WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR SEPTEMBER 2023

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  • 1948CWB
    1948CWB Posts: 1,606 Member
    Kim ~ That is just awful what you are going through with Medicare. Sounds like you were talking to a real grouch. It would make me furious. I had to call SS last week to change my bank account number and it took 2 hrs mostly spent on hold.

    Heather ~ I love reading about all the dishes you cook. I have to Google to see what they are as my cooking is just plain as can be. I also admire all the walking you and Johnny do to help with the children. Sorry your date night was disappointing.

    Betsy ~ Hope the chiropractor can help your hip pain.

    Lanette ~ My husband loves his heated rice socks in the winter.

    Carol in GA
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 25,611 Member
    cityjaneLondon wrote: »
    Machka - I don't have any big sweaters. At home, it's warm, and outside, I'm wearing a padded down coat. I can't wear wool at all, even with something underneath. If it's really cold, I wear a thermal long sleeve vest, and a thin acrylic sweater, perhaps a long acrylic cardigan on top. Thicker socks.
    I suggest keeping a couple, just in case. You certainly don't need more than that. I have a minimal wardrobe.

    Good morning's writing today. :D

    Love Heather UK xxxxxx

    I brought a lot of them over from Canada where I used to live in thick sweaters.

    But most of the really heavy ones and wool ones are in a give-away bag somewhere or maybe I've successfully taken them to an OP shop.

    Now, looking at the lighter ones, I realise I haven't touched them in years.


    I can't have a minimal wardrobe ... and don't really want one. :) I like clothes!

    But also ... because I'm so warm all the time, I dress in layers ... a sleeveless top I can strip down to if necessary. But then usually a business top so that I look somewhat professional at work. And I do need a light jacket of some sort for when I go outside. 3 tops a day during work days. In the winter sometimes I'll add a very thin long-sleeved layer I can shed if I need to.

    At home, I usually have 2 or 3 tops going at once for inside, outside, etc. We keep our house quite cool ... under 18C (64F). On weekends in the winter, when I get up it'll often be about 15C (59F) in here.

    Then I've got more tops and other clothing going if I'm gardening, and different ones if I'm cycling, and different ones if I'm running. :)


    Machka in Oz



  • pipcd34
    pipcd34 Posts: 17,268 Member
    342342
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 25,611 Member
    Machka9 wrote: »
    barbiecat wrote: »
    :) It is important for me to remember that the age range on this thread is about 50-85, meaning that some of us are as old as the mothers of some of the others and that some of you are still employed full time, while others have much more open schedules.

    <3 Barbie in NW WA


    I'm at the young end of the scale. :)

    Career woman: Employed almost full-time (9-day fortnight) and still building my career.

    Student: Currently taking a university course to help further my career.

    Carer to my husband.

    Mum to our cat.

    Grandmother to our granddaughter.

    President, national rep, communications officer and ride organiser for the local branch of our long-distance cycling club.

    Member and active participant in the local brain injury association and beekeeping club.

    Cyclist, walker, hiker, runner, rower, weightlifter, gardener. :)

    And when I get some time I enjoy photography, reading, colouring, and music. :)


    Jam-packed schedule!!


    Machka in Oz

    On Time ...

    There are 168 hours in a week.

    Let's say we sleep 8 hours a night (give or take, heh!) = 56 hours.

    168 - 56 = 112 hours

    I commute 1.5 hours a day * 5 days = 7.5 hours.

    112 - 10.5 = 104.5 hours

    I work 8.5 hours a day * 5 days = 40 hours. (I get a 1-hour lunch in there during which time I run errands and/or walk)

    104.5 - 42.5 hours = 62 hours

    I get ready for work and wind down after work, including walking Rhody and dinner for about 2 hours a day * 5 days = 10 hours.

    62 - 10 = 52 hours


    Those are the things I have to do, which leaves me about 52 hours a week to do the rest.

    Per week ...
    Learning - 1-2 hours
    Transporting husband, attending medical appointments and other carer-related things - 2-4 hours
    Bees - 1-2 hours
    Cycling - 1-4 hours (sometimes more)
    Other exercise - 1-2 hours
    Cycling club - 1-2 hours
    Brain injury association - 1-2 hours
    Gardening - 3-4 hours
    Housework - 1-4 hours
    Paying bills and dealing with stuff - 1 - 4 hours
    Reading - 1-2 hours
    Colouring - 1-4 hours
    Relaxing before bed - 6-ish hours

    That leaves me about 10 hours!! Maybe that's when I'm here. :) I think sometimes I use that for sleep. Or for when my bus takes an extra hour during the commute. Or when unexpected things come up. And sometimes social stuff like visiting our son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter, especially when we spend 3 hours at their hockey games. :)

    Now ... I need to have a look over a couple insurance policies before bed. If that doesn't put me to sleep ...


    Machka in Oz


  • myvt9v4crh
    myvt9v4crh Posts: 391 Member
    <3

    Katla in Illinois
  • kevrit
    kevrit Posts: 4,321 Member
    Vickil57 wrote: »
    Tracey--Very nice pictures. Glad you had some time to relax and enjoy the time together.Pip--Greast job!!
    Heather--Your dear grandchildren, what great memories for all of you.
    My DH puts honey most everything he cooks. We usually buy local when we can.
    Rita--That scale looks like it would be just the right size for travel. Where did you order it from? So sorry to hear about your son. Sending prayers and hugs for both of you, being so far away is not easy. Have him check at the hospital as there are grants to help pay the bills for those without insurance.
    Carol--A proud grandma moment for sure. Glad you got all your money back.
    Betsy--So sorry for your loss, sending hugs.
    It was a nice weekend, just went by to fast. Going to chirocpractor after work as my right hip is hurting a lot.Going back to the one I went to last year, before his wife passed away. The other one scares me sometimes.
    Blessings, Vicki GRAND ISLAND, NE where we are having cooler temps this week. <3

    I got it from Amazon. It was only $9.99!
    It’s on sale!
    yfuz4ro153zo.png
  • kevrit
    kevrit Posts: 4,321 Member
    2023 Self-Care September 2023

    Word of the year: appreciate. Today I appreciate the very much needed rain and cooler weather.
    Meditation: daily. 7/30 (82%(started Feb)(94%,100%, 74%, 93%,100%,100%)

    Recommended exercise: cardio 5 days 30 min 10/23
    Strength all muscles 2 x 0/8 a week
    Flexible (yoga, stretching) 0/8 a week 10 min
    Balance 5 days 10 min 1/20

    Rita
    Stop B12
    Switch DHEA to every other day on sept 6
    Kev
    Add folic acid, once a day
    Add magnesium to 3x a day
    Up Berberine to 3x a day

    Foods to avoid:

    Barley
    Bell peppers
    Chicken
    Clam
    Egg white
    Eggplant
    Ginger
    Rye
    Wheat
    Winter squash

    1. cut back drinking and limit to 2 days a week. 0/8–(300%,100%)
    2. Average 7,000 steps a week. 5784, (7,700,100%-9851,100%-9526,100%-9,559,100%, -8347,100%—7465,100%—6328,90%—6059,87%)
    3. Update budget every 2 weeks 2/2 —(800%)
    4. Contact close family every week (4x) 188/208—(733%) should be 172 by October 1)
    5. Contact Donat and sibs once a month (8x)72/94 (800%)
    6. Weigh less last day of month compared to first until I reach 140. Start at 178.6,176,174.2,173.4,175.4,174,175.6,173.4 (500%)
    7. Develop a journaling practice by aiming to journal at least 5 days a week. 10/23 (681%,100%)
    8. Read 12 books at least this year. 34/12 (100%)
    9. Pay off credit card debt by January 2024 by making monthly payments to NDR/Reach Financial 8/12—(900%)
    10. Continue building emergency fund at SLFCU (min$25 a month)$25+$25+$71+700+25+25 +25+25 (900%)
    11. April started putting 4% on income in savings. 700,200,200, 107, 157,(500%)

    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—met 99%
    September met
    October met —
    November met—
    December met—



    1. Find time for self-care. It’s not selfish. It’s essential. Making time!
    2. Notice the things you do well, however small. I will. Talking to campers, meeting dogs, electronics.
    3. Let go of self-criticism and speak to yourself kindly. I will try!
    4. Plan a fun or relaxing activity and make time for it. Did this already! Went for a long walk this morning.
    5. Forgive yourself when things go wrong. Everyone makes mistakes. This will be hard because I tend to blame myself for everything.
    6. Focus on the basics: eat well, exercise, and go to bed on time. Will Do!
    7. Give yourself permission to say ‘no’.. I’m doing this more often now.
    8. Be willing to share how you feel and and ask for help when needed. I will try to remember to ask for help when I need it rather than struggle and get frustrated.
    9. Aim to be good enough, rather than perfect. This needs to be a mind change for me. Whenever I do something, I get upset if it is not perfect. I need to make it a point to accept what the result is while doing my best.
    10. When you find things hard, remember it’s ok to not be ok. This is apt for today.
    11. Make time to do something you really enjoy. I hope to go ‘window shopping’ today. Did this and colored.
    12. Get active outside and give your mind and body a natural boost. Went for a 20 minute walk then the rain started.
    13. Be as kind to yourself as you would to a loved one.
    14. If you’re busy, allow yourself to pause and take a break.
    15. Find a caring calming phrase to use when you feel low.
    16. Leave positive messages for yourself to see regularly.
    17. No plans day. Make time to slow down and be kind to yourself.
    18. Ask a trusted friends to tell you what strengths they see in you.
    19. Notice what you are feeling without any judgement.
    20. Enjoy photos from a time with happy memories.
    21. Don’t compare how you feel inside to how others appear outside.
    22. Take your time. Make space to just breathe and be still.
    23. Let go of other people’s expectations of you.
    24. Accept yourself and remember that your are worthy of love.
    25. Avoid saying ‘I should’ and make time to do nothing.
    26. Find a new way to use one of your strengths or talents.
    27. Free up time by canceling any unnecessary plans.
    28. Choose to see your mistakes as steps to help you learn.
    29. Write down 3 things you appreciate about yourself.
    30. Remind yourself you are enough, just as you are.

    RVRita in Roswell, NM
  • Whidislander
    Whidislander Posts: 3,817 Member
    ginnytez wrote: »
    Machka-State pulls things from data bases through BIC Cognos and they also use some Tableau Analytics. They are both so touchy. Cognos wouldn't be bad but major program area won't let us perform clean drill through. They have preset items in a query form-may be something they look of but not really useful for ground level users. Neither program brings payments in in a meaningful way.

    Rita-hope son continues to heal. Pneumonia can also be very tough. I applaud your AF time. I think I least had a drink 40 some years ago. Don't miss it.

    Rosemarie-I think boredom is a good sign, Don't push yourself-it can take awhile for energy to return fully.

    Rebecca-your recipe sounds basic and good. I think sometimes people can go too far over the top with basic dishes. And what is important-you cooked it and you like it!

    Nothing new in my world. Went to Credit Union and got myself off my son's account. Changed around an account to a higher yield money market I didn't know about. Came home, checked some records for work, got trash out. Going to go watch a bit of the football game-won't make it through all the way.

    Take care all,

    Ginny in Ohio

    I have never made the lasagna with the white creamy layer, ricotta? Lee is not fond of that so its omitted. I prefer without it too. Now I have made lasagna using thin slices of zucchini, with olives, onions and mushrooms but its mostly a goulash by the time I am done putting it together. I just use a couple lasagna noodles layered in the smaller Pyrex pan I like. So my layers fan out. Speaking of which I do have much of the ingredients, with leftover noodles in the fridge. Goulash here I come!😁
    Rebecca
    Whidbey
    Wa
  • Whidislander
    Whidislander Posts: 3,817 Member
    SophieRosieMom wrote: »
    Kim - is there a Social Security office near you? Maybe if you can just go and talk to someone in person, that would help. Or find a number for the local SS office and talk to someone there. I think they hire a lot of new people at the big call center who just flip through pages to give out answers and aren't that helpful. Good luck to you. This is certainly stress you don't need!

    When my DH passed, the funeral home said to contact Social Security and gave me the 1-800 number. I can't recall the specifics but it was frustrating and I listened to their jabber and it was a waste of time. So I dug out the SS paperwork we got when we first signed up and it gave the address and phone number of the local office. The gal I talked to there was terrific, former Marine like DH so we clicked. She took care of the SS and Medicare stuff. I was ready to drive to the office and glad I didn't have to.

    Tina - you popped into my head yesterday, I was wondering how you were. Glad to see you are home. :)

    Lisa - you certainly struck gold with Corey. <3 Good job on the elliptical.

    Pip - love your new bike. Bet it will be fun breaking it in. :)

    Michele - yes, at least you are walking even if you are a bit slower these days. That's the way I feel. Some days I can go at a good clip, other days it's slower and I take time to appreciate my surroundings. The gal I sometimes walk with is barely 5' tall, so she hustles to keep up with me. And she knew that was part of the deal when she wanted to walk with me, because she knows I really enjoy walking by myself.

    Heather - does someone have a bike you could borrow to try it out? I'm too scared of traffic to bike on the busy main road and I rarely see folks biking it let alone walking on it during work hours. Too many big county dump trucks and such. Plus a pretty steep hill. Got one when we moved here and eventually gave it away.

    Rebecca - thank you for sharing your lasagna recipe. Any Athena & Eli updates? ;)

    Rosemarie - glad to see you are getting some energy back. <3

    I have hot feet and painfully cold hands, especially my right hand, and I'm right handed. I wonder if arthritis causes this :p So I look forward to washing dishes by hand. Kylia - I agree about mittens vs gloves, and when I walk during cold weather I actually make teensy rice socks to heat up and put in my pockets to keep my hands warmer.

    Cleaner is coming today, I have a few more things to pick up and put away before she gets here. Want to get a quick walk in before she arrives.

    Make it a super day, ladies! <3

    Lanette B)
    SW WA State

    Not any updates as of late. I think my son is back to attending his college classes, so its probably very stressful. If I haven't gotten any updates, I will try to contact him this friday, when he has no classes. The other grandma is there helping and will be until the end of the month I understand. My daughter in law has maternity leave until January so that's good. Hopefully they will find a caregiver for the time son is at school, or maybe he will be just online classes by then. I don't know. 👍🏼💖
    Rebecca
    Whidbey
    Wa
  • pipcd34
    pipcd34 Posts: 17,268 Member
    Stats for the day-

    Outside bike ride *1ST RIDE W/NEW BIKE*- 2hrs 8min 38sec, 286elev, 71aw, 14.2amph, 136ahr, 156mhr, 30.42mi= 1128c
    Strava app= 615c
    Walk home to gym- 12.14min, .53mi= 54c
    Strava app= 65c
    Treadmill jog- 27.53min, 2mi @5.5sp, .60mi @6.0sp, 127ahr, 168mhr, 2.60mi= 287c
    Walk gym to store then home- 19.39min, .91mi= 114c
    Strava app = 112c
    Outside bike ride- *test ride w/seat adjustment* - 3.38min, 7elev, 56aw, 11.3amph, 113ahr, 136mhr, .68mi= 25c
    Strava app= 14c

    Total cal 1608
  • 1948CWB
    1948CWB Posts: 1,606 Member
    Tina ~ The photographs are lovely. Would love to see those water falls. You surrounded by otters was cool!

    Carol in GA
  • Whidislander
    Whidislander Posts: 3,817 Member
    sh0tzz99 wrote: »
    Heather-I recommend an e-bike, but a step-through style. They make them small these days and you can putt all around easily. Just get a helmet. I have a helmet with a headlight and taillight/blinkers.

    Machka-I can relate on the heat issue. I seem to be warm all the time now and have random overly-hot periods of a few minutes. Not like hot flashes. Those came from inside and radiated out. This is just an overwhelming heat all over, mostly on my head. However, the mister is always cold (I think a side effect of some medication he's taking), so we have a battle with the thermostat. He keeps it at or over 78F/25.5C. I want it well below that in the daytime and I'd love it around your temp at night. He likes to sleep in a sauna (always has). When he's at work, I crank the A/C down and I'm comfortable. At night, I toss and turn and sweat. Then he complains that I have health risks for not getting enough sleep. Well, he can just wear a sweater and get another blanket! It's so frustrating.

    Rebecca-I was so happy to read about Owain. Glad he got back in touch.

    So, Honduras was interesting. I did get to spend quality time with my step-sister. That was good. Sadly, the host family was so negative about Honduras and the people that it made it an unfortunate experience. They have lived there as missionaries for something like 15 years and are so negative. I wouldn't do that trip again just because of them. The Hondurans were wonderful and the kids were so cute. We did get to do a team activity when we arrived and it was to a beautiful park with waterfalls. We ziplined over the falls. I'd do that again. If I can get a picture to post, I will.

    Healthwise, when I returned from Honduras, I had lost 2 pounds. But I immediately had guests the day after I arrived and have for a month. So, those two found me and brought friends. Too much eating late, booze, and not enough exercise. Back on the wagon I go.

    Have a good day!

    Tina in CA


    Thanks, I am happy too.💖⚓👍🏼
    Rebecca
    Whidbey
    Wa
  • pipcd34
    pipcd34 Posts: 17,268 Member
    343343
  • dlfk202000
    dlfk202000 Posts: 3,189 Member
    exermom wrote: »
    Today was the first day of senior bowling. Organizational meeting and then free bowling. Afterwards, we cut the front lawn (weeds). Put down that weed killer around the pool. I DO NOT want them to grow back. After dinner took a walk around the neighborhood. Got packed to go tomorrow. Got in 16,000+ steps

    Vibrantreader – welcome

    pip – nice looking bike. Good deal, too

    Betsy – HUG

    The older I get, the slower I walk. I look at it as “at least I’m walking”

    I don’t like to go barefoot. For one thing, I have this “thing” about germs on my feet. Probably stems from the fact that I seem to get a lot of plantar warts. For another thing, it hurts my feet. Probably because I’m not used to it

    There is a lady at the soup kitchen who has Renaud’s syndrome. She was saying that even in summer, she sometimes has to wear gloves

    regarding cold hands: you know what they say “cold hands, warm heart”

    Michele NC

    If I am pulling more than just one or two things from the freezer, I need to wear gloves, same, but not as bad with things from the fridge. Finger tips turn a beet red and burn and itch so bad until I can warm them up
  • pipcd34
    pipcd34 Posts: 17,268 Member
    344344
  • KetoneKaren
    KetoneKaren Posts: 6,412 Member
    Eli <3
  • bwcetc
    bwcetc Posts: 2,827 Member
    Rebecca …how is Athena adjusting to her new brother?
  • SophieRosieMom
    SophieRosieMom Posts: 3,659 Member
    Barbie - sending (((Hugs))) and good thoughts for Jake. Hope they can get on top of it rapidly and he can come home soon. Thank you for letting us know. <3

    Lanette
  • grandmallie
    grandmallie Posts: 10,097 Member
    Barbie -saying prayers for a quick recovery for Jake..
  • pipcd34
    pipcd34 Posts: 17,268 Member
    Barbiecat-my thoughts are with you
  • bwcetc
    bwcetc Posts: 2,827 Member
    Barbie … praying that Jake’s infection quickly subsides and he is soon able to come home. Prayers for you too!

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