WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR JUNE

Laura,
Welcome back!! Sounds like you have had quite a time. Wish you had my phone number. If you could have called me while you were stuck in Portland, I only live 15 minutes away from the airport. Could have come and helped you pass the time. Sorry your travel didn't go smoothly.

Sounds like "mom" is in a good place, and getting settled in, so I know you are worn out from all you have had to do, but you can be proud of the good care you have given to your mom, and though she may not always tell you, I am betting she really appreciates all you and your family have done for her.

tiarapants,
Sorry to hear of you dad's troubles. I hope you have a car that gets good mileage, 'cuz it sounds like you are going to be doing a lot of driving to see him and your MIL. Take care of yourself too!!

Jackie,
So you succumbed to the "Attack of the Killer Doughnuts," did ya? Well, it is a new day and a new week, and to escape with only a minimal gain is probably a pretty good outcome, all things considered.

BTW, I haven't mentioned the search for Kyron Hormon. Sadly, he still hasn't been found. They are now treating it as a criminal investigation. On the basis of a tip, they are searching an island in the Columbia River and the surrounding water. They are also searching other places, but nothing has been found that gives any clue--or at least, nothing has been released to the news media.

I keep thinking of the Elizabeth Smart case, and how she was found months later, alive, and more or less well, and Jacee Lee Dugard, the young woman from California who was discovered YEARS later, a captive of the sick individual who snatched her. All the same, I don't have a good feeling about this. (To those outside the US, E. Smart was the young woman from the state of Utah who was kidnapped by a predator and kept captive by he and his wife. The circumstances of her discovery was really quite miraculous. Same with Jacee--strictly by chance she was found in the compound in which she had been captive for years.)

Anyway, all we can do at this point is pray for Kyron and his family.

I am going out soon to run some errands and meet my friend Thomy for a late lunch. I feel better than I did yesterday, and the rash has disappeared, so I think my sunscreen was the culprit. Hope everyone is having a good day.

Barb

Kathy - was checking out those sites. I already own some of the CardioCoach series!

Welcome Belinda! By posting, you've joined. Tell us a little more about yourself.

Linda - it IS just so amazing how much we all have in common. Regardless of the state or country, we are all women, who are going thru roughly the same sorts of things or we will be going thru them (kids, grandkids, weddings, taking care of our parents, etc. etc. etc). It is so comforting to talk to someone who truly understands. Sometimes someone who has been where we are can give us good advice, too. Feel better real fast. Glad you can still post....lol

Mary - so sorry to hear about your mom. It can be so frustrating for us, but it must be really frustrating for them -- not to be able to do what you have done.

mimi - it just kills me knowing that dd is being abused. Guess that's one good thing about living in NC -- I don't have to actually see it every day. Whenever Vince looks at Lexi (the cat who was abused), his heart aches because he knows what she's been thru. She's still skittish if you make any fast move. For the longest time, she would run away from me. Now it's at the point of where she'll let me pet her some. She's come a long way -- but I don't know if she'll ever be fully trusting, and I can completely understand it. I think deep inside dd feels that she can "fix" him. If he is truly bi-polar, then he has a chemical imbalance and she can't "fix" that. dd is a very mothering/nurturing type of person. You know, before it was seized from her, dd would tell us all about how he was giving the cat a bath (trying to show how he's taking care of it). Even Jessica told her that cats don't need baths as often as he was giving it (a few times a month) and to be sure not to use shampoo but special cat shampoo. Vince suddenly realized why the guy was giving the cat so many baths. He was torturing the cat, probably holding it under the water. To this day, Lexi freaks out when she's even near running water. We've had her for two years, and she's so fastidious that we've never given her a bath. Oh, they used shamppoo on Lexi.

tcac - where in PA do you live? We used to live in the Poconos, then Vince got transferred to West Chester office and we lived in Kennett Square. When we were living in the Poconos, we took a bike ride on a rail to trail, I think it was in Jim Thorpe. Very, very nice

Barb (weaklink) - you know what is the worst part about perhaps my suspicions are correct about dd#3? Knowing that there's not a darn thing in this world that I can do about it.

Cindy - I have a cousin who when she was in her teens couldn't stand the sight of blood. She would have her mother change her pad when she got her period. What does she do today? She's an OR nurse!

Happy Anniversary, Viv, and many many more!

Welcome AZDee. I can't wait to get our pool, swimming is such good (even relaxing) exercise!

Mary - prayers for you and your mom

Barb (weaklink) - I am so blessed that I never had to have the "time to stop driving" talk with my father. He decided all on his own. It really was time for MIL to stop driving, but then we moved her from FL to PA to be closer to us, and she never got her license. Really, not that she would have been able to. The MD in FL said that she couldn't see well enough, so she would never have gotten a license in PA. But she didn't even try. We drove her everywhere. Good luck on your talk with your dad. Let us know how it goes

Laura - You just reconfirmed for me how very lucky I was in that my father had gone thru most of his things before he passed. I totally agree with SuzyQ -- make time for yourself! Before he passed, we had an angel of a woman living with him, cooking for him; but she needed time with her family, too. So every Saturday a.m. I'd drive the 1-1/2 hr, spend the night there, and then drive home the next day. I had my own family to take care of, too. But thru it all, I tried (and pretty muchly succeeded) to make time for myself. That is so very important.

Remember Sunday I had this sick feeling in my stomach that something was wrong with dd's cat? Well, she called today. Seems whenever she pet the cat on the leg that had been broken (by now, according to the vet, it should be healed) yesterday the cat seemed in distress, would sometimes even try to bite her. Admitted, something could have gotten in its fur and when she rubbed it, that bothered the cat. However, I'm willing to bet the ranch that SFB abused it and it was feeling the pain, you know DOMS-type thing. You have no idea how much I wanted to take that cat myself. But I also know that that wouldn't solve anything, she'd do like she did when Lexi was taken from her and get another cat. When will she wake up????

Michele

Hi everybody! I'm quite new to the MFP site and was recently invited to join this group. I'm so overwhelmed by the number of women who post almost daily (a bit intimidating), but everyone sounds really nice and it appears to be a very welcoming group. I'd like to join in on the talks but maybe I'll wait awhile and just read them to get a feel for what's been happening. There's a lot of history here. I will post from time to time when there is something new.

Have a great evening and I'll be lurking tomorrow! Thanks again, Kathy, for the invite!

Jaxi :flowerforyou:

:flowerforyou: Thank you all for the kind words of encouragement. It's nice to know that I'm not the only one going through this with Mom and I sure do hope that I really have learned my lesson and won't put my kids through this. I can but keep my fingers crossed.

Talking with Mom this afternoon she said she doesn't like it there, I figured this would happen. I think it's more the other's that live there that she doesn't care for, she hasn't said it yet but I have a feeling she thinks those other's are "old", which I'm sure they are as she is 83 herself. She said she likes the care givers so it must be the others living there, but we aren't moving her:huh:

Well this is the second day this week that I've gotten home late and no work out so I'm always in hope of tomorrow. I do feel like such a slugbait when I don't get to the basement and at least do something.

Terri - love the cheerleaders and yes we can all use a little uplifting cheer.,

Til tomorrw and a new beginning:flowerforyou:

Laura

I have finally finished cooking a lot of food to take and put in Mom's freezer tomorrow, and I plan to head out early in the morning. I still have to get up early to bake the meatballs for lunch and pack. My sister said that a social worker came today, and they are trying to get Mom into a rehab center for a while. I know it is best, but also know that she will hate it. I am taking her to get her first epidural shot tomorrow afternoon. Don't know if I will have time to check in while I am gone or not, so everyone have a great week!

:flowerforyou: Good Morning everyone from sunny York. :glasses:

Yes the sun is finally shining, so thank you for sending some of your sunshine over here it is much appreciated.

:flowerforyou: Thank you for all the Anniversary wishes, we are hoping to go out for a meal this weekend to celebrate.:drinker:

I have a day off work today and I am catching up with housework (lucky me) :huh: but first thought I would catch up with everyone.

:flowerforyou: Welcome to AZDee - what an exciting time for you with both your daughters expecting. It’s great being a grandma and Welcome to Jaxi we are not intimidating honest :laugh: hope you post again soon.

:flowerforyou: Hi Plantlady (Kathy) Welcome back and sorry you have had such as stressful time but good on you for losing 5lbs.

:flowerforyou: Mimi thanks for your post I totally agree with you, there are times too when I have felt envious of other people’s weight loss, but as you say this is about life time changes and it is so good to share it with people like yourself and this group - you have made me feel more positive - thank you. What’s that saying Rome wasn’t built in a Day :bigsmile:

:flowerforyou: Welcome back Jackie it sounds like you had a good time and that is the main thing. We have all done it haven’t we - had a case of the mayaswells and 1.5 lbs is not too bad weight gain :drinker: I’m sure you’ll soon get back on track, Good luck with you mum coming home on Thursday hope it all goes well.

:flowerforyou: Laura you sound as if you have been very busy with one thing and another. I’m glad your mum likes her Foster Home and that she has people on hand to help her. Any news of the baby yet?

:flowerforyou: Suezzeque is it Cider Vinegar that you are talking about, do you drink it on its own? Does it really work ? I used to add cider vinegar to the doggies water (read it was supposed to help with arthritis) but they didn’t like it.

:frown: I can’t believe the time - I’d better make a move the housework is calling me - even though I am trying to ignore it :bigsmile:

To everyone I’ve not mentioned I am thinking of you too.

BFN

Viv

I am ready to get an HRM which one seems to be the easiest to use and which one is your favorite? I got one response about Polar f7. I keep hitting wrong keys so sorry if this keeps posting.
2) I put an exercise ticker on and it does not move, what do I need to do?
3) I have noticed that I do not always meet all my exercise cal. for a day and was wondering do all of you? One thing I have noticed is that the site gives me way more cal. than my eleptical records and more than my pedometer records. I always go in tn and change the numbers to what my equipment records. I am not sure which I should be recording. I know this is a bit anal, but unfortunately that is me. My bf is the most laid back person I know and she is always laughing at how detailed I am.
I am going to doctor to have ribs etc checked today. Pain is letting up and hope to go back to work tomorrow. Please keep my daughter and her family in your prayers. They are going through some rought financial times and may lose their house. My daughters car was repossed yesterday. We were able to help with that, but just cannot help with anything else. We have both my 84 year old dad living with us and my brother who has schizophrenia, so we are strapped. Not to mention Melissa's wedding. She lost her job a month ago when her company lost a big account. She cannot look for another job because her husband to be is going full time in milatary and they do not know yet where they will be living. Amanda must go to work this evening and we are the babysitters for her 4 kids and my husband just left for an over-night business trip. I hope I get good news from doctor today on my ribs. I do not know how I will ever lift 2 year old in and out of car. Anyways, enough of my complaining. I have soooo much to be grateful for: all of our health. I have a husband who loves me and 2 girls who love me and 4 wonderful grandchildren. We live in a wonderful country. I have found this site which is a huge blessing to me. Most of all I have a God who loves and sustains me. Everyone have a great day and thanks for being here.

:flowerforyou: Suezzeque is it Cider Vinegar that you are talking about, do you drink it on its own? Does it really work ? I used to add cider vinegar to the doggies water (read it was supposed to help with arthritis) but they didn’t like it.
Viv

Yes I use organic apple cider vinegar and chase it with water. Yes it really works. I posted about it at length while back on the nutritional thread so you can read all about it there. I'm sure your dogs turned up their noses at vinegar water. It tastes NASTY!
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/83045-apple-cider-vinegar-helps-conquer-carb-cravings

I could tell long tales about caring for Moma her last 16 months. It was a roller coaster ride but I can honestly say I have no regrets. One of the hardest times was when I had to admit to myself that I could no longer handle caring for her on my own and the transition into a nursing home. I'm sure it is excruciating to give up your independence and your things to go. My Moma was mad at me for about 3 weeks, but then flourished there once she got over being angry. She was about 10 minutes from me so I saw her every day and took her on outings a couple of times a week. We had so many special times together my brothers missed out on by not coming but once a year. Curves was my "me time" during that season of life.

We are finally about finished remodeling this house, so being the gluttons for punishment we both are, we made an offer on another fixer-upper yesterday. Its as close to the big house we built in AR as we can afford out here in West Texas. Best part is all the closets and the 50+ year old windbreak surrounding the property. Its been empty awhile and needs updating badly ~ the story of our lives! Hubby says this will be the last one, if we get it. (In 32 years we have built one house from the ground up and remodeled 7 houses while we lived in them. )

:flowerforyou: Today I'll be mowing and planting some annuals between loads of laundry. I think I am finally back on a daytime schedule again. Night shift took its toll. I am up another pound since last week. Happy Wednesday y'all! :happy:

To all dealing with aging parents - Hang in there and keep the faith that what you are doing is right. Parents can make you feel really guilty about your decisions (my Mom does), but we have to do what is best to keep them safe and painfree until the end of their days. It takes strength and courage. You can do it and we are all hear to listen.

To those dealing with adult children needing assistance - Once a Mom always a Mom. It is hard to know when to let go and let them fail on their own and when to try and help. I hope that you will all know when to do both of those options.

Welcome to all newbies! Looking forward to getting to know you all.

I started the day with the Gut N But. I'm having lunch with a friend and neighbor, so I hope there will be good choices where we are going.

The most important thing to say today is................................drum roll please

I found my broom. It was in the back of hubby's truck and went camping with him and his friend from college. I owe both kiddos an apology for thinking they lost it when they were suppose to be cleaning the house.

I will take pleasure in small things today and behappy my favorite broom is back in one piece.

Have a great day,

Jeannie

:flowerforyou: This does seem to be a challenging month for many of us with parents and children – I guess we are at the age when we get to be the meat in the middle and get to try to keep it all together. :ohwell:

Yet......We keep on going, and going and going. We pick up the pieces, we focus on what is good and we get back on that wagon of optimism. Life.....must go on.

You are so right in saying this Rebel, but it is a hard task sometimes. I’ve often wondered how it can be that our children are our greatest source of joy, but also our greatest source of stress and just like when they were little our heart can still break over their losses and disappointments when they are our ‘adult’ children – I think perhaps that’s a motherhood thing and I doubt it ever goes away.

As for aging drivers – I can add my two cents too. My FIL had his licence taken away last year at 83. He went for the seniors driving lessons and the cognitive testing which to our surprise he passed but he failed the driving test - didn’t even make it through the first 15 min because he fell asleep at the wheel when stopped at a red light. :noway: This didn’t surprise us as he can fall asleep mid-conversation and was the reason my BIL talked to his doctor to start the proceedings. Here in Ontario your doctor can pull your licence if they think it reasonable – so we all kind of copped out and let the doc do the dirty work. Perhaps this works in other jurisdictions as well. It still wasn't pretty but my BIL handled it all very patiently and respectfully and in the end my FIL blames the driving tester, who he will never see again and not the doctor (as he never made that link) or my BIL, which keeps him out of the line of fire!

Loss of control over one’s situation is a really difficult thing for seniors and can be very stressful for them. We try to give my FIL as much control as possible, but it is getting harder as his mental capacities diminish especially when it comes to financial issues – another pot of worms!

Barbie – I share your thoughts on ‘lost needles while driving’ and that’s why I started using them too – a real marriage saver! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

It’s a rainy day here in Ontario, so time to do some housework and start planning for our two week camping trip, and also to have a bit of a read as I picked up Michael Pollan’s “Food Rules – An Eater’s Manual” yesterday. It’s a small book of quick thoughts on food and eating like “Avoid food products containing ingredients that a third-grader cannot pronounce”, “Don’t eat breakfast cereals that change the colour of the milk” and this one I really liked as it reminded me of Mimi’s post awhile back, “The banquet is in the first bite.” :happy:

Have a great day everyone,
Cathy