It’s exciting that son Greg and his girlfriend Heather will be here in two days. I can hardly wait to see them and for all of us to be together for the first time in years. I am not planning anything and leaving the planning to them. I am so happy that I feel great after finally recovering from the three-week flu, leaving only an occasional cough.
It was fantastic going out to dinner on Friday and Saturday nights. We had a great time each evening. It’s disappointing that we can’t get out the door for under $100, regardless of how casual a restaurant may be. We don’t order more than a few drinks each, no appetizers or desserts. It’s not because we are “cheap.” We just don’t care to eat that much.
Even when preparing our meals, we don’t bother with appetizers (starters) or desserts since we are committed to losing a few pounds. In the past, we’d enjoy a little something after dinner, but we have stopped that bad habit since the first of the year. There’s no need to eat between meals or after dinner. Doing so only adds weight and certainly doesn’t improve our health.
Of course, treats may be on the menu for special occasions, such as the delicious recipe I listed below instead of a photo in the “Photo from ten years ago today.” However, I don’t eat that appetizer because the sweet jam contains lots of sugar. Lately, I’ve tightened my belt and lost some weight by reducing my daily carbs. I feel so much better doing so.
My exercise program is back in full swing as of last Monday, and now, a week later, I’m back to where I left off before I got sick four weeks ago. It feels good to vigorously exercise after being relatively immobile over the past 18 months.
This morning, I chatted with my dear friend Chere from Minnesota. Her busy, semi-retired lifestyle brings her much joy, but I cringe when I hear how much she has to do daily with ten balls in the air at any given time. That used to be me, but not now. How I spend my free time is totally up to me, and my freedom without many obligations is ideal for our unusual lifestyle. We love it this way.
That doesn’t mean we don’t love spending time with family and friends. We do. But, as we travel, our social life is simple and uncomplicated, and our free time is truly treasured. I suppose, in part, the fact we enjoy being together is a huge factor. Neither of us is ever bored with one another or when engaged in our preferred individual activities.
All I have yet to do today is finish prepping for tonight’s dinner and do my exercises. The condo is tidy, and the bedding and other laundry are done. We had bacon and eggs for breakfast and won’t eat again until dinner. Tom is seated at the kitchen island, listening to Garage Logic. We love this easy life.
We hope you have a lovely week, and we will continue to stay in touch even after Greg and Heather arrive.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, February 4, 2015:
Ten years ago today, we posted the following easy recipe: a great dish to bring to a party or serve on Superbowl Sunday. This recipe is from our dear friend Sue (husband Chip, who has since passed away), our beloved neighbor in our old lives.
Sue’s Lone Star Grill Salsa Dip
8 oz. cream cheese
1 jar Lone Star Grill Raspberry or Pineapple Salsa (or any other sweet salsa)
3/4 C. cheddar cheese, grated
3/4 C. Monterey Jack Cheese, grated
2 green onions, sliced
1/2 C. sliced black olives
Spread cream cheese in a baking dish or 8″ pie plate. Spread salsa over the cream cheese. Combine the grated cheeses and sprinkle over the salsa. Top with onions and olives. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 – 15 minutes.
Serve with taco chips or crackers.