Progress?

Ok, so it's been over a week and not much progress. I've lost a total of one pound, and reduced my waist zilch. I guess it's going to take more commitment to really see some changes. Although last night's jambalaya was delicious, I should have stopped at one serving!
I'm finding the hardest part is to let go of those high glycemic carbs... Grains, potatoes, etc. Scott is finally willing to go along with the program starting in October. Maybe together we can triumph!

Diet?

Well, I've decided to try a new diet plan, but not totally commit to it. Is that cheating? My friend and encourager says that it's the effort that counts, and committing to changing habits. So far all I have been able to accomplish is to reduce my carb intake a little. I'm supposed to be replacing grains with greens. Sounds catchy, but I do love my grains!

So far I have lost zero pounds and zero inches off my waist. Stay tuned!

Time to get writing again...

Yes, after a hiatus of over a year, it's time to get back to my writing. (And just as a follow-on, 2012 was a better year than 2011.) I know there aren't many folks out there following my blog, but so what! Thanks to you who do, and if you find anything interesting, feel free to share.

Yes, 2011 was a horribly difficult year for the Sherer family. With the passing of first Walt, then Darlene, then the cancer diagnosis for Scott, we had the triple whammy. Truly though, the year was filled with blessings. We were able to spend lots of time with Scott's folks, Walt and Darlene, while Darlene struggled with her cancer. The kids and Grandkids all got to know them better and spend time feeling more connected to the family's elders. Walt's dementia turned him into a kind, gentle old grandpa, and the little ones just loved cuddling with him. The day he died, it was swift and without warning, a brief hour of suffering before the Lord welcomed him home. It will always stick in my mind how tenderly Darlene took leave of him in the hospital, after all the years of violent temper and abuse she suffered through. Such a testament to the enduring power of love and true commitment to her spouse, and the Grace that God bestows on those He loves.

 Once Walt was gone, the desire to fight the cancer left too, and Darlene asked that the painful treatments stop. Forty days later, she joined him in death as she was truly joined to him in life. But before that, all of her siblings came to visit and share memories.  One of the hardest things was to watch Darlene's family give her permission to give up the fight. Shortly after the funeral, we learned that grandchild #6 was on the way! Discovering Scott's cancerous thyroid lump while on vacation and the amazingly fast diagnosis, surgery and treatment seems like a whirlwind of emotions, looking back. Could have been so much worse - we know many people who have had long, drawn out treatments. Praise God this was over quickly, and the threat of recurrence is teeny. Another blessing - understanding employers who gave us the time we needed to take care of family and each other. 

A little more catching up:
As I mentioned, grandchild #6, little Isys, joined the family in March 2012, bringing the count to 5 granddaughters and 1 grandson. Looks like Griffin will have to hold out a little longer for a boy cousin!

Storm, another rescue kitty, joined the family in 2012. The shelter had named her Farrah, for some reason... She was a dainty little fluff ball with amazing markings. We couldn't resist her charming smile. Storm is a fluffy ball of energy, skittish even now, but a real cuddler once she is comfortable. I call her Stormcloud Gingerpants, for short. Scott calls her Runaway, which seems to suit.

Gypsy took to mothering her right away, and the two of them love to scamper about the house raising all kinds of havoc. When they run down the upstairs hallway, it sounds like a herd of stampeding buffalo. Not sure how two little kitties can make so much noise, but obviously, it is exhausting for them - I am frequently "Catatonic" in my recliner...

So I have decided to spend less time playing meaningless games on Facebook (maybe...) and more time writing - I once had a teacher tell me never to stop writing. Thanks to all the encouragers in my life, and to God who has been so generous and kind.
Check back later!

Good-bye 2011

And good riddance!

This has been a difficult year, and I'm SOOOOO looking forward to a better year for 2012.

Additions to the Family

News flash about the Sherer Family - we've had twins!

Yes - Michael recently found out that the young lady who accused him of fathering her twins that were born last December was right - DNA proved it. So twin granddaughters that we've never met are suddenly connected to us. We're still sorting through the ramifications... and it's getting close to their birthday! That makes a total of 5 grandchildren for Scott & Sue - a good start. We once told our three kids that we didn't want more than a dozen grandkids, and they all freaked out and said they weren't planning on have four apiece. Well, Michael is almost there already!

The newest addition is little Gypsy, our petite grey kitty we adopted from a rescue. She had been found about a year ago, pregnant and hungry - about six months old. After being cared for her during her pregnancy, she threw a small litter and nursed them tenderly, with coaching from another mother cat with new kittens. The rescue home had her spayed and got her shots and all the health care she needed, then we were lucky enough to be ready at the same time she was.

At first, we thought her name would be Nefertiti, since she is quite petite, regal and exotic looking. But the nickname of Titi was too easy to, uh, mispronounce. Gypsy is a name that fits her as well, and she seems to like it!

She's made herself quite at home on our cat tree after prowling every corner of the house. We're sure she is missing her babies and the rest of her kitty clan, but she is warming up to all the many folks in and out of the Sherer house. It's nice to have a little bundle of fur curled up on my lap again.

Thank you Lord, for giving us kitties!