I had to look up NSV . I don’t use the scale , I have mentioned before I go by how my clothes fit and how I feel. Most of the clothes I regularly wear are at least 20 yrs or more old so it’s a good barometer.

It IS nice to read what others are challenged by and successes .

I haven’t shared much about my tendonitis / ligament problem. It was self- inflicted in March 2025. The original injury was in the mid 90’s and it was severe. It took 2 yrs but it was perfect til I overdid at the Y. We have all been there done that I know.

Anyway I have 5 more PT dates then I am on my own. New orthotics… 3 different pairs… don’t ask . Extensive exercise plan at the PT and discretion on my part. I did rowing machine and 5 min on the Jacobs Ladder 2 days last week and did 15 min slowly this morning follwed by 15 min on the rower. Alls good.

Stay the course, don’t overdo and thank our lucky stars we can get up and out every day. 🙏c

OMG - they are the sweetest! Blessings to all of you who saved them and a hex on whoever dumped them. What is wrong with people?

I have this packable rain poncho from Tilley. I've worn it in heavy rain, although not for an extended period of time, and am happy with it. It's *very* generously sized, meant to be layered over your other outerwear when needed I suppose. I got the Peat color in S/M and could have probably been ok with the XXS/XS.

https://ca.tilley.com/products/unisex-packable-hooded-poncho?variant=45210031915164

I am also planning a fall trip to Europe and expecting lots of walking in the rain. I haven't purchased this yet, so I can't speak to the fit yet, but I am looking at the Helly Hansen Aden long rain jacket. I'm thinking of getting black, but thought the details were more visible in this pink color.

I'm also looking for comfortable shoes that will hold up in wet weather. Found these cut On Cloud 6 waterproof sneakers and Blundstone chelsea boots.

I think I have some REI rain pants somewhere that I bought for backpacking. I'd just go to a sporting goods store and try some on until you find a pair that fits.

If you don’t need a raincoat to provide a lot of warmth, look at Athleta. They are having a sale right now too. I have a one that is waterproof & hits mid-thigh and love it because it’s so lightweight. I think it is this one. I like having a hood.

They have a longer coat now too, but there is no hood & it’s not waterproof. Maybe it’s more of a coat than rain wear.

I am fairly tall with long-ish arms and find I don’t need the tall size as a rule.

The bedroom/ bathroom ratio to public space seems off. With a 3-bedroom (room for six people to sleep if a guest house - or 4-5 if a family), you won’t have room for everyone to sit or eat (small living room, no room for a table(?) and only seating for 3 at the bar). Will people be living here or is this a guest house?

For 3 bedrooms and 3 full baths, I think your living and dining areas are very undersized. I would forgo the 3rd bedroom on the side closest to your yard, and use that space for extra living, dining, and a powder room instead. That also allows you to get more light into the space since you'll really only get good light from 2 sides of the home.

My nephew's wedding was last month. I absolutely loved their party favor - during cocktail hour you were invited to have your photo taken as a couple, individual, group... whatever, and there were 2 women using the photos to make watercolor prints for people to take home. The date and location were at the bottom of the painting.

This is a really terrible photo of ours - just one I snapped quickly to send to a friend (plus it's in a plastic sleeve), but you see the basic idea.

Sorry everyone... I just realized this is a really old post.

Yes, the bridal shower was lovely and the couple is happily married. The hostesses decided on decorated cookies as a favor. I'm sure some were consumed, some were left behind and some were thrown away. Hopefully, none wound up at the local Goodwill.

@smhinnb - I love that watercolor priint! What a great idea.