Well, the news was GOOD at Weight Watchers again this week–down 2.8 pounds!! Yes!! (This came as something of a surprise, since I had a 4.4 loss last week and usually alternate between great weigh-ins and the so-so kind.) I can’t say enough about the Simply Filling program–it’s great.
What I’ve been reading–yes, actually reading–Harlan Coben’s new book, MISSING YOU. It’s a thriller, and it’s terrific. I read half of it Tuesday night–I kept doing that just-one-more-chapter thing until my eyesight finally gave out and I was forced to go to sleep. 
Coben, along with Greg Iles, is one of my favorite authors, but I don’t read all his books–just the stand-alone ones. He writes about a character named Bolivar, but I just never got into those, don’t know why. I also love Joy Fielding and Patricia MacDonald–neither of whom write fast enough to suit me. (See? I do know what people mean when they say that to me.)
After Weight Watchers, Jenni, Wendy and I had lunch at the Mustard Seed at Northtown Mall, made a sweep through Barnes and Noble, and then I went on to have my acupuncture treatment, which was long overdue. Of course Cousin Debra and I had to chat for a while, just to catch up, so it was an extra long appointment. Acupuncture has a very beneficial effect on me, though I’d be hard put to describe it. It just makes me feel lots better in general, and when I don’t go at least every other week, I notice. The #1 question I get asked is probably, “Doesn’t it hurt to be poked with all those needles?” The answer: sometimes, especially around my ears, the first needle does hurt, but it only lasts a second or so. I barely feel the rest at all.
It’s a quiet day around the Triple L, which is good for the writing, of course. The weather is lovely and there are signs of spring popping up everywhere. Sometime last fall, I ordered a pair of “Downton Abbey” rose bushes, and they arrived the day before yesterday, bare-root style. I placed them in water overnight and they were planted yesterday. Supposedly, they will be a blend of orange and pink when they bloom–this I’ve got to see. I’m hoping there will be more Downton Abbey roses in the series; these are named for the character, Anna. I’m ready for Lady Violet’s–they’ll probably be a deep shade of purple and come with pithy little quotes attached. Such as: “Of course it had to be a foreigner–no Englishman would dream of dying in someone else’s home,” or “I have plenty of friends I don’t like.”
Ah, yes. Her ladyship, played by the inimitable Maggie Smith, is a pistol, all right. Characters like her Lady Violet Crawley come along once in a generation, if that often.
In other news, Doug W., our general roustabout, brought Mary Ann and I both some potted daffodils this morning, out of the goodness of his heart. (And believe me, he has plenty of that.) They are lovely–just looking at them makes my heart sing. There is a lovely magenta hyacinth planted among the other blossoms, and it’s gorgeous, too. Only God could achieve such perfect, glowing colors. The daffodils are that deep, translucent yellow; it’s as though they were lit from the inside, and the hyacinth is positively vibrant. Oh to get such hues to flow from my paintbrush….
Alas. Not gonna happen.
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Hi Linda.
Congrats to you on another week of weight loss. I finished the two week Smart Start plan and am now on the Points Plus. My first weigh in is Sunday. Wish me luck!
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I envy your flower garden, I can’t grow anything, not even silk flowers. I have some rose bushes that are tiny roses, but my father in law cares for them. If it wasn’t for that wonderful man, I wouldn’t even have grass on my 2 acres. It is all a mystery to me, although I have tried many times to have a garden, just not fruitful, ha ha!
Congrats on the weight loss, it’s a ice feeling to see the number go down. I had lap band surgery due to health concerns that meant I had to drop weight or have heart trouble and all that goes with it. It’s never fun, but it
s a life style change and a complete commitment.
Keep going!
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Glad you down on your weight this week. Congrats. Love your comments today.
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I know what you mean about the daffodils, I walk my little dog daily and we’ve been watching them grow from under the pine needles and leaves to brighten the green where we stroll every day. I’m hoping to have herbs in my new planters in the next week or so and then I’m building a patio spot in front of my rental. It has to be mobile in case I find a house in the future and want to take it with me or the landlord wants to move it if I don’t. I’m looking forward to summer and the shade of my pecan trees, while watching the squirrels play with my pup in the back yard.
Have a great weekend.
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Oh! Spring has sprung! I love spring flowers, especially daffydillys as we used to say.
I remember when I was little my older sister moved into a rental home with a big yard. We didn’t know anything about it and were so surprised when hundreds of daffodils and narcissus and a few tulips bloomed that spring. One area, running the whole side wall of the garage, was solid daffodils. It was amazing! There were several varieties. I’ve never seen anything like it since. 
Happy Spring!
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Congrats on the Weight Loss! Am wondering what the scale will show for me.. 2 dinners & 1 luncheon with friends does slow my weight loss down a little..
Loved your blog today! Made me smile several times
Yes, I have a few authors wish would write faster… one of them LLM ♥
It is a beautiful bright, sunny day 77* here in S FL this am… At least not the summer weather yet, although not far behind! Our Hibiscus plants are blooming like crazy… such a beautiful flower.
Have been busy cleaning closets this week! Amazing how many clothes we can buy, hang & finally, donate! At least mine are all too large now… Whoo Hoo !!
Hope you have a wonderful restful weekend !!
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Grats on the continued weight loss! I applaud your tenacity in keeping up with the diet.
I love spring flowers but miss my roses the most. I had a wonderful rose garden when I lived in Yorba Linda, CA. Even had some roses that I tested for Jackson & Perkins. No place for any when you live in an apartment.
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Congrats !! to you on another good week of weight loss. I do hope spring has sprung, but we are suppose to have a couple of cold rainy days here in SC next week, at least that is what I weather man is saying.
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I love being able to read your blog Linda! You always have interesting things to read about. Keep up the good work with your weight watchers, sounds like its going well. I’m loving that warmer days are here and things are beginning to sprout. Take care and God bless.
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Congrats on doing so well with your weight loss, wish I could do that. I don’t have much luck with flowers. I think the moles work my flower bulbs over. There is a roll of daffodils beside my house that are not doing to well right now. Of course they have been there since I moved in 28 years ago. I guess I just need to replace some of the bulbs but we do have a lot of problems with the moles.
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Signs of Spring today has been the return of the robins, starlings, and the red-headed woodpecker. No flowers as of yet. Looking for my first dandelion. Then I’ll know Spring is surely here to stay! Congratulations on the continuing weight loss. It’s terrific that you are getting super results.
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Congrats on the weight loss. Isn’t,t WW great?!
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Good going on the weight loss!
I’ll let you know when I see one. I’m in N. Spokane so it’ll be a sign for you too!
The weather is nice, spring looms thank God. I did notice today our complex had the lawn men here cleaning up the grounds. It’s a good sign. Now only if I’d see a robin.
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We’re seeing robins out here on the West Plains.
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I love it when I come across the valley and the trees have that kind of green hazy look that means spring is here. Unfortunately today they were all still brown sticks. Maybe next week.
Enjoy your flowers. It sounds as if you keep losing weight you will need a wardrobe. Someone told me once many years ago that 12 pounds is one size. I am not sure if that is still the case.
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So nice to hear about all your lovely flowers and plants and planting and and and!! We’re still having snow, wind and cold and apparently it’s going to stay cold until around mid week, so that’s a cold start to spring. Take care & be well.
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One of the friends I stitch with is doing a needlepoint of Lady Violet. She is a big time fan of Downton Abbey. Of course, it’s in various shades of purple and it is lovely. Enjoy your roses. :-
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Wow. I would love to see that!
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I’m going to join WW – great job!
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You’ll LOVE Weight Watchers!
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Congratulations on your weight loss this week, Linda. Thats wonderful. Happy first day of spring to you, too. The pink and white blossoms on the trees are beautiful here. I love the yellow forsynthia blooming right now too. Blessings to you and yours.
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Have a great day! Happy Firday!
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Happy Spring, Linda!
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Congratulations on the weight loss. I am sure the feeling is one of happiness. I also read when I go to bed and read until I can’t keep my eyes open anymore. It relaxes me.
I know it is spring as of today but it is not quite warm here. They are also talking about that four letter word “snow” for next week.
I wish I could grow flowers and veggies. Alas I live in the city in an apartment building. Only can buy them.
Keep well and enjoy the flowers.
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Congrats! You are on a roll with your weight loss.
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Great on the weight loss. I have, I mean HAVE to get to work on that myself. Milk chocolate and salty things grab me. I just finished a Jody Piquoet book. Don’t read her very often but did like the story. Changing Minds. I also read a Teresa Fuller book last week =- Reunions that I liked a lot. That one was new to me. I like to discover new people’s books. Probably not new but new to me. Aren’t spring flowers wonderful. LOVE LOVE LOVED Daffodils and bright colored tulips especially. Have you ever been over to the west side to the tulip festival. The fields are really awesome. Blessings.
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I too like Harlan Coben. Just when I think I know how his books are going to end he springs something on me. And, Linda Lael Miller doesn’t write books fast enough for me!!
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Congrats on the continued success at WW! I love hearing about what and how you are doing away from writing. You have great people around you! Take care of yourself!
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Linda, you are really doing great with your weight loss,
congratulation on all of your loss.Where are you putting out your rose bush? I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Blessings to all.
As always your friend,
Norma
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Wonderful about the WW meeting! What a nice surprise that you weren’t expecting! I didn’t know there were Downton Abbey roses. I love, love, love that series! I can watch it over and over and still see or notice something new. I miss the ladies and gentlemen now that Season 4 is over here. I may be hitting Amazon for the first three years just to have a fix. My kids call it my obsession and they are absolutely right!
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You’re doing so great on the wt loss! How long did it take to
regain your strength after you were sick? I had that for over 2
weeks and now I have no symptoms but, I feel like a very tired
limp dishrag. I swear vampires are entering my house at nite
and draining my blood!(and I’m not a vampire lover) Maybe if
I went for a short ride around the corral in this good weather,
that would perk me up. Usually does. Deer are already chew-
ing the tops of the tulip leaves off. I always wondered why they would chew every tulip in one patch and not touch other
patches right around it. Must taste different. Anyway, Happy
Spring to all!!
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It took a good month to really start coming back from that flu. It’s miserable stuff.
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Congrats on the weight loss. I have been told to try acupuncture but I’m a chicken (cluck cluck)
Maybe one day. Happy to hear about the daffodils. Spring is coming. I was afraid mine would be killed when we got snow and ice Sunday but they are still beautiful. 
Hope you have a great day tomorrow.
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Congratulations on your weight loss. Great news!
Enjoy your writing, and enjoy your weather turning to Spring.
Oh, also enjoy your reading.
Have a great week-end.
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Sounds like you are really enjoying Spring,my husband and I had a great sunset dinner last night at Anthony’s, what a thrill to see that beautiful raging water, it was so neat we had to walk Chopper,the minpin over the bridges, a great evening.
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Hi Linda ~ I am a new fan, just finished reading both Mojo books, and LOVED them~any more on the way?
Happy Spring!
Susan
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Good deal on the weight loss,I also love the Spring, my Tulips are budding, the yellow bells are in full bloom as well the flowering pear tree & the real pear tree hope frost doesn,t get them , my pear preserves are getting low it’s time to make more .the daffodils have been blooming for weeks now.It was 72 degrees here today but I know that Winter isn’t over yet . I love reading your books I laugh , cry and sometime get mad at some of the characters (but) there has never been one book that I didn’t like . so please keep on writing . PS I enjoy your Blogs !
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The trick to get your hues to “glow” from your paintbrush is “layering”. Whether it’s watercolors or oils, plenty of patience and layering.
I have painting samples on my site which is linked via my name.