Biggest Loser Checking In

When last I left you, I had a fever and something bronchial.  Despite that I did make it to Denver, hacked my way through business meetings for two days, and then moved on to a reunion of my writers group in Southern California. 

Newport Beach was gorgeous and I'm convinced the sun, good food, and good company cured me.  I saw a whale, porpoises or dolphins (I always confuse them), sea lions, a psychic, the Mission at San Juan Capistrano and some of the most beautiful mountain and ocean scapes I've seen in quite a while.  I also ate some of the best food in the world.  The SoCal writers among our group invited us into their wonderful and welcoming homes.  Though I missed drinks at Joannes and Peking Chicken at Charlie's, I had Mexican (some of it prepared by Debbie) at Joanne's son's beach house, and a final dinner at Ruth's in San Clemente with a beautiful view of the Pacific.  Hutch brought so much wine from Sonoma and Napa -- I've never been anywhere where there was wine left over, there was this time!  All of it delicious.

Speaking of food and drink... there is something about the writing life or perhaps the blending of the writing life and other work that contributes to a sedentary lifestyle. Many of us decided that we needed to get in shape.  One of our members, a food writer, has lost 50 pounds in the last two years by eating wisely and exercising. The rest of us were so impressed and inspired, that we've begun our own little "biggest loser" program.  Each of us will use our own food and exercise plans, but generally we've committed to a more healthy and active lifestyle.  I'm convinced the beach will inspire me to do more walking.

So, now I'm back on the East Coast and between work and some family things, I am trying to pack.  Last weekend was spent assessing exactly what needed to be done to the house and in what order.  This weekend I'll focus on painting the great room, office/guest room, kitchen and hallway.  I'll also clean up and restore the kitchen cabinets and install a new range hood.  Getting that done gives me a place to live and work when I'm not here.

I'll take before and after pictures (of the house... not me) and try to get them posted here. Now... back to work.