The week end was busy trying to get back to "normal". Meetings in the AM and PM. Discouraging group conscience in the AM with "oldtimer/hardliners" putting down the district's efforts in support of NY when NY themselves have urged stronger support of districts because that's where the work is done. Only 5 of us attended and I was the only dissenting vote--but I still felt at peace. Had done my best at explanations and voted my own conscience. Realize that as I respect their views I'm entitled to mine and know in the long run, things will work out as they should.

Came home to make cookies, mint brownies and a candy pizza to take to the gratitude dinner on Sunday about 100 miles away. As it turned out, Tim drove the distance in his new car so it was less tiring for us. The dinner was ok but I felt there was a lot of dead time and not enough spent on gratitude. Some good fellowship and the desserts went first! The peppermint patty brownies were a hit but in the end, there were no desserts left. People clearly needed something to do and eating seemed to fill the void.

If I had run it, I might have put the speaker first before the meal when all the blood rushes to your tummy and makes one sleepy. Her story was interesting and amazing when you hear what she was and how she is today and now dealing with substance abuse in grandchildren.

Got home a little earlier--still trying to recover from visitors and fell asleep during the movie. Much mindless eating and binging--so similar to alcoholism. Gained back nearly 2# but interestingly lost about 1.2 body fat--guess the continued walking helped and planting all those onions! Got up this AM determined to "get back on the horse" and began with Mr. Yee's tape. The stretching really helps and is needed--I can already feel the lack of it from their visit. Also helps a bit with meditation. I'll go to my meetings today and try to begin Christmas prep. Only Jeff and Jenn and maybe Benjamin here for T-Day. Angea and Dennis can't make it because his carotid artery is 90% blocked and he needs more surgery. But they're hoping Benj can come out to spend some time with them. Maybe next year.

Dad continues to work on the garage--seems inspired by our visitor's efforts which is good. Finally got some much needed rain! Rained all Sat. night. Good for the onions!

Charlie crows in the AM--wonder if he misses Clara. No response yet to my freecycle plea but our answering machine was full and perhaps we missed some calls. Will walk again this AM and try to begin some of my projects. Have stopped cooking for the after-care group--people weren't eating so felt my efforts were wasted. Lots of baking ahead. Have a 20# turkey and will make the traditional dinner Thursday but then it's into Christmas full swing. Hope to get decorations up next week end.

Hope all is well with you and yours.

Peace!

Carol