WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR MAY 2020

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Replies

  • barbiecat
    barbiecat Posts: 17,200 Member

    :)Tonya, we walked into the store separately. They don't check people at the door because there aren't that many people in the store. We shopped with separate carts and separate shopping lists and checked out separately with different credit cards.

    :)Lanette, I won't let anyone pet my dog and I won't pet theirs so I'm not going to let anyone groom them either.

    :)Katla, a neighbor said that our Safeway had limits on how much meat you could buy. We bought so much chicken at Costco that meat is not really an issue for us. Our QFC where we shop had no limit on meat. Jake bought a pork tenderloin that he'll slice into smaller portions before freezing. He said he almost bought a big beef roast and then decided that we really didn't need it.

    :) Today Jake ventured out to the grocery store with me. I told him had to take his own list and his own cart and stay away from me because it was too stressful to deal with social distancing, one way aisles, checking the list, and another person. It was a highly successful trip. There were only two things on the list we couldn't find (disposable gloves that aren't available anywhere in the world, and an obscure frozen vegan item that I like). The only items in the store with a sign about limits were eggs (limited to 2 dozen) and hand sanitizer (limited to one bottle). We have a big freezer so there was plenty of room to store what we bought and we buy only a limited amount of perishable items with short shelf life.

    :) We have ordered several things online. I just had to order a new pair of walking shoes because the ones I bought six months ago weren't keeping my feet dry any more. Six months is a long time with all the walking I do. We ordered some disposable masks that are coming on a slow boat from China. Since we ordered them, we've been given several washable masks so we're doing fine. We ordered several items from Amazon that would have required our going to a second or third grocery store and it was smarter to order them than to venture into more than one grocery store. Today we got twelve bottles of the mustard that Jake likes.

    :) I don't wear a mask when I'm out walking in my neighborhood. I do wear one at any store but I've only been in a store four times in the last month.

    <3 Barbie in NW WA
  • JRsLateInLifeMom
    JRsLateInLifeMom Posts: 2,275 Member
    They suggest a mask if your running in crowded areas like the big city but not needed in a country town in a area where seeing folks is rare. Keep a mask in your pocket just in case. If your city has strict mask rules we have to wear one to leave the house or citation anyone over 10yrs old must wear one no exceptions

    Amber Tx
  • LisaInAR
    LisaInAR Posts: 2,020 Member
    Rita - it appears to be a western salsify, Tragopogon dubius. Parts of it are edible, as well. :)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tragopogon_dubius

    Rebecca - love the pics of Athena, and your friendship books look like lots of fun.

    Had to slide downtown quickly to get the tags on the cars, as the way taxes work here, for the first two years you have to pay personal tax on the vehicles in person. But only if you moved in after May. Love bureaucracies.

    Back to my doings,
    Later, y'all,
    Love, Lisa
  • grandmallie
    grandmallie Posts: 10,094 Member
    Got my drivers license renewal in the mail today but nothing open I am waiting to see when I can get it done
  • Katla49
    Katla49 Posts: 10,385 Member
    Penny: The traditional bunad dress is lovely! It is no wonder that Norwegians love them. :heart:

    Barbie: I was frustrated meat shopping at Safeway except for their fresh fish. The other meats were priced too high and cut too thin for my preferences. I went shopping at IGA today and have enough to put a reasonable amount into the freezer. DH was a meat-cutter during college years and earned his way through college by working in a grocery store meat department. :flowerforyou: On another topic—what walking shoes do you like best? Mine are beginning to get tired and I’m starting to think about replacing them. :huh:


    I just checked up on the Covid 19 cases in our county. Our current Covid 19 numbers are pretty good in my opinion. There have been 16 cases and no deaths in our county so far. Of 16 cases, 15 have already recovered. Keeping my fingers crossed that the 16th person recovers quickly and no one else comes down with it. My personal supposition is that the people who caught the disease were likely working in Portland or Beaverton where there are many more cases and much larger populations. It is a guess. I think I am likely correct.

    Katla in Beautiful NW Oregon
  • margaretturk
    margaretturk Posts: 5,258 Member
    M we have something like you have for our AC. We have hot water heat so no ducts in our home. They call it a ductless system. It will give some heat too! Not good for the extreme cold here. I like what we have because you can cool of add extra heat to the space you are in. It is more energy efficient than whole house AC. In the summer I set it for 68 for only one room. Helps me sleep well. We do have insulation. Have to because it can get well below 0 here.
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 25,610 Member
    Insulation ... it's good for warm climates too! It helps keep the house cool so you don't have to run the AC all the time.

    It's also good for noise reduction. I'm almost used to it now, but in my first few years, I found it very disconcerting that I could hear the conversations of people walking past. I kept thinking they were right outside my door!

    With the climate here, I figure if you built a house to the insulation standards in Canada, you'd rarely need to run heat or AC.

    Indoor Temp ... we let it drop to between 15 and 17C at night most of the year (approx. 60F), and during the day it goes as high as 20C (68F). On the few hot days in summer, I'll set the AC at about 22C (72F) so it doesn't get too cool but kind of takes the edge off.

    When we lived in a house heated by fireplace, the inside of the house dropped to a few degrees above whatever it was outside at night. So when we got up in the morning, if it dropped to 0C overnight, it might only be 5 or 6C in the house.

    M in Oz
  • sh0tzz99
    sh0tzz99 Posts: 971 Member
    Machka9 wrote: »
    I

    It's also good for noise reduction. I'm almost used to it now, but in my first few years, I found it very disconcerting that I could hear the conversations of people walking past. I kept thinking they were right outside my door!


    M in Oz

    I actually added the insulation in my bathroom more for noise reduction. It's right next to the master bedroom and I'm a morning person. I added it, so I could do my morning routine and not wake up the mister. But, I like that it's warmer when needed and cooler when needed. That said, I also have a really powerful heating light in the ceiling to accommodate my fully walk-in shower.

    Tina in CA
  • Snowflake1968
    Snowflake1968 Posts: 6,950 Member
    Suzi - Happy Birthday

    Lanette - I have to wear a mask if I’m going to be within 6 feet of a resident or if I have to go into a resident area. I hate them and feel panicky with it on too. As for your pipe cleaner nose pinch comment, my son in law is an EMT, they received some masks from our government. They didn’t think they were well made so tore one apart. It had the twist ties from garbage bags as the nose pinch.

    Writing - I write out my feelings a lot, it really helps me. Sometimes I share it, but mostly I write it out then throw it away.

  • pipcd34
    pipcd34 Posts: 17,264 Member
    stats for the day:

    gave my legs a break

    Bike ride home 2 dome, sprinkles, w/hvy bkpack- 13min, 132mhr, 11.9amph, 2.58mi= 57c
    Apple Watch- 84c
    Bike ride puy 2 sumn sta, w/hvy bkpack- 17.02min, 12.7amph, 149mhr, 3.59mi= 151c
    apple watch- 139c
    walk sta 2 wrk, w/hvy bkpack- 8.35min, 112mhr, 4.1ap, .58mi= 21c
    apple watch- 49c
    Walk wrk 2 sta- 7.09min? 4,1ap, 116mhr, .49mi= 38c
    apple watch- 47c
    bike ride dome 2 home- 20.17min, 7.7amph, 142mhr, 2.59mi= 178c
    apple watch- 139c

    total cal 509
  • exermom
    exermom Posts: 6,528 Member
    Did a Zumba Gold Cardio Party DVD. I’ll probably take this one to the condo. The plan for tomorrow is to do a Chris Powell Levels 2 & 3 DVD

    SuziQ – happy early birthday

    BeUncommon – Vince is a big meat eater. I like a little meat but love my veges. My name, exermom, probably attracts some of the guys. You’re right, they need to get a life. I wear varifocals, too and find myself looking thru the bottoms sometimes. I also find that I need to remove my glasses to do real close up work or read real small print

    Took a ride up to Publix. Bought the things I can only get there. Stopped at Lowes Foods for one item then went to the yarn place. Looks like I’m going to have to remake the tree skirt, I can’t get it white. She has the white and green but she has to order the red. I can’t start on it until she has the red. Then home.

    Barbie – our library is open but you can only be in there for an hour, then you have to leave so others can go in. I suspect that’s not a hard and fast rule as long as there aren’t others waiting.

    Allie – we had a cold snap but by Friday it should be in the 80’s

    Lanette – the dog groomers around here are closed. Guess they figure if beauty shops should be closed so should dog groomers. Can’t have your dog looking better than you.

    Yesterday when I went to the hosp for my shot I wore my mask. They wanted me to wear one of theirs. OK, no problem. But you know something? My mask was better, theirs was so loose that I question how protective it was. But I wasn’t there long, anyway. Had to go to the valet parking. I usually don’t use the valet parking but it’s closer to where I need to go. They just didn’t want someone walking all the way there, and I can understand. Next time, tho, I’ll park my car myself and just walk up to that entrance. What a pain the valet parking is. I have to take my keys apart so I give them only the car keys and then, of course, they move the seat so I have to move it back. Plus, you have to wait for them to get the car. I would much rather do it myself. Plus…I get in a few extra steps.

    M – no insulation??? That really surprised me. I know my gf in Switzerland doesn’t have any a/c

    Tonya – oh, I feel the cold much more now. I think more of it is because now I’m getting used to the warm here in NC

    55gidget – welcome! I like your name

    Looked for this picture of us when we were married that I know my father had, but for the life of me I couldn’t find it. Vince wasn’t exactly happy since I had to have him take almost everything out of the storage closet. OH well…it’s all back now

    Penny – that bunad took my breath away. Such intricacies

    Allie – Colby’s license expired in early April but the DMV has extended it until something like July so I’m sure yours are extended, too

    Katla - for sneakers I like the Avia brand because they are wider at the toe. For sandals, I love my Birkenstocks

    Beth – touching rainbow story.

    Michele NC
  • GodMomKim
    GodMomKim Posts: 3,703 Member
    Hi Gals,

    Happy Birthday SuziQ!!!

    Love all the pictures!

    Talking about meat, I’m not a vegetarian, but eat meat less than once a day. And when I do it’s not a lot, probably 2 ounces per serving at most. So a shortage is not something I’ll notice. I have chickens at the camp I work at so I get free eggs, that is my biggest protein source right now; as the price is right.

    My veggie intake has always been high, as I do so much gardening, but right now it is even higher which keeps my bills low. I am working on doing some video training through our camp situation for how to grow some things even in a pot. I feel like for all of us one of the things that makes this situation hard is the lack of control. So much is outside of our control, but growing a few of our own veggies helps give us a bit of control. I have also looking at which things usually considered basics can I make for less. I know many of you have success making yogurt, but I have not had success and I think it is that my home is a bit drafty and doesn’t have a place with a consistently warm spot. BUT yesterday I made ricotta – it’s wonderful! I have also been making my own sandwich bread, a simple white or on a ¾ white-1/4 whole wheat and it is quite cheap; works out to about $1.60 per loaf (for a standard loaf pan size). It is a game and pretty fun for me to find out what I can do for cheap! And I am finding that like bread may be hard to find, but flour is available. My twisted idea of fun.


    Kim from N. California
  • Snowflake1968
    Snowflake1968 Posts: 6,950 Member
    I got pulled away and my 1 hour edit window expired.

    Amber - I have been wearing progressives for about 10 years now and love them. One thing that I was warned about was to not allow the optician to put the glasses pushed up high on your nose when being measured. I put them where they naturally land and have not had an issue. Mine were about 350 per lens too. Pricy but since I’m almost legally blind without it’s worth it and necessary.

    Barbie - we have struggled getting gloves into the nursing home too. We have one order on back order and it’s estimated delivery date is June 6 2030. That is not a typo it actually states 2030.

    I have a cute little granddaughter story to share.

    My daughter bought both of the Grands a tablet to avoid the battles. They have Facebook Messenger for kids on them, their only friends are approved by my daughter. Anyway I was at work today and Michaela is calling for a video chat. I hate ignoring her so answered. I tell her I’m at work and she could call me tonight. She advises me that the sun is out now. She then tells me that she has new earphones and shows them to me. I suggest she put them on so she can hear me tell her to call me later. She puts them on but doesn’t plug them in. She then asks me if I can hear her. Of course now she can’t hear me at all. It became quite funny and then she lost interest in our chat and forgot about me. I ended up hanging up on her. I texted my daughter to tell her to have Michaela call me tonight. Turns out Michaela hadn’t asked permission to make a call to begin with. 😂 I told my daughter not to punish her, I like those random calls.

    Tracey in Edmonton
  • JRsLateInLifeMom
    JRsLateInLifeMom Posts: 2,275 Member
    My bones were so small even after bone growth steroids but their double the size before the meds. Think meds y cares better for newborns to older kids now so my future grandkids will have a better chance of born premature.My wrist is the sz of a box of toothpaste /my ring finger sz of my toothbrush handle. Here’s pics of it lol so nope stores don’t carry my ring sizes unless it’s a kids store. Hubby had to have my ring specially made after he waited for me to fall asleep watching LOST when we were dating. Then marked it with a pen the jeweler though he measured wrong it would be too small instead was still a sz too big had to be sized down more. Yes he reimbursed the gold not used.
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    Tracey- Sounds like your in my boat on the almost legally blind. I’ll ask about them if we can ever get back to normal again when I need my next pair. My glasses slide off a lot even with the backs bent inward lol 😂. So Doctor can’t do anything but measure where they land.

    Kim- 2oz meats all I ever want usually 0-3x a day depending on my cravings low iron crave meat /irons good I don’t.

    Amber Tx

    Heading to bed still trying to use up my ketchup so I can switch to Ghughes ketchup instead hoping it tastes like a steak house version. Noticing ghughes has those type of old fashion flavors from when we were young. I’m hooked on the brand now. I did 60 pull ups today unaided!! Definitely hoping to see a difference soon with my stomach. My wedding ring is now too huge my ring was only a Sz 4or 5 so now got to put a sizer on it. I got really small bones . My belly still looks pregnant tho. My butts still big.How come we loose weight everywhere except where it’s needed! My boobs are getting deflated but not my thighs!
  • Katla49
    Katla49 Posts: 10,385 Member
    Snowflake: It is upsetting that EMT’s received such poor quality masks from the government. They are the heroes that save lives. IMHO, their lives are worth good equipment. :star:

    Beth: Your son is amazing. No wonder you are proud of his accomplishments. :heart:

    Michele: Thanks for the shoe information. I’ll be shopping when the stores are open. Walmart and Fred Meyer are open, but I wouldn’t buy shoes at either place. I have narrow feet, a heritage from both parents. Sometimes it is hard to find shoes that fit well. :noway:

    Kim: Baking bread from scratch is a lot of work, but you get a great product for your efforts. There is something very heart-warming in the process of baking bread :flowerforyou:

    Tracey: You’re a lucky grandma to get a call from your granddaughter. :smiley:


    DH and I took the dog for a lovely walk in the neighborhood today. The weather was delightful. The dog and I were on our own feet, and DH was riding his mobility device. We had a grand time. We’ll look forward to another nice day. We went to a large city owned park and had a pleasant walk beside the river in the sunshine. The “park” is only partially developed at this point, but it has a lovely trail along the river front.

    Katla in Beautiful NW Oregon
  • skuehn48
    skuehn48 Posts: 3,046 Member
    :)
  • cityjaneLondon
    cityjaneLondon Posts: 12,709 Member
    SuziQ.

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    Love Heather UK xxxxxxxx
  • cityjaneLondon
    cityjaneLondon Posts: 12,709 Member
    Tracey - that sounds like most of our video chats with the grandkids! :D:D Bea spends most of it showing us her various scratches and bouncing around on the sofa and the two big ones are always fiddling with the background, putting up icons, or cutting off the sound and miming. Just occasionally I leave DH to it and go off to make lunch. I do know how lucky we are. <3 They are still loving DH'S quizzes, though they are getting more difficult. The latest ones are How The Universe Began, and The Spanish Armada. Max's has percentages and fractions, because that is what they are doing at school. Edie's is more figuring things out and subtraction and addition. It's the only time they sit and talk properly, instead of creating chaos! :laugh:

    Beth - Love your rainbow story. You are creating a rainbow in her life too. :D Nothing more warming than a child's drawing. <3

    Blue sky. Looking like a running day. :D The weather will be warming up at the weekend, so we might avoid the seafront then.
    3 new cases since yesterday. Boo!

    Love Heather UK xxxxxxxx
  • cityjaneLondon
    cityjaneLondon Posts: 12,709 Member
    edited May 2020
    I've just phoned in a butcher's order, at 7.15. :D They are delivering tomorrow morning.
    The shop is just around the corner, but it's shut to the public.
    I ordered, 12 skinless, boneless chicken thighs, half a shoulder of lamb, two pounds of beef mince, a pack of chicken livers, six Cumberland sausages and two veal escalopes. :drinker:
    In case you were wondering, the chicken livers go in the mince to make ragu (bolognese). It makes all the difference. :D I first learned about it at university, when I used to avidly read Elizabeth David recipe books . I still have those books, which have fallen to bits. They took me into a whole other world in 1969. The South of France, Italy, the depths of the French countryside, North Africa.

    Love Heather UK xxxxxxxx

    By the way, for our friends who are living in France, the Acadamie Francaise has pronounced that it is la Covid, not le Covid. :laugh: It's because disease is 'maladie' in French, which is feminine. :bigsmile:
  • Shonafreshstart
    Shonafreshstart Posts: 20 Member
    edited May 2020
    Hi everyone,
    Another cold sunny day here in France so I'll be out walking again later. I find that the activity and a good dose of sunlight help to lift my mood and cope better with the stress and worry.


    I tried out a new recipe for dinner and was really pleased everyone liked it. Lemon chicken with noodles and green veg. That probably sounds really simple but for me (not exactly a gourmet chef 🤣😂❗) it was an achievement.

    @Snowflake1968 It's true that writing things down helps. Thanks for the reminder. I've neglected my journal over the last couple of weeks and must get back to it.
    @cityjaneLondon Elizabeth David was a favourite in our house. Unfortunately I seem to be the least enthusiastic and least talented cook of the family! I have to keep it simple.
    I heard on the radio this morning about 'La' COVID! Not exactly the biggest problem! No idea if it'll stick....

    Today I'm going to try to ....
    📍do 16:8
    📍Log all & stay green
    📍Exercise at least 45m
    📍Don't binge/eat rubbish
    📍eat more fruit and veg
    📍Get things crossed off my to do list
    📍Stay calm for home schooling

    Hope you all stay well and have a good day wherever you are
    Shona from France ☺🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇫🇷
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 25,610 Member
    spikeyhair wrote: »
    SuziQ Happy Birthday

    It is my 75th today, first and last (I hope) lockdown birthday. Slould have a nice day, hubby has done shopping, got me lots of fruit and ice cream (naughty) He is cooking me breakfast about 11am. I don’t usually eat until at least 1pm but will have it as my main meal. My son and his wife are going to walk round to see me this afternoon it will be nice to see them in person, although no hugs of course. Daughter has sent flowers but they haven’t arrived yet.
    Got card and present from neighbour and another friend popped a card in last night.

    Will do some exercise before breakfast

    Stay safe
    Kate UK❤️

    Happy Birthday!!
  • KetoneKaren
    KetoneKaren Posts: 6,412 Member
    Heather When you make your ragu, do you fry the bits of chicken liver to a crisp separately in bacon grease and then add them in? Or just add them raw to the mince? And do you add cream as some people do? I've never made ragu, but I've read about it and always thought I would omit the chicken livers if I made it, but now I'm curious about why it's so important. I don't love chicken livers. What do you serve your ragu with? I know you don't eat a lot of pasta.

    I ate octopus while in Mexico when I was a teen. It was fantastic. All very small, and deliciously prepared. But no large rubbery tentacles which I just can't deal with. Isn't the squid rubbery? My spouse loves calamari, but I am neutral at best. I usually taste one bit, and she eats the rest.

    >>>

    Kim Your thrifty "game" reminds me of a "Dee" story. (Dee was my mom). Dee was a really wonderful seamstress, and she was blessed with excellent spatial intelligence, so in the early years when money was tight, she relished using her sewing fabric to its max - there were many "bonus" children's and doll clothes out of the leftover fabric…and then of course quilt squares. Thrifty. She thought it was fun.

    >>>

    I adore the children photos. They make my heart so happy. The recent photos of Joaquin, Miguel, Athena, Levi, Randie the Snake Charmer, and JR - <3 - such fun little people.

    >>>

    Beth Oh such a lovely story about your shy neighbor girl and the rainbow water color pencil drawing. It will be fun to see how your friendship with her blossoms.

    >>>

    Lisa I hope your hip heals quickly. Such an annoyance.

    >>>

    SuziQ Happy Birthday! What are your plans for the day?

    >>>

    Tonya, Beth, Amber Prematurity is such a challenge. It makes me sad that Beth's son didn't get surfactant. It was being used in many NICUs in the 80's, but did not become standard protocol until 1990, after Beth's son was born. It makes such a difference in premature lungs. Tonya, wondering how much intestine was removed from your daughter due to NEC? Horrid complication for these preemies. And Amber with the eye issues (was it ROP or retinopathy of prematurity that you had?) I'm guessing you are terribly near-sighted. You can probably thread a needle one inch in front of your eyes, but can't read a street sign at night worth beans.

    <<<

    Tonya Another gorgeous photo - the essence of pristine frostiness

    >>>

    Carol Great news about your son's re-hiring.

    >>>

    Tracey and Heather lol - our video chats with Olivia (3) and Phoenix (2) consist of much running around, referee Mom keeping the peace and moving the tablet around to show what the kids are doing, Mom's face popping into the camera making little 'aside' comments as she follows the children as they hop from activity to activity and have little tussles. Oh my. It's exhausting. I'm not sure if my anticipation is one of joy or dread. A little of both.

    >>>

    Shona from France I think I missed how old your children are?
    I think your simple meal sounds delicious. I love simple foods, as well as more complex recipes. Many of my favorite dishes have 5 ingredients or fewer.

    >>>

    I was busy with lots of projects yesterday and ended up deliciously exhausted, so I slept well. Got our small raised garden planted with plants - tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, parsley, eggplant, hot peppers. Hope they all thrive.

    >>>

    We are going to watch Lilliana a couple of days a week for the next 3 weeks. Very busy time for her parents coming up. We do have a good plan to minimize exposing each other, but of course the baby will be the common close contact between her parents and us, which can't be avoided if we are going to care for her. It is a risk. Both my partner and I plan to be tested for the antibodies, though it is not a perfect test. My partner already has her appointment.

    >>>

    In Memory of Iris Love, Famous Archaeologist, Dachsund Devotee, and Patroness of Pekingese:
    >>>

    Karen in Virginia

    >>>
  • LuciBThinner
    LuciBThinner Posts: 207 Member
    Good Morning!! Welcome Newbies! Hope everyone is doing well!!!

    SuzyQ and Kate:
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    Hope you both spoil yourselves in celebration!!! I am partying with you in spirit!!

    My weight is continuing to go the wrong direction on the scales. I am scared and frustrated. Hoping the rest of you are not experiencing this - especially not to this extent! I had gotten down to 169 at best (the end of last year).This morning I am at 183.5...AGGH!!! (I am 5 foot, 7 inches - down from 5' 8" in my younger days). I don't want to have to start over again! and my clothes are uncomfortable, I am uncomfortable, but most of all I am SCARED! I don't want the diabetes to continue to get worse! I don't want to struggle to get back to a size where I feel okay in my skin! Not having as much fresh food is definitely making it worse, you all have given me wonderful snacking suggestions, etc. It has just been rough...

    I am staying pretty active. Baby sees to that! I love everyone's pictures!! Wish we could do a zoom gathering or something with the group. I think it would be a lot of fun to see everyone and talk to each other!

    Have a fabulous Thursday! I have the day and date written on a board these days to keep myself up to date on what in the world is going on!

    <3 and non-contagious hugs to all! Luci in WNC
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  • cityjaneLondon
    cityjaneLondon Posts: 12,709 Member
    Karen - never heard of Iris Love. She sounds quite a gal! Love archeology. :D
    I puree the livers in the food processor and add it.
    I could write a chapter on ragu! It is a much discussed subject, even in Bologna. The classic recipe does not have tomatoes, but I add a little puree. The abomination that is 'spag bol' - don't get me started! :grumble:
    The ragu is classically served with tagliatelle in Bologna. It is a starter. You are right, I rarely have it with pasta. Sometimes roasted butternut squash, or roasted cauliflower, sometimes half a sweet potato. Jacket potato. Spinach. I generally do a bit of carbs for DH to stop him wasting away! :D
    I cook the squid for a very long time. The secret is to barely show it the pan, or to stew it for ages. In between causes the rubberyness. Mine is melt in the mouth. Again it is an Elizabeth David recipe. I did the last one in the IP for 40 mins.

    Shona - Elizabeth David to my mind is the essence of simplicity. It is more the emphasis on beautiful ingredients, simply prepared. I was struck at the age of 19 by her description of a plate of prawns and unsalted butter in a tiny little country restaurant. Perfection!
    Whereabouts are you in France?

    KateUK - A very, very HAPPY 75TH BIRTHDAY! :drinker: <3 My DH will be there in October. You have done so well to keep fit and active! :flowerforyou:

    Love Heather UK xxxxxxxx
  • pipcd34
    pipcd34 Posts: 17,264 Member
    spikeyhair wrote: »
    SuziQ Happy Birthday

    It is my 75th today, first and last (I hope) lockdown birthday. Slould have a nice day, hubby has done shopping, got me lots of fruit and ice cream (naughty) He is cooking me breakfast about 11am. I don’t usually eat until at least 1pm but will have it as my main meal. My son and his wife are going to walk round to see me this afternoon it will be nice to see them in person, although no hugs of course. Daughter has sent flowers but they haven’t arrived yet.
    Got card and present from neighbour and another friend popped a card in last night.

    Will do some exercise before breakfast

    Stay safe
    Kate UK❤️

    HAPPYYYYYYYYYYY Bdayyyyyyyyyyy !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • okiewoman510
    okiewoman510 Posts: 1,316 Member
    Happy Birthday KateUK and SuziQ.

    Okie in the TX Hill Country
  • LisaInAR
    LisaInAR Posts: 2,020 Member
    Kate - Happy birthday!

    Beth - had to wipe a tear away on your rainbow story.

    Luci - such joy in that little one's face... and unfortunately yes, my weight is also going up. I've gotten good results with a number of other major issues this year, but weight has not been one.

    Tonya - love the pics of your snake charmer, as well...

    My daughter got her Mother's Day gift to me into the mail the Monday after and they just got here yesterday--not unusual, she literally hates going to the post office, and always procrastinates. She sent me two mason jar candles that she made herself--her craft she's learned while she's been in lockdown. They're Amaretto scented, and the scent was so strong, I could smell it before I opened the package. And she'd wrapped a few yards of bubble wrap around each one and taped them down, too. Kind of scared to light them, the house may end up smelling like a pub. :smiley:

    I've been struggling to stay out of my own funk, as well. It's like the world keeps presenting me (and all of us, really) with opportunities to be depressed. I know I don't have to recite the news to all of you, and I do try to stay away from it, but it intrudes.

    And, as of this morning, am at 219, the highest I've been since my gastric bypass in 2005. I am so disappointed in myself, but I know much of my current eating is emotions about work, stress eating, and so on.

    Work rant:
    I was invited to a virtual meeting tomorrow with my boss and her boss to construct a "performance improvement plan" for me tomorrow. It was presented as a way to change my goals away from dollar amounts to achievable goals such as "building relationships."

    I am trying really, really hard not to a) take it personally, or b) let the paranoid voice in the back row influence my attitude. The email inviting me to the meeting phrased this as a positive step, but the suspicious little git in the back row is whispering in my ear that this is the first written step to firing me with cause before the new fiscal year in September. Which would save their PPP loan (they can't lay anyone off, but it doesn't prevent firing for cause), and saving the ding on their unemployment insurance rates.

    It's been 44 years since I was on a "performance improvement plan," and that was when I was in the military and was put on a PIP for cussing out a master sergeant. While he absolutely deserved the cussing, it was very definitely a violation of military protocol and regulations.

    I'm trying really hard to stay really calm about tomorrow's meeting, to not overthink it, to meet them on their terms and accept it as a positive, rather than punitive action. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...

    Love y'all,
    Lisa in AR
  • SophieRosieMom
    SophieRosieMom Posts: 3,657 Member
    Good morning ladies!

    Happy Birthday Kate!! <3 My DH will also be 75 come November. Doesn't seem very old to me. B)

    All of this talk about squid has me drooling for battered and deep fried calamari that I used to get a restaurants in Seattle when I worked there. There's a little store in town with a gas station that makes mighty fine deep fried chicken gizzards and livers.

    Shona - welcome and looks like you have great plans for your day.

    In researching where in Germany my ancestors came from nearly 2 centuries ago, seems most of them hailed from Alscace Lorraine - they spoke German. That region isn't exactly on my bucket list but would be fun to teleport there for a day. B)

    Luci
    - thank you for the baby photo - great way to start my day!!

    Kim - I'm late to the party here.... love the entry to your place and that gorgeous archway. How neat that people are interested in growing some of their own food - that's right down your alley!

    Beth - I got shivers reading your rainbow story. Would your son be able to do any on-line teaching at some point? I don't know if I'd have the patience for it though. :o

    Time to break from here for a while. Make it a good one!

    Lanette
    Rainy and cool SW WA State B)