WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR OCTOBER 2023

Machka9

Today's ride ... unfortunately I ended with a flat right toward the end.





BTW - I feel almost back to normal with my rash situation. There are still a few little places that are tremendously itchy but that's much better than it was.

But my skin is even more sensitive than it was.

Machka9

LisaInArkansas wrote: »

Machka - You look so serene in that picture. Glad you have the time and energy for the long rides that make you so happy.

Later, y'all,
Hope it's a good weekend for everyone...
Love,
Lisa in AR

That might also be the double scoop ice cream I had just eaten.

skuehn48

dlfk202000

thought this was cute

margaretturk

Machka9 wrote: »

margaretturk wrote: »

(((Betsy))) I am sorry about your teeth issues!

Another adventure in my car today. I was driving to take in my old paint, batteries, light bulbs to the pop up hazardous waste site. They do this twice a year Oct. and April on Fridays and Saturdays. As I was driving I noticed a flower pot in the road. I missed that when I noticed it sounded like I was dragging something under my car. I was able to turn into a vacant church parking lot. Fortunately I carry an old sheet in my car to cover my seats if I have to transport something messy. I used the sheet so I could get down on the parking lot without getting dirty. So I look under the car and find an ice cream bucket wedged underneath about midway underneath the car. I had sticks in my trunk from son's house. He has an eighty year old Linden that constantly loses branches so I just put them in the trunk until I get enough to take to the compost site. I was able to turn it slightly with the stick but could not get it out. I was about to try to take it to a garage where they could hoist it up and easily get it off. Then I noticed the large pot hole at the entrance. I slowly drove over the pot hole and then backed up. There in the middle of the hole was the bucket with a hole in it from being dragged under my car. For the first time ever I was happy to see a pot hole! LOL Afterwards I tried a technique of tapping right above the heart on the thymus gland for about 30 seconds to calm myself from the frustration. It did help me recoup from the ordeal rather than go for the sweets.

Maybe it's time to start using public transportation!

I did that for 8 months when I first lived here. What takes 10 minutes in a car can take an hour if there are connections to where you want to go! Not fun waiting for a bus in 20 below weather. I think I will keep my car.

cityjaneLondon

I'm hoping I've dodged the UTI that was threatening. After the diarrhoea on the last night of the holiday, and the long journey home with not as much water as usual, plus being knackered, my bladder was in threatening mode yesterday morning. I took a few of the D-Mannose that were recommended by Kate UK's consultant a few years ago. I take one normally morning and evening, and haven't had a UTI since. (I used to get them regularly.) So I upped the dose and glugged liquids. No alcohol in the evening. I'm crossing fingers it's gone away. Will resume the increased dosage today.
Ginny - Have you tried them? They are only a type of sugar, but are supposed to repel bacteria from the bladder wall. Yes, I was sceptical, but they have worked for me. I can still feel a little sensitivity there, but hope to glug it away today. My mother used to get them a lot, so I guess I have inherited the propensity.

The grandgirls are going to Cyclo-cross in the morning, so Max is going to walk over bt 10.30 to have some social time. I told my son that would allow us time to get gymmed and abluted. We will all have lunch together, probably frankfurters, and then the rest of the family are coming over with John's birthday cake at 2pm. Edie will be bringing the Lemon Drizzle cake, (gluten free), that she has made for him. Then she and my son can choose what baking items they want. It's all good stuff, but mainly duplicates and things I never use any more.

I've also ordered a new tape measure for the kitchen. Our old one, for some strange reason, is 5 cm short. At the front end of it. A mystery. Yesterday, after measuring cake tins and having to add on 2 inches, I decided enough was enough, so for just over £2, I am buying a new one, and the old one is going in the bin. I can't imagine why I haven't done this before.

Love to all, Heather UK xxxxxxxx

TerriRichardson112

☘️

ginnytez

Betsy-I have lost some teeth before implants came into being so nothing there (dentist wasn't someone we saw unless we needed a tooth pulled). One upper molar I lost a couple of years ago I am not getting implant because I don't have a corresponding lower tooth for contact. I recently had an upper extraction on the other side (also upper). Due to its location it is a bit more visible and there is a lower molar for contact. I want to have good chewing ability on one side. They are having me give it 4 months healing before starting the implant process. Evidently the whole implant process can take up to a year but I will learn more at my December appointment. I am not yet certain of final cost-I have heard they can run up to $6,000.

Machka-public transportation isn't readily available in many parts of U.S. The town where I live has a bus service but only within city limits and coverage is spotty. Nothing goes out to surrounding areas. So where I live (even though same city name) there is no way here and into town other than own vehicle.

Heather-how strange you mention D Mannose today. I tested last evening and have another of my UTIs, started the standing antibiotic they give me. I have tried D Mannose and doesn't seem to make a difference. I do have some on hand so will take it. Also bought some no sugar added cranberry juice. Got it in the small bottles so I can take to Columbus with me (at conference for a couple of days). Doctor says everything looks normal-I'm just one of the lucky ones! I do think when I find new doctors in Columbus next year I will try new urologist just to double check.

Got behind on posting but have been reading. Very busy time at work right now with budget coming due. Going to get a couple of things done this am before I leave for Columbus. Sometimes I like paying for my stay the night before so I don't have to deal with the morning traffic. Will get to see some work colleagues I have not seen for awhile since my job duties changed 10 years ago.

Off to get morning stretches/workout done. Will walk at sunrise this am.

Take care all,

Ginny in Ohio

SophieRosieMom

Rita - you asked the fitness "pro's" in this group about using bands instead of weights which aggravate your tendonitis.

I ran across this young physiotherapist from downunder on YouTube who uses bands and what look to be very light weights. I really liked his bands which have gradations for increasing resistance. I ordered Bob and Brad bands a while back which are fine but there's a set of three and they get tangled and take up room. After watching his video I ordered some of his from Amazon this morning. There's a 25% coupon right now bringing the price down to around $15 before tax.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUtbcHh7PDk

I went to his website and joined his email group and received his ebook - he has quite a few videos dedicated to seniors. Before I jump back into the free weights I'm going to start incorporating some of the exercises he's demonstrating. I too worry about injury and have cranky elbows.

Margaret - how clever of you using that pothole to dislodge the bucket.

Heather - hope the D-Mannose does the trick and that UTI doesn't materialize.

Ginny - enjoy the meeting in Columbus and seeing old work colleagues. Hope the antibiotic gets you fixed up quickly. There's no bus service in my area either, or reliable taxi's or Uber type transportation. A person can call for a shuttle van for rides to the doctor or the grocery store but it's not practical as it has to be scheduled the day before. I know some folks who once relied on public transportation or walking to do errands, then moved into rural areas, have gotten a shock at having to now drive and maintain a vehicle.

Rosemarie - hope you can find a trustworthy handyman. Getting someone like that fireman who does odd jobs on the side sounds perfect. I haven't heard from my chimney Roger in a while, I still had a few more things for him to do, but I'm OK until next spring.

So far it's looking like sunshine this afternoon so I'll get busy with the leaf blower again and move more leaves. I estimate 3/4 of them have fallen from the maple. Also need to get some carpeting/little mats stapled down on the deck when it dries since the weatherman predicts nighttime temps in the high 29's toward the end of the week and that deck is always very icy.

Got to meet my new/old next door neighbor yesterday. The gal that used to live on the street below me (we shared a common back fence) moved away about 5 years ago. In the meantime, she got divorced and then moved in with her daughter. She always loved this neighborhood and when she heard John next door was talking of eventually selling, she contacted him and cut a deal. She bought the house with the agreement he gets to stay there and rent it from her as long as he's able. He's 92. In the meantime, she's been planting trees and doing things on the property. Some day, she'll be my neighbor again and it will be so good to have her back.

Yesterday I made "Chicken Crust Pizza" and it turned out good. Had to work with it a bit since I didn't have a detailed recipe. I took notes so next time there won't be guesswork involved. A couple photos:

Chicken ready for first baking:

Finished product:

The chicken released a lot of liquid after that first baking so I transferred it to another cookie sheet and added toppings for the 2nd baking.

That's it for now. Have a wonderful day!

Lanette
SW WA State

barbiecat

When I first started walking as a regular practice, I carried my flip phone in one pocket and my Walkman in the other pocket. While listening to music in the earbuds I couldn't always hear the phone ring, but at least I had the phone for emergencies. A few years later when I needed a new phone, I told the man at the phone store that I wish there were some way to have a phone and a music player in the same instrument and it turned out that there was a Walkman phone. I carried that phone for years until one day I was with friends who had smartphones and they took pictures and e mailed them to each other and friends out of town and I knew I would have to have a smart phone. Now I use my Android phone for listening to music that I have downloaded, pod casts, and audio books. I use it as a timer and an alarm clock, I use it to order groceries every week for pick up, I map my walks with the dogs, I text friends, I use it as an encyclopedia to look up all sorts of things, I can access MFP, and connect with meetings on Zoom if I want to participate and walk or do chores at the same time. The thing I do least is make phone calls. I don't play games or use Facebook. If I have time to kill, I read a book on the Kindle app.

In the middle of the night, having a puppy is like having an infant except that when you have to wake up in the middle of the night, you have to get dressed, put on a coat, and go outside in the dark to deal with their needs.

Barbie in NW WA

teklawa1

I feel more ready to deal with this tooth issue. Lisa, thanks for bringing to focus the time I have to decide what I want to do. I'll have the extraction tomorrow and have time while the area heals. Ginny, the estimate of an implant from my dentist was $4300. That doesn't include the $390 for the extraction tomorrow. I'm in a better frame of mind taking this one step at a time. Lanette, how sweet you will one day have the neighbor you really liked back in your life. I've outlived six of my neighbors and I told the couple next door they aren't allowed to die or move. They cracked up. They are the best neighbors and are leaving tomorrow for Arizona for six months. I watch their house while they are gone. I am thinking they will move in the next few years because they both get so cold here in the winter.

Tracey hope the surgery goes well.

Joy, your floor looks amazing... I love the grains showing.

Thanks everyone for the support.

Betsy in NW WA

teklawa1

Annie, our posts crossed each other and I had to go back and find yours. Wonderful you had an informative meeting about your Mom's future care. Glad you have time to access going forward. Such a convoluted time when roles get reversed. I watch how you deal with the challenges and I admire you very much.

Betsy in NW WA

teklawa1

Lanette, that chicken pizza.... Please come cook!

Betsy in NW WA

grandmallie

Morning ladies
Sunday morning cooking shows on T.V
I bought a grounding mat for my bed
And a real neat soft bluetooth mask for travel and sleep.. tried it last night.. worked great..

Out with his Mowie this morning...

Anniesquats100

Thank you Betsy!

Today has already been a challenge. Pardon me if I rant a bit. My dad fell and hurt his back last night. He says it feels like a huge bruise, no pain when he is still, but lots when he tries to move, especially bending over. He refused ice. He still went back out to put away the lawnmower and to put up the flag this morning, but of course he can't touch the dishwasher.

So this morning he wants to go to church. First he said he would watch online, but he can't get into his email to get the link. So I said I would do that for him. Then he says no, he is going to walk to church. I said no what if you get halfway there and can't walk anymore? He got out his phone and messed with it, and called a guy in China by dialing random numbers. I couldn't make sense of his phone either. So I said I would drive him, and he could bum a ride back. Then ten minutes later he says he is walking again. We talk through all the options and he says okay he will watch online. Ten minutes later he says he is walking again. So I drove him to church fifteen minutes early just to get rid of him! He drives me crazy. He has my phone number in his pocket. So that's the best I could do.

I still have laundry to do, and I promised a fellow writer to review her draft yesterday. And it will take three hours to visit Mom. But I'm all riled up. I guess a cup of tea is my best bet for the moment.

I still might take him for X rays later. If he cooperates.

Annie in Delaware

LisaInArkansas

Good morning from Arkansas, where the leaves are turning colors now...

This week the rains of fall will begin, or it certainly looks that way in the forecast. Three more warm days, then rain Wednesday, and scattered rainy days after that.

Yesterday, Corey put up strings and such things and futzed around with stakes and a level for a few hours until he finally got things arranged in his own head for how he wanted to build the flooring for the sunroom/outdoor kitchen. Ten feet by 24 feet, so it will be quite large... and built in three stages. The floor will be first, attached to 4x4 posts that will be set in anchors and will end up being the support for the walls and roof, as well. Then the roof and then the walls (or vice versa, I don't remember).

The floor will consist of a landing that's level with the house floor as you come out the back door, then one step up to the seating and the outdoor kitchen area. My opinion was solicited, and luckily, it was the same as his on the necessity for a two-level deck! We live on the side of a hill, and taking into account changes in elevation is necessary for anything built outside. The lumber for this first stage will be delivered on Tuesday, so we will be building this deck next weekend, it seems. We're trying to keep each stage at under $1,000, which will end up being less than a third of the bid we got from a contractor, so fingers crossed it all works fine.

My pottery instructor texted me yesterday to invite me to come in early for practice on Thursday, and I accepted. I've only had four hours of work on the wheel, but I feel like I could definitely use the practice. It was generous of her, and I appreciated it, so will try to go in a couple hours early on Thursday.

Allie - Miles is such a happy little guy...

Annie - Hope your dad's OK. Hang in there, kiddo. Thinking about you.

Later, y'all,
Lisa in AR

kymarai

Happy Sunday!
Lanette Thank you for sharing information on MMC. My DH suffers from awful gas (along with those of us around him). Maybe I can get him to stop snacking for 3 hours at a time.
Lisa Thank you for the insight on exercising. I am currently concentrating on stretching. Main focus being hips and IT bands. Still using tennis ball on wall too. One more week until I am back at masseuse!
Rosemarie HUGS!!! I too am happy you are seeking help.
Allie Well done and adorable.
Beth your encouraging words to Betsy.
Betsy HUGS!!! Remember we are here for you too. One of the amazing things about this group is that someone has most likely experienced what is happening in our lives. Knowing we aren't totally alone helps.
Carol Getting those little things done is amazing. It feels wonderful!
Lanette We have had the smart meter for a year and if anything our bill seems to stay more level.
Allie I am proud of you! That is quite the accomplishment. Like Heather I tend to just get mad at electronics.
Barbie Annie is beautiful
Annie I too think you are doing well with everything on your plate. A cup of tea sounds like a good choice.
UTIS i got them lots when younger. Then my dr put me on a profilactic antibiotic for a year. Have only had a couple since my 30's. I will keep D Mannose in mind though.

I am going to post this then write another.

Love,
Kylia in sunny but chilly Ohio

kevrit

2023 Optimistic October

Word of the Year: appreciate—Today I appreciate the ladies on MFP, they are so caring and understanding and have much empathy. They have helped me deal with problems that I thought were insurmountable.

Meditation: daily. 20/31 (82%(started Feb)(94%,100%, 74%, 93%,100%,100%)

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

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%,100%). 69 days SOBER!
2. Average 7,000 steps a week. 7819, 7203, 7906,(7,700,100%-9851,100%-9526,100%-9,559,100%, -8347,100%—7465,100%—6328,90%—6059,87%—6458,92%)
3. Update budget every 2 weeks 2/2 (800%)
4. Contact close family every week (4x) 216/208—(733%) should be 189 by November 1) My mom called me for a change.
5. Contact Donat and sibs once a month (8x)74/94 (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, 172.2 (600%)
7. Develop a journaling practice by aiming to journal at least 5 days a week. 19/23 (681%,100,100)
8. Read 12 books at least this year. 44/12
(100%)
9. Pay off credit card debt by January 2024 by making monthly payments to NDR/Reach Financial 10/12—(1000%)
10. Continue building emergency fund at SLFCU (min$25 a month)$25+$25+$71+700+25+25 +25+25 (1000%) I put the money in, but end up taking it out.
11. April started putting 4% on income in savings. 700,200,200, 107, 157,0,0,0
500%) This has stopped. Spending too much.

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

1.

Write down three things you can look forward to this month. 1. Another month of sobriety 2. Cooler weather 3. Decorating for Halloween
2. Find something to be optimistic about (even if it’s a difficult time). I am optimistic about cooler weather.
3. Take a small step to a goal that really matters to you. I need to call my uncle.
4. Start the day with the most important thing on your to-do-list. Updating this list and My Fitness Pal.
5. Be a realistic optimist. See life as it is but focus on what’s good. I usually hope for the best but prepare for the worst. I think this counts!
6. Remind yourself that things can change for the better. No matter how bad you think it is, it can always get worse. So enjoy life no matter where you are, or what you are doing, or your circumstances.
7. Look for the good in people around you today. I can do this if I try. This was not difficult to do with visitors. Employees were a different matter!
8. Make some progress on a project or task you’ve been avoiding. I need to clean the cabinets out. I am planning to start today. Didn’t happen.
9. Share an important goal with someone you trust. did not do this.
10. Take time to reflect on what you have accomplished recently. I have accomplished coloring pages, making doctor appointments, calming my nerves by taking some actions I never tried before, and more.
11. Avoid blaming yourself or others. Find a helpful way forward. This is hard for me.
12. Look out for positive news and reasons to be cheerful today. With everything going on around me and in me this will be hard, but I will pay attention to good news.
13. Ask for help to overcome an obstacle you are facing. The obstacles I have cannot be solved by me, but by family members.
14. Do something constructive to improve a difficult situation. I will have to think on this. I posted pictures of the eclipse that happened here on the Friends Group FB page, and sent some pics to my son and grandson.
15. Thank yourself for achieving the things you often take for granted. I got up in a thankful mood today so I should be able to do this. The eclipse yesterday couldn’t have gone better.
16. Put down your to-list and do something fun or uplifting. I will color, walk, and meditate-all things that are fun and uplifting to me.
17. Take a small step toward a positive change you want to see in society. Teaching adults computer use provides a positive change in my community.
18. Set hopeful, but realistic goals for the days ahead. My biggest hope for the near future is a holiday without depression and ‘drama’ caused by my family.
19. Identify one of your positive qualities that will be helpful in the future. I think my tenacity will always be helpful to me and others.

20. Find joy in tackling a task you’ve put off for some time. This will have to wait as I am not feeling too good today. Fall cold.
21. Let go of the expectations of others and focus on what matters to you. I have been working on this, so this will be in progress for a while. Because I did this, my mother finally called me to see what was up after 3 weeks of missed calls from me.
22. Share a hopeful quote, picture, or video with a friend or colleague. Will do here in spoiler because of size. I really need to figure out why the iPad won’t let me size these things!

23.

23. Recognize that you have a choice of what to prioritize.
24. Write down three specific things that have gone well recently.
25. You can’t do everything! What are three priorities right now?
26. Find a new prospective on a problem you face.
27. Be kind to yourself today. Remember progress takes time.
28. Ask yourself ‘will this still matter a year from now?’
29. Plan a fun or exciting activity to look forward to.
30. Identify three things that give you hope for the future.
31. Set a goal that brings a sense of purpose for the coming month.

RVRita , Roswell, NM

“There is no need for me to accept blame for another person’s irrational actions. I will deal with my own shortcomings.” ALANON’s One Day at a Time.

cityjaneLondon

Max had a wonderful time with 'Johnny' , but he is full on when he is enjoying himself! They did get out for a walk. I needed a nap.
The others arrived at 3.30, because they had to go home to shower all their mud off. Apparently, it was a mud bath and everyone was falling off their bicycles. DDIL also competed.
Edie proudly brought her Lemon Drizzle cake and they had all made cards. Lovely to see them. Between the 7 of us, we ate the whole cake!!! It was soooo good and gluten free. Lots of drizzle.

My UTI is still there, so I might mention it to the doctor when we go for our flu jab tomorrow. It's bearable, but I can do without it. No alcohol tonight.

My new business cards were delivered to me by my son and Edie was super excited to go off with some of my baking stuff. She was especially happy with the bundt pan and can't wait to try it.

Seems awfully quiet now!

Love Heather UK x

kymarai

What a crazy week it has been! So on Friday only had one thing scheduled after work, meeting friend to cross stitch at her house. This meant girl time for me without interruptions. Then DH scheduled haircut after work at our house. This was no biggie, I could still go to my friend's. Then haircutter cancelled. Friend invited us to dinner at her house, then the guys could hang while we stitched. Then her husband came home early with a sore throat, so both dinner and cross stitch cancelled. WOW! DH and I ended up going to a local pizza place for dinner. It was wonderful. I worked on my cross stitch afterwards while sitting in manage with him.
Yesterday we dropped the Bronco off after work with our striper friend. The haircutter came over and cut DH's hair. This was the last time he will have her do it. It is now on me. I really like her, but her health isn't good. She was diagnosed with lung cancer and COPD about 8 years ago and has a bad back. She is on oxygen. I have had to "fix" DH's hair again this time where she missed stuffs. I know she likes the extra money, but she isn't healthy enough to continue. After she left we watched Tango and Cash and Under Siege while I cross stitched.

I have actually gotten close to 8 hrs sleep twice this week! I have been in hot tub 6 out of 7 mornings. I have stretched 3 out of last 4 days. DH walked in living room this morning while I was catching up with y'all and asked if Grey Bear was exercising without me this morning. I walk into the bedroom and Grey bear was looking at exercise papers with his knees bent-lol! (Grey bear is one of my warming bears. He has the best personality) I love that my DH didn't tell me to stretch but gently nudged me. Still cramping badly especially at night.

Sent DH away with one of his friends so house is quiet. Need to go to youngest daughter's and discuss house with them. We bought their home on our HELOC 9 years ago. It will be due to re-evaluate in August. The original plan was they would get their own loan in 3-4 years. That hasn't happened, so we need to discuss how this moves forward. Yes, my DH needs to be part of this and I will include him after initial discussion. I need to know options before including him.

BTW- I ordered my Christmas cards on Amazon from small businesses. Ended up getting $60 worth of cards free as I got a $150 gift card for applying for an Amazon credit card. I will use that card occasionally, but love my bank one for cash back. The cash back usually pays for our cabin on vacation. The cards will be here tomorrow.

Need to get off here, get dressed, and get the day going.

Hugs!
Love!
Thankfulness!
Kylia still in sunny but chilly Ohio