Dear Margaret, Bru and Algts,

Thanks for the encouraging words. They bring tears to my eyes each time I read them.

Algts - best of luck with your own weight loss progress. I had a look at your baby pictures - what a beautiful baby.

Bru - thank-you for the birthday congrats - you always spread happiness - I guess it's a way of sharing all that Southern sunshine you soak up each day.

Dear Margaret, it does seem easy compared with powerlessly watching the pounds pile on, but you're right - I've invested many, many hours channeling all my initial enthusiasm into learning, reading, researching and exploring, hoping to build solid foundations for weight loss. It didn't occur to me that laying the cornerstones alone would bring me almost 1/2 way to goal.
Thanks a million for your wise words.