Merry Christmas and now for the update: Weight loss total to date 40.6 lbs. YEA!!! Yesterday we celebrated the holiday at my mother-in-laws and I didn't do so good. There weren't many good choices to eat. Mostly just junk food and candy. Guess which one I picked, you guessed it, both. I ate the wrong stuff and I ate too much of it! Oh well, I'm back on track today. I am in control for the rest of the holiday season. I can handle this. I just hope I haven't gained when I go back next Tuesday night. I am the captain!
Watch next week after the weigh in on Tuesday night, I'll update and confess if necessary or crow if warranted.
Merry Christmas to all!
God Bless and go with God!
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Weight Watch
Ok, as of tonight I have lost a total of .......DRUM ROLL PLEASE, ....... 36.2 lbs. I actually lost 1.4 lbs over the Thanksgiving Holiday. My goal was to just post a loss after the holiday. Even if it was just 0.1 lbs. I wanted a loss. I am thrilled. Someone gimme a high five! I went to the Dr. the Thursday before Thanksgiving week and he sent me my results on Tuesday of last week. My blood sugar was much better. My A1-C (Melissa) was 6.7. That's down from 7.9 the time before. Unfortunately, my total cholesterol was 205 and he gave me a scrip for Pravachol. He also recommended adding one baby aspirin daily. I haven't gotten the scrip filled yet but it is only because of the holiday. I will get it filled this week (Melissa).
To those who have wished me well, thanks. I appreciate all the encouragement.
God bless and go with God!
To those who have wished me well, thanks. I appreciate all the encouragement.
God bless and go with God!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
I Gotta Crow A Little
OK, here's the deal! Tuesday is our Weight Watchers night. We have our meetings and then I usually eat a little more that I eat the rest of the week. The really great part is, this last Tuesday night I passed a milestone and reached one of my intermediate goals. I have officially lost more than 30 lbs. As of this past Tuesday night, my weight loss total is .... (drum roll, please) 30.4 lbs. For those of you who have never struggled with weight problems, those intermediate goals are crucial.
Watch for my face (and new body) on a Weight Watchers commercial.
God Bless and Go with God!
Watch for my face (and new body) on a Weight Watchers commercial.
God Bless and Go with God!
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Mark Twain
Last night we had a thoroughly enjoyable evening. In the company of our good friends, Flora and Tim Hayes, we went to Talladega to the Ritz Theatre for "An Evening with Mark Twain". Those who know me well, know that Mark Twain is one of my favorite American Humorist/Writers.
This was the one man show performed by Hal Holbrook (Yes, the actor). I saw him perform the same show on television many years ago. This was slightly different from the PBS (I think) version but in most ways it was essentially the same. For the television show, the opening was Hal Holbrook coming onto the stage, sitting in front of a make-up mirror and "becoming" Mark Twain. Last night he simply came out in costume and full greasepaint.
I wanted to take pictures to post but they requested that we not and I respect and honor that request.
As I understand it, Hal Holbrook is 84 yrs old and this weekend in Talladega will be his final performance of this show. It's difficult to believe that he is that old. Mr Holbrook gave a mesmerizing and believable performance. I do not agree with his political views but he is an outstanding actor. I hope to be able to find a copy of this show on DVD somewhere. If anyone out there sees it let me know.
Again, and I quote from an earlier post "If you have never been to the Ritz Theater in Talladega you must try it. It is one of the best kept secrets in the great state of Alabama. George Culver and the folks in Talladega do a wonderful job bringing world class entertainment to the little berg of Talladega. The Ritz Theater ranks up there with the Shakespeare Festival in Montgomery and the Alabama Theater in Birmingham. You can call for information and get on their mailing list. The number is 256.761.0000. (No the four zeros is not a misprint.) " *NOTE* George Culver is leaving soon to take over as the executive director for the Alabama Children's Theatre in Birmingham but I am sure there is much that can be built on the foundations he has laid.
This was the one man show performed by Hal Holbrook (Yes, the actor). I saw him perform the same show on television many years ago. This was slightly different from the PBS (I think) version but in most ways it was essentially the same. For the television show, the opening was Hal Holbrook coming onto the stage, sitting in front of a make-up mirror and "becoming" Mark Twain. Last night he simply came out in costume and full greasepaint.
I wanted to take pictures to post but they requested that we not and I respect and honor that request.
As I understand it, Hal Holbrook is 84 yrs old and this weekend in Talladega will be his final performance of this show. It's difficult to believe that he is that old. Mr Holbrook gave a mesmerizing and believable performance. I do not agree with his political views but he is an outstanding actor. I hope to be able to find a copy of this show on DVD somewhere. If anyone out there sees it let me know.
Again, and I quote from an earlier post "If you have never been to the Ritz Theater in Talladega you must try it. It is one of the best kept secrets in the great state of Alabama. George Culver and the folks in Talladega do a wonderful job bringing world class entertainment to the little berg of Talladega. The Ritz Theater ranks up there with the Shakespeare Festival in Montgomery and the Alabama Theater in Birmingham. You can call for information and get on their mailing list. The number is 256.761.0000. (No the four zeros is not a misprint.) " *NOTE* George Culver is leaving soon to take over as the executive director for the Alabama Children's Theatre in Birmingham but I am sure there is much that can be built on the foundations he has laid.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Forget the Work-Outs
OK, OK, OK,
I quit the gym. It wasn't as convienent as I thought it would be. However, on September 2, 2008 I joined Weight Watchers. Results have been mixed. As of Tuesday October 28, 2008 I have lost 26.4 lbs. This is the best I have ever done on Weight Watchers. It is not as confusing as it once was. It is a much simpler plan to work with now. In a nutshell, Weight Watchers is all about making wise food choices and accounting for what you eat.
In addition to the weight loss, my blood sugar has dropped from the 180's to the 130's. Although ecstatic about my weight loss, I am far more pleased with the drop in my blood sugar. I will return to the Dr. in November for a check-up. I am actually looking forward to it. I am anxious to find out what my cholesterol and my A1-C has done considering my weight loss. My cholesterol is usually pretty good, the highest it has been in my adult life is 223. The last time it was checked, my overall cholesterol was 184, without any medication. I hope to be down at least 30 lbs. by the time I see the Dr.
By the way, (Melissa) I am still exercising. I am just exercising in the basement and the living room.
I quit the gym. It wasn't as convienent as I thought it would be. However, on September 2, 2008 I joined Weight Watchers. Results have been mixed. As of Tuesday October 28, 2008 I have lost 26.4 lbs. This is the best I have ever done on Weight Watchers. It is not as confusing as it once was. It is a much simpler plan to work with now. In a nutshell, Weight Watchers is all about making wise food choices and accounting for what you eat.
In addition to the weight loss, my blood sugar has dropped from the 180's to the 130's. Although ecstatic about my weight loss, I am far more pleased with the drop in my blood sugar. I will return to the Dr. in November for a check-up. I am actually looking forward to it. I am anxious to find out what my cholesterol and my A1-C has done considering my weight loss. My cholesterol is usually pretty good, the highest it has been in my adult life is 223. The last time it was checked, my overall cholesterol was 184, without any medication. I hope to be down at least 30 lbs. by the time I see the Dr.
By the way, (Melissa) I am still exercising. I am just exercising in the basement and the living room.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Happy Fourth to All!!!!!!!
Tomorrow is the Fourth of July and our great country is celebrating it's birthday. I am very concerned about the presidential upcoming election. I am frankly a little scared. It bothers me when I hear people blame all the problems in our country on George W Bush. Although he is the president, he is only the president. He has no power to enact laws or declare war. As president, he doesn't event have the authority to introduce legislation. Our congress, sets policy, enacts legislation and through a system of checks and balances prevents the president overstepping his authority. So any blame should be directed at our congress. Please, exercise your constitutional right to vote. Now more than ever!!!
Meanwhile, last Saturday, Linda and I had the opportunity to meet Rick Bragg and hear him read excerpts from his new book, THE PRINCE OF FROGTOWN. After the reading, he talked for about 30 minutes. We really enjoyed it. I would highly recommend his books. Although one should really read ALL OVER BUT THE SHOUTIN' prior to reading PRINCE. SHOUTIN' lays a lot of the foundations on which PRINCE is built. These books will especially be enjoyable for those folks who grew up in the Calhoun County area. Although they have a broad appeal to most anyone who are blue collar or one or two generations removed from those people who performed hard manual such as farming, factory work or day labor.
Billy, Brandi and the girls are coming over tomorrow for the Fourth. Millie and Tim are also coming as well as Tim and Flora Hayes. We are grilling burgers and going to watch the fireworks in Pell City weather permitting. Linda has to work tomorrow night so we are have lunch. We are going to the fireworks without her. I would much prefer if she could be with us.
Meanwhile, last Saturday, Linda and I had the opportunity to meet Rick Bragg and hear him read excerpts from his new book, THE PRINCE OF FROGTOWN. After the reading, he talked for about 30 minutes. We really enjoyed it. I would highly recommend his books. Although one should really read ALL OVER BUT THE SHOUTIN' prior to reading PRINCE. SHOUTIN' lays a lot of the foundations on which PRINCE is built. These books will especially be enjoyable for those folks who grew up in the Calhoun County area. Although they have a broad appeal to most anyone who are blue collar or one or two generations removed from those people who performed hard manual such as farming, factory work or day labor.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Almost Summer!
Well, here is is the first part of June and it is almost Summer. It felt like July yesterday at my house. I'm not really a summer person. My skin is too fair and I burn easily. That, plus the heat is really hard on a fat man like me. I can't take the heat. I prefer the Fall and/or Winter. I can put on more clothes if I am cold (which is rare) but there is only so much that I can modestly take off if I get hot. My darlin' wife (I call her Flash) has her hot and cold spells. Sometimes at night, I will be sleeping peacefully, she will go into "flash" mode. She begins frantically fanning the bedcovers like a matador waving his cape, she will get up and get a cold washcloth, then twenty minutes later she's cold again. Life is never dull.
Speaking of my wife, I must say again how much I really love and appreciate her. we really had a good time Sunday at the "Coming Home" at Adamsville coC. We got to see a lot of people we don't see often enough. I really love and appreciate my extended family, and you know who you are. Words can not express exactly how I feel about the people who have become a big part of my life over the last thirteen years.
The family and friends I inherited by becoming part of Linda's life really mean a lot to me, especially the good people who are the Adamsville church of Christ.
Yes, it's almost summer. It looks like it may be a hot one. However, it will be nothing compared to the eternal heat that will be Hell. I want to remain a faithful Christan so that I can be with God in eternal comfort. I can't take the heat.
God bless and Go with God!
Speaking of my wife, I must say again how much I really love and appreciate her. we really had a good time Sunday at the "Coming Home" at Adamsville coC. We got to see a lot of people we don't see often enough. I really love and appreciate my extended family, and you know who you are. Words can not express exactly how I feel about the people who have become a big part of my life over the last thirteen years.
The family and friends I inherited by becoming part of Linda's life really mean a lot to me, especially the good people who are the Adamsville church of Christ.
Yes, it's almost summer. It looks like it may be a hot one. However, it will be nothing compared to the eternal heat that will be Hell. I want to remain a faithful Christan so that I can be with God in eternal comfort. I can't take the heat.
God bless and Go with God!
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Just More Ramblin'
Yesterday was Memorial Day. One would have thought that with the price of gasoline things would have been relatively quiet on the lake. I really don't know how the lake was cause I never left home yesterday. I worked in the yard. However, if Friday and Saturday was any indication, yesterday was packed. I have never seen so many BIG pick-ups and HUGE boats headed to Logan Martin. One might have suspected that people would squelch their extravangances but not this past weekend. WHEW!. I do not know how people afford it.
I was up at 5:20 am yesterday putting out WEED-N-FEED and Fire Ant killer in my yard. I really didn't want to feed my yard but it came with the package. I walked about two miles and never left my yard and I'm sore today. I finished this project around 8:00 am.
I cooked some ribs and Linda cooked a potato. We had a nice lunch and then I took a nap. Last night we watched "TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD" for the umteenth time. It is a classic and one of our favorites. It is amazing how many of the things in the movie I can relate to my own early years. We had popcorn and kool-aid which we really enjoy doing. (Our feet didn't even stick to the floor.)
Just in case you don't know, "TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD" was written by Alabama writer Harper Lee. She is from Monroeville, Alabama. The movie was filmed in 1961. It starred Gregory Peck and two unknown kids (who were the real stars of the movie) both of which were from Alabama. Mary Badham played "Scout" and Phillip Alford played Jem. Both these young stars went on to play a few more parts in movies and on TV but neither pursued acting a full-time profession into adulthoon. I didn't realize for a long time, until Billy pointed it out to me, that Robert Duvall played Boo Radley.
If you haven't read the book or seen the movie I would encourage you to do both. It would be well worth your time.
I was up at 5:20 am yesterday putting out WEED-N-FEED and Fire Ant killer in my yard. I really didn't want to feed my yard but it came with the package. I walked about two miles and never left my yard and I'm sore today. I finished this project around 8:00 am.
I cooked some ribs and Linda cooked a potato. We had a nice lunch and then I took a nap. Last night we watched "TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD" for the umteenth time. It is a classic and one of our favorites. It is amazing how many of the things in the movie I can relate to my own early years. We had popcorn and kool-aid which we really enjoy doing. (Our feet didn't even stick to the floor.)
Just in case you don't know, "TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD" was written by Alabama writer Harper Lee. She is from Monroeville, Alabama. The movie was filmed in 1961. It starred Gregory Peck and two unknown kids (who were the real stars of the movie) both of which were from Alabama. Mary Badham played "Scout" and Phillip Alford played Jem. Both these young stars went on to play a few more parts in movies and on TV but neither pursued acting a full-time profession into adulthoon. I didn't realize for a long time, until Billy pointed it out to me, that Robert Duvall played Boo Radley.
If you haven't read the book or seen the movie I would encourage you to do both. It would be well worth your time.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
More Gatlin Brother Pictures
Larry Gatlin now wears black in honor of Johnny Cash. Johnny Cash was very influential early in the career of Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers. Oh, by the way, the fourth guy in the pictures is Steve Smith. Steve Smith has been with the Gatlin Brothers for 32 years.
Gatlin Brother Pictures As Promised
Here are the pictures I promised of the Gatlin Brothers in concert at the Ritz Theater in Talladega, Alabama. April 19, 2008. If you too, like The Gatlin Brothers you may visit their website at http://www.gatlinbrothers.com/.
Workin' Out!!
Saturday I began a new workout program. A couple of weeks ago I joined a gym in Talladega. I belonged to this gym a few years back and was beginning to really see results when I quit due to financial reasons. Saturday I really just did a "mock" workout. Last night I went through a light workout. I am going to take it slow at first. Right now I am just conditioning. In about 6-8 weeks I will begin my work outs in earnest. I'm only a little sore today. I hope I don't get anymore than that. I'm going to try to use this blog as a method of keeping myself on track. I will try to post my results as I go. I beg for your prayers and encouragement.
Monday, May 12, 2008
The Gatlin Brothers
On Saturday April 19, 2008 (other of marrying Linda) I got about the biggest thrill of my life to date. I went to see The Gatlin Brothers at the Ritz Theatre in Talladega Alabama. I have been to concerts at large venues, I have seen, met, shook hands with and talked with celebrities and other famous people. By far this was the pinnacle. Thanks to my friends Chris and Donna Hyche and Mr. George Culver, I sat FRONT ROW CENTER. (And I do mean center). Front row at the Talladega Ritz is only about (8) eight feet from the stage. I am a HUGE Gatlin Brothers fan. I actually talked with Larry and Steve during the concert. I will remember this as long as God allows. I have pictures and IF I can figure out how to post the pictures I will do so. I took about 70 pictures but there were so many that were essentially duplicates I have them weeded down to about 12. It was a great time. Thanks Chris.
If you have never been to the Ritz Theater in Talladega you must try it. It is one of the best kept secrets in the great state of Alabama. George Culver and the folks in Talladega do a wonderful job bringing world class entertainment to the little berg of Talladega. The Ritz Theater ranks up there with the Shakespeare Festival in Montgomery and the Alabama Theater in Birmingham. You can call for information and get on their mailing list. The number is 256.761.0000. (No the four zeros is not a misprint.)
If you have never been to the Ritz Theater in Talladega you must try it. It is one of the best kept secrets in the great state of Alabama. George Culver and the folks in Talladega do a wonderful job bringing world class entertainment to the little berg of Talladega. The Ritz Theater ranks up there with the Shakespeare Festival in Montgomery and the Alabama Theater in Birmingham. You can call for information and get on their mailing list. The number is 256.761.0000. (No the four zeros is not a misprint.)
JUST A RAMBLIN' UPDATE
Yes, I know it has been a while since I posted. Here's the update. Linda is now working at Rainbow Omega part time. Just in case some may not know, Rainbow Omega is a residential home for mentally and/or physically handicapped adults. It is locate in Eastaboga, Alabama. (Check the website: www.rainbowomega.org ) She works about 20 hours one week and 12 the next week. She loves the residents there.
Billy, Brandi and the girls now live in Corner, Alabama. Billy is the Full time pulpit minister and evangelist for the Antioch coC. We went to watch Emma play baseball on Saturday. I really wish you all could have enjoyed what I enjoyed. Those three and four year old kiddoes are a hoot to watch. It was just the pick me up I needed (after being up most of the night Friday night with some type of virus.) I haven't laughed as hard and throughly enjoyed anything so much in a long time. We spent most of the later part of the afternoon on Saturday with Linda's mother and one of her sisters as a Mother's day celebration. I love Linda's mother very much and I miss my mother a lot.
My mom passed away March 22, 1987 as the result of an accident. The pain becomes more bearable with time but it never goes away. I especially miss her each time I have some milestone in my life or some particularly good thing happen in my life. My mother was my biggest fan and greatest cheerleader. I wish my wife, Linda, could have really known my mom. Although I'm afraid they would have ganged up on me at times.
Speaking of my wife, Let me praise her in keeping with the spirit of Mother's day. Linda is one of the most generous women I have ever known. She is not jealous or envious of anyone or anything. I love her more than I ever thought possible. She doesn't read blogs so I can say anything I want.
Until next time...... God bless you, Go with God.
Billy, Brandi and the girls now live in Corner, Alabama. Billy is the Full time pulpit minister and evangelist for the Antioch coC. We went to watch Emma play baseball on Saturday. I really wish you all could have enjoyed what I enjoyed. Those three and four year old kiddoes are a hoot to watch. It was just the pick me up I needed (after being up most of the night Friday night with some type of virus.) I haven't laughed as hard and throughly enjoyed anything so much in a long time. We spent most of the later part of the afternoon on Saturday with Linda's mother and one of her sisters as a Mother's day celebration. I love Linda's mother very much and I miss my mother a lot.
My mom passed away March 22, 1987 as the result of an accident. The pain becomes more bearable with time but it never goes away. I especially miss her each time I have some milestone in my life or some particularly good thing happen in my life. My mother was my biggest fan and greatest cheerleader. I wish my wife, Linda, could have really known my mom. Although I'm afraid they would have ganged up on me at times.
Speaking of my wife, Let me praise her in keeping with the spirit of Mother's day. Linda is one of the most generous women I have ever known. She is not jealous or envious of anyone or anything. I love her more than I ever thought possible. She doesn't read blogs so I can say anything I want.
Until next time...... God bless you, Go with God.
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