Senior Golden Sneakers
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Happy Sunday!
It is a quiet Mother's Day for me, all but one of my children live out of town.
Lisa is still on vacation with the kiddos and Rob just asked if I wanted to do something but I know he has been working from home all week and taking care of Ewok so I told him to just rest. I am fine staying home and catching up on my TV shows. It's not like I never go anywhere. lol I did have a video call with all my kids which always makes me happy.
I hope you all had a great Mother's Day and/or Sunday.
Sandy
One Day at a Time
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I'm still glowing from the fabulous Mother's Day here. After a wonderful brunch, we had desserts in the lobby, where ther was a fabulous pianist playaing wonderful dance music, and although I no longer dance (yet!) we all were excited watching our residents who dance really well! Every genre imaginable! Such fun. I wore out just bouncing with their rhythm! Now there is a good movie, but can't recall the name. DD says she enjoyed Poms. Must run now.
Lots of love; Buzz.........................Always Believe
......................................Something Wonderful is About to Happen!................1 -
Super weekend. More later. Rainy old washday after all the fun.
Anne.0 -
Good morning. I am skipping Tai Chi this morning as I have a dentist’s appointment, a couple of errands, then am meeting a lady (fingers crossed) to sell, finally, that pesky unused appliance, then meeting a friend who has the week off. We may see a movie!
A sunny day today before a bit more rain tomorrow. Sunglasses needed!
I hope everyone had an enjoyable day yesterday. Hugs.
Lin0 -
Another Monday not that it matters so much since we're all retired! Yesterday was a busy one for me with lots of tidying in the garden and today I will do a small amount ready for Sue the gardener's visit in the morning. It's a lovely Spring day with wall to wall sunshine but a brisk old wind that is blowing my needing to be cut hair all over the place... appointment for a cut Thursday! Once again I walked George and Betty uphill to the bluebells then decided to explore further than we've walked before. Reaching a point I thought might be difficult to walk down I spied a young man sitting on a log contemplating the trees. George of course did a wide circle then ran at great speed down the steep path while I just said hello and did my best to follow but halfway down realised I could easily slip and fall so turned myself round and climbed back. George raced up ahead of me while Betty as ever was at my heel. It was my turn to take a wide circle round the young fellow as I caught a glimpse of George running up to him. Thinking George was lost he stood up looking for me then we had a quick chat, me telling him how I tend to walk where the dogs want to go and since George had again disappeared he said he was probably heading for the car park. Turned out he was charming and probably from his accent, German or Dutch. Well five minutes later as I retraced my steps still no sign of George as I called and called until finally he came trotting along looking quite lost until he saw me. Not sure which of us was the more relieved but both very happy to be back home!
Lin, I loved that little pup with his roses! I meant to say what a brilliant idea of yours to take your moon landing newspapers to the library for display. I still find it amazing that technology was so advanced all those years ago to get men up and back safely before we even had the internet and mobile phones. Sounds like an enjoyable day in store for you apart from the dentist of course!
Hello and happy Monday to Sandy, Anne, Buzz, Patsy and Jeri. My day is flying so I must get on because I'm trying to get all chores out of the way before my hip replacement next week although I seem to remember trying to do the same before the first hip operation and not getting far!!
Jackie0 -
Happy Monday! Back from taking Babe to the dentist and now have the rest of the day to myself. I have some paperwork to catch up and some games as well. The sun is shining but still a little cool, I think we are bypassing Spring and going right into summer.
Jackie, I bet your heart was beating fast when you couldn't find George and I would bet he was so scared of not finding you. It is just like when a child gets out of your eyesight, terrifying.
Lin, I also loved the picture of the pup with the roses, so so cute. I might be in your boat in selling something on marketplace. My son and DIL would like to replace my trundle bed with a queen size bed in my guest room now that I keep my computer in my kitchen. I have to agree it would be more comfortable and since they are willing to pay for it, we will see.
Anne, can't wait to hear about your super weekend.
Hello to everyone else but I really have to get some things done.
Sandy
One Day at a Time0 -
Like JACKIE with George I had a bad moment this morning. There I was in the bathroom in my birthday suit ready to climb into the tub for a shower when my left leg for no apparent reason just collapsed. I couldn't save myself at all. Went down like a bag of potatoes very heavily. I was really lucky because I could have cracked my head on the bidet, yes I've got one! or broken my hip on the stone tiles. This has happened before, right out of the blue. The previous time was on the main drag with Jilly, just walking along, no prob and down I suddenly went and this is one of the reasons my sons take old once independent Anne shopping. I crawled over-end kind of shocked and dizzy. Mark rushed over and I've had to promise not to go down into the basement again which is ridiculous, (I do have a bottom to slide down on) anyway he hauled my now dry sheets etc back upstairs. It's the funniest thing. My mom broke her hip exactly the same way when HER leg caved in on the sidewalk after emerging from a shop. Anyone else get this?
I guess you could say I had the perfect Mother's Day weekend SANDY. I told you all how my Saturday with Mike went I believe. Well Sunday dawned and I got hauled off to the store by Mark. I managed to pick up Mary Jo's birthday present, but didn't like the gardening sun hats and no garden umbrellas. Mark bought me some lovely strong garden tools, took me out for a tasty lunch, hauled me home to the excited waiting Bean and gave me a novel which looks like I will enjoy. Oh and cards of course.
Anyway, I've spent the afternoon looking up "independent senior living homes" and I can forget THAT. Enormously expensive! Really, really expensive and I like how I live right now anyway. So...Marks hauling me off to "home help for seniors" to see what they offer for the future in the form of grass cutting services etc. It's going to be hard for me this, because like JACKIE I have a very independent, and for me Jackie, not for you I hasten to add) stubborn streak. I'm just not used to being waited on hand and foot! Makes me uncomfortable!
So there you have it ladies, funny rainy and cold Monday and one poor little Jilly Bean who didn't get to go walkies on the wet slippery side walk.
Feeling sorry for herself (well a wee bit)
Annie the ancient.1 -
Anne: just a bit of sharing, not that I have all the answers by any means. When John and I discussed our aging in place strategy, I read many books and talked to many people about this. I was first advised about the physical issues. They would not be able to replace every joint in my arthritic ravaged body. So that’s out. Next if we stay here, I needed to use a walker from time to time. I use it around the house mainly to haul stuff around from room to room. We moved the washer and dryer upstairs into the pantry area. We have solid grab bars in the shower. I could use a shower chair if needed but with grab bars unnecessary, so far. I also have a special cane with prongs that help stabilize me if I need that.
We don’t have a ramp on the decks but we have wide low rise steps and firm railings. When doing my exercises, I have a ballet bar in my dungeon, I hang on to a heavy metal table when I exercise out on the deck. My doc and John insist I use something to insure balance and support. I don’t have an emergency call button on a necklace as some people have. We live out in the country. The last point was the one thing that grabs my heart. They (John and Doc) said being independent is great but by ignoring the problem, I will surely fall, I will surely break something and then life is never the same.
Just sharing a page from my book of life.
Patsy2 -
Thank you PATSY. Loads of great suggestions, some new and some of which Mark and I discussed this morning. E.g. A gentle slope to the front door and deck rather than the present steep steps. I can't unfortunately move the washer and dryer to the upstairs because the house is quite small. I have to accept that things aren't going to get better but like you ideally I would like to age in place. I really love this little old house and I've lived here longer than anywhere else so your suggestions are most useful and helpful. I've been tremendously lucky up to now, this past winter saw the decline. Somehow I could never envision me with aids so it's taking a bit of getting used to the idea. Please continue sharing a page from your book of life,
Hugs and best wishes for you and Johns continuing independence and freedom from breakages
Anne.
PS. I read tthat Jimmy Carter fell and broke his hip today. I wonder if his knee gave way?0 -
Hiya from creaky ole me! I remembered the name of that movie I saw yesterday and I think you will love it if you haven't seen it : The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society ! I didn't nod off a single moment during this one. Remember Tom Courtenay? I remember him from back in the 1960s. Well, he's aged right along with me! Aside from the gorgeous scenery, I found the story very touching. You've probably all seen the movie or read the book, but I recall when it first came out , the Potato Peel Pie turned me off!
Gals, when it comes to aging, I'm a notch up on all of you; I think I could be the Mother to some of you, and I can tell you what you most likely have heard before! Eventually, a cane (even with the spread bottom) is more apt to trip you , causing you to fall and break something serious like a femur or pelvis! The same thing with a 3 wheel walker. Very unstable and causing more falls and falls, my loves, are often the beginning of serious deterioration ! If you have fallen just once (with no real damage) get yourself a very sturdy walker with 4 wheels and USE IT! Get rid of ALL throw rugs, and do NOT walk backwards! Take the time to turn around! My 3rd walker weighs about 18 pounds and is very sturdy: an Evolution, Expresso Zero. Exercises for balance are extremely important, as falling can come from lack of balance or brittle bones, but happens too often when least expected. So far, I have never fallen, but I have become quite unsteady due to that bone on bone hip. Is this the me who loved my walking, swimming and exercise classes so much? Well, I will be 92 in June, and have seen much and am so grateful to have made the decision to move to this Lifetime Care (Independent, Assisted Living, Nursing, and lastly if needed, Care for Dementia) Community. The monthly fee for maintenance where we chose is no higher than the fee for our apartment if one or both of us had to move to any of the other areas. The 5 months Mike was in nursing before he died cost no more than our original monthly fee. And besides his excellent care, he received 3 meals a day, nursing care, new-made friends visiting as often as he allowed, and eventually, Hospice Care, at no extra fee. Hospice was right here in the Nursing floor, and was unbelievably helpful and loving! I could not have handled the period we went through alone at home without 24 hour costly home help, and the support of our new "family" was and is immeasurable! And my concern about outliving my meager savings has disappeared, since once we bought in (with proceeds from house we sold) we would never be "thrown out"! Looking into the Community financial structure is very important. Ours has an excellent Samaritan Fund for those who run out of funds. A rental Community does not provide the security . I believe AARP wrote an excellent article on the subject a year or so ago. Living here is the opposite of depressing and for those who love activity, there is no end of offerings, including the gardens we started this year for growing our own produce if we so desire! There is always entertainment, both inside and busses to theaters, concerts, etc. And as I have mentioned, we have 2 other Communities from our larger group nearby, and we can eat there and attend lectures or concerts, movies, etc. at no extra cost. We have also instituted our Olympics Competitions in so many areas between the many communities belonging to ACTS Retirement Life Communities and we travel to many different states to participate! We believe we stay active and interested much longer than "live=alones" due to the social surroundings. Even those of my friends who have moved to the Assisted Living quarters have active lives, picnics, shows, shopping, special dinner or lunch parties
Darn, my website froze, but I think you get the idea. I must get to bed now! I'll be happy to supply information to anyone requiring information, Ill try to answer Buzz
.........................Always Believe Something Wonderful is About to Happen!..........................
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Goodness Anne, I'm just catching up and am so sorry to read you had a fall even though as ever, you maintain your Yorkshire lass sense of humour! Of course it could have been a whole lot worse if that bidet had done you in but it didn't so now it's time to listen to your head, Patsy and Buzz as much as your heart. There are many aids available to us these days to help us maintain our independence which for me is imperative so do understand where you are coming from and I can see so much brilliant advice in both posts above that I have no doubt you will find whatever is needed to ensure you remain safe in your lovely home. Of course I type all this in the knowledge I am the most obstinate, bloody minded person when it comes to asking for help or even acknowledging I need to think about accidents waiting to happen but that's me and right now, since you are very important in my life, I don't want to be hearing something has happened to take away the independence you do enjoy.
I so agree a cane is something to trip over rather than support us having bought a very pretty red floral one to use once off my crutches. Very quickly I felt safer walking in a slow and considered way without.... totally alien to me but even stubborn old me got the message.
I do hope you are feeling less shaken today and ready to take the world on with a little help from a walker if that is what's required.
A beautiful if windy day here again and after a fun walk with friend Jill, Scruff and Misha we are home with gardener Sue who is currently up a ladder pruning my Camelias. Something else I find difficult, someone else working in my garden but at least she and I are on the same wavelength. A fascinating lady, so much so we have to watch her 2 hour session isn't taken up with talking and nothing else.
Have a happy Tuesday everyone and let's all take things steady!
Jackie
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Oh ladies you are such a super helpful lot. The suggestions are wonderful. I think, like Jackie, I'll reject the cane idea though, I have enough trouble with sweeping brushes, garden rakes etc just by being naturally clumsy and short sighted. My service dog isn't much help either. Great for alerting me to folks walking past but hopeless at hauling me to my feet, although I would end up being found with a very clean face.
I mentioned to Mark in fun that if we got rid of the airing cupboard in the bathroom it would accommodate a washer with a dryer on top, condo style and size. He's now wondering how we would vent the dryer!. Another helpful suggestion! I only need one bedroom. Mine which strangely enough is adjacent to the kitchen would make a super dining room and the larger kitchen which presently houses my dining table and sideboard would then have heaps of room for the present washer and dryer to be installed. Joking, but in reality I seem to have got Marks thinking cap on. He text me this morning with thoughts on venting. Oh oh, doubt if it will materialize but if it did I'd have an obstacle course to manoeuvre during construction. Mark, who is still on disability, now as loads of time to think and I could have opened a can of worms!
Well I'm now off for a very careful shower having eaten my unimaginative brekkie of oatmeal.
Anne, the feeling much better one..0 -
You know, the back room could also become the dining room after disposing the old sofa and chair. It's a little chilly in winter but an electric fire would sort that out. The kitchen would be cavernous without dining table and sideboard. Just begging for a washer and drier to fill it like we had in England. This is fun, what ifs........
Anne, this time..... the thoughtful one.0 -
Good day. What wise posts! I will also take them all in being a very stubborn person who is hoping to keep moving and to stay in this 2 story with a basement home for a long time to come. My grandmother stayed in hers until she was 98 but my parents retrofitted her dining room into a bedroom and bath. We came over to do her laundry each week and brought in groceries and took out the trash. Not lots of help but enough to keep that dear (and gritty) lady going. I think of what-ifs often and am afraid this house would need an extension and removal of dining room in order to have a tiny bedroom, shower and laundry on the first floor. I am guessing city zoning would not allow it but who knows.
May we all find the right way forward with health and happiness.
I have been out to Trader Joe’s for a few groceries. I saw a sign for a much lower gas price so decided to go there but in the meantime as I exited the grocery store the rain was pelting down and the streets were flooding. Of course, I still stopped for gas. Haaaaa.
Time to move along for Mah Jongg and then a sword lesson.
Yesterday’s plans didn’t work to get together with my friend. She ended up needing to see the dentist and there was an opening early afternoon OR the end of May! So we are going to try again on Thursday. I took advantage of the time and did more sorting through old papers and am ready for the last shredding event of the spring season this Saturday. Fingers crossed I will get into that one as well while there is space.
Must run. Eeeck, didn’t see how late it is!
Hugs.
Lin0 -
Happy Tuesday!! I am meeting friends for another friend's birthday lunch this afternoon.
The sun is shining and the temp is going to be 70, I am grateful. Lisa comes home with the kiddos tomorrow but not until the afternoon. I will go in the morning to let Ewok out and maybe take him for a walk to tire him out. My son is going back to work although leaving early to come home to see his family. Not sure why he just doesn't stay home but will not question.
I too, am taking in all the advice but my problem is that although my body is old my mind thinks I am young. I have 14 stairs to come and go to get into my apartment but still prefer the second floor. I usually have my cell phone near me at all times so I guess that is my security. Maybe being with the kiddos keeps me agile but I do have to face the fact that I am getting older. I love Buzz's unit but I really can't afford to buy anything so if I need help that will be the time I would probably move in with my daughter. Just not ready yet!!! Living alone makes us independent and very stubborn!!!
Have a good day!
Sandy
One Day at a Time0 -
I've been trying to find out if you can still buy the wheel across the floor 1960s washing machines. Those with a wringer on the top and an outlet pipe to empty the used water down the kitchen sink. Mine was super. When we emigrated in 1973 after 12 years use it was passed around various aunts for years. Don't know what happened to it finally but it was super efficient. All I can find is vintage stuff on eBay so I guess not. Pity, I could do with my old machine today, upstairs and tucked in a corner when not in use.
Not all modern stuff is great and definitely not practical when you have to crawl down basement stairs, wash basket in hand, to use them.
The only drawback that I recall is when our cat Thelly jumped through the kitchen window and straight into the soapy hot water and onto the washing nappies (diapers). A grubby white puss with black markings he flew out of the machine looking remarkably whiter and survived the experience to come to Canada with us.
Anne.
Do you remember "Three wheels on my wagon". Mikes just sent me it off YouTube. Probably considered racist today, it was a children's tune years ago. I loved the drawings that accompanied the song on this version.
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Evening dinner on the go so can't stop but Anne would something like this be too small?
Just a thought!
https://www.amazon.co.uk/COMPACT-WASHING-MACHINE-OUTDOOR-CAMPING/dp/B01CR3WMEE/ref=sr_1_10?qid=1557854622&refinements=p_n_feature_keywords_browse-bin:1616575031&s=appliances&sr=1-10
Jackie0 -
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Looks interesting indeed Jackie and worth exploring further, however the one I really fancied says not for Canada, I'll show the lads though and maybe they'll come up with something. Thanks so much for finding, anne.0
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JACKIE, I do believe you CAN buy them here! AND in Oakville. They cost around $500 and have a small capacity but that's okay! Especially If the big machine is downstairs for big bulky items. It wouldn't half solve the problem with little or no construction cost, just a move around of table and sideboard. Excited! Anne.
Found them here under "Canada Appliance Source. They are for condo living but ideal for wobbly old ladies!0 -
ANNE, the name of MY 1st across the floor washing machine was a THOR, I think. I also remember putting live lobsters in it to keep them alive when we returned from Maine!!! Then after washing diapers and sheets, we would hang them outside in wind and sunshine (and some awful clingy bugs) and they would smell soooo good! In my washer now, I throw in a lavender odored scent to have a nice odor!
Has anyone seen the movie I mentioned?
I admit independence is wonderful and desirable, and I can be as stubborn as anyone about not asking for nor accepting help. But if anything drives us crazy, it's hearing people say, I'm not ready yet. That is the time to make plan, because if you wait "until you're ready," it's often too late to make a choice! It sounds as if you are giving it thought, so I'll keep quiet!
Gotta get the wash into my dryer and do some chores before Birthday Night Dinner And a nap might make my evening pleasant as my eyes and fingers are not working properly right now! Buzz
......................Always Remember.....0 -
BUZZ darling, I'd give my teeth to live with you in your wonderful home, but honestly love it just ain't possible in my case. I left a lovely detached home in the UK which I actually put the deposit on, my new husband just finishing an apprenticeship. When we came over for my exes work in Canada we sold my home and that's the last I saw of my cash. He bought the house we had in Quebec quietly without me being the joint owner. I found out much later this was only one of many cheats and lies. So, divorced under Napoleonic law which didn't favour women then (you must find work I was told by the judge despite not speaking French and the ex pleading guilt. My lawyer actually said "I'm so sorry for you Madam) I found myself with two boys, 12 and 15 to somehow help through university, a dog and a cat and the only job I could find in Quebec that actually spoke English. I transferred to Ontario with this firm because I hadn't any cash to get back to England. I never owned a house again what with rising house prices and inflation etc. Now, I'm not complaining because I am the lucky one with my two lovely sons and DIL, plus all the pets we've loved and owned. I'm secure, but just haven't enough cash in the bank to pay the extra $13000 a year (3 years at most) on top of my old age pensions I'd be charged for probably a less than wonderful place like yours, and that's not counting any shoes or clothes I might need, not to mention dentists and opticians etc.
I do not want to end up in a government run home however nice. Just like everyone else in the same boat I'll be okay because the one good thing that came out of a "married too young" marriage is Michael and Mark! Over the following years I had 4 marriage proposals and nobody ran away faster than yours truly. Once bitten twice shy you might say, lol.
Hugs to you and all you other dear ladies,
Anne.
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Ouch Anne sorry the compact washing machines cost so much more in Canada. I thought I'd discovered a bargain for you but there again Mark may well find one you like for a better price... hope so.
Buzz, I read the book The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society and loved it but when the movie came out critics were of the opinion it had been turned into a love story rather than one of the often awful circumstances the people found themselves facing under occupation. I'm sure the movie would have been enjoyable not knowing the book though.
Jackie0 -
On your recommendation I read the book JACKIE. Agree with your comments. Dreadful time for the folks of Guernsey and Jersey. I'm reading another of your recommendations right this minute.
A Fateful Flaw by Faith Martin.0 -
I enjoyed the book as well. I ignored the movie.1
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Odd the way the day turned out. Played Mah Jongg and had a good time with the ladies then off for my lesson. Surprise, my teacher did not show up. I texted her saying I was leaving after waiting a while. I came home and started sorting more papers for shredding. Got a text later from the teacher saying sorry, she thought we were getting together on Thursday but it emerges now that she really does not want to teach sword. She has urged me to take lessons from a friend of hers. In fact she did sword with this other instructor this morning. So okay, I guess I can take a hint. This is the second time she mentioned this and this time it was more pointed. She has also urged me to take lessons from her another instructor to improve and dive deeper into the Sun form. All lovely suggestions but this is very costly and would have me running all over town. We will see what happens.
I did get lots more paper sorted out. I hope some day I will be caught up!
I watched the video and must say, I have never heard of that song before.
Still mulling over the house issue. Anne, I can not afford to make changes to this house so I am in a pickle as well. We don’t have many CCC options here either so I guess I will keep my head in the sand for now.
Oh, and we have sunshine now.
Many hugs.
Lin1 -
Hello lovely ladies. Out and about today after a lovely quiet walk in the woods with George and Betty. Starting with shopping for a few "bits" and see where I go from there.
Back later no doubt! Jackie
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Oh no, not that white stuff again although the kitty is cute! Happy shopping Jackie.
Leaving soon for Tai Chi and then more Tai Chi with perhaps a stop for some frozen veggies.
Oops, I said frozen. And it definitely will not be that today. Warmer and tomorrow in the 80’s.
Hugs.
Lin0 -
Well, we reach the 60s today. Maybe I can cut the grass. The puss looks just like Jilly only a few weeks ago JACKIE.
No mishaps today. In and out the bath tub for a shower and hair wash like a sprightly octogenarian should! I DID take my phone with me, (oh she of little faith.)
Anyway Jackie, Buzz, Sandy, Jeri, Patsy and our lovely Lin, plus anyone else who may be taking a peek, happy, happy Wednesday.
Anne, positively leaping up and down like a mountain goat - well an elderly one.1
https://youtu.be/fsXoMS9-xxg