Actually, they've passed out cards to us that we can use if we want to be able to order from the seniors menu that some restaurants have, which tend to have smaller portions but are still adult type meals as opposed to what the kids get on their menu.

I went to one of those smorgasbord restaurants in Lancaster Co. before my surgery (there's one just down the road from my stepsister's house). When Mom and I were there in April, I told her it was good we were there on a Sunday because they were closed, and I wouldn't be able to eat there anyway. I'll have to check if they have that discount available for the next time--thanks for letting me know about it!

And thanks for everyone's kind words! You guys really don't know how wonderful it is to have your support through this. I don't mean to clog up Natter with my progress!

Oh, Hil, there was a restaurant that Mom and I went to a few years ago near Bird-in-Hand that was Amish-themed and on a farm, and really excellent. Of course, I can't remember the name of it offhand!! We just happened to be driving by it and saw a big sign and decided to take a chance. There was an attached gift shop (of course). We had just been quilt and pottery shopping in the area and driving a bit aimlessly before heading back to the turnpike.

And for the hat trick: Yes, Amy, I do feel really excellent! Again, it's the little things I notice. Today, I took the garbage out to the dumpster before walking over to the car to go for my swim. Before the surgery, I was having such issues with physical mobility that I would take my garbage to my car, put it in the trunk, and then drive the 200 feet to the dumpster because I didn't want to wear myself out walking there and then back to the car.

There are also bigger things that are really TMI and gross (period related) that I probably shouldn't go into detail here. Suffice it to say that I'm using half of the pads I used to before this month!

Yes, Amy, I do feel really excellent!

When I think about losing some weight or getting in better shape, it's that more than anything that drives me. I'm glad you're feeling so good.

Yay, Kathy! Looking good, lady!

You are looking great, Kathy.

In addition to all the laundry and such, I made myself really good black bean soup in the slow cooker. It's not exactly summer fare, but it's not exactly summer here either--it's windy enough to be freaking out the cats.

I found a recipe for black bean "burgers" I want to try.

It's too much summer here. It's been in the high 80s for days, and is supposed to go over 90 tomorrow and Tuesday.

When I feel tired and don't want to go to the gym, I run my hand along my jaw line and around behind my ears, because, dammit, there's bone back there, not mush. My jaw has corners, not curves.

When I feel tired and don't want to go to the gym, I run my hand along my jaw line and around behind my ears, because, dammit, there's bone back there, not mush. My jaw has corners, not curves.

Yesyesyes!!!!

I'm not quite there yet, but I love to run my hand over my shoulder and feel the curve and bone underneath, as well as the muscle up there from all my swimming. I haz muscle definition! Also, I've been fondling my clavicle lately, since it's really getting prominent. This afternoon, I started doing a Carol Burnett tugging of my earlobe because I've even lost weight there that I'm just noticing now!!

The place with the gastric bypass discount was Shady Maple Smorgasbord [link] They also have a really weird pricing scheme -- the dinner is a different price each day.