WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR NOVEMBER 2023

grandmallie

Hello all..
Homie is at peace.
We were all a blubbering mess,but the vet who we have all been going to for years,said that it was definitely time,that he had a heck of a good run..a private cremation and wood urn was 321.00 im glad I didn't have to pay for that..
Alfie been sniffing around at my jacket when I came home..

barbiecat

Allie So sorry about Homer. He had a good life with you and Tom.

grandmallie

Thank you Barbie,he had a great life with all 3 of us..and bless his heart he waited until Tom got back from Florida and was in fine form for a few weeks and just went downhill quick.

dlfk202000

Hugs Allie!!

Pruned the large rosemary bush with the hedge trimmers. Glad I pulled out the 40V one. Worked through that chore quickly. Got the first of the Christmas decorations up out front. DH usually does all of it or we do it together(not lately) but I had a few new things that I wanted to get up. The tree is a star with long strands of lights that you stretch out to form a tree. It is hanging from the gutter in front of the kitchen window. I made sure not to block the faucet so he doesn't trip on them.
I smell like the rosemary bush- guess there are a lot of other worse things I could smell like.
Inside, I got the cat trees moved and I actually like them better where they are so after the tree comes down, they will stay where they are. I need to clear off the couch and then really start decorating in here.
One of the big totes that is on there will go in my car on Friday. Full of 3D printed stuff. A friend is meeting me at mom's to pick up some things she ordered plus will get to see what else we have.

Have an hour before getting changed for class.
It is cooling WAY down so I put my extra fan that I have been hauling into class(2 of them all summer) up in storage. I will make sure I have my small one in case someone else grabs the big one that is usually in the back by me. I will set it so I get most of the air, the other ladies havent been turning it on the past few weeks.

Got my list started on all the candies I want to make. Think I will do more variety this time and not so many kinds of fudge. 16 kinds is a bit much but fun to come up with new combinations.

Debbie
Napa Valley,CA

pipcd34

503503

pipcd34

Stats for the day-

Walk w/family- 2hrs 5min 29sec, 97elev, 2.91ap, 78ahr, 98mhr, 6.23mi= 619c
Strava app = 764c
Walk to donate blood, go to store then home- 39.59min, 41elev, 96ahr, 115mhr, 1.87mi= 196c
Strava app= 230c

Total cal 815

Anniesquats100

Allie so sorry to hear about Homer.

Annie in Delaware

kevrit

pg 72 done.

Snowflake1968

Heather - I am keeping my head together in regards to DH. I know I can’t fix it for him and I can see he’s trying to be more involved. I think that alone is a relief for me.

Ginny - thanks for the insight. I know my DH will never go to counselling and over all he is not an angry man. He was an angry teen though. I think one of the things really playing on him and his sister actually, is how his father was treated (or untreated actually) during the last few weeks. An ambulance was called and he was taken to the hospital 10 times, but they weren’t looking at the big picture just the symptom. DH and I both believe his father was much sicker than anyone knew for longer than we knew, I think that is playing a part in the anger too.
Death and the grieving process is complicated. I don’t think anyone is ever prepared for it and I’ve learned that the death of one person can be a different process than another too.

My thoughts and experience with palliative care:

My Dad chose to stay in the hospital for palliative care the last 3 weeks, he didn’t want Mom or I having to do any personal care and their house was not safe for him with a walker.
It was a great decision and made it easier on us. More of the family came to visit him too because of the location, compared to their home.
During his stay a neighbouring town’s nursing home had an electrical fire on their main panel. They took half of the floor my Dad was on and turned it into an Alzheimer’s unit for the displaced residents. My Dad was an electrician and warned all of the nurses how long it would take to repair. One of the residents was a sweet lady that dressed head to toe in bright pink, she wore feather type slippers and did herself up each day. She took a liking to my Dad and would have to be taken out of his room several times a day. She kept trying to kiss him, hold his hand and a couple of times to crawl into bed with him. My Dad got the greatest kick out of it.

All of this discussion makes me really think about my end of life. I am going to talk to my son in law about being my named personal directive person. He has medical knowledge and he would actually listen to me and follow through with my wishes. I know DH would struggle with it and I don’t want my girls to have to.
I think by not being honest about his wishes my FIL caused a lot of friction in the family.

Lanette - I am going to attempt your exercise plan. I had started walking in the house again until my foot started aching. Hopefully that can clear up soon. I have New Balance shoes that I just started wearing when I’m going to be doing a lot.

Lisa - your words just take me right into your house with you. (How creepy does that sound?) 😂

Allie - I’m sorry. Poor Homer has had a good life you will surely miss him.

Rita - sorry you didn’t have better news yesterday. Hopefully the doctor in January can provide some help.

Rebecca - I have my grandmother’s jewelry and have been wanting to do one for the girls and I for a long time. I keep putting it off and I need to stop that.

Like you, I didn’t have benefits for a long time so didn’t see a dentist. When I went for a cleaning I was also nervous, but was pleasantly surprised when they used a water jet type thing to clean them now. Allie can probably give us the proper name.

I think a piggy bank is a great gift. My friend buys all newborns an ATM “piggy” bank. It teaches them all about depositing and withdrawing. Love the candy trains.

Joy - I have some friends with gout, such a painful malady.

Lisa - that was fast work on the roof. It will be so nice to have the room completed and be able to enjoy it. Will it be insulated for 4 season use? Are there 4 seasons there?

Margaret - stress sure does do a number on memory. Glad you were able to talk.

Interesting day.
I woke up to a text from our Grandson, “Grammie I want to use the they pronoun”. I don’t have a problem with this, but would like to understand why. I think he’s doing it because his friend is. He is a very masculine boy, likes girls and is interested in all things boy. I told him that I would support and love him in whatever he chose, but felt that this should be a conversation not a text. His response was, Mom said I should tell you. So at least he’s talked to her too. His Dad and that side of the family will not be pleased.

Then my nephew texted me and asked if I would be willing to make cups for the Search and Rescue team like I made for him. I told him I would but would have to check into pricing and shipping. He wanted to know if it was ok to bring it up at their next business meeting. How did he get old enough to be attending business meetings! I don’t really know him well he was born after we left NB so we don’t have a close bond.

Received a text from youngest daughter, she blew a tire while driving. I have never seen a tire shred like this. Fortunately, she was able to get pulled over to a safe place and began changing the tire. She had to call her friends husband to rescue her though as the lug nuts were too tight. She had two new tires put on today. Will get the other two in two weeks. This is her third flat tire on a third vehicle since June.

I spent most of the day working on a homework assignment due tomorrow. I am not happy that the assignment was something we have not even been taught to do yet. Frustrating!
This afternoon I brought my Christmas totes in and started unpacking them and packing them back up with regular decor. Kaitlyn and Michaela are coming on Friday to help me decorate.

My cousins son that was in the accident in October received a call from his big boss today. They normally make a donation to a local charity at Christmas but wanted to know if they could donate to them instead. He told him that he had gone past a new road and knew that it wasn’t his work. He is going to pick him up next week to take him to the pizza party for the staff.
That speaks volumes about what kind of employee he is.

Well I’ve rambled on and on, I should go read my homework and take a shower. I have my bedding in the dryer so I should be clean when I get it made and crawl into it tonight.

Tracey in Edmonton

ginadacat

My husband and I ended up going over to Pigeon Forge this past Sunday. Got back home this evening. It was a wonderful trip. We done a lot of shopping and a lot of eating. I dread stepping on the scale Friday. The way I see it tho, any weight gained is I lost it once and I can lose it again.

I got a lot of reading to do to catch up on here. I did see a question for me from “exermom” about the treadmill routine. Here’s the link to the YouTube video and the workout.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HO4Qok-i844&pp=ygUpdHJlYWRtaWxsIGluY2xpbmUgd29ya291dCBmb3Igd2VpZ2h0IGxvc3M%3D

WORKOUT DETAILS
🔥 0:00 | Intro

WARMUP – 2 MINS
🔥 0:37 | Warmup: 2.0 MPH – 30 sec
🔥 1:07 | Warmup: 3.0 MPH – 30 sec
🔥 1:38 | Warmup: 3.5 MPH – 60 sec

INTERVAL SET 1 – INCLINE 2
🔥 2:50 | Set 1: 3.0 MPH, Incline 2 – 30 sec
🔥 3:19 | Set 1: 2.0 MPH, Incline 2 – 60 sec
🔥 4:20 | Set 1: 3.5 MPH, Incline 2 – 30 sec
🔥 4:59 | Set 1: 2.0 MPH, Incline 2 – 60 sec
🔥 6:03 | Set 1: 3.5 MPH, Incline 2 – 30 sec
🔥 6:30 | Set 1: 2.0 MPH, Incline 2 – 30 sec
🔥 7:00 | Set 1: 3.5 MPH, Incline 2 – 30 sec
🔥 7:30 | Set 1: 2.0 MPH, Incline 0 – 60 sec

INTERVAL SET 2 – INCLINE 4
🔥 8:38 | Set 2: 3.5 MPH, Incline 4 – 30 sec
🔥 9:12 | Set 2: 2.0 MPH, Incline 4 – 60 sec
🔥 10:17 | Set 2: 3.5 MPH, Incline 4 – 30 sec
🔥 10:46 | Set 2: 2.0 MPH, Incline 4 – 60 sec
🔥 11:42 | Set 2: 3.5 MPH, Incline 4 – 30 sec
🔥 12:15 | Set 2: 2.0 MPH, Incline 4 – 30 sec
🔥 12:42 | Set 2: 3.5 MPH, Incline 4 – 30 sec
🔥 13:14 | Set 2: 2.0 MPH, Incline 0 – 60 sec

INTERVAL SET 3 – INCLINE 6
🔥 14:16 | Set 3: 3.5 MPH, Incline 6 – 30 sec
🔥 14:46 | Set 3: 2.0 MPH, Incline 6 – 60 sec
🔥 15:46 | Set 3: 3.5 MPH, Incline 6 – 30 sec
🔥 16:14 | Set 3: 2.0 MPH, Incline 6 – 60 sec
🔥 17:13 | Set 3: 3.5 MPH, Incline 6 – 30 sec
🔥 17:46 | Set 3: 2.0 MPH, Incline 6 – 60 sec
🔥 18:15 | Set 3: 3.5 MPH, Incline 6 – 30 sec
🔥 18:46 | Set 3: 2.0 MPH, Incline 0 – 60 sec

INTERVAL SET 4 – INCLINE 8
🔥 19:49 | Set 4: 3.5 MPH, Incline 8 – 30 sec
🔥 20:18 | Set 4: 2.0 MPH, Incline 8 – 30 sec
🔥 20:46 | Set 4: 3.5 MPH, Incline 8 – 30 sec
🔥 21:17 | Set 4: 2.0 MPH, Incline 8 – 30 sec
🔥 21:46 | Set 4: 3.5 MPH, Incline 8 – 30 sec
🔥 22:19 | Set 4: 2.0 MPH, Incline 8 – 30 sec
🔥 22:46 | Set 4: 3.5 MPH, Incline 8 – 30 sec

COOLDOWN – 2 MINS
💨 23:20 | Cooldown: 2.0 MPH, Incline 0

END WORKOUT

skuehn48

LisaInArkansas

Well, my gut woke up at just past midnight, and it took about a half hour to walk it off and get things to settle down. By that time, I was wide awake. Figured I'd check in with y'all.

Allie, darlin', my heart goes out to you. I know Homer had the best possible life because you made sure of it.

Tracey - We do indeed have four seasons, it was one of the reasons we moved here nearly five years ago now. I love the spring and fall here. I hope to be able to put up the insulation for the sunroom, or at the very least put up the wall insulation, if not the floor. Corey's much more sensitive to fiberglass than I am, and it's not heavy lifting. He itches for days, but my skin just doesn't react to it. I'll probably get that ordered before I go back to bed. Gotta love the internet... Oh - and if you were anywhere near me, I'd invite you in the house anyway, so not creepy at all...

Gina - Welcome home, and glad you had a good time in Pigeon Forge!

Egg departed my lap with a snort after too much key tapping on my part, and I'm going to head back to bed as soon as I get that order placed. Hopefully can get another few hours sleep. Cheers to our UK friends who are just getting up!

Love y'all,
Lisa

auntiebk

Today’s gratitude: Shadow and Tumble wildly playing chase, zooming around the house when Joe puts his walking shoes on.
Lanette thanks for the podiatrist recommendation of New Balance as well as Hokas. Would you remind me for how long you’ve been your spins around the house carring 3# weights? That’s great results!!!
Annie hope you’re runny nose and sore throat are gone by the time you read this. ((hugs held extra long))
Lisa thanks for the slip-on Hsyooes garden shoes link. Alas no offerings in size 6 and if they run large, 6.5 would be too big. Fingers X’d tor the gentler iron.
Allie ((hugs held extra extra long))
Rita ((gentle hugs)) That’s a big piece of news to process and a long time to wait for the specialist ((hugs))
Rebecca the jewelry tree. Glad the gum is healing!
Joy thank you for all your hard work to produce organic wheat and barley. My friend who has belly issues from most wheat can tolerate bread baked from organic wheat. There really is a difference.
Carol the Kroger app will really save you $$, but it makes me mad to see people who don’t have smart phones charged so very much more. Doesn’t seem fair. Grr.
Michele it might not be the right reading. The website I use changed over to the next “year” two days early and I couldn’t get to Wednesday’s readings. Oops ;}
Heather Have good foodie bits memories of the one time I was at M&S. Lots of yummies.
Margaret so relieved you were able to clear the air with your friend in such a loving and supportive way.
Debbie fresh rosemary is one of my favorite scents
Tracey three flat tires since June? Ouch! Hope these next ones hold up better.
Gina well done on that workout!

Today was the first time I tried doing my standing PT exercises since Thanksgiving. Was able to dance a little over an hour before shins started to ache a bit. Got the pups down to the powerline with no pain. So far it seems like easing back into activity and wearing compression socks (even to bed) does the most good. Ordered 3 more pairs

11/29: Move: sets PT w/, dogs to powerline, Steps:~6057
Fuel: sugar in vs mfp=13 CI<CO net=193 vits=1
Live: Joe, readings, BP, AF, ptT, ptS, library, Post Office. Wt: 131.0

Later, lighter, lovelies!
Barbara, the Southern Oregon Coastie AHMOD
November: Move more: chair yoga, line dance, dailyish PT, play with dogs.
Fuel better: less sugar, CI<CO, dailyish vitamins.
Live NOW: dailyish time with Joe, readings, start meditating. Open heart and mind before mouth.
2023: Be of good cheer.

TerriRichardson112

(((Allie))) Such a hard decision, but you gave Homer a good life.

Gotta get going and sort out my group a/cs so that I can pay my hall rentals at Monthly Meetings this afternoon.

I have to do my Latin translation for tomorrow morning as well. Then I have Parchment Craft after lunch.

🤗🤗🤗 and 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 for those who need them.

🙋‍♀️ Miele failte to the newbies.

☘️ Terri

ginnytez

Annie-tough decisions for you and sister. I was following wishes of mother and DH-we talked freely about final wishes. When I stop and think about it, hospice was keeping mom comfortable while her body shutting down. It is reverting to how people handle things during most of our existence. Modern medicine can technically keep the body functioning without regard to quality. You need to be at peace with whatever decision you and sister make-and of course your dad will have a major say if the medical folks view him as competent. I support you in whatever your choice. Just because I am sharing my experience doesn't mean it is for everyone!

Allie-sad times but Home was loved more than many people I know.

Rita-sorry your kidney function is not improving. I don't know a lot about that health issue. Keep trying to watch diet as much as possible and hopefully renal docs will have some answers.

Lisa-your descriptions of all things digestive crack me up!

Well, I got distracted by a work call last night and never got back to finishing this. I had a train of thought I left somewhere!

Tracey-I haik you had a good response to your grandson. I can't remember how old he is, but I think it is good he is talking to his mom and you about things. I don't completely understand all of the pronoun protocol (there is a lot of it in the social services world now). My main take away is that it is important to remember that all people are different, you don't know exactly what goes on for anyone, and we just need to respect others and treat them with kindness. I will try to remember to refer to anyone by any name or label as long as they are not hurting others.

Latest on the foot in spoiler

Got the CT scan results yesterday. Doctor's office called yesterday and I have an appointment next Friday to discuss with her. You always know when they call to make an appointment after results there is something going on! Not sure what it all means but[ I do have mild and moderate arthritis in a couple of places (not shocking). I have a 2mm foreign body in the plantar sot tissues close to big toe joint (no clue what that could be or when it got there. Maybe stepped on something when a kid?) Have a 9mm calcanea spur on the plantar surface without significant thickening. And I have something going on with the sesamoid bones that may involve osteonecrosis.

What I have taken from the jargon above is that I have several issues going on in the foot and it is not just arthritis. I am switching to recumbent bike for exercise for a bit and cutting back on walking until we have a game plan. At least I know I am not hallucinating things! It has gotten to be quite uncomfortable to have a shoe on at all. I will bring it all up with the bone endocrinologist I am seeing later today about how suppression is impacting bones. May not have any relationship but since they went to medical school I will let them decide./spoiler]

Working from home today before I head to Columbus for doctor and will hopefully be back by 2. Temperature getting up to 50 today!

Take care all,

Ginny in Ohio

cityjaneLondon

HUGS for you and all Homer's family, Allie.

Ginny - That is a lot for one foot. Yes, it's always nice to know we aren't imagining things! One of our great comedians ordered these words to be written on his gravestone. 'I told you I was sick.'

Much love to all, Heather UK xxxxxxxx

kymarai

Gina I am jealous! Pigeon Forge is one of my favorite places! Glad you had a good time. It is nice to getcaway before holiday crazy kicks in.

Allie Losing our fur babies is so hard. I am glad you were there though. It is so much better for you and your fur baby. I have had to do that twice. It sucks! But I don't believe I letting them suffer either. My DH couldn't stay in with us.

Rori Not good news, but you ARE able to make any changes necessary. You have come a long way in the past year especially.

Machka I totally see that in you. So many of my traits were borderline which I expected when I did the test. We are opposites. I need quiet but also need interactions. I work best under pressure, otherwise am easily distracted. A lot of the traits are dependent on situations. I had a friend once tell my mom that I would have more friends if I was the same at school as I was at home. I was a dedicated scholar with no time for antics, but enjoyed play at home. The pitfalls to avoid were right on point. I knew these to be challenges for me.

I had planned on finishing Christmas cards last night.....nope. Yesterday morning I striped beds, got laundry started, cleaned out fridge, emptied, filled and ran dishwasher, fluffed part of the tree. After work went to grocery, worked on laundry, made and cleaned up dinner, emptied dishwasher, made up bed, then it was bedtime. This morning I have finished and put away laundry, read my personality test all the way through, and caught up with y'all. Will take DH to hunting spot, then get ready for work. I need to do some more paperwork there then work on Christmas decorations there. It is suppose to get warm, so would like to get the lights on the building at least. Rain tomorrow, so could work on inside then. Need to get done at home decorations too. Forgot I will be in Cincinnati Saturday evening, so need to make haste to get done before Sunday at 6 when friends are coming over.

(((HUGS)))

Much love,
Kylia in Ohio

Anniesquats100

Good morning ladies!

Yesterday we got the official biopsy result of cancer, but not what kind or the timeline or the possible treatments. Because she is 91 with stage 4 kidney disease and a fib and a heart murmur, it's quite possible that radiation, chemo and surgery will not be good options. But we can't jump to conclusions. Still, I can't help thinking this is better than end stage Alzheimer's. She also has that on the horizon.

Anyway, she might come home today or tomorrow. My Dad and my sister are going in to the hospital today. I have a medical appointment, then horseback riding. I think of it as my last day off from caregiving until the end.

My sister did a wonderful job of sifting through the piles of junk mail, and addressing unpaid bills. She is marvelous. She lifts our spirits. Maybe she can help me pull up the smaller rugs. She flies home on Friday.

I bought myself a larger pair of jeans. I figure I just don't have time and energy to fight my weight right now. So I'm trying for maintenance.

Barbara three cups of hot tea and a vitamin c did the trick on my incipient cold yesterday. Yay!

Rita I'm sorry to hear about your kidney disease. I hope it can be managed well.

Have a good day ladies!

Annie in Delaware

ginnytez

Annie-I think your horseback riding for today is an excellent idea. It does sound like with what other things your mother has going on, treatments may be limited-some of the cancer treatments are pretty ragged for younger people without other health issues. But all you can do is listen to the options. I understand what you mean about Alzheimers-I was very happy my mother had her thinking until the end, and it is sad watching the curtain come down on my brother. Going through what you are, maintenance is a perfect goal. Glad sister was able to help with bills (maybe she can help get accounts set up so you and she can access them in addition to dad?)

Take care of yourself-it is the only way you can help others.

KJLaMore

good morning all! I am here and reading away! Sending all of the love and warm thoughts to Allie, Annie, Rita, Ginny, Tracey, and Oh, everyone else who is balancing on the great big, every moving ball of life! It is a challenge no matter where you are at on the journey! Meg Welcome back! Kids are here and finishing their oatmeal. Heading into the month of "busy". I have to keep reminding myself that only I know of my plans of everything I want to accomplish; SO...letting go of some of those things is okay. Onward and upward! ttfn xoxoxo KJ (Kelly)

KJLaMore

Oh! Lynette! We did have a couple of days of lake effect snow. But the temps are back up to 40F and the snow is pretty much gone, again.

grandmallie

Morning ladies
I will call Tom and check on him.he is the most sensitive when it comes to the dogs.
Alfie is under the covers..he loves the warmth.
Can't remember who asked.but what you were talking about is called a Cavitron ,that squirts water and helps break up plaque.
And with receding gums brush with a soft brush always in a circular motion gently and rinse with warm salt water rinse .it should help heal but #1 is don't brush hard and use a soft toothbrush.

barbiecat

My well organized morning has changed. Waiting for Jake to wake up so I could take the dogs out was no problem for either the dogs or me, but my dog walking friend got up with an alarm and then had to wait until we were ready to come over for the walk. The time varied by an hour or more from day to day. She was a good sport about it but it was hard for her. So I changed the plan and starting yesterday we walked together at 5:30 PM with the dogs and then without them. Today she'll start waking up without her alarm and not walk with us and then we'll have a late afternoon or evening walk that will include seeing the lighted holiday decorations in the neighborhood. I feel much freer this morning not having to coordinate with her but knowing that we'll walk together later. She welcomed the idea. She said that without me, she might not walk at all. In the spring and summer she gets lots of exercise working in her garden but in the winter she could easily get no exercise at all without a planned walk with someone else.

It surprised me this morning that this is the last day of November. I'll be starting the new thread for December later today. I remembered to put it on my daily "to do" list so it will be get done.

Annie's new winter jacket arrived from Chewy. She outgrew the last one days after it arrived. The new one fits over her sweater so she can be extra warm.

Barbie in NW WA

LisaInArkansas

Good morning from the gloomy, rainy chill of a late fall Arkansas morning... winter is just a few weeks away, and it feels like it!

Egg laid down in front of the fire that I hadn't lit yet, and stared at the cold fireplace for a while, then got up with an annoyed burble when I pulled out the phone to take a pic of her snit. She couldn't pass up a warm lap, though, so eventually made it over and pushed my lap around to make me comfortable. Cats (or at least this one) are not subtle.

Rita - I hope the CKD stage you're in is one where you can continue to modify your diet and get it to slow or even stop progression. I'm sorry, though, I know that "getting worse," is unnerving and frustrating to hear from a lab test. Fingers crossed the renal specialist can give you some concrete steps to take to improve matters.

Ginny - Holy crap that's a lot of diagnoses for one little foot! Hope there are some easy answers for you to relieve the pain and resolve the issue.

Annie - I'm with Ginny - I think the horseback riding is the best thing you could do for yourself this morning, something that is wholly and completely yours and gets you completely out of the rest that's going on for a little while. Proud of you for taking care of yourself.

Tracey - You're a good granny... and I'm glad your grandson is talking to his mom, too. They're so much more open and able to communicate over text than to talk face-to-face or to phone. My son is EXACTLY the same way about that, and I find it frustrating sometimes... I have to interpret his texts in light of what I know about him and in light of the shortcomings of text messages to be able to display emotion, so sometimes I have to sit with them for a while before I react at all.

Time for some breakfast I think. I'm only running on about six hours' sleep, but I used to deal with only four most days when I was working, so I'll be fine. Egg wants back on my lap, but is going to be disappointed. Ah, there she goes, back to stare at the fireplace. If I decide not to drive into town, I might make a fire. After I eat something. Poor pitiful kitty...



Love y'all,
Lisa

margaretturk

Allie sorry to hear about Homer. He was lucky to have you care for him!

Off to have lunch with DS today! No snow and a sunny day! Great for driving!

Thinking of Beth and all the snow they have to deal with!

pipcd34

503503

OregonMother

Oh, Annie. I'm sorry the diagnosis was confirmed. I was holding out hope that it would be otherwise.

The riding and fresh air will be great for you. Remember to put yourself as a priority in all of this as well.

Flea
Willamette Valley OR

bwcetc

Lanette and Margaret ... Here is my yard Tuesday morning ... in total about 20 inches; 14 inches in a 6 hour period. The temperatures are rising, so it will be gone by next week.

Annie ... my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Hard days ahead...

Meg ... Welcome Back!!

Allie ... so sorry about Homer ... but what a grand life he lived!

Rori and Tina ... sorry to hear that your friends have passed ...

Rebecca ... the plushie ... of course it's a great gift. My husband is 65 and he's getting a stuffed "big foot" for Christmas for reasons I won't go into ...

Lisa ... the sunroom is coming along fabulously!!

Flea ... your husband's comments ... hugs ... just hugs

I've been reading and reading, but haven't taken good notes. So I know I've missed lots ...

Beth near Buffalo

SophieRosieMom

Allie - (((Hugs to you and Tom))). I'm surprised at how much the cremation and wooden boxes are for pets these days. I wasn't given an option for Sophie's ashes to be returned cardboard box, like they did for other dogs in the past, just a nice sealed expensive wooden one for big $$. At least that was the only option the vet assistant gave me. I should have waited around for Dr. Amanda to get her input but was ready to leave the facility.

Ginny - no wonder your foot hurt. You must have a high pain tolerance to have been able to walk as much as you did. Glad they got you in for the CT scan and they were able to schedule you for a follow up appointment fairly quickly. Curious about that foreign object! Maybe an "alien implant?" That's in Rita from Roswell's category.

Rebecca - love that jewelry tree, what a great idea. And your gifts for the grands sound perfect. Sounds like Santa will bring plenty of "store bought" things for them. Something personal made by you is much better.

Rita - sorry to hear about your progressing kidney disease. At least it's been caught rather early in the whole scheme of things and crossing fingers the docs can help keep things under control for you. I remember last time I went in for blood tests, Dr. Lisa added that she wanted to test my kidney function so ordered a full blood panel. Not sure what she was looking at, maybe creatinine? Everything was in the normal range. She'd never mentioned kidneys before. Perhaps kidneys become problem as we get older and the docs want to make sure to have a baseline?

Beth - that's some impressive snow! I wondered how much you'd get. I read an article in Reader's Digest about the big snowstorm your area had last winter, how crippling it was. Hope you don't get a repeat this year.

Lisa - glad to see the roof on the sunroof is finished. Great thing to have done with winter around the corner.

Annie - so glad your sis is there helping to lighten the load your a few days. Will be interesting to see how all of the options play out for your mom in the coming weeks. Hoping something works that is the least stressful for her, you and your sis, and your dad. Glad to hear you'll be able to get some horseback riding in today.

Joy - I remember when Evening Grosbeaks showed up at our feeder on the farm. I was surprised at how large they were. I think I've seen them once here. Hope your DH is feeling better. Love hearing about your organic farm and the new equipment you folks are getting.

Gina - that's an impressive treadmill workout. I haven't watched the video yet - I am guessing the treadmill is pre-programmed? Sounds like you had a good time on your vacation.

Tracey - hope the New Balance shoes work for you. I tended to wear supportive slippers in the house kind of like what Lisa showed then switch to my Muck shoes for outdoor things, but have started wearing my New Balance in the house most of the time and my feet are a lot happier.

I think having your son in law as your medical representative is a great idea. Thinking back to my mom, my dad was her medical power of attorney and finally reached his breaking point, couldn't even be with her in the hospital on her final day or think straight. He was 89. I bet that's why the nurse couldn't remove the IV but was able to turn it off - or at least way, way down at the insistence of me and my SIL since he wasn't there to give permission to remove it. Loved the nurses in that little community hospital.

Barbie - I've started to read "The Last Devil to Die" and I'm taking my time, every page has me laughing out loud. Now I want to reread the first two. What a great series, thanks again for recommending it. Moving your walking with your friend sounds like a good idea. Are there streetlights in your neighborhood?

When I was at the library, I also picked up Stephen King's latest "Holly." King's "The Stand" and "The Green Mile" were two of my favorites. In fact, when the C-19 came on the scene in 2020, I half expected some people to head to Boulder for a show-down with evil.

Kylia - so interesting to read your and your DH's personality types. I should re-take the Myer's Brigg's and see if I've changed much. People normally don't unless they are going through severe stress. When I re-took it several years ago, I moved more into the Introvert category. I was barely into the Extrovert when I first took it. I think of those categories as how we process information and how it affects energy rather than not wanting to be around people v. wanting to go to big parties and be the last one to leave. That's generally how it plays out anyhow, but Introvert doesn't necessarily mean we're shy as much as we dwell in and get energy from being in our "inner world", lol.

Barbara - I started walking 10 minutes after most meals to burn glucose on October 23rd. I started carrying 2# weights on November 12th and gradually upped it to 3# weights a week later. I've been doing research and it looks like 3# weights are enough - any more, I risk injury to my shoulder and elbow joints when I've have trouble with in the past. I sometimes switch to 5# weights for one "lap" but just let them hang my side. When I looked up different videos on carrying weight while walking, most of them showed doing "sets" of arm exercises like Leslie Sansone does in some of her walking video. Nope, not doing all that, at least right now. Maybe as I get stronger. I see Dr. Matt in a few weeks and will bounce this off him, he works with athletes so he should have some good input.

A video came up in my YouTube feed yesterday about the benefits of walking even 5 minutes. Similar to benefits that high intensity interval training provides. Of course, the faster the pace the better, within safety limits. But every little bit helps in amazing ways.

Can't recall if I mentioned this, Ellen Langer said that we are much more active and get a lot more exercise during the day than we give ourselves credit for. She talked about a gal who needed to lose a bit of weight, felt like she was a failure because she couldn't make it to the gym or do the recommended exercise routine. Dr. Langer had her list her daily activities and I presume estimated calorie burn and it shed a new light for the gal. Once she realized it, the gal's perspective changed to gratitude and she actually lost a bit of weight without trying.

Walking with my neighbor didn't pan out yesterday, the thermometer barely rose over 33F all day. The road wasn't icy but I was so cold, even in the house in front of the woodstove, and couldn't get warm. D cancelled because she had other things to do and I was happy about that.

There are several of us in this group that really enjoy walking alone - at our own pace, at the time we want. Don't need to walk with someone else to provide conversation, although that's enjoyable at times. I wonder if we "lone walkers" fall more into the Introvert category - the fresh air and scenery gets our "processors" tuned up and we are able to think things through. As I've mentioned before, I call it "walking with the planning committee in my head."

OK, done talking, lol. Sorry for the epistle, finally a chance to get caught up. Make it a wonderful day!

Lanette
SW WA State

kevrit

Already the end of November and almost end of the year! Goes by so fast! I was depressed yesterday from the diagnosis, but better today. I know it could have been worse and I can vow to do my best to control the decline. Thank all of you for being there!

2023 New Ways November

Word of the Year: appreciate—Today I appreciate the Friends of Bottomless Lakes group.

Meditation: daily. 18/30 (82%(started Feb)(94%,100%, 74%, 93%,100%,100%)
Feeling sick all month. Colitis crap!

Recommended exercise: cardio 5 days 30 min 15/23
Strength all muscles 2 x 0/8 a week
Flexible (yoga, stretching) /8 a week 10 min
Balance 5 days 10 min /20

1. cut back drinking and limit to 2 days a week. 0/8–(300%,100%,100%,100%).
96 days SOBER!
2. Average 7,000 steps a week. 6521,6471,5327, 5211, (7,700,100%-9851,100%-9526,100%-9,559,100%, -8347,100%—7465,100%—6328,90%—6059,87%—6458,92%,-6847,98%)
3. Update budget every 2 weeks 1/2 (10,00%)
4. Contact close family every week (4x) 220/208—(733%,100% My mom called me for a change.)
5. Contact Donat and sibs once a month (8x)98/96 100%)
6. Weigh less last day of month compared to first until I reach 140. Start at 178.6,176,174.2,173.4,175.4,174,175.6,173.4, 172.2, 173.2, 173.4 (600%)
7. Develop a journaling practice by aiming to journal at least 5 days a week. 15/23. (681%,100,100)
8. Read 12 books at least this year. 47/12
(100%)
9. Pay off credit card debt by January 2024 by making monthly payments to NDR/Reach Financial 11/12—(100%)
10. Continue building emergency fund at SLFCU (min$25 a month)$25+$25+$71+700+25+25 +25+25 (100%) 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 —90.7%
November met—
December met—

1. Make a list of new things you want to do this month. 1. Start Christmas shopping, 2. Work on my happiness, 3. Walk the mall at least once. 4. Read a new book
2. Respond to a difficult situation in a different way. I will see what comes up, but the daily readings I do have helped a lot already! Did this!
3. Get outside and observe the changes in nature around you..Supposed to be in the low 80’s (f) here today and the week to come so will have plenty of time to do this. Didn’t do this today, sick.
4. Sign up to join a new course, activity, or online community. I’ll have to look around for this. Thinking about something to do with MCC. I joined 2 new groups on FB.
5. Change your normal routine today and notice how you feel. Will do!
6. Try out a new way of being physically active. I will have to think about this. Maybe do a YouTube video. Did not do this.
7. Be creative. Cook, draw, write, paint, make or inspire. I will Zendoodle. I tried out my DH’s suggestion for mirror letters.
8. Plan a new idea or activity you want to try out this year. I have a water color set. I will experiment with that.
9. When you feel you can’t do something, add the word ‘yet’. I need to remember this.
10. Be curious, learn about a new topic or an inspiring idea. I learned about Alonon and downloaded their app and read through it.
11. Choose a different route and see what you notice on the way. I did this on my walk today.
12. Find out something new about someone you care about. Research time!
13. Do something playful outdoors - walk, run, explore, relax. Took a walk.
14. Find a new way to help or support a cause you care about. Have to think about this.
15. Build on new ideas by thinking “yes, and what if…” I will remember this!
16. Look at life at someone else’s eyes and see their perspective. According to my therapist, this is called empathy. I do this but not enough. Will try to do better.
17. Try a new way to practice self-care and be kind to yourself. Staying in bed and resting today.
18. Connect with someone from a different generation. I do this most days at the park.
19. Broaden your perspective: read a different paper, magazine, or site. Will do!
20. Make a meal using a recipe or ingredient you haven’t used before. My DH does this all the time! He does all the cooking.
21. Learn a new skill from a friend or share one of yours with them. Hmmmm Did not do this.
22. Find a new way to tell someone you appreciate them. I will!
23. Set aside a time to pursue an activity with your love.
24. Share with a friend something useful you learned recently. I do this on MFP
25. Use one of your strengths in a new and creative way. I will need to think about this.
26. Try out a different radio station or new TV show. Did this.
27. Join a friend doing a hobby and find out why they love it. I’m not sure who I will do this with, maybe my neighbor and not sure what to do yet. Thinking about it.

28. Discover your creative side. Design a friendly greeting card. Didn’t do this. No time then too stressed by dr. Report.
29. Enjoy new music today. Play, sing, dance or listen. time for new Christmas music!
30. Look for new reasons to be hopeful, even in tough times. I hope for a nice Christmas, I hope to visit my family in the near future, I hope my DH quits drinking, I hope my Son sobers as well.

RVRita in Roswell, NM

“When you detach from someone with love, you don't allow their problems to affect you emotionally. You allow them to experience the consequences of their choices without intervening, or feeling like you must “protect” them. Detaching with love helps you become more grounded, and secure in your own thoughts and emotions.”