Happy 4th everyone! Yesterday was almost perfect, spent the entire day on the motorcycle with the hubby traveling the back roads in the Pine Barrens at the Jersey Shore. The views were serene, thick canopy of pines, cedars, wildlife all around and then some areas with farms, horses (I love), quaint old homes, it was great! We made our way west, stopped at a Diner for lunch, I ordered a chicken Caesar salad (dressing on the side). This salad was HUGE and they brought me a gravy boat of dressing, there had to be at least a full cup of dressing and it was the THICK CREAMY kind... I dodged a calorie bullet!

I asked for a second plate, first transferring the sliced chick breast and piecing it together so I could determine the real size to estimate weight...since 3oz is the palm of our hand, it was a 6 oz piece of chicken and about 6 oz (cups) of lettuce, roughly 1 tsp cheese (there wasn't a lot) and 10 small croutons. I made up my plate and used my teaspoon to measure out 1 tablespoon of dressing. I was very happy with my choice and satisfied with my meal... In fact I actually enjoyed it because I felt "in control" of it.

We got back so late I didn't want anything to heavy so I had fruit and yogurt for dinner with a fiber one bar (much needed). I ended up 133 calories under my 1400 but I was full. It was nice to be full but not stuffed... I think that's the biggest difference, I eat slower and recognize when I'm full and know I "have to" eat in another two hours so I don't stuff myself.

Tonight we are supposed to watch the fireworks from the lighthouse tower (our friend has 12 tickets for this year) if the weather cooperates but it's a little sketchy. Fingers crossed because it will be our only opportunity to see from up there and my brother (who was in ICU the Jan 5th - 23rd fighting for his life) is in from NY and who knows when I will see him again (he lives 10 hrs from me).

To all the military & families out there, thank you for all the sacrifices you make so that we can enjoy our freedom. My dad fought in WWll, I truly appreciate all you do.

Happy 4th!