Spring September - Week 4

[Stargazerlily]

Good morning to all on this last full week of September.

PAguy, sure is nice to hear from you...you sound great in your retirement, still having to manage the drinkers who say mean and stupid things. Florida, Chicago, some people just don't think, especially if they are impaired.

Lav, have fun babysitting. The weather here has been spectacular, hope it is at your house.

Dill, eating outside is a good idea. Less cleanup.

Rusty, what a great weekend, I sent to bed so don't know yet if ND won or not.

Had fun with my daughter and sil, lots of walks and biking. Back to work today, and not in the mood. Have a great day all.

[dill]

Spring September - Week 4

Hi All,
Star, thanks for starting us off on the last week of September. I am so glad you had fun with your daughter and sil. I thought of you, and especially your daughter over the weekend. Sent up a prayer for her fertility treatments.

Lav, you are pulling some early morning duty these days!! I guess I do too tho what with the rugrats being right here. I get up at 6:30 and pack lunches while there Dad is getting them up and dressed. Wonderful to send them off to school and daycare for the day!!

I did have an interesting encounter earlier this evening that I'd like to share. I am staying at my condo in Florida for a couple of weeks and a group of us met on a neighbor's patio after pool time today. Interestingly enough, the conversation turned to their alcohol consumption and how they couldn't tolerate NOT drinking. And then one of the gals turned to me and said, "Well, John, we all have our vices and since you don't drink, your vice is running. You get your high from running." I was a bit flabbergasted and didn't really know what to say so I just bit my lip and said nothing. I guess it made her feel better to put me down that way? Not sure. I'm not bothered by what she said. I just find it interesting how uncomfortable it makes
some drinkers to be around those of us who don't drink.

Pa guy, I wonder what makes her think running to get a "high" makes it a vice? Running is a healthy activity, unless you are running too much. Same with al consumption. One a day is ok, it's just a vice when it is too much. Finding ways to get a "high" as she put it can be a good thing. It's good to feel good and especially when you find healthy ways to accomplish it! Al fools people into thinking they are getting high in a good way...but obviously in the case of your neighbors who are talking about consuming too much, al is no longer a good way to get the high. I would forget about her comment. She was just trying to justify her own behavior, it was nothing about you. IMO.

Rusty, do you still do any running? I've never ever been a long distance runner. I envy those who can!

Witts, sorry I didn't see that you started the thread early this morning! So sorry you are having all those computer issues! Now, what shall we call you? Corgi or Witts? I'm kind of partial to Witts.... Thanks for making all the efforts to stick with us. We value your support and presence here. You've been an inspiration the way you have stuck with it.:h

[Lavande]

Spring September - Week 4

Up & out of bed at 5:45 this morning - wasn't really sleeping anyway.
My DIL had asked me to be there so she could leave at 7:15. I got there about 7:10 & woke her, the kids & the dogs up when I walked in :H Honestly, she burns the candle at both ends!
My son arrived shortly after 9 so I was out of there & went straight to Curves. They will all be here for dinner later so not sure I can work in a nap ~ we'll see.

Witts, I just read that you have 14 grandchildren - Goodness!!!!!
I can't even imagine what happens when they are all together! I wish you lots & lots of granny strength! Sorry your computer is still giving you trouble.

Star, nice to hear you enjoyed time with your daughter & SIL. Are they staying for a while?

Dill, I turn on the drill sergeant attitude when I'm watching the boys :H
If I don't take control as soon as I walk in - they're all over me.
The oldest has preschool at 9:30 so both kids were dressed & fed before my son got home from work. I feel bad for him (just a little) coming off a 24 hr shift & dealing with that hellish commute from DC & then going right into child care so I make sure the situation is under control before I hand it over to him! All that & I don't get paid :H

Greetings John! Still enjoying the warm breezes in FL?
Definitely feeling coolish here today & I don't mind a bit. Signs of Fall are everywhere. 3 deer crossed the road in front of me today - looked like a ballet! Just glad I was totally awake!!!!

I saw papmom on Facebook, she's OK.
Greetings to Rusty - hope you have a safe trip!

Wishing everyone a great AF day!
Lav

[corgipups]

Spring September - Week 4

morning all
Star i also was partial to witts .....it seemed to fit at the time ( i really was at wittsend ) .....but this site dosn't like it any more

lav I'll have most of them here for the long week-end in oct (first week-end )

dill....i agree some drinkers really dont like being around non drinkers it makes them so uncomfortable
I have found that out and even had some-one try and spike my drink.....which backfired on her

Rusty.....do you run sounds great on of my sons into running and bike riding

have a good day everyone

[paguy]

Spring September - Week 4

Greetings All,

Very rainy day here in not so sunny Florida. I will be here until early next week and then I'll return home to Pennsylvania.

It's nice to be back here on MWO. I see some new folks. Hi Corgi! I was a frequent participant in this group 3 years ago when I started my AF journey and they were so helpful - very grateful to have found them.

Lav - Yes, my foot is completely healed and I have done LOTS of running since then. That surgery was also 3 years ago and it all seems like such a big blur anymore. I have come back strong.

Yes, I do believe my neighbor's comment yesterday was her way to justify her own drinking problem. When I see her sitting by the pool having her first glass of wine at 10AM, I realize she is in need of some serious help.

Today was a 'rest' day in my marathon training but I will be hitting the gym first thing tomorrow morning. Getting ready right now to have my evening cup of tea (along with some sweet treats) before I hit the sack.

Have a great night folks!

[Rusty]

Spring September - Week 4

Good Evening Everybody,

John, I am sure that woman who made the ignorant comment was uncomfortable with your AF status, otherwise she wouldn't have said anything...especially if she is having wine at 10:00 AM. Congrats on achieving success in half and full marathons!:goodjob: I can't believe it's been 3 years already! WOW. You were a huge support to me...and still are.


Witts (Corgi) no, I don't run competitively anymore. I suffer from low back pain so I job and run, and the most I do is about 4 miles. 14 grandchildren....wow, you don't have time to be bored, do you? So sorry that I didn't see the thread you started this morning. I, too, am partial to Witts End as opposed to Coripups. Computer problems suck, don't they?

Dill-are you planning any "me" time this week? Are you enjoying the fall weather or are you sad to see summer and boating disappear?

Lav-I hope you are kid-free tomorrow.

Star- I so didn't want to go to work today...but it turned out ok. Hope your day did, too.

Hi to Papmom and MIA Cyntree.

I'll be back tomorrow. Hope everyone is having a lovely evening.

[Stargazerlily]

Spring September - Week 4

Good morning to all...

Just work and home, no time for anything else.

Lav, great fall weather here too.

PAguy, drinking at 10 a.m. Wow, she must feel like #$%^, no wonder she was crabby.

Rusty, have a good week.

Dill, reading anything new?

Corgi, keep going strong.

To all, have a great day.

[Rusty]

Spring September - Week 4

Good Morning Everyone,

It was a beautiful fall day here in Wisconsin and yesterday I had a chance to walk and jog on the bike path along the Fox River. The Fall colors here are more advanced than they are where I live, which is in the southern part of the state. Today the weather will be the same, and I will relish a walk along the lake path when I get home after that 3.5 hour drive.

John-did you take early "retirement"? Are you getting consulting clients via word of mouth? Soak up the FL sun all you can....because winter will be here soon enough, right?

To everyone else, have a lovely AF Tuesday.

[Lavande]

Spring September - Week 4

Good Tuesday morning friends,

Enjoying some coffee before today's festivities begin :H
Nothing special going on really, just some work & the need to get some housework done

Witts, I wish you tons of strength when your family descends on you in October!!!!!
Sounds like a great time, for sure!

John, it's still sunny & cool here ~ perfect after the nasty summer we had.
My husband's grandparents had a condo in Hollywood, FL. I can remember all the 'old ladies' gathering everyone afternoon to play cards. I think their real reason to gather was to having drinking company. They were all widows so no one else was ever invited :H
Aren't you happy you don't have to deal with them all year long??

Rusty, hope you are safe on the roads lady

Star, have a good day, busy can be a good thing!

Greetings Dill, Papmom & anyone dropping by today. Have a wonderful AF Tuesday one & all!
Lav

[dill]

Spring September - Week 4

Good morning All,

Wow, it's dark! The days are getting shorter for certain. I love the Fall tho.

Rusty, thanks to school and daycare I have had plenty of me time lately! Things are much better around here these days. We've all settled in to the "new normal".:H My son's health is much improved, too. Still looking for work tho. Loved the image of you walking/jogging along the Fox River. Are you still dropping pounds?

Lav, are you still going to Curves? I still haven't got any formal exercise going, but I do walk every day. I am looking around for volunteer opportunities in my area. I hope to find something to do to help in the community and also so I can get out of the house with a purpose besides shopping!:H

Witts, I hope you get your computer problems smoothed out! I miss you!

Star, I'm reading a book called Redeemed. It's an autobiographical book about a recovering alcoholic's journey to find spirituality/God. It's by Heather King who also wrote Parched.

Have a great AF Humpday!

[Lavande]

Spring September - Week 4

Good morning friends & happy hump day

Last week's allergy/cold thing disappeared a few days ago only to return this morning. I feel so blessed :H
I had a unplanned visit from my daughter & Ms Lily yesterday, it was nice

Dill, yes I still go to Curves & make sure I get there at least 3X/week! It has become a regular part of my routine & don't like missing it for any reason. They are offering a free month right now for newbies. Check & see if your local club has the same offer going on. You'll find a lot of nice people there

My chicks are starting to sprout feathers, they look very funny right now :H I think I'll be moving them out to the chicken house this weekend. I have an area in there separate from the older birds so they'll be safe.

Greetings to Star, Rusty, John, papmom, Witts & everyone!
Have a wonderful AF Wednesday!

Lav

[paguy]

Spring September - Week 4

Hey Folks,

Greetings from rain-soaked Florida! It has been pouring ran for 2 days now and I am starting to get cabin fever. I have 2 books waiting for me to read but I have been in a reading slump for a couple of months. I go through periods where I will read a book a week and then I don't read anything for several months.

Rusty - Yes, I was very fortunate to be able to get an 'early' retirement package from my employer. I've done a little bit of consulting over the past 10 months - primarily word of mouth recommendations. I am just starting to get a wee bit more serious about looking for a longer term consulting engagement. So, I've been 'snooping' around and I have my first phone interview next week. We'll see where this lands.

Lav - Yes, the seniors love to sit around the pool and chat (or I should say gossip) their days away down here. I try to stick to myself and mind my own business.

Hope everyone has a great hump day!

[Rusty]

Spring September - Week 4

Hi Autumn AF Friends,

Paguy-Sorry you've had rainy weather in FL. What a drag. It takes a while to build up a consulting business when everything is word of mouth....but I know you'll be very successful. It's good that your employer gave you an early "retirement" package and you can spend some time relaxing, too. I remember how stressful your job was and wholly frustrating. As far as books...have you ever read Blame? I couldn't put it down. I can picture some of those old bats yacking and cackling by the pool. Too much time on their hands so they waste it. Pitiful, IMO.

Dill-I put a few pounds back on because my neck and back were giving me fits....lots of pain...especially when running or working out on the stairmaster, so I laid off the exercise for a while. But, I'm back at it with vigor. Thank you for the book recommendations you gave Star. I shall order them from Amazon immediately. As far as things to do with your "free" time, I liked Lav's suggestion of Curves....and with your personality, I'm sure there are a million places you could volunteer. My Mom volunteers at the church Food Pantry and the St. Vincent de Paul store. She loves both....lots of companionship with likeminded people. Oooh....I forgot to tell you something. Remember that gluten-free conference in Dayton I thought it would be fun to go to? It got cancelled for lack of interest.:H No offense, Lav.

Lav-how fun to have an unexpected surprise from your daughter and Ms. Lily. Loved the pic of the chick with feathers, too. He/she looks sooo soft.

Star-you mentioned you like to bike. How far do you bike? Do you go on trails?

Witts-Is your computer fixed yet? Are you cooking a ton of food for your house full of company in October? I read your post on someone spiking your drink with AL, and that it backfired. How did it backfire? I am being curious AND deviously nosy.:H

Hi to Papmom and Cyn-we miss you!

It's only 8:25 but I'm going to bed. I hope you all had a wonderful AF humpday.

See you in the morning :-)

[Rusty]

Spring September - Week 4

Good Morning!

I awoke at 4:15 AM, Rusty O'Clock, happy and unhung so I thought I would greet everyone this morning.

John-you must LOVE this autumn weather, running as the leaves turn, AF. I can feel the happiness and serenity in your voice. I took a long walk last night and the smell of Fall instantly puts me in a good mood.

Witts-what's the weather like in Australia right now? Is it warming up?

Ok, I have the day at home but it's filled with appointments....new dentist, accountant, hair, and one of my three guilty pleasures.....eyelash extensions. There's a song singing in my head...."You're so vain...you probably think this song is about you....you're so vain." :H I told my mom the other day. Ok, so I don't spend my money on booze and food anymore, so why not lashes, French nails and spray-on tans? And she said, "you deserve it, dear." I knew I loved that woman for some reason.:H

Happy AF Thursday to everyone here!

[dill]

Spring September - Week 4

Hello AF Friends,
What a busy day yesterday! I just went from one thing to the next until it was finally evening and blessedly, time to wind down! Thankfully, all of yesterday's events were good ones. One of the highlights, as far as the g-kids were concerned, was the arrival of 8 new cows: 4 moms and 4 babies, all black angus. It was fun watching the arrival of the cattle truck and all the preparations, then the release. It was a beautiul, sunny afternoon so it had the feel of a Norman Rockwell moment somehow.

Rusty, I hope you enjoy your day off today. Your mom is right; you deserve good things, and you are a dear! I hope you enjoy the books. I haven't read Parched yet because I've been waiting for it to come to me at the library. I have it on hold. But Redeemed is really a good read for me. I'm not sure just anyone would like it. It surprised me because it is about the woman's search for spirituality which surprisingly, brings her to convert to Catholicism. (sp?) It has caused me to take a second look at the religion I was raised in and have taken for granted my whole life. The book is interesting apart from that as well. I do hope you like it. I get nervous when I recommend a book. Every reader is so different! I can't remember if you read Proof of Heaven? That one was really good, IMO.

Paguy, how long are you in Florida? You may have said already and it slipped my mind. Are you permanently residing there? What part of the state are you in? I think the panhandle is my favorite area. If I were to move to Florida, that's where I would go. Have you ever been to Destin?

Lav, I'll check into the Curves offer. I'm pretty sure tho that the nearest curves is farther than I would like to drive. I'll check it out tho.

Star, Witts, Pmom, et. al., thinking of you. Have a peaceful AF Thursday.