WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR SEPTEMBER 2024

skuehn48

cityjaneLondon

We have the tree man coming to remove the big fallen branch, and the Christmas tree in the front, later this morning. He was the most responsive, punctual, and gave the cheapest and most detailed quote. The Christmas tree is nearly the size of the house now! We had three estimates.

I have my 'My Death My Decision' meeting this afternoon. I am thinking of getting the bus in and walking down to The Lanes. I need to call in to the big Boots on the way, because they keep threatening to cancel my points card if I don't use it. I will buy a few packets of earplugs. I used to use it all the time in my last house, and the points added up, but I get everything on Amazon these days. Even toothpaste!
I was debating going in a bit early and window shopping in Homesense, but I need to be careful not to overdo it. The walking distance will be far enough, as I have to come back up the hill again to catch the bus. John said he would go in with me to Homesense another day. Perhaps when we have our lunch.

I've arranged to call my brother tomorrow. He is now on nasal feeding, which is at night, so he is not finding sleeping easy. Last Friday the dishwasher in the kitchen caught fire! Luckily, they were there, and the fire brigade came in 5 minutes! Some damage, but it could have been a lot worse! I've never heard of that!

Love to all, Heather UK xxxxxxxx

Machka9

Anniesquats100 wrote: »

Good morning beautiful ladies!

Machka that clip was amazing! ...My big stress is over how long this stage of housing with my father will last. If he has to go into a home, we might have to sell this house. I'm not sure where I would live. Making a plan would help, if I could face it that directly. This stage might last ten years or ten days.

Annie in Delaware

I understand that. Housing is an issue in my husband's situation too. The place we're in is easier for him and has room to do things like to make the main bathroom wheelchair accessible. It should be OK for a few years ... but then what? There aren't a lot of places in Australia that offer the nice transition from independent living units to assisted living to residential care like what's available in Canada. And, of course, most of them involve renting again ... and they're expensive so I would probably have to sell the house ...

SophieRosieMom wrote: »

Machka - now that the house purchase/move is done, do you foresee any other big projects on the horizon? You've had quite an eventful 12 months with that and traveling. Hope your DH is settling in just fine at the new place.

Lanette
SW WA State

I don't forsee any other big projects on the horizon ... but then again, at this time last year, I didn't forsee looking for and buying a house! These things tend to sneak up on me!

However, my job situation is changing. I was seconded to my current position for 2 years which is finished in March. In that time, I must finish the project I am working on ... so that's a constant stressor just now with points of high stress mixed in. I'm enjoying the challenge and the learning opportunity, and I love the work, but it is really pushing me. I'm also constantly being questioned and being asked to check, and recheck, and prove my results so I've had to build in comparisons and explanations.

Meanwhile, 3 different units want me as part of their ongoing team ... my substantive position, my current position, and a new position back in the unit I started with when I moved to Tasmania, but at a higher band level. Negotiations are taking place.

Also meanwhile, the person who caused me the most stress at my substantive position apparently escalated her negative behaviour after I left to the point where the director had a word with her which upset her even more and she has lodged a formal complaint against a whole pile of people, including me. An independent legal firm has been engaged to sort it all out. But because I am not currently in my substantive position, and haven't been in for 18 months, my participation with the legal firm is voluntary ... and, after consulting with someone in management I consider a mentor, I opted out. I want nothing to do with it. These are the sorts of "daily stressors" I deal with.

SophieRosieMom wrote: »

NSAID Survey - do any of you rely on NSAIDS such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen or aspirin a once or twice a week (or more) a lot for aches and pains? I used to be on them every day a couple decades ago, and even took Vioxx for a while (taken off the market for causing heart problems!) after I herniated that disc. But I was able to wean off everything, probably because of all the activity I was getting at the time. Now, I know I'm sitting more and I'm paying for it.

I'm probably going to have to break down and see Dr. Lisa about this sciatica. Really don't want to make NSAIDS a habit again because of the side effects. I'm grateful the morning stretches give me some relief. Not sure if I need a chiropractor, more PT or what.

Lanette
SW WA State

Acetaminophen is not a NSAID.
Where to turn for pain relief - acetaminophen or NSAIDs?
https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/where-to-turn-for-pain-relief-acetaminophen-or-nsaids

That said, I used to be on both paracetamol and ibuprofen for several years when my menstruation issues were at their peak ... turned out to be precancer polyps and once they were gone, I was able to wean off both paracetamol and ibuprofen except for occasional use. Paracetamol is bad for my liver and ibuprofen is bad for my kidneys.

And neither one is really good for nerve pain.

Regarding sciatica, the first thing I would do is to look for a cause based on when it started. Is it the chair you're sitting in at home? Is it the seat in your vehicle? Shoes?

Twice I've had sciatic-like pain ... once it was the saddle on my bicycle. Changed that and all was right in the world again. The other time it was my desk chair at the job I had. That job was only for 6 months, so when I left the job and started a new one with a new desk chair, the pain disappeared.

Then, have you had tests? X-ray? MRI? Nerve conduction study?

What types of stress do you all have and what genuinely works for you?

Machka in Australia = Aus = Oz

kevrit wrote: »

Exercising works best for me. I feel good after a long walk, yoga, or other workout. I’m back to it, so stress and depression not so bad today. Doing a hobby helps too. I don’t find meditation to work, however the controlled breathing helps me in the moment.

RVRita in Roswell

The box breathing helps me in situations like just before an interview or presentation at work. It seems to help slow my racing heart and desire to gulp air, and then I can talk like a normal person.

During most exercise I do (except the Fencing because I was focusing on learning how to do it), I talk to myself and sort things out in my head which is really helpful ... punctuated by "Oh look, it's that beautiful" from time to time when I see some nice scenery. I'm sure if someone recorded my thought process while I'm exercising, people would be rolling on the ground laughing!


Eating when I am stressed does not help, and usually leaves me feeling a bit sick. However, I have discovered, I do like to crunch something while I'm thinking ... like rice cakes. They make a nice crunchy sound ... but I can get a bit carried away with them.



Lisa ... when I walk Rhody, the walk is all up to him. So we dash to a particular spot, then stop while he sniffs everything around there. Then we dash to a spot on the other side of the yard, and stop for a long sniff. It's very stop and go. And he must have some order in his head for it all. The stop times give me time to think about things, but I do have to pay attention or he can surprise me by taking off in a sprint somewhere.

grandmallie wrote: »

Ok so ive tried 3 times to post..and I give up for right now lol 😆

Do you use the Save Draft feature? It works quite well. Type a paragraph, click Save Draft. Type another paragraph, click Save Draft, etc.

Another trick is to type a couple sentences, then post the message, then you've got an hour to edit it, and you can save it along the way.

But if you're using your phone, and you move your phone, your message will likely disappear.


Machka in Oz

auntiebk

Today’s gratitude: stroll/chat with D got steps over 8K for the first time in weeks.
Clutterbug challenge
Day 8/30 didn’t try, don’t have many purses/bags. Instead purged ¾ of the “reading material’ from my bathroom while searching for my lost car keys. Finally dumped my purse out onto the dining table trashed the Kleenex, cough drop wrappers, etc, and Eureka! Found the car keys in the zippered pocket where I keep the house and post office box keys. I’m counting it Lesson learned, Try, even when I don’t think there’s any “there” there to declutter. Not sure how many days I can catch up Wednesday as I’m going to try BB&B and line dancing. Maybe Thursday ;}
Lanette I loved vioxx for an old tailbone injury. Cried when they took it off the market. Didn’t use it all the time, but if I was going to sit for hours (like long meetings or plane rides) I’d start taking it the week before. For recent oral surgery, taking 400 mg ibuprofen WITH FOOD every 4-6 hours. Sounds like a lot, but it’s half of the DDS’s pain relief protocol. Tomorrow will start weaning off, either by extending the interval or taking one fewer pill. Aspirin is my go to for aches and pains, but usually no more than 1 or 2 x 325 mg/week.
Lisa OW! That kind of twisting shock makes EVERYTTHING hurt. Hope it eases soon.
Carol con VERY gratulations for knee bending angle AND finding your silver sneakers id. The activity will also help control any residual knee pain, Coach Ken says “motion is lotion.”
Allie well done on the weight! Does your APRN’s protein recommendation jive with your nephrologist’s guidance?
Tracey did you get your phone/computer/desk relocated to your satisfaction? Would your management consider allowing you an adjustable computer stand to allow you to work standing up periodically?
Heather, for your brother, seems to have advanced so quickly. And a dishwasher fire on top of everything else? ((hugs))
Machka hope the work negotiations go the way you want. I’m confident you’ll complete the current project with flying colors. Wise decision to opt out of that formal complaint procedure. ((hugs))
Ibuprofen has kicked in so can sleep now, nighty night!
Later, lighter, lovelies!
Barbara, the Southern Oregon Coastie AHMOD

Move more than yesterday, fuel better than yesterday, live NOW.
Open heart and mind before mouth.
2024: Strengthen: body, mind, heart-connections.

LisaInArkansas

Morning, my chickens...

Restless night and up a little early, but could be worse. The hip and thigh and back pain calmed down through the day and worked themselves out quite a bit in the end. Turning over was ouchy and woke me up every time, but not as bad as Monday night.

Took longer than I thought it would (everything seems to these days!) but I got everything done that I wanted to get done to get all the items to the standing Farmer's Market this morning. I'll drive down there and see if the owner's in this morning about 9 a.m. If not, there are a couple other things I want to pick up in town anyway. Putting price tags on things really got me thinking about how much I'm charging and why, and how much my labor is worth, and so on. It's really easy to devalue your own work.

Heather - Thinking about your brother, and hoping for the best, whatever that may be to him. Such a tough time.

Barbara - Thanks, dear. I was surprised how ouchy a not-quite-fall ended up! As for the key thing, one of the things I do a lot is say OUT LOUD, "I am turning off the oven" or "I am putting my keys in the front pocket of my purse." It sticks better in my head that way. Note - this isn't just an age thing, it's a me thing. Started it in my early 40s when I had a garage door opener in my car. Three times in a row, I forgot to close the door with the clicker when I left for work in the morning. It seemed to work. Still does now. Glad you found yours!

Machka - Wow, some people do NOT let stuff go. Your erstwhile stressor sounds like quite a piece of work! Glad you had the option to say no to the legal wrangle. Sounded like she was building up to that even before you left! Hope your negotiations are ever in your favor, dear heart.

Back to my doings - trying to figure out threading the serger this morning. YouTube to the rescue! I love the thing, it is making my sewing chores sooooo much easier for some of the things I'm doing, and am enjoying it enormously. Not the threading part, but each correct move is a triumph, so small victories to the rescue!

Oh, and I must get on the elliptical this morning. Pretty sure it was part of what saved me from face-planting. Definitely doesn't hurt!

And a little moment of destressing, in case you needed it, Egg's current chill-out place, the afghan I'm working on for Corey.
Love,
Lisa in AR

cityjaneLondon

Lanette - It's the daily radiotherapy that has closed his oesophagus. He says he can still talk! He is over half way through now, and then starts on chemo.
This is the Christmas tree. When we moved in, it was a baby.
The view from my bedroom.

The view from the front path.


I'm wearing my new jeans! Haven't worn jeans in years because they are so restrictive. These are big enough, (I upsized), and stretchy. I am aware that they are not the fashionable kind with the wider leg, but they feel really comfortable. Depending on the weather, I might wear my Chanel jacket, but it is very sunny out there at the moment, so might be too hot.
Nice to put some new clothes on. I so rarely go out, except for medical things, that it is a treat even to go to a meeting!!

I spent a happy 45 minutes this morning watching 'Arielle in Paris' on YouTube, taking us on a tour of the 9th arrondissement. Nostalgia. John proposed to me in Chartier, and I discovered real hot chocolate in the Brebis, fifty years ago. She has done all the arrondissement up to 9, so, for you armchair travellers out there ...... Allie? Even I, who have been to Paris 18 times, learned some new things! Apparently there is a vegetarian restaurant on the roof of the Galeries Lafayette! I bought my favourite silk scarf there, 20 years ago, and still wear it a lot.
Happy days! Thinking about planning a trip....

Love to all, Heather UK xxxxxx

cityjaneLondon

Four hunky guys turned up and demolished everything in minutes. Trimming the huge bay tree as well.
Plus, one of them took my bathroom cupboard that I had put out on the pavement, because he is moving into his own flat. Win, win!

Love Heather UK xxxxxx

grandmallie

Morning ladies
Machka- yes im on the phone and if I move ,poof off it goes lol
Slept well.
Yes Heather Im a armchair traveler love watching travel shows.

cityjaneLondon

The thing that has taken the longest is getting all the ivy in the shredder!

It all cost £300

I can see they've given up with the ivy, and they are putting it all in big bags.

Love Heather UK xxxxxx

Anniesquats100

Good morning beautiful ladies!

Pip be careful running! Accelerated training can be dangerous. Especially for me because I'm lousy at setting goals.

Michele Yay for your eye is fine! That was a long healing journey.

Heather hugs for your brother. And it's so good to hear you talk about travel again. Now we are all dreaming about Paris!

Machka that's excellent being wanted for three positions! And leaving the nasty coworker behind is a good choice

Allie I have an Android phone, and I turned off the auto rotate feature. I always use my phone portrait anyhow. But it stops the screen from refreshing so much, which MFP doesn't handle well. And it saves some battery.

Barbara Yay for finding keys!

Lisa good luck on the elliptical!

I'm about to go on an early walk with Dad and my friend. It's just so early!

The ten pound loss disappeared. Oh well. It looks like I am down a pound this week. It's going well overall. I've been pushing myself on the stationary bike by doing two sessions, hours apart. Yay! I'm also doing more meditation again, which helps everything else. I was in the middle of reading a book when the whole romantic suspense thing got old. I decided I could use my time more wisely. Yay!

Have a great day! May you be happy, healthy, safe and free!

Annie in Delaware

1948CWB

Heather ~ That was a lot of growth to be taken down. Know you are glad to have it done.

Ladies...Today is 9-11. I am sure all of us remember that day so many years ago. My 5th grade class was at PE when it happened and we were not allowed to mentioned the disaster. We teachers were petrified. Parents kept coming to pick up their children and I know the kids had no idea what had happened.

Carol in GA

TerriRichardson112

Grocery shopping early this morning. We are having a sudden chilling wind from Siberia today, with over 10*C drop from yesterday. DH is considering putting the heating on.

Lisa: I empathise with you today. I had a little stumble yesterday, where I twisted to stop falling. and was stiff and sore this morning. It has eased a little, but it seems my aging body is not as resilient as I would like 😝

DH just called me for lunch.

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

🙋‍♀️ Miele failte to the newbies.

☘️ Terri

GodMomKim

Hi Gals,
Been reading along, congratulations where appropriate, hugs for one and all.
The wedding dress discussion and pictures! Wow – some beautiful dresses, fun memories, and everyone looks so young! LOL It made me think, my mom’s wedding dress is somewhere in her house, and I will need to deal with that…. So I started googling and looking at pintrest and etsy, and there are some great ideas out there. Incorporating pieces into a quilt, making a stuffed animals, Christmas ornaments, making a ring bearers pillow, just tons of ideas. Including donating to be used as a costume (a theater group), a second hand/thrift shop, or there are some second hand wedding shops, that clean and resell wedding dresses and brides maid dresses. Lots of choices. My mom’s dress will be small, she was 98 lbs and 5’3” when she got married. She was a model and is a very small build. The dress is tea length and has dozens of buttons – from what I remember from pictures….
Thinking of you all,
Kim in N. California

pipcd34

670670

Anniesquats100

Well we pushed a little too hard on our walk this morning. Dad tripped on a tree root and fell to his hands and knees. He seems to be miraculously okay! Just a scrape on one finger, and I haven't seen his knees yet. But he turned down the painkiller I offered. We shall see if he is stiff tomorrow morning.

Annie in Delaware

margaretturk

Heather With our previous dishwasher we were given a call that a technician was coming out to make a proactive repair because this model had caught fire! I try not to leave a major appliance going ...dishwasher...dryer ...going when I leave or go to bed for this reason. So I have heard of this happening.

A lovely garden from Munsinger Garden.

mcmillonmail

I have to say that I love you ladies, and thanks for making me feel welcome on this site. I finally got up with you all.

Rita - I am so glad you got your mom to the doctor and checked her out. Many of my patients have gotten sick with a UTI and needed respiratory support. My mom was lethargic when she had one.

Rebecca- Good for you! It is so important to pamper yourself. I hope you enjoy your time with your son.

Allie, great job on the weight loss! Premiere Shakes has 30 grams of protein and only 150 calories. I like the powder form; I blend it with ice and Fairlife, which has protein or almond milk.
I love the pictures of Miles. Thanks for sharing them. They improve my mood. He is so cute!

Pip, you look so cute in the pics.

Barbara, your pictures are all so lovely. You, too, were a beautiful bride.
I will write on my board - to Move more than yesterday, fuel better than yesterday, and live NOW. Open heart and mind before mouth.

Beth, I love that dress and the headband. Your mom is a beauty, just like you. Your husband is quite handsome. Everyone else looks so serious. Do you mind sharing the recipe for your Apple cake?

Lanette, I pray with your DH as he is on the mend—my condolences to your fur baby. I wonder why cats like to disappear when they are dying. I lost my cat Callie, who was 16, and never found her.
I love how you both looked at each other in your wedding pictures. It was a match made in heaven. It is hard to lose your soulmate after 45 years of marriage. I am so sorry for your loss. The pain doesn't go away. It is like you lost a piece of yourself. I love your shoes and cream-colored dress. You were a beautiful bride.

Barbie, my husband, fired me from driving many years ago. Yet, I have a clean driving record. I can drive a stick shift and an automatic. If he wants to drive, that is fine with me; I'm not particularly eager to drive with him as a passenger.

Annie, better late than never on your uncle's B-day gift. I just found a graduation card that I purchased for a cousin who graduated from high school in 2017 with money in it. So, he never got his card. I got treats for Rose instead.

Margaret, I love the dog sculpture made out of tools. Is it a Datsun? The creation is very innovative. I love art.

Okie, your dress has puffy sleeves like mine. You were a gorgeous bride!

Allie, I told my husband I would never marry again, so I understand how you feel.

Heather- Don't overdo it. You are still healing. Clean and organize in small increments. Like my FIL used to say, "A thousand blows fell the oak."
You were such a young and beautiful bride. Your dad made a lovely cake. I am so impressed that you made your dress. I almost failed in home economics because I could not figure out how to sew on a machine. I took lessons after getting married and still didn't get it.
Heather, what are Scotch eggs?
Lastly, I love the herringbone pattern on your floors.

KatieBug- You were not fat at all, yet society made us all feel fat if we didn't look like Ziggy. You were a beautiful bride.
About the Shooting, My dad was a gun collector, but he always kept them locked and educated me about them. The father of that young man had given him a gun and had them out, even when the boy said that he had homicidal ideation. My father left me his gun collection, but I had my friend keep it because my daughter had sticky fingers. I don't regret that, for my daughter had a young man come into my bedroom and take my safe out with my wedding rings and essential papers. So, this dad deserves to be charged with the murder of those innocent people.

Lisa, I love the dress with the navy train and the blond hair. Maybe you were thrilled to marry Corey because it was a more relaxed environment. I love your dark hair, too. Not many can do both colors. I am one of them. My DH had "What a Wonderful World in our wedding and first dance.
Thanks, Lisa, for the kind words. My dad was the best. He raised me. My mom left us when I was 9, so he and I were against the world. He was my best friend and cheerleader.

Tracey that is an excellent idea for cutting a piece of my dress for my wedding album. It is funny because my dad offered me a chance to leave as we entered the church. I am curious since I learned Machka is from OZ, which means Australia. Where is Edmonton?
I may need to "scrap lift" that technique.

Flea- I love a tea-length dress. It looks like it is out of the romantic movies of Doris Day. You were so regal.

Terri- You have nice legs, so I love that your wedding dress shows them off. Even in your 50th wedding anniversary pics, you look radiant. I love your smile and how proud your husband looks to be by your side.
Your classes sound so interesting, especially the creative writing and card-making classes.
I dealt with enough shrews for a lifetime, for my daughter and her friends were shrews. She used to throw "Clonic- Tonic" temper tantrums. I did enjoy reading, Taming the Shrew, King Lear, and Othello. My son played Othello in a play.

Lanette- I take 600 to 800 mg of motrin and a muscle relaxer for my back. ( I have a ruptured disk from lifting a 15-year-old football player that was dead weight by myself at work).

Machka- I am so sorry for calling you Michelle. I must have been tired when typing.

Michelle- Krispy Creme is too sweet for me. My blood sugar would be through the roof!

Kylia, enjoy your vacation. I tend to lose because I must take more steps to see everything.

Rori, I just finished a book set in Maine. Courtney Sul van's second book also takes place in Maine. The first book, Maine, made me want to go there.

The wedding pictures were so much fun. The hairstyles and clothes brought back beautiful memories of my youth. So, what are the next Pregnant pictures?

I have one more thing to say about guns around our youth. It is not safe; these teens have hormonal fluctuations. This week, I took care of a young man who shot himself because his girlfriend broke up with him. When he came to it, he was disappointed that he wasn't successful. Then his brain took a shift, and he was a vegetable. He was a handsome young man. Before that, we had a teen who accidentally shot himself in the neck, which is questionable—passing guns to his friends. You know he was up to no good. This gun problem is not getting better, unfortunately. Well, I had better go. Rose is huffing at me. Have an extraordinary day, ladies.

XO,
Mo

kevrit

OregonMother wrote: »

Rita -- is that bacon wrapped jalapeno?

Debbie -- do your neighbors complain about the number of cats you have? I assume the outdoor cats end up hanging around in their yards as well as yours?

Long work day today, then going out for dinner tonight with my daughter, her partner, and her partner's parents.

Much love.

Flea
Willamette Valley OR

Yes they are. DH added a slice of cheese to them.
RVRita in Roswell

kevrit

@Allie congrats on the loss! Canned chicken breast, canned tuna in water, protein powder, protein shakes, hard boiled eggs for snack all are full of good protein! Be careful with the shakes and powder though, some are full of sugar and salt. I add fresh ground almond butter to my morning cereal and chia seeds too for added protein. Humus dips are good for added protein and for snacks or breakfast. I can’t eat soya products (allergies) but those are also a good source of protein. Try some! These are all no cook and easy to have on hand. Nuts too. My go-to snack is a piece of fruit and a handful of nuts, or nut butter. Evening snack has been hummus and wheat thins or naan bread to get extra fiber in with the protein. I hope some of this helps!


RVRita in Roswell

kevrit

My mom is moving to a short term rehab. After hearing everything that happed to her, if my sister Ann had not been there to check up on her and bring mom to the ER, she would have died from the UTI. I really appreciate my sister!

Brownie is still hanging in there but coughing a lot and sleeping when she is not eating or outside to do business. She is laying down right after each of these things. Even if I walk her, she quits very quickly.

Tomorrow is blood work review and I’m actually anxious to see the results! My PC doesn’t have patient access to the labs so, I simply have to wait. I’ll be sure to post the results. I have the last bloodwork so will be able to compare.

Dinner yesterday was a seasoned and rolled chicken breast, 1/2 cup rigatoni with sauce (left over) and 1/2 cup of rice with lentils, a large salad topped with olive oil and white wine vinegar. Orange for dessert.




RVRita in Roswell