I weighed myself today: 170. While my weight does fluctuate slightly, this is the lightest I've been in about 14 years. I'm thrilled.

I did my arms and abs today at the gym, and should go running tonight- although I have a feeling I may put that off until tomorrow. It's so muggy out that it would be like running through a sauna, even after dark. Yech.

Lots going on here. My weight loss continues to progress well; I've lost 12 pounds since my last doctor's visit, and I'm training for 5k races. My friend Layla is optimistic that eventually I'll do triathlons- ha! As much as I may not believe her, it's great that I have a friend who believes I can accomplish that.

I've been thinking about the whole surgery process, now seven months ago. Before my surgery, I was talking to our priest about it and he said, "We like you the way you are." It was just a comment in passing, but it meant a tremendous amount to me. So much of our problems, as humans, are caused because we don't feel accepted, warts and all- not that we shouldn't try to be the best people we can, but sometimes a little acceptance is what's needed. There's an anorexic woman who lives in a nearby development. I know she's anorexic because she is losing her hair, so skinny that I can see veins on her face, and goes jogging in sweatsuits on 100-degree days. Anorexic? I say so. Anyway, each time I see her I just want to stop my car, get out and hug her, and tell her that people accept her at any weight. She'd probably report me to the cops, but my heart aches for her.

Some pictures my daddy sent me.

Isn't it odd that my hubby doesn't know about tbis blog yet? He doesn't seem to think there'd be any interest. Meh.

Anyway, some recipes from my mother. I'm collecting them for the St. Mark's Cookbook.

Mum's German potato Salad

6 medium white potatoes, boiled with skins on
6 slices bacon
3/4 C. Chopped onion
2 Tbsp. Flour
2 Tbsp. Sugar
1 1/2 tsp. Salt
1/2 tspm celery seeds
Dash of pepper
3/4 C. Water
1/3 C. Vinegar
Peel potatoes and slice thin. Fry bacon and drain on paper towel. Saute onion in bacon fat until lightly browned. Blend in flour, sugar, salt, celery seeds and pepper. Cook over low heat, stirring until smooth and bubbly. Remove from heat. Stir in water and vinegar and heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil for one minute. Stir in the potatoes carefully and the crumbled bacon. Remove from heat. Cover and let stand until ready to servem makes 6 - 8 servings.

Nana's Potato Salad
6 or 7 cooked potatoes peeled and chopped into small pieces
1 small white onion, finely chopped
1/2 tsp. Caraway seeds (or poppy seeds)
Toss ingredients together and add enough Hellman's mayonnaise so the salad holds together. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Kathy's Jello
3 small boxes cherry or raspberry jello
3 C. Boiling water
1 can (20 oz.) Crushed pineapple with juice
1 can cherry pie filling
Mix jello and water. Add pineapple and pie filling. Mix well and turn into an oblong cake pan or large oblong casserole dish. Refrigerate until mostly set. Add the topping, and enjoy!
Topping:
8 oz. Cream cheese
1/2 C. Sugar
Beat well together
Then add:
1 C. Commercial sour cream
1 tsp. Vanilla extract
Mix together well and spread over the jello. Refrigerate until serving time. This is a large recipe, good for taking to church dinners!

Here we are!

I've always wanted for us to have a family blog, where we can post photos and random rants. And now, here we are!