WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR JULY 2023

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  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 25,689 Member
    edited July 2023
    Why Cycling is Bad for Bone Density and How You Can Improve It
    https://www.trainingpeaks.com/blog/why-cycling-is-bad-for-bone-density-and-how-you-can-improve-it/

    What the Research Shows
    If you are a road cyclist, especially if you train hard or have been training for multiple years, you are more likely to develop osteopenia or osteoporosis. This puts you at a higher risk for fractures; a risk that continues to go up with age and training. One study shows more masters were classified as osteoporotic compared to age-matched, non-athletes, and the percentage of these increased significantly after a seven-year period. So, for those of you in this category, you are not only more likely to be at risk, but the risk factor is higher as you complete more years of cycling training.

    In 2012, there was an extensive review of 31 studies on the subject. The findings revealed that adult road cyclists who train regularly have a significantly low bone mineral density in key regions. This was found to be true when comparing the cyclists to control populations of both athletes in other sports as well as non-athletes. Areas of the lumbar spine, pelvic and hip regions, and femoral neck were all key areas found to have lower values in road cyclists than the controls.

    Included in this review were only a few studies involving amateur or low-level cyclists. Differences in bone mass were not found between the cyclists and controls when compared to low-level cyclists. However, studies that examined elite cyclists, or those training at high levels for numerous years, consistently found low bone mineral density in the elite and experienced cyclists.


    Cycling and bone health: a systematic review
    https://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1741-7015-10-168

    Conclusions
    From our comprehensive survey of the current available literature it can be concluded that road cycling does not appear to confer any significant osteogenic benefit. The cause of this may be related to spending long hours in a weight-supported position on the bike in combination with the necessary enforced recovery time that involves a large amount of time sitting or lying supine, especially at the competitive level.


    Cycling can make your bones brittle; here's how to stop it
    https://road.cc/content/feature/how-stop-cycling-making-your-bones-brittle-261478

    According to one study, two-thirds of professional cyclists had abnormally low BMD values, and it's not just the pros who are at risk. Another recent study(link is external) compared recreational riders (training 3-8hrs a week) and trained male road cyclists (training more than 8hrs a week) and found, "Areal bone mineral density (aBMD, the bone mineral content divided by the area) is lower in trained male road cyclists compared with recreational, specifically at the hips. Lumbar aBMD is low in both trained and recreational cyclists."

    The issue can be compounded by restrictive eating habits adopted by cyclists keen to gain a performance advantage by keeping their weight low, and by the low weight itself which reduces skeletal loading forces.

    ...

    It is worth noting that most of the research is based on competitive road cyclists. What the research does at least tentatively suggest is that if you're a recreational cyclist – or any other type of cyclist – you probably don’t need to worry about your riding having a negative effect on your bone density if you ride for less than about 8hrs per week. On the other hand, no matter how much or how little you cycle, it won't have a positive effect on your bone density.

    ...

    The loss of calcium through prolonged periods of sweating has been suggested as one of the reasons behind the poor bone health of many cyclists. ...

    The researchers found that a calcium-rich breakfast meal (containing about 1,350mg of calcium) consumed 2hrs before a 90min high-intensity ride reduced the levels of bone breakdown during exercise.


    How Cyclists Can Avoid Low Bone Density
    https://www.outsideonline.com/health/training-performance/cyclists-low-bone-density/

    The link between serious cycling and poor bone health is well established, but researchers are still debating what to do about it

    Long-distance road cycling, in contrast, involves lower muscular forces. It also demands very long periods of training: pros often spend 20 to 30 hours a week on the bike, covering 300 to 600 miles. The high training load means that they spend the rest of their waking hours sitting or lying down, so they’re not even getting the minor stimulus most of us get from daily life.

    ...

    The other consequence of super-high training loads is that cyclists spend a lot of time in caloric deficit, or, in the current terminology, with low energy availability. Sometimes this is even deliberate, since cyclists often try to minimize body weight to maximize power-to-weight ratio. This can compromise hormone levels that control bone metabolism.

    ...

    Other potential culprits include the loss of as much as 150 milligrams per hour of calcium through sweating, and chronic inflammation and elevated stress hormones due to overtraining, which might interfere with bone repair. Many of these factors also apply to other endurance athletes like runners—but the evidence on low bone density in runners is much more mixed than in cycling, and mostly seems to be associated with low energy availability and very high training loads. That suggests that there is something unique about cycling—probably the lack of impact loading and the ability to rack up huge training hours—that makes bone density more of a concern.



    So, like I've said, I've known all this all while I was cycling 20 to 30 to 50 and 60 hours a week.

    And, instead of doing a lot of sitting or lying down when I wasn't cycling, I walked and lifted weights. My lifestyle choice forced me to walk. :) I didn't own a motor vehicle for many years! :) So I had to walk to get my groceries ... and carry my groceries home. I walked to go to church, to the doctor, to the library, to other stores, or wherever.

    In the winter, I did the weightlifting and occasionally ran.

    Hopefully it worked!

    Machka in Oz
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 25,689 Member
    The last couple days have been wild and woolly! Rain and wind.

    Check the wind speeds this evening. I thought the roof was going to set sail with one gust there. I haven't gone out to look, but I am a little concerned about the greenhouse. There was quite a cracking noise.

    ioegzwiitm9v.png


    Machka in Oz
  • cityjaneLondon
    cityjaneLondon Posts: 12,786 Member
    This is our summer this July. Took the pic from Facebook.
    5yle8pc338y8.jpg

    Rain, wind, chill.
    I'm thinking of catching the bus to Tesco for a quick shop this pm, but it looks very uninviting out there.

    Had two texts this morning, both from the doctor. One for a blood test. Part routine tests and partly my liver, which they keep an eye on. Too much iron. I've got an appointment on Wednesday afternoon.
    The other to take my blood pressure. I've got a machine at home and have to text them the readings. I did three this morning, and it was on the high side. I'll do it again at another time when I'm not so nervous.
    In order to make sure I'll do it, they've only given me one month's repeat prescription! :p

    Love Heather UK xxxxxxxx
  • LisaInArkansas
    LisaInArkansas Posts: 2,950 Member
    Heather - Doesn't look balmy, that picture! As I've been streaming Midsomer Murders, I just ran across one episode set in Brighton, made me think of you... Of course, it was a bright, sunny day for it in the show. :smiley: I have to check my pressures too, but take them with me on an old-fashioned piece of paper when I go in. I also tend to wait and get a BP that's reasonably good.

    Current outlook on doctor/patient relations:
    In medical appointments, I've decided to approach them with this thought: I am the author, the suspect, the detective and the victim in the mystery story. We give the best possible story we can (blood pressure that isn't too out of line, don't want them to overreact) and the written information we've gathered. The nurse and doctor suspect we haven't told them everything so they ask lots of questions, sometimes ones that feel accusatory. We double check their diagnosis on the 'Net and make sure the medications are correct and that there are no interactions with our current meds, and last, of course we're the ones in pain or in need.

    Take all that with a grain of salt: I've watched more than 75 episodes of a murder mysteries in recent weeks! :smiley:

    Machka - High winds here bear too much possibility for tornadoes, so I can get a little nerved up. Looks like Tasmania is on the right side of Oz, with not much chance of cyclones... Hope your greenhouse isn't injured.

    Kylia - Thanks for checking in! Good to see your face. See you in August...

    Only regular chores that need doing this morning is getting my med done and setting out the sprinklers for a bit. Will get those done before today's stretch in the fires of heck, and the med sorting can wait 'til lunch.

    Later days, my dears...
    Lisa in AR
  • KJLaMore
    KJLaMore Posts: 2,847 Member
    Flea- Can you do me a favor and repost the picture and info that you have on Fern Spencer? Specifically, if you have them, parents names and sister's name? I am having a hard time finding your post and I think if it is here at the end of July, it will be easier for me to find and refer to. Thanks! KJ
  • margaretturk
    margaretturk Posts: 5,293 Member
    edited July 2023
    M I too have always enjoyed organizing. I too have read organizing tips too. What I like about this one is the end goal is not to have a house that looks staged but a home that is functional for your needs today. Organized enough so that when you need something you do not have to remove 5 boxes to get to it. What to save and what to let go? When you have lived in a house for forty years there is only so much organizing you can do. My problem is I acquired too much over the years and did not let go of enough. I am getting much better at not letting new things in before I get rid of the old. Just because I spent a lot of time or money on it does not mean I should keep it. I ask myself what I learn by acquiring something I really did not need. I question before I let something new into my life. Do I have time and energy to have this? I need to do this with plants.

    I am retired so that does help. I am starting to see how important it is to clear out while I am still healthy enough plus it makes things safer in our home and easier to get at the things I use daily.

    The last few nights I have been taking the 10 minutes she suggests to go through home to tidy before bed and prep for the next day.
  • barbiecat
    barbiecat Posts: 17,251 Member
    :) I have a modest sized to do list every day that usually includes items that are time sensitive. I like the feeling of crossing things off the list when I do them. On today's list is to write and post the start of the new thread for August.

    :) I have to keep my brain trained on one day at a time because I would otherwise be confused by things like the email I just answered about my availability to do something in October.

    :) Barbie in NW WA
  • grandmallie
    grandmallie Posts: 10,146 Member
    Morning ladies
    Beautiful morning no humidity .yipee
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 25,689 Member
    LisaInArkansas wrote: »
    Current outlook on doctor/patient relations:
    In medical appointments, I've decided to approach them with this thought: I am the author, the suspect, the detective and the victim in the mystery story. We give the best possible story we can (blood pressure that isn't too out of line, don't want them to overreact) and the written information we've gathered. The nurse and doctor suspect we haven't told them everything so they ask lots of questions, sometimes ones that feel accusatory. We double check their diagnosis on the 'Net and make sure the medications are correct and that there are no interactions with our current meds, and last, of course we're the ones in pain or in need.

    Take all that with a grain of salt: I've watched more than 75 episodes of a murder mysteries in recent weeks! :smiley:

    Most of my doctors here don't ask any questions, or very few ... and they don't diagnose. I tell them the symptoms ... they tell me they could send me for an MRI or X-ray or something, if I want. Or refer me to a specialist, but only if I want. I've come to the conclusion that GPs are mainly gateways to further help ... triage specialists.
    You've got a pain in your abdomen? Where? Up there? OK we'll send you for an upper abdomen ultrasound. Your upper abdomen ultrasound came back normal. Oh, except for those abnormal kidney measurements. We don't know what that's about but have the feeling it's not very serious, but we'll send you to a kidney specialist anyway ... if you want to go to one. If you don't want to bother, that's OK.
    You've got a pain in your knee? We'll send you for an MRI.
    You're leg feels funny? We'll send you to physio ... or maybe a podiatrist. We're not sure. Well, try one and if it doesn't help, try the other.

    LisaInArkansas wrote: »
    Machka - High winds here bear too much possibility for tornadoes, so I can get a little nerved up. Looks like Tasmania is on the right side of Oz, with not much chance of cyclones... Hope your greenhouse isn't injured.

    Later days, my dears...
    Lisa in AR

    We're on the left side of Oz - east coast - so we get the tail end of cyclones from time to time, when big ones slam into Queensland. But this is the wrong time of year for that.

    Instead, what we get to enjoy are the Roaring 40s. Tasmania (Australia) and New Zealand are right in their path.

    That large land mass below Tasmania is Antarctica ... in the Windy map below.

    More about the Roaring 40s: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roaring_Forties

    Our winds over the past few days have ranged between Gale and Hurricane according to the Beaufort Wind Scale.

    According to one newspaper this morning:
    "Since midnight on Sunday the weather bureau has recorded extreme gusts across the state with 178km/h at Maatsuyker Island at 3:55am, 152km/h at Scotts Peak at 3:10am, 146km/h at Low Rocky Point at 2:33am, 143km/h at Strahan Airport at 3:10am, 139km/h at Mount Read at 3:12am, 135km/h at Cape Sorell at 2:44am, 128km/h at Hartz Mountains at 4:30am and 122km/h at kunanyi/Mt Wellington at 2:20am."

    We've had some of those gusts again this afternoon and evening.

    We're also experiencing King Tides (almost full moon).

    A lot of places around have no power, but fortunately ours has stayed on so far. But the TV lost reception a couple times.

    iazbw9me821x.png
    https://www.windy.com/?-35.442,159.820,3


    M in Oz
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 25,689 Member
    Busy but relaxing day at work today. I had no meetings and I accomplished several things ... all while wearing my new headphones and listening to Big Band music. :)

    At home ... tidied my chair area. I put the art supplies I'm not using yet in one of the boxes I got and my colouring books in the other. That's OK. I feel comfortable with that.

    With the exception of the office room, our place looks fairly tidy - I go through and tidy about once a week. But I need to do something with that office and I know that there are some baskets and bags in the dressing room I need to address one day.


    M in Oz
  • cityjaneLondon
    cityjaneLondon Posts: 12,786 Member
    Went out to Tesco when it wasn't raining so hard. Got everything on my list. There are a couple of things I can't buy around the corner, like Polish sausage and cooking chorizo. Also excellent porcini ravioli for when I'm back eating carbs. :p
    Tonight is sea bass with curried sprouted beans, fresh peas, and asparagus. The beans I sprouted yesterday in the IP. Delicious!
    I stood in front of the nut section at Tesco, looking for brazil nuts. Couldn't see any. Then, after about two minutes of scratching my head, they jumped out at me! ;) DH chops them up for our breakfast muesli.
    While I was food shopping, DH went to have his hair cut. :D Looks much better.
    Now to relax.
    Love Heather UK xxxxxxxx
  • 1948CWB
    1948CWB Posts: 1,656 Member
    :)<3:)
  • SophieRosieMom
    SophieRosieMom Posts: 3,702 Member
    Terri - thank you so much for the dance links. I keep the radio on a rock station and find myself doing similar moves. Of course, they are only 3 minutes at a time, so having an extended version with an instructor looks great.

    Machka - thanks too for the links about extended road biking being detrimental to bone health. With all of your walking, lifting and carrying, I'll bet you'll be in good shape. Seems like some osteopenia creeps in for most of us older gals no matter what. When I had the Dexa scan last year, there was a tiny bit of loss in two areas and actual gain in another. Nothing worrisome enough to take medication, the doctor's suggestion was to keep on with good nutrition, calcium & Vitamin D and weight bearing exercise.

    Lisa - I liked your spoiler about being author, suspect, detective and victim with regards to medical appointments. 75 episodes of murder mysteries - I think you got me beat! Have you watched "London Kills" on Acorn yet? I just started Season 26 of "Silent Witness" last night on Britbox. I always liked that series and may start over this winter when the monsoons hit. Warning - if you are squeamish about seeing autopsies and bodies in a morgue, some in full "undress" (especially the first seasons, they really let it all "hang out") this might not be for you. But the detective part of the stories was intriguing.

    I gave up on being an "obedient patient" a couple decades ago, lol. I think it was being exposed to functional medicine - my OB/GYN back then was changing her practice to focusing on nutrition and steering away from traditional "here's a pill for that." I was heartbroken when she closed her practice.

    When I signed up for Direct Care, I told Dr. Lisa that I'm approaching this as a team and she's a valuable member. She's welcome to make suggestions and give me guidance of course. :p. She was a fairly new doctor back then, and I've seen her (and the other doc in the practice) shifting their philosophy over toward a more preventive approach. When I had Covid last September, she said "Up your Vitamin C and take Elderberry." I thought boy, she has come a long way, lol.

    That reminds me, I need to make an appointment to get my Vitamin D level checked.

    New topic - the woodstove:
    I haven't been able to find a chimney sweep/woodstove inspector, and it's been three years since its been cleaned. Since I only burn dry wood, it's probably OK, but I am concerned. So I told my "wood guy" that I didn't want any more this year, I still have some left. I'm going to try to avoid using that stove unless there's a power outage and it's darn cold out.

    When DH was alive, his circulation was bad and he was always chilly, so that little stove was going most of the day during the winter in addition to keeping the furnace fan on, mostly to circulate the warm air throughout the house. Last winter I'd burn a little on cold mornings to take the chill off, then switch on the furnace. I have the little oil-filled radiator type space heater I can use in the morning. Overall, I'll be curious to see how much the electric bill goes up without using that woodstove. And I have that little power supply I can use to run a small heater.

    I know that stacking wood in the summer and carrying it into the house during the winter was great exercise. It also brought in dirt and insects and smoke, lol. Which I had gotten used to.

    Woodstove users - thoughts or comments?

    Got my walk in this morning, it was 47f out, nice and brisk.

    I need to start tidying up for my cleaner tomorrow. It's not that big of a job, just playing pick-up a little. Might mow this morning to de-head some dandelions and to beat back the blackberries creeping out from under the powerline. :p It's always something but I enjoy it.

    Make it a wonderful week. <3

    Lanette B)
    Sunny SW WA State





  • barbiecat
    barbiecat Posts: 17,251 Member
    :)Woodstove I had a wood burning fireplace in a house that I lived in alone for two years and I never built a fire. We have a woodstove in this house and Jake loves it. We called the place that sells woodstoves nearby and they had an inspector who has come every two years to inspect it. For a long time we have bought wood from a friend who was willing to bring only part of a cord at a time since we didn't have room to store a whole cord. Jake felt that using the woodstove kept our electric bill down (no natural gas where we live) and I didn't argue. I saw the woodstove as entertainment. Recently Jake read an article that said that the smoke from woodstoves was bad for the environment so now he has changed his tune to suggesting that we burn only occasionally this winter. When I'm cold, I find it much easier and more satisfying to click the thermostat up one degree and add another layer of clothing.
    <3 Barbie in NW WA
  • exermom
    exermom Posts: 6,556 Member
    Betsy – I’m so sorry about your sister

    Went for a walk last night after dinner then weeded on the slope. I don’t know why I thought that weeds wouldn’t grow there! I wonder if there’s any kind of weed killer that kills ONLY the weeds, not the plants

    Annie – congrats that the drive is over! Good for you

    We told these gals in Newcomers that we’d have music bingo at our house. Now, I read in the newsletter that they’re going to charge $5 per card, and they’ll play 3 cards. Plus, they want to make this a pot luck. Honestly, I think that’s a ridiculous amount of money. $15??? If I wasn’t hosting, there’s no way I’d go. Previously, we’d go to this one restaurant (sports bar), and play 3 games. Didn’t cost a penny except our dinner. Now they’re charging $15 plus the cost of the food you bring! Vince wrote to the gal who is head of the social committee to say that he thinks this is absurd. It would have been nice if they had discussed it with me, first. Newcomers does have this game night. I never go. But in order to get the room for free, at least 10 people have to purchase a (to me mediocre) dinner. The others pay $5 just to play. I have no idea where that $5 goes. If needed, I’m going to suggest that it goes to the charity. The plan is to charge $15 and half goes to the winner and the other half to the charity. I really don’t think people are going to want to spend that $$$. To be honest, I’m embarrassed.

    I like to organize. Also, I’m a minimalist. If we haven’t used something in a while, I want to donate it. Vince is just the opposite. He’s the one who saves every little thing “you never know when you’ll need it”

    Lanette – I hope you find a chimney sweep soon

    Off….

    Michele NC
  • SophieRosieMom
    SophieRosieMom Posts: 3,702 Member
    MFP ACCOUNTABILITY POST FOR JULY 31, 2023

    Tracey in Edmonton: (Tracey, I brought your information over. :) )

    Last Sunday I weighed 199.....This morning (Sunday July 30th) I weighed 198
    The average weight for the week was 198.2
    I generally like to work with a weekly and monthly average. My goal is to lose 5lbs a month while Kaitlyn carries a healthy baby.
    I won’t be weighing in this week on Monday and possibly Tuesday.

    RVRita in MN - up 1 lb from last week lost 39 pounds 35 to go. (Rita- thanks for your info also :) .)

    Lanette SW WA …. Down 1.5#.....within 5# of goal range. Upping protein in the evening is helping avert overeating before bed. Not overly ecstatic about the 1.5 lb loss by the way - next week it could be up a little. The overall trend is what counts. :)


  • kevrit
    kevrit Posts: 4,387 Member
    Here is the August calendar I am going to try to follow. You are welcome to copy and join me!

    2023- Altruistic August

    1. Set an intention to be kind to others (and yourself) this month.
    2. Send an uplifting message to someone you can’t be with
    3. Be kind and supportive to everyone you interact with.
    4. Ask someone how they feel and really listen to their reply.
    5. Spend time wishing for other people to be happy and well.
    6. Smile and be friendly to the people you see today.
    7. Give time to help a project or cause you care about.
    8. Make some tasty food for someone who will appreciate it.
    9. Thank someone you’re grateful to and tell them why.
    10. Chick in with someone who may be lonely or feeling anxious.
    11. Share an encouraging news story to inspire others.
    12. Contact a friend to let them know you’re thinking of them.
    13. No plans day! Be kind to yourself so you can be kind to others too.
    14. Take an actions to be kind to nature and care for our planet.
    15. If someone annoys you, be kind. Imagine how they may be feeling.
    16. Make a thoughtful gift as a surprise for someone.
    17. Be kind online. Share positive and supportive comments.
    18. Today, do something to make life easier for someone else.
    19. Be thankful for your food and the people who make it possible.
    20. Look for the good in everyone you meet today.
    21. Donate unused items, clothes, or food to help a local charity.
    22. Give people the gift of your full attention.
    23. Share an article, book, or podcast you find helpful.
    24. Forgive someone who hurt you in the past.
    25. Give your time, energy, or attention to someone in need.
    26. Find a way to ‘pay it forward’ or support a good cause.
    27. Notice when someone is down and try to brighten his day. (My DH’s birthday. He always gets depressed on this day. Worse this year as he turns 70 today).
    28. Have a friendly chat with someone you don’t know very well.
    29. Do something kind to help in your local community.
    30. Give away something to those who don’t have as much as you.
    31. Share Action for Happiness with other people today.

    RvRita in SE NM
  • dlfk202000
    dlfk202000 Posts: 3,258 Member
    SophieRosieMom wrote: »
    Terri - thank you so much for the dance links. I keep the radio on a rock station and find myself doing similar moves. Of course, they are only 3 minutes at a time, so having an extended version with an instructor looks great.

    Machka - thanks too for the links about extended road biking being detrimental to bone health. With all of your walking, lifting and carrying, I'll bet you'll be in good shape. Seems like some osteopenia creeps in for most of us older gals no matter what. When I had the Dexa scan last year, there was a tiny bit of loss in two areas and actual gain in another. Nothing worrisome enough to take medication, the doctor's suggestion was to keep on with good nutrition, calcium & Vitamin D and weight bearing exercise.

    Lisa - I liked your spoiler about being author, suspect, detective and victim with regards to medical appointments. 75 episodes of murder mysteries - I think you got me beat! Have you watched "London Kills" on Acorn yet? I just started Season 26 of "Silent Witness" last night on Britbox. I always liked that series and may start over this winter when the monsoons hit. Warning - if you are squeamish about seeing autopsies and bodies in a morgue, some in full "undress" (especially the first seasons, they really let it all "hang out") this might not be for you. But the detective part of the stories was intriguing.

    I gave up on being an "obedient patient" a couple decades ago, lol. I think it was being exposed to functional medicine - my OB/GYN back then was changing her practice to focusing on nutrition and steering away from traditional "here's a pill for that." I was heartbroken when she closed her practice.

    When I signed up for Direct Care, I told Dr. Lisa that I'm approaching this as a team and she's a valuable member. She's welcome to make suggestions and give me guidance of course. :p. She was a fairly new doctor back then, and I've seen her (and the other doc in the practice) shifting their philosophy over toward a more preventive approach. When I had Covid last September, she said "Up your Vitamin C and take Elderberry." I thought boy, she has come a long way, lol.

    That reminds me, I need to make an appointment to get my Vitamin D level checked.

    New topic - the woodstove:
    I haven't been able to find a chimney sweep/woodstove inspector, and it's been three years since its been cleaned. Since I only burn dry wood, it's probably OK, but I am concerned. So I told my "wood guy" that I didn't want any more this year, I still have some left. I'm going to try to avoid using that stove unless there's a power outage and it's darn cold out.

    When DH was alive, his circulation was bad and he was always chilly, so that little stove was going most of the day during the winter in addition to keeping the furnace fan on, mostly to circulate the warm air throughout the house. Last winter I'd burn a little on cold mornings to take the chill off, then switch on the furnace. I have the little oil-filled radiator type space heater I can use in the morning. Overall, I'll be curious to see how much the electric bill goes up without using that woodstove. And I have that little power supply I can use to run a small heater.

    I know that stacking wood in the summer and carrying it into the house during the winter was great exercise. It also brought in dirt and insects and smoke, lol. Which I had gotten used to.

    Woodstove users - thoughts or comments?

    Got my walk in this morning, it was 47f out, nice and brisk.

    I need to start tidying up for my cleaner tomorrow. It's not that big of a job, just playing pick-up a little. Might mow this morning to de-head some dandelions and to beat back the blackberries creeping out from under the powerline. :p It's always something but I enjoy it.

    Make it a wonderful week. <3

    Lanette B)
    Sunny SW WA State


    I wish we had a fireplace/wood stove. I grew up with one and really miss it.
    We used the fireplace exclusively back then- I still enjoy bringing the wood in for mom when I am up there.
    We prefer the heat from it compared to the heater and it is cheaper for mom.
    Can you ask your wood guy if he knows of a chimney guy?



  • dlfk202000
    dlfk202000 Posts: 3,258 Member
    Got up early, fed the cats then walked for just over an hour- a bit chilly but better than too hot.
    Came home, took care of the litter boxes and their messes(pee pads) then did the dishes. Got water started in the garden.
    Started my second cup of tea when Ezie came in.
    Fitbit isn't syncing like it should- need to uninstall the app and try again.

    Zumba tonight- will miss my two friends. One is flying in from Hawaii tonight and the other is flying out to the Philippines an hour later- He will be gone for 3 weeks. It is fun having him in class because he is always smiling, no mater how hard we are working out, always grinning.

    Debbie
    Napa Valley,CA
  • LisaInArkansas
    LisaInArkansas Posts: 2,950 Member
    edited July 2023
    Re woodstoves: Corey really wants to get a woodstove set up as kind of fireplace insert, but wants the kind that emerges outward, that you can actually cook on. I haven't balked, but haven't really wanted it... The fire, as Barbie said, is very nearly entertainment. It's a peaceful thing, and with a well-placed fan or two can certainly help warm the living areas of the house. While a woodstove is far down on my priority list, it's something he grew up with and I did not, so I don't have too much of an emotional attachment one way or another. I'll be interested to see if yours affects your electric bill, Lanette.

    Lisa in AR
  • cityjaneLondon
    cityjaneLondon Posts: 12,786 Member
    edited July 2023
    I don't have a woodburner now, but I had one in the kitchen-diner of my previous house. I soon got fed up with the mess and dust, plus it made the kitchen too hot. I think the romantic idea of it was better than the reality, though it did look pretty for guests arriving. I didn’t use it for the last few years. I put string lights in it. :p
    My recent reading says that, not only is it very bad for the outside environment, with particulates, but also extremely bad for the home atmosphere. One article I read said that, every time you open the door, it gives out pollution equivalent to smoking thirty cigarettes.
    Might be worth doing some of your own research.

    In Britain, gas-fired central heating is the most popular form of home heating. I have read that this contributes a large portion of the carbon footprint in the UK. I would love to change our gas boiler for a heat pump, but it is expensive, and our old, draughty house is unsuitable for a heat pump. So, we carry on. A lot of people around here have solar panels on their roofs, but, at our age, it isn't financially prudent.

    So many conundrums in life.

    Heather UK xxxxxxxx
  • SophieRosieMom
    SophieRosieMom Posts: 3,702 Member
    barbiecat wrote: »
    :)Woodstove I had a wood burning fireplace in a house that I lived in alone for two years and I never built a fire. We have a woodstove in this house and Jake loves it. We called the place that sells woodstoves nearby and they had an inspector who has come every two years to inspect it. For a long time we have bought wood from a friend who was willing to bring only part of a cord at a time since we didn't have room to store a whole cord. Jake felt that using the woodstove kept our electric bill down (no natural gas where we live) and I didn't argue. I saw the woodstove as entertainment. Recently Jake read an article that said that the smoke from woodstoves was bad for the environment so now he has changed his tune to suggesting that we burn only occasionally this winter. When I'm cold, I find it much easier and more satisfying to click the thermostat up one degree and add another layer of clothing.
    <3 Barbie in NW WA

    Barbie - thank you for your input. I think using the stove did help keep the electric bill down a bit. It's to be expected that during the summer when the HVAC doesn't run a lot except for some cooling on hot days, usage is minimal and when we get some arctic blasts in the winter, of course I use a lot more.

    I will keep trying to find someone to inspect the stove - the place I bought it doesn't do inspections anymore per a gal that answered the phone a few months ago, but she might be new. If I stop in there in person, I might get a different answer. Just knowing it's in good shape if I ever need to use it is peace of mind.

    I agree - just add another layer and tease up the thermostat unless I have no alternative but to use the stove in an extended power outage.

    Lanette B)
    SW WA State

  • auntiebk
    auntiebk Posts: 2,619 Member
    Belated welcome @healingmysticmelody Melody from IL ! Hope PT helps you as much as it does me. Congrats on the healthier food choices.
    Belated welcome @kaynelvb Kayne in NH! Hope someone is coming to help you with your DH and your recovery from surgery on both feet at one time. Yikes!
    Pip Bravissima! You are an angel for your niece and may be her lifesaver. Waist measurement as well as weight, yes?
    Beth how can you let your DH know he is more precious than $$s… without getting your head snapped off again?
    Welcome back Melissa in AL Folks post here daily if not hourly as we’re from all over the world. Not sure but you might get a notification if someone preceeds your id with an asterisk, like this: @ misslissa1969.
    Allie :lofe: Miles and the sunflower, that he’s “reading” and that you’re feeling better. Take it easy, dear heart.
    Michele ANOTHER “skunk in the skimmer”? Shadow has an “air” about her, we think she got a skunk’s glancing blow. Unusual, we’ve never seen a skunk on our property, bears and cougars yes, skunks no. I remember how immature, self centered and clueless I was when I started working. Dealing with adult co-workers not my parents was a big part of growing up. ;}
    Debbie those raccoons sound scary! Would something like this help? One guys with a very reactive dog got one and now he only has to take it out of his pocket for his dog to sit down. https://www.amazon.com/Canine-Innovations-Pet-Convincer-Training/dp/B07Y9RL6LW/ref=sr_1_4?hvadid=410085697433&amp;hvdev=c&amp;hvlocphy=9033039&amp;hvnetw=s&amp;hvqmt=e&amp;hvrand=16371804686942083769&amp;hvtargid=kwd-50039362353&amp;hydadcr=15949_11431548&amp;keywords=dog+training+air+spray&amp;qid=1690826139&amp;sr=8-4&amp;th=1
    Tracey hooray for the student loan! Does it just cover tuition or is there any living allowance included?
    BONG! Only through pg 68 but if I don’t get up, PT won’t get done.
    Today’s gratitude 7/31: ER found no wood chip in Joe’s eye.
    Later, lighter, lovelies!
    Barbara, the Southern Oregon Coastie AHMOD x8zcp1ya37k1.gif
    2023: Be of good cheer. July: Move more, fuel better (less sugar), live NOW.
  • SophieRosieMom
    SophieRosieMom Posts: 3,702 Member
    Debbie - my wood guy cleans his own chimney. He's a good friend and I don't want to ask him to clean my chimney mostly because after my DH fell off the roof, I want someone licensed and bonded to do the job if that makes any sense. Let someone I don't know have the risk, lol.

    My stove setup is a little odd in that there's an 18 inch horizontal pipe that runs and attaches into the chimney stack. When the chimney is cleaned, the whole stove needs to be pulled from the wall, the pipe detached and the debris vacuumed out since there is no "trap door" at the base of the chimney stack outside to rake out the soot. Our farmhouse had kind of a similar arrangement, but an outside hatch.

    When the stove was installed, they did put in a metal liner but still - that could get super hot with a chimney fire and I don't want to risk that. If DH was still here, he'd know what to look for.

    Lisa - when we lived near Seattle, that house had a Buck stove wood fired insert and it was great. We could even burn coal in it. Not recommended - it was stinky - but there was no firewood to be had and we often had power outages, so it was a back-up. The chimney was designed to handle it, come to think of it, we never did have it cleaned but it was stone all the way up to the top. Anyhow the top of that stove would get hot enough to boil water in no time flat. The house was more "open concept" with vaulted ceilings so one room didn't get blazing hot, the heat kind of filtered through all the rooms.

    When we moved into this house, it did have a gas insert. I thought it was flimsy and dangerous - but I'm sure they have made a lot of improvements in them now and I might actually go back to one of those. The propane tank was huge and seems it burned a lot of gas whether we used it or not because the pilot light had to be on all the time to protect the starter or something.

    I'll be sure to stop into the woodstove place soon and see what's up - maybe going back to a gas insert might be the way to go. Or maybe they have a chimney sweep/stove inspector sitting around eating bon bons that needs something to do!

    Lanette B)
  • SophieRosieMom
    SophieRosieMom Posts: 3,702 Member
    Heather - I agree, woodstoves = poor air quality inside a house. With our HVAC system, we have the air constantly filtered but still - there's smoke and ash that puff out of that thing, especially until the fire gets hot and there's a good draft going. I blame some of my wrinkles to the hot blast and some of my allergies on the woodstoves we had as well.

    When my dad built a house in Indiana 50 years ago, he had part of the floor poured concrete slab with copper pipes embedded through it that somehow connected to the water heater. So the house had warm floors from hot water circulating and the heat would radiate upwards. Amish builders did a lot of the work - this might have been a technique they used in their homes. What a great idea.

    One of my neighbors built a "Russian Fireplace" which was the rage among some folks 30-40 years ago where a huge masonry and/or stone fireplace/chimney was built in the center of the house with some kind of small firebox - a little fire would heat the whole thing which would give off radiant heat for the day I recall. I doubt it was a balmy 73 degrees in there, but even "taking the chill off" was probably suitable on most days.

    I had a friend who purchased some kind of furnace/heater, I believe it was wood fired, from one of the Scandinavian countries. They had to wait a long time for it to be shipped to the states and installed - I recall they had to remove part of the floor to get it set up in the basement - but it was supposed to be state of the art and very efficient. I lost touch with her so never heard if it performed well.

    Have any of you heard of this?

    Lanette B)
  • Vickil57
    Vickil57 Posts: 1,894 Member
    Tracey--I get so upset with HR as they screen apps before I get them. So there are some I never see. It is not easy. I put in last week to hire a part-time (20 hours a week) and a PRN, Still waiting to see if approved. Great news about the student loan. Sounds like things are falling in place for you. The dragon is beautiful.
    I remember being at my grandparents when they were butching chickens. Grandpa would cut the heads off and let them floop around. Then we would dip them in boiling water and pick the feathers off. The smell of wet feathers was terrible. Not sure I could do it now.
    Iam up to page 75 but out of time. It was a ok weekend. Didn't do much as needed the down time. I am going to doctor for my foot this afternoon. It is been swelled almost a week and very painful. This is the first appointment they had.
    DH got home about 11 last evening. I have decided I am to set in my ways to have him gone 4 days. I know I am very spoiled.
    Blessings, Vicki GRAND ISLAND, NE where thunderstorms woke me up 3 morning in a row around 2-3 am. <3

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