Barbie Perkins-Cooper, Author

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  • WELCOME TO THE TIDES INN


    First North American Rights Only

    Word Count 1800 words

      Building Chesapeake Traditions and Superb Hospitality

    by

     Barbie Perkins-Cooper

     The Tides Inn Resort,Irvington,VA– not only a Chesapeake tradition, but also a pleasant paradise

    In a world where cell phones, Ipods, Blackberries, Notebooks and other modern technical devices dictate our life, a little peace and relaxation is just what the doctor ordered. Set amongst Carters Creek on theRappahannockRiverinIrvington,VA, The Tides Inn Resort is a special place where waterfront views provide an air of freshness, and the worries of the world cease to exist when entering the property.

     Aboard the Miss Ann

    Looking out at the marina, Miss Ann awaits an inviting cruise. She is 126’ in length, a rare beauty with sparkling floors appearing so clean one guest on board suggested we could probably eat off the floors. Chartered for family reunions, meetings, and personal events, Miss Ann glides across the waters as gracefully as a swan. Her lower deck is enclosed, with tables and chairs, a bar in the rear, and a lounging room. Well maintained with smooth polished woodwork Miss Ann is a stunning craft of graceful, elegant refinement, owned by the Tides Inn, named to honor the wife of its original owner. According to legends at the resort, when the vessel was purchased by the husband of Miss Ann, she redecorated it with $30,000 but failed to appreciate the boat. On one trip, they had dreadful seas and Miss Ann took on water, toppling the boat. She refused to ride on the boat after that experience. Miss Ann holds a crew of eighty plus members, and is one of the amenities every guest should take part in while at the Tides Inn.

    Once a secret resort hotel for locals and families, this award-winning hotel provides relaxation, gourmet cuisine fit for royalty, golf, spa treatments and the finest life offers, not for special guests – for EVERY guest. The mission statement for the Tides Inn states: “Building upon more than half a century of history and tradition we will create a unique experience, a retreat from the urban environment, a place where friends become old friends who return time after time to experience the warm hospitality that is The Tides Inn.” People come to stay on the water, golf, dine, spend a day at the spa, and relax at the Tides Inn.

    Practicing a Philosophy that Works

    The philosophy at the Tides Inn is a simple rule practiced at only the finest of hotels. Gordon Slatford, General Manager of The Tides Inn Resort prides himself in practicing and sharing his experience with others, having worked his entire career in the hotel industry on three continents. A kind, genteel man with a pleasant British accent and a gleam in his eyes, Gordon practices an impressive, friendly attitude he shares with all staff. “We attempt to read our guests needs and wants before they have the occasion to ask for them. I believe in the truest traditions of European hospitality – the feeling you have when entering a building – a feeling of coming home. The staff members greet you as if you are a long lost friend returning home. The Tides Inn is a place of solace where people return to time and time again. We pride ourselves in exemplifying the finest service, care, and true customer recognition.”

    Customer Service Excels at The Tides Inn

    At The Tides Inn customer service is not an every day routine, it is genuine. Employees are authentic and when they become a part of the staff at Tides Inn, they realize they are part of an extended family. Employees of The Tides Inn not only demonstrate the art of hospitality, they go above and beyond the call of duty to exemplify how precious each day is at the resort. Every guest experiences strong eye contact, a warm smile, and a personal greeting when strolling along the corridors. No cell phone attached to ears, no deafening phone conversations echoed in a restaurant setting or in corridors.

    “Every customer who visits the Tides is an individual with special needs. Daily we discuss every guest every morning at our arrivals meeting,” said Gordon Slatford. “We always remember and practice the philosophy that there is no more important task than spending a few minutes chatting with our guests.”

    Training, Recruiting Staff

    During training and recruitment, the Tides Inn stresses a critical viewpoint of encouragement, never employing a skill but a smile. Never a qualification, but an attitude. To simplify, the staff stresses going the extra mile, experiencing hospitality ‘hands-on.’ “We believe strongly in actions. Waiters must dine in the dining room. Front desk staff must spend a night at the property. Everyone must take a trip on Miss Ann, our historic yacht.” The Tides Inn practices personalized services, thus building a bond with customers and happiness in the staff.

    Originally owned by the Stephens Family, The Tides Inn recently completed a major multi-million dollar renovation in hopes to breathe new life into the fabric of the property. Refurbishment included renovations to all guest rooms. Formerly the number of guest rooms consisted of 124 rooms, however, during the renovation phase, the number of guest rooms decreased to a total of 106 guest rooms, including 22 of the rooms now classified as suites.

    The accommodations at The Tides Inn are rich with details, luxurious and comfortable. Vista Suites provide a comfortable living area with a sleeper sofa and a pictorial view of the marina and Carters Creek. The bathroom is spacious with a large glass shower stall, garden tub, his and her sinks, and plenty of room to move about and relax while getting dressed. Deluxe guest rooms are available along with premium guest rooms featuring a large bedroom and sitting area. The Lancaster House Suite offers guests a cozy living area and separate bedroom. The Lancaster Suite is the ideal setting for families and friends.

    Regardless of the setting, comfortable surroundings for all guests is the key. “When selecting beds for a resort, size is of little significance,” said Gordon. “A core responsibility of any hotelier is the provision of a great night’s sleep.”

    At the resort, king size beds are provided whenever possible. All beds contain the availability for the guest to receive a good night’s sleep. Mattresses at The Tides Inn Resort are fourteen inches deep, featuring the deepest, most luxurious pillow top quilting. All beds are dressed with 280 thread count Egyptian linens, and down comforters, pillows. “If a guest is allergic to downs or other fabrics, we will completely remake the room with non-allergenic pillows, comforters, and accessories. It really is not good enough just to have a polyester pillow placed in a wardrobe,” said Gordon. “Our guests sleep well. We offer the perfect balance of comfort, luxury and service, along with a blending of rates, which allows a broad range of customers to experience The Tides Inn Resort. Rates during our high season ranges from the low $200 to the mid $300, with winter and low season approximately $100 lower. Peak season occurs from Memorial Day to Labor Day, with Thanksgiving andChristmas in demand.”

    Another aspect of the unique heart and character at The Tides Inn are the hours of operation. Most resort hotels are open all year round; however, The Tides Inn closes during January and February for approximately six weeks. Many of the employees have worked at The Tides Inn for several years, and they return after the six-week closing ready and willing to work. Their dedication to their careers results in low turnovers. The family atmosphere is impressive. Employees are aware of the six-week closing and they use the personal time off to be with families. Gordon states, “We close around the first of the year for six weeks and will review and change the closure pattern. The Tides has a plethora of long service staff with many exceeding 25 years of service. One of the staff has worked here for over 50 years, starting as a boy, remaining with us and now it is his passion. This characteristic of the property cannot be emulated anywhere else. Our guests and several employees have grown up together. They share the delights of family on each and every visit. The Tides Inn becomes a nice family tradition.”

    Bridging a Gap at Golden Eagle Country Club

    Golden Eagle Country Club

    Golden Eagle Country Club at The Tides Inn has some of the most challenging and beautiful fairways a golfer can imagine. The course was designed by George W. Cobb and has a backdrop of a fifty-acre lake. Golf Digest Magazine describes the Golden Eagle as a tough course and has hosted many championships. For detailed information about rates, tee times, and other amenities at the course visit the web site: www.tidesinn.com/golf.

    The philosophy at the Tides Inn is truly a win, win situation, a complimentary blending of life skills, remembering what it is like to be the customer, and the remembrance of “The gift ofChristmas.” Gordon explains this practice, “Up to the age of fourteen, we look forward to receiving presents onChristmas day. Sharing the experience of giving someone a cherished gift, we experience the joy of giving. Remembering the smile on that special person’s face, the special feeling of warmth. These lessons are critical to anyone in hospitality. Our true rewards in life come from the pleasure we give. At the Tides Inn, we share life lessons, turning them into life experiences, training our staff to be good human beings. You know the good ones; they count every good deed and pleasure they give to someone else as a deposit in the bank of life.”

    Every employee at the Tides Inn has a unique personality, complimenting the resort, making it one of the most amazing properties to experienceChesapeake Bayhospitality. Dining at the Chesapeake Club is a rare treat. Waiters top off water glasses and refresh napkins without a customer requesting the service. Food arrives at the proper temperature and is appealing to the eye and taste buds.

    Attention to detail, pleasant staff, boat rides on the historical Miss Ann, golfing on a challenging course, spa treatments, a relaxing night’s sleep, extraordinary dining with service fit for a king, these traditions at the Tides Inn aren’t just for a selected few, but for every guest.

    “AChesapeake Baytradition is not just a tag line for us, but a way of life,” said Gordon. “All of our seasoned and new employees strive to build not only superb experience, but memorable traditions. From the traditional Whiskey Run to our time-honored ‘spoon bread’ served each morning at breakfast, made for the past twenty-five years by the same woman, our guests continue to come back. Many of our employees have watched children grow up here only to return with their own children, thus building new family traditions. These customs are passed down from generation to generation. Of course the awards and many accolades we have received are only a measure of success, shaping our future while building many family traditions along theChesapeake Bay.”

    IF YOU GO:

    Visit the web site: www.tidesinn.com for additional information.

    The Tides Inn

    480 King Carter Drive

    Irvington,Va.22480-0480

    Hotel Direct: 804.438.5000

    Toll free reservations: 800.843.3746

    Fax: 804.438.5222

    E-mail: info@tidesinn.com
    About the Author:

    Barbie Perkins Cooper is a talented, award-winning writer of travel guides, screenplays, fiction, non-fiction, plays, and numerous articles for regional, trade and travel publications. Ms. Perkins Cooper is a member of International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association, North American TravelJournalistsAssociation, and South Carolina Writers Workshop. In her sparetime, she enjoys photography, boat riding, relaxing on the beaches ofSouth Carolina, riding a motorcycle with her husband, and listening to good music, especially jazz.

  • Weight Watchers and My Weight Loss


    Today was the day…Every Thursday morning attending my  Weight Watchers meeting is a priority. When I joined March 3, 2011, I wasn’t certain IF I would continue this pursuit. Now, it is truly a part of my life. Yes, a lifestyle change, but definitely for the better. Today, I was thrilled. I am only .02 of a pound of losing 30 pounds! Yes, you are probably adding the length of time up. It is now 11 months. Nevertheless, it has been successful for me. Some diets promote quick weight loss. Others, you practically starve to lose the weight; however, most of those diets are not successful. I have been on a few diets in my lifetime, and each time, the weight slowly creeped back up. Today, I weigh less than I did when my child was born. I will not say how long ago that was, but I am so happy that I weigh less now. Clothes are fitting better and Goodwill is certainly happy that I’ve donated so many clothes to them — many still with price tags on them.

    Next week, I will hit one of my goals. Perhaps soon I will meet with my leader to establish my final goal for lifetime. I will achieve this goal. I have ideas  and goals planned for myself. Finally, I am doing something for me!

    Thank you, Weight Watchers. It feels so good to be able to walk on the treadmill without huffing and puffing, and it feels good to hear compliments from my friends. This I do for me!

  • Singing, Entertaining


    Last Friday afternoon, January 20, 2012, I performed at Sandpiper Convalescent Center, singing with the Divas. Arriving early, I noticed a lovely lady, dressed in pink. A pink bow was in her silver-gray hair. Pearls and several necklaces she wore. The smile on her face when I said hello made me feel warm and welcomed. “Are you the Divas?” She asked.

    “Yes, we are and we’re ready to entertain you for a while.” Again, she cast me that warm, welcoming smile. I introduced myself, noticing a business card placed on her chest.

    A relative from Iowa had dropped by earlier to visit her and she was so happy. She cherished the business card. “I don’t get many visitors,” she said.

    Perhaps you have never visited a nursing home or convalescent center. I have. In 1998, I toured Sandpiper, admitting my dad who was suffering with terminal cancer, needing ‘skilled nursing care.’ For those who do not recognize the definition of skilled nursing care, it simply means 24-hour nursing care. My dad was seriously ill. Although I attempted to care for him, I recognized I did not possess the professional medical care training he needed. Yes, the nurturing part of me was alive and able to nurture him, and I knew a bit about cancer, but my dad had a PEG tube.  Even though the nurses trained me about cleaning of the PEG tube, I was not comfortable with it. My precious dad needed more nursing care than I could give him. I visited him daily, with exception of three times during his illness when I had severe bronchitis attacks. When visiting the nursing home during his illness, I noticed several people never had visitors and that disturbed me deeply. Walking back into Sandpiper on Friday, I did not focus on the loss of my dad. I performed as well as I could without focusing on the day of his death, July 6, 1999, while I was walking into his room to visit with him. I must say, it was great to see some of the residents at Sandpiper bopping their heads to the music, and to hear them singing the lyrics with us. My dad would be proud of me. Yes, I could feel his presence, and it was great to walk into Sandpiper again, this time, to entertain.

    My dad’s roommate is still residing at Sandpiper. I walked over to him, dedicated a song to him and kissed him on the forehead. He blushed. Seconds later, he was singing “Unchained Melody,” along with me. How I loved hearing him singing with me. Mr. Dudley was enjoying the music and his body was moving to the beat!

    It was such an honor to sing to such a warm, responsive group, to share a bit of music, nostalgia, and memories to a group of senior citizens who rarely get out to enjoy life as much as they did previously. My fondest wish is that the Divas gave them happy memories and entertainment. As for me, I left Sandpiper singing, I lifted my head to the sky, telling God thank you. Thank you for life and the ability to sing to a group of precious individuals who still need the bonding of family, the therapy of music, and the touch of warmth the Divas shared with a group of beautiful, precious residents. I look forward to seeing them again, and inviting them to sing with the Divas!

  • Let Us Honor and Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King


    As a sick little girl in August, 1963, I was resting at home in Atlanta, GA with an asthma attack, resting on the couch, listening to a speech by an impressive man by the name of Martin Luther King. He spoke his words, “I have a dream,” so eloquently and firm. I was 100% mesmerized. I knew that Dr. King lived in Atlanta, GA and living in the projects, I knew his name angered many people. The early 1960’s angered many people who lived in Georgia. Whenever I spoke up that I loved to hear his speeches, I learned there was a time and a place to speak and around certain people in the South during the Civil Rights movement, it was to my benefit to keep my opinion to myself!  Nevertheless, I listened to the speech, spellbound by his words. Years later, taking a class in Public Speaking, the professor encouraged us to find a speech that inspired or changed our lives and to speak about it. Of course, my choice was the speech of “I Have a Dream…” Public speaking is where I excel. I used many of Dr. King’s quotes, especially  the ending quotes:

    “Let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia.

    Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee.

    Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi.

    From every mountainside, let freedom ring.

    And when this happens, when we allow freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God’s children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual:

    Free at last! Free at last!

    Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!”

    Today, we celebrate the birth and life of Martin Luther King. How proud he would be that America has changed for the better. Yes, there is still bigotry and prejudice, but today, the world is still changing. As Dr. King said, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream today!”

    Let us all appreciate that America is a free nation and we can still have our dreams to build our lives with freedom and pride for ourselves, who we are and the dreams that we all have. “I have a dream…”

    Today, I still have a dream, but I am most thankful that “The times are a changing,” and we can look into the eyes, heart and soul of a person, not the color of their skin. Thank you, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for what you strived to do to make America a proud and free nation — for ALL of us. I fully believe the Women’s Movement would not have happened without the courage the young women found to stand alone to accomplish their dreams, all to the credit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the leaders who found the courage to walk tall and speak up so America can hear and change the times, allowing us all to have a better life with much success in the twenty-first century. Yes, it is true. I still have a dream — that the glass ceilings will break and women will be treated with respect, not wolf whistles and slurs! I have a dream, that America will stop being so judgemental and look for the good in a person, not the color. I have many dreams!

  • Losing Weight In 2012


    Never is it easy to lose weight, especially when living a busy life, with commitments, demands, and so much stress within your life. For those of you who read my blog on a regular basis, you will know I joined Weight Watchers last year on March 3, 2011. To date, I’ve lost 28.8 pounds. The holidays were difficult, with all the parties and social events, and of course — all of the food.

    I have heard many friends say they plan to lost weight this year. Some are going the route of Dr. Atkins. Others are considering Nutri System, and one is considering something new — “The Pink Method.” They asked my advice. “Simple,” I replied. “Weight Watchers, because it works.”

    OK, so I didn’t lose the 50 pounds I wanted to lose in 2011. And it is true, I am losing slowly…EVER SO SLOWLY; nevertheless, I am losing weight, inches and lots of clothing sizes.

    For 2012, I started the year off with a slight weight gain — 1.2 pounds. Yes, I was discouraged, so disappointed that I failed to maintain during the holidays, but this is a new year, a new week, and I will achieve weight loss this year.

    At Weight Watchers, I haven’t met with my leader to determine a goal. I have a goal in my mind. When I get closer to it, I will meet with her to make certain I am on the right track. For now, I can see the light. I have a goal established and I will achieve it, and when I do, there will be a celebration. Perhaps during karaoke night with my closest friends.

    Last week I managed to clean closets, bagging four large bags of clothes. Many of the outfits still have tags on them, so they could be considered ‘new.’ I tried every outfit on, amazed that most were too big for me now! When I bought them, they were too tight. I have the tendency not to try clothing on before buying it. I must change that habit now.  There was one cute pair of pants I gave to Goodwill with reluctance. The pants have been hanging in my closet, in anticipation of wearing them — someday — when I could get into them. I tried the shiny silver lame on, excited that they fit! I rushed to show my husband that I could wear them. “Trash them,” he said, in his grouchy, controlling way. “They’re too d— big!”

    “If only I had a full-length mirror, I could see,” I mumbled. I opened the bag for Goodwill, tossing the silver lame pants into the bag. “I suppose someone will enjoy them, but not me. Too big!”

    It really is a bit difficult to toss away clothing. Part of me wants to keep many of the clothes, in the event I gain weight. Recognizing that thinking is not positive or beneficial for me, I decided it was in my best interest to throw away all the clothing that is too big now. A weight gain will not happen again. I have made the commitment to change my life with Weight Watchers, and I have kept that commitment. I am the type of personality who makes a commitment and usually keeps it. Weight Watchers is now a part of my life!

    Happy New Year, 2012. This week I will drop by Goodwill, giving all the clothing to them, and I will continue to count and track my points.  Let us all continue our commitments — with Weight Watchers, or at least Weight Loss. Whatever works for you, and for me. Weight Watchers, because — IT WORKS!

  • Top 10 Workout Songs


    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

    The Top 10 Workout Songs For Winter 2011

    San Francisco, CA – Dec 31, 2011 – Traditionally, winter is the time of year when folks find it hardest to get out and exercise.  In the hopes of keeping folks motivated, readers from RunHundred.com–the web’s most heavily-trafficked workout music blog–were polled regarding their favorite, current workout songs.  The resulting top 10 list has a little of what you’d expect—and a little you might not.  Flo Rida, who’s no stranger to this list, shows up in two recent tracks.  Enrique Iglesias continues his transition from balladeer to club rocker.  And Kelly Clarkson, after faltering with the first single off her new album, bounced back ferociously with the second.

    As for surprises, they’re mostly entries from folks relatively new on the dance scene.  Highlights include songs from Tim Berg (who remixed his own track under his Avicii moniker), Skrillex (whose collaboration with Kaskade is the first dubstep track ever the make the Top 10), and Wolfgang Gartner (who’s made the chart with a little help from the Black Eyed Peas’ Will.I.Am).

    Here’s the full list:

    Tim Berg – Seek Bromance (Avicii Vocal Edit) – 127 BPM

    Katy Perry – The One That Got Away – 135 BPM

    Alexandra Stan – Mr. Saxobeat (Maan Studio Remix) – 126 BPM

    Flo Rida – Good Feeling – 129 BPM

    Wolfgang Gartner & Will.I.Am – Forever – 128 BPM

    Hot Chelle Rae – Tonight Tonight (Goldstein Remix) – 118 BPM

    Taio Cruz & Flo Rida – Hangover – 129 BPM

    Enrique Iglesias, Pitbull & The WAV.s – I Like How It Feels – 129 BPM

    Kaskade & Skrillex – Lick It – 128 BPM

    Kelly Clarkson – What Doesn’t Kill You (Stronger) – 117 BPM

    To find more workout songs–and hear next month’s contenders–folks can check out the free database at RunHundred.com. Visitors can browse the song selections there by genre, tempo, and era–to find the music that best fits with their particular workout routine.

    Contact:
    Chris Lawhorn
    Run Hundred
    http://www.RunHundred.com

  • Here’s to Weight Loss Success in 2012 and Beyond!


    Taking just a moment to wish all of you a Happy and Healthy 2012. May we all continue to lose weight, the best and healthiest way — with Weight Watchers. For 2011, since joining on March 3, 2011, I have lost 28.8 pounds. My goal for 2012 is to lose the remainder of my weight, and to keep it off. Last week, I cleaned out a closet. Actually, I went shopping in my closet, finding many things I forgot I had. Several outfits still had the tags on them. When I tried them on, they were too big. I hope Goodwill will appreciate them!

    Here’s to all of us continuing the weight loss for 2012. May we achieve our goals and make new friends. Happy New Year!

  • A Christmas Message to Our Armed Forces and All


    Today is Christmas Eve, the day before our savior’s birth. On Christmas Day families come together to share the celebration of Christmas. Many people will not even express the word “Christmas” because they wish to be ‘politically correct’ with happy holidays. To that, I truly say, ‘bah humbug!’

    Why do we worry about being politically correct? After all, it IS CHRISTMAS DAY! For many of us, someone will be missing from the Christmas dinner table. Thousands of our Armed Forces are still overseas in war zones, fighting for our freedom while celebrating the holiday with buddies and friendships they have developed while away. As the proud wife of a Vietnam Veteran, I can so relate to how difficult it is to have a loved one in a combat zone at Christmas. War does not take a holiday. On the Christmas during Vietnam, my husband of only four months was in Dong Tam, Vietnam. He shared the day fighting a battle, then having dinner with his weapon nearby — in the event another attack occurred. I shared the holiday with my family. Tears spilling down into my dinner plate because I was so alone. We did not have Skype, or cell phones, to share the holiday and the only way my husband could attempt to phone me was through a Mars station that rarely worked. Christmas for that year was such a depressing day.

    For all of our Armed Forces, I hope you and your family will be able to share the holiday, if only via Skype or internet conversations. No, it isn’t the same as sitting at the dinner table sharing a delicious holiday meal, but during this dreadful time, it is the next best thing. Focus on the love you share. The tender moments and words of love expressed via the Internet or cell phones and be thankful that these days will pass. My wish for 2012 is peace. As the wife of a veteran, I certainly do not see an end to war, but I do support what our armed forces are doing overseas and I am proud and thankful that America is supporting your bravery. Each time I see a soldier in a military uniform, I take a moment to shake their hand, or to express a ‘thank you’ to them. No, it isn’t easy being away from your loved ones at Christmas time, and when the loved one returns, sometimes the war is still locked away inside the emotional side of the veteran. For years I have said a part of my husband never returned from Vietnam. His gentle, trusting side is still over there, due to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, the nightmares and horrors only he saw. I cannot relate to what he experienced, but when a nightmare returns, I can hold him and let him know I still love him. I cannot understand what happened, but as his wife, I can certainly reassure him that he is home now, safe and loved.

    To the families of those who are still over in war zones in Iraq, Afghanistan and other locations, my wish for you is a Merry Christmas. Focus on your love and try not to feel sad that your loved one is away. Be thankful that America is not a hostile nation now, like it was during Vietnam. Make certain you reassure your loved one that you still love him, or her, and you are still at home — waiting for their return.

    Merry Christmas to all of you. Remember the good times. The laughter. The love. Those special moments, and when your loved one returns, why not have a surprising, happy celebration. Perhaps you could decorate with colorful lights, gift wrapped packages, a special dinner, all in celebration that your soldier is returning home. My wish to all is a Merry Christmas and a safe, happy 2012.

  • Sick and Feeling Just Lousy – When Sniffles and Colds Get You Down


    Since last Wednesday I have been sick with the sniffles, an annoying cough and a total lack of energy. I find it incredibly difficult to eat during an illness. What is the point to cook, or eat if you cannot smell and taste the food?

    This will be a short blog since most of the time, the Weight Watchers site will not allow me to post, so let’s see what happens this time! It is so annoying to get the comment, “Your post cannot be saved at this time. Please try again later.”

    Bah. Hum bug! The Weight Watchers site allows me to comment to others, but posting my blog on their site is a no winner for me.

    Perhaps if I felt better I could write more. For now, I’m off to relax, drink more water and watch TV for a bit. I’ll be so happy when I feel “normal again.” Whatever “normal” is! Have a great week!

  • “Your Blog Cannot Be Posted at This Time — Please Try Again Later — Weight Watchers Strikes Again!


    Thursday is always the ‘d’ day — dreaded day! I have Thursday morning blocked off every week for my Weight Watchers meeting. With each meeting I take a silent breath, in hopes there is a weight loss. When I joined in March, 2011, my goal each week was to lost 2 or 3 pounds. Quickly, I discovered that just is not realistic. Since March, I have lost 28.6 pounds. I am thrilled. Yes, I set a goal to lose all the weight in 2011; however, let’s be realistic about this. So for 2012, my resolution is to continue the pursuit to lose my weight. How long will it take to lose 40 more pounds??? I don’t know, but it will happen. I cannot wait to buy a new wardrobe. For now, I am thankful that I am losing. Let us all continue to succeed and to support each other. Have a great Christmas season. Now, let us hope this silly Weight Watchers blog that continues to give me ‘hate’ messages will post, and not tell me to ‘try later!’ Silly blog. I am a writer. I know you are supposed to post this. If I can post comments, why can’t this foolish blog work? Don’t even get me started! It’s late. I’m tired and I want to relax, not fight with the computer! Thursday is always the ‘d’ day — dreaded day! I have Thursday morning blocked off every week for my Weight Watchers meeting. With each meeting I take a silent breath, in hopes there is a weight loss. When I joined in March, 2011, my goal each week was to lost 2 or 3 pounds. Quickly, I discovered that just is not realistic. Since March, I have lost 28.6 pounds. I am thrilled. Yes, I set a goal to lose all the weight in 2011; however, let’s be realistic about this. So for 2012, my resolution is to continue the pursuit to lose my weight. How long will it take to lose 40 more pounds??? I don’t know, but it will happen. I cannot wait to buy a new wardrobe. For now, I am thankful that I am losing. Let us all continue to succeed and to support each other. Have a great Christmas season. Now, let us hope this silly blog that continues to give me ‘hate’ messages will post, and not tell me to ‘try later!’ Silly blog. I am a writer. I know you are supposed to post this. If I can post comments, why can’t this foolish blog work? Don’t even get me started! It’s late. I’m tired and I want to relax, not fight with the computer!  Guess what?? The Weight Watchers blog site did it again…still will not allow me to post. Wants me to try again later!??! Grow up Weight Watchers! Fix your Blogs!!!