WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR JUNE 2020

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  • cityjaneLondon
    cityjaneLondon Posts: 12,678 Member
    We decided we didn't want all lawn in the garden, so I bought DH a wildflower 'mat' as one of his Santa presents. He cut it in half and put the two pieces near the shed. This is one half. :) The other half has an orange poppy and campanulas.

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    We hope they will seed themselves so we will end up with a small 'meadow'.

    Love Heather UK xxxxxxxx
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 25,559 Member
    Machka9 wrote: »
    Machka9 wrote: »
    Joyful June Calendar ...

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    https://www.actionforhappiness.org/joyful-june
    1. Look for what's good ... lots of things!!

    Cycling outside
    Rhody
    Jam

    Things I've liked since being at home from the end of March ...

    Being home all day with my husband. I've got a better understanding of how his day goes.
    Spending time with Rhody, getting to know him and getting him settled into our home.
    Being able to go outside to walk, run or cycle in daylight, despite the fact that the daylight hours are getting shorter.
    Having the energy to exercise regularly.
    Seeing more people outside exercising. :)
    Being able to sleep at least half an hour more each night than I was.
    Being able to go for a nap in the afternoon occasionally.
    Not having to spend 9-10 hours a week commuting!!!
    Spending my days with a 180° view of the bay and trees and outside instead of a wall.
    Being in an environment that rarely gives me sore, itchy eyes, sore throat, cough, and the sneezes.
    Being able to clean this and that.
    Wearing casual, comfy clothes.
    Not having as much stuff vying for my time.
    More time to work on my two courses at uni.
    Working remotely at my own pace ... which might lead to continued remote work ... maybe ... hopefully!
    Being able to attend church online.
    Feeling much more relaxed and less stressed!

    Just to name a few. :)


    2. Reframe a worry and try to find a positive ...

    A worry?
    Well, one of my many worries is that I won't pass my courses. So I'll use that as motivation to start studying for my final exam tonight!! :)


    3. Think of 3 Things to be Grateful For

    The COVID-19 shutdown.
    Working from home.
    Rhody.
    I could go on and on!


    4. Show Appreciation to Those Who are Helping Others

    I think of people like Rori, Tracey, Allie and the others here who are caregivers and especially caregivers to those with brain-related issues. :heart: :heart: :heart:

    Also, co-incidentally, June 2 was Thank A First Responder day. My husband and I have been fortunate to be able to thank those who have helped him. Wonderful people!

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    5. Smile and be friendly, even when you're social distancing.

    That's something I've really enjoyed about all this. When I'm out walking, running or cycling, we exchange waves, nods and smiles with other people. It's nice. :) We can still be friendly, even with a road in between us.

    6. Notice the upsides during the lockdown, however small.

    There are so many upsides!! See the list I made for June 1 above!

    7. Find a joyful way to be physically active (indoors or out)


    For me, being active is joyful. I love being active.

    I love walking, running, hiking, cycling, canoeing, rowing, splashing around in water (my version of swimming), cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, etc. etc. Give me an individual or partner activity (preferably not a group activity) and I'll most likely try it. I've given body boarding a try. I've given both individual and dual kayaking a try, and tennis, badminton, golf ... and I've got archery and dance on my list.


    As I mentioned I am studying for my final exam. The course is about the interaction between technology and humans, and this actually ties into the lecture I'm currently watching (I'm watching the Q&A section after the lecture right now) as well as the talks I watched earlier today in that technology taking something away from our sense of place.

    The talks have hinted at it, but haven't come right out and said it ... balance. I like technology. I like being able to go online to work, to attend university, to communicate with people. But I also like setting it aside for periods of time, going outside and doing something.


    Machka in Oz
  • LisaInAR
    LisaInAR Posts: 2,020 Member
    KJ - Yes, on Hannah Gadsby. I saw Nanette about a year ago, and cried and laughed through the whole thing. Amazing truths she tells - and yes, it's pretty raw, and triggering if you've ever been abused. I enjoyed Douglas, as well, but Nanette stays with me still.
  • LisaInAR
    LisaInAR Posts: 2,020 Member
    auntiebk wrote: »
    Progress on grants:
    completed COVID-19 expense relief application authorization letter, all 11+ pages of the SAM.GOV application, sent draft entity administrator authorization letter to Board President for signature and notarization, waiting for CAGE number from DLA.mil.
    (Lisa HOW did you keep your sanity doing this all those years?), and Office decluttering

    Who says I did? Bahahahahha! :smiley:
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 25,559 Member
    KJLaMore wrote: »
    Someone posted something about laughter...Machka was that you?

    Love and hugs to you all! ttfn xoxoxo KJ (Kelly)

    I did ... and I don't laugh. In fact, a couple years before my husband's accident he commented that I don't laugh. We would watch comedies of various sorts, and my husband was almost rolling on the ground with laughter, and I wouldn't even crack a smile. It struck him as really odd and he asked me if I found the shows funny. Yes, I do. They are amusing and funny but I don't feel an urge to laugh. It's like intellectually I'm registering that the humour is clever, but there's no emotional connection.

    On a very rare occasion, and usually if I'm tired and I suppose I might be letting down my guard a bit or something, I might find something funny enough to laugh at.

    Since my husband's accident, I've haven't found very many things even remotely clever so what little laughing I did has diminished. Because of his accident, part of the brain injury means that his emotions are heightened so he both laughs and cries more. He's also very sensitive to more serious entertainment. We can watch Midsommer Murders but none of the more modern American "cop shows" because they are just too intense and graphic. So we often watch comedies and he roars with laughter at just about everything, even more than he did before ... while I don't.

    With Rhody, I suppose there is enough of an emotional connection to him that I find some of the things he does funny enough to laugh ... in a good, happy way. The first time I laughed it actually took me by surprise! It's an odd feeling ... laughing.


    M in Oz
  • JRsLateInLifeMom
    JRsLateInLifeMom Posts: 2,275 Member
    edited June 2020
    True weight loss isn’t all food or exercise it’s mental also. Abuse to depression even can cause one to seek food for comfort like we did as a newborn babe with our bottles or mother’s milk. Their are actually (psychiatrist dieticians or Nutritional psychiatry)in the field for a reason

    Hubby doing the yard tried to give work to some younger men they never showed up so guess their we can’t find work sob story was more too lazy to work story. So hubby out their cutting to sacking up leaves. He thought at least one of the large group of men would have showed up but none. He was letting them name their price.

    Lol no JR hates hair y nail cuts same grumpy face as when at 6weeks in the womb he gave the Doctor who had a lighted camera wand in his area.The pic has x ‘s top of head y on his chin same expression tho we later realized his head was tilted so it was bigger than measured lol
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    Amber Tx
  • Katla49
    Katla49 Posts: 10,385 Member
    Karen in VA: My best strategy is to avoid buying treats I can’t resist and count calories. I’ve been buying individually wrapped dark chocolate squares for years. Recently I discovered that they’re much higher calories than my mini Kind bars. I haven’t thrown the chocolate away, but I have not eaten one in several weeks. :star:

    Tina: I’m so sorry for your sister’s stroke. It sounds as though it was a major one. My husband had a stroke several years ago. If we’d gotten him to the hospital faster, he would not have the level of disability that he now has. He does have his sight and mental acuity, thank goodness. He walks with a brace on his leg that lifts his toe. :ohwell:

    Kim: “In answer to Rebecca's question, yes we are trying to be a safe place of support in this crazy world. When we ask for input or for Pip's boot that is different. But we need to remember to accept and support one another. Our friends or spouse's may support us each in different ways, but it is not our job to judge the love that we show for one another. We are each different and need different things.” Absolutely true. This group is very special. :heart:

    Heather: There are lots of parts for our drip irrigation system but you and your DH are both brilliant people and would be able to manage it. The place where I grow bean plants is on the ground beside the driveway. It is watered by an ooze hose that is connected with our watering timer. I have the skills to manage that. The various elevated pots with measured drippers require more skill. DH set them up. We bought all the parts for the dripper system from ACE Hardware. Amazon could probably provide the parts you would need. They seem to sell almost everything. :flowerforyou: On another topic, our restaurants are not open for sit down service, but you can order and pick things up outside the door to take home. We haven’t done it yet.

    Barbara: Ben & Jerrys is amazing. The last one I bought was chocolate ice cream with fudge brownies & peanut butter. I don’t remember the correct name. I ate the whole thing, but not all at once. :star:

    SuziQ: Ten inches of rain in three days is a deluge. I saw a newscast on the weather channel that predicted New Orleans is going to take the brunt of this. My son’s good friend from college years lives there with his family. I hope they are safe. :heart:

    Allie: I’m glad that you were able to spend time at your happy place. :flowerforyou:



    We seem to be having a drizzly morning. I don’t mind staying inside for a bit. I’ve heard that our fitness club is opening again and I will eventually be able to go to yoga. I look forward to it.


    Katla in Beautiful NW Oregon
  • cityjaneLondon
    cityjaneLondon Posts: 12,678 Member
    Really enjoyed my run. My knee survived. :D The tide was high and there was quite a breeze, so not too crowded. Though I am finding people just stopping in the middle of the sidewalk, so I have to run all the way round them. The most considerate people are young children who give you a wide berth. One young boy even ran backwards down the stone steps when he saw us coming! <3 Even very small children screech to a halt on their scooters as if we are radioactive. I hope they aren't scarred for life as they've certainly taken it on board.

    KJ - the difference in my son is quite simple. Giving up alcohol. They used to live in North London, near me, and moved here 4 years ago. My son would still, be drinking now had he not had a scare which could have meant he lost everything - job, marriage, home etc. Giving up was mighty hard, but he went cold turkey. As his job as a drinks/hospitality and brewery founder/manager depended on his palate and social drinking, it was doubly hard. Now he has a new job marketing AF drinks to bars and restaurants. Not the greatest moment to pick in history. Nothing has been open for months. He took a substantial pay cut.
    When he went sober he took up running, but struggled with it as he has congenital joint problems and a strained calf. He managed a half marathon, but he was never comfortable. The cycling has been a godsend and his wife enjoys it too. I worry about traffic accidents, like any mother, but all I can do is hope he is sensible. They regularly go out for 70k up and down hills. We used to babysit on a Sunday, but we can't now, so they go when the kids are at school.

    I haven't spoken to my eldest son since the beginning of lockdown March 23rd. He rang me then. However I get to see him on video at least twice a week on AATV on Utube. He said on the video the other day that it was 'scary' knowing his mother was watching.! I keep thinking I ought to ring him and then I forget again.

    Lisa - Years ago, in the early 80s, I did all the research for and planned a book about food which I provisionally called Food For Thought. It was way ahead of it's time and it was only that I had other books to finish which meant I didn't actually write it. I wish I had. All the considerations of environmental damage from mass manufactured food were already in my book years before such thoughts became mainstream and fashionable. I could have been a guru. :laugh: Now I watch David Attenborough and weep at the destruction of the rain forest for palm oil, soy etc .

    On with the day! Hoping against hope for rain.

    Love Heather UK xxxxxxxx

  • csofled
    csofled Posts: 3,022 Member
    :)
  • kevrit
    kevrit Posts: 4,284 Member
    Feeling better thank goodness! Tomorrow mamo and bone density tests. Been putting them off cause of C19. Blood tests on Thursday for routine check up. Also put off for 3 months.

    Working on different projects: sewing, crocheting an Afghan (joined a yarn club), knitting for Christmas gifts, just trying to keep busy. Too hot and/or windy to do much outside (102 degrees and 20 mph winds).

    RV Rita
  • trucker743
    trucker743 Posts: 394 Member
    edited June 2020
    Lisa in AR, yes, it is malabsorption in a way. I lost another 60cm (about 2’) of upper bowel in that emergency surgery in March. I am finding a morning cocktail of protein hot chocolate, coffee, and a protein boosting shake helps get the protein levels up without my having to find a way to get protein in my meals in greater quantity than I can eat without discomfort. It also allows for veggies, etc. I’m in close touch with my dietician and the ARNP’s at my Bariatric group. I’ve really missed our meetings, but they think they’ve found a way to keep medical privacy and still do Zoom meetings. We shall see.

    Janetr, im so sorry to learn of your brother-in-law’s death on top of all the other things you’ve had to deal with. You must all be worried terribly about baby Jaxx’s condition as well. I dearly hope it’s something easily treated with no long-term consequences.

    Kim in CA, I'm pretty close to where you are with the distancing. I miss being in close company with others, although I don’t miss crowds! It’s a treat to go to Costco or the grocery to shop and see real live people sharing the aisles, though not too closely. I even like seeing the other folks in Costco’s gas line. I MUST feel a bit desperate for company. My online Zoom meetings are pretty fulfilling, since they’re all 12-step groups and we talk a lot about growing through this time and strategies for both real-time and emotional upheavals.

    Pip! I’d have nabbed that scooter in a heartbeat! So cute and so useful with the side hack! Good luck on your vacay!

    Sharon Near Seattle
  • trucker743
    trucker743 Posts: 394 Member
    Lisa in AR, yes, it is malabsorption in a way. I lost another 60cm (about 2’) of upper bowel in that emergency surgery in March. I am finding a morning cocktail of protein hot chocolate, coffee, and a protein boosting shake helps get the protein levels up without my having to find a way to get protein in my meals in greater quantity than I can eat without discomfort. It also allows for veggies, etc. I’m in close touch with my dietician and the ARNP’s at my Bariatric group. I’ve really missed our meetings, but they think they’ve found a way to keep medical privacy and still do Zoom meetings. We shall see.

    Janetr, im so sorry to learn of your brother-in-law’s death on top of all the other things you’ve had to deal with. You must all be worried terribly about baby Jaxx’s condition as well. I dearly hope it’s something easily treated with no long-term consequences.

    Kim in CA, I'm pretty close to where you are with the distancing. I miss being in close company with others, although I don’t miss crowds! It’s a treat to go to Costco or the grocery to shop and see real live people sharing the aisles, though not too closely. I even like seeing the other folks in Costco’s gas line. I MUST feel a bit desperate for company. My online Zoom meetings are pretty fulfilling, since they’re all 12-step groups and we talk a lot about growing through this time and strategies for both real-time and emotional upheavals.

    Pip! I’d have nabbed that scooter in a heartbeat! So cute and so useful with the side hack! Good luck on your vacay!

    Machka, do you find it helpful with your spouse that you at least have the physical closeness enough to pat, or hug, or hold hands? I find I miss this more than greater physical intimacy since my husband died. I’m glad my youngest daughter and her son and/or lively dog come over at lease once a week. We’re both pretty observant of distancing, so we allow ourselves to hug at the end of our visits before showering.

  • margaretturk
    margaretturk Posts: 5,246 Member
    :heart:
  • trucker743
    trucker743 Posts: 394 Member
    Tracy in Edmonton, get that throat thing looked at sooner rather than later. Thyroid and lymph nodes both come to mind, and rapid growth of either might be a serious thing.

    Sharon Near Seattle
  • 1948Peachy
    1948Peachy Posts: 1,511 Member
    Happy Peaceful Sunday to All! :)

    Rebecca ~ Love all the photos you share! My DH has gotten very good this year about fixing his own breakfast and lunch. The main cooking I do is a good dinner. I've always had it in my head that you need a protein, carb, and green vegetable. I am able to do that a lot of the time, but, sometimes it's a one pot dish leaving out one of those 3 basics.

    Allie ~ Your time at the beach sounds wonderful. I bet the house that has been handed down is full of nostalgia and good memories.

    I have cleaned out and organized two bathroom cabinets and most of the kitchen cabinets. Will work on the kitchen again tomorrow. Boy, did it need it. I hope this sudden spurt of cleaning continues. SuziQ ~ Think I will see about getting the boric acid for the basement. The only problem is it is so crowded with stuff and dirty, that I don't know how I'll be able to distribute it.

    Carol in GA

  • Katla49
    Katla49 Posts: 10,385 Member
    Rita: I had a bone density test last year and it was easy. My bone density was holding steady, neither up nor down from the last test several years before. I still take bone density meds once weekly. Today was the day. I swallow the bone density pill and sit upright for at least half an hour. Then I can have coffee & food. I like the once a week version but didn’t want a daily regimen. So far, so good. :smiley:

    (((LuciBThinner))) So sorry for the loss of your dog. I’m glad there is still one at home with you and hope it is doing well. :flowerforyou:

    Sharon: I hope things go well for your daughter. :heart:


    Our old dog has a tumor on the outside of his *kitten*. The vet says he will need surgery, but for now it is best to wait and see how things develop. We trust our Vet’s advice and will follow it. Our dog has back/hip problems that are unrelated to the tumor and he is getting pain meds for them.

    Katla in Beautiful NW Oregon
  • cityjaneLondon
    cityjaneLondon Posts: 12,678 Member
    Sharon - Sending good wishes for your daughter and your trip. <3

    So many on here have family worries at the moment. Worrying about family is so hard. Big hugs. <3
    Rebecca - The story of your mum and her sister going so close together is so sad.

    Luci - I actually think I was a terrible mother, but they seem to love me anyway. All I can say is, I wasn't as bad as my own mother. ;) But I had no good example and I was very wrapped up in my own dramas. I am blessed. I was determined to be a better grandmother than my mother was and more like my ex's mother. But I have learnt the most from my DH who has been an excellent mentor. It goes to show you can learn new tricks at any age. Most of the photos and videos come from my DDIL , who was very well brought up, unlike my two. :laugh:
    As for the trauma. ..... Sometimes I wish I could bill my father and mother for the money I've spent on therapy over the years. I've spent a life time working hard to understand it better. It's who I am and it defines me. I have had a LOT of help and pursued courses of every description over years. But yes, the writing probably helps more than anything. Somehow, getting it down in black and white takes the sting away and objectifies it. It becomes a story, rather than a live wound. I hope very much that my books will help others. It's always good to know we are not alone and that there is a way out of victimhood. I still have my triggers, but I am in control of my narrative. It can be tough going though. I think a good therapist, who can just listen, is the best first step. We all need support and validation. Good luck!

    My non stick pan was extremely non stick. Hooray! Wonder how long that will last!

    Watched 'Oklahoma' tonight. So many memories associated with that film/show. I think People Will Say We're In Love might be my inheritance track as I vividly remember my mother and our lodger singing it together in the kitchen when I was a child. Both DH and i enjoyed it, though I had forgotten how stagey the film is. I sang along to all the tunes.

    Love Heather UK xxxxxxxx
  • Katla49
    Katla49 Posts: 10,385 Member
    Has anyone logged into facebook lately? I'd been neglecting it for a while and logged in today. It was not what I expected. I thinkI"ll restart my computer and try again.

    Katla
  • Snowflake1968
    Snowflake1968 Posts: 6,939 Member
    Heather - you are absolutely correct. He builds me anything I ask for really and at Christmas he buys exactly what I want. I am very thankful for that and love him for it. I’ll share pics of the tables he made for the deck this past week.
    I’ve used those wildflower mats before and really had success with them. This year I planted some wildflower seeds. They are just starting to pop up out of the ground.

    Kelly - I hadn’t thought of allergies. I’m not really allergic to anything on a regular basis but have found out I’m very sensitive to the masks at work and have been having several skin irritations because of them. I’ll take some antihistamine and see if that helps. Thank you.
    I was the same as you in our early married days, I regret some of the things I did back then that has made our marriage what it is today. I don’t regret the marriage and I’m not unhappy but I would sure do some things differently if I had to do it again.

    Sharon - I will get it looked at. Thank you.

    Katla - I am in Facebook daily. It is how I keep in contact with friends and family that are spread across the country. I enjoy the sharing of family pictures and everyone knows that I refuse to discuss any things that that will cause debate.

    I had to go get some groceries today and braved Walmart. I have been shopping mostly at our local Coop grocery store but money was tight and I can get better deals at Walmart. I hate shopping now, I bet my blood pressure raises while I’m out. Which way to go, whether to pass someone or wait behind them while they read the ingredients list of 10 bottles of dressing. If I want to read the ingredients list do I need to buy the item because I touched it. It’s insanity and causes me so much anxiety!

    Well it’s taken me all day to read and comment and now I think I should do something.

    Tracey in Edmonton

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