WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR FEBRUARY 2105

Good morning everybody! It's another cold day here, but sunny. Hopefully all the left-over icy patches will melt today. Yesterday afternoon we had the most BEAUTIFUL snow! Lots of huge fat flakes that just floated down. It only lasted about an hour. They didn't stick though, so no shoveling.

At some point last night, for some unknown reason, I tried to sit up in bed using only my tummy muscles. Big mistake. It hurt so bad I couldn't get back to sleep. But now it's all better again. I took the kids to school and then stopped at WalMart to buy a sympathy card for my friend, and browsed around a little. I found some canned Hormel chicken breast with no salt added, and no nitrates or nitrites. The whole 5 ounce can is about 112 calories. So lunch today will be chicken, swiss cheese and an apple. I had to buy a can opener though, since I didn't have one and it's not a pop-top can. We will see if it's edible.

I really enjoyed watching the dog show last night. (I especially loved the car commercials) There are so many different breeds. It's amazing. When the beagle won I was thinking "Yay, Mildred!". I do love the fancy dogs, but more than anything love a dog that looks like a dog. Beagles really do that. I really wish they would have mixed breed dog shows. When they start doing that, more people would adopt from shelters. Mixed breeds have such variety. Every one is like it's own little category. Spot would be Best In Breed for the Big Eared, Spotted Dogs with Pointy Noses category. Bruno would win for best Floppy Eared, Short Nosed, Tiger Brindle Dog. Molly is purebred, so she would have a tougher time in her category. There are way too many whippets. But she could win for Best Couch Hog.

Well, I have drafting to do, so I'd better get busy. I hope you are all having a great day.

Sylvia

Good morning Ladies!

I mentioned my commitment to a type of exercise called 'Classical Stretch', developed by a former ballerina, Miranda Esmonde-White. I think she's around 64 yrs. old and I just found out she's a breast cancer survivor and has also developed some rehabilitation type exercises for post-surgery. Thought I'd include a couple of links here for you to take a peek at if you're interested. (And no, I have never met her and am not related to her

http://breastcancerrehabilitation.com/watchthevideo.html (This video clip is of her... I'll never look like a ballerina, but it's pretty cool to see my flat belly when I'm still 22 lbs over my goal and I have never been blessed with a naturally flat belly.)

http://classicalstretch.com/ (main website)

I get to DVR her workouts on my TV, but need to order her DVDs for when I travel. The last couple of times I've been out of the country, the most important thing on my mind was how I was going to maintain all that I've gained from her short (approx. 23 min) workouts.

I like that's it's no impact and can still make such a huge difference in my posture and my shape. I hope this might be the answer for some of you, too.

Sylvia Post tortoise.... bahahhaha!!

Have a successful day!!
Selena
Utah

morning,,,,
well went grocery shopping, and did the right kind of grocery shopping.. around the perimeter.., bought salad, yogurt,fruit, frozen veggies, boneless skinless chicken breast.. only thing I bent a little on was graham crackers, so will have those very infrequently..
made DH dinner and lunch and will take a shower and get ready for work..

Good Morning dear ladies!

I hope all are well and staying warm.

Sylvia: The beagle who won Westminster is a really nice example of the breed. There used to be a Mixed Breed Dog Club of America. I sat on the board of the Oregon club and was Trial char for the Tracking portion of the National Specialty one year and Chief Ring Steward another year. Conformation was a part of the show and it was divided into three heights (rather than body type or coat length). They all went back in the ring for Best in Show. When our club hosted it, both times the judges were all worried that they would not be able to do a good job, but were very pleased with themselves in the end … a well put together dog is easy to spot. When the AKC allowed mixed breed dogs to compete in the performance events (Obedience, rally, and agility – now tracking), the perceived “need” for the Mixed Breed club vanished and we folded our club.

Went for a lovely run this morning. Got up extra early so I could take my time on the run. My goal was to hit 3.73 miles (6K) … when I hit stop I was at 3.70 miles -- rats! Really close, though. I’ll change my route just a bit next time to make sure I’m over goal.

Stepped on the scale before I hit the shower… it is time to adjust the calories to maintenance! I made the huge leap and gave myself back the deficit calories on MFP. We’ll see how it goes for the next month or so.

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

Sally W.
Oregon

Sunny AND snowing outside my window!

This morning I finished reading the book for an upcoming women's retreat: Choose Joy, Because Happiness Isn't Enough, by Kay Warren, and found it meaningful. Thought provoking in some areas. Generally I have an upbeat, positive outlook on life and don't worry a lot, but several other points in the book really hit home.

Welcome to all the new gals -- it is a fun thread to follow along. I don't post frequently, but try to keep up with reading the posts.

Ash Wednesday today. Our little choir will sing one piece at the service tonight, then choir rehearsal will follow the service. That will be the schedule until Holy Week to accommodate the mid-week Lenten services.

Time to go walk a bit and take care of some chores.

Gail, metro ATL

More snow overnight in the Bluegrass. LoL. The kids must be living this. No school all week for Fayette County.

So I am exercising here at home. But I sure do miss the bike and classes at the Senior Center. A bunch of us Seniors who are on our own have been checking on each other in this emergency situation.

Happy Ash Wednesday. I am working my 8 hour shift today. Then come back at 5-8pm to work a shift in the gift shop. It is volunteer and I do it once or twice a month. The pastoral staff did the ashes for our dept. Today is my first full day with no soda. So far so good. Drinking alot of water.

Sylvia--Take it slow and easy. They say it takes a good 6 weeks to recover from surgery. Love the picture. That snow you got we had yesterday morning and I agree it was so pretty coming down. Coming to work this morning was slick.

Mary MN--Thanks for the info on skin. That gives me hope. My doctor has told me that not to do anything with skin until at least two years after I reach goal.

Lesley--sending (((hugs))). It will take time.

Barbie--Your friend sounds a remarkable lady. We all need to sit back and realize every life has Blessings.

Heather--Glad you made it home with no problems. Sounds like you have a couple more outtings to look forward to.

Sharon--Sending prayers for DS and DGD. Sounds like he is doing a great job. Did he give the texts to his lawyer?

thlavallee1--Good Luck on the new job.

Selena--I checked that web site and do think I can do that. Thanks for sharing.

It is cold here today, Wind is blowing. Glad to be inside. Have a good day, ladies. One Day at a Time.
Blessings, Vicki GI NE

My friend sent me this joke today. Thought I would share it with this group. After you read it, you'll know why......

Yesterday I was at Costco buying a large bag of Purina dog chow for my loyal pets, BJ & Lanny. I was in the check-out line when a woman behind me asked if I had a dog. (I thought what did she think I had an elephant? )

So, because I'm retired and have little to do, on impulse, I told her that no, I didn't have a dog…that I was starting the ‘Purina Diet’ again. I added that I probably shouldn't, because I ended up in the hospital last time, but that I'd lost 50 pounds before I awakened in an intensive care ward with tubes coming out of most of my orifices and IVs in both arms.

I told her that it was essentially a ‘Perfect Diet’ and the way that it works is, to load your pants pockets with Purina Nuggets and simply eat one or two every time you feel hungry. The food is nutritionally complete (certified), so it works well and I was going to try it again.

(I have to mention here that practically everyone in line was now enthralled with my story.)
Horrified, she asked if I ended up in intensive care because the dog food poisoned me.

I told her no, I had stopped to pee on a fire hydrant and a car hit me.

I thought the guy behind her was going to have a heart attack he was laughing so hard.

Costco won't let me shop there anymore.

Better watch what you ask retired people. They have all the time in the world to think of crazy things to say.

Karen in Central Va

Hello, all. Got all the exercise for the day shoveling (or trying to)........so heavy with the layer of ice on top of the snow, so thick I walk on top and it's like a skating rink all over the yard. But we did get up to 33 with sun, so some melted (I hope). DH went in to work today and the stable sent the barn manager in a huge truck to pick DD up, she may be there a few days as the next two are going to be record breaking lows for here and I'm not about to try to drive those narrow farm roads with ditches on both sides when they are icy to go get her. I did send a bag of food with her so she won't starve and she can sleep in the barn office, it has a couch a couple nights if necessary. She does have to lifeguard at the pool Friday night so must find a way home for then.

So it's been just me and Gemma today. I think she was in shock when they both up and left; she hid behind my chair for a couple hrs. again but I let her alone except for carrying on a one-sided conversation and she came out and has been OK. Will try to get DD to figure out how to put a pic up of her. She came out when I shoveled willingly; I tied her to the mailbox and she seemed happy to watch me work. She's here by me on the floor on her sheepskin. DD got her a Thinsulate dog jacket with detachable fuzzy liner for outside.

I also thought of Mildred beagle giving the judges a nudge for Best in Show!

Carol (peach)........Cried over your poem. On the flashes.......there was a news story the other day that medical scientists have determined that they can last as long as 14yrs.

---

I laughed, had my first at 42 and still have them at 63. No answers here; I just figure they won't kill me. But, I will say, I have had very few night sweats; a good thing.

Joyce.........Your kitty is soooooo darn cute!

Sally.......My Sat. morning yoga has some pilates mixed in and I love it.

Margaret and Mary........ I am soooooo grateful we won't have your temps or w/c; although highs only reaching 20 and lows in the single digits are awful for us....the next two days.

Michele........Safe travels!!! Wish I could stowaway.

Sharon.........Loved your dog pics. Tell son.........document, document, document!!!! Names, dates, times, witnesses. Good luck to him.

thiovallee (sp??)........Anyway, best of luck that you find the new job to your liking.

Sylvia........Loved the up in air shot of Molly. And the joke!!!

Kim........I only hit the cheapie movies whch for us are 5 to 6 dollars. I also enjoyed The Wedding Ringer.....funny!

Have a couple more notes but can't read them. Such is my life.

Hunger is not an emergency.
Determined.
yanniejannie
mid-Atlantic

Just a pop in to say hi. Busy day at work with a catered working lunch (900 calories!) I haven't walked yet so I'll earn back enough for dinner but no snacks tonight. Bitter cold still here in Indiana.

Have a joyful day everyone!

Diana in Northeast Indiana

More snow last night. High of 17 tomorrow. Another round is coming Fri. Then a warm up with lots of rain on Sunday and possible wintry mix again! Be careful what you wish for.
We are iced in. Luckily no power problems as of yet.

I'm sure there are thousands of kids who are celebrating this snow event - especially those who haven't seen it here in the south. Where I grew up in Kansas it was so flat the only way we could sled was if someone's dad would let us tie on the the car bumper and be pulled. My cousins lived in a hilly area and when we visited them they always wanted me to try the sled run they had made. One very bad winter it went out onto the frozen river below their property. HOW DID WE SURVIVE CHILDHOOD?

My doctor told me hot flashes and night sweats can follow us to the grave. Just one of the joys of womanhood. I get occasional night sweats still at age 65.

Sylvia - I loved your "ideas" for doggy categories in a Mutt Championship! Hubby and I really enjoyed the joke!

Heather - glad you are back home safe and sound. I, too, will miss your travel tales.

Katla and Pip - I am envious of your lovely weather. Nice beach time and bike ride!

TNToni
taking the OPPORTUNITY to develop patience in this winter weather

Toni, I often wonder too, how we survived. We would slide down road embankments on cardboard and slide right out onto the road. Also, we would sit inside the scoop of a shovel (we must have been pretty small to do it) and my dad or grandpa would run and shove the shovel across the frozen pond at grandpa's farm. My brother broke through the ice once and my dad went in after him. That was scary. We used to get a lot more snow when we were kids, too. At least here in Kansas. I think this year it all went to Buffalo.

Sylvia

Did 50 minutes of Kathy Smith's Timeless Step DVD today. The plan for tomorrow is to do Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred DVD. Then we leave for FL. Vince is saying that if the weather is cold, he doesn't want to leave early. Personally, I'd rather leave earlier and get to FL earlier.

I'm planning to make some chocolate chip cookies and I'll freeze them so Vince'll have them when we get home

Kim - I hear ya about the price of movies. When we went to the movies in Reston, we actually got the senior discount. It was only 50 cents cheaper than an adult priced ticket, but that's 50 cents more in our pocket. Well, really, Kris' since he paid for the tickets. It wasn't much, but it was something. I like your goal of planning to do a fun thing each week.

Joyce - can you make, say, a full serving of gravy and then freeze part of it and only give your husband a little? That's what I do lots of times. -30, brrrrr

thlavalee - good luck on your new job. What kind of work is it?

Went to the bank, Vince needed to make a deposit for the Newcomers. Had the Newcomer board meeting, then picked up the sedatives for Bonnie & Clyde, then home and made some chocolate chip cookies to have when we get home. I'm not sure if there'll be any coming home that I'm bringing down there.

Mary - stay warm!!! I don't even want to THINK about 19 below!

socialworker - that's great that you're down a pound from your vacation. Hope I'm as lucky!

Terri - Just sayin'....don't be afraid to share that free advice!!!! Fingers crossed that your son gets that scholarship money. Glad your daughter is still exercising.

A while ago Jessica gave me some of her clothes to donate. As I was going thru the clothes, I tried on two pair of pants that fit me and one top. I can understand if she doesn't like the cut of the top, it is one of those crop-like ones. The last time we were in VA, I noticed that she'd gained a bit. She's no where near obese or anything. But I just feel so bad -- she doesn't fit into the clothes but her mother does.

katla - I find that when I exercise during the winter, my knees seem to be a bit stiffer than they are in the summertime.

antoinette - welcome!. We're leaving for the central coast of FL tomorrow. Be sure to have good weather for us!

roserex - you joined by posting! Be sure to bookmark this site and come back often. Just click on the star and when it turns yellow, you're bookmarked.

Vicki - thanks for reminding me that today starts what I'm giving up. I'm going to not eat at the computer. I can drink hot tea but no food. I was falling into a really bad habit of eating at the computer.

k2boxlady - cute joke. This is no joke -- Vince retired from Mars, Inc. (one of their products is Pedigree pet food). Did you know that all of their animal food is tasted by humans? No kidding. when Mars first introduced their dog food into Puerto Rico (no offense to anyone from PR), they couldn't get over how well the product was selling. Based on their projections of how many dogs etc., sales shouldn't have been so high. Then they found out why they were so high. People (no joke) were buying the dog food and baking it like a meatloaf.

Well, just about everything is packed in the car. Oh, there are some things that aren't, like the refrigerated items, my food to take when we stop for lunch, things like that. Liquids (we're afraid they'll freeze during the night even in the garage.)

cutec - what a smart daughter you have there

Michele in NC soon to be in FL

Thought I'd share what I found in the middle of a busy road today (this close to being hit by a car!)... no collar, terribly thin, dirty and matted. I have NO experience with teeny pooches, so any suggestions are most appreciated. I'm mainly concerned about getting a little nourishment into the little fella, but he seems mostly uninterested. Brought him home to take care of until I can find his owner. My 9 year old calls him "Bruiser"

Hello from cold and windy Indiana. Right now its -3 but will continue to go down. I plan on being warm and comfy when it hits -20. Had my every 2 month hair cut today. Charlie was so reluctant for me to drive there. She lives a couple miles up the interstate, about a 15 minute drive. But he was afraid the interstate wouldn't be cleared. HUH??? The snow was 2 nights ago and the interstate will be one of the first things they clear off. There was some drifting onto the highway because of the wide open spaces and wind. He said it was hard to keep the car on the road. After my appointment he said he could tell why I enjoy going there. It's just her in her house and we have known each other long enough that you never have that awkward moment in a barber/beauty shop when you don't know what to say to a stranger. Let's see Christina got married in 1998 and she did the girls hair for the wedding and I was going to her before that. You know i mentioned I had to renew my driver's license and I made sure they took a new picture. Well it came in the mail today with instructions to cut the other one in tiny pieces. well I just love to look at the difference of the two pictures that Charlie did save the picture.

Plan on staying in all day tomorrow, brrrrr

thlalalee good luck with your new job

Mary Mn so your kids are till going to school in that weather? We have been out all week. Now I don't agree with all the closings but this cold temp is worth closing it. But there are so many kids outside playing, maybe there should be school. Is it just us adutls worrying about it?

Sylvia I agree, a dog needs to look like a dog. When we had our shelty we didn't have her professionally groomed, she was bathed in the bath tub and then blow dried and brushed, and brushed, and brushed. Maybe all that dog hair down the drain is why we had plumbing problems? You mentioned yesterday that one of your dogs jumped up on your incision in your belly button. So did they do a colon resection through a mini laporoscopy??? Wow, medicine sure has changed

dogbydog it sounds like you live around Lexington, Ky. My daughter lives in Nicholasville, Ky but they are in Lexington all the time. Their church is there. We were going to be going there Friday but with all the snow and temps right now their musicla has been postponed.

Michele have fun in Florida. How long are you staying??

Selena could that be some kind of terrier? I bet he/she looks beautiful after a bath and some grooming

Joyce, Indiana