You would think that having a gorgeous floral arrangement delivered to your desk would be a good thing.
In my case, however, they turned out to be a mixed blessing.
The arrangement arrived at my workspace last Thursday morning, courtesy of someone who was in town for meetings. She had received the flowers from her significant other, but she couldn’t take them on the plane. So my desk and I became the flower’s designated recipients.
Which was perfectly fine except for one small thing. Person after person stopped by to say, “Such gorgeous flowers! What is the special occasion?” Whereupon I would tell them the non-inspiring story of how they happened to land on my desk.
And then that ruined the whole vibe because each person was getting all ready to rejoice with me over whatever happy occasion I was about to share with them, and then all I had to offer them was an exceedingly boring story.
Finally, I got tired of telling the same sad, tired tale over and over. When the next guy inquired about the arrangement, I said airily, “Oh, those are for my 60th wedding anniversary.”
There were a few beats of worried silence as he looked at me and then at the flowers and then back at me. I could see he was trying to do the math in his head, but it wasn’t quite adding up. It took a sec, but he eventually discerned that there was a joke afoot and got a good chuckle before moving along.
I took the flowers home with me Friday night, and they graced our family gathering Saturday morning. (When all ten of us get together, we call it the CLT10)
as we celebrated Father’s Day and Madi’s birthday.
This is our newly minted ten-year-old, beautiful inside and out.
Her brothers were not about to be outdone by her hat-wearing finesse. Andrew . .
and Grayson both had to model Steve’s new hat.
Andrew also enjoyed completely disappearing under another birthday hat.
Gage’s artwork made its appearance in another beautiful handmade card.
It’s always such a joy to gather with these people who are not just family but also friends.
And may I just say that Meagan is at all of these family gatherings but she doesn’t always love being in photos. (You can catch a glimpse of her behind Noah.)
The dogs did very well with all the hoopla but were glad for a few quiet moments with Steve when it was all over.
When someone has a birthday, it’s fun to look back and see what they looked and sounded like a few years earlier. This video of Meagan, Madi, and Noah from eight years ago never gets old. I love seeing the kids’ wide-mouthed wonder when they hear how old grandpa was. (The first minute or two is about Steve’s birthday; the rest is just fun stuff with another brief birthday greeting at the end.)
in Chapel Hill last week for my annual checkup. (I had the pulmonary testing done in Charlotte the week before, but hadn’t heard the results yet.)
Dr. Lobo came in and we chatted for a few minutes about how I’d been feeling. I said I felt like I was doing worse because I was getting out of breath a lot more than I had been.
He thought about that for a moment and then asked (very diplomatically, I might add), “So has your weight changed? Have you gained or lost recently?”
Well, anyone with an eyeball in their head would know that I have gained weight, and I told him that–even though he already knew.
He said, “You know, I’m in pretty good shape, but last week my wife and I took our 3-year-old son for a walk. I took him out of the stroller and carried him for about a block, and I couldn’t believe how out of breath I got!”
The inference was clear. I’m carrying the equivalent of a toddler (or two) around, and it’s no wonder that it’s harder to breathe.
He said my tests actually showed that things are staying stable and I am doing relatively well, even though I still have a severe case of a serious lung disease.
He then reiterated, “Just losing fifteen to twenty pounds will make you feel like a different person. I really encourage you to do that for the sake of your health.” I really appreciated his concern and his compassionate challenge.
Losing weight is not something I excel at; in fact, I seem to be really adept at gaining it. (You’ll find my picture in the dictionary beside “emotional eating.” ) But since breathing is sort of important, I need to take his comment as an instruction and not a suggestion. (Why, oh why, can’t I crave a carrot stick when I’m feeling down instead of a brownie?)
I don’t know how things are where you live, but we are heading into potentially record-breaking hot temperatures next week. Welcome to Summer 2025!
What about you?
What is your weather looking like for next week?
Do you struggle with your weight? Do you have any advice to share?
What are your plans for the next few days?
Love the birthday pics and all the wonderful expressions!
What a kind way for your doctor to bring up weight. I lost 30 pounds a while back and it was the hardest thing I’d ever done. Now I never stray within 5 pounds of my current weight. If it creeps up, I cut back. I never have an issue with it accidentally going down… I picture a bag of flour and know I don’t need that back on my body.
There’s the saying: You can’t out-exercise a bad diet. My elder dad is disabled. When I started caring for him, after moving closer to him, he would lament that he couldn’t exercise. His weight was getting out of control, therefore moving was more difficult than ever. I felt bad for him. But – when we talked about maybe the cookies, donuts, ice cream, nightly bags of buttery microwave popcorn being the culprit, it gave him more control of his weight, rather than feelings of deficiency due to his inability to exercise. I get frustrated when people bring him those types of items, as I know what it does to him. They think they are being kind, which they are, in the short term. I love that my dad enjoys my treats. With summer now, I keep him stocked with cut melon and other fruits for his dinner sweet treats! He still loves his other treats, and I’ll pick them up for him at the store when he requests, as I shop for him. No way will I shame him. But he understands and balances his diet more on his own.
It took me a long time to lose my craving for salty fried stuff, but cravings can cease over time. I think of it as being an alcoholic. Avoiding oils is key for me, especially in salad dressings. Also, cheese is addictive and so highly caloric and salty. Even my dad has given up what was his heavy use of dairy. He’ll enjoy toast with jam. Skip the butter. Ice cream is rarely in his freezer anymore. Those calories really add up. Even his cardiologist has commented on Dad’s improved heart function.
My husband is very fit, and can easily Just Say No to unhealthy stuff (me? not so much! Grrrr.). That makes it easier, as we just don’t bring processed stuff into the house, and rarely eat out. I lost 15 of my 30 pounds just by cutting out sweet drinks and chips. That last 15 was tough, though. Good luck to you, Becky.
Ann,
That is such a great idea to never stray within 5 pounds. It is so easy for those 5 pounds to become 10 and then 25. Don’t ask me know I know!
Good for your dad (and good for you!) for making the changes to his diet. It’s especially good to hear that he is seeing the wisdom of the changes himself and you are not having to nag and be the “bad guy.” Tell him Becky From Smithellaneous is proud of him! 🙂
It’s a big help that your husband is on board with healthy eating; it makes all the difference in the world. Steve falls off the wagon a bit with snacks but he loves veggies and Mediterranean style eating so he encourages me in that way.
Thanks for your good advice and words of encouragement. We’re all in this together!
We already had the extreme heat this last week. On the worst day, it was 104 and felt like 110 with LOTS of humidity. Soupy was the word of the day used by the weather man. We’re expecting upper 80’s, low 90’s for the next several days now.
I used to struggle some with my weight. Not so much anymore now that I can’t eat those carbs. (Gluten-free) Good luck with your weight loss journey. Maybe it will be a bit easier knowing it is necessary rather than just wanting to. Glad to hear your lung status hasn’t changed!
Happy belated birthdays to Madi and to Steve! The gathering looked like a lot of fun. Gage’s card is really cute!
We leave tomorrow for Tahoe. Looking forward to a change of scenery and some time away! 🙂
LeeAnne,
Yep, those carbs will do it! I imagine it was quite the challenge to transition to gluten-free; I’m glad you’ve done it successfully. And yes, I am definitely more and more aware of how much more better for my health (and aging process) it will be to lose those pounds.
Happy trails to Tahoe! I just looked up the temp there and it looks like it will be cooler for you. Woohoo!
Love the Smith smiles. So glad that the results of your tests are about the same. Yeah, that’s probably why I get more tired when walking. That extra weight will do it. Hopefully, you will be able to get some weight off – then let us know how you did it!!!!!!
Sharyn,
Sometimes when I’m carrying a watermelon into the house and it is SOOO heavy I set it down and think, “That’s how it would feel to lose that much weight!” Kind of eye-opening.
Do I struggle with my weight? Only once and always since I was about three months old. 😂 Do I have any advice? Again…😂😂😂
Carolyn,
Three months old, huh? The deal with babies is that all those extra rolls are CUTE! 🙂
I hate to brag but I can still wear the same earrings I wore in high school. (A weight joke to make us smile.)
I’m visiting family in Arkansas (just across the Mississippi River from Memphis, so can you say HUMID) where the heat index is triple digits all week. Back home near Dallas, it’s the same, just air not quite as humid. I can’t wait for sweater weather!
The pounds are creeping on for me as my 60’s progress. I, too, would welcome any tips for weight loss in one’s mid 60’s! (But on the bright side, that “extra weight” comment helps explain why I now get so out of breath climbing stairs at school).
Your regifted flowers are beautiful and I’m so glad you got to enjoy them. Have a wonderful week and I hope air conditioning is plentiful and chilly!!
Sue Ellen,
I think the heat has hit most of the U.S. this week. Ever so thankful for air conditioning and ever so thankful I was not born in the time of pioneer women who had no AC and had to wear long skirts. I would have been very grumpy!
Glad you get get to visit family this week; hope you have a great time despite the heat.
Yes, I thought the doctor’s simple illustration was really good. It’s like I knew the information in my head but to hear a young, fit doctor say he got so out of breath carrying a toddler that weighs as many pounds as I need to lose was very enlightening.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MADI… a little late. I am not loving this heat wave here in Mt. Airy. Well, actually, I am HATING it. I try not to go outside at all. Ugh!! We just buried my sweet mama yesterday. We were to have a graveside service but it was so hot even at 11 am that they had it inside the church. My heart is broken but I know she lived a long life at 88 and had so many health issues. She is in Heaven with Jesus and my daddy now. I can’t wait to see her one day. I just have to say that I hate that the dr. told you everything looks good but you need to lose weight. I hear it from my own doc. I really need to lose weight but I just cannot make myself do it. I couldn’t tell you how many pounds I have lost and gained over the years. The yoyo effect. Most everyone in my families on both sides are overweight and I guess I got all the genes. I stress eat too, with my hubby dealing with the brain disease and being a caregiver. I don’t let it get to me. I know things could be worse. I just trust in my Heavenly Father to watch over us all. I know where I am going after I leave this world so I don’t sweat the big stuff or the little stuff. I take it a day at a time. Praying for all your family for good health and much love and happiness. I still love reading your blog after so many years. It blesses my heart to see Sarah doing so good. God is good.
Kaye,
Oh, I’m so sorry to hear about your mom’s passing! I know you already miss her terribly, even after just a few hours. Many hugs to you and your family.
I can only imagine how much stress you deal with in caring for your husband, wanting to help and make it all better but not able to. You are living out the vows, “In sickness and in health” with love and with God’s grace. Many blessings to you today.
Happy Birthday Madi! Such a sweet girl, you can tell. I assume she holds her own pretty well amongst all the boys.
Gabe and Sarah, I always enjoy seeing them in your posts. I hope things are going well for them with work and all.
It is 98 and humid up here in the DC area this week. Too hot to do much. I am covered in poison ivy, so I have to lay low in the AC.
The weight issue! Yes! Yes! I find a doctor’s encouragement very helpful. I should lose 20. It came on with my surprise! thyroid condition this year. It needs to come off. I have gotten a small treadmill that is still in the box. LOL I have got to get it out. Generally, I do things all or nothing. I do not enjoy the “inbetween/sort of” situation. I am waiting for a trigger to get me going. Then I will be like a nut, crazy cleaning out the refrigerator, walking 1/2 hr per day, then adding hand weights and so on. Also I just found out the thyroid medication has given me osteoporosis so thats double the fun. Woohoo. Holey bones. Gotta love the 60s 🙂
Lesley,
Poison ivy? Yikes! I guess a thyroid issue and osteoporosis weren’t enough! I hope the poison ivy vamooses very quickly.
Yes, Madi definitely holds her own. She is a big/little sister, a second mother, and sassy, sweet and tough.
I’ve got one of those walking pads, too. It helps if I can watch a video on my phone when using it; time goes by so much faster. Pull it out and give it a whirl–once your poison ivy gets better.
Hugs to you and Sarah!
The video of Meagan and the kids is one of my all time favorites!
I loved your “few beats of worried silence” line in your flower story. I could just imagine the guy trying to figure out what exactly he should say so as not to be untactful. Like he was thinking, “She can’t be married that long, can she? I don’t think she looks that old. Do I say happy anniversary or just mumble something and slink off”? Glad he got the joke! 😄
Gabe’s card was fabulous as always and Madi is looking like a teenager already! I’m always so happy to see pics of all of you together–including the tiny sliver of Meagan’s head behind Noah! 😊 I don’t know why beautiful Meagan would avoid the camera.
I feel for you guys with that heat. We’ve just endured three days of 90-100 temps and very high humidity. After a cool and rainy summer so far, it was quite a shock! I don’t know how you southerners stand it all season. Bless the wonderful guy who invented air conditioning!
Your doctor is a keeper! I love how he addressed the weight loss issue, like he truly understood and empathized. A holding steady report was good news! I’m just so sorry you have to deal with this junk.
This week will include a dental appt and a great niece’s wedding so there will be a bit of variety anyway!
Love you guys!
Deb
Deb,
I know. The open mouths and extreme shock on Noah and Madi’s faces are just too priceless for words. 🙂
I’m glad you enjoyed the “few beats of silence line.” That’s the kind of thing you would especially appreciate. He was doing exactly what you said–the whole mental gymnastics trying to think of what to say!
Wow. Those temps are REALLY high for you guys. 100 degrees with high humidity? I thought that kind of weather was just reserved for us southerners.
A wedding and a dentist. All I can say is enjoy the former and be grateful for the latter. Sending hugs!
HOT HOT HOT AND HOTTER!! HIGH 90S WITH HEAT INDEX OF OVER 100 for several days! 🙁 I do not do well in hot weather!
I do struggle with my weight, have all my life. Best thing for me right now is my apple watch. My goal is to close my rings for my exercise goal, stand goal, and move goal every day! I do hit all 3 goals almost every day! I love to walk and this heat is not helping me with my goals. I will try to walk really early or late. I work full time so I usually walk before work and at both morning & afternoon breaks. My daughter eats very healthy and she gives me tips….you know more protein and veggies. Less sugar and carbs – my downfall!
I have fibro and arthritis so I have to keep moving!
Plans are to stay cool and find ways to move inside or Late/Early outside.
Happy belated bday to Maddie! My favorite times are with Kids and Grands!!!
Gage is so talented!!! Love the card!
Beautiful flowers!
Eswim,
I’ve always wanted to try an Apple watch; it’s good to hear that it’s been so helpful for you in getting your fitness goals in. It’s nice you can get some of your walking in at work; I only have a 30 minute lunch and no breaks so I can’t really do any walking without really wolfing down my food.
Steve was up much earlier than usual this morning to try and get the lawn mowed before the heat hit too hard. I hope you find some cool times of the day to enjoy your walk!
Becky, I’m struggling with tremendous head/neck/back pain. For 6 months. In fact, I start PT today. All tests have come back clear and I’m not overweight. I’ve started to think it’s from not moving so I am now FORCING myself to walk 10,000 steps per day. It’s so hard but I force myself to take a 2 mile walk (preferably with someone) because I’m so tired of not feeling good. This morning, since it’s sooo hot, I got out of bed at 6:30 and mindlessly walked. Feeling bad is the best incentive to me. Knowing I should was never enough, but now that I’m actually feeling poorly/suffering some, it’s all the incentive I need. Could you and Steve take a nightly walk?
Paige,
You and I both started PT on the same day! I hope your sessions are able to get your some relief from your pain. That is so distressing to constantly not feel well.
I am impressed that you are getting in 10,000 steps a way. You’re right about it being easier if you can walk with someone; it kind of distracts from what you’re doing.
Your line, “Feeling bad is the best incentive for me” is so true. After awhile, we are willing to do anything, just to not feel bad. Good luck to you on your continued health journey. Let me know how the PT goes for you.
So great you can all get together. Love those toothless grins on Andrew and Grayson. Happy Double Digits to Maddie.
Out weather is set for record breaking as well and has changed our plans for this week.
I do struggle with weight, especially as I get older. I really need to exercise, but get busy and set that thought aside. The last time I made it work was before we went on a cruise. For 3 months I stayed focused and had no ice cream (my downfall) telling myself I could have all I wanted on the cruise. I ate better and rode the stationary bike every morning. That worked for me, but it was hard to keep up after I got home.
Today is our 18th anniversary and the heat has us staying home instead of driving off for an overnight. We get funny looks when people ask how long we have been married as we are 68 and 76 and they assume we have been married much longer. Our church is having an art camp this week and I am volunteering one day to sew a little fish, and a second day to help with a wood working project. I really fret over the planning and worry if it will go ok, but the last 2 years have really been fun once I get there.
Patti,
It’s amazing what a goal (like a cruise) can do for willpower, isn’t it? But then, like you said, it’s a little hard to keep it up when the special event is over. I also love ice cream and am trying to stay far, far away from it.
Happy 18th anniversary! I’m glad you and your husband found each other and found love later in life. That is such a happy story.
I admire your willingness to help out with art camp. That is not my forte. I would be like you, worrying over it all. Glad you’ve had a good time once you get there. Volunteers are some of my heroes!