WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR NOVEMBER 2016

Morning, all...

Welcome, Sheridan! We've had a couple Aussies here before. Hope you stay - you will definitely have a lot of support here. There's someone on at most times of day, so lots of voices of hope and welcome.
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I bit the bullet and got the books caught up, not my favorite chore, but keeping tabs on our financial situation is going to be even more important, as my final full paycheck will come in tomorrow, then I'm down to part-time.

Also got my paperwork in and have my first intake appointments scheduled with the VA medical center 90 miles away. I'll be interested to see what the labs have to say, and first appt. with the doctor is an hour long, so I'll be taking a list of what I would like to get checked out. Got a female doc, which I always prefer. Also got my VA choice card in, which, if the doctor approves it, will allow me to see a civilian doc here in Fort Stockton. Hopefully won't be an issue.

And... put in a provisional offer on the piece of land in Arkansas with the tear-down cabin. There is infrastructure in place, but I put in a quite low offer, and based it on being able to come up and walk the property and approve of it. When I say low, I mean it, only offered about 2/3 of what they're asking for. We'll just have to see what happens... if they accept it, I'll go grab my sis in Dallas and drag her up there with me. She's excited about the prospect. The offer's only good through 5 p.m. tomorrow, so I'll know quickly whether they're interested at that price.

I did not gain as much weight as I'd feared on the Thanksgiving trip, but did gain a couple pounds. Now it's time to knuckle down, buckle down, and get my health back on track.

Yesterday was the last Monday I'll have to work at the paper (yay!) and we're in good shape for this week's issue. For those who don't know, I'm the managing editor of a small weekly paper in Fort Stockton, Texas.

Lisa in chilly West Texas (s'posed to be highs in the 40s (7 to 8 C) this weekend! Brrr. )

Lisa so exciting about the offer, I don't think 2/3 is a bad ofer for a teardown property..glad you will have a quick turnaround on the answer, keeping fingers crossed I also need to reboot my food since t-day, gained 2 lbs and don't want to add it to MFP until next weekend to see if I can get back, if not, then I have to own up on MFP and go forward from there. Soup to the rescue! meal planning! and getting rid of all the leftover snack food! Today I am carrying in the chips and cookies to work and leaving them on the staff room table....

NYKAREN

Allie - Had to laugh that you grammatically corrected the quote in "The Help"; but, ... "You IS special, you IS kind, you IS loved." [The Help]; not that all maids talk like this; I know ours did not. Good grammar was one of the things my parents required especially since my mother was a HS English/Lit/Grammar HS teacher. I sure loved my "Nannie-L". Her aunt had been our maid before she got too old to work for us and suggested her niece to come work for us. She was a very strong and loving woman. She had lost her husband in a wreck and raised 5 young boys, by herself, all went through college and made a good life for themselves and also helped her out. But, like the young lady in "The Help" ... I also got upset when she 'died' after she had stopped working for us. I know my Mother knew I would have gone to her funeral.

We're glad that our 'advice' has not 'run you off'. GOOD LUCK with your plans on confronting Tom about the financial part of your marriage/relationship.


Off to my weigh-in and 'if' I have just NOT gained any weight, I will be 'thrilled'. Second weigh-in after a weekend of 'food'. UGH!

Lenora

Thursday (the day we left for VA) I just did a Jari Love Get Ripped Bootcamp DVD. I think it was only about 40 minutes long. Just wanted to get some sort of workout in. Then Friday I did an hour of HIIT in the hotel's gym. The Y up there used to open at 5 on the Friday after Thanksgiving and I really liked it. But now they don't open until 7 and that's too late for me, so I wind up doing something at the hotel. We didn't get home until around 2, I was on the computer so I didn't get to bed until 3. I decided to sleep in, it wouldn't kill me to miss one day, so I didn't do anything Saturday. Then Sunday did another hour of HIIT (gotta burn off those calories). Then yesterday I did 10 minutes of a Butt Lift DVD, held my plank for 2 min 50 sec, and then took the extremepump class. Today I did a Gay Gasper Rebounder DVD. The plan for tomorrow is to go to yoga and then take the water aerobics class

Was it ever a long drive home. I'm not mentioning the fact that Vince slept later than I expected. I'd already exercised, showered and was on the computer and he was still in bed. We didn't leave VA until around 10 and then we had to stop at the ceramics place (after all, our back bedroom was getting so devoid of bisq....lol). Vince wants to "consolidate trips". That's one of his big things. Well, that meant we didn't leave there until almost noon. And the traffic! Took us 13 hours to get home (it's usually a 6 to 6-1/2 hr drive). Bumper to bumper all the way. I usually take some craft work with me so I got a lot of my crosstitch done. I'm making this blanket with is VERY VERY involved. I was telling Jess that by the time I get done with it, she can probably give it to her grandkids. Still don't have the car totally unpacked. Yesterday was exercise, bowling, ceramics then mahjongg.

Oh, Vince wasn't feeling well, couldn't talk. He wanted me to ask at the front desk if they had any more of those pads to write on. I think he was planning to write everything and not talk. That never happened. He also wanted me to look to see if they had any hot chocolate. I didn't see any at the breakfast buffet area so I asked at the front desk. They told me it's not an item lots of people want, but they do have some in the kitchen area so I got a few packets. I don't know why they don't put it out. I would think some people (especially kids -- and we've been there when there has been a lot of kids there for a sports tournament -- would like that over coffee)

My throat is a bit scratchy, came home from mahjongg early last night. I'm sure it's because of the change in weather and one time I wore a sweater when I should have had a coat. Vince was saying how "the cold weather doesn't bring on a cold". Well, this isn't a cold, just a scratchy throat. I'll just drink hot tea

Vince put up the 9' tree in our living room and the three smaller trees. I really don't care for the way he has them lined up. But its only for this year. I would think those trees would be nicer downstairs. I'm thinking that maybe instead of all carpeting downstairs, since that's such a big party area, about 3/4 of it should be flooring so that we can have people eat down there. I know from having socials here, no matter what you do, people drop food on the floor.

Welcome everyone new!

Cheri - hope you're feeling better.

Rite - good luck on whatever you decide

Loved all the pictures

Carol/Peach - MIL had this REALLY nice diamond earring set and necklace. Worth a lot of money. Only Vince can't remember where he put it. When I say it's nice, I'm not overexaggerating at all. Kitty Carlysle (who remembers her, I may have misspelled her name) had one just like it. FIL had a set made for MIL.

Lenora - Vince was born on 12/7. For years he thought he was born on Pearl Harbor day. Only he was born a few years afterwards. No, I'm not a step-mother. You all have no idea how important Christmas (especially Christmas Eve) is to me. And there's no way I'll ever see Bryan. It'll be just so hard to lose two children. Since they've only been here once, I like Heather's suggestion of inviting his parents also. We certainly have the room, they can even have their own bedroom and bath!

Opened a box of things from MIL and found these crystal horses that Jess has been asking for so I gave them to her along with a stuffed bear. Found these scissor holders that MIL's sister made. I don't use mine so I'll give MIL's to Jess and mine to Denise.

Speaking of quilts, my aunt made this really nice quilt for Jess. Jess has worn it out and I requilted it. But the material is so thin that the stitches pulled thru. Does anyone know if machine stitching will help?

Ordered a trailer hitch with the San Diego Chargers logo on it for Vince. He loves that team

Lillian - feel better

I'd love a clock for out by the pool. But what I'd like is quite expensive. It has to be a clock with number (not dots for the hours), large, and waterproof. Not just indoor/outdoor, it needs to be able to be rained on. That type of clock is quite expensive

Last Mon one gal at ceramics asked if I was going to the ceramics Christmas party. I didn't know anything about it. Now I went last year. She thinks I probably didn't get my invitation because I left so early. Yet, last night none of the ladies said anything to me about it. In a way I feel if I go that I would be "crashing" it, yet I don't know of a way to ask if I'm invited. If I were to ask, I'm sure the answer would be "of course" (what else would you expect?). Vince doesn't think there's any issue, that I'm invited. But I just feel funny

barbie - love the shoes. So glad they are working for you

tere - I sure hope you're right about kids learning where their love comes from. I know Jess was really hurt that Denise didn't come to her place for Thanksgiving but instead chose her high school friends. Jess has invited her for years, and Denise has only come twice, once by herself and once with Pete. I wouldn't be surprised if Jess doesn't invite her next year. I'm thinking that she's getting sick of all the excuses why Denise can't/won't come.

Lenora - thank you for the lovely "Light of God" post.

Marcelyn - what is your idea for a Christmas gift? Wow! 90 nieces and nephews! How do you keep track of all of them?

Cheri - good luck with the house

katla - I love soup too. So glad that Heather gave me the idea of putting the shirataki noodles in it. I'd never thought of that.

Lisa - I didn't gain as much as I'd feared over Thanksgiving. I do have to say that when I woke up on Sat., I had "cotton mouth". I'm sure it was from all the carbs the day before. That's gone now. It took me two days to get really back to normal eating. I did minimize things Sat. but still went over a bit

Phew! I think I've about caught up.

Michele in NC

Rori prayers. May they contain the fire quickly.

.

Barbie: It sounds like you have a good physical therapist. I know that are a motivated patient and predict success. :flowerforyou:

Leonora: We had an old crockpot that wasn't hot enough and gave us all food poisoning. That one went to the landfill & the replacement has been just fine. I haven't had any MFP problems lately. I hope your get yours resolved.

Liz in Caldwell: Sending good thoughts your way. I hope you get all of your concerns resolved at your surgical follow up appointment.

SheridanWild: You've found a good place for support. My best advice is log every bite and swallow and measure your portions. Welcome! :flowerforyou:

Lisa: Good luck with all your changes.


We think that raccoons may be trying to take up residence under our house. It is time to contact the pest control company our neighbor suggested and I can't find the message at the moment. If need be I'll contact the neighbor again.

Katla in Beautiful NW Oregon

Nothing is impossible, the word itself says 'I'm possible'!" -Audrey Hepburn

Charleen ~ What a cute story!

Heather Doesn't it feel good to have that holiday shopping done? I wish I could say mine was done. By the way, from a few posts back, what are your favorite stinky cheeses? And...sorry your house viewers let you down again. Looking at that picture of Bea, and doing some yoga, will soothe you. I had to laugh about your son friending you on FB. I am subjected to postings raving about hard rock bands, long diatribes on issues my son feels strongly about, and treacly statements of sentiment on wedding anniversarys and DIL's birthday, etc. My partner and I are not "friends" with each other and I find that to be much preferable. I don't really want to see all that stuff, LOL!!!

Gloworm Hope you slept well after your first day of work!

Charleen Are the fires under control now? 7 miles is way too close.

Lisa Keeping my fingers crossed for your real estate deal!

Cheri Sending a rosy glow to surround your house to bedazzle the potentials and spark a bidding war! Hope you sell it for top dollar.

to everyone, and welcome to Newbies.

Karen in Virginia

Charleen-Cute story!
Pip- Do you have all of that snow right now?!
Hi all! Just reading today!

Hi Gals,

Glo – so glad for you! Hope that first day went great!

Heather – your comment about your brother being terrible about his diet, made me think about my friends that have non-healthy diets, and how in the last few months I have been cooking great stuff, but not “catering” to the non-healthy diets… of course being careful of allergies – but I have one friend who LOVES pasta, and lately I have just not been fixing pasta when she comes over and its been fun to see her enjoy some healthier options – I did butternut squash last night, just mashed with a “dusting” of toasted pecan pieces over it, and she was loving the sweet potatoes – when I told her it was butternut, she was amazed.

On facebook, I’m not a huge fan either but I have used it to stay in touch with certain folks, and when the god kids were just starting off in college it was a great way to see the pictures and figure out what maybe needed to be talked about a bit…

Purl – hugs!

Allie – sending hugs So proud of you! Each step no matter how small is BIG when it is a difficult step for you. We’ll be sitting on your shoulder, or in your pocket, just supporting you while you talk with Tom


Michele – quilting - I don’t think machine quilting would help in fact I think it might be worse, but there is backing you could put between the top and the batting that could help stabilize it.. a good quilt fabric store should be able to help.


Marcelyn – That has to be the toughest of all a gift that goes to a black hole…. *** Later great! Glad you got that solved***

Katla – sending good thoughts for DH’s eye issues

Cheri – I had forgotten (as I am sure you had NOT) that the Ohio house had not been sold…. Sending many a good thought!

Carey – can you get another opinion?

Charleen – LOVE the story!


November Goals:

Write Christmas letter, and have all cards ready to send by Dec1…
Read and report on a book
Log everyday to the best I can, over if need be.
11,000 + steps everyday
Work on water consumption -

Smiles.

Kim from N. California

KJLaMore wrote: »

Charleen-Cute story!
Pip- Do you have all of that snow right now?!
Hi all! Just reading today!

No, that was years past

Carey - so sorry for you

Carol/Peach - maybe Pip's dogs pull the sled!!!!

Made chocolate chip, ginger, lime, sugar, and I'm now making the last batch of oatmeal raisin cookies. That'll be all for today. And so the holiday baking begins

I have a question: I usually make my hard boiled eggs in the pressure cooker. Most of the time they come out fine. but occasionally they are "mushy". I have well over an inch of water above the eggs, so why does that happen sometimes?

One good thing about this "scratchy" throat. You know how I've said that raw cookie/brownie/cake dough is my downfall? Well, even with all the baking, I find that I "sample" much less. But I do "sample". the truth of the matter is that you need to be sure that the cookies taste right (like in the lime cookies I used the True Lime instead of lime juice) and that they are cooked properly.

Got the car unloaded from VA, am now putting things away. Jessica is getting much much better. In the past I usually had to wash things (like the roaster) when I got home. But she put almost everything in her dishwasher. Maybe the fact that I bought plastic plates for us to use rather than pottery/corelleware had something to do with it. She had more time and room in her dishwasher.

Heather - I know I've talked about this lady in Newcomers who really needs to lose weight for knee replacement but the foods she eats!!!! Well, Vince went to the orthopedic doc today about the cortisone shot he got in his knee (it's arthritis). The doc said he would like for Vince to go at least 6 months before getting another one. She gets cortisone shots in her knee almost every other month. I just wish she would at least try to help herself. Her poor hubby is so devoted, he helps her so much. There are things that she won't do because she feels like she's imposing on people when they make special arrangements for her (like she didn't come to the Halloween social because I'd have to borrow a wheelchair for her). How sad it is. Whenever there's a pot luck, she always takes a dessert.

I don't really care for facebook, I don't log in all that much. But it is nice to keep up with the special goings on with some people

Kim - the quilt already has the binding on it. Will that backing still help? How would you get it on with the binding on?

Michele in NC

Michele - I think the difference in my knee is all the strengthening exercises I do every day. I thought they might make my knee stronger (I have had a problem with it since I was 16 years old), but I didn't anticipate that it would look so much better. I must say I used to hate the look of it. I still know I've got a bad knee, but it functions, as long as I'm careful.

Love you ladies. Carey - hope your eyes improve soon. You are right to demand a diagnosis that makes sense.

Heather UK