WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR DECEMBER 2022

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  • TerriRichardson112
    TerriRichardson112 Posts: 19,008 Member
    edited December 2022
    Just watching BBC coverage of the storms raging across America. Please take care dear friends.

    Machka: 🥰 the flowers and the bell drawing.

    Heather: 🥰 the Christmas watercolours. I have used my paintings for cards in the past.

    Virtual (((hugs))) and 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 for those who need them.

    🙋‍♀️ Miele failte to the newbies.

    ☘️ Terri

  • grandmallie
    grandmallie Posts: 10,086 Member
    Karen- my son's 38th birthday is January 2nd.
    He waited for all the football to be over with New Years day before he decided to make his entrance....
    I had to return some stuff to the store.. there has been a break in the weather.. the rain has stopped but the temps are going to start dropping like a rock.. and we could possibly get a little bit of freezing rain or snow..we shall see..
    The kids dad is in bed with the Flu.. or something of the sort..he is always sick.. but he also doesn't take care of himself and he smokes.. so neither is good..
  • kevrit
    kevrit Posts: 4,301 Member
    Grateful:
    1 What is something that makes you laugh? My two dogs, Wicket and Brownie every day the do something to make me laugh.
    2 Something about the current season you’re grateful for. The Christmas spirit making people nicer at this time of year.
    3 What about your body do you love/are you grateful for? My hair. It is white, pretty full with lots of body. Hairdressers always comment on how they like to work with my hair. Growing it out this winter. We will see how long I leave once the heat comes back!
    4 Who is someone in your life that you’re grateful for? My children and grandchildren.
    5 What is a book that changed your life? The Blooming of a Lotus by Thich Nhat Hann
    6 Think about something you’re good at. Customer service.
    7 What is a lesson you’re grateful you learned? To forgive myself.
    8 A basic need that has been met. My housing at the campground. Free for hosting
    9 What are you most grateful for in the city/town where you live? The blue skies and 300 days of sun!
    10 What rejection in your life are you most grateful for? Losing my job at the print shop. It allowed me to take early retirement, buy this camper after selling my house and travel!
    11 Something you use every day. My phone. I know I know, but like others, everything is on it!
    12 Something you don’t need anymore. A big house
    13 Refuge – space you love in your home: My bedroom
    14 Item of clothing—The coat I bought last January in TN
    December 15 Taste—sweets!
    December 16 Touch—The loving touches from my fur babies!
    December 17 Smell ——Baking bread
    December 18 Sound—birds singing
    December 19Sight —-Snow on the mountains (but not where I am! Lol)
    December 20 Texture—-The soft skin of a baby
    December 21 Color—Sky blue
    December 22 A song that makes you happy.—-Rock Around the Christmas Tree
    December 23 Type of weather you love. Sunshine and about 75 degrees
    24 Professional who helps you.
    25 Something you take for granted.
    26 A TV show that you look forward to watching.
    27 A movie you watch over and over.
    28 An opportunity you’re grateful you had.
    29 A place you love to visit.
    30 A tool you find incredibly useful.
    31 A daily habit you’re happy you’ve cultivated.


    Kindness Calendar:
    December 1. “Spread kindness and share the December calendar with others”: Sharing on here and hope it helps someone.
    December 2.:Contact someone you can’t be with to see how they are: to be determined. I ended up talking to my uncle and a friend, both who live 2,000 miles away!
    Decembrist 3. Offer to help someone who is having
    difficulty at the moment. - I helped a mom fix her son’s bicycle.
    December 4. Support a charity, cause, or campaign you really care about. - I use Amazon Smile to
    5contribute to St. Jude’s Children Hospital
    every time I buy something, including gifts
    December 5. Leave a positive message for someone
    else to find. Left a note for DH with a
    chocolate kiss!
    December 6.Give a gift to someone who is homeless or feeling lonely. I made a person smile who was having a very bad day trying to get a campsite. I gave them one.
    December 7. Give kind comments to as many people as possible today. Done! Campers and DH
    December 8. Do something helpful for a friend or family
    member- I made an appointment for DH to get new glasses.
    December 9. Notice when you’re hard on yourself or others and be kind instead.
    December 10. Listen wholeheartedly to others without judging them.
    December 11. Buy an extra item and donate it to a local food bank.
    December 12. Be generous. Feed someone with food, love, or kindness today!
    December 13. See how many different people you can smile at today.
    December 14. Share a happy memory or inspiring thought with a loved one
    December 15. Contact an elderly neighbor and brighten up their day.
    December 16. Look for something positive to say to everyone you speak to.
    December 17. Give thanks. List the kind things others have done for you!
    December 18. Ask for help and let someone else discover the joy of giving.
    December 19. Contact someone who may be alone or feeling isolated. - Going to cal my Uncle
    December 20. Help others by giving away something that you don’t need
    December 21. Appreciate kindness and thank people who do things for you!
    December 22. Congratulate someone for an achievement that may go unnoticed.
    December 23. Choose to give or receive the gift of forgiveness.

    RVRita in NM
  • kevrit
    kevrit Posts: 4,301 Member
    grandmallie wrote: »
    Karen- my son's 38th birthday is January 2nd.
    He waited for all the football to be over with New Years day before he decided to make his entrance....
    I had to return some stuff to the store.. there has been a break in the weather.. the rain has stopped but the temps are going to start dropping like a rock.. and we could possibly get a little bit of freezing rain or snow..we shall see..
    The kids dad is in bed with the Flu.. or something of the sort..he is always sick.. but he also doesn't take care of himself and he smokes.. so neither is good..

    My son will be 38 on December 27! How cool they are the same age!

    RVRita
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 25,592 Member
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  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 25,592 Member
    I've been reading a lot since my surgery on December 14. It's wonderful! I usually get to read 2 chapters a week, but so far, I've finished 3 whole books. :)

    Today, I started this one ...

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    Machka in Oz
  • pipcd34
    pipcd34 Posts: 17,246 Member
    3939
  • Poerava14
    Poerava14 Posts: 1,091 Member
    More to be grateful for:

    13 Refuge – space you love in your home: My recliner in living room.

    14 Item of clothing - long gray alpaca sweater which I wear as an inside robe

    15 Taste – Tart and sweet together, like chocolate covered strawberries.

    16 Touch – My kitty’s belly

    17 Smell – A turkey roasting in the oven

    18 Sound – The percussion in our symphony concert hall

    19 Sight – The sunrise from my bedroom window, and the rainbows created when the light hits the crystals hanging there.

    20 Texture - gelato

    21 Color – the turquoise of swimming pools

    22 A song that makes up happy. Handel’s Messiah

    23 Type of weather you love.. Sunny and warm with snow on the ground
  • cityjaneLondon
    cityjaneLondon Posts: 12,692 Member
    edited December 2022
    Karen - Gorgeous painting. <3 I aim to be that creative!

    Not a good night again. Just a general buzzy feeling and low-lying dread. Yes, I know it's silly. :o DH and I are making fun of it by crying "D O O M !" every so often. :p At least we understand each other's free floating angst, and we have it about different things and at different times, thank goodness.

    I want to get the Christmas food and presents over to my son's, as it's weighing on my mind. Either we take it this morning, or I will ask him to come over and pick them up this evening, as I'm not keen on us driving over there in the dark. Just another neurosis.

    I think I need to go for a run! :# No wind. Just have to get out early to avoid the Parkrun.

    Love Heather UK xxxxxxxx
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 25,592 Member
    edited December 2022
    In our garden ...

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    The mystery flower (Prunella vulgaris?). On the left are hydrangeas. On the right are ...

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  • Katla49
    Katla49 Posts: 10,385 Member
    Terri Richardson — It is 4am and COLD outside, here in Illinois. DH and I are safe and warm inside. Weather reports it will be 14 degrees Fahrenheit and windy.

    Lanette— Sorry to hear about freezing rain. I hope you will be safe and warm at home.

    Karen— Your brother’s painting is beautiful.

    A gust of wind woke me up at 4am this morning. DH & I are in Illinois. I plan to stay warm and safe inside today. 🤞🏻 ❤️ 🤞🏻
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 25,592 Member
    cityjaneLondon wrote: »
    Today's Christmas painting session. I may choose one to make a Christmas card next year. :D
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    Love Heather UK xxxxxx

    I like these. :)
  • cityjaneLondon
    cityjaneLondon Posts: 12,692 Member
    edited December 2022
    Thank you Machka. :) Thank you to everyone who has been so kind about my watercolour efforts. The joy for DH and me is that it is something we enjoy doing together <3 and it is very 'mindful'. Takes us away from any small aggravations. An unexpected bonus is how much Bea enjoys doing it with us!
    The tree card has been sent to Vistaprint to make next year's Christmas cards. Just an experiment to see how it turns out. I am starting with 10.
    One thing I have hugely improved in lately is my ability to just experiment and give something a go. I used to be paralysed with perfectionism and would never have even tried. The example of the grandchildren has helped enormously, because they just plunge in and are not afraid to make a mess. Plus, I am just acquiring a different perspective on life. :p Writing my memoirs has laid to rest a lot of ghosts and I can laugh at the neuroses that remain. I don't take myself so seriously.

    On that subject, I went out for my run and really enjoyed it. I listened again to the 'What if you are the thing, the gift?' podcast. People were greeting each other as they passed other runners. Lovely!
    Then I stopped off at the butchers and the deli to top off a few supplies. Just to be sure - you know. :D
    Then I texted my son to tell him we were not feeling great about driving over in the dark with all the stuff. He texted back to say he could come over just before lunch to pick it up!!! Hooray! So, I've found a freezer bag and made a mad rush to make brandy butter for the Christmas pudding. I wasn't going to make it, because my son can't eat it, but I decided that it was the best bit of Christmas pudding and it wouldn't be the same without it. So he will just have to resist, >:) Other than that, our day with them will be AF. Champagne will be waiting for us when we get home in the evening.

    So, I can now relax, apart from wrapping DH'S stocking presents. <3 I'll do that when he goes out for his walk.

    Edit : Just seen your post Kylia. Good to see you. Sending hugs. XOXO

    Love to all. Your weather is at the top of our news. Stay safe. Love you.

    Heather UK xxxxxxxx
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 25,592 Member
    kymarai wrote: »
    Hi,
    I really have missed you ladies! Somehow my psyche has been spiralling out of control this year. I spoke with my doctor and she gave me meds. I believe they are helping, but may need dosage adjusted. I will discuss that at next appointment in early January. I have just been overwhelmed and seemingly only getting bare minimum accomplished. I reckon my husband and I are still alive, the house is clean, and I still have a job, so I am more blessed than many.
    I wanted to pop on and wish everyone a Merry Christmas.
    I will read/write more later. I really have missed you all!

    Much love,
    Kylia in Ohio trying to survive the winter. I keep telling myself only 8 more weeks. ❤

    Nice to hear from you again. :)

    I'm glad you've seen the doctor and are taking steps to make things better for yourself and I hope 2023 will be a good year for you.

    Machka in Oz

  • KetoneKaren
    KetoneKaren Posts: 6,412 Member
    edited December 2022
    Gratitude
    1 What is something that makes you laugh? Robin Williams movies.

    2 Something about the current season you’re grateful for: Very grateful for the cool fall weather and the lovely rains.

    3 What about your body do you love/are you grateful for? I am grateful for my hair. It's a pretty color and has body/wave. I never have to fuss with it.

    4 Who is someone in your life that you’re grateful for? I am incredibly grateful for the assistant marketing manager Stephanie at our retirement community, who is skillfully navigating us through the portal into our retirement community. Among other things, she tactfully negotiated to return the larger storage space that originally came with our apartment (it had been commandeered, lol), assigned us a prime parking space near the elevator in the parking garage, gave us a grace period before we have to start daily "check ins", took charge of a delivery of large awkward boxes in our absence, delivering them into our apartment with care, spontaneously recruited us to join into a trivia game that was already underway, and numerous other little thoughtful gestures. Plus she is super responsive to emails.

    5 What is a book that changed your life? To Kill a Mockingbird

    6 Think about something you’re good at: I'm good at packing a box with random items (like a puzzle).

    7 What is a lesson you’re grateful you learned? I am still learning this lesson. Do not talk at/overwhelm my younger brother with too much information or too many questions. He is vulnerable and becomes anxious and ultimately angry - because he feels inadequate, which makes him resentful.

    8 A basic need that has been met: Basic needs: food, water, clothing, sleep, and shelter. All have been met with the possible exception of adequate sleep.


    9 What are you most grateful for in the city/town where you live? Oh my gosh, there are so many great things about this neck of the woods. However, picking just one: I have a terrific network of friends and access to limitless resources in and around Richmond, VA where I live. So I would have to say "the people who live here".

    10 What rejection in your life are you most grateful for? I am grateful for being rejected by my friend Liz in graduate school. We started out by ride-sharing to school and quickly became fast friends. Liz rejected my friendship when I betrayed a confidence involving another classmate Susan. I said something to Susan that tipped her off that Liz had revealed to me something personal about Susan that she had told Liz in confidence. Susan felt betrayed by Liz, and Liz felt betrayed by me. It was a life's lesson that I should have learned at a much younger age, but I learned it well and painfully this time, and paid dearly for it by losing Liz as a friend. It was excruciating. I apologized, but the damage had been done.

    11 Something you use every day: I use my hot water kettle every day and I am consciously grateful for it every time I use it. I think, what a great little hot water kettle this is! every day, lol
    

    12 Something you don’t need anymore.: I no longer need my beloved John Deere lawn tractor. Time to dispose of it.

    13 Refuge – space you love in your home: In my new home (apartment), I love my very own room. It has things I love in it and is a calm oasis.

    14 Item of clothing: I have a navy blue with white polka dots dress I love. Sometimes I wear red Danskins with it. And a string of fake pearls.

    15 Taste: Comice pears with brie and Riesling

    16 Touch: Casper the Cat's dense white fur (just a memory now)

    17 Smell: Lily of the Valley

    18 Sound: Snoring doggies

    19 Sight: Nebraska sunrises and sunsets.

    20 Texture: Silk

    21 Color: Coke Bottle Green Sea Glass
    22 A song that makes you happy: Scott Joplin Maple Leaf Rag

    23 Type of weather you love: Summer lighting storms in Nebraska

    24 Professional who helps you: Waiters, especially lately as we transition into our new community.
    25 Something you take for granted:

    26 A TV show that you look forward to watching:

    27 A movie you watch over and over:

    28 An opportunity you’re grateful you had:

    29 A place you love to visit:

    30 A tool you find incredibly useful:

    31 A daily habit you’re happy you’ve cultivated:


    Karen in Virginia
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 25,592 Member
    Machka9 wrote: »
    If you're interested in the Action for Happiness Calendar ...
    Do Good December
    This month, we're encouraging you to carry out small acts of kindness.
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    https://actionforhappiness.org/calendar

    Or we could post something we're thankful for, or happy about, related to the holiday season.

    December 1 - I love the Christmas music. :) Come December 1, that's almost all I play. Christmas music or classical music (when I have to think at work or when we're in the car).

    December 2 - Christmas decorations! We're lagging behind a bit because I usually like to decorate on December 1. But we got the decorations upstairs on Dec 2. Today I'll rearrange furniture and make a start.

    December 3 - Summer. My favourite season. And we are finally having a few days of decent weather after a very wild and woolly spring. That's not saying the good weather will last (thanks La Nina) but there should be more of it.

    December 4 - Memories. So many of the Christmas songs and traditions remind me of my parents and grandparents and happy Christmases with them.

    December 5 - Christmas Displays. I like how many of the shops have Christmas Displays, and some are quite detailed and intricate.

    December 6 - Greetings. People smiling and wishing each other Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

    December 7 - Shortbread. So much delicious shortbread!

    December 8 - Family. Christmas seems to bring us together a bit more.

    December 8 - Trees. All over the world, millions of people are putting up trees in their houses and work places and decorating them. :)

    December 9 - Sparkly Things. I love how everything becomes sparkly at this time of year.

    December 10 - Yummy Things. Mince tarts and cookies. Fudge. Special Chocolates. All sorts of nibbles that only come out at this time of year.

    December 11 - Colours. Reds and greens and a few other combinations out everywhere.

    December 12 - Christmas Stories. Twas the Night Before Christmas. A Christmas Carol. Jesus Birth.

    December 13 - Wrapping things up, and I don't just mean presents.

    December 14 - The Christmas songs I know by heart. I sang them to myself during my surgery to help keep me calm and focusing on something else.

    December 15 - Rest. Except for one Christmas, I think I have had a holiday time over every other Christmas. Today I'm on enforced rest.

    December 16 - Comfort. Christmas is usually a comfortable time of year for me. In Canada it was about going out in the cold to shop or ski and then coming home and curling up in warm, cozy clothes. Here it's about spending time in the warm sunshine, at the beach, in the garden or right now, looking at the lovely outside from inside.

    December 17 - Joy. Christmas has usually been a joyful time for me ... probably mainly to do with being able to take a break.

    December 18 - Pretty. It's such a pretty time of year and people seem to go to lengths to make everything pretty.

    December 19 - Movies. Last night we watched 2 Christmas movies. I get a kick out of them and can just relax and enjoy them. I've got 3 of the ones on the Bingo card below. :)

    December 20 - Home ... or away. Either way, Christmas is a time to be somewhere I feel comfortable.

    December 21 - Fun. I usually relax a bit more around Christmas and make a point of doing things for fun!

    December 22 - Exercise. Christmas has usually been a time when I get extra exercise! In Canada, I was out skiing and snowshoeing. Here I'm usually out cycling, running and walking.

    Unfortunately, I'm not as active this Christmas. But I'm pushing for a bicycle ride this weekend. :)

    December 23 - Health. Christmas is usually a time to regroup and regain my health through sleep, exercise, and eating better.

    December 23 - Love.

    :heart:

    Just saw your post, Barbara ...

    :heart:
    auntiebk wrote: »
    Aha, finally found a December daily gratitude calendar.
    https://www.spacewiseorganizing.com/december-gratitude-challenge/
    “This time of year, there’s a lot of pressure to think about what we want instead of what we have. Every day for the month of December, celebrate what you’re grateful for corresponding to the theme of the day. Snap a photo or update your status on IG or FB with #spaceforgratitude”
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    1 What is something that makes you laugh? Rhody! We're so very glad we got our little COVID Cat!

    2 Something about the current season you’re grateful for. Rest. There will be a lot of rest over Christmas.

    3 What about your body do you love/are you grateful for? I like my nose and want to keep it. But my official answer will be legs - for transport (walking) and recreation (cycling).

    4 Who is someone in your life that you’re grateful for? I've said husband and parents last month, and that's true, but this month I'll say ... my manager. She has been supportive and encouraging regarding my input into my job.

    5 What is a book that changed your life? The Bible. :) With the Christmas season in mind, I'm reading the gospel of Luke now.

    6 Think about something you’re good at. I think I'm good at planning and organisation.

    7 What is a lesson you’re grateful you learned? To speak up. To say my piece.

    When I was young, up till about 17-ish, I was quiet and shy. Then I went through a bolder phase from about 17 into my early 20s. Then the quiet shyness resumed for the most part until my husband's accident. And then the bold me reappeared!

    Where I once guessed what people might be thinking and thought my answers, now I'm vocal and even told I'm quite blunt. :smiley:

    8 A basic need that has been met. Shelter. I'm very thankful for our particular shelter.

    9 What are you most grateful for in the city/town where you live? The proximity to both mountains and beaches. :)

    10 What rejection in your life are you most grateful for? Oh that's an interesting question. Either there haven't been many or I don't remember them but I'm drawing a blank. Although ... about 18 months or so ago, I didn't get a job I was going for and thought I wanted. I think I prefer the one I have now. I think it is providing me with more opportunities for experience and learning.

    11 Something you use every day. A coffee cup to hold my morning coffee. :)

    12 Something you don’t need anymore. What don't I need anymore? Perhaps some of the time consuming traditions like writing the Christmas letter, doing Christmas cards, heaps of baking ...

    And outside of Christmas, I'm making choices that work for me. Picking and choosing what I want to do ... and don't want to do. I'm grateful I can make a few more of those choices.

    13 Refuge – space you love in your home - my chair. I bought a wing chair about a year or so ago and it's my spot.

    14 Item of clothing - rain jacket. Because it appears that it isn't going to stop raining! Also comfy pjs. :)

    15 Taste - I am grateful that I still have a sense of taste. That was one thing my husband lost with his brain injury.

    16 Touch - I'm glad for my smooth, comfortable bed where I've been spending a lot of time.

    17 Smell - Love the smell of our roses.

    18 Sound - Thoroughly enjoying the sound of the Christmas music I play all day long. :)

    19 Sight - I'm appreciating sight after spending the last 5 days without glasses!! I can wear my glasses for a little while now but have to take a break after even just a minute or so.

    20 Texture - the smooth creamy texture of chocolates, the melt in the mouth texture of shortbread. :)

    21 Color - All sorts of Christmas colours!!

    22 A song that makes you happy. Jesus Loves Me.

    23 Type of weather you love. Sunshine and warmth.

    24 Professional who helps you. That would be my surgeon!
    25 Something you take for granted.
    26 A TV show that you look forward to watching.
    27 A movie you watch over and over.
    28 An opportunity you’re grateful you had.
    29 A place you love to visit.
    30 A tool you find incredibly useful.
    31 A daily habit you’re happy you’ve cultivated.

    Machka in Oz

  • grandmallie
    grandmallie Posts: 10,086 Member
    Morning ladies
    And Merry Christmas Eve to all that celebrate, well I finally turned the heat on in the bedroom to 62 as it is 7 degrees outside..
    Going to Tracy and Kyles in a few hrs
    And then will be back here for the duration.
  • barbiecat
    barbiecat Posts: 17,191 Member
    :) It was 14 degrees here on Thursday morning, 26 yesterday and 34 today. The snow started to melt yesterday and the temps will stay above freezing for at least the next two weeks. It was delightful and I'm grateful for my YakTrax that allowed me to walk every day.

    :) We pick up our groceries today since the stores are closed tomorrow.

    <3 Barbie in NW WA

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