Freaky Friday Rants and Raves 7-22
 

Rant: grubs are eating my lawn roots.

Rave: The house painter started painting yesterday.

Rant: People who lie to you and expect you to believe them. arggg. (not the house painter)

Rave:
I'm first!

Rave:
Grandson is coming from Houston to spend the weekend!

Rave: Wet bar in lower level is being built. This project MIGHT get completed sometime this year.

Have a grand weekend everyone.

Rave: Jorr's FFR&R

Rave: I've got tickets to see Chicago & Earth Wind & Fire for Mr.GoTravel's big 5-0 in Raleigh this weekend!

Rave: Wanted to stop by and say hi!

Rave: Fodor's GTG in San Antonio!! I drove there last night after work to meet the fine Fodorites of SA. It was so much fun and the time slipped away fast. I hope there will be another one soon. Thanks to Seamus for organizing the GTG and getting Fodor's luggage tags for us.

Rant: Before learning of my changing job situation next year I booked a trip to Egypt. Once I heard the news, I knew I would have to cancel that trip sooner or later. This week I finally forced myself to make that call. It was a sad day.

Rave: Egypt has been around for thousands of years, it will still be there in a couple of more years when I can go. And if I find another job in my same company, I will rebook because I can keep my vacation time. There is some hope for that, but I don't want to jinx it by saying too much....

Rant: Late night road construction!! Last night I was driving back to Austin from the SA GTG and I counted 4 different times when traffic was brought down to one lane. It took me 2 1/2 hours to drive 90 miles. I never knew they did so much road work through the night.

Rave: So what, it was worth it to meet all the nice people at the GTG, and I'd do it again. :-)

Happy weekend, all!!

Rave- My high school graduating class will celebrate it's 50th anniversary reunion tomorrow night here.. and I mean HERE, at our house!

Rave- Looking forward to seeing so many old friends.

Rant- So hot and humid that the patio (which looks so pretty right now) may be uncomfortable. But we have fans out there, and a/c inside.

Rant- How did we (the Class of 55) get so old so quickly??

Rave- We're having dinner done by our local barbecue genius, but I will make some hors d'oeuvres, margaritas, etc.

Byrd

Rave: Go Travel is back!

Rave: My husband is coming home today from Toronto! He should be in the door before noon.

Rant: He will no doubt run out to mow the lawn, lol. Uncomfortable heat, along with heavy flash rains, have created a jungle environment in our yard.

Rave: My water lily has tripled in size, gifting me with beautiful pale yellow flowers :)

Rant: Being a human alarm clock.

Rant: Watching my son commute 140 miles a day by car -- NEVER, ever thought I'd say this, but I can't wait for his apartment to be ready so that he can be closer to work.

Rave: My S&BIL and nephews will be visiting from the UK -- can't wait :D

Rant: Clearly missing some on the board -- hope things are well.

P_M: ssssshhhhh, I'm whispering, so I won't jinx anything for you....good thoughts your way :)

Hey, GoT, how's the training going?

For those of you who are suffering in terrible heat, stay cool and hydrated!

Wishing everyone a safe and happy weekend :D

Rant:
Adjusting to the "real" world after spending 2 wonderful weeks in Hawaii. My body still can't figure out what time to eat or sleep!

Rave: I just spent 2 wonderful weeks in Hawaii. Now I really understand why so many people on this board return to Kauai yearly. It truly is paradise there.

Rant: Now I have to figure out how I can afford to go to Kauai again AND the other places I have always wanted to visit (Europe, Middle East, Africa...)

seetheworld, it is kicking me a$$ and thanks for asking. I've also recently started a new job which is taking up all of my other time. I'm either sleeping, running, or working and that is it. I'm in bed by 7:30PM and up running in the dark at 5AM.

Rave: Quincy the Puppy is a real cutie-pie!((&))

Rant: It's been 12 years since we had a puppy and we're 12 years older now! Sleep deprivation is becoming a way of life...:(

Rant: I love summer but the oppressive humidity has been too much even for me!

Rave: Despite my mom's continued infirmities in her post-stroke struggles, our family looks forward to gathering in Florida Labor Day weekend to celebrate our parents' 65th wedding anniversary. ((L))

Have a great weekend, Fodorites!

Rave: Talking to my friends in Fodorville every Friday. Thank you, jorr ...

Rant: For the first time, I'm seeing, up close and personal, the worst that alcohol can do to someone, no matter how much you care for them and want to help them. What a devastating thing, and there seems to be no hope. :-(

Rave: Some of the medical staff working with my lovefd one; what angels some are ....

Rave: An update for my diet/fitness buddies here (if it bores you, stop reading! :p) ......... I made the decision in June to just try to maintain my weight-loss, during this summer period, and then resume the "losing phase" after Labor Day. That would be because I have/had one trip/event after another this summer, and a big part of my vacation joy is eating and drinking my favorite things. I have continued to exercise almost every day (going in the pool at hotels, walking on the beach in Florida, walking in the 'hood here at home and going to the Y pools.) How have I done? I had lost 45 lbs. at the beginning of summer; I am only up two pounds, which is just fine. I'm allowing myself to gain up to 5 lbs., then I cut back the next few days so it doesn't get out of hand. I am very pleased with this plan, enjoying everything I want to, not backsliding, and will be ready to "hit the ground running" after Labor Day to get the other 30 to 35 lbs. off. Thanks to all of you who keep cheering me on in this thing! :-) (I'm a different person entirely walking in the Raleigh heat now ... who woulda thunk? :-d )

Rave: Going tomorrow to mountains for a week with friends. BBQ and Rio Grande Punch is almost ready to go ... party time!

Rave: GoTravel is back! So good to see you, and hope your hubby's birthday concert is a blast!

Seetheworld, your water lily sounds beautiful! You must be a flower-lover like me. I have the most gorgeous yellow hibiscus, solid yellow, center and all. Hope your son finds his apt. soon; you hate them to drive so much everyday. I talked to my son and GD in China last night; I wanted to reach across the world to hug them. My GD said, "Granny, less than a month and I'll be with you in Raleigh!" ((l)) :-)

Byrd, enjoy your reunion. I'm betting you are the world's sweetest hostess! ((f))

Welcome Back GoT!

Rave--Nothing to do this weekend! And it's going to be beautiful!

Rave--7th Annual IronMan competition will be held in my beautiful town on Sunday. What an inspiration to watch those athletes. Of course, I feel your body is not meant to be put through that but more power to the ones who can. I'll just sit on my not so toned butt and watch.

Rant/Rave--my road will be blocked on Sunday due to the race making it difficult to get in and out but it will just force me to enjoy not having to drive anywhere.

Sorry, I accidentally hit "post" before I wished you all a wonderful weekend! Stay cool and have fun ... :-)

Rave: GoT didn't stay away

Rant: PM can't take her trip right now so now trip reports for us

Rant/Rave: My cat is still so sick but is teeny-tiny bit better (A special thank you shout out to NOLady :) )

Rave: New houses for some special people

Rant: The humidity. It's wrecking havoc w/my hair ;)

Rave: I have stupid things to rant about

Happy weekend everyone. Wishing all of you health, happiness and fun!

Bonnie--Must've been posting when you were...love, love looove your determination w/the diet! I've told you this but you are my dieting idol....Sorry about the sick relative. Alcoholism is a horror. My dad lost a brother to it and I never got to know my cousins on that side because of it.

Rant: WE NEED SOME RAIN. This is the longest drought in my lifetime. Campus grass looks like white straw.

Rant: Two days totally outside at BBQ and White Sox game will be respectively 95 and 103 degrees predicted.

Rave: So glad the White Sox have a Rain Room and I have short hair.

Have a good summer weekend all!

No rants or raves for me this week, but I did want to tell everyone hello and wish you all a wonderful weekend. :)

Bonnieboard
Thanks for the diet update. I've wondered how you were doing. I joined Weight Watchers On Line and am losing about 2 lbs a week. I need to start walking but it's hard to get motivated. I'm at the point now where my clothes are fitting and some are loose in the waist which is a great feeling!

Bonnie: having been through alcoholism from many angles, I can tell you that the terrible hopelessness you mention is sometimes the "darkness before the dawn". It is awful, but don't loose hope! Good thoughts to you and your family.
Rave: Kaua'i in 4 days!
Rave: Arnold's approval rating is 34%.
Rave: Connecting with my parents last week. I never thought we would get along so well and have so much fun traveling together.

-Bill

Rant: after 3 wonderful weeks in Victoria, we have to go home early next week - back to record-breaking heat and humidity with no end in sight.
Rave: We'll be back out here permanently in 2 months!
Rave: Good friends in Fodorville who love to check in with each other every week - thanks, jorr!
Have a great weekend, everybody, wherever you are. :)

Rant: <font color="red"><i> The heat..!!! </i></font>

Rave: my gardenias love it, and it's almost impossible for me to overwater them (as I do every other plant) -- many fragrant blooms.

Rant: an apparent epidemic of cancer in DH's family (genetic testing in progress), plus the terror of serious anorexia with one niece.

Rave: Family is pulling together, putting one foot in front of the other.

Rave: my mother seems much happier in new retirement community and they are looking after her well, unlike the previous neglectful and dirty place.

Rave: going to see DS in Bay Area in a month but no travel needed until then -- much as I love it, I get SOOOOO weary of getting up at 4 am for 6:30 am flights.

Bonniebroad -- so sorry to hear about LO's battle w/alcohol, have seen it so often and it's very hard; congrats on weightloss (<font color="green">*jealousy*</font>) and enjoy the mtns., wish I could go.

RAVE: My little one has learned to walk

RANT: On our 3rd day of over 100 degrees-all of my flowers are dying despite intensive watering.

Bonnie-just what is &quot;Rio Grande Punch&quot;??

<font color="red">
Happy Friday Fodorville!</font>
Rave: No hurricanes at the moment
Rave: We are almost finished packing for our move.
Rave: We had a Fabulous trip to Portland Or. Where we found a Fabulous apartment.
Rave: We move Next Monday :D
Rave: A good friend has a new baby in the family and I am so happy for her ( not to mention he is gorgeous lol)
Ani..I remember when Riley was born!! Congratulations, nothing is safe now LOL
GoT, hugs to you and to all of my FodorFriends..especially those with pets that feel poorly.

A special thought out to my old friend Art Hussey who has died. We were planning a visit when I arrive in Portland in a few weeks. He was a very special man ((F))

Rave - Week in Williamsburg was great. Kids has a great time with the other family we traveled with. And my brother and his family hooked up with us also.

Rave- my brother and his family stayed at our house for 4 nights. They live in Miami and we live in Mass. so its great to have so much time together

Rant - they're a big family and I have a small house.

Rave - some sticky situations worked out favorably this week thanks to the hard work of my husband. He is amazing.

Rave: Found a new violin teacher for my daughter. She adored her old one who is relocating. After one very unfortunate encounter with a recommended teacher whose style was the polar opposite of what my daughter needs, we finally found someone who will help her shine. Some people should not be allowed to teach and others are born to it.

Eeva - glad you had a great trip. School year will be starting before you know it.

Bonniebroad - keep up the good work. Its a tremendous accomplishment.

JJ5- sorry your Sox lost to my Sox last night. We got very lucky. Enjoy your games.

And well wishes to all in their celebrations and vacations.

And WE lost it. First Crede hits the home run and then he makes the error the very next 1/2 inning. For him, heaven to hell all in a few moments. Really think it taught him a lesson about grandstanding. Well, it's something that he'll need to learn. Buehrle deserved a win again and didn't get it.

I hate Manny.

Sorry to interupt the thread.

Rave: We had a terrific SA GTG last night--such fun meeting everyone. As P_M said, the evening flew...lots of fun, LOTS of laughter, and lots of good food! I'm thinking we need to start traveling just for GTGs! LOL

Rant: P_M's long drive home last night--we groaned when we saw the first of the delays but happily were still on the service road then! Glad you made it safe and sound and so glad you came! We will make the next one in Austin for sure.

Rave: Bonnie...your measured approach to your diet. It can't be all work and no play. You've done great and I know you'll be right back out there when the travel lets up. Good job, girl.

<b>Major Rave of Humongous Proportions:</b> Our first grandchild was born Monday, July 18 on DH's birthday!! What a birthday present. He's a beautiful (but then I'm grandma) 8 lb 5 oz boy with a head full of the blondest hair. This event was unimaginably awesome.

Almost as big a rave: We were able to be there, and when we left to return home Wednesday evening, we were not getting on an airplane to fly from Dallas back to Tampa...we only had a 4.5 hour drive down the road to our new home in San Antonio. :D :D

Happy Birthday Seamus to you too, and thank you again for organizing the GTG. It was terrific. Hope Mexico is wonderful.

Happy Weekend everyone, and my thanks too to Jor for starting these, and to Fodors for letting them run. Anyone who has attended a GTG realizes what a neat virtual community we've formed, thanks in part to threads such as this that allow us a glimpse of each other's &quot;real&quot; life--the stuff relationships and bonds are made of!

Congrats of humongous proportions, OO!

Rave: the nuses strike might not happen after all. Both sides keep extending the contract and returnng to the table. A federal mediator has been brought in. Stay tuned!

Rant: Arnold keeps trying to attack the nurse:patient ratios.

Rave: a day off today to clean and grocery shop. The biggest rave is I'm thrilled to have the time!

Have a good weekend everyone!

Scarlett...:* Here's to new homes, to easy moves, and to much happiness in a new locale. This will be a good one, I feel it in my bones! you will be <i>home</i>.

We look forward to Pup's cross country trip report. :)

Rave: DH's academy classmate returned safe and sound from 9 months' reserve duty in Kuwait w/ his small-boat Navy unit on Wednesday, and he and his girlfriend (who both live in VA) were over for burgers and homebrew last night (his debriefing etc. is at our nearby base).

Rave: The folks at Shannon Airport who opened a bar at 2 AM for a planeload of US reservists so they could have their first beer in 9 months (Guinness!).

Rave: The veterans and other folks at the VFW outpost in Bangor, Maine who had a welcoming party for them so they could have their first free beer on American soil... even though it was 5:30 AM.

Rave: That we still live in a free country. Have a great weekend, everyone!

P_M--oh, no! So sorry to read about your drive home last night but I am so glad you made it to the GTG--I really enjoyed talking with you! :-)

OO--Congratulations!!! :-)

Seamus, Happy Birthday to you ((8)) and thank you for organizing the GTG last night.

Bonnie, congratulations to you on the progress you've made, you are quite the inspiration. On a personal note, Al-Anon helped me tremendously with the alcoholics in my life.

Rave: Scarlett and GoT checked in today! :-D

Rave: Meeting new friends at the San Antonio GTG. Here is a link to a few pics taken last night at Liberty Bar.

http://www.kodakgallery.com/PhotoVie...=1122044503576

No Rants this week--life is very good.

:)&gt;-

Rave: Surviving the rain, heat and blisters to raise over $6400 in my efforts to save the ta'tas on my 3Day trek!!!

Rave: Coming back the same day as a couple of fun fodorite friends. Irony!

Rave: OO for her beautiful new grandson--congratulations!!!!!!!!!!

Rave: Leaving on family vacation this Sunday--one week with our teens totally to ourselves (clearly, I am insane)

Rant: DH and I chose to do a driving trip through the southwest for our vacation--yes, just can't get enough of that 110 degree heat!

Rave: DD and I just got back from a great trip to San Antonio. Gorgeous city with a wonderful vibe.

Rant: Missed the Fodor's GTG by 3 days!

Bonniebroad--you're my inspiration! I lost 20 pounds on WW this spring but have slipped up this summer--guess those 2 and 3 points for cold beer rally do add up. I'm also guessing that Sonic Coconut Creme pie shakes are not on the WW approved menu--LOL. Back on the wagon as soon as we get home from vacation :-)

Have a great week, everyone!

Greetings FFR&amp;R friends,

P_M ~ Hang in there doll, I feel for you, You have a great attitude, you will triumph, I know it! (Good idea SeeTheWorld, I am whispering too!) :$

Byrd ~ we just celebrated our 20th last weekend, and that flew by, I can only imagine! It was the first time in twenty years that I saw some of them, it was wonderful, hope yours is too! (Ours was very hot, too - of course the day after we all traveled home it dropped to comfy 67 degrees, ha)

BonnieB ~ maintaining is a good idea, and really because you have been taking such good care of yourself and trying so hard, your body will show you another reward besides weight loss, you are going to start craving those healthy foods, and won't feel as good after you eat the icky ones. Treat yourself when you desire it. And I think the 5 pound rule is a good one, after all we all go a little up and down, everyone does. In fact I think because of the heat I have gained 5 in my feet just by sitting here typing, lol.

Scarlett ~ I am sorry for the loss of your dear friend, Art. From what I know it will be a loss to all Fodorites, as well. A hug to you and Art's family.

Margot ~ ((&amp;)) Sophie says hi to Quinc!

Congrats to all those with baby's born, the pregnant mommies-to-be and sweet fertile thoughts to those trying...

Rave ~ All you FFR&amp;R'ers that wished me such lovely birthday sentiments last Friday, thank you.

Rave ~ Welcome back GoT !

Rave ~ The wonderful time we had at the 20th year reunion last weekend, some close pals I have always kept in touch with but it was so nice to see everyone from long ago.

Rant ~ The sad ones that have been living in a chemically driven state in my home town since graduation. The alcohol (and I later found out drugs) that has a strong hold on some of them was tragic. One of them (one I was clsoe to in HS) spent the first half of Saturday night apologizing for his conditon on Friday night and then the second half getting intot he same condition. At one point I had tears in my eyes and my DH had to walk me away for a bit.
I understand how you felt when I read your post BonnieB.

Rant ~ The lady in front of me in the grocery store line yesterday morning, who was huffing and puffing and sighing deeping and tapping her credit card ont he counter because someone ahead of us was taking a long time with an item that wasn't scanning or something silly like that. All I could think of, was lady, THIS is nothing to huff and puff over, take it easy, there are so many worse things going on right now and I thought of you dear London, may you have peaceful slumber, we are here for you.

Happy, safe weekend to all!

Byrd, have a wonderful time at your reunion! Sounds like a lot of fun.

OWJ, hope your cat's feeling much, much better very soon.

Scarlett, hope your move goes very smoothly. Congratulations on the new house!

Bonnie, you're doing a fantastic job. And I'm so jealous!

OO, indeed, what better birthday present could your husband have possibly gotten! Congratulations! It's wonderful that you were able to be there.

gyppielou, congratulations on the walk! And thank you for doing it!

RAVE: My husband's oncologist told him that his bloodwork shows that he's definitely getting better. The chemo is working!

RAVE: My daughter saw our PCP yesterday and discussed what the rheumatologist had told her. Our doctor said that, until or unless DD develops symptoms other than the photosensitivity which started all of this, she sees no cause for concern. She said that many people have the things turned up by the bloodwork, without any detriment.

RAVE: We leave on vacation tomorrow. Because of my FIL's health problems over the past few months, we're staying in a motel. And, as I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, we're sneaking away for a couple of nights in a state park. So it feels much more like a real vacation. That plus the fact that, a few weeks ago, we thought we wouldn't get to go at all, adds up to this being the most excited I've ever been about a trip to the in-laws! (Don't get me wrong, I love my MIL very much. And I grew up there too. Even tho' my family has moved on, I still have friends in the area. But you know what I mean about a trip to the in-laws not being very exciting!)

It's all good today!

Rave - Our round-the-world trip continues next Wednesday - Hawaii, Australia, South Africa, Ireland, home.

Rant - No longer is it throw a few clothes in the backpack, grab the passport and off to the airport. Now it's inventory the meds, finalize the deal with the housesitter, wash and clip the dog, pre-pay the bills :(, obsess, obsess, and obsess some more.

We'll post and blog as we go, http://home.comcast.net/~gardyloo

Nothing but RAVES for me.
Rave for meeting the San Antonio and Austin Fodorites last night. Hope I get to see you all again soon.
Rave for OO's new grandchild.
Rave for Scarlett's new home on the West Coast.
Rave for our wonderful house sitter who emails me without my asking to tell me our kitties are fine.

Rave: Household goods shipment went through the hurricane in Monterrey, MX early in the week and arrives today.

Rave: After 6 months to the day (upon expiration of the exclusive contract), I got a verbal offer for the small house in SMdA and another potential buyer is awaiting the arrival of her husband tomorrow morning.

Rant: More terror in London (albeit incompetent with explosives).

¡Buen fin de semana!

M

CAPH--Yay! Good news on more than one front. You guys deserve it and are in my thoughts. Thanks for the updates.

Tiff--Just wanted to say hello because your posts always brighten this board.

GyppieLou--You go girl! Keep those tootsies and tatas healthy. Are you going to do the Avon walk again next year?

Congrats to those with new (grand)babies, houses, apartments, and lost pounds!

Thoughts for those who are dealing with illness especially those that are dealing with a loved one's illness!

Rant: Husband tore his knee up coaching earlier this week and is now having surgery on Monday. It's been kind of an overwhelming day of Dr. appointments and worrying about the financial aspects of all of this.

Rave: It's just knee surgery and nothing more serious.

Rave (I think): Ten year class reunion this weekend. Hmmm . . . everyone seems to hate their ten year reunion; I guess we'll see how it goes!

Rant: Husband stays home full time and takes care of our daughter so this surgery and being laid up for a while is going to be difficult for both of them.

HOping for a good weekend!