WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR AUGUST 2023

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  • SophieRosieMom
    SophieRosieMom Posts: 3,423 Member
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    Heather - I forgot to mention - those pictures of your grands are stunning! You are very talented. And they should be framed and hung on a wall. <3

    Annie - let's hope your dad already has antibodies from a previous infection or vaccine and won't catch anything. It's worrisome though, I know. I'd probably wait until symptoms show up before using the tests, but that's me. You know your dad's and mom's health conditions and what to look out for. Try not to worry. I think your ability to write poetry in 3 languages trumps your lack of faith in your cooking skills. :p I'm not a good one to deliver meals to the sick. I puzzle over what to fix for days and by the time I decide, they are better! :p

    Sue - I got the chills hearing about your horses. So glad you got home when you did and were able to lure them back into the pasture, good job. I think similar has happened to all of us who have livestock.

    Margaret - I haven't had to chance to sit and read a whole chapter in Organized Enough, but keep it handy and open it to a random page pretty often. I can see it's going to be a valuable resource when I get busy around here. Thanks again for mentioning it.

    Debbie - not sure I'd want to do the mystery shopper and merchandising jobs right now but I am interested in how this all works, for sure. So if you have info, please forward. And just wanted to mention how neat it is to hear about all the interesting things that happen in your day and life. The food bank, your walks, found keys, your small jobs, mom's garden (and chickens!). Thanks for taking us along on your day.

    Ladies, I meant to post this yesterday afternoon and got distracted.

    Lymphadema:
    Roger's wife called and wanted me to come across the street and look at her leg. I did. She has severe lymphadema. She said she has had it for years, I guess following a blood clot or knee replacement a long time ago. It has gotten progressively worse. It's so swollen she can hardly get a pant leg down over it now. The extreme heat we've had lately has really affected it. She can't get a compression sock over it anymore. It is red, angry looking and weeping. Her GP doesn't seem too alarmed. I asked her if she'd ever had a specialist look at it, she said he referred her a few years ago, the wait to see a vascular doc was 4 months and she gave up. I understand there's not a lot that can be done, I worry about infection. She never did recover well from that knee replacement, walking and exercise has been limited throughout the years. Anyhow, it's a reminder to me to get up out of my chair when I don't feel like it, move, walk, keep dancing.

    Histamine intolerance:
    Also, one of the ZOE presentations I watched talked about food allergies/food intolerances. So many folks these days are sensitive to gluten and other foods. I think I'm lucky in that I can eat most things and don't have to stay close to a bathroom. The gastroenterologist in the presentation said that food intolerances might actually be histamine intolerances - the body's inability to process an amino acid Histidine. When that happens, we can get all kinds of symptoms including migraines, flushing, sinus problems, stomach upset/diahrrea, etc. He said the #1 symptom is bloating. Hhmmm. I get the bloating, sinus problems and flushing a lot. I looked this up on Dr. Google, and saw several lists of foods to avoid. Like fermented foods, beans, lots of things that are pretty much my whole diet. :(

    There is also an enzyme called DOA that helps- Amazon sells it, it's not cheap.

    This is timely since I'm seeing Dr. Matt, the Naturopath, on the 28th. I'm curious to see his opinion on this.
    Doing my early shopping run so need to get my list organized.

    Make it a fabulous day. <3

    Lanette B)
    SW WA State where it's currently 43F at my house, predicted high today 85. Grateful for the chill right now.
  • grandmallie
    grandmallie Posts: 9,804 Member
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    Morning ladies
    The newlyweds are off for a day in Saratoga to watch the horse races and then on to Lake George for a romantic sunset dinner cruise..
    Tom did not wear a wedding ring when we married because he worked in a manufacturing plant,now that he is retired he is wearing one. Go figure..
    Homer is on the bed and I have to tempt him with food every few minutes, but he is depressed that dad left so he is sticking his nose up at it.
    I got maybe 4 hrs sleep last night.. not good at all. But Im here to tell the story so thats something lol
  • pipcd34
    pipcd34 Posts: 16,712 Member
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    303303
  • cityjaneLondon
    cityjaneLondon Posts: 12,355 Member
    edited August 2023
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    DH'S daughter is coming down on the train from somewhere (not her home) He will be setting out for the train station in half an hour. She never makes firm arrangements and somehow fits him in, which is why I prefer to stay out of it. I would like to see her, but I know it wouldn't work for me. I expect it will end up in a wine bar. :|

    I didn't sleep well last night as I was a bit agitated about the next meet up, sometime in November, with my schoolfriends. G and I discussed diverting P from her original plan by suggesting Portsmouth as a venue. B jumped at the idea, so I guess P's idea didn't appeal to her either! My problem is financial and social. I don't want to spend too much time with P and I find groups exhausting. So I have decided to go only for one night, not two, and to opt out of the Portsmouth Harbour excursion, as I have been there several times and it is very expensive. I just have to tell them. G knows I will only do one night.
    Ended up reading a calming book on my Kindle and eventually did go back to sleep. I feel annoyed with myself that these little things can rattle me, but I can get over it.

    Looking forward to a quiet afternoon! :p I'm cooking chorizo and lentils, which is fine if DH wants his portion late, or not at all. Broccoli.

    Love Heather UK xxxxxxxx
  • margaretturk
    margaretturk Posts: 5,092 Member
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    Lanette Glad you are finding Organized Enough helpful. I skipped around in the book too. I already have a system for paper that works well enough so I skipped most of that. Right now I have a pile that has to go through the new shredder I bought. I like it better so far. It is quieter than my old one. I am being more careful about what I put into it. The last one jammed. The old shredder was one where the top came off and you could see the teeth. It was not as safe as this new one. I also put some of the lubricate designed for shredders on some paper every time I empty the bin. It is a consistent habit that will help this shredder last longer.

    I think the common sense towards building good consistent habits is what I like best about the book. I am starting to see better FLOW in our home. She uses this acronym to mean Forgive, Let go, Organize what is left, Weed continually. I am becoming more thoughtful in my purchases and where I place the things I use everyday. I am finding it less stressful to get out the door if I have to go somewhere and more apt to be on time.
  • SophieRosieMom
    SophieRosieMom Posts: 3,423 Member
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    Machka - thank you for the information, I'll pass it along to her. It sounds like you are doing a great job keeping your issues under control. She had a staph infection earlier this year in that foot, finally went to the doctor. I think she's at the point of "why try anymore" so I'm not too pushy, but I was itching to say "I'll go to the doc with you next time and be your advocate" as she complained he seemed to brush off her concerns. I have no trouble asking doctors and surgeons questions until I get satisfactory answers. There's a shortage of good doctors around here and waiting lists, so people put up with a lot. Since my doc is "Direct Care" she has to put up with me. :p

    Margaret - I need to buy a new shredder. Do you recall which one you purchased/where? I used to save up paperwork for the shredding truck but it isn't always available at a time convenient for me. Plus I'd rather get the shredding done when I'm thinking about it and in the mood. :p

    Lanette B)
    SW WA State

  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 25,180 Member
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    https://www.simplymodifiedcooking.com/
    Plant-rich, wholefood recipes for people with swallowing difficulties.

    Might be useful for those in carer roles with people who have difficulty eating.


    M in Oz
  • teklawa1
    teklawa1 Posts: 675 Member
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    <3
    Betsy in NW WA
  • kevrit
    kevrit Posts: 3,956 Member
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    Recommended exercise: cardio 5 days 30 min 5/20
    Strength all muscles 2 x 1/8 a week
    Flexible (yoga, stretching) 1/8 a week 10 min
    Balance 5 days 10 min 2/20


    2023- Altruistic August

    Word of the year: appreciate. Today I appreciate morning walks.


    Meditation: daily. 15/31 (82%(started Feb)(94%,100%, 74%, 93%,100%)

    Walking and exercising slowed down because of record heat this month.

    1. cut back drinking and limit to 2 days a week. 7/8–(100%,100%,0%,0%,0%,0%,0%)
    2. Average 7,000 steps a week. 5418,4157,6745 (7,700,100%-9851,100%-9526,100%-9,559,100%, -8347,100%—7465,100%—6328,90%)
    3. Update budget every 2 weeks 1/2 —(100%,100%,100%,100%,100%, 100%.100%)
    4. Contact close family every week (4x) 172/208—(100%,100%,100%,50%, 83%, 100%, 100%)should be 154 by September 1)
    5. Contact Donat and sibs once a month (8x)68/94 (100%,100%,100%,100%,100%,100%,100%,100%)
    6. Weigh less last day of month compared to first until I reach 140. Start at 178.6,176,174.2,173.4,175.4,174,175.6 (100%,100%,100%,0%,100%,100%,0%)
    7. Develop a journaling practice by aiming to journal at least 5 days a week. 12/22 (100%,88%,100%,100%,100%,93%,100%)
    8. Read 12 books at least this year. 29/12 (100%)
    9. Pay off credit card debt by January 2024 by making monthly payments to NDR/Reach Financial 8/12—(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+25 (100%,100%,100%,100%,100%,100%,100%)
    11. April started putting 4% on income in savings. 700,200,200, 107, 157,(100%,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 81%
    August met
    September met
    October met —
    November met—
    December met—


    1. Set an intention to be kind to others (and yourself) this month. I plan to be kind to people I meet and to myself. Not just this month but all the time. It may not be every time, but I will try.
    2. Send an uplifting message to someone you can’t be with. I will text my best friend who lives in Michigan, and my friend that lives in NY. Did this
    3. Be kind and supportive to everyone you interact with. I did this!
    4. Ask someone how they feel and really listen to their reply. I plan to try to remember to do this. Done!
    5. Spend time wishing for other people to be happy and well. Will meditate and do this through a loving-kindness meditation.
    6. Smile and be friendly to the people you see today. Will do!
    7. Give time to help a project or cause you care about. I volunteer at Bottomless Lakes State park and also belong to the ‘Friends of’ group and am on the board as secretary. Does this count?
    8. Make some tasty food for someone who will appreciate it. My DH does all the cooking. Perhaps i will look for something KETO to cook. Otherwise, we give food to our co-host often.
    9. Thank someone you’re grateful to and tell them why. I will!
    10. Check in with someone who may be lonely or feeling anxious. Checked in with my son.
    11. Share an encouraging news story to inspire others. Did this at ER when the diagnosis was given.
    12. Contact a friend to let them know you’re thinking of them. Did this yesterday and will do again today.
    13. No plans day! Be kind to yourself so you can be kind to others too. I need the rest!
    14. Take an actions to be kind to nature and care for our planet. Will do! Need to de-stress!
    15. If someone annoys you, be kind. Imagine how they may be feeling. I will try to put myself in the other person’s shoes. Did this again last night with a camper.
    16. Make a thoughtful gift as a surprise for someone. Will have to think about this! Did not do this. :(
    17. Be kind online. Share positive and supportive comments. Will do!
    18. Today, do something to make life easier for someone else. I did try to accommodate a camper.
    19. Be thankful for your food and the people who make it possible. I am.
    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 Roswell, NM

    The best predictor of the future or future behavior is the past. If until this point the relationships, hobby, friendship, job, etc. has not served you in any positive regard, it likely won't in the future.
    — YALDA SAFAI, MD, MPH
    A Word From Verywell
    Sunk cost fallacy can be tricky to wrap your head around, and it’s not without nuance. For more clarity in these complex decision-making moments, completely disregard how much you’ve already invested so that it doesn’t hold influence. Then, look at the facts.

    Are you satisfied? Have you repeatedly been met with dead ends? Is there still potential for a positive outcome if you continue investing your resources and energy? What are the benefits of walking away and opening a new door? These are the factors that should influence your decision rather than any previously sunk costs.
  • kevrit
    kevrit Posts: 3,956 Member
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    Horse story Years back 1978 I think, I was pregnant for my 1st child. DH was at work and I was home alone to find 2 horses in my back yard. I went outside up to the horses, who had halters on, and put rope through the halters and tied them to my fence. I then called police who called the owners who were looking for them. The owners saw me pregnant and told me I was crazy to go up to the horses in ‘that’ condition (6 months and showing) lol. The thought never occurred to me. The horses were very accommodating to me!

    About 6 months later, after baby born, I found 3 dogs roaming around my yard. I had a dog kennel so just opened the door with food in my hand and all 3 walked in. One had a collar with a dog tag. He let me look at it and I called the registered number for the dog which was for Illinois, I was shocked as I lived in CT at the time. They contacted the owner who called me and said they are visiting family in CT and her dog followed the others out. The others did not have licenses on them. I was glad to have helped them because I lived on a busy street where there was an industrial park nearby.

    Covid Testing. When I went into the hospital for the asthma attack (finally feelings better btw), they tested me for CoVid, Flu, and Pneumonia. The nurse put the stick in so far my eyes watered and my nose hurt! Felt like they were trying for my brain! I’ve these tests before and never that painful! Nurse said they wanted to be sure nothing was sitting there and beginning. (SMH)

    Still short of breath, but not needing the inhaler at night anymore. That alone is progress!

    Laters Ladies!
    RVRita in still hot Roswell, NM
  • kevrit
    kevrit Posts: 3,956 Member
    edited August 2023
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    Food sensitivities When I was first diagnosed with Colitis, I had bought a book called “Microscopic Colitis” by Wayne Persky. That is the kind I have. In it, I found that I should try a food test (or elimination diet) to see if I react to anything. I did and found eggs to be my trigger. I did the test because we eat so many different foods, I wasn’t sure what to eliminate first. Eliminating eggs and mayonnaise really helped me. Once I had that under control, I weaned myself of Nexium by keeping a bottle of Pepcid on hand. Some food sensitivities that cause heartburn can be tamed with what I call ‘stomach anti-histamine’. I found that suggestion in this book also. I got off Nexium and only take Pepcid once in a while at night (when it is the worst for me). So, I recommend the book by Persky for people who have diarrhea often and try the suggestions in there.

    Good information on this from the National Institute on Health in spoiler. This one defines antihistamines If you’re taking an antihistamine to help with stomach issues, you’re likely taking a H-2 antihistamine. A few examples of H-2 antihistamines include:

    Cimetidine (Tagamet HB®).
    Famotidine (Pepcid®).
    Nizatidine (Axid®).
    Ranitidine (Zantac®). More on this here:
    RVRita
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 25,180 Member
    edited August 2023
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    kevrit wrote: »
    Food sensitivities When I was first diagnosed with Colitis, I had bought a book called “Microscopic Colitis” by Wayne Persky. That is the kind I have. In it, I found that I should try a food test (or elimination diet) to see if I react to anything. I did and found eggs to be my trigger. I did the test because we eat so many different foods, I wasn’t sure what to eliminate first. Eliminating eggs and mayonnaise really helped me. Once I had that under control, I weaned myself of Nexium by keeping a bottle of Pepcid on hand. Some food sensitivities that cause heartburn can be tamed with what I call ‘stomach anti-histamine’. I found that suggestion in this book also. I got off Nexium and only take Pepcid once in a while at night (when it is the worst for me). So, I recommend the book by Persky for people who have diarrhea often and try the suggestions in there.

    Good information on this from the National Institute on Health in spoiler. This one defines antihistamines If you’re taking an antihistamine to help with stomach issues, you’re likely taking a H-2 antihistamine. A few examples of H-2 antihistamines include:

    Cimetidine (Tagamet HB®).
    Famotidine (Pepcid®).
    Nizatidine (Axid®).
    Ranitidine (Zantac®). More on this here:
    RVRita

    Good for you for getting off Nexium! It's awful stuff. I was put on it years ago and when I figured out it was the Nexium causing me all kinds of issues, I weaned myself off.

    I don't imagine anyone takes Zantac anymore ... wasn't it linked to stomach cancer? I used to use it but haven't in years.

    Come to think of it, since I stopped using medications for heartburn, my heartburn has pretty much gone away.


    Years and years ago I did an elimination diet where I ate chicken, rice and pears for a week then added in a suspected food for a week. Then back to chicken, rice and pears for a week. Then that plus one extra food. Then back to chicken, rice and pears for a week. And so on.

    I added peanuts and peanut butter first ... no good. Then citrus fruit ... nope. I forget right now what else I added ... I think there were 2 more. Maybe tree nuts and dairy, or tree nuts and beef. Anyway, it was no to all of them ... but felt good on chicken, rice and pears.

    And I lost quite a bit of weight doing that!


    M in Oz
  • Joy1580vb
    Joy1580vb Posts: 338 Member
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    Good morning, ladies. Finally stopped raining and we got about an inch that we really do not need. Harvest has started for some farmers who have peas and the struggle is on to get them off due to the wet conditions. Our barley is ripening and probably about another 2 weeks before it is ready. DH is worried he will not be able to get it off dry enough to be able to store.

    Rain is so needed in the Northwest Territories with the entire city of Yellowknife being evacuated (close to 20,000 people). Edmonton has opened up facilities for some along with Calgary and other centers in Alberta. Good to see Alberta stepping up in time of need.

    My thoughts are also with residents of BC (especially Kelowna) where so many have been displaced.

    Not doing too much today as too wet to get into my garden. Have 2 more rows of peas to tackle, then on to the cucumbers. Very cool here and actually have the furnace on to warm up the house abit. Went down to plus 6 celcius last night and predicted to be clear tonight with temps dipping to plus 4....which is another concern as low lying areas may see a light frost which will certainly damage any canola crops. Farmers have to contend with so much that is totally out of their control. Hopefully this weather will turn around.

    Machka, enjoyed seeing your wedding pictures. Such a beautiful area of our province.

    Joy
  • Whidislander
    Whidislander Posts: 3,538 Member
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    Barbie: Doing 11,000 steps when the weather is hot is terrific!

    Annie: My condolences on the passing of your aunt. I admire how well you are helping your parents while staying active at the same time.

    Tracey: I love the 70's outfit with the pants and matching top

    Heather: It must be lovely to hear the sea gulls! What a nice lifestyle!

    Ginny: Great that you are handing out back packs to the community!

    Carol: I love your grand daughter's highlights.

    Michele SW Fla: Good luck with your weight loss

    Lisa from AK: Sauteed onions and garlic in olive oil with tomatoes sounds wonderful!

    Terri: Glad you weren't burned from the hot oil. I had duck as one of the choices at my wedding. I have not had much of it since.

    KJ Lamore: I loved the pis of the children

    Rebecca: Enjoyed the pictures. I wonder how long your sister will keep taking the trash out with a tractor. I coudn't keep it up!

    Michele: WW says fruit is zero points, but I am having trouble believing it.

    Well, I have done WW over a month now and am stuck between 185 and 187. The scale almost went to 184.8 one day this week. I lose ground on the days I do the cat rescue. Also today I was tired and ate chocolate in order to keep going and was too tired to exercise. I am tired quite a bit. I don't know if this is normal at my age...about to be 64. I nap almost every day for an hour. I get very hungry and eat foods that are zero points or low in points but am not losing.

    Barbie: Your schedule does interest me. My father use to go to bed between 6 pm and 7pm and I think did some reading. More and more, I can't see staying up when I am tired. I am not interested in tv. I am not sleeping that well and am using a meditation audio book to get to sleep. Today I was too tired to exercise.

    I don't mean to sound like I am complaining. I really am doing okay. I think once the heat stops, life will be better. Of course I will not like having it dark in the mornings.

    Best,
    Rosemarie from GA

    Well she is 68 yrs old right now, but does so much more then I can do. Here's her tractor, where she moves things with. Last year she let me drive it.
    07ryt6zu96ll.jpeg
    I have told her for her quality of life she should get a maintenance guy to do the hard stuff like moving bricks, or using huge bags of weed killer for different areas of her property. She also has to do the winter maintenance on her windows every year being her home was built in 1875.
    Rebecca
    Whidbey
    Wa