WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR JULY 2023

LisaInArkansas

Heather - I thought it was your day to get back home. Glad you're there safe and sound.

Tracey - I'm glad you like the stories. I need to start collecting them again, when I write them down here. I've definitely been in reminiscing mode the last few weeks. Not sure why, but I'm pleased to be able to capture the funny and pleasant memories from that time. All I could see when I looked back was the pain and abuse, but that gives it more head space than it deserves. There were any number of good days, and while the bad memories aren't gone, they're not at the fore. Writing them down helps enormously to hold onto the good days. I wrote down the bad, and once I'd done that, I've able now to start thinking about the rest, the good days, the accomplishments, stories that bring a smile.

The grocery delivery woman showed up just as the rain started coming down in buckets, but there was room for her car under the carport, so I got her to go ahead and park there and stay dry. She has come and gone and the thunder boomers and rain continue. I could do without the noisy bit, but the water is needed--while we've gotten bits and starts of rain the last week or so, it's been small amounts, and the ground is dry, dry. This is supposed to last until late afternoon, but the lightning has already moved off, and just the rain continues now.

Of course, Egg is not at her happiest... She heartily disapproves of rain. She is sitting on the end table drying the raindrops on her fur one by one, and muttering, while giving me the stink-eye in between.

Just laundry today... no plans for much else. Hope everyone is having a good day!

Love,
Lisa in AR

SophieRosieMom

barbiecat wrote: »

During a very troubled time in my life I saw a sign on a board outside a business that said "I am grateful for unknown blessings already on their way". I embraced that thought and have used it frequently in my life. It helps me ignore what I think is evidence that things are bad, and believe that good is coming my way and I just don't know it yet.

Barbie in NW WA

Barbie - I love this. A thought very similar to this has gotten me through life - both good and bad times. And I remember when I was looking for a job, I'd say to myself "the perfect job is looking for me as hard as I am looking for it." The job I'd find wasn't always what I had in mind, but it paid the bills and I learned new skills, made new friends. Got me through until it was time for the next one.

Car stuff...decision fatigue:

I've done more research on my aging Subaru. Going to hitch up my big girl panties and take the records in to the repair shop tomorrow and go over projected repair costs - "what's the highest the bill could be to keep this girl on the road?"

Is it time for a new (used) car? Nice ones are coming on the market. Spent an hour on the internet this morning looking at what was available at the car dealers in town - both new and used.

Talk about decision fatigue! Plus the idea of walking through a used car lot makes me feel queasy even though I'm sure neighbor Roger would love to help. He was good at helping me pick out a chicken coop.

But, I have a plan. List the pro's and con's. Project all costs (already got a quote from the insurance company as to how much full coverage would be on a late model Toyota) See which column is bigger. Then let the pot soak. I'm sure the right decision will bubble up.

Debbie- I'm sending thoughts of peace and comfort to Destiny's family. I learned yesterday a high school classmate of mine lost her son to cancer last week, her husband's brother died yesterday, and her husband has alzheimers. I am so grateful she has a lot of family and friends close by to keep her lifted up. She's a tough gal.

Heather - welcome home. That's a gorgeous meadow! My back yard is starting to look similar and I'm tempted to keep it that way.

LeeAnne - sounds like you had a nice vacation. Sending cool thoughts your way while waiting for the AC to be being fixed.

Rosemarie - have fun looking at vacation spots and trips. Do you have a friend you could go with to share expenses? My good "trip" friend moved away from the area several years ago to central Oregon, and she had a stroke a couple years ago. I enjoy reliving those memories. Who knows, when I'm ready, maybe someone else will appear in my life who shares my interest and enthusiasm for going places and doing "wierd" things.

That's it for now ladies. Make it a fabulous day!

Lanette
SW WA State

exermom

Rebecca – I have heard of putting an invitation on a “puzzle” so it didn’t surprise me when you said the person put a letter on a puzzle. What a neat idea

Rita – I love your alien pictures

Kim – I only found the chocolate Cool Whip once. Wish I could find it again. Update: no wonder I can't find it -- it's been discontinued

Thurs here: nothing special. Stopped at Food Lion on the way from work since I needed to get ice cream and I don’t want to walk home with ice cream.

Carol – in this heat, it really doesn’t bother me to put a wet bathing suit on. Today I’m thinking that I’ll go in the pool, wear my work shorts and a coverup, go for my walk, and then I bet I’ll be sweaty so I’ll go back in the pool. Like you, I am having a hard time finding something on TV that I’m interested in. There are so many of the “reality” shows and, to me, they are false many times. However, I do like “America’s Worst Cooks” because many times you get good hints


I’ve been stringing the popcorn lately after dinner when the deck is in the shade. On the third bag right now.

Beth – happy birthday

Today Jerry was crying that he was homeless. I hope I was able to talk him down, even if temporarily. We do have these cots that we used when we went camping. First, I’m going to ask Jess if she wants them. Vince says that they aren’t real comfortable, I don’t know since I never used one. We had one for each of the kids and him. Anyway, if Jess doesn’t want them, I’ll offer one to Jerry. I’m going to donate the rest.

Allie – sweet and spicy tea? Never heard of spicy. There’s a lot of sweet tea down here, but spicy?

LeeAnn – welcome back! Maybe you’ll lose weight sweating, trying to see the silver lining (if there is one)

Heather – welcome home and thanks for sharing your trip with us. I so enjoyed it

Lanette – I’m so sorry about your friend

Off to the pool,

Michele NC

1948CWB

Lanette ~ Yes, thinking about a new/used car can really be a big decision. I think your idea of making a pros/cons lists will help you.

Heather ~ Love the wild flowers and your geraniums. Welcome home.

Lisa ~ I too love your stories about some of the unusual people you knew growing up. Shirley must have been a hoot!


Carol in GA

kevrit

July 2023 Jump Back Up
Word of the year: appreciate. Today I appreciate walking my dog,Brownie.

Meditation: daily. 8/30(82%(started Feb)94%,100%, 74%, 93%


1. cut back drinking and limit to 2 days a week. 3/8–(100%,100%,0%,0%,0%,0%)
2. Average 7,000 steps a week. 5989, (7,700,100%-9851,100%-9526,100%-9,559,100%, -8347,100%—7465,100%)
3. Update budget every 2 weeks 1/2 —(100%,100%,100%,100%,100%, 100%)
4. Contact close family every week (4x) 124/208—(100%,100%,100%,50%, 83%, 100% should be 137 by August 1)
5. Contact Donat and sibs once a month (8x)56/94 (100%,100%,100%,100%,100%,100%)
6. Weigh less last day of month compared to first until I reach 140. Start at 178.6,176,174.2,173.4,175.4,174,(100%,100%,100%,0%,100%,100%)
7. Develop a journaling practice by aiming to journal at least 5 days a week. 3/15 (100%,88%,100,100%,100%,100%,93%)
8. Read 12 books at least this year. 24/12 (100%,100%,100%,100%,100%,100%)
9. Pay off credit card debt by January 2024 by making monthly payments to NDR/Reach Financial 6/12—(100%.100%,100%,100%,100%,100%,100%)
10. Continue building emergency fund at SLFCU (min$25 a month)$25+$25+$71+700+25+25 +25 (100%,100%,100%,100%,100%,100%,100%)
11. April started putting 4% on income in savings. 700,200,200, 107 (100%,100%,100%)

January Met —100%
February met —-90%
March met met —-90%
April met——86.36%
May met——-89%
June met—-99%
July met — met
August met
September met
October met —
November met—
December met—



1. Take a small step to help overcome a problem or worry. I am working on helping my son through this tough time by being in contact with his case worker and tracking his location.
2. Adopt a growth mindset. Change “I can’t” into “I can’t…yet”. I try to never use those words. I follow Yoda’s ‘Do or not, there is no try”
3. Be willing to ask for help when you need it. I will. My back hurts today so will easily ask for help when I need it.

4. Find something to look forward to today. Missed posting this yesterday. So today I am looking forward to my therapy session.
5. Get the basics right: eat well, exercise and go to bed on time. Will do!
6. Pause, breathe, and feel your feet firmly on the ground. Will meditate today to help me do this.

7. Shift your mood by doing something you really enjoy.
8. Avoid saying “must” or “should” to yourself today.
9. Put a problem in perspective by seeing the bigger picture.
10. Reach out to someone you trust and share your feelings with them.
11. Look for something positive in a difficult situation.
12. Write you worries down and save them for a specific “worry time”.
13. Challenge negative thoughts. Find an alternative interpretation.
14. Get outside and move to help clear your head.
15. Set yourself an achievable goal and take the first step.
16. Find fun ways to distract yourself from unhelpful thoughts.
17. Use one of your strengths to overcome a challenge today.
18. Let go of the small stuff and focus on the things that matter.
19. If you can’t change it, change the way you think about it.
20. When things go wrong, pause and be kind to yourself.
21. Identify what helped you get through a tough time in your life.
22. Find 3 things you feel hopeful about and write them down.
23. Remember that all feelings and situations pass in time.
24. Choose to see something good about what has gone wrong.
25. Notice when you are being judge mental and be kind instead.
26. Catch yourself over-reacting and take a deep breath.
27. Write down 3 things you are grateful for (even if today was hard).
28. Think about what you can learn about a recent problem.
29. Be a realistic optimist. Focus on what could go right.,
30. Reach out to a friend, family member, or colleague for support.
31. Remember we all struggle at times. It’s part of being human.

RVRita in NM

GodMomKim

Snowflake1968

Katla - do you hav emote hummingbirds coming each day?
It’s hazy here this morning due to smoke again and was muggy yesterday.

Barbie - I like that gratitude outlook. I’m going to make a sign for that.

Allie - it’s a shame that mental health care isn’t covered or available as physical health. I hope Carmine gets the help she needs soon. I have a friend that didn’t get diagnosed until she was 50. I’m sure she had it as a teenager and it went undiagnosed all those years. It made her lose friends and family over the years. Can Tracy talk to the therapist about having her hospitalized for a bit?

Machka - I had wild mood swings as a teenager. I moved out and lived with my grandparents for a while, then started staying at my boyfriends parents more often than not. My parents stood by and allowed me to. We were still close just got along much better when we weren’t around each other all the time. It was like I visited home.

Rosemarie - we are talking a small vacation away in August. We really shouldn’t be financially, but can’t afford not to for our well being, both as a couple and individually.
We are only going a couple hours from home.

Heather - welcome home! I have complained once about a driver. Turns out the complaint I put in to the cab company went to the owner and it was the owner that had picked me up that day. 🙄

Lisa - I have to start writing my stories down too. I just need to get at it. I know I can do it.

Lanette - it seems we will be going car shopping, possibly later today for DH. We are moving on this faster than I wanted but I’m letting him steer the ship.
I like living mostly debt free, but at this point neither of us has credit and we need to rebuild that.

I started working on a dragon for my SIL for Christmas again last night. It’s just started. I have a lot to do to finish it.




Tracey in Edmonton

Vickil57

Lisa--I do remember Rocky and Bullwinkle and the time machine. Good memories of Saturday mornings.
Not a lot going on here. We could sure use some rain, it just keeps going around us. So looking forward to the work week being over as am getting really tired. And eating is out of control.
Blessings, Vicki GRAND ISLAND, NE

barbiecat

Lanette list making is a good way to address the car question. Pros and cons about keeping your car or replacing it. Then if you want to replace it, you can address what you want in the next car. Looking at what financial resources you have is the next step. We did this with our car shopping before we started looking online for a car that fit our wants and our assets. We found our current Subaru online before going to the dealer and we've been looking online for the electric car we want now. There was no wandering in a car lot with an eager salesperson. Best wishes to you on your journey

😻🌞🌻Barbie in NW WA

grandmallie

Machka- Yes I remember being a little B,and Tracy the same..but Carmines mood swings are out of control and wild..
And it is also effecting Miles she comes in yelling in the house Tracy wasn't, but as soon as Miles heard it ,he started screaming and crying and he has started throwing his cars and atuff he shouldn't..i got clipped in the glasses with his car.. I took the car away and gave him something soft to play with.
Grandma is trying her best..
Kyle took the body wash I brought for Carmine and poured it all out,so they both play games .. she was horrible and nasty to him ,so he took something he knew that she likes and got rid of it.. and im the one who got that for her..

Snowflake1968

grandmallie wrote: »

Machka- Yes I remember being a little B,and Tracy the same..but Carmines mood swings are out of control and wild..
And it is also effecting Miles she comes in yelling in the house Tracy wasn't, but as soon as Miles heard it ,he started screaming and crying and he has started throwing his cars and atuff he shouldn't..i got clipped in the glasses with his car.. I took the car away and gave him something soft to play with.
Grandma is trying her best..
Kyle took the body wash I brought for Carmine and poured it all out,so they both play games .. she was horrible and nasty to him ,so he took something he knew that she likes and got rid of it.. and im the one who got that for her..

He really needs help. He exacerbates the situation. Maybe instead of being so volatile and petty with his “I’ll show you” attitude he could show some love.

Tracey

barbiecat

Lanette on the other hand, my dog walking friend sold their SUV right after her husband died and bought a lime green Prius then about a year later drove past a car dealer where she spotted a red car and bought it on the spot and hasn't regretted it. She has a limited income. We all approach this car buying in our unique ways

She said there were benefits to car buying alone without having to negotiate or compromise with a partner

Anniesquats100

Hello ladies!

Heather welcome home!

For my next project, I have to take my mom to see a dentist. She doesn't want to go, of course, but she hasn't been in years, and she has a loose tooth. So far I have called my dad's old dentist and not heard back.

I spoke to my sister today, and she agreed that my dad's getting fuzzier. Not remembering things, etc. I'm not sure what to do about it, though. He is much harder to manage than my mom.

I have horseback riding today, but it is too hot to be much fun. And then maybe soup and ham for dinner. And then bike and dumbbells.

Have a great day my friends!

Annie in Delaware

OregonMother

Back home. The last three days in Mexico were hectic. We didn't achieve all we had hoped, but we misjudged how long border crossing and travel would take. Still wonderful. Here are the guys at Chichen Itza. They are still excavating, so it was fun to watch a little of that process.

And I lost 3 pounds! Even with the increased alcohol consumption. Eating ceviche and walking 10,000-12,000 steps a day didn't hurt, nor did the snorkeling. Oh, and no access to chai lattes! Lol



Flea
Willamette Valley OR

1948CWB

Flea ~ Welcome home! Nice photo of your family.

Carol in GA

Anniesquats100

Flea welcome home! Looks like a marvelous trip!

Annie in Delaware

myvt9v4crh

Tracey— I have hummingbirds at my feeder several times a day between early morning and the beginning of dusk. My feeder has three perches but I’ve only seen one bird at a time at the feeder. ⭐️

Katla in Illinois

pipcd34

Stats for the day-

Outside bike ride- strava stats- 1hr 41min 32sec, 255elev, 66aw, 13.3amph, 129ahr, 149mhr, 22.48mi= 821c
Strava app = 448c
Treadmill walk at gym- 30min, 3.9-4.0speed, 0-7incl, incline by 1 after each song, 112ahr, 125mhr, 1.97mi= 201c

*had to cut my ride short, my saddle broke then came off during my ride. I had 6-7miles to get home. I was able to snap it on but it would fall off if I hit a bump or at a stop light*.

GodMomKim

PIP!!!! can a bike saddle be fixed? or is it a replacement thing?

Whidislander

I woke up today feeling awful. Sinus pressure, head and neck aches. Took sinus meds, but wasn't too up for our weekly grocery shopping run. I mentioned I was dealing with a sinus headache to husband, but didn't make an issue out of it. Of course on the way he decides to get the cat washed so we're in line for that. Meanwhile, I am wishing to use a bathroom because its "that time" for my morning constitutional. So watching the car get washed and "putting my body in a holding pattern" was a treat. 😒😳.
Bought some great looking beef steak tomatoes, some peppered turkey, and garden herb cream cheese. I shall have all that on an Everything bagel.🤗💖. Also bought some cabbage so will make Cole slaw this week. I bought some cubed ham and will make a soup with white beans, some carrots and baby potatoes.
I had nice long video chat with eldest sister today, and she had talked to me about her call to our middle sister yesterday and how that went. We both agree that her past (and most likely current) drug use has affected her memory. She is non trusting and overly judges my sister. With my eldest sister asking her if she had a family genealogy book stashed somewhere isn't implying that she was accusing her of keeping items from her. So middle sister puts extra emotions of mistrust onto anything that my eldest sister posts. My eldest sister told her that needs to stop. Don't put extra feelings into things that aren't hers. Proud of my eldest sister to "lay it out on the table" like that. Hopefully my middle sister will take heed to what she said. My.eldest sister is still going through her estate sale stuff. Stuff she puts aside for her kids, stuff she wants, and stuff her husbands kids wanted. I told her to pace herself. Drink lots of water. Let her estate planner gal organize it when she brings 6 more tables. She needs to just go table by table and be done with it. Her present rule is for all of the items she wants, she needs to remove stuff from the house to warrant bringing it in. That's a good rule. I wish I was her neighbor, so I could help her, yet go home at the end of each day.
She told me her little orange cat Hansel must've gotten into a scrub with some white haired animal. She heard his "meow/screams," and then she ran outside to her carport seating area to find him saucer eyed! He ran into the house and under her bed. The next day she was in the carport and saw bits of his fur and something with white fur, here and there. Poor thing! Being a country cat can be loads of trauma! Sister thinks it might have been a raccoon, or an opossum, (or do you just say a possum)?
To any or you struggling, hugs!
My son sent some water play photos.


Its hot where they live!
Rebecca
Whidbey
Wa