WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR JANUARY 2015

Yannie, I am not used to a small choir. I'm not used to huge choirs either but our little choir has quality! In my old church we had about 30 but the men didn't know how to read music at all and few of the women did either. They were mostly the support voices that any good choir needs. One time our city had an evangelistic crusade here and we had a joint choir of all the interested churches here. I imagine there were around 300 of us and it was marvelous.

Sally, last night when I was putting fresh litter in the cat litter box, I was thinking about how heavy it is for me to move across the floor. I know when the time comes that my husband dies that my habits will have to change. Even though he has heart disease and Parkinson's it doesn't hold him back from doing the really heavy lifting around here. But there is no way I would get the 40 pound box of cat litter in the house. There is no way I would be able to take it from the store shelf to the cart. He always said with his family history of the age of death of the male members that he will die at about 70. And he doesn't take care of himself except walk every day. I admire you for carrying all those heavy things. You are like my daughter Michelle. She hauls around her dogs 50 pound bags of dog food all the time. And with 3 big dogs in the house she goes through them quite frequently.

Allison, how did your appointment go at the bird store today?????

Sylvia, there are many degrees of spina bifida. My brother has adopted a man with it and he is fully functional. He does wear diapers and I have no idea whether he can have sex or not but he sure is a nice guy.

My only encounter with 'locals' in a different country is when we went on our Carribean cruise. My husband had taken some R&R in Puerto Rico so he thought he was an expert and so we took our own tour. We really enjoyed sitting in the taverns and getting to know the locals there. But that is nothing like Sri Lanka. Puerto Rico is part of the US.

Charlie has his physical tomorrow. I go to every single appointment with him. But I am trying to let go and give him his independence so he is going by himself. He was nervous about it tonight.

Joyce, Indiana

drkatiebug wrote: »

My friend who taught sheltered social studies to non-English speaking students did home visits as part of her job. One family served tongue to her (she is also vegetarian). She said it was the hardest thing she had ever done in her life to eat that tongue, but they considered it a delicacy and spent money they probably couldn't afford to serve if to her. it would have been a huge insult to refuse it.

I do understand this. My guy and I once had lunch at an Amish family's house, which is pretty unusual, and I did eat what was put in front of me that time.

Hey Allison, congratulations, and extra congratulations that you "get" to keep the money! I'm proud of you and happy for you! :flowerforyou:

Diane in Ottawa: LOVE the names of your cats. Where did you take the picture boogie boarding? It’s one of my favorite things to do.




Poerava 14 - Rori Thanks, the name of my cats betrays my fondness for ice cream and anything sweet:-) The picture was taken in Barbados. I love to get away from the snow and cold for a week every winter. Where was your beach picture taken?

Good Morning,

Janet loved the story of the strip and face me.

Alison congratulations on the new job. Sounds like a perfect fit.

2015 word: Strength

Quote: Just because you see the hook does not mean you have to bite.

MNMargaret

Tonight I'm going to figure out how to exercise the flabby under arm "wings". Something I can do at home. I don't have weights but I do have one of those elastic bands you can put on a door. Today is rest day for my couch to 5K so I will just walk to get in my 10,000 steps goal. (I usually hit that everyday but Sunday).

Hubs finished up installing the glass tile backsplash in the kitchen. Just a few wood trim pieces to put up and we are done! Been working on this since June. Whoop!!!

Diana in Northeast Indiana

Good morning! It is a sunny day here and supposed to get into the upper 50s. Just wish I could have a chance to be out in it!

Michele - The "soup kitchen" here is closed on holidays, as well, to give their staff appropriate time off. Typically, a church within walking distance of the shelter provides the midday meal on those holidays. The night shelter portion is open 365 days per year and food is provided there for the evening meal (typically by local churches for every day of the year), even though staff may be absent during the day on holidays.

Alison - Congratulations!



This is my cat, Spot, checking out the scenery from the back door. She has relocated well in that she seems to be happy and pretty much settled inside, but is confused as to whether or not she wants to go outside. I have taken her out in my arms and she is nervous and wants down. She doesn't leave the patio and, if there is a loud noise, she wants to go in. On the other hand, at night, she stands at the front door, seeming to expect me to let her go outside. I hope this weekend will give the opportunity of me letting her out to explore while I stay outside so that she can see and hear where she is to come back to. She has slipped out the front door as I was carrying something in but I've caught her pretty quickly. I guess we'll figure it out as we go. I'm certain that she is going to demand to be let out as it gets warmer.

I'm trying to keep my food consumption within a 12-hour window, but I will struggle some with that because of my long work days. In the study, I'm curious as to how long the mice slept, etc. because humans tend to be up and moving for 16-18 hours per day. As Heather says, hunger is not an emergency, but it sure does make going to sleep harder!

I went to Aldi last night on the way home from work to get a few things I needed, one of them being baby carrots. I much prefer paying 99 cents per bag instead of $1.69, but they were OUT of baby carrots!! I guess because it was a holiday, they didn't get their shipment in, but I was sad! I did get my protein bars plus a huge head of cabbage so that I could make slaw for my supper tonight. I have some kielbasa left, so I'm thinking kielbasa and cabbage soup is in the works for this week. They had blueberries on special so I got a container of them, too. Unfortunately, they are being held hostage in the refrigerator here at work because a Bible study group is in the room with the fridge. I am ready for my morning snack!

I need to get some more work done so I will wish everyone a great day!


Carol in NC

off to garden this morning, already took Levi for his morning walk! then to do some errands, dog food is the #1 - there is a hardware store that sells his dog food over by my gardening client and it is $5 cheaper than anywhere else so that is on the list.

Lesley – thanks for the toad in a hole description….

Joyce – I too carry heavy bags of dog food around, but there are lots of options for getting stuff done without carrying the “too big” bags.. Even buying the big bags (better savings) and a clerk will load it in your car, then portioning it out from the trunk into smaller bags or containers… But hopefully you will not have to deal with that for a long long time…

Alison – Congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And so glad DH said the money is yours – save if for yourself and the things you want, not just for bailing out the family budget.

Jeannine - I watch my grocery bill also and plan my meals around what is on sale, it is weird at first as sometimes only weird stuff is on sale, or you are wishing for something that is not on sale, but in time it gets easier, I kinda look at it as a game to see just how create and delish I can be on a budget of $$ and calories.



January goals:
Walk every day
Log all bites everyday
Do a fun thing every week.

Kim from N. California

carolsmoo: Welcome!

Rori: What did you think of Zumba class? I have a neighbor who is attracted to the idea and I may go if she does, especially if it doesn’t require dancing skill. Two left feet and ‘I don’t got rhythm.’

Meg: I’m so sorry you have pain and likely surgery in your future. I’m so grateful for how things re turning out for DH following his back surgery last August. The results are good, but not speedy. I’m hoping your results are as good.

Sylvia: I hated roundabouts for the longest time. I took the AARP driving course online a couple of years ago and was rewarded with lower insurance rates AND an understanding of how the roundabouts actually work. They don’t confuse me anymore. I am happy that Joplin is rebuilding and their hospital is nearly ready to reopen. Regarding family issues, my cousin and her daughter had a difficult relationship for years following the divorce between DC and her husband. The daughter went with ‘dad’ who was a prize jerk. The son stayed with my DC. My cousin and her daughter are currently living together and working on improving their relationship. It takes effort on both their parts and healing is coming along slowly, but it is coming along. Maybe your family will see a little healing. You each did the best you could at the time.

SueBDew in TX: 73 degrees sounds heavenly.

Janet in Myrtle Beach: Chuckling. Thanks.

Kim: We have lots of cast iron and got some of it from the senior center thrift store. I would scrub it out really well and get as much “stuff” off as possible then I would re-season it. You can get good directions online.

Michele: You’re absolutely right that the lady who taught the core class also worked our backs. She was good at her work!

Peachstategal: Michele’s comments about your wrist sparked a memory. I broke my wrist in a fall and was told that I shouldn’t bend it back and hold weight on it for at least a year. I did all my downdog and planks with my wrist straight, resting on my knuckles for a whole year before gradually putting weight on a bent wrist. It has worked out fine.

Joyce: When your DH can’t lift the heavy bags of cat litter any more buy smaller bags. It costs a bit more, but not as much as medical treatment and good health is worth it.

Alison: Congratulations on the bird store job. I hope you love it.

Jeanine: I hear you about shopping and grocery bills, but grocery bills are way more reasonable than medical bills. Take good care of yourself.

Carol: What a lovely view! It seems that your kitty agrees with me.

Heather: I just took a loaf of sourdough bread made from your recipe out of the oven. I thought you’d like to see it before it cools enough to eat and we devour it.



Today nothing pressing is on the schedule. The gym schedule is light and none of “my” classes are offered today. I’ll have to find something else to do for fun and to get exercise.

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


January 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 three glasses of water daily, preferably more!
5. Eliminate alcohol.
6. Monitor sleep.

Thanks for the motivation and laughs I’ve already found here. It’s great to see so much activity.

@ Dstirratt – thanks so much for the navigation help. I can find my way here easily now and will try to keep up with all of you. This is a very active group which I love!

@jodios528 – I like the word ‘re-dedication’. I’m on that same path!

@ ctleonard9 – you’re not the only newbie here. I just arrived as well. Friend me if you’d like

@crazydoglady61 – I enjoyed hearing about your walking and running. I’m really looking forward to reaching those milestones once again. Thanks for the reminder about how great it feels and great job hefting those feed bags!

@marywetterlund – I’ve never heard of these ‘window’ diets before. I’ll have the read back to see what they’re all about. Congrats on getting over your plateau!!

@DamitJanit – thanks for that hysterical joke! I loved it!

I’ve eaten healthy for 5 days and feel better already. I’ve done it before and lost 80lbs so I know I can do it again. It feels good to be doing it instead of just talking about it.

January Goals:
1. Reduce caffeine to 1 cup/day
2. Exercise 4-5 days a week
3. Log every bite on MFP
4. Drink at least 8 cups water daily
5. Measure food portions
6. Meet with a dietician


Quote: Nothing taste as good as skinny feels.

ReNae
~ in frigid Maine

Happy Tuesday ! ! !

I have been looking over the Groupon Website, because DH and I will be spending almost a week in El Paso TX in the beginning of March. Does anyone have any "must do, must see, or must eat" suggestions? We both love true Mexican cuisine, so that is something we will choose spontaneously during a supper-time. (My sister, who lived in southern Arizona for many years, said to choose a place with a lot of homeless people hanging around outside, because that means they throw away the best food at night). That was the advice we followed in Corpus Christie, and it never failed us. I would also like a coffee treat almost every mid-day, a massage treatment at least once, and will be "on my own" for lunch at least twice, so I wish to keep that toward the healthy side of cuisine (as opposed to bowling alley junk). I will also have a few mid-day hours alone, so would love to do something that I can't do anywhere else in the US, and I will try to be open-minded about any suggestions (DH will probably want to stay in the room watching sports, or go to a Casino or two). I plan on getting cortisone shots in both knees before we leave, so a walking tour or museum sounds like a good plan. I usually have had good luck doing a google search of "Cheap things to do in _____ . " but this time I'm just not finding anything to make me excited.

I am feeling a little bit better every day, even though my cough is getting deeper. DH is still not doing well; he only made it 7 of his 10 hour shift yesterday. And he is still sleeping in the spare bedroom with his own humidifier. I am looking forward to my cough being gone, so I can start riding the bike again. It's so hard to stay within so few calories, and still get enough nutrition, especially since I am finally hungry again. LOTS of water and propelzero.

Sharon - best of luck with your new eyebrows. How exciting that you will have them again. They really put expression to a person's face. I look forward to seeing the pictures.

Alison - congrats on the bird store job. I'm sure it will be a wonderful experience.

Jeaninne and Kim - I also love playing games with groceries. I would rather stalk the sale papers, make lists, and stop for a few items at different stores on different days. That way, DH and DS aren't along to spend extra money on what I consider junk, and I can get in and out quicker, since I know what I am getting at which store. And I don't have to wait in another line to get a price-match. I try to keep it fun.

peachstategal and Katla - I broke my arm/wrist in May last year, and started Physical Therapy 2 days after having the cast removed. One of the main exercises was to "lift" a light weight (or full water bottle) while resting my forearm on the desk or arm of chair, and I did this both directions. I also still work my fingers for outward strength by "opening" rubberbands with all 5 fingers at the same time. And when I donate blood, I take my own squeezies, so I can work both hands at the same time. It's all just little things, but my pain level requires baby steps, and "a body in motion tends to stay in motion", even though there isn't much motion left in this body.

Now, I just got a UPS shipment, so it's time for this body to walk a few light boxes to the back room.

I hope this didn't sound to "preach-y", as that was not my intention. I just seem to be chatty today.

Hugs to Everyone ! ! !

Terri in Milwaukee

Good afternoon dear ladies!

Allison: Major congratulations on the job. It sounds like a perfect fit.

Katla: Your bread looks amazing! Good homemade bread is my major weakness. I just can’t make it anymore because it can’t be in the house.

Carol: Spot looks quite happy just looking out the window. Maybe she will decide to just be an indoor cat. Very cute that your blueberries are being held hostage by the bible study group.

Jeanie: I’m impressed that you meal plan before you grocery shop. I normally buy what is on sale and the staples (kale, spinach, salad greens) and then see what comes together from there. I end up eating the same thing for a couple of days in a row for dinner, then create odd meals from what is left. These odd meals often end up as a favorite. (Whole grain toast, smear of goat cheese, chopped spinach, topped with an over easy egg—YUM.)

Joyce: Lifting/carrying heavy stuff is more a matter of technique than raw strength. I’ve been on my farm for more than 30 years. Lifting the 50lb bag of grain to pour into the feed bucket is just part of the regular daily chores. It never goes very high and I am really careful to use my legs. I can pretty easily carry the 50 lbs ONCE IT IS ON MY SHOULDER! Lifting the dead weight is a whole ‘nuther thing. Getting the bag out of the Tahoe and onto my shoulder doesn’t take much lifting. That is why I use the high Tahoe rather than my mini-van thing to get grain. If something happens that causes me to drop it --- let’s just say a long string of expletives occurs. I have noticed that as the grain bag becomes a higher and high percentage of my body weight, it is easier to knock me off balance – sometimes the dogs just are not as helpful as they think.

Another thought… I saw an ad for “lightweight” kitty litter. Sounds like it is a product well designed to fill a niche.

Since so many of us have dogs, I have a tip for those who buy lots of greens (Kale, spinach, etc.). I have found that the shelf life of them can vary widely. I have had stuff do great in the frig for 10 days and then the next week the same veggie with the same “sell by date range” will smell/look a little questionable after a day or two. When the stuff gets to questionable (well before gross) I toss it in the freezer. Once every two weeks I make dog food by tossing these greens, an orange veggie, and the cheapest cut of meat I can find in the crock pot. This glop becomes about a third of my dogs’ regular meals and keeps my food waste down to just peelings and coffee grounds.

Looking for the joy in every day, just like my dogs.
Remember to breathe…

Sally W.
Oregon

Sad.........called friend who owns stable when I got back from walk......The horse died in NC last night...she said to tell DD that she did all anyone could do yesterday and did everything right. I know this is going to hit her hard......Rough evening comng. Sucks.

Good evening all,
Long day spent in a product training seminar. I would have love a chance to get up and walk around a bit more. I find I have no patience for sitting still. This evening's job; get step count up.
I was thankful for packing my own lunch. I would be a wreck for snacking on doughnuts.
Hubbs and I have a night at home, no more running out for today. Maybe I can get started on knitting the mate to my latest sock project.

Cheers all,

Anne
North of Toronto

YannieJannie - Hugs and prayers to your DD and everyone involved with the horse. Hugs for you when you have to break the news.