WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR AUGUST 2018
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stats for the day:
bike ride hm 2 gym- 7.51min, 12amph, 137mhr, 1.5mi= 73c
apple watch- 60c
TREADMILL slow jog- 30.52min, 10.10min mi, 5.5-6.2p, 135ahr, 152mhr, 5k= 315c
apple watch- 363c
other- 6.20min, legs straight out to waist, then knees up to waist, 5sets of 10ea, 119ahr, 131mhr, 65c
apple watch- 56c
Floor exercises- 2.37min, sit-ups, on butt-knees to chest 106ahr, 112ahr= 37c
apple watch- 36c
ride gym 2 dome- 5.21min, 16.5amph, 129mhr, 1.4mi= 58c
apple watch- 39c
ride puy 2 sumn station- 14.36min, 12.5amph, 127ahr, 146mhr, 153c
apple watch- 119c
jog sta 2 wk- 5.03min, 9.54min mi, 137ahr, 148mhr, .5mi= 70c
apple watch- 58c
jog wk 2 sumn sta- 4.12min, 149mhr, 9.19min mi, .4mi= 50,
apple watch- 49c
bike ride dome 2 hm- 17.43min, 8.8amph, 145mhr, 2.5mi= 157c
apple watch- 147c
total cal 978
up to $955!! thanks auntiebk!!!!!!2 -
margaretturk wrote: »Please remember to pull over if you need to be on the phone when you are driving. I witnessed a young mother on the phone with her son in the back seat driving while on the phone. She was driving like she was drunk. Fortunately she did not have an accident while I was driving near her. It only takes a moment for a life time of regrets.
Margaret
It's illegal to even touch your phone while driving ... or even while stopped at a light ... here.
https://www.examiner.com.au/story/5610434/tasmania-police-warn-of-risks-of-using-phones-while-driving/
M in Oz
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trisH_7183 wrote: »okiewoman510 wrote: »Greetings Ladies - Visiting with our friends was great. I'm starving, I had some turkey at lunch, it was a VERY limited menu. I'm getting ready to go fix my dinner.
I'm the oddball again, I can't do the tumeric capsules. I have tried twice and both times my finger joints get so sore it hurts to bend my fingers. It could be coincidental, but since it happened twice several months apart, I'm done with them.
Happy Saturday evening!
Okie in the TX Hill Country
MACHKA......I've been on them for a couple weeks now, but the jury is still out. They were supposed to go a long way to get rid of the joint pain in my feet ... but if anything that's worse. Plus my hips have been really acting up in the last few days.
They may not be causing the pain, but they don't seem to be helping.
Thanks to OKIE & MACHKA & LISA .....for the review. You are not odd at all. Someone....LISA mentioned another med for arthritis Glucosamine,that did nothing for me. After a yr,gave what was left to a neighbor..........Melatonin doesn’t work for me,but does for a DD. I’m weird for sure.
Runs in my family.Sis is allergic to most meds.Have to be careful adding to meds I already take. Thanks again,Pat in Oh
Glucosamine does seem to help me, but I'm still not sure about the Tumeric.
I've never tried Melatonin because Valerian works for me, but I know Valerian doesn't work for some people.
M in Oz
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Did 5 min hola hoop (I’m getting a bit better at this!), held my plank for 3 minutes, then the extremepump class. The plan for tomorrow is to do a Reebok Step DVD (a new one)
Sue in WA – happy belated anniversary! Out of curiosity, how long has it been now that you’ve been in WA?
Kelly – love that you’re celebrating Valentine’s day now.
Exercised, stopped at the Salvation Army then Habitat for Humanity, home and then bowling (early since this is the end of the season. The next season starts in 2 weeks), ceramics tonight then mahjongg
Rita – what is a hosting job?
Planning to cut the grass tomorrow. Jess should be back tonight, don’t know what time and I suspect she doesn’t either. Truthfully, I’m a bit disappointed that she isn’t spending more time with Shadow. Yes, Shadow is well taken care of but she’ll only see Jess for 4 days. Maybe Jess should have taken Shadow with her.
Rye – I’m so sorry about your insurance issue. As far as the Newcomer saga, I think part of the problem is that Greg nor Carol (the president) read the email. They just skimmed it. Carol’s notes have lately been very weird. She sent one to me that I swear she was drunk when she wrote it. Lots of misspellings, writing non-sentences. This time I suspect she might have been busy with her company and just skimmed it. Also, she’s been saying for months how she’s going to poll the membership to find someone to be a backup for Greg only she hasn’t. Now when he leaves she doesn’t have anyone to take his place and it’s really her own fault. But it’s easier to blame Vince than take personal responsibility. Last month she said she was going to poll the membership and Vince asked her “what are we going to do if we can’t find someone” and she answered “I don’t know”. Well, that isn’t a good answer. Vince looked into going to an outside company. Greg wouldn’t lose any of his duties. She’s one of those people who doesn’t want to hurt anyone. I guess deep down inside she knows that Vince is right – that Greg’s job is very important. She probably feels that the Treasurer’s job can be done by anyone. Well, it isn’t a case of just balancing the checkbook and filling in some papers. We were very lucky he was Treasurer when they changed the fiscal year and then incorporated. He’d taken law classes for his CPA so knew some of the questions to ask.
Chris from Idaho – welcome!
Carol – one the things that I absolutely want in my new car is bluetooth. I don’t like to talk on the phone, but like when we’re driving to FL sometimes it’s necessary to communicate where we’re going to stop. I do have a bluetooth headset but many times I have problems with it.
Felicia – I’m so sorry to hear about your hubby. Glad you had a great trip
Purl – I remember you! Welcome back
Michele in NC
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Cellphone use is also banned while driving here in New Zealand. A lot of people still do it. Using a hands free device would be a much better option for essential communication while driving. If my husband gets a text or call while he is driving and I am there, I always answer it for him and the kids do the same for me if I am driving and they are there. I either ignore it or pull over if I get a phone call while driving by myself.2
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So cute!💗
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Hello there, it has been ages since I’ve participated but I’m back at it and would love to rejoin the group. Many changes here and new beginnings!
Welcome back, I hope you'll get really involved and join in the conversation. These women have done so much to help me stay on track. I am feeling a bit better today so I have to be extra mindful to lie down as much as possible. Only short times at the computer or walking and then back to bed. Thank you for all your encouraging words. Barbie 7 -
Rita will have to answer the question, "What is a hosting job" herself, but from my experience many campgrounds have campground hosts who are usually couples, or even several couples for larger campgrounds, who welcome guests, tell guests about the facilities, attractions, etc., and generally monitor things so that everyone has a pleasant and peaceful stay.
In exchange, I think they either get reduced camping rates, or don't pay anything at all.
Machka in Oz2 -
Hi all: Spent most of the day doing yard work. Did well on eating, fresh picked wild blackberries on my yogurt this morning. Yum! The blueberries are about done and we have several quarts in the freezer for later use. Starting to get apples off the tree out front. They are gravenstein and rather tart. Good cooking apples. The horses are enjoying the windfalls.
Michelle - We have been in WA now a little over 3 years. Where does the time go? We moved in June 2015.
Heather - Thanks for the book title.
KJ - You have an awesome imagination.
Rita - Hope the hosting goes well.
Pip - You go girl!
Nessa at puppy class.
Everyone take care, Sue in WA
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Hi all! Zero tolerance laws for cell phone use here in BC too, but people still do it. Hands free devices are exempt, but I still see folks with the phone clamped to their ear. And what's with texting while out walking the dog??? Can't you just enjoy the nature around you?
Janet, oh my! Olivia is just a little doll!
Kelly, I don't know where you get all your ideas for your daycare, you amaze me! You are giving those kids so much more than just a place to be looked after, their parents must be so happy knowing that the kids are not only getting good care, but also learning so much about the world around them!
Tracy, how wonderful that your daughter is planning a surprise for you! I threw my own 50th b-day party, it was a fun thing to do and I really enjoyed getting friends together!
Rebecca, Minestrone soup! Yum!
Machka, two bike rides with hubby! How wonderful! He has come such a long way, so happy for both of you.
Beth, thank heavens your son has you to advocate for him! Thinking good thoughts for both of you.
Barbie, I think I read you have a herniated disc? Ouch! Hubby has one is his lower back, very painful. He's on a long term nerve root pain killer that enables him to live a somewhat normal life, but we are waiting for him to see a surgeon. And waiting, and waiting..... He was diagnosed in Dec 2016 and we're still waiting.... Trying to turn up the heat on the Dr, but we can't even leave a message on his answering machine, so time to turn up the heat on our GP. Hopefully he can get something happening.
Family, never was lucky enough to live close to extended family. When I was very young, we moved to a town about 6 hours from what was home because that was where dad found work. Since the work continued to keep a roof over our head, that's where we continued to live. When I got old enough to be looking for a job, there just wasn't anything there for me and not many options for post secondary education, so I moved about 12 hours in the other direction where a dear friend was living. Still here, love it! Would not move from here, but I'm still far away from family! Can get to dad's side in about 12 hours, can get to many members of mom's family in about 6 hours, but because we are on an island, there is a ferry and it's pricey. But I do love my island paradise and I know that our older son won't leave here as our daughter in law has a large extended family (and they are wonderful people!) so she won't be going anywhere! That part is good, at least we're near our grandson.
Today was a successful day! Did a much more complete workout than I have for a few months now, despite the fact that I stayed up too late and slept in, I still did the full workout and managed to get a few things done around the house too! And my eating was well and truly on track! Didn't log any calories burned for the weights part of my workout, just counted my time on the elliptical. I don't use the calorie amounts that MFP says I burned, I log what it says on the machine because it's always lower than MFP's number. I was actually only over my "base" calories but about 20, so today was really good! Just need to do that tomorrow too. And the next day etc, but just going to concentrate on tomorrow for now.
Hugs for those who need them, congrats to those celebrating (congrats on those awesome wedding anniversary numbers too!! We just celebrated 37 years in June), and welcome to the newbies.
Evelyn, Vancouver Island, where the sky was blue today! (no smoke or clouds, just a beautiful day!)
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Living near my maternal grandparents was great for me, but my mother found it oppressive. The two houses fell out when they accused my younger brother of stealing a ten shilling note from them. (He didn't ) We weren't allowed to visit for well over a year until my grandfather rang my mother at work, crying his eyes out.
He had been a pretty awful father to my mother as, apart from being a stubborn so and so, he had PTSD from WW1, but he adored me. He had had lost a leg in the trenches.
I am very cautious with my children not to be a pain. As you all know, I adore my grandchildren and that is the major reason we want to move, but most people I know personally have had a very ambivalent relationship with their parents and often resent them or find them a duty rather than a pleasure. I'm always surprised when my children appear to love me!
I also tread very, very carefully with my amazing DDIL as she is the iron hand in the velvet glove. I don't want to overstep the mark.
I hope when we get there that we can work out a routine that is acceptable, convenient and, indeed, joyous for all parties. I'm missing the grandchildren like mad.
Here is the latest pic from DDIL.
Love Heather UK xxxxxxx
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Nessa is getting big now! Poodles are such smart dogs. I would have liked to be owned by one but always worried about coat clipping expense. I suppose it would be cheaper to buy your own clippers and learn how to do it yourself.
Heather, your grandies are so cute. No wonder you want to be closer and I think you're wise not to get underfoot. LOL Even close loving families need plenty of space. My youngest daughter, who is pregnant, is determined to move back home in a few months time when her job finishes. Her boyfriend does not want to move out here though so they are arguing about it. It's so nice having the empty nest right now, so quiet and easy to clean and organize and less stressful... but my daughter wants to save money so they can buy their own house, and not pay rent where they are, and we feel obliged to help them out since we have a large house...We've had all three of our daughters and various boyfriends living with us off and on over the years. We are ready to be on our own. I like my family so much better when they don't live with me. In the same town is close enough. LOL. Wendy 3 -
Heather cute pic of the grands, each personality shines through!
Hot and Humid day here, but with plenty to do to get organized for return to work. I opened my school emails last night, with a heavy sigh but, I am embracing the climb ahead. I do so love a fresh start and each year of school is just like that, a fresh start.
NYKAREN6 -
morning sweet friends~
I fell asleep early and woke up at 4:30 this morning, hopped right up and went and got dressed and threw some laundry in the wash, dont know what time I go in,but want to get things done before I do...
Alfie goes to the end of my bed and barks at any people or animals that come on the t.v. ,such a crazy dog... will go down and walk Homer and Chester before work...last concert of the summer is tonight, and would love to go.. we shall see. I really dont want to leave the dog that long, even though my sweet neighbor comes down and stays a couple of hours with him, I feel so much better that she does this, and I try and keep my fridge filled with stuff she likes as she is on a very limited income , and I told her to help herself as she is doing me a favor.. I also get her a gift card to family dollar every couple of weeks to help take care of her 2 kitties..4 -
Today was a successful day! Did a much more complete workout than I have for a few months now, despite the fact that I stayed up too late and slept in, I still did the full workout and managed to get a few things done around the house too! And my eating was well and truly on track! Didn't log any calories burned for the weights part of my workout, just counted my time on the elliptical. I don't use the calorie amounts that MFP says I burned, I log what it says on the machine because it's always lower than MFP's number. I was actually only over my "base" calories but about 20, so today was really good! Just need to do that tomorrow too. And the next day etc, but just going to concentrate on tomorrow for now.
Hugs for those who need them, congrats to those celebrating (congrats on those awesome wedding anniversary numbers too!! We just celebrated 37 years in June), and welcome to the newbies.
Evelyn, Vancouver Island, where the sky was blue today! (no smoke or clouds, just a beautiful day!)
Evelyn - Congrats on your successful day! Your mindset of one day at a time is a good one!
Okie2 -
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Good morning all! Happy Tuesday! Wow! Another night of thunderstorms, lightning, and rain! I always sleep really well during this weather (and I did again, last night). Not sure if it is the barometric pressure or what, but I tend to sleep deeper. Right now it is still dark outside, but I can't wait to see how much greener things are getting because of the rain. Boy, did we need it!
Thanks to all for the compliments on my daycare/daycare ideas. I have a compilation of calendars and ideas saved (in paper form and on my computer), some ideas are my own but many I found years ago from magazines like Family Fun and Parent. Pinterest has been a treasure trove of ideas for me. I could get lost on that site, and have gotten sucked in for hours, looking at all of the different learning ideas/ crafts/ etc. Many of my ideas are ideas I got from my years as a girl scout leader/volunteer at daycamps. Years ago, before the internet, I had three summers in a row that I did a "badge" program for my boys. I used my girl scout handbook and planned themes for the week and activities that needed to be done to earn the badge. The boys would get the "actual" badge (sorry Rori, that may have been an abuse of my leader privileges) and they loved it all! So...somewhere in Grand Haven, there are six young man who have earned about a two dozen girl scout badges.
Janet- Oh my OLIVIA! What a doll baby! Look at that blonde hair in ponytails! She has lost that baby look!
Heather- I love the way you described your DDIL! "...iron hand in a velvet glove". That is a great compliment, in my opinion. It seems to be working. Every photo you have shared of your grandchildren they look happy to be with each other and content at where they are at the time! Beautiful kids!
Purl - I remember you, but I can't remember your name; or did you go by Purl? Hope to hear more from you and how you have been during your absence! Welcome back!
Felicia- Great to hear from you, again! Missed you!
Evelyn- Kudos to you for getting exercise in after you have slept in! I am AWFUL at that (which is why I don't sleep in hardly EVER).
Rita - So excited about this new adventure as a host! I can't wait to see photos and hear about the interesting people and adventures you have in Roswell! (insert alien emoji here)
Sue WA- I read your first couple of lines about blueberries and was thinking, "Our blueberries are pretty much done; time for apples!" LOL...One of my favorite fall things to do is to go to the cider mills and pick/buy my apples and watch them make cider. Most of those places around here also have cafe's that serve doughnuts, cider, soup and sandwiches, etc. I try to avoid the food, but I usually end up buying a half dozen doughnuts. This year, I will have to plan a doughnut into my menu as a treat. The orchard closest to me makes the most wonderful cinnamon cake doughnut.
Grandparents- Neither set of grandparents were particularly affectionate. My mother's mother was widowed and had a severe alcohol problem, so no decent relationship there. My father's mother was a good grandmother in the way that she knew her way around a garden, kitchen, canning, foraging in the woods for berries, mushrooms, plants, etc. She also hunted. She was the first woman in Michigan to get a hunting license and shoot an elk! She made the papers for that one! lol BUT...she wasn't a very open, talkative, or affectionate woman. When I became a teenager, we got to know each other a little better and I found out she grew up on a farm, left the farm for the big city and lived her teen/early twenties as a "flapper" when she met and married "the ukelele player in a Hawaiian band" (my grandfather). After marriage, he bought a gas station and ran that, and she was a housewife and began raising her seven kids, started a garden and an orchard, etc. Full circle. I was a little rebellious and I think my adventures in the world reminded her a bit of herself. She told me these things about her as we were in her car. She was in her 70's and drove a little red Gremlin "like a bat out of H*ll". I told her so ,and she laughed at me. That is when her story came out. My own mother was much closer to my father's mother. My paternal grandmother outlived my own parents and I think that loss took a lot out of her. Both of my grandfathers died when I was very young. One from TB and the other from complications due to Alzheimers (but they didn't call it that, at that time).
Well ladies, today we are celebrating Mardi Gras! I have a cd of great Bourbon Street jazz music, plus I will add my collection of Louis Armstrong and Cab Calloway music. We usually make our own masks; but we just did that for our Italy craft last week, so I had a few pairs of old sunglasses, so I will have the kids decorate the sunglasses with feathers, ribbons, glitter, etc., I will plug my video camera into the tv and let the kids dance and see themselves on tv, plus everyone gets some mardi gras beads. I am making an easy King Cake for snack. By easy, I mean I am taking a short cut and just using a refrigerated pillsbury cinnamon roll package to make it. Adding the baby after baking.
Well, I have rambled on long enough. The rain has let up momentarily so I will take my trash to the curb and remove the spiders that seem to have moved to my front door area due to the rain.
ttfn xoxoxo KJ (Kelly)8 -
NY Karen- Just wanted to say that I loved your photos! Feel free to post more of your travels!
Allie- Hurrah! For getting your eight hours and waking early enough to get things done! I love those kind of mornings!1 -
MACHAKA. quote
Glucosamine does seem to help me, but I'm still not sure about the Tumeric.
I've never tried Melatonin because Valerian works for me, but I know Valerian doesn't work for some people.
M in Oz
The directions for Valerian seem odd? Sounds like a lot of capsules needed.
Very likely it’s just because I know nothing about it. Pat in Oh0 -
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Morning, all,
Reading every day, welcoming new ones, returnees, those who struggle and those who triumph. Glad we're all here.
Sorry I've been kind of MIA over the last couple weeks while traveling. I actually do start every day with y'all, but work got a tad overwhelming. Transitions aren't always comfortable, as we're changing CEOs at work, but much less because of the change itself than everyone else chicken-littling. ("When in danger or in doubt, run in circles, scream and shout!" for those who aren't familiar with the reference. Also, "The sky is falling, the sky is falling!")
For whatever reason, in work situations, I often end up being the calming, objective voice for a lot of people on the other end of the phone, and due to my own mental uproar from traveling, felt ill-equipped to do so this time. But, moving from a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants CEO to a by-the-book one can be tough, and I was still on the phone talking to one more who needed some reassurance at 9 p.m. last night.
And, as it usually does, travel wreaked havoc on my intestinal system. Warning, TMI:Kinda living in "never trust a fart" land, and have been for days. Ready for THAT to be over!
The rest, well, the rest will all work out as the work goes along. This CEO is determined to keep me in the communication loop, and I'm grateful for that.
Sorry it's all work-focused these days.
Love y'all,
Lisa in AR (thank goodness!)5 -
Heather said, "I am very cautious with my children not to be a pain. As you all know, I adore my grandchildren and that is the major reason we want to move, but most people I know personally have had a very ambivalent relationship with their parents and often resent them or find them a duty rather than a pleasure. I'm always surprised when my children appear to love me! I also tread very, very carefully with my amazing DDIL as she is the iron hand in the velvet glove. I don't want to overstep the mark."
Exactly how I feel!2 -
Good Morning,
In the middle of summer again in Ohio. Hot and sticky.
Woke up yesterday morning at 4 AM. Was at work by 4:30. I have so much to get done! I made a list, starred the most important and time sensitive, and got organized for the day. Wow! It was a great day! BUSY! Just feeling a little more organized
I really wish folks would help each other and pay attention to details. I was missing rather important paperwork. Finally called the customer who received a new mower on Friday and asked if my driver had given him certain things. Customer said he thought it was odd, but yes. He had what I was looking for. I was at DR appointment until just before we opened on Friday, I had placed the papers on the folder, but never finished them up. I would think that since the driver has been doing this for 4 years, he would have said something......since this was out of the norm. Luckily for me and us, the customer will be in today to bring me what I need and sign the finance stuffs. I was much relieved after speaking with him, since I had spent several hours looking for those papers! Need to let niece help with some stuffs today. Will figure it out.
Found Turmeric with black pepper chewables. Have been taking a few days. Not sure I have noticed a difference, but will keep you all posted. I dislike taking pill form. If small enough, can do, but prefer chewables.
When I was reading your posts I had lots to add, now my mind is blank.
My youngest daughter and family now live right near shop. Son in law works with me. I rarely see them! Between Daughter's EARLY morning job and kids sports and me working, time slips away. My oldest daughter and her family live an hour away. We probably see any of them about every 1-2 months. As the grands get older, their schedules just get busier. My husband's mom lives next door, so we see her just about every day. She cares for our dogs better than her own family! The rest of his family all live within 3 miles and we only see them if they are at work together! As for grandparents.....I only had one still alive when I was born, my maternal grandmother. We generally only saw her once a year at either Christmas or Thanksgiving. She worked full time (like me), but really wasn't loving and affectionate. She was set in her ways. I loved talking with her though about all her travels. There are several great memories associated with her. My girls are the only grands that ever met my father. The only grandparent they have left alive is my Mom and she is not, nor ever has been a very good parent/grandparent. Alcoholism and hoarding will do that. I hope my grands don't say this about me....They love making memories with me. Dying eggs and egg hunts at Easter, Thanksgiving with homemade cheesecake, and Christmas cookie baking. Those are our special moments. Car shows with the oldest.
Better get going for day! Love the pictures, stories, successes, and travels. My husband and I will have been married 9 years tomorrow, but have been together 24 years.
Kylia3 -
Love hearing about all the parents/grandparents.
My paternal grandmother lived about 7 miles away from us, with her daughter and family. Every Monday afternoon she would catch the bus from the village to come and see us. She always brought Rollos, a chewable chocolate and toffee candy. We were very fond of her, although she was a quiet, unassuming woman. My dad would take her home at night.
I only met my paternal grandfather once as they were legally separated. My grandmother was religious and didn't believe in divorce. He was definitely a "black sheep" and died a hoarder in a choked room with long hair and fingernails. I know nothing about that side of the family, which is strange because I have chosen to keep his name as my own.
Love Heather UK xxxxxxx5 -
trisH_7183 wrote: »MACHAKA. quote
Glucosamine does seem to help me, but I'm still not sure about the Tumeric.
I've never tried Melatonin because Valerian works for me, but I know Valerian doesn't work for some people.
M in Oz
The directions for Valerian seem odd? Sounds like a lot of capsules needed.
Very likely it’s just because I know nothing about it. Pat in Oh
I take one a day. My bottle of Valerian says "take one capsule 30 minutes to an hour before bedtime", and it's 2000 mg.
Maybe what you're looking at are fewer mg?
M in Oz0 -
Llll0
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Finished 2 homework assignments.
Going to bed early.
Battling colds + cold night.
Hot water bottle time!!
Machka in very chilly Oz5 -
My paternal grandparents lived on a homestead farm in Nebraska about 10 miles from the little town we lived in. I loved going to the farm. The shady grass around the house was the thickest carpet of luxury bare feet ever ran through. We cut fresh rhubarb from the garden and stood there with a salt shaker eating and puckering,
. In stark contrast, my Grandma made rhubarb hard sauce for ice cream that was a sweet-tart party in your mouth. There were mysterious outbuildings full of old treasures - even a vintage Model T pickup. Grandma's "kitters", as she called them, would come round skittishly, as they were only half-tamed. Grandma's house was spic n' span. She had long wavy gray hair kept up in a net. She taped pieces of candy to the wrapping paper on our birthday presents. Grandpa was an animal whisperer. The kittens would come to him to have their chins nudged by his rough finger, purring blissfully while keeping out of the reach of us kids. Grandpa had a dog he trained to do all kinds of things. He would pet the dog and then ever so gently call it an SOB, and it would put its tail between its legs, lower its ears, and slink away. Grandpa made buckwheat pancakes when we visited. In the winter, he told Grandma he "needed to go to town", but actually played cards with his men friends.
My maternal grandparents moved from Idaho when Granny's health failed, and lived in a trailer in our back yard. Granny was a college educated woman and taught the deaf. She was an artist. She was amazing. I wish I had known her better. In 1936, when my mom was 12, Granny took her to see Katherine Hepburn on stage as a reward for feeding all the men and keeping house while Granny was having surgery. Gramps had an 8th grade education. He was a well-read, self-educated man who was insatiably curious about the world. He ran the General Store on a Sioux Indian reservation for years. Later when they moved to Idaho, Gramps and my uncle would cut down a huge Christmas tree and ship it all the way to Nebraska each year. When they moved to our back yard, he took various and sundry jobs around town. He owned the first handheld calculator in our little town.
He came to all our high school performances. He was a fabulous cook.
I was lucky.
Karen in VIrginia7 -
On the grandparent side of things, my maternal grandfather abandoned my grandmother and my mother when she was two years old, and came back into her life many years later, when she was about 18...we saw him and his eighth or ninth wife (no one knew which, and he wasn't telling) every three or four years, when they'd swan through in a trailer with weird gifts from their travels. One year it was maracas, castanets (which I loved), flutes and bongo drums for all the kids. My father wasn't fond of him, understandably enough, but I liked him a lot, all of us kids did, probably only saw him a half-dozen times, in all.
My paternal grandmother died when I was very young, and my paternal grandfather was a Pentecostal preacher, who re-married a 16-year-old parishioner with a face like a very sad horse when he was 60. She took care of him into his old age, and deserved everything she got in the will. Couldn't cook worth a flip, made the worst biscuits in the known world. The old man did not approve of me in particular, or most of my father's children.
My maternal grandmother favored her other daughter (my only aunt) and that daughter's children were her favorite grandchildren. My mother visited her a lot in the last 20 years of her life, once she and my father divorced, but we children never attached to her, really. I was sent to spend a month with her one summer, as punishment for some infraction, and she had no idea what to say to me. It was a lonely and instructive few weeks.
Regarding extended family, I'm the ninth of ten kids (blended family) and I'm close with only one, my baby sister. She's close with me and the brother next up from me. On that subject, Richard Bach said it best: “The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life. Rarely do members of one family grow up under the same roof.”
Love y'all,
Lisa in AR4
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