WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR MAY 2014

Good morning beautiful ladies:flowerforyou:

Heather The cake is so lovely!! I hope you have a wonderful time today!

Michele I thought the breeze was a bit cold yesterday, I`m one that likes it to be in the 80`s!!! I don`t think you can use too much sunscreen, I use it all year, during the winter months more for just my face, chest and hands, in the summer I go through tube after tube after tube! If you go in the water, you need to reapply it when you get out, even if it says its waterproof!!! I still get a tan even using sunscreen, except on my legs , they seem to stay lily white all the time!

Gail I think your arrangement for the front porch sounds fabulous!!! Looking forward to seeing the pics!

Sylvia How cute about Bruno growling:laugh: ! Love the jokes!

Joyce So are you guys thinking about going to the Myrtle Beach area now? I know you`ve probably already told us, but...when are planning on going, summer, or late summer, or fall?

Robin Tell Bodi Noel and I are thinking about him and sending prayers and good thoughts!!!

Jb Prayers and healing thoughts for your family:flowerforyou: , and for you too..hope you feel better soon:flowerforyou: !!!

Welcome to everyone new!!! Hope you`ll pop in often and chat! This is a wonderful group of supportive women !

My daughter and granddaughters came over yesterday afternoon, my son in law is out of town until tonight. They wanted to see the new granite countertop, it is beautiful ! It`s the only clean thing in the house though:sad: ! I am so tired of dust!!! They will start on the tile backsplash this coming week, then the painters...once they`re done the carpet can go in upstairs, then the furniture can be delivered and I should be done in the house...YAY! The deck should be finished by the end of this week, however the patio is not going in until July, at least they don`t have to be in the house! What a project....

Hope all you lovely ladies have a wonderful Sunday!!! I`m going to go boss the boys for a bit this morning:bigsmile: !!
Drink your water:drinker: :drinker: :drinker: and log your food!

Hugs,
DeeDee in a bit cloudy NC

Good Morning! Beautiful day here in New England! Birds chirping and sun shining.

I am so VERY impressed with the support and goals being accomplished here on this forum. I have been reading through and hearing all the wonderful words of encouragement and support. On top of all that... It's a huge congrats to all of you for your gains and losses! Wow.. great to see.

It's funny, but there really isn't a support system in my circle.. most of my support comes from my sister who lives very far away.. all my sister in laws who I love dearly are 10 years younger... My best friends live a distance and tough to reach out and just CHAT... So.. in my own words, THANK YOU all for being my VENTING and hopeful little circle. This aging thing is busting me up... My husband has NO CLUE.. and I am just off my rocker with KNOWING that my body is changing and not much can be done about it. I loved what I read about a celebrity (although I am not a huge celebrity fan).. I have always connected with Candace Bergen, Katherine Hepburn and was reading about Robin Wright, she is gracefully accepting the fact that she is aging and will not stop it (plastic surgery, etc)... I look up to those who carry themselves with the GRACE of age... and welcome it. BUT.. on the other hand.. when I look in the mirror.. I am really really not recognizing the woman in the reflection. Where is my grace and acceptance? My body is my own fault.. I guess I could work out more, do a few more sit ups... ignore the aches and pains... UGH... 57 is a number... and for the life of me.. I can't remember how my Mom was at 57.. I always thought she was OLD... and now.. I am that age.. I used to think young all the time... always was told that I didn't look (or act) my age... Gotta get in the right frame of mind. Young at heart.. for sure.. but young at body?? Any thoughts or suggestions out there?? Who do you look up to that is older with GRACE and youthful spirit??

Good morning everyone! It sure is nice here today. I hope those in California are getting some relief from the fires by now.

How is Bodi this morning?

I was thinking about this Heroes thing, and I never really gave it much thought, but I guess I am particularly taken by women who project strength, confidence, and self sufficiency. Appearance has very little, in anything to do with it for me. I remember meeting a little old lady who came to our latest pottery show, and hearing her talk to some of the other potters about things she has done in her life and thinking, wow, I really like this lady. In our little town there is a lady who built an airplane! He husband later crashed it, but that lady can do anything! She built me a clay extruded for my studio. And in Minnesota there is a well known woman potter who does wood firing, which is a very, very hard physical thing to do, and she splits her own wood and built her own kiln, lives out in the woods, and just projects a feeling of enormous strength. And I was thinking about how it relates to the fact that I have gradually become happier with myself as I have lost some of this weight, and started to feel stronger and more confident. I'm starting to like myself a little, maybe for the first time in my life.

Wow, deep thoughts hurt my head!

Gotta go get packed up to go back home. The kids are coming over this afternoon and will stay for dinner. Fun!

Sylvia

Gloria: You’re right about menopause sleep. :grumble: I’m here to say that post menopause sleep can also be a challenge at times. All in all, I’m glad I’m through it. I feel more like my authentic self, the me I remember from childhood.:flowerforyou:

Meg: Congratulations on the great nail polish and on your dad coming through pacemaker day.:flowerforyou:

Joyce: I’m laughing at your idea that people in New York were nice to me due to sympathy for my situation chaperoning teens.:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: It is possible, but I was told by one of our tour guides that the city had been working toward providing visitors a better experience for a number of years.:flowerforyou:

Robin: What does your vet say about visiting Bodi? I’d be inclined to go if my vet thought it would be okay. I wouldn't want my dog to feel abandoned. Good luck getting you and Bodi though this.:flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:

2014885777: Take it a day at a time. Let MFP set your calories goals, and log every bite even if you’ve gone over. Acquire a food scale and use measuring cups or food dishers to assure your portion sizes are accurate. Drink plenty of water and stop by here frequently for moral support. This is not a fast process, but it works. Be patient with yourself.:flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:

NenaC: Congratulations on finishing the tile job in your laundry room. You’ll be able to enjoy it for years to come.:flowerforyou:

Sylvia: The microwave does a great job with corn on the cob! Glad you enjoyed your meal.:flowerforyou:

Michele: How about a Barbie toy pool slide for your cake decoration? http://www.amazon.com/Mattel-R4206-Barbie-Glam-Pool/dp/B002MUANJY :flowerforyou:

DeeDee: I’m glad your countertop came out so well. Our last project was to have our hardwood floors refinished and we left town for the process. I wish we’d been here to supervise because the contractor didn’t put enough clearcoat on the floors and now they’re showing wear and getting gray areas.

Heidihurl: Welcome! Stick around. In my 50’s I felt a lot of what you’re feeling. I had a long workday made longer by a nasty commute and was exhausted most of the time. After I retired my lifestyle improved. I was/am able to get needed rest and that has done wonders for my feelings of wellbeing. So has the huge increase in energy I’ve gotten because I’m not lugging around so many extra pounds any more. It took me more than a year & a half to reach my weight goals, and now I’m working hard to learn how to keep the weight off. I expect to be here on a regular basis to get and give support for the foreseeable future. This group really helps me to stay positive and to keep working on my health.:flowerforyou:



I couldn’t sleep last night due to shoulder & neck pain so I came downstairs and slept on the couch. The hard little sofa pillows gave my neck enough support to rest. This morning DH gave me a Gua Sha treatment, and I’m feeling quite a bit better. I’ll ask for a second treatment in a while. I can’t really explain Gua Sha very well, but you can find videos of it on You Tube. It is rainy today, and I’m ready to stay inside and rest a bit.


Katla in beautiful NW Oregon

“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” Thomas A. Edison



May Goals:
1. Log every bite and swallow.
2. Cardio exercise at least 3 days a week.
3. Have fun every day.
4. Drink at least two glasses of water daily.

Phew!:laugh: I'm back from the christening and so glad not to be responsible for that cake any more! We luckily found a parking space under a yew tree so the trunk stayed cool. DGS said, when we were all called down to the font for his baby sister's baptism, " I don't want water on my head! ! ! " He was quite bothered!
All went well and after everyone had had cake there was still some of the lower tier left so I handed it out to the people sitting in the pub garden! That was fun! DS and DDIL are taking the upper tier home with them.

Heidihurl - I am now 64 and feeling quite at home in my body now I am at target weight and I am much fitter. Not every day, but most of the time. Two years ago I felt like an unfit 80 year old and was quite disabled by my weight and its accompanying aches and pains. Every single day I work hard at keeping fit and feel a certain amount of pride in that. Age brings wrinkles and sagging that I do not like, but I keep up with fashion and dress in a youthful way. I survived breast cancer so bless every day that I am cancer free. Life is a huge gift and time will pass whether you are miserable or happy about it, so you might as well be happy. You only have one life. Yes, this is not a rehearsal.:laugh: I agree with the person who said the most attractive attribute is confidence and a big smile. When I was young I was very unconfident and thought of myself as plain. One day I decided to "act the way I wanted to feel". What a huge difference that made! I couldn't believe how boys reacted to the new me! It was like a switch had been turned on! Now I thank my lucky stars every day that I have found a wonderful man in later life, I was 53 when I met him, and he makes me feel desirable and beautiful. A new chapter of my life started in middle age and my life changed out of all recognition.

Well folks I am much relieved that the cake saga is over and I am now looking out for the next challenge.:happy:

Heather in gloriously sunny Hampshire UK

Wow! Interesting topic Heidi! Love the responses. I'll be 52 in July. Twenty-two months ago I felt old and worn out. Was seriously considering a stair chair lift ... my arthritic knees hurt so bad. Losing weight has given me back my life! My attitude... not to mention my energy ... has changed dramatically. I used to put on my "confident " face in public ... now it's for real. My gray hair ... wrinkles ... they're my battle stripes ... and well earned. Plastic surgery isn't on my radar right now ... but who knows? I've been nodding my head in agreement with everyone's comments. Especially like the "act the way you want to feel!" Good advice there.

Heather ... so glad your cake was appreciated! It is a darling ... I especially like how you incorporated your granddaughter's name and interests into the design.

Michele .... I don't think there's any such thing as too much sun screen. You use more because you're in the sun more!

Jb ... continuing to pray for Mariah.

This is my support group too ... I've chosen not to share too much with those around me. Not sure why ...

My Botox boy is doing ok. Gave me a scare last night when he felt dizzy and thought he might faint. Read every internet site on Botox for migraines which then just terrified me and caused me to check to see if he was breathing all night long. He seems to be fine today ... has a couple buddies over and they're busy outside playing basketball. Thanks to those who have made suggestions on how to treat migraines... I'm open to everything!

Church potluck today. Did fine as we have many people watching their weight or on special diets in the church. Received several nice comments today ... interesting... everyone wants to know "how much" ... which I answer, "a lot." I don't know ... not ready to share the number with people I know ... but with you ladies it's ok!

Hugs to those who are hurting!
Beth in Western New York

Bodi update: He had mild improvement this morning. He still can't pee or stand on his own but the vet said he was in good spirits and he ate a little. We are going to see him this afternoon and to meet the neurologist that has been working with him.

Robin

UGH! Feel like I've been gone for about a month; the last 2 weeks have been so hectic and drama filled! DD's college graduation was lovely. I had bought (ages ago) an outfit just for it---it was a goal outfit.......by last summer it was a tad too big, now, with a few pounds back, it just fits..........sleeveless green light sweater type top and flowered skirt and I was really looking forward to wearing it. Well, it was freezing Sat. am and I ended up in black slacks, a black and white striped top AND a red fleece short jacket!!! Best laid plans, and all that........LOL!

Robin..........I have been reading about Bodi, and I'm thrilled he's a bit better!!! Fingers crossed and good thoughts to him (and you, of course!)

Heather..........Cake was gorgeous!!! Glad all went well and hope that your older DS is feeling some better.

On the age stuff..........I'm 62 and I think having a baby at 40 is the one biggest thing that has kept me a lot "younger", attitude-wise, anyway, than some of my friends, esp. those back home. I was involved with younger people all along with DD in school and activities and made friends that are mainly both younger and athletic, my best bud here is in her late 50's and does marathons and triathalons all the time. I know that a couple years ago when DD and I went camping

---

the whole deal, slept on the ground, etc..........my old friends were horrified (and amazed) that I would do such a thing. "Act the way you want ot feel" is fabulous advice; along with a smile and confidence, even if you have to fake it!!! Dress younger, or at least with a nod to the current styles, as long as it's not utterly ridiculous---no Lady Gaga here!!! Women growing gracefully I admire are (the late) Katherine Hepburn, also Helen Mirren, Whoopi, Sophia Loren, Sigourney Weaver, Meryl Streep...........and I don't care if a little help is used, to each their own. I was a shy wallflower when growing up, gave that up........life is here for the taking, so claim what makes you happy!

OK, I'll shut up now...........best to everyone!

yanniejannie
mid-Atlantic

Hi gals. Where did the day go???? Church was at 10 today instead of 9, then we had a lunch there. Went to see dad, did a book chapter, took a nap, planted some planters and holy cow it’s nearly 7!

Well so sometimes the kids make you proud. Today was youth day at church and Alena got up and her part was “what does God mean to me”. She held up a very early picture of our family and talked about how God meant family. She explained how growing up in an orphanage in Russia left her without a family and now she has one and takes care of her and has given her family all over the country and a second chance at a real life. There wasn’t a dry eye in the place. I’m tearing up now just thinking about it again.

Joyce: I always love to talk nursing! It’s just in my blood.

Robin: oh my gosh I do remember that planter! I had wondered if you ever got it done! I’m not sure what advice I can give you about visiting. If he’s upset when you leave he may need to be left without visiting. I always went to see mine, but they didn’t get all wound up when I left. Sending good wishes…I miss hearing about his antics and hope he is able to come home soon. Did they ever figure out what was wrong?

2014: welcome to our group. My suggestion is to make one tiny change and keep it up for a week or two before adding something else new. For instance maybe you can drink 4 glasses of water a day if you only drink 2 now. Something small and do-able!

Kim: I hear ya…my biscuits and gravy breakfast was over 600 calories yesterday but I tell myself my grave is made with 1% milk, so there! LOL

Nena: great plan! I love it. Congrats on the weight loss

Sylvia: your story made me smile. The only time Benny Beagle growled was once when he was asleep and I think it scared him! He woke up in a start! DH and I were sitting up in bed thinking “What the heck!”

Michele: what a funny idea going to the bathroom to check the nutrition in the food items! That would require a “real” phone. My old Motorola flip phone has killed another battery so I have been phoneless for a month now.

Gail: I bought some really interesting daisy type flowers that are a neon orange with a purple “eye”. They are really pretty.

Joyce I hope DD comes over today!

Heather: you will be one smokin’ lady!

DeeDee: what color is your new countertop? Is it granite or quartz?

Alison: it is hard sometimes to realize how much our elders need the safety of a good place to be in. Today dad was totally out to lunch; this is why we don’t allow him to go out of the home to appointments and chose the in-house medical staff for his continuing care. Of course a pacer replacement is something else LOL

Heidi: the person I look up to for aging with grace is my grandmother. She is long gone now but I recall when she was widowed she sold her ranch and went to India. This was in the 60s! Women did not travel by themselves like that then and she had never been out of the country. But everywhere she went she was a typical southern belle and charmed the pants off everyone. She’d had a hard life…married off at 13 to a dirt farmer, had all her kids by 18, but she never complained and just became the grandest old lady!

Katla: I LOVED NYC! I don’t’ think I could live there but it sure is fun to visit!

Heather; glad the christening went well and the cake was a hit I am sure!

All the older moms: we adopted when I was 48 or so and I also found it hard to relate to my daughters’ friends’ moms since they were all so much younger. Even though the kids were old enough to be our biological kids, all the parents seemed so much younger that we were!

Jb; keeping you and Mariah in my prayers.

Well dinner is ready…oven fried chicken, cauliflower au gratin, the famous green bean casserole, mashed potatoes and gravy, and salad. DD#1 is quite the good cook. It’s funny though she always says “How did you do all this cooking all those years?”.
Take care all, Meg from gorgeous Omaha

Hey Everyone.. GREAT conversations on the "GRACE of AGING".. some wonderful insight and sharing. Please, I hope I didn't come across as someone who would be thinking plastic or any type of enhancement surgery... I am one of those 100% cotton... all natural crunchy granola types... I like what most were saying about what is happening in your heart and on the inside.. so true so true... I agree completely about retirement.. I dream about that for sure... I keep telling my husband... "8 more years!!!"

Hello ladies!
Sylvia:flowerforyou: thanks for the jokes  I think you are a very strong and beautiful woman too. Lost weight, are a potter and the way you take care of your son and grandchildren…… in spite of your challenges
Joyce hope you soon find the place, just right for all of you, including Charlie
Nenac:flowerforyou: awesome lady!

Kim :bigsmile: I do hope u win that big pot, for selfish reasons though, so we can all meet over coffee….You’ve set me dreaming, I like your concept of beauty, a genuine smile
Katla hope your neck is feeling better
Meg :flowerforyou: so she made you proud today! That’s interesting, your grandmother came to India, and you so admire her. What u said about her is so true about many girls in our country even today, even though the legal age for marriage is 18

Michelle :flowerforyou: That’s a wonderful approach to beauty. I’m reminded of Coco Chanel who said There aren’t any women who are not beautiful, just some who are lazy….. or something to that effect.
Deedee :flowerforyou: my Sunscreen queen!!!!!!
Yanniejannie !!!! 62, but thats just a number and you are the person who does and gives so much
Margaret !!!!!
Robin so happy to see Bodie and you smiling! Best wishes from Cleo (my pet dog) and me to both of you
Bonnie hope you and MIL are fine

Heather :flowerforyou: such an inviting cake! Am I glad I wasn’t there, would have definitely had more than required. Thanks for sharing your journey to good health, so much to take away!

Barbie love your dancing stories.
Renny please explain the picture.....
The weekend was hectic. Our friend's daughter is visiting so we took her for some sight seeing to "Elephanta caves" and saturday seemed to just fly by. There wasnt any exercise apart from climbing up and down the caves we went to visit and little walking around. Lots of food including some yummy crispy chicken, which was spicy too( loaded with cals)
But I had very little water as I dont like to use public washrooms. Sunday I felt tired from the previous day and gave myself a rest from exercise. Just pottering about the house, cleaning etc
This morning the scales show a gain of 2 kg :sad: :brokenheart:
Have finished with half an hours of circuit training and then some yoga stretches. In the evening I have some weight training and will include some cardio.
The insight into Beauty has been a great conversation. Thanks everyone
Best wishes to all
Anamika from Mumbai

Robin - I adore the picture! Sending good wishes.:flowerforyou:

Breezy here today. We are promised showers, but I'm not holding my breath. The garden could do with some water. We will plant our zucchini seeds today. I only want two plants so I will plant four and weed out the stragglers. I always plant yellow ones as I prefer the flavour and they are more difficult to buy. Also French beans. The bed for them has a big ants nest so we will have to buy an ant bait device. Our first broad beans on Saturday were fabulous and today I will be having radishes and mixed salad leaves with our granary bagels. You might have guessed I love my veg plot! The gooseberries are nearly ripe so I have netted them. Can't wait!

Got to pop out in the car to buy a red pepper for dinner and some more lemons. I seem to get through masses of lemons.

Love to all. Heather in Hampshire UK

morning ladies
I havent done alot of exercising lately...the DH and I went down to the shore yesterday and walked and hen sat and watched the boats and birds for awhile.. it was just lovely..
Zina took the day off today so I am assisting all day.. her 40 yr old sister is due with her first baby next month ,so they had the baby shower yesterday...
going to hop in the shower and then get my lunch together...
hopefully when I get out of work at 5 I will be able to go for a racewalk....

Good morning Lovely Ladies,

I really enjoyed reading your comments on aging. I love the responses and different perspectives we all have plus the common thread that beauty begins "inside". You are all amazing ladies!

Robin, I love the gorgeous picture of you and Bodi! I'm praying for his recovery.

DeeDee, hope you feel better. I'm sure the dust isn't helping your cold.:grumble:

Michele, I use that DVD too! Rodney Yee DVD's are my favorite! Easy on the eyes too.

I hope everyone has a wonderful day.

Hugs,

Cindy in OK