Where is the laundress when you need her?

Last week I did some ironing--and tackled a bit more this morning. The Laundress seems to be rather erratically blogging these days. I don't know if she had as much laundry as she claimed, but it was always interesting.

The 20 lbs I lost 2 years ago have been creeping back since our trip to Ireland last September, to which was added all that pasta in Italy in June. So I got out some cotton slacks that were too big for me the winter of 2006 but now are bulging where they shouldn't. There's a rule of thumb in weight loss--5 lbs is a dress size (assuming you aren't obese). This rule doesn't work for slacks, at least not for the pear shaped maiden/woman. For slacks, it's the rule of thigh, not thumb. I'd guess 7 lbs, and you've blown it. Although it probably depends on where you carry your weight. Say what you want about Hillary's legs, but this is the healthiest body style--slim waist, heavy thighs and legs. Sure, you don't get those Hollywood or modeling jobs, and no one chases you at the beach, but you also are less likely to have heart attacks, diabetes and breast cancer as you age.

This week I packed up at least 5 or 6 pair of slacks and jeans that ranged from size 4 to 8, (expensive brands have a come-on of smaller size tags), all purchased at the Discovery Shop for about $4 each. Some were wool, some cotton, some poly-whatever blend. I'm back in the 10s, at least until I can get control of that craving for Pumpkin ice cream that is only available this time of year. In the fall I'm like a squirrel preparing for a long winter.

The house is loaded with food I don't usually keep on hand. We got the bad news Monday that our house guests won't be coming--she's in the hospital in Alexandria, VA with pneumonia. And since they live in Huntington Beach, CA, they aren't too happy about that. So having too much food around is a small problem compared to what these dear loved ones are going through. It's never fun to be hospitalized, but if you have to be, better close to home where you have your own doctor, and your kids are near by.

So if your prayer list isn't already jammed, please add a total stranger, sister Kate.