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Lettuce

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by

Margaret

When my younger daughter was competing in gymnastics, we spectators had to be careful what we yelled as encouragement. (note: no cheering for beam since we parents were petrified to watch anyway) Because “coaching” from the stands was verboten, we couldn’t call out to the gymnasts to smile, so we devised a code word, “Lettuce.” Why did we pick that particular one? Perhaps because it sounds like Let us…? With that in mind, let us all try to smile, in spite of, you know, the dreck and merde going on right now.

I’m getting my deck stripped and re-done, as well as a couple bad boards replaced. It’s a shame that it couldn’t be finished before Anders’ party; now that the guy is coming back to stain it, we’re expecting thunderstorms. Sigh.

Here it’s been pressure washed and treated. The new color will be a bit browner; I wasn’t a fan of the red. It’s a 30-year-old deck, so I’m not expecting perfection.

My lantana is thriving!

I love this new planting area although I would probably choose taller plants next time.

Sadly, I bought these new leggings specifically to go with this shirt (and another long-sleeved green one) and it’s pretty obvious that I blew it.

Ian thinks I’m hilarious although all I need to do is make a funny face, do a raspberry or click my tongue or even pretend to chew. He’s a good-natured little guy!

After an excellent and impressive evening at swimming lessons (Sharky is aptly named) Older Daughter, the boys and I enjoyed some ice cream. There’s not anything better than sitting outside eating a cold treat on an 80 degree day. By the way, I chose Butterscotch Oatmeal Cookie, and it was amazing.

On a weird and possibly judgmental note, I’ve been noticing lately that many of my friends and my daughters’ friends who have always been, not obese, but chubby are now very thin and svelte. And on Facebook and Instagram, I’m seeing so (too?) many photos of them in bikinis, or skimpy, tight outfits; they are proud of their new figures which is a positive, right? I admit to mixed feelings about GLP-1s. According to what I’ve read, they’re great for the health in many ways and are an extremely effective weight loss tool. As someone who resists putting anything in my body that isn’t required, even Tylenol or Ibuprofen, I would hesitate to use them. I’m not thin anymore after decades of never worrying about my weight, and would like to lose about 15 pounds but I also wonder, “Is the medication too good to be true?” I’m such a cynic!

Even if I did get back to this thinner Margaret, don’t expect to see me in a bikini ever again. Just sayin’…

Comments

38 responses to “Lettuce”

  1. Doug M Avatar
    Doug M

    That’s a nice deck back there… I wasn’t even aware you had one! Loved the photo of Ian and those weight loss drugs are the last thing you need to think about. Margaret you look just right! 🙂

    Reply
    1. Margaret Avatar
      Margaret

      Thanks, Doug! I do enjoy my deck; even on hot days, it’s lovely out there in the afternoon. I don’t like any drug I have to take constantly, and I hear that the weight loss drugs only work when you’re on them and not afterward. And it’s not cheap!

      Reply
  2. Michael Avatar
    Michael

    I smiled when you wrote 80 degree day, as that would be considered cool here right now! I have been trying to lose a few pounds myself, but it isn’t easy. I used to be able to make a quick concerted effort and the pounds would come off, now not so much. I guess that comes with age. I have a lantana too that is thriving. I think it likes the heat.

    I like your new planting area. Is that a Japanese maple tree? They are beautiful in the fall.

    Reply
    1. Margaret Avatar
      Margaret

      Same here! I could easily drop 5 pounds but not these days. I’ve had great luck with lantanas in my front yard which gets afternoon sun. So, it must like the heat–not that we’re getting anything extreme right now. Yes, it’s a Japanese lace leaf maple. I’ve had it there for a couple decades. It wasn’t shown off to advantage until I had that planting area improved.

      Reply
  3. AC Avatar
    AC

    I didn’t realize that the ‘diet’ pill (wrong name) is catching on.

    Reply
    1. Margaret Avatar
      Margaret

      It’s very popular from what I’m seeing!

      Reply
      1. AC Avatar
        AC

        I am not sure that losing weight through a pill should be a matter of pride. I mean, I don’t condemn it and would probably even favour it in circumstances, but I am doubtful that I would take pride in it.

      2. Margaret Avatar
        Margaret

        I understand what you mean. I have mixed feelings about that pill. Is one of my biases that I believe that people should have to work at losing weight? Perhaps they have to with the pill also? I really don’t know.

  4. Susan Avatar
    Susan

    Ice cream on a warm summer day is always a great treat. I like mint chocolate chip and have already had a few cones this season. Your butterscotch sounds very good. I’ll try it.
    In about ten years, we will know about any side effects from the GLP drugs. I know they are FDA approved but only time on the market will show full impact.
    I like your Japanese Maple tree. It fills the space quite well. It might get a bit wider but not taller. When the leaves fall, it can be pruned to selectively eliminate branches that cross over another branch. The pruning makes them look more airy/architectural and less dense. The online videos on pruning are good. I’ve done some pruning and like the outcome.
    Ian is always smiling. He loves being with you.

    Reply
    1. Betty Renfroe Avatar
      Betty Renfroe

      I forgot to mention the deck. You have taken great care of it. Most don’t last nearly as long. I agree the brown will blend better with your house!

      Reply
      1. Margaret Avatar
        Margaret

        My late husband built it, so it’s sturdy. Wood decks don’t usually do well in our damp weather, so my next one will be a different material.

    2. Margaret Avatar
      Margaret

      I’ve had the lace leaf maple for decades and get it trimmed every year or so. I’m scared to do it myself! I don’t trust the current FDA approval; the lack of safeguards and monitoring is already showing up in other cases. Ian is a charming little guy!

      Reply
  5. Betty Renfroe Avatar
    Betty Renfroe

    I love the lettuce story. I taught 7th grade gymnastics for about 10 years. It was a class. Our school didn’t compete til junior high. All the spotting was what really damaged my left knee. I really didn’t enjoy the sport. It’s too dangerous.

    I weigh 150 pounds. But I would never take the weight drug. No telling what they will discover it causes. You look very slim to me. I would be healthier with 10 to 20 pounds gone, but I eat too many calories to get there.

    Your baby boy has the most beautiful eyes. His love for you is obvious.

    Hope John will be home soon and you can get out do things together.

    Reply
    1. Margaret Avatar
      Margaret

      Spotting is so hard on every part of the body! I would imagine that gymnastics coaches have the bodies of much older people due to the strain. I don’t trust most medications, especially those that are pushed by the pharmaceutical companies and even the administration. I think too many safeguards have disappeared, and I worry about that a LOT! Ian does have beautiful eyes and a charming smile. I’m one of his special people and I treasure that.

      Reply
  6. Matt Shifley Avatar
    Matt Shifley

    Oh, the timing with summer deck staining and sudden thunderstorms is a classic homeowner tragedy, isn’t it? Fingers crossed the weather holds out for you! Your lantana is absolutely thriving—it clearly loves this summer heat. I love the gymnastics story, too. “Lettuce” try to keep smiling this week!

    Reply
    1. Margaret Avatar
      Margaret

      The thunderstorms did arrive as predicted. I’m hoping that the rain will tamp down the wildfires. Eastern WA is so dry though; when we get rain, do they even profit from that? I’ve had good luck with lantanas and love them! Yes, lettuce do that.

      Reply
  7. Pipe Tobacco Avatar
    Pipe Tobacco

    Oh……

    And, your deck…… very pretty….. AND in AMAZING shape too for being 30 years old!!!!!!

    PipeTobacco

    Reply
    1. Margaret Avatar
      Margaret

      It’s not stained yet–we’ll see what it looks like then. Thank you! My late husband built it.

      Reply
  8. Pipe Tobacco Avatar
    Pipe Tobacco

    Oh oh! Did my earlier comment about GLP-1s not get sent correctly?

    Reply
    1. Margaret Avatar
      Margaret

      It didn’t come through. I wondered about that. I would love to hear your take on the GLP-1s as a scientist and someone whose knowledge and opinions I respect and trust. (if you have time of course)

      Reply
  9. JT Twissel Avatar
    JT Twissel

    30 years is pretty good for a wood deck! We replaced on a few years back that was probably 20 years old. Ah, wear the bikini! Personally I never found them very comfortable!

    Reply
    1. Margaret Avatar
      Margaret

      Washington dampness isn’t the greatest for wood, especially horizonal constructions. 🙂 Even if I were thin, I wouldn’t wear a bikini. I find the tanks much more comfortable.

      Reply
  10. Midwest Mark Avatar
    Midwest Mark

    No such thing as too many bikinis…but that aside, I don’t trust GLP-1s; they aren’t natural, and we really don’t know the long-term side effects. I say be comfortable in your own skin…and if you aren’t, start an exercise program and change your diet, like I did. Too many people like to take the easy way out!

    (Guess I’m judgmental, too.)

    Reply
    1. Margaret Avatar
      Margaret

      I’m a little envious of how great they look and how quick it was. It probably wasn’t as easy as I think though; I bet they had to change their diet and continue to exercise. I’m just not motivated enough at the moment! I agree that corporations are pushing them as safe with no real idea of the long-term side effects. And having to take them for the rest of our lives feels like an addiction. I take my B/P meds every day too but that’s for an actual medical condition. As I mentioned, these people I know were overweight, not obese.

      Reply
  11. Linda Avatar
    Linda

    I love your photos, Margaret! And your deck is lovely.

    Reply
    1. Margaret Avatar
      Margaret

      Thank you, Linda! He still has to stain it, but since we did get the thunderstorms, he couldn’t do it tomorrow. It will be next week now before I can take an after picture of it.

      Reply
  12. raincharm Avatar
    raincharm

    I know a few people on GLP1 drugs. I don’t envy them the side effects. My personal opinion is for something to really last you probably need to put in some effort and own the changes to your choices for the long term. I managed to lose 40 +/- through the cult of WW, as my husband calls it. What they provided me was tools, support, suggestions, and community that I can use. I want to avoid medications where possible.

    Ian continues to be adorable.

    Reply
    1. Margaret Avatar
      Margaret

      Do they say there are lots of side effects? I’ve heard constipation, nausea, and diarrhea but that the body adapts to the drug after a while. WW is amazing because it does teach those coping with emotional eating strategies and you meet like-minded people. I admit freely to my ignorance, but is it a good idea to have a long term dependence on a diabetic drug that fiddles with your insulin/blood sugar and speed of transit when you’re not diabetic? I also understand the dangers of obesity although these friends weren’t obese. Overweight, yes.

      Reply
      1. raincharm Avatar
        raincharm

        Those are the type of side effects I have been told about. Needing to hang at home to be comfortable for a day or two. (Nothing wrong with hanging at home, as long as it’s your decision)

    2. Margaret Avatar
      Margaret

      Those side effects get better over time, I assume? Otherwise, that wouldn’t work at all!

      Reply
  13. kayak woman Avatar
    kayak woman

    I am no longer the skinny-mini I once was but I am nowhere near huge and my weight has been stable for years. I was laughing at myself the last time I was at our cabin thinking of the (long ago) days when I had 5 or 6 bikinis hanging behind the “partition” there. I don’t trust those drugs either. It seems like (throughout my lifetime) whenever somebody comes up with a “miracle” weight loss drug, it eventually turns out to be dangerous.

    Reply
    1. Margaret Avatar
      Margaret

      Same here! I miss that skinny me, but it would take a lot of work, denial and changes to get back to her. Plus, I tend to lose weight in my legs (already like sticks) and my face, which tends to be gaunt anyway. As I wrote, I don’t trust drugs or anything that’s “too good to be true” although is that just sour grapes on my part? Am I envious of those who have gone from chubby to svelte?

      Reply
  14. Maureen Avatar
    Maureen

    I have two friends who use GLP’s and they went from normal weight to gaunt – not a great look IMO. My daughter is on them for a more serious weight problem and I worry about the long term effects a lot. Can’t wait to see the deck after picture. The flowers look great as usual!

    Reply
    1. Margaret Avatar
      Margaret

      I honestly don’t know what to think about the GLP-1s. We’ve gone from “accept yourself for who you are” to “take drugs to be skinny.” I can certainly understand using the medication for dangerous obesity, but it seems like so many are doing so for vanity purposes only. And maybe that’s OK too, as long as there aren’t any serious long-term consequences. I’ve never known any medications that didn’t have some effect; even my blood pressure medication sometimes makes me dizzy.

      Reply
  15. Ed Avatar
    Ed

    Using the word “lettuce” right now might turn the attention of the crowd on you and maybe those nearest you scooting away.

    Reply
    1. Margaret Avatar
      Margaret

      Good one! I hadn’t thought along those lines. I wonder how many people thought I was posting about the cyclosporiasis outbreak. Perhaps, subconsciously, that’s what made me think about the gymnastics days.

      Reply
      1. kayak woman Avatar
        kayak woman

        I also thought of cyclosporiasis right off the bat but did get what “lettuce” meant in your context.

      2. Margaret Avatar
        Margaret

        I wasn’t even thinking about that but perhaps the story came into my mind subconsciously due to the lettuce caused issues.

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