Thank you for your wonderful post. Just a correction, I am referring football, not coaching. I coached a lot of baseball in my past but no other sport. I reffed about 10 years ago and just heard about how desperate they are for officials, in all sports. Anyway it was going well until I pulled my hamstring a couple weeks ago and had to take some time off. Tough getting old. I couldn't even play golf so I had to bake. I like baking more than cooking savory dishes, but love to smoke meats and make stews. Chilli counts as a stew, but I have never tried it - bet your's is good. My wife and I love watching several of the baking shows, more than the cooking shows. The BBC has a great show with amateur bakers battling for nothing more than a nice plate and the win. My last couple bakes were great ( I share them with the other 3 houses in our culdesac). I made a sweet potato, caramelized pecans and marshmellow meringue frosting and this weekend I made a peach, strawberry, and basil upside down cake. Amazing how well basil goes in some desserts.

Oregon is supposed to be cold and wet this winter, a needed change from our recent dry years, (dry for Oregon). I will have to go back to seeing the sun once a week again. We usually don't get a ton of sunshine in the winter. Nice today, rain tomorrow.

All else is going well and I do miss so many of our friends here and hope they are doing well. We all get busy and have much to do these days, so I don't blame folks for moving away from this site. The best is when we see folks come back to quit again. I believe this forum really worked for me and think they will succeed with continuing efforts.

Thanks again for reaching out. Love and be well.

Hey Brian, 

I’m sorry about my sports blunder, lol. Referring is great too. I’m sorry about your hamstring though. Yeah, I think getting older is a bit tough for all of us, but I’m happy to be doing it, lol.  

I’m glad you’re still enjoying time in the kitchen. I agree that it’s enjoyable to bake too. I also know the show you were referring to. I think many people, whether the actually watch it or not, have caught a glimpse of it. I’m sure your neighbors appreciate all of those (no doubt) delicious bakes. Though I have to say, I’ve not ever thought about putting basil in a dessert. Interesting. 

I’m glad to hear things are going to be a little damper out that way after so much drought and wildfires. 

Thank you for recent supportive post to others on the forum. I’ve seen your most recent post to Diana too. I’m a little concerned about her. She hasn’t logged on the forum since the 12th. I hope she’s doing alright and has managed to maintain her quit. I also hope we hear from her again soon. 

Thanks for keeping in touch. I hope you and your family have a wonderful fall Friday and great weekend.  

Talk again soon. 
Hugs.  
 

Well it took me forever to locate our forum because we haven't posted here in so long but wanted to reach out to all of us today on my 4 year anniversary to say HAPPY 4 YEARS to all of us!!!  Never in my life did I think I would be 4 years smoke free!!  Miss talking to all of you daily but don't miss going through the torture that we did.  Hope everyone is safe and healthy during these crazy times in our world.  I actually was in the hospital in January with pneumonia and they think I have COPD (go figure!!!).  Gary has to call 911 because I was in full respiratory distress (very scary).  I have an appointment with a lung doctor (finally) tomorrow so we'll see what he says.  I've been on steroids since getting out of the hospital because I literally cannot breathe without them.  So that has been my life this year so far, which has not been so good.  My parents' health has severely gone downhill so that has been some rough stuff too.

Anyway, hope to see you guys check in and that everything is going well for you.  Happy 4 year anniversary to us!

Congratulations on your 4 years. I forget that we all had quit dates since its been so long since I thought about cigarettes. I did notice at the store that a pack here is now $9.90! Thank god I don't have to pay that expense anymore.

I am sorry to hear about your health issues. I have know several folks that had COVID here, my son being one, with varying degrees of symptoms. I hope your meeting goes well.

Looking forward to spring and the warmer weather so we can get back outside and/or on the water. Been keeping up golf, but also too much indoors, baking and eating. Strange days, but trying to stay grounded here locally and marching on.

Glad to hear from you and I wish everyone well on our 4th anniversary month. Stay strong and march on.

So great to hear from you and Cyndi.  I just sent a message to Denim.   Like you I rarely think of smokes anymore. I can smell them from a mile away.  I just saw Cyndis post.   She has been very sick recently but sounds like she may be on the mend.  Her parents are not doing well either.   Today she abs Denim are celebrating your fourth year quit!   Feeling much better these days. I left VA in June 2021 and landed in NJ to care for my 80 year old brother who is fighting esophageal cancer.  His wife has dementia.  Luckily, his daughter was able to come and relieve me!  I am officially living with my son and three grandchildren in MD.  Another one in the way!  I’m looking forward to getting out and meeting others my age and going places to enjoy my freedom.   I am so happy to hear from you.  Congrats to you Cindy and Denim.   This is your four month anniversary.  My email is mcwcford78@gmail.com The forum is officially shutting down.  Stay well, happy and healthy!  I will never forget our times together on the forum.   Saved my life. M

Hey Mike, 

I couldn't cc anymore but hope you stop by and see the post above before the forum is taken down. Congratulations on four years! Thanks for sharing the ride.  

Hugs, 

Denim, Cindi, and Mike 

I know it's technically the 10th now but I can't resist doing it again, lol. 

Hugs, love, and many thanks to you both.