WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR MAY 2016

Michele – Yeah, my DYS is a ‘hoot’. What has been very surprising is, that his ‘new’ wife and ‘new’ daughter have gotten him to do things that he never would have done before; like getting up on the table in a restaurant and dance with his ‘new’ daughter. So many other things, too numerous to count. I’m just amazed. He’d do anything for them. He is a ‘prankster’ for sure. My DOS is very animated when it comes to telling stories. He is my 'art critic' and is sometimes very bold about what he 'thinks' is wrong and way when he looks at my paintings. But, I appreciate it, especially when I am painting something on 'commission'. I want it to be 'right'.

This is probably a deciduous bush/tree – But, we have a ‘Japanese magnolia’ which has pretty tulip shape flowers in early spring; and the puts out its leaves and they last until late fall. Azaleas are about the only plant I can think of that blooms and still keeps its leaves during the year. We have a plant on either side of our deck steps, which has green leaves that turn a beautiful rust/wine color in the fall and is full of star-shaped flowers in the spring. I know it starts with a “S” … spatellephia-something-or-the other. I’ll have to look it up in my Southern Living book of flowers and plants and will let you know what it is. Do you know which ‘zone’ you live in? Most azaleas like to have ‘filtered’ light and do well under pine trees – has something to do with the soil around the pine trees. Camilla's are another plant that keeps it leaves and puts out flowers (usually in the fall). You just have to watch for the black mold. Roses are not as difficult to grow as some people would lead you own; again, you have to watch for 'black mold'. Knowing your 'zone' will make it easier to know what might live and grown in your area of the country (USA) ... not sure about other countries, I am sure they have 'zones' as well.

Charleen2 – I agree with Pip; you cannot compare one dog to another, any more than you can compare one child to the other. Each has the personality all their own. We never thought we could replace “Shorty” (who had become DH’s dog once we moved out here); but “Cracker” is an ‘inside’ dog; but she gets to go outside a lot. She follows DH around like his shadow when he is here. But, she knows who spoils her. DH says that ‘if’ she could talk; she’d have a whole lot to say! The expression she has in her face makes us laugh all the time. But, we did mourn for “Shorty” for a good 6 months before I picked “Cracker” out at the ‘animal shelter’ who was going to put her up for ‘adoption’ the Saturday after I got her on Thursday. She’s coming up on her birthday (or what is about as close) on June 16th. She and DOS share a birthday. We had always had ‘pure breeds’; but, they had gotten ‘so expensive’ that we could not afford to get another one. Cracker is a “Jack Rat”. Face of a Jack Russell; and the body and legs of a Rat Terrier (we don’t know where her tail came it, it sort of curls around to one side. I really think, after having her, that I will always have a 'mixed breed' that is a 'rescued' dog. I think they are 'smarter'. Not so much 'inbreeding' for certain traits like full breeds.

Kim from N. California – When my boys went off to college; it would have been ‘nice’ to have someone help us getting ‘financial’ aid for them. We waded through FASFA and Pell Grants; and, had nobody to explain any of them to us. I would have preferred to have started paying on the principal on the FASFA, instead of just ‘interest’ for 2 years. I could have gotten it paid off in far less of time than I have been getting it paid off. DYS had to obtain his own financial aid, when he decided to go ‘out of state’ for school. Thankfully, the lady in charge of making sure my MSU got his transcripts for his previous school was ‘charmed’ by this young man; and, she helped his get so many scholarships and other loans that actually paid for most of his schooling. We helped on ‘living expenses’.

I try to always buy my art supplies when they are ‘on sale’. Both Michaels and Hobby Lobby usually have good sales. I prefer to buy my canvases from Michael’s because they keep an excellent supply of the museum quality canvases; and I find they are more true to being 'square'. I will take a "T" ruler with me to double check the ones I buy at Hobby Lobby. Nothing is more unsettling that spending time doing a painting only to find out you have to frame it professionally because it is out of square. I bought a black canvas to paint sunflowers on for my ‘new’ granddaughter who wants the ‘pink’ even though she knows they are mostly ‘yellow’. She wants them to go in her room which is ‘pink’.

Katla – I’m going to share the poem about being an ‘old lady’ with my sons. Not that I would ever want to live with either one; I’ve already spent a time living with my DOS – I did not like it; and, could not wait to move out. DH had my studio built before they finished the house; so we moved into it; with boxes stacked up around all the walls; we had a heater, A/C, bed, coffee maker, 2 burner stove, … and I would only go to their house to watch TV or take a shower during the day; and, would come back to our little ‘home’ before they got home from work. We also had the 'port-a-john' that I had from when I had a bad wreck several years earlier. If I did anything such as make up the bed or put the dishes in the dishwasher or take the clean ones out – I was snooping! So I stopped even doing that for them.

Lgilchrist – You need to ‘bookmark’ this thread. By coming to it and then clicking on the outline of a star. It will turn yellow; and, then when you close out and come back in, click on the gray star between the gray bell and gray gear. It will put down a dropdown screen for you for the current month. Every end of the month barbiecat will post a link that will take you to the next month. In this case; you will usually see two months that have a ‘number’ of ‘new posts’. You can go in and read all that have been posted the previous month and then go into the 'new' month by going back to the star, clicking it again and the previous posts will no longer be highlighted in yellow. When you post, the site will ‘usually’ take you back to your last posting. Quite often I will go back a few because people are posting all the time; and, you might miss a few if you don't. A lot of us, open up a ‘word processing program’ (WPP) and put them side-by-side and answer the comments that way; then use the ‘cut and paste’ feature to post them to the ‘last page’ that is open on the site. When you are posting, you cannot go back a page without saving the post; otherwise, you will lose all that you have typed in (unless you save the post). Then you can go back and add any comments to your current post by hitting the upper right-hand corner of the post until a ‘black gear’ shows up; it will give you an hour to ‘edit’ your post (hit the time dropdown list). The “quote” feature lets you post the comment of another and answer it in your post; if it is a particularly long one; and you only want to answer a portion of it; you can delete those parts you don’t want. I’m not sure what the ‘flag’ feature is … other than to ‘flag’ something you think might be offensive to others and then MFP can remove it if they agree. The ‘like’ and ‘awesome’ feature works pretty much like on other ‘social networking sites’ I’ve never used either, so somebody else might be able to tell you what it means.

Welcome to a ‘great group of gals’ (most of us over the age of 50; although we aren’t against accepting other women of ages below 50). This is a sight that is ‘exclusive’ for women and I don’t think we have had a guy try to join in. Tell us a little about yourself, name you prefer to be called, location (general of specific), family, hobbies, etc. Come often and post often. About the only 2 subjects we try to stay clear of is ‘politics’ and ‘religion’ since there are so many of us who practice/believe their own;

If you have any questions, don’t be afraid to ask. You’ll find that we are one big happy family; and, we will do our best to encourage you on your trip and ‘new’ lifestyle. You’ll find that we are not afraid to share our deepest concerns and feelings.

Heather – You are probably right about your daily ‘caloric intake’ being correct to ‘maintain’ your weight; I am on a doctor approved/ordered diet plan that is well under 1000 calories a day; I am just beginning to add some ‘regular’ food to my daily diet on a daily basis; even though it puts me into the category of calories for ‘maintaining’. Right now I am struggling with that last 10-15lbs and I know that ‘exercise’ is the answer. I’m like you, I don’t really like to exercise; but, now that DH has mowed paths for me to walk on, I have no real excuse. We’ve opened our pool and I will walk laps in it. Great exercise. I’m using my hula hoop for exercise and have the list of materials to make one that ‘works’ for an adult. The ones you buy at K-Mart or Wal-Mart are too small and too light. Great exercise for that core portion of your body and helps make the belly smaller.

Lenora

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Happy Memorial Day to those who have served our country past and present. My closest hero being my husband who gave over 21 years of service to the US Air Force. He spent time in many countries and positions including a two year stint in "special ops" during the Vietnam war era, when they did not wear their uniforms nor carry any ID in case of capture. Like many vets he does not speak much of his experiences during that time.

Janetr okc

PHEW! Two hours, ten minutes of defrosting our huge upright freezer! Don't think MFP give you a calorie count for that! Boiling water, carrying bowls, chipping away, unloading and reloading. DH and I managed to not fall out, though it was touch and go when he knocked two of the shelf doors off (a ×#×#×#÷+ to get back on) and then switched the fridge off instead of switching the freezer back on. Never mind. It's done! :drinker: I will never buy a non self defrosting one again, but this one came as a matching pair with the fridge. :ohwell: The garage one is self defrosting.
I wanted to get it done before we went away as ice was bulging everywhere.

Now relaxing with tea and Indian pickle open sandwich. :bigsmile:

Love Heather UK

PS - We discovered some lovely plums from last year's harvest and some remains of my homemade stem ginger ice cream. Guess what's for dessert! (Just a scrape of ice cream for me - I actually have a new batch of yoghurt in the oven)

Memorial Day A time to remember those in the military and, I would add, the many civilians who worked for the cause of peace who gave their lives in war and conflict. These people do it without any thought of being "heroes". What is most courageous to me, is that those who served are often the first to forgive, while all the time remembering and insuring that we never forget. Their valour serves a sharp contrast to that of the "armchair soldiers". So on this Memorial Day, let us remember their sacrifice and reflect on what far wiser persons than I have said:

"The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong." Mahatma Gandhi

"With malice toward none, with charity for all, ...let us strive on to finish the work we are in, ...to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations..." Abraham Lincoln, Second Inaugural Address

Thank you to all you ladies who served or who are the wife, daughter, mother, cousin, granddaughter, partner, or special friend of those who serve, did serve, or died in service.

CJ

Senator Carper wrote a moving op-ed about his visits to Viet Nam where he served as a Navy pilot My trip to Vietnam: a journey back in time, and a look into the future
https://medium.com/@SenatorCarper/the-future-of-u-s-vietnamese-relations-if-you-want-to-travel-far-go-together-c4ee9162f38f#.3406m7paj

Katla49 wrote: »

Cheri: Best wishes for a successful job search for your DH and an end to "limbo" for both of you. :flowerforyou:

Becca: Your food photos are great. The berries and oatmeal is gorgeous & so is the quinoa salad. Making the individual portion sized lasagna is brilliant.

Michele: Rhododendrons and Azaleas are in a family that includes evergreen and deciduous varieties. They come in a lovely array of colors. You might put deciduous Azaleas in front of evergreen Rhodies. Azaleas are more likely to stay low to the ground and might be what you are looking for. Rhodies can get very big if they aren't pruned to keep them in check, but there are some varieties that stay smaller than others. This would be a good time of year to go to a nursery that grows both and see how lovely they are. I have two Rhodies, one on either side of my front door. One of them always blooms before the other and I end up having flowers for Mother's Day from one plant and Memorial Day from the other plant most years. They do need attention to stay within their space and some need to be "deadheaded" for a better appearance when the blooms finish & go brown. They both bloom in spring and are simple evergreen broad leafed shrubs the rest of the time. Look below for a photo I found online.

Pip: I can't imagine being without a dog, either, although we prefer one at a time. Our first Keeshond died suddenly and unexpectedly from a bee sting, and I started looking for a pup right away. I was still working at the time and DH had already retired and was home alone way too much. The new pup was a major blessing for him. We've had our current guy nine years now, and he is in excellent health. I still miss our first Keeshond, Sucia. She was a corker. The current guy is sweet as can be, fabulous with the grandchildren, and able to get along with every dog he meets. She had an Alpha personality and he has an Omega personality. :bigsmile:


I went down and sat in the sailboat for a while this afternoon. I miss it so much! I might go back and hang out again. Our friends have gone to a nearby anchorage to spend the holiday weekend together and I wish we were there, too. DH is not comfortable on the boat anymore and it breaks my heart. I love horseback riding, which is my consolation prize, but I love the boat in a deep way that combines memories from decades of our married life and fun times.

Katla in Beautiful NW Oregon

Tibetan proverb: "The secret to living well and long is: Eat half, walk double, laugh triple and love without measure..."

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

Well Katla, I showed the mini loaf pans all filled with the lasagna to my husband before I put them in the oven to bake more. He just shook his head at me... lol!!!! Lasagna shouldn't be cute he said.. I did have to soak the pan to get off all the baked gunk off it though. I use that to make mega awesome brownies with 4 sides of dense crunchiness!!! I have never been brilliant before...ever.. hahahaha!! (Says the lady that washed her hair last night so she could have clean hair to go on to the clean sheets). I am mentally brilliant....
Becca
Oregon

My husband (when I first met him in 1984) Hottie huh!!



My husbands father (without his short on), in the Army.


My own father (tallest one on the right), with his Navy buddies on shore leave.


Becca

✔️

Yep Vicki, his itching kept him up most of the night. Just trying to keep things light, and not stressed takes conscience work. He is tired of being in his brace (from his fractured kneecap), tired of being itchy, tired of being yellow (jaundice), and wishes the doctors would call us. Why do most medical situations happen on a holiday or weekend.... lol.
Becca

Michele Some other bush suggestions . These are all very hardy bushes that can be trimmed back as they all need eventually. Witch hazel blooms very, very early. It sometimes flowers in February. A plant that I find fascinating is Harry Lauder's walking stick. As you gather from the name, it has a wonderful shape, although it is not evergreen. A later bloomer is oakleaf hydrangea. It looms in the middle to end of May and reblooms and the blooms stay until the fall. They are wonderful cut or dried. There are many size varieties. The old, native varieties can get quite big, but they are easy trimmers and hard to kill. You might want to plant something like vinca that has pretty violet flowers to form a blanket around the base of the bushes. Catawba is native to North Carolina and evergreen as are other types of rhododendrons. Finally- if you combine some early bloomers with winterberry, you are guaranteed color all 12 months of the year. the winterberries stay all through the winter until spring when the cycle begins again. Some people cut branches to use in winter arrangements.

It poured yesterday, thankfully after I finished the patio. I was laying brick by 6:30 a.m. in order to beat the rain. 5 hours later, and I was done. The sun is shining now and if the weather holds, I will go to the Memorial Day wreath laying in town. A number of events have already been canceled. It is a nice ceremony - everyone walks behind the small parade to the monument erected in honor of those who died for the Union in the Civil War that was dedicated on a very early Decoration Day almost 150 years ago.

Patio Progress so far - I have put in all the bricks, expanded the kitchen garden a bit. I still have to rent a tamping machine and complete permanently staking the edging bricks for the kitchen garden as well as adding compost, top soil and mulch. I will wait to rent the machine until I finish the front walk, to save one rental. I was reluctant to tackle the front walk, but after speaking with a retired mason, I think I can handle it. There used to be two old elms right next to the walk. They are long gone, but the roots have to be dug out and an entirely new underlayment installed before I can do any brick laying. I did some temporary patching a few years ago, but it has not held at all. The heavy rains this year have made the walk a miniature roller coaster.

CSSJ09 wrote: »

Memorial Day A time to remember those in the military and, I would add, the many civilians who worked for the cause of peace who gave their lives in war and conflict. These people do it without any thought of being "heroes". What is most courageous to me, is that those who served are often the first to forgive, while all the time remembering and insuring that we never forget. Their valour serves a sharp contrast to that of the "armchair soldiers". So on this Memorial Day, let us remember their sacrifice and reflect on what far wiser persons than I have said:

"The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong." Mahatma Gandhi

"With malice toward none, with charity for all, ...let us strive on to finish the work we are in, ...to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations..." Abraham Lincoln, Second Inaugural Address

Thank you to all you ladies who served or who are the wife, daughter, mother, cousin, granddaughter, partner, or special friend of those who serve, did serve, or died in service.

CJ

Senator Carper wrote a moving op-ed about his visits to Viet Nam where he served as a Navy pilot My trip to Vietnam: a journey back in time, and a look into the future
https://medium.com/@SenatorCarper/the-future-of-u-s-vietnamese-relations-if-you-want-to-travel-far-go-together-c4ee9162f38f#.3406m7paj

CJ: Thank you for this post. It touches my heart. My dad and uncles served in WWII, I lost a dear cousin in Viet Nam, and my son is active duty.

Katla in Beautiful NW Oregon

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bwcetc wrote: »

Cheri ... Praying your husband receives good news soon!!
Beth near Buffalo

Thank you!

cj - huge job with the brick laying, but it is such a feeling of success when finishing something like this.

Becca - Thanks to YOU, your DH, and DSx3 - as the family deserves the recognition too.

My dad, and his dad both servered in WWII and his younger brother and my mom's brother served in Korea, they have all passed now... but thanks to them as well.

It's just about lunch time and I am to 17K+ steps....

Kim in N. Cal