Pamela Schifano – @pammypoo on Substack
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We visited Harvey at the nursing home this morning. He was calm. He wasn’t hurting. He seemed glad to see us, but didn’t have much to say, other than asking if I had gotten the guitar when I mentioned that I was trying to learn the chords again. Other than that, we held his hands, hugged him, and sat with him.
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I’ve just come back from spending a very nice couple of hours at the cafe sketching. I got my favorite spot, enjoyed an iced latte (with reduced sugar) and spent my time between sketching and watching life outside the window.
These are my latest painted sketches. I did two sketches at the cafe today, plus started one where I’m trying to show some ladies scrubbing the porch and steps area of a building. They were down on their hands and knees with scrub brushes, rags, and buckets.
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One Green Planet
I played with the incline on the treadmill today, increasing it every 5 minutes for about half of my walking time. It makes me work harder, but didn’t bother my balance, so I was happy. Before dinner, I’ll do my water bottle exercises to work my arms and back.
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When I left my clothes at the laundry yesterday, I gave the lady a “thank you” card. She has been very patient with my efforts to understand the system, try to give her the correct change, etc., so I wanted to show her I appreciate her kindness. She seemed happy with the card, and indicated she would put it in a special book she had on her desk. :0)
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Pattaya Mail
We are forecast to get a lot of rain the next 10 days. Unlike Arkansas, when rain comes, you basically need to reschedule the whole day, here it’s like a faucet was turned on. It rains like crazy for a bit, then the faucet is turned off and the sun comes out. This may happen over and over, but it usually isn’t cause to change your plans. If this happens when I’m at the cafe, for example, I just wait until the faucet turns the water off and go home between showers. I carry my umbrella and my rain suit this time of the year wherever I go, plus take my hoodie if I only need a bit of protection from the rain.
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Hennie – Ingenious Umbrellas
creativeartworksblog 
How did Harvey like the sketch of the planting of the rice? Or maybe I missed this in another post. I am glad your visit went well though and it’s okay to “just be.” Right? I think so.
We had a full day. My daughter drove my husband and me 2.5 hours each way to my new medical place where they took my blood and had me stand on a state-of/the/art machine that gave me a bunch of feedback. The nurse tried to explain what it all meant, but most went over my head. It will be a few weeks before I speak with the doctor and get a complete rundown on what I need to do to improve my health. It was quite the process. I got some good news though. My arms are near equal in muscle mass. Same with my legs. They say if people are uneven from one side to the other they are more at risk of falling.
And I need to lose 87 pounds. It’s a lot, but you did it and you inspire me for sure! You always do! Sketching included. I already lost one inch around my waist in the last 4 weeks, so I know eating more protein and doing the hangs and squats have helped! Yay, us!
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I LOVED your note, Sheila. I’m so glad you’re taking another step in taking better care of yourself by seeing the specialist and awaiting the feedback. I agree the news about equal arms and legs is wonderful. Hopefully, you can get all the recommendations in writing or ask if you can record what the doctor says. You can lose the weight. You can get stronger. Both will gradually make you feel better and better. CONGRATS on losing the 1 inch already!!!! I’m glad to hear that you’re eating more protein. Try to eat mainly the good, complex carbs. (I tried to stay under 20 units of carbs every day while I was in AR, but actually, the going to two good meals a day and particularly cutting my portions, and drinking lots of water, plus exercising worked best for me to actually GET to my goal, rather than just TRYING. Harvey just nodded at the rice sketch. I’m learning that when I do one for him, the nod that he wants it on his wall is the defining factor showing he likes it. On with the hangs and squats, woman!!! You’re doing great. Please keep me up on what the doc says and how your efforts are working.
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I will definitely keep you posted, Linda. How much is 20 units of carbs? One cup or ?
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You read the back of a package of food and it tells you the number of carbs and the number of servings.
( I hope you can hit this URL and see what I’m talking about.) You will find most packaged stuff has too many carbs to stay under 20 for the day. I stuck with eating meat of all kinds, chicken, fish, etc, and then a green, leafy veggie, like spinach, and a side salad (look at the labels on the dressing.) For breakfast I stuck with stuff like bacon and eggs. The ‘staying under 20 refers to GRAMS of carbs. A good guide is https://ketokarma.com/ where you can get good information, recipes, etc. for free.
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Ah, I had to use the Chrome browser instead of Safari to get the calculator to work, but the fun thing was that when I adjusted the calculator a bit, it gave me the same caloric number 1527 and carbs grams 19 that they gave me at the medical clinic yesterday as what I should aim for to reach the desired weight goal. Nice! Thank you so much, Linda!
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Oh, that’s good! I aimed for 1200 or under and the under 20 grams.
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Ah, units = grams. Got it, Linda. Yes, that all makes sense now. But of course when we go out, I will have no idea. I like how you and your son do it, with him eating 2/3 and you eating 1/3 of the meal you share. Richard and I have recently been sharing 1/2 and 1/2 but since I weigh more than him, I think I need to do as you have been. I will work on that. I hear you also, it’s about DO not TRY. It’s a mindset for sure. I will use the KetoKarma link.
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When you go out, stick to grilled or baked meat, chicken, or fish, with a salad and simple steamed veggie. If that isn’t possible, stay away from anything white (rice, potatoes, pasta). If not possible, order ONE entree and two plates or bowls. You eat 1/3 Richard eats the rest. If that isn’t possible, just enjoy every bite and get back on the horse the next meal.
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Sounds like great advice, Linda!
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My only other advice is to take one day – one MEAL at a time. It took me over two years to go from 205 to 109. I can’t even count the ‘failures,’ but only YOU can channel your mindset. Others can encourage you (thank GOODNESS for that!) but it’ll happen if you just keep going. Best of luck to you, you wonderful woman. I want you to feel GOOD. SASSY. HAPPY. FULL OF LIFE to go with all the creative and drive you already have.
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I am saving every comment like this that you send me, dear Linda, to encourage me whenever I need a boost! I love this—and you! ❤️
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We will always be cheerleaders for each other, Sheila, and it’s a beautiful thing.
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Yes, and YAY!
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🤗
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