WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR DECEMBER 2023

cityjaneLondon

Barbara - Yes! I found it a little strange, because we are talking about things that are often disturbing or taboo for many people. One older woman had just lost a very close sister. She had been in an excellent local hospice, and the woman was now receiving grief counselling from the hospice. It was just offered. I mentioned our high spirits to the woman next to me, and she said it was because we were talking about personal choice and freedom.
I have never been in a group before where so many of my thoughts, often private, are shared.

Going to have a painting session with John this afternoon.

Love to all, Heather UK xxxxxxxx

KJLaMore

Thank you Barbie for bringing us into December!
Welcome to the new ladies! Remember to bookmark this page!
Beth- WOW! That is a lot of snow! The kid in me would love to have that much snow at once. The adult in me (the one who does the shoveling) says "No THANKS!" Perfect timing on the finishing of the siding! Whew!
Michele- It is hard being a far away grandparent. It is also expensive. If you want that physical relationship with your grands, it is an expense you need to make. If plunking down a hefty chunk of money seems too difficult or not in the budget, do what I do and save a bit each week just for the trip. In the meantime, send cards, postcards from your town, do the little things to stay relevant in your grandchild's life. It is worth it!
Allie- Good for you for still sending a little something to Carmine! It is important for them to know that love is unconditional (or as close to it as we can get) and that they are accepted for who they are and the choices that they are making (whether good or bad) by someone they love.
Tina- As a baker I am sure your DH knows not to bag/wrap them until they have totally cooled. Try paper bags instead of plastic. Also, if you don't want to store bread in the fridge or freezer; is it possible for him to bake the breads a half loaf or half batch at a time. Dough can be refrigerated and frozen as well.
Love to all ttfn xoxoxo KJ

SophieRosieMom

Lisa - I took that test. INTJ-A, Architect. No surprises there, other than it was heavier on the Introvert scale than I expected. I need to read up more on that Assertive (94%?) category.... at first glance, I don't think it's very accurate in my case. But I've only had 2 cups of coffee, so things may change.

Barbara - The Dr. Langer story of the gal who felt like a failure’s change of perspective resulting in losing weight “without trying” fits right in with what I’m reading about how kaizen/tiny questions bypass the amygdala’s fight/flight reaction and sneaks in to the puzzle-solving cortex. Hopeful stuff! Of course I'm curious.... what are you reading?

Machka - thank you for the reminder it's your summer! Please post photos of your warm weather, garden, etc as we here in the northern hemisphere get ready to slog throught the dark days and snow.

Annie - Out here, there are hospice volunteers who stay with the patients who are doing at-home hospice to give the child and/or spouse some relief so they can leave the house to shop, or just take a break from caregiving. That might be an option for you if your dad is unable to safely watch your mom while you are out running errands. Perhaps they've already covered that with you. Many more hugs coming your way.

Heather - somehow I skipped over what that MDMD group is all about. Looking back over my DH's final day in the hospital before he passed, he wasn't officially in hospice, but was put in "Comfort Care" status which I think is similar. What helped me the most was the time spent with the chaplain there at his bedside. She encouraged me to talk about what made him special, the fun times and adventures we shared, and let me shed a few tears. She was more a grief counselor than a "preacher". I know he wanted "Last Rites" but there's a shortage of priests in our area so that was that.

Lanette
SW WA State where the monsoons are back in the forecast.

kymarai

December!?! Wow! Thank you Barbie! You are a gem and inspiration.

Valerie Welcome!

The holidays can bring out so many emotions. We all want that Norman Rockwell family and holiday. This leads to depression and stress. We aren't perfect people. We have freedom of choice and different life experiences. Hugs for those missing family members especially due to choices. I am thankful for this group as it is a real life not social media support. I am thankful to Rita for loving detachment.

I took the 16 personality test. I had to just go to website to get it to work.
I am an turbulent adventurer. Both test I rated the same. I can actually agree with most of the strengths and weaknesses.



Went to doctor yesterday. Have had a sore mouth/sore throat over a week. She thinks it is my body reacting to stress. Cold sores without being cold sores. A week before my wedding my mouth broke out badly and my ribs burned. Pharmacist recommended high dose l-lysene for a few days. It cleared right up. I had forgotten about that. Doctor prescribed antiviral. Not sure if I will take or not. One of the major side effects is migraines! Instead I picked up l-lysene. Started taking last night. We will give that a chance to work first. Prescription picked up just in case. Was only $13. I went to pick it up and they told me it was coming from central pharmacy and wouldn't be in until Monday-WHAT? They have a new system. Really? My doctor prescribes something and you expect me to wait to recieve? I don't understand. That would work with meds that are monthly refills, but seems not efficient or patient friendly for new prescriptions. I always loved my pharmacy then changes were made and the pharmacists that knew us all left. Ran into this same thing when I had reaction to bee sting. In both instances, the pharmacy was able to fill at store after I told them I couldn't wait. Will have to ask around other pharmacies I guess. Not a happy situation, but luckily not often needed other than running refills. Background info.....I have had chicken pox and mono several times. So cold sores in response to stress is not unusual for me. Same virus apparently. For now breathing deeply and taking l-lysine.

I let R total bills and put in inventory yesterday. I am burned out. I put up Christmas lights and started decorating inside shop while he did that. I did ask him if he felt like he was in school and I was grading his papers since I gave suggestions and double checked them. He said yes, but wanted to do it correctly. He also told me that my suggestions made sense. Unlike SIL, he actually listens, asks questions, and implements. He had no repairs to work on, so I am thankful for help. Yes, it was hard for me!

I felt like November was a good month. I did walk more until Thanksgiving. We are eating out less. Need to get back to walking both for weight and mental health.

Ugh, time to get ready for work. Rainy day. I need a day off.
DH would say I could not go to grand daughters dance, but that isn't happening! It will all come together in due time. Timeline is to have things in order by 4 pm Sunday.

More later,

Much love,
Kylia in wet Ohio

kymarai

Annie ((HUGS)) I think giving cousins information and letting them decide is good idea. The death of a loved one is hard. We have so many ladies on here with experience and insights. Remember your "mask" first.

Heather I would like a group like that. My SIL, yes that one, has my medical power of attorney. I don't want that burden on my daughters and my DH can't make a decision in a timely manner. They all know my wishes.

KJ Great suggestions to Michele and Allie. I will keep that in mind as well

Machka I agree with Lanette, keep sending summer pictures! They bring me hope. I am NOT a winter person.

TTFN,
Kylia

teklawa1

Barbie thanks for the new thread. Lynette your epistles are wonderful... and often your posts alert me that I've crossposted with someone and I can go back and find out what I missed. Barbara your posts help me the same way.

Lisa, I took the survey... no surprise I am a defender, am passionate at protecting people close to me.

December, crazy that it is almost the end of the year. Wonder what this month and next year will bring. I put out a few Christmas decorations and am "thinking" of putting up Christmas lights around the garage.

Betsy in NW WA

Johal2021

Good morning, 6 am in Arizona! Thank you for the welcome it feels good! I used to be on SparkPeople before it closed down and I’ve so missed the group I belonged to there. Just looking at some of the posts lately:
Lisa, yes, could you repost the link to what looks like a Myers Briggs site? I am an INFJ and was so glad when I learned that several years ago. It helped me to come to terms with some things about myself I’d been feeling frustrated about.
A few of you like to travel? Me too. I am actually a transplanted Canadian from Montreal, have lived in the UK, in Ireland and various places in Canada and now the US. I went home to Montreal/Toronto in October to see some friends and reconnect, get my “big city” fix—we live in a small town that calls itself a city but…. Plans for next year aren’t as ambitious as in years past because money is a bit tighter. We’re going to go on an Alaska cruise in July from Vancouver BC but apart from that we have to see how the budget goes. Money is something else I tend to be quite “live for today” about. Luckily my husband is a saver so together we’ve balanced seeing what we wanted to of the world with having a secure home life financially.
I have four grandchildren who, together with their mom (my only child) and dad live here in our small town. It’s why we live here, I convinced hubby to move here after he retired so I could enjoy being with them. I don’t have any other living family. If they didn’t live here we’d probably not be living here. How about y’all? Do you live in the same place you’ve always lived in?
Valerie

Machka9

Did that personality quiz ...


Logisticians are practical and fact-minded individuals, whose reliability cannot be doubted.


Is anyone surprised about this next bit?







Machka in Oz

barbiecat

I haven't taken the quiz but when I read "Quiet" by Susan Cain (I highly recommend the book), I learned about myself as an introvert and the realization changed my life.

Barbie in NW WA

OregonMother

Hugs, Annie. The day before my mom died, one of her friends, who is my age wanted to visit her. I was against it, but she insisted. She asked if there was anything she could bring, and I started to say no, then remembered that I needed food. (I didn't want to leave my mom's side.) She ended up bringing two meals for me, which was more than I expected, but I wouldn't have eaten that day without them. She stayed just a moment, but ended up being such a comfort and blessing to me. Your cousins might be the same. So consider letting them come just for the blessing they could be to you and your dad, even if your mom may not know they are there.

Take care.

Flea
Willamette Valley OR

LisaInArkansas

For Valerie and Allie: https://www.16personalities.com/ is where you'll find the test. It should show a purple button that says "Take the Test." I have my basic doubts about the origins and results analysis for the original Meyers-Briggs, but this one uses MB for a framework and then carves things into sensible, easier-to-remember personality categories. While I was at work, I was an Architect, because I had to be. Now that I'm retired, I'm a Logician, because it's my base personality. Only one facet changed. For me, the "weaknesses," are what I gravitate to in order to remember my soft spots and how to keep myself from getting too annoying... or annoyed.

Valerie - The closest I got to living in rural East Texas, where I grew up, was staying with my mama for a month or two while my now-ex-husband and I were between his military assignments. After he retired, in 1998-2000, we lived 70 miles away while working on my master's degree at Texas A&M. Two countries, seven states and more than 30 different major moves during my adulthood. But my current and final husband and I have been in the River Valley of Arkansas in a very small town for more than 5 years now, and love it here. It was the compromise of the lakes, rivers, trees, mountains and four seasons that we both wanted, because it combines the best of my home state and his Alaska roots. Soldier daughter with her soldier husband and our grandkids live in Hawaii, and son lives in New Mexico with his fiancee. Son is due to come through here next April while they are moving somewhere near Chattanooga, Tennessee. This move has already been changed three times, both in timing and location, so I'm not holding my breath. Not sure when we'll see the daughter or grandkids again, but we will.

Annie - I'm so glad others are sharing their experience with you, as I don't have anything similar to give you. Hugs are unlimited in supply around here...

Machka - I agree! Please do share your beautiful summer with us. The temperature here won't get over 50f/10c, and it's gray and cloudy. Yuck. Spring seems quite far away here. Your pics always make me happy.

Quiet day, laundry needs changing over. Just talked to Corey for our good morning call, and now I'm contemplating all the possible choices. They're endless this morning, but I think cleaning will be involved at some point.

Later,
Love y'all,
Lisa in AR

margaretturk

LisaInArkansas

Oh my... I forgot! I'm streaming the Great British Baking Show (Bake Off) finale this morning while I crochet and the laundry whooshes. I love my life.

bwcetc

Sue ... I've watched that Unsellable Homes show! They make some great changes!

November Goals: be lighter by the end of the month ... 2.5 released in November.
December Goals: be lighter by the end of the month ... which will be a challenge given the number of events that center around food.

The personality test ... I'm an introverted advocate ...no surprise there.

Beth near Buffalo

1948CWB

I took the test and this is what it decided:
Personality type: Logistician (ISTJ-T)
Traits: Introverted – 64%, Observant – 51%, Thinking – 52%, Judging – 67%, Turbulent – 69%
Role: Sentinel
Strategy: Constant Improvement

It gave me some insight as my husband seems to be quite different in many ways and maybe that's why our personalities clash so often. We do not communicate well.

Carol in GA

cityjaneLondon

John and I had a painting session, and I decided to paint something a bit larger and more abstract. I enjoyed myself. I was trying for 'sludgy' colours.


MDMD stands for My Death My Decision and is a pressure group for legalising assisted dying, as is Dignity in Dying, a similar group. We talk about all aspects of death and its process. I also regularly go to the Death Café, which is for anyone with any need, or desire, to talk about death.

Much love to all, Heather UK xxxxxxxx

Joy1580vb

Good morning, ladies.

Tracey, your village pieces are adorable. I'm waiting for a couple more Lemax pieces to come in the mail. Have a woman and child sitting on a bench (victorian era) along with a little bridge. Should be in this coming up week, then will set up my little village. It is small yet but I'm looking forward to adding pieces throughout the year so next year's display will be larger. I think I'm going to try and set it up next to my tabletop Christmas tree in the living room as will be easier to plug everything in.

Off for groceries this morning. Hubby's foot is now ok and said he is good to drive. Cooler this morning at minus 14C so going to slip on winter boots for the first time. Made an appointment for Lucy at the groomers on Monday. Have been clipping away at her hair but yesterday found it difficult to get at hair behind her ears that is matting. I think it is bothering her but hubby thinks I'm going to cut her ear if I try to clip her in that area...which I'm sure I would not do but it is not worth arguing about. So will be taking her to the groomers regularly from now on. Happy with that as I really didn't want the grooming job to begin with.

Enjoy your day.

Joy

1948CWB

Michelle ~ Could you possibly visit Denise without your husband and perhaps stay with her instead of a motel/hotel?

Tina ~ I often put refrigerated/frozen bread in the microwave for a few seconds to freshen it up. I don't know about the crust on the outside though.

Valerie ~ We have lived in the same part of Georgia for the last 50+ years and guess I will die here. Our son, wife, and two grand children are our life and love.

I must admit that I am a tv addict but have finally decided that there is nothing worth watching so am turning it off more often than not. I love suspense/thriller movies but can't even find any of those I feel like watching. Miss a lot of the old classics. Right now husband is watching Scrooge and I am sure we will watch it's a Wonderful Life and the one about the bb gun.

Carol in GA

sh0tzz99

Valerie-Welcome to the group! The short answer to your calorie question is to stick with the calorie recommendation. If MFP recommends you eat 1200 calories a day, for example, and you still exercise and burn 200, stick to 1200 if you want to lose weight, as opposed to 1400. Otherwise, you're eating your calories back and will maintain.

I grew up in a small town in the Midwest. I moved to the coast when I was barely 20. Moved to a couple of places for short bits of time, but came back to southern California where I live now. I have not lived within 500 miles of my family since. I would love to escape from here, but it's not 100% my decision so am destined to stay for now.

Thanks for the bread advice. I'll experiment a bit.

Got all my work done for the near future yesterday. So will take time for me today. I say that and I'll probably clean the house or do something else that I don't like, but needs to be done.

Tina in CA

Whidislander

auntiebk wrote: »

Gratitudes
Today: Barbie for the fresh start and all the wise, smart, funny, caring, strong women on this thread.
Thursday’s gratitude: Got a text that the igniter/burner has shipped and will be here by 9pm Monday. Halelujah!
November summary and stats tomorrow.
Ginny ((hugs)) While that’s a scary long list of foot issues, alien implant sounds about right. Sorry today’s doc was no help, remind me when you see the foot specialist? Brava for passing the fitness tests!
Annie ((hugs)) what Ginny said and hooray for hot tea, vitamin c and horseback riding. ((hugs))
KJ “letting go of some of those things” is definitely ok, and the better part…
Allie thanks for the warm salt water reminder.
Barbie love your flexibility/resilience, seeing the morning time variances was hard for your friend, finding the evening alternative with the bonus of holiday lights. Well done!
Beth WOW! Sure glad you got the siding project done when you did
Thanks Lanette that’s great results from barely more than a month of after meal circuits carrying weights. The Dr. Langer story of the gal who felt like a failure’s change of perspective resulting in losing weight “without trying” fits right in with what I’m reading about how kaizen/tiny questions bypass the amygdala’s fight/flight reaction and sneaks in to the puzzle-solving cortex. Hopeful stuff!
Michele ((hugs held extra long )) but never say never. Thought you’d never hear from Bryan and was thankful to be wrong.
Lisa thanks for the personalities test link, will take later. Loved the description of Egg burbling… that’s just the sound! And Corey’s jalapeno honey jam sounds yummy!
Heather glad your MDMD group meeting was full of camaraderie and laughter. Sorry about the liqueur filled chocolates, possible to find elsewhere?
Rebecca when you describe the meaning of each gem on that tree, please make a map or key and share with us. The hints of the stories you’ve already shared were fascinating but I couldn’t tell which was which…
Flea ((gentle hugs held extra long)) From monthly to quarterly and possibly to semi-annually sounds pretty good to me. ((hugs))
Tina bread freezes well… then a quick reheat in the oven-not-microwave restores that wonderful chewy crust…
That’s it for November, time to snooze.
Welcome @Johan2021 Valerie from AZ! Good question and have no simple answer. Some say Calories in less than calories out results in weight loss, but others say you can’t out-exercise a poor diet. Every body is different. What works for one won’t for another. Start where you are, take baby steps, cultivate a spirit of exploration. Good luck, we’re here for you!
Sue yes I watch unsellable houses. In one recent episode they actually lost $$ due to the market, while I was sorry for them I was gratified by their honesty.

11/30: Move: 1 set PT w/d, dogs to powerline, Steps:4132
Fuel: sugar in vs mfp=-2 CI<CO net=-50 vits=0.5.
Live: Joe, readings, BP, ptT, ptS, reconciled checking/savings, changed TRowePrice mailing address back to PO box, filing, zoom with financial advisor. Wt:129.4
Corrected 11/29: Move: 1 set PT w/d, line dance class, dogs to powerline.

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.

Will do!😁💖
Rebecca
Whidbey
Wa