Life for Five Question Friday:

Five Question Friday!! 10/14/11

1. Do you prefer your ice cream in a bowl or in a cone?

In a bowl - with lots of "toppings" - like nuts, chocolate syrup.....

2. What three things do you love the smell of?

Coffee in the morning, rain in the mountains, and turkey in the oven.

3. Giftcards or no? (In regards to gift giving...)

Hate them - seems like people don't want to put any thought into gift giving.

4. What sports did you play in high school if any and do you still play them?

No sports - was injured in a bad wreck and spent most of high school in a wheelchair and then crutches.

5. Were you in band in high school? What instrument did you play?

Wasn't in band, but played piano for Chorus.

----------------------------------------

PB WIKI

I'm using pbwiki to set up a team assignment for one of my classes. Has anyone used it before? Not sure I like the interface - looking for advice/input.

On a personal note - I DID NOT LIKE WHAT THE SCALE SAID THIS MORNING - and I've been good!

Wednesday hops

Time for the Wednesday hops so I'll be heading to Patrice's porch first this week. If you're here for Wednesday Hodgepodge at Joyce's, scroll down. I'm going to go ahead and post these tonight (Tue) because tomorrow looks to be pretty crazy at work/school. I'll try and go in early enough to get my links up in the morning.

Chats on the Farmhouse Porch 12

It's time to head on over to Patrice's porch. I hope everyone remembers Wendell's carrot. Love the vanilla coffee and don't mind if I do grab a mug - a big one!

Questions

1. Did you have a way to earn money as a child or teen?
2. Does your body run hot or cold? (Are you in a sweater/jumper when everyone else is in short sleeves or do you wear a sweatshirt when everyone has on parkas?)
3. What's your level of computer savvy? 
4. When you have pasta, do you prefer a red sauce (marinara type) or a white sauce (fettuccine type)?
5. What's your favorite thing to put in brownies? 

My answers:

1. I've worked since I was 13. Started after school and on weekends at a local retail store helping with the bookkeeping.
2. I'm ALWAYS cold!
3. Computer savvy? Guess I'd better say pretty good since that's what I'm trying to get my Masters in.
4. Usually red,but I do like the white sauces at times.
5. Sorry Patrice but I like the walnuts!

Hodgepodge Questions-Vol 48

Here are the questions for this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge....be sure to link up with Joyce so everyone can read your answers.

1. Have you ever been 'asked' to report for jury duty? Were you chosen to serve? If not, were you happy or disappointed?

No, cross my fingers and hope it stays that way! I have no desire to judge someone and wonder if I've made a mistake.

2. On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being very), how mechanically inclined are you? Give an example to back up your answer.

Can we use negative numbers?

3. Beets-cabbage-cauliflower-butternut squash....of the four, which is your favorite fall vegetable?

Butternut squash! Absolutely love it.

4. What do you recommend to overcome self-pity?

I've never been one to wallow and I must admit that I have very little patience with those that do. I was taught to "pull yourself up by your boot straps" and that if you don't like the way things are going, DO SOMETHING to change it. I know that life can be really hard sometimes and there are often things going on that you have no control over, so I do try to be sympathetic but I really believe that we are in charge of our own destiny.

5. Do you enjoy classical music?

I love classical piano - could be all those piano lessons I took as a child.

6. October is National Book Month...what's on your reading list this month?

Textbooks! About all I have time for but Sharyn McCrumb has a new one out (The Ballad of Tom Dooley) that is going on my Christmas list.

7. What is your idea of 'cute'?

Babies are the first thing that comes to mind - can you tell I'm really excited to become a grandma?

8. Insert your own random thought here.

As you know, I'm working on a Computer Science Masters right now and these classes are about to drive me nuts! Seems like all we do is read articles, write discussions about said articles, write comments on other students' discussions of said article and then take tests which consist of more discussions of the same articles! Can someone tell me why "Global Social Networking" is a required course and what we are supposed to actually learn from it? Don't we all know that we're living in a global society? Don't we all use global networking sites on a daily basis? Isn't this blog one of them?

Meet Me on Monday

Meet Me on Monday is hosted by Never Growing Old. It's a great way to get to know our fellow bloggers. Each week she posts 5 questions for us to answer about ourselves. Hop over to the site and check it out!

Questions:

1.  The best part of waking up each day is  

 waking up to a new day - knowing it can be a new beginning.
2.  How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?   

I feel like I should be about 20.

3.  Red or Green Apples?   
 
I don't really care for apples much but like the red ones more than green or yellow.

4.  Do you forgive easily?   

Forgive-yes; forget - NEVER.

5.  If you could live in any home on a television series, which would it be?

Since you didn't stipulate that it had to be a current series, I'm going to go with The Waltons - I just love big old houses.

Week 3 check in

The week was not really good for exercise - I had lots of work to do for the classes I'm taking, meetings on two nights, and the daughter wanted me to do the annual Spoon River Drive this weekend. I hate to admit but I was really bad and shared a "blooming onion" while on the drive. The rest of the week, I did a pretty good job of watching what I ate and I did have a loss for the week:

Last week - 167.4
This week - 165.8
Down another 1.6!!!!

At this rate I will not be into my dress by Christmas so I know I have to step it up a little. I promise I'm going to try. My goal for the week is the same as last week - try to find the time for the exercise.
Look forward to checking all the posts over at Christmas Dress Challenge to see how everyone else did.

Sat night at the cabin

 Miss Pandora - determined that I pay attention to her and not the computer.

 That's it Mom - quit typing and pet me.

 Put the camera down and pet me!
Please disregard the double chin.

 I mean it Mom!

 Not leaving till you put that down and pet me some more.

 My chiminea in the backyard - we roasted hot dogs one night last week

 Biz's brothers' cabin

 The Biz himself

Notice the chiminea, look familiar? Weird - I got mine a few years ago in Galesburg - they bought theirs (before they saw mine) in Quincy.

A - Z of ME

I got this from Amy - who got it from April - and I had to do it!
Here goes:

A-Z of ME!

A. Age - 52:(

B. Bed size - Queen

C. Chore you dislike - Ironing - I'll let it build up until I HAVE TO.

D. Dogs - I inherited my son's dog when he joined the AF. She's half husky and half we're-not-sure but she's a good dog.

E. Essential start to your day - COFFEE

F. Favorite color - Green

G. Gold or silver - Silver

H. Height - 5'8.5"

I. Instruments you play(ed) - piano

J. Job title - Office Support Specialist

K. Kids - Two wonderful kids with two wonderful spouses

L. Live - Illinois

M. Mom's name - Mildred

N. Nicknames - Only nickname I've ever had is JoNipper (don't ask)

O. Overnight hospital stays - lots - was in a bad car accident years ago and was in the hospital for 3 months, then off and on for two years after - then when I had my kids.

P. Pet peeves - College students who cannot write proper English.

Q.Quote from a movie - "Don't ever apologize , it's a sign of weakness."

R. Righty or Lefty - Righty

S. Siblings - 1 older brother and 2 sisters (both deceased - one in above mentioned car accident, one later)

T. Time you wake up - Alarm is set for 5:00 am during the week and I hit the snooze at least 3 times.  Weekends, I'm up at 4 ????

U. Underwear - Definitely!  I actually still like the hip huggers the best.

V. Vegetables you don't like - rhubarb

W. What makes you run late - Not getting up early enough to drink enough coffee.

X. X-rays you've had - just about everywhere (see "O")

Y. Yummy food you make - My chili is AWESOME.

Z. Zoo animal favorites - Tigers - especially white ones!

Friday Hop 2

Time to  go on over to Mama M's for 5 question Friday:

1. What is your go to comfort food or sweet?

Chocolate of course

2. What is the most romantic place you've ever been to?

Haven't been many places but I've always though the mountains down home in TN/VA were romantic

3. What is your favorite thing about fall/Halloween?

Seeing all the kids at my door dressed up and smiling/laughing.

4. How would you spend 24 hours alone?

cooking, cleaning (I do some of my best cleaning when left on my own), crochet, reading, watching old movies 

5. Does you husband bring you flowers? Are you the bring-me-flowers type of girl?

no hubby and no I'm not - although I do occasionally buy a bouquet for the dining room table.

Friday Hops 1

Friday Hops

First I'm heading over to Follow Friday Four Fill In at Hilary's

This week’s statements:

1. Somehow____ comes naturally to me
2. I could spend hours in a ____ store
3. If money and time were no consideration, today I would ____________________and _____________________.
4. You should always take time to _______________

.
My Answers:

1. Somehow canning comes naturally to me (I grew up doing it and just can't understand why everyone doesn't).
2. I could spend hours in an antique store - just wish I could afford more.
3. If money and time were no consideration today I would quit my job and become a stay at home crafter.
4. You should always take time to enjoy life - you only get one shot at it.

Can you see the baby?

This is so cool - just found it on Facebook - Can you see the baby?

Wednesday Hops

The Wednesday Hodgepodge Vol. 47

Time to head over to Joyce's for Wednesday's Hodgepodge. Here goes:

1. What's your favorite meal to serve on a chilly autumn evening?

Why chili of course! Or maybe potato soup, or maybe just hot dogs roasted over a fire outside!

2. Are you a creature of habit? Explain
.

I am. I worked a weekend job (on top of my regular one) until my daughter graduated college. I had to get up at 4  a.m. to open the local convenience store - I still get up early every Saturday and Sunday - can't help it.

3. What food product (no longer readily available) do you remember and miss from days gone by?

Country ham - can't get it up here. I always bring one back when I get down. Unfortunately,lately I've only managed to get there for funerals.

4. What's something you've lost that you've never been able to find? Any theories as to what happened?

My faith in marriage. I thought I it would last forever - I was wrong. I've never been able to trust a man that far since, I've had "significant others" -  do right now - but marriage - never again.

5. Zoo~circus~ carnival...your favorite?

I love the zoo! I used to take the kids down to the St. Louis Zoo at least once a year. I think I liked it as much as they did.

6. What song makes you feel instantly happy?

That would be "It's a Great Day to Be Alive" by Travis Tritt.

7. To what extent are you an argumentative person?

Not at all! I HATE to argue. When I get upset enough to actually argue, it makes me physically ill. I end up having an awful migraine for days after. And believe me, when the dam does break - it's really not pretty.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

 My grandbaby is a BOY! Couldn't take the fact that everybody else knew when I didn't.

 Chats on the Farmhouse Porch 11

Now I'll head over to Patrice's for a little chat on her porch. I do so love sitting on the porch with friends chatting about anything and everything.

Hello, again! I'm happy to be joining Patrice on her porch again this week.Fall is my favorite season - I just love all the colors but I absolute DREAD the cold temps that I know are coming. Hopefully those will stay away for a bit longer and it will be lovely weather to sit on the porch.

QUESTIONS

1. Are you afraid of heights or small places?
2. What was on top of your wedding cake? (If you're not married- What was on top of your favorite birthday cake?)
3. What was something you took for granted in school that you'd pay better attention to now if you could do it over?
4. What's your favorite type of tea or coffee? (ie: Chai tea, green tea, English Breakfast tea)
5. Would you rather drive the car, or be a passenger?

My answers:

1. I love heights, especially the mountains. I tend to be a little claustrophobic at times - I can't even sleep with the door shut.
2. I don't think there was anything on top of my cake - I didn't have a big wedding, just a few friends with a little gathering after.
3. I took always having someone around to fix my vehicle when something needed done for granted. Boy do I wish I'd have taken an auto mechanics class. Mechanics are so EXPENSIVE and I really think they do take advantage of women who don't know anything about cars.
4. I actually won't buy anything except plain old Folgers coffee. Now if I go to a coffee house - Mocha Carmel is my fave.
5. I'd rather drive. Something about being in control of the vehicle.

Week 2 check in

Beginning wt - 169.2
Today's wt - 167.4

loss of 1.8 bl

Not as good as I would have liked. The first part of the week went really well - second half - not so much. Weekends are really hard for me. There's so much else to do,it's hard to work the exercisepart in and I can't seem to lose at all without it.


I did tae bo 4 out of 7 days last week - my goal for this week is to make that at least 5 days out of the 7. Tuesday night is definitely out due to a meeting I have to go to - will be late when I get home.  I hope everyone else is doing better!