WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR MARCH 2021

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  • KetoneKaren
    KetoneKaren Posts: 6,412 Member
    CSSJ09 wrote: »
    There are no words to describe how glad I am to find all of you still here. What dedication. That you are so ope to sharing your lives in such an uplifting way is a real inspiration.
    It has been several years- I am not sure the last time I was on MFP. I will never catch up so I won't try.

    Here goes- some personal information that I have never discussed even while a regular reader and poster (is that a term?). My DH died following years of ill health since I last posted. I thank the VA everyday for its excellent care. Two other family members have been battling mental health issues. The following also is a longstanding situation-. A grandchild who has had cancer for 8 years (and is only 11), has lived through unbelievable pain from head to toe, countless chemo, radiation, infected ports, immunotherapy, clinical trials, 2 unsuccessful CAR-Ts, bone marrow transplant, and as of this week - heart surgery. I have been back-up for years, and there were weeks that I stayed at hospital round the clock to relieve the parents (Some of us telecommuted long before the past year and publishers don't care where the computer is located). COVID has exacerbated the emotional and financial problems. I know that TV says that no family ever gets a bill, but- that simply is not true. Most families have horrific bills from everything associated with treatment: Co-pays, transportation, moving to treatment locations where the costs of housing and food and everything else is more expensive, job losses, babysitters for siblings because extended family has to work, and more. Illness, particularly catastrophic, chronic is the leading cause of bankruptcy in the US. So many families have lost loved ones this year, so I should be grateful for the burdens I have been asked to bear.

    I should have been on this board but did not want to be a soap opera or a Greek tragedy. (did I mention my horse died last spring?) So consequently, I look like a whale. So, there you have it. Back to logging and reading all the uplifting messages that you all post. I missed you and should have realized that no matter what, at least one of you had heard it all or knew exactly what I was feeling.
    CJ



    CJ. - Glad you're back! We are all soap operas and Greek tragedies. Such is life. ;)

    Karen in Virginia
    .
  • cityjaneLondon
    cityjaneLondon Posts: 12,710 Member
    CJ - Welcome back! I have really missed you. I remember when you popped back in a couple of years ago or so and then disappeared again. Now I know why you have been away and I send my great big, heartfelt hugs. What a time of it you have had. :'(<3 But you are right, you are not alone. So many on this thread have had losses and struggles this year. Or any year, come to that.
    The illness or loss of a child is especially hard and must be draining and exhausting for everyone. These things just take over your life.
    I can see that you know it is now time to nurture yourself as well as others. <3 We can't change the world, but we can put a bunch of flowers on our own mantlepiece.

    Much love from Heather in the UK, where, from today, we are able to meet in two households, or up to six people, outside, and even in gardens! :o:o:p Weather forecast for this week, 75° F.

    XOXO
  • grandmallie
    grandmallie Posts: 10,094 Member
    CJ- welcome back,im so sorry you have had a hell of a time,and my condolences on tbe loss of you DH,and will pray for your grandchild..
    Believe me I know all about bills,and with no income other than alimony until i hear back from disability. Im squeaking by..
    I did try and sleep but will call drs office when they open.. im.having a gout attack and its very painful so i am awake. About 4 hrs maybe 4.5 hrs of sleep
    Here is hoping they will fill a script for prednisone and allopurinol..
  • spikeyhair
    spikeyhair Posts: 2,078 Member
    CJ Welcome back, sorry for all you have had to bear. Echo Heather’s words.

    Looking forward to end of April, DS birthday, in the past we have celebrated at his house with huge gathering and lots to eat and drink. If the weather is clement we will gather in his garden with his daughters and their kids. We will have had our 2 jabs then as well.

    My blue tits didn’t return to bird feeder, at least we haven’t seen them. Maybe they sneak in when we’re not around. We do have a few cats in the neighbourhood so maybe that puts them off.

    Kate UK ❤️
  • TerriRichardson112
    TerriRichardson112 Posts: 19,037 Member
    Good Morning, ladies. I’ve been behind for a few days, so apologies if I have missed anything.

    Heather: ~ We can meet in groups of up to 6 others in gardens from Thursday, so may manage a family get together outside over Easter.

    CJ: ~ Welcome back. (((Hugs)))

    Feeling introspective.

    life marches forward
    impervious to all thoughts
    seize the moment now

    do or do not act
    savour inactivity
    or assume control

    exercise your rights
    be the captain of your ship
    plot and steer your course

    We have all had a rough year. We cannot stop life happening to us but we can control how we choose to react to it. I’m grateful to be able to be here with all you inspirational people.

    💐 Love all the flower pics.

    ☘️ Terri
  • KJLaMore
    KJLaMore Posts: 2,847 Member
    CJ Welcome back! So sorry to hear of the loss of your DH and the issues your grandchild/family is facing. Sending healing thoughts prayers your way. ((( <3 ))) I am happy you remembered that we are here, for you. KJ
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 25,611 Member
    @CSSJ09 ... so sorry!

  • grandmallie
    grandmallie Posts: 10,094 Member
    Well i got another hour and a half sleep ,but waiting for the drs office to open up so i can call and see if i can get a couple of scripts.. the pain is excruciating.. i only get an attack maybe once or twice a year if that.. and i know i should have the meds on hand..
    Will go check on tbe pups today and get them outside as Tom is driving to florida.and Elena is working..
  • cityjaneLondon
    cityjaneLondon Posts: 12,710 Member
    I celebrated our 'Happy Monday' by colouring my roots and putting clear varnish on my nails. :D:p
    Of course it meant skiving off my editing , but the sun is shining and I really, really needed the boost to my mood. I hate my grey.
    In two weeks time I have a haircut appointment. I booked it the minute Boris named April 12th for hairdressers to reopen.
    Now all I need is to shave 7 lbs off my weight so I can fit into my sparkly dresss for Pride in August. B)

    Tandoori chicken with roasted cauliflower and raita for dinner. Yummo!

    Love Heather UK xxxxxxxx
  • margaretturk
    margaretturk Posts: 5,258 Member
    edited March 2021
    CJ so good to hear from you. I am so sorry to hear about all the hardship that you are facing. I was sorry to here about the loss of you husband. I am glad he got good care. My prayer for you is you carve out some time just for you to nurture yourself. I know much easier said then done. There is a great ad on TV that just says take 15 seconds to breathe and think calm. Sometimes it feels that is about all you can spare. I know too sometimes just trying to explain what is happening to you is exhausting. It is okay to not be okay. You do whatever you need to do to help yourself during this trying time. When you do find those times and people that help use them.

    My way of coping with DH recent hospitalization is to go on a clean out binge. For me there is something about clearing and cleaning out a space that helps me feel I have room to breathe. Fortunately keeping my calendar clearer is easier to do with COVID. I have a few things to clear off the calendar. I am not adding anything for at least 3 to 4 weeks and /or until I see where DH is in his health. He may be discharged today.

    For those of you who things are going well. I will just say keep car working well and repairs up to date as needed. Gas tank full and your health the best you are able because this is the reserve that will be called upon to use in times when the (!x!x) hits the fan.
  • Katla49
    Katla49 Posts: 10,385 Member
    CJ — Welcome back. It is good to see you again. You have many friends here. I am so sorry for your losses. <3
  • kymarai
    kymarai Posts: 3,702 Member
    CJ- Hugs!

    Boobs squished. Permanent crown being cemented as I type. I asked my SIL to do one thing this morning, she failed SMH. It is expected so no real disappointment.

    Have a blessed day!
  • bananasandoranges
    bananasandoranges Posts: 2,410 Member
    Tracey
    Julie - it always reminds me how times have changed when we mention how “he would or wouldn’t” eat this or that. My MIL for years wouldn’t cook anything but meat, potatoes and vegetables as my FiL didn’t like it so she didn’t want him to have to smell it. Now she makes it and tells him to leave the room if he doesn’t like it. She still makes something different for him though.
    So that goes to show we have made some progress! Wow your grandma was disciplined food-wise!

    Tina
    I was a picky kid eater, but I haven’t been picky since my early 20s. Now, I love to cook and travel and my palate has changed drastically. One thing I cannot handle much of is really spicy (hot) food. It just doesn’t agree with my digestive system. AND, I like to taste the food, not the heat.
    I don't like really spicy food. Here in France there is really no really spicy food. it's not in the culture. In the usa or elsewhere one can find uncomfortably hot food in some places but i have never seen that in France in 30 years. so, for me, spicy, means rather/quite mildly spicy : like with black pepper or mild curry paste.

    CJ- i don't think i was on the thread when you were here. I'm sorry for your losses.
  • barbiecat
    barbiecat Posts: 17,201 Member
    :)C.J. Welcome back. It is never too late to start again to take care of yourself. You have been there for others. Now, be there for yourself.

    <3 Barbie in NW WA
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 25,611 Member
    Cycling on Sunday ... yeah, it was kind of a dark and stormy afternoon.

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    Machka in Oz
  • cityjaneLondon
    cityjaneLondon Posts: 12,710 Member
    Phew! ;)
    I don’t usually buy the grandkids Easter eggs, as I reckon they get a lot of chocolate from everyone, so I usually look for an alternative present. Some have been very successful, others not. This year I simply couldn't think what to get them, so I asked DDIL if it was OK to buy them chocolate eggs. She was quite happy with that, so I set off this afternoon to see if there were any left. Yes, there, were. :D:p:D Bought three Smartie Button eggs.
    We will see them at some point, in the garden, over the Easter weekend. Unfortunately, the beautiful weather will be over by then. Chilly again. Right now it is heavenly.
    The other grandparents are visiting on Good Friday. They intend to break the rules and go indoors. :# We are goodie goodies. o:)

    Love Heather UK xxxxxxxx
  • pipcd34
    pipcd34 Posts: 17,264 Member
    171717
  • csofled
    csofled Posts: 3,022 Member
    💛😊🌞
  • GodMomKim
    GodMomKim Posts: 3,703 Member
    CJ - welcome home! we are still here puttering along, glad to see you back, sorry to hear what a tough go you have had, sending good thoughts to your family - what a strain on everyone. We all whine/rant sometimes and amazingly mysteriously we feel better and one of us comes along and sweeps away all the yuck and we are stronger together.

    Kim in sunny Northern California
  • Katla49
    Katla49 Posts: 10,385 Member
    I received a card from my granddaughter and am ready to send my reply back to her. I’ll take it to the post office this morning. It is difficult to be so far away. Sending letters is making me happier and the grandchildren happy, too.

    The medical facility in our town has been reorganized. Our doctor is going to work in Portland and others will be assigned here. We’ll have to take things as they come. I don’t want to shift back to the Portland facilities, so will give the changes here a try.

    Katla in NW Oregon
  • Peach1948
    Peach1948 Posts: 2,473 Member
    :)
  • grandmallie
    grandmallie Posts: 10,094 Member
    Well i have a drs appt at 1:45 for gout and will go see the boys in a bit and t hen to the drs.. then home..very windy here today
  • auntiebk
    auntiebk Posts: 2,614 Member
    "Get to do"s and "chose well"s
    Chose well: BP, Shadow to powerline, stroll/chat with Shadow and T above Harris Beach, one load laundry
    Bonus: more than 11K steps for the first time in forever!
    Get to do: take BP, dogs to powerline, bake cookies for firehall, call D re: sticky keyboard, Norton and windows updates, call S, Tues: hike with T, Grocery Outlet, Freddie’s, bank to turn in pennies and pick up old USB drive from safe deposit box, Wed: Tumble to dog group, Thurs: 2nd jab, Fri: Joe’s followup, ongoing: fire district: input 2019 call sheets into NFIRS, work with chief on equipment letter, substance abuse policy, NFIRS mutual aid and other missing details, call Credit union re: credit card, ask for boots donator contact info, appreciation letter or certificate to boots donator, index mutual aid files; FM Cu, watch STAS Day 20, make experimental almond paste, declutter sideboard, practice new dances (Do Your Thing, Pure Movies to Wine, Beer, Whiskey, I ain’t never gonna love nobody but Cornell Crawford (Alley cat), A Little Less Broken, One Margarita, I’m so used to being broke, All Night, Nothing but You, Blame it on my beating heart, Homesick); finish mulching flowerbed, invest another 10 minutes in prepping living trust, Freddie’s for complete series TDAP <$48, get Shingrix vaccine, find and configure a screen time popup, figure out where to plant the last of the naked lady bulbs, and soon as it warms up above 50 and dries out below 60% humidity I’ll tape and spray paint those rusted areas of Aunt Elsie’s stove. Reconcile Joe’s EOB’s Thrivent shows only 2263.48 so far, next BGBS ask Terry about GB’s FD firetruck tax levy – contacts, media, advocate???, Reward: inventory seeds, plan this spring’s garden, wishlist replenishments (Milena F1 orange peppers), First week in April: call Wild Rivers (541 247 3514) for dog wash/nail trim appointments.

    Mindful March:
    28: Appreciate nature around you, wherever you are: stepped outside to view the moon with Joe. Air smelled good! Then stroll chat with Shadow and T above Harris Beach, gray skies, gray sparkling sea, still beautiful.
    29: Notice what is working today and be thankful that this is so: indoor plumbing of all sorts, internet, my creaky ol’ bod.

    Today’s a capella sea shanty is for you speakers-of-Francais, Heather, Annie, Julie et al:
    https://youtu.be/oWx7O9bUnMg

    Machka those morning Chihuahuas made me laugh out loud enough to wake Joe from his after breakfast nap. :laugh: Likewise your just feta and olive “salad”
    Allie “dopes” is right. People here are going to church unmasked, shaking hands, hugging, SMH. Even after I get my 2nd shot (Thursday yay), I’ll wait two weeks before returning to inside activities, and even then keep masking and washing washing washing my hands. Hope you get some relief quick! When your toes hurt, EVERYTHING hurts.
    Pat C in OH, OMG what a cutie your GGS is. Hope your grands have a plan to fend off all the girls that will chase after him and his brother . . . ;)
    Heather “just listening” is the very greatest gift your DH could give Max. What a memory they made! Max looks so happy!
    Kelly was just thinking how lucky those kiddos (and their parents) are to be in your day care/early learning environment when I saw your “beach”. WOW. Schlepping 250 lbs of sand, what a workout! :love: the pics of bare toes wiggling in the sand :smiley: In our county, “performers” are exempt from the masking requirement, could that be an out for your re-enactors? Then again, what Tracey said, it might be better in the long run to postpone another year while pursuing some kind of bridging grants/funding.
    Julie “…"ok let's do charity work to feel or be good." sometimes my heart is totally into the volunteer work and i don't give it a second thought - it seems like a must-…” Like your insight. Charity work done to make me feel good, doesn’t. Feels more like an obligation or a dread task. Projects that grab my heart or mind don’t feel like drudgery, and do make me feel productive and needed.
    Tracey :brokenheart: for your cousin’s situation and holding good thoughts for the repairs. I like Machka’s idea of Rodger helping with dinner… or even doing it all ? ;)
    Margaret, thanks for letting us know we can provide info even when we cannot get info. Is there a way we can pre-allow our spouses to get information in case we’re incapacitated or not in our right minds?
    Rebecca you almost make seaweed sound tasty! :laugh:
    Katla I still (at 70+) get hot flashes at night, blame it on the Joe keeping the thermostat way up and the dogs throwing out heat. Very thankful for Alendronate, my osteoporosis has halted its progression and in some areas even regressed to osteopenia :sweat_smile:
    Carol beautiful azaleas, especially like the purple ones. Our white rhodies might be on the verge of blooming, but the other colors not yest.
    Welcome @wm6810 Wendy in GA! There are other Georgia peaches here too.
    Welcome @plaintap would you let us know what you’d like to be called and your general locale? Your beautiful orchids remind me how I’m missing @SuzyQ113 who grows them outdoors in FL.
    Welcome @donnalux in Ontario!
    Tina in SoCal “…out of courtesy” Joe here too. He loves to watch horror flicks, everything from suspense to slashers. They give me nightmares. So if I’m in the house, he’ll watch something else or read. Likewise, I’m looking forward to having lamb chops when he goes to Medford for his followup. He thinks they stink.
    Tina in upstate NY, I found it easier to be active when I was still working. Retirement removed that external structure so then I had to rely on internal discipline, uh oh, no fun! Instead I found FUN activites (like line dancing and aqua Zumba). That really helped, until we moved away from the swim center and then the pandemic hit. Lately stroll chatting with a new friend has filled that void for me… and we’re working our way up to some real hiking ;)
    Michele SMH at the ceramics owner, she could lose her business, or worse yet some of her customers, by being so lax. It it were me, I’d bring wipes, and wipe everything down BEFORE I sat down or used it, then again when I was done. Model the behavior you want to see. “move some stones up a hill…” You sound like Sisyphus!
    Kate congrats on the pound! Was startled to read “…My blue tits…” then I remembered your birds :devil:
    Cheri good for Mitch for keeping you safe from exposure, minimizing stress. Always good to see your smiling face.
    Kylia hooray for the remote access computer work. Catching up on paperwork in comfies beats having to dress to the shoes to work near uncooperative relatives. ;) Typing while in the dental chair? :noway: Now that’s multitasking !
    CJ Welcome back. :heartbreak: Thank you for filling us in, what a heartbreaking time you’ve had of it all. This is a safe place to share feelings. As Kelly said “…what bothers us, family life, relationships....it all affects the health choices we make.” I remember you and while I’m sorry for all you’ve been through I especially grieve for your horse.:cry:
    Teri “savour inactivity
    or assume control”
    Exactly!
    Lisa as chef, will Johnny be the authority?
    Barbie “You have been there for others. Now, be there for yourself.” Best advice ever.
    Betsy yours to Karen in VA about life and who we are. Perfect. Prayers continue for your sister and the caregivers at Swedish Medical.
    Kim yours to CJ, especially “…we are stronger together.” Congratulations for finding a vaccine appointment. We had to go to another state (California from Oregon) but it’s only 30 miles away… ;)

    Been sittin’ long enough. Won’t make my steps if I stay on my butt any longer. Time to get out and seize this gloriously sunny but fiercely windy day.

    Lighter, lovelies!
    f8qt1s098sxm.gifBarbara, the Southern Oregon Coastie AHMOD
    March: leaner/stronger/kinder than January and February.
    daily: sit with Joe: 23, weigh: 28, steps>5627=11148 ?!? vits=28, log=28, CI<CO=24, CI<250<CO=16, Tumble=19 Shadow=21 mfp=28 outside=19 up hill=18
    wkly: BB&B, T’ai Chi=4 or SWSY or wii=6 x5= rx=4 dance= clean 60 mins=7 packwalk=6, wt=2/28:142.4, 3/7:144.4 waah! :sad:, 3/14:140.7 :bigsmile:, 3/21 143.3 :rage:, 3/28 142.0 ok, 3/31 .
    mnthly: board mtg=1, grant=1 , 21 plan= bonus: AF=13 play=7 sew= waist=42.5
    2021: choose to be leaner/stronger/kinder NOW
  • dlfk202000
    dlfk202000 Posts: 3,189 Member
    edited March 2021
    Finally getting back on track this morning. After not tracking my food since mid Dec/not sticking with the IF(and gaining the weight I lost while I was sick/Covid).
    Starting today at 145.5- didn't weigh myself this morning but that is what the dr. scale told me when I went a few weeks ago and assume that is what I am weighing now(was close to that last week on my scale while fully dressed)
    My body is NOT liking the extra weight or something- hip and knee are really hurting the past week and a half.
    I will be making a few changes, mainly sticking with 1200 cal a day like FP said instead of 1000(in case I missed something and for sure not "cheat" and add something I didn't really eat to get to that 1000 so it would track it). Just need to make better choices.
    goal weight is 127-129.
    First goal is 135.
    Husband went and walked with me at the park yesterday which was nice- would have been better if my knee wasn't hurting and it wasn't so warm- needed capri and tank top, not long sleeve tshirt and flannel type leggings.

    I took long enough off, now to get on track and do better.
    Back on vitamins too- hoping hair stops falling out. And hope issues with my stomach clear up- I am eating soooo much candied ginger- had to make a new batch yesterday.

    Debbie
    Napa Valley,CA
  • Katla49
    Katla49 Posts: 10,385 Member
    Our appointments for 2nd vaccinations are tomorrow. I had fits trying to confirm online and finally called the store. They will handle it for me. Our local Walgreens have a good staff. I plan to say thanks to them in person.
  • Whidislander
    Whidislander Posts: 3,813 Member
    dlfk202000 wrote: »
    Whidislander wrote: »
    KJ (Kelly), Wowsa, pulling the tarp with the sand! You are our Rocky! All you do with your childcare amazes me! Of course way back when, my front living room was more an Owain play area than anything. Parents of kids I had over for the two older sons would ask me if I ran a daycare! No, but I guess I could have. It was a one level home, with living room right from the front door, then beyond was the kitchen and smaller living room with a fireplace. We just used that. So the front part had all our 7 oak book cases, then with cathedral ceilings it was quite nice. Vallejo, CA was nice walking, but everyone kept to themselves and it was difficult making friends. I would wave to people but they never made it across the street to have coffee. But I did a lot of walking!
    This week I am treating Galen to some ramen! Bought bok choy, green onions, bean sprouts, and some pre made pork chops I will just reheat in some soy sauce/chicken stock mixture. Then going to attempt to make "ramen eggs". I have some jumbo shrimp for me, then we have seaweed sprinkles to sprinkle on top of soup. After our ramen, (or before!), I bought some seaweed crunchy snacks. Like a pretzel with a strip of seaweed wrapped around it, and dunked in soy sauce (taste).
    Well onward and upward! Time to do some writing!
    Hugs ladies!
    Rebecca
    Still cold in Whidbey
    Washington

    Athena time:💕
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    Rebecca, when did you live in Vallejo? Where you in military housing? Husband grew up two blocks from it. His mom still lives in the same house.
    Still not a real friendly town-still keep to themselves it seems.
    Debbie
    Debbie
    We lived there from Dec 1998 to 2003 but husband had just retired from the Navy. So not military housing but we lived on Legend Circle behind Target up on the hill. It was a great house, and the back yard had a huge cement pad. Off to the side was dirt, so at one point I bought a whole bunch of dirt and had the side part tilled in and I tried to grow a garden. Unfortunately Vallejo is 90% sand so everything was choked out. Then we bought a huge wooden play set and put 50 bags of play sand around! We bought a "soft" tub that we just plugged in with a gazebo. Then a pool on top of those puzzle foam mats on the cement. It was a great outdoor space! I also had an umbrella style clothesline. The boys refer to that era as "the rich phase" because Lee worked as a purchasing agent for a construction company building the Bay Bridge. So starting out he kind of was ridiculously overpaid. I will try to find pics.😁👍
    Hugs Rebecca

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