WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR APRIL 2019

barbiecat

Bananasandoranges I walk a lot using Bluetooth headphones to listen to audio books and podcasts that I've downloaded to my phone. I am fortunate to live near two great places to walk and I walk every day no matter what kind of weather. Having something interesting to listen to makes it possible to walk for a long time without getting bored. I have good outerwear that is suitable for all the weather we have here.

Barbie from NW WA

barbiecat

"Working is one of the most dangerous forms of procrastination."---Gretchen Rubin

beadowl

Morning ladies another fine day in refrigerator land, it’s 1C in Toronto!🌧💨🥶
Janet Beautiful Tuscany! Yes your daughter should move there😃I lived in Siena for 6 months in the 80s. It is paradise!
Allie Nocturnal leg cramps, eat a package of mustard (yep the fast food type), or drink some pickle juice, cramp stops in less than 3 min. Olympians & atheletes use. Mom has had Alz. for 9 years, in a home. She was a Alz. nurse until she was 76! Does your home have a social worker or Family Council? They can be of great help. US Alz. Society has a 24/7 telephone line, chat with a real person 1-800-272-3900. Not just advice, support at 3:00 am when the blues get to you. Help for all kinds of dementia.😢

Healthcare Now is the time to speak up! 😲 My bro. moved to Charlotte 30 yrs ago. His medical expenses were $19.5K this year (he has ins, that’s his co-pays) he gets $0 back on taxes because the threshold is $24K. I tell him come back to Canada before you go broke.😱. What can I say, the richest country in the world can’t provide healthcare, but every other country can. 😤 We’re getting national pharmacare (well it’s an election promise), but Canada is the only country with national healthcare that does not have national pharmacare.😾

My girlfriend and I are taking our 87 yr old friend to a Cuban club tonight for hot food &salsa.💃🏻 His wife died last mo, Alz. They were married for 60 yrs. it’s hitting him now. I find this is the best thing I can do, offer compassion & support to others; lots of jokes, dancing, making people smile any way I can. Guess I finally grew-up too Sharon.🦉beadowl.

Machka9

cityjaneLondon wrote: »

You will all have to move to Scotland where tuition is free if you live there. My ex has moved to Glasgow and both his kids will get free uni. Don't know about the accommodation though.
I had almost free uni in 1967 - 1970 including accommodation . I did pay for my MA, but it was a small fee compared to nowdays.
I feel sorry for kids now who are ending up with huge debts. The parents don't have to contribute though, just crippling loans for the students.

Love Heather UK XXXXXX

All that and free camping! Gotta love Scotland!

Yes, I too feel sorry for those who end up with huge education debts. I know we have to look at it like an investment, but when you do a bit of accounting and you're not really seeing a return on investment, it can be a bit disheartening.


M in Oz

cityjaneLondon

Bananas - My husband and I listen to BBC radio 4 in the mornings while we are exercising. We do argue with the radio a lot! When I am on my recumbent bike in the pm I watch a streamed tv programme. When I am out running I either talk to my DH if he is with me or I listen to the wonderful Soul Music Podcasts on my phone which are available for free download from the BBC website. It's Radio 4. They are so good and two of them last me my run. They are a piece of music with people talking about why it is important to them. Usually very profound stories.
I used to hate exercise, other than dancing, but I now love it. I do sometimes need the company of a human voice though, music alone doesn't always do it for me, though I do have a fabulous running Playlist.

Back from the restaurant. Astonishingly wonderful. When I go out I like to eat something I can't make at home. This delivers in spades!
On the way home we jumped off the bus to buy chilli and coriander scotch eggs from my favourite deli. Then I bought the f.a.g.g.o.t.s that I didn't buy last time!!! Somehow I lost my bus pass, which gives me free bus travel. So on Monday I will have to go to the Town Hall to get a new one. The old one was from Hampshire, where I used to live, so I really should have got a new one anyway.
I bought a very cheap frame to put an old painting of mine in. I think I painted it around 1990. I still like it.
I also purchased some LED string lights from the same bargain shop , in the shape of multi coloured lanterns. Going to put them in our empty grate in the fireplace.
So a good day. Tonight's dinner is Thai green curry with salmon. AF pink wine.

Love Heather UK xxxxxxx

ginnytez

@1948Peachy - your grands are beautiful! I only got to FaceTime with mine-but that is better than not seeing them. I get to see the little changes and growing from call to call and while it is not like being there--it is a lot closer than things would have been a few years ago.

pipcd34

stats for yesterday:

bike ride hm 2 gym- 6.41min, 14.2amph, 139mhr, 1.58mi= 76c
treadmill walk/skip/sidestep- 40min, 98ahr, 126mhr, 3.5-3.9sp, 5-8incl, 2.49mi= 209c
bike ride gym 2 dome- 4.34min, 137mhr, 19.4amph, 1.47mi= 54c
bike ride puy 2 sumn station- 14.41min, 12.4amph, 141mhr,3.02mi= 144c
jog sta 2 wrk- 4.57min, 9.54min mi, 150mhr, .50mi= 63c
jog wrk 2 sta- WINDY 4.30min, 9.49min mi, 152mhr, .45mi= 73c
bike ride dome 2 hm- WINDY 21.08min, 7.5amph, 143mhr, 2.62mi= 216c

total cal 835

Machka9

My husband and I are back from our trip around Tasmania. It didn't turn out exactly like I planned. I planned all sorts of cycling and many hikes. Unfortunately he was sick at the beginning of the trip, and I came down with it a couple days in. So instead of cycling and hiking, there was a lot of sleeping and a bit of an attempt at walking.

However, the trip took us both down memory lane because we went to parts of Tassie that we don't normally visit but areas that hold memories for both of us individually and together. I think it was important for my husband to see some of those places and rebuild his memories. His memory of past events is really very good.

The spots we chose to stay were also really quiet, aside from the wind and roar of the ocean. It was nice to be away from traffic, barking dogs, etc.

I'll find out tomorrow what sort of eating damage was done, although I'm hoping that my general lack of appetite, after throwing up my brunch about a week ago, has worked in my favour where the lack of exercise will not.


Photo album: https://www.flickr.com/photos/machka-bb/albums/72157679080157818 and this trip starts on the photo dated 20190419.


Machka in Oz

barbiecat

grogers511

bananasandoranges wrote: »

Reading back I found ginger's accountability post inspiring. Is it ok if I borrow it ginger? If so I'll adapt and probably modify it as I go a long. If that's too much copying, I'll find another way.)

It's fine with me. I hope it helps you as much as it is me.
Ginger in Texas

Snowflake1968

Heather - I am going to look up your books. I hope you get on the show for the doll. That is an adorable picture of your Mom. I have a trunk full of old family photos back to my Great Great Grandparents generation, my Grandmother wrote names on most of them, but like you I'm not sure what to do with them all. I did find a facebook group that is all the descendants of that branch of my family tree, I posted a lot of them on there for others to enjoy. I can't just get rid of them, but I don't know who will be interested in them, some of them are actually tin pictures.

Yvonne - Happy Anniversary! I enjoyed the zucchini story and the healthcare realities down there makes me sad for those that can't pay.

Megamom - You are looking amazing. I have a friend that wouldn't allow pictures taken of her due to her weight. She was single and never in a relationship until she was 47 so her niece and nephew she treated like her own. She shared a house with her divorced brother so had the children a lot growing up. In 2008, her nephew was diagnosed with brain cancer in September as was gone by March. She was devastated not to have a picture of them together. From then on, she took every opportunity she could to have pictures taken with her friends and family.

Carol & Rebecca - I am usually a very relaxed passenger unless the traffic is bad and my husband is driving. He is a good driver, always has been, but he is confident (read cocky) and I am forever pumping the brake that is not at my feet on the passenger side, putting my arms out to brake and swearing under my breath!

Carol - Glad you have a small answer to the pile of questions regarding your BnL.

Rori - Hope your resting works on your ankle and it is feeling better for the drive.

Sharon - I am so impressed that you made the decision to have the surgery and how seriously you are taking it. I have a niece that is 20 years old this month, the doctors have been trying for about 4 years to get her to have surgery to help with her morbid obesity and she refuses. She has been raised by my in laws and they have never said no to her. She is tall, probably 5'7" or 8", but I bet she is close to 325 or more for weight and it's sad to see how unhealthy she is. She is of course, of the generation that posts her meals on social media and I have actually hidden her from my newsfeed as it makes me so sad to see her choices. I think, if she had someone that has been through it successfully, that took it seriously and followed all of the instructions she would have a different outlook. Unfortunately, she has only 2 people that she knows that had it. One did not follow any of the instructions given and of course became quite ill. The other, was diagnosed with cancer shortly after and she has somehow linked that in her mind.

Barbara - I would love to make that shirt for you with Hippie part added when I get back to work. I will take a screenshot of it so I don't forget. Forgive me, because I haven't watched Game of Thrones, but that is a reference to it isn't it?

Kim - I am going to try the yoga alphabet thing. I really need to start doing some stretching, balancing and strength training. I do get lots of cardio.

Kelly - I laughed out loud at your Mother's doctoring. My brother used my teddy bears as target practice.... I was so devastated. I have to laugh at your mother, but sympathize with your Aunt.

Lisa - 9 hours of driving for a 15 minute meeting seems excessive. I get it though, I once had to drive 11 hours to attend a client's barbecue so that it showed we were interested. It was an exhausting day! Thanks for sharing about the alphabet before getting out of bed, I'm going to tell my daughter about that, she sprains an ankle about once every two months or so.

On the subject of dolls, my paternal Grandmother had a walking doll that she won on a punch board at a gas station my Aunt and Uncle owned in 1969. I only ever saw glimpses of this doll as it was kept in the box and I was not allowed to play with it but I coveted it and let got caught a few times trying to sneak away to play with her. When I was 13 I helped my Grandmother pack up her house and move into my Aunt's. She gave me the doll, when I finally was able to look at her in bright light and with the box fully open, I found she was the ugliest doll. Her hair felt like straw, he eyes were not straight. Reality did not live up to my imagination at all.

Lanette - So happy to read your tumble didn't cause major issues for you.

Felicia - On education, Canada is the same.

Michele - You talking about getting meals ready for Vince reminds me of an older cousin of mine. I visited him the last time I was home (He was 78 or so), I asked him how he was doing for meals. He said, "well I have the lady come in the morning to clean house, so she provides breakfast and lunch. Luckily, I'm blessed to be able to drive still so I go out to eat most every night. The girls in the local restaurants take great care of me".
I don't know what will happen to Rodger if anything happens to me, he can cook, but he doesn't.

Ginny - I have been following Mike Rowe with his Mike Rowe Works foundation for technical schools. My soon to be son in law and I have been discussing for years the need for different trades and the shortages we will be facing. My eldest daughter has taken mechanics, and my youngest just graduated from hairdressing. Her fiance just went yesterday for an entrance interview and test to paramedic school, but he just completed his carpentry as well. He has worked and gone to school for about 5 years straight now he works as an EMT and carpenter to provide for them.

I have just spent three hours catching up. I missed yesterday all together. My daughter picked me up early in the morning to take me to the office where I am hoping I get the job to pick up three books written by the owner of the company. I read through most of one yesterday afternoon. Sarah the lady I have been talking to has said she will contact me this week so we can have a chat to see where I stand with learning and she will then set up a meeting with me for an interview with Jim, the owner. He is the one I have to impress to get the job. This would be about 2 weeks earlier than planned.

I spent last evening with a friend and another friend of hers playing board games. I snacked way too much, but only drank water, not the wine that they had. I am not a game type of person, but had a fun evening anyway.

The Grands are going to be arriving any minute, I am watching them while their Mom works today.

Tracey in a snowy cold Edmonton.
Such a letdown after all of the nice Spring weather we have been having.

Katla49

Allie: I had leg cramps that were very painful during the time I was going through “the change.” Sometimes all I could do was get up in the night and walk the cramps out. I eventually found that ibuprofen and TUMS combined were very helpful in reducing night-time cramps in my legs and feet. Good luck to you. I hope you find something that helps you.

Bananas&Oranges: Welcome to a great group. :flowerforyou:


I was mistaken about my phone being leased. We have a longterm purchase agreement and are paying for it a month at a time. I still don’t like it very well, but it would be nuts to change so I’m keeping it.

Katla in Beautiful NW Oregon

1948Peachy

Katla ~ I have T-Mobile. We tried to switch to AT&T but were unhappy...when we tried to pay the bill it was a nightmare. They never gave us any paper work and when I tried to get online it would not let me in. Same thing happened Friday when DH went to the At&T store to pay the BnL's bill. They wouldn't let him pay it...so he had to come home and find an address. There was no paper bill.

margaretturk

With the help of you and other friends got my letter finally done and off to Mayor of St.Paul, Minneapolis (he is in favor of deescalation methods the union opposes), Chief of Police, and head of Mental Health Unit. Turns out mission statement of police department is to create a respectful and safe encounters. I did include both of these in my goals too. Now hopefully changes will start to take place. The educational system here had to go through this starting about 30 years ago. Police department is just behind.

bananasandoranges

Thanks for the warm welcome and tips everyone.

accountability update; first was at 11 am-ish, now 20:35, sorry if overkill. it helps me.

Accountability Saturday, April 25th
✔️1. weighed self: 60,8 kilos (134 lbs)
✔️2.a tracked breakfast + lunch and snack (I think I didn't miss anything)
remaining 2.b track rest of food
x 3. Get 30 min of exercise. only 2000 steps logged. I went to the gym (just nearby) but I had forgotten my gym stuff!) it closes at 7pm and I chose to do next thing. Maybe can still walk this evening a bit. My shoes are not very warm ones and it's chilly and drizzly out. not sure
x4. 5 minutes meditation. not yet.
✔️ 5. Spend at least 2h on long term writing project (produce at least 2 pages per day). Yes! and I think I did some good thinking and writing. It can be unpredictable.
x6. Take care of at least one short term (1 pagish) writing or administrative task/bill.
✔️ 7. At least 15 min/day filing/cleaning. yes, regular pottering and tidying as go about the day. not major, but a minimal pass.


• Overall Feeling: at 8:30pm : way better than this morning. got some good writing (I think) done. a relief. also, writing in café seems to work for me at present: more motivated and focused and I guess having hubbub around works at present.
• Tracking:so far breakfast lunch and snack.
• Exercise. not great so far!
• Long term writing: yay! and yes
• Short term writing/admin : no
• Bright Spots today. writing and pleasant and hopefully productive work session at café

• This evening I’m grateful for:
1. pleasant and useful writing session at café -possible little breakthrough in something
2. reasonably priced glass of Argentinian wine at end of café work session (I usually only get coffee and tea)
3. nice people at café
4. drawing - I enjoy doing simple sketches
5. the newspaper- I quickly peruse the communal paper newspaper at the café sometimes
6. low cost studies for me and many around me- I live in Europe. (still have to work and pay for living costs, so it's not so easy but not big tuition to pay to boot). having trouble getting all work done though. due to work etc.

bananasandoranges

I live in France.
Tuition is free here for Europeans.
Registration fees are around 400-500 euros. I assure you I have heard many many complain about the high and rising registration fees. it used to be around 400. now it is around 500 for some.

As of next year people from outside of europe in the university system (most students) will be required to pay around 3-4000 euros. there have been protests, petitions, and long or repeated occupations, by French students of universities in response to this choice.

In art and architecture schools (which don't have the same laws- are presently under the ministry of culture and not the ministry of education) there have been petitions arguing against this, signed by students, teachers and directors alike. I spoke to a director of one of the schools who said that the ministry of culture was not in favour of this modification that at present will not be applied (still 400 euros or so per student): that they need money, but that is not the right way to get it.

The idea shared by many here is that we don't want there to be a difference of student profile based on whether they are from Europe or not. That would basically mean many African and Asian students would be relatively well-off ones in their country to have the means to pay 3.000 euros.
In reality, to have the means make it here as a student, it seems that most are middle class at least- but still. There is some leeway.
This differentiation can seem discriminatory.

For many students from the west, 3, 000 euros might be doable. But to be honest, the cost of living where I live is relatively high and my salary is very modest. there is no way I could pay 3, 000 per year without depending on savings or loans. I wouldn't do it. It would be too risky, in terms of return. Even spending so much time on studies is a risky venture, but I'm in it and so I aim to finish.

I've been teaching only in higher ed for 10+ years but only with a masters. I'm working on phd. It's hard as work and the to-be-expected unexpected things in life really get in the way sometimes.

I don't have the same level of energy as I did at 20 or even 40 (at least now- hopefully that will increase). I got my master's 7/8 years ago.
It was a lot of work but just one year and I was really able to give it my all for the many months required.

bananasandoranges

Karen in Virginia that sounds about what I hear about tuition. public sounds somehow possibly manageable. private is just crazy. I don't get it.

Lisa in Arkansas thanks for the welcome, despite the whinging. I'm a big whinger. lol. I usually listen to stuff online but I think my gym intentionally blocks cellphone reception or else it's the building. for the elliptical we are in front of screens but we are limited to 4 channels with long commercials. one is a news channel, one is infomercials and the 2 others or old series or soap operas or cartoons or something of that calibur. I sometimes watch the news but it's more or less right wing, without being blatantly so, and repetitive. it irks me to be compelled to watch a political slant that is not my own. plus the repetition is boring if one knows the story. it's slim pickings. one of the better options is desperate housewives dubbed in French (the voices changes everything, bleck). I like the rowing machine and weights. I need to download. I actually don't know how to download in advance and fear I don't have much memory on my phone for when I manage to download.

That is a lot of trash! wow! bathtubs are great!

in 80s I'm sure the usual limit for 4 years of studies was 10,000 $ of loans in the usa. I took it. Graduating in liberal arts, paying an extra 200+ dollars per month off the cuff was rough to think about. I got help paying it off from family. this exchange makes me really grateful for that. I didn't think that much about it back then. it would have been heavy to start out working life with a 10,000 debt. Thanks Dad, now gone. I believe 2 of my older sibling didnt get family help and one sister was pissed off (understandably now). on the other hand my younger sister got a new car. my dad was not very balanced and I think as he had less dependants, he had less financial responsibility and was more and more generous to those who remained. I'm pretty sure he gave some other money to that same sister and also my brother, but I don't sweat it. my oldest sister is pissed off on that point though, for eternity, understandably.

ginny, I hope I have more energy at 64! I tried to take your advice today but mussed it up.

M in Oz I can't take time off for studies either. that would be super-expensive. does your work help out? I have born witness to storms like that. glad all are safe.

KJ I guess it's a shame your son is oblivious to problems of others, especially if he is lacking in compassion, and understanding, but it's great, hopefully, that he was able to study and be debt free. what did he study and what does he do?

Heather free tuition is already not bad. do many in the uk go to Scotland for uni? I would have.

ginger thanks for letting me borrow your approach!

hi everyone else. ok I'm gonna see if I have courage to walk in the evening a bit. wish me luck.

Vickil57

Ginny--Thanks for the wise words. I need to remember to take each day as it comes and be proud of what I have gotten done.

Pip--Have fun on your Alaska cruise. I would like to do that one day. Could you PM me your address as I would like to send a donation for your MS ride. Thanks,

Yvonne--Happy 28th anniversary.

Rori--Sorry to hear of your fall. By now I hope you are home and getting things taken care of.

Carol--Lifting you and DH up in prayer as you deal with all this stuff and DBIL.

Woke up to thunder and lightin in the night. Lots of wind and cool temps today. I am working long shift and going to watch 3 of our great grandsons for a couple hours this evening so their dad can take mom out to supper for her birthday. I am looking forward to cuddle time with the baby, only 3 months old.
Not sure what I did to my knee, but hardly able to walk and not making me happy. Will put ice on it when I get home and hope it helps.
Blessings, Vicki GI NE

grandmallie

afternoon ladies~
wow long day I should try and nap.. but to much to do... worked this morning, and god bless Toms cousins they came to see DFIL there uncle , and I had dropped off baked beans for him they heated those up and got those in him, ice cream and soup,, so lunch was a good one.. and im sure dinner will be too.. gonna stop at the store and get some more of the canned pasta.. it slips down easy and fills him up, between that and the mashed potatoes, we are getting a little bit of weight on him.. if he keeps eating we will keep the grim reaper away for a bit.. will take what we can get..
leg cramps.. with doing the Keto diet if you dont get enough fluid and electrolytes that is what causes the cramps..., the night before last I hardly got any sleep they were so bad. this morning they woke me up at 4 am.. drank vitamin water zero ,no sugar but has the electrolytes... went to lunch with Maryanne and Cheri and then came home have a going away party for a neighbor of mine.. she is moving to Florida.. and tonight my good friends band is playing at the local bar.. this is there 25 anniversary.. so it will be packed will get there early.. and wont stay till closing.. as i am tired now.. always bring ear plugs as it gets wayyyyy to loud..

SophieRosieMom

Happy Saturday ladies!

Just got home from a Master Gardener training class. So nice to be back among gals (mostly), many my age, who are generally just friendly, respectful, and helpful. A great group and I'm feeling very blessed.

My allergies are trying to come back full force, so I moved the air purifier into the bedroom and my doc's office gave me some masks to wear when I'm arm-deep in potting soil. Don't mind sneezing and runny nose but waking with sinus headaches is the worst part. Anyhow, things are getting better.

I've been following the discussions on medical costs and college costs. My observations, condensed-

Regarding medical costs, as many of you know we doctor with a Direct Care primary clinic, pay $60 per month ($120,/mo for DH and me) and go as many times as needed and have access to very low-cost labs, prescriptions, testing. Our clinic doesn't take insurance. An MRI w/o contrast, for example, is $260. That's everything - including the radiologists report. Bear in mind we are on Medicare and also have a supplemental which kicks in for specialists, hospitals, etc. But if we didn't have insurance and had a high-deductible insurance policy, something like this might be a good option if the law allows it. The Affordable Health Care Act kind of tied people's hands and made them use "approved" plans, but that may have eased now.

Sounds like there's a push for more and more of these types of clinics and there's some talk at the federal level I'm going to check into. To see if there's a Direct Care clinic in your area, I found a map and more info on this website:https://www.dpcare.org/.

Regarding college costs, it really does depend which state a person lives in and the line of study. WA State, tuition and fees at our local state college is $2308/qtr, books extra. A person can get a bachelors of science in education, applied management, diesel technology, and information technology, all of these are very employable fields with jobs starting out at $40,000 per year and more in our area. The college also has scads of scholarships available (my DH and I sponsor one for some tuition assistance for students in nursing or aiming for veterinary school.)

The college also offers AA (two year) degrees in accounting, engineering, etc. Also very employable fields and higher-paying jobs with great benefits. And high school students can enroll in the "running start" program and graduate high school with many college courses completed.

I think these classes are in conjunction with Washington State University and are transferrable.

Consequently, many students graduate with minimal if any student loan debt. If they wish to attend a more big-league campus experience like University of Washington, they'll pay more and may end up with big loans. There are more opportunities for liberal arts degrees there, but many which take advanced schooling to find good-paying jobs such as mental health therapists, etc.

So looking at tuition and the cost of loans as an "investment", as Machka mentioned, can be a shrewd way of assessing the situation.

This morning I found a variety of "Tai Chi for Seniors" demos on YouTube, and will start incorporating some of these into my morning exercise/stretching routine. They include simple balance moves, and it appears many of them are under ten minutes in length. Just want something to overcome morning stiffness and get muscles warmed up before I start my day. I found one which interviewed a perky 90 year old gal (she looked 70) who explained her morning routine and said she makes herself go through it before that first cup of coffee, lol.

OK ladies, out to check the greenhouse. Stiff cold wind blowing right now and we're looking at frost tonight.

Lanette
SW WA State