WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR DECEMBER 2016

Heather: I'm glad that your DH came back from his walk in a better mood. In my experience, walking is a good way to reduce stress and find a sense of peace.

Charleen in CO: I love that your friends shoveled your porch, sidewalk & path up the driveway. What is even better is the way you "paid it forward" to your newest neighbor. WTG!!! :bigsmile:

Gayle in Minneapolis: I'm sorry that your DH is behaving like an awakening volcano and happy that you're going to a counselor for yourself. Good luck. :flowerforyou:


We got our new printer up and working and that is good news. It is our joint Christmas present for this year. I had another idea in mind, but we'll see about that later. We need to be able to print. DH is currently napping in the living room.

I am planning to make chicken soup for dinner. We've been having soups on a regular basis lately and love the first serving, but are frustrated because the pasta continues to "grow" in the pot after we put leftovers into the refrigerator. We decided to try Orzo. It is shaped like rice and about the same size. Maybe it will stay a reasonable size in the leftover soup. I hope so. I'll let you know how the experiment goes in a few days.


Katla in Beautiful NW Oregon

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

THIS IS A LONG, LONG ONE! I'M NOT A HAPPY CAMPER AT THE MOMENT.

Allie – I understand. We never thought that we would basically retire ‘out in the country’; but, here we are; but, DH still works. He is a self-employed paint contractor and our DOS works for him. He has really tried to slow down; but, I am not seeing it. Today I had a real ‘melt-down’ about some things that were totally ‘out of my control’. There are times, even though I could NOT ever ask for a better DH; that it seems like he does things that I, personally, would give a ‘deadline’ to have some people do things – to ease up on us. Of course, we never thought I would be required to ‘retire on a disability’ either. Talk about getting a real wake-up call. Not only did I spend 2 ½ months (in-and-out) of hospitals, my income dropped by 75%. But, at least I was ‘vested’ … so I do get a retirement check every month. It’s just a shame that ‘health insurance takes more than ½ of it’. But, at least I am thankful we have it and I don’t see it and we don’t have to pay for it out of our SSI and SSD checks. There’s always a silver lining, you just have to ‘look’ harder at times, it seems.

So … now my rant … haven’t ranted too much, I don’t think.

Today, I was resentful of DH; for not being here this week. But, he and DOS look forward to their 10-day trip to go hunting with DYS out in Louisiana. I was resentful of my DOS for ‘not’ doing much in the way of allowing his Dad to ‘let up’ insofar as the business. Resentful of DDnL#1 for a ‘post’ she made on FB; even ‘if’ she had done it about someone else. I just did not ‘hit’ me the right way, especially since that day, I have allowed here to drive my car to work so that DOGD could take her car into the shop. The post just ‘hit me wrong’.

A few weekends ago was the ‘first’ time in over 16 years that she ‘admitted’ to us, that she needed help. At first she tried to lay blame on us; but, DH refused to allow her to ‘even go there’. She was so close to having a ‘melt-down’ that she was asking for our help. DH told her that he really thought she needed to make an appointment with her MD and see about something to calm her nerves, or else she end up in the hospital under less than the best of conditions. Surprisingly, she called her OB/GYN and she put her on Wellbutrin. I’ve been on it before. She talked to him as if I was ‘not in the room’ using phrases like ‘I don’t want to be like her’. “Well, darling, you are a lot more like me than you think.” She had come down here ‘against’ DOS’s wishes. He thought that ‘in her condition … crying all the time’ that she’d only make matters worse (between us).

She was a lot calmer within 2 days. So, apparently, on our trip up to see DOGD’s boyfriend graduate from college … I said something that just did not set well; but, she said nothing about it. Until this post on FB. Pretty much to the effect that ‘some people don’t have to worry about things, they just go out and get them’. I want to say, ‘stop biting the hands that feed you (or help all of you). We’re busting our @$$-es and they just keep asking for $$$ (because if we don’t, then the girls won’t …). I’m tired of having the girls ‘dangled in front of my nose like a carrot to a horse’. Resented having the ‘girls’ totally ignore a ‘favor’ I had asked so that I could fix my slippers that one of them gave me. I resented Cracker for tearing the stuffing out of them.

Went to crank the trucks for DH; no problem until I turned his GMC off and the ‘security’ light came on. I could not get the key to turn either way even when I jerked the steering wheel that is supposed to ‘unlock’ it. I don’t know if the light had been on or what, I just did not notice it until I had cranked the darn thing. Tire is going flat (he knew that was happening); but, I am afraid that now he will need an expensive ignition … I’ve heard so much about how badly he needs a ‘new’ truck that I want to tell him, take the damn money out of my retirement account, take my car and trade it in on a new truck (as long as they will pay my note off). We can just be a one-vehicle family. Would not be convenient (especially for me); but, I am tired of all the total ‘bitching’ that is going on about getting a newer truck. He’s told DYS to let him know what they’ll give him when he decides to sell his present truck. I told him, you are crazy if you think he is going to do that … they’ll have to pay off any existing note; and, the way you are asking that he sell you the truck is not right!

DYS has gotten to the point that he won’t call his brother because of the negativity that exudes out of every word he has to say. I feel like a ping-pong ball that is getting slammed at every turn. So as I cried the entire 30 minutes to get into town, I bought another thing of pink thread (that my DMGD had ‘left in her BF’s truck … and she did not know when she’d get it). Two days of not having it to work on my slippers. Everybody has a FREAKING excuse! I want a ‘Calgon Moment’; but, I am not even sure I could relax because our tub is so short. I’m having a one-woman pity party here. So excuse me … I will go to bed earlier tonight and maybe I will feel better by the time they get home.

I’d like to have ‘retired’ to the beach, honestly. But, at least I am thankful that we did not move to Denver 30 years ago. There ARE things to be ‘thankful’ for …

Sorry for the RANT! It’s been a while since I have felt this way.


Heather – I’ve been bipolar probably since my teens; although I did not get diagnosed until I was 35. It’s been a ‘rough’ 31 years, it was rough even before then – not understanding what I was going through or why. I would not blame my DH if he ‘packed up and left’ when I am ‘in an episode’. Usually, I am just fine, so long as my medications are all in ‘tweak’ with one another. Right now, I don’t really ‘think’ they are. But, I have also had friends whose husbands were ‘bipolar’ and it seems like it affects a man in a worse way than it does women. I know that my DH does the things he does for our boys; because of the way he and his brother got treated. They ‘hated’ him; but, DH says that ‘at least he learned how to be a worker’ because of it. Oh, and his brother also works for him. He is so slow and there is no reason that he needs to work, except that every dime he makes working for DH goes for expensive scratch-off lottery tickets. He’s won some big prizes; but, you can’t convince me that he hasn’t paid out nearly as much. You ought to see the ‘stacks’ of losing lottery tickets he has on his sofa table. Maybe he turns them in for ‘2nd chance drawings’ or something.

I think maybe the ‘big moon’ has had something to do with just about everybody’s moods. LOL!!! Men and Women. Children and animals.


Charleen – Your neighbors sound wonderful for doing that for you.’’


NYKAREN – Oh, DH is definitely an ‘enabler’. He just uses me as his ‘sounding board’. I just want to ‘smack’ him sometimes; but, I would never do that. Even DYS says that DOS gets him to do things that HE really needs to do (or pay for). It’s not fair to DYS, who has never asked us for anything. He made his own financial arrangements for going to out-of-state university. We helped by paying his rent the entire time. We gave him an allowance; but, we were both working and could afford to do so. He’s got a great job working for 5 men and a wonderful wife and step-daughter. DYS is ‘happy and well-adjusted’ … I want to live near him, not right next door to our DOS at the moment. Way too much freaking ‘drama’ that gets brought home to Mama. BUT, if I say anything that is taken as a possible ‘insult’ to his ‘wife’ (DDnL#1 … not necessarily always ‘dear’) … he gets mad and takes up for her, or her side is ‘right’.


Pip - HA! HA! I don’t think I could get Cracker to put one of those coats on, no matter the weather outside. We tried training her when we got her; but, clothes? Nahda! Right now she is still in the doghouse. Got my slippers repaired; thanks to a curved needle.


Joyce – Ever since they ‘upped’ my starting point on my C-pap, I’ve not had any more problems of ‘not getting to sleep’. I had thought about going back to my old one for a while; but, decided against it, when I got told that AHP could call the MD and get an order to set it up. My old one, all I had to do is turn it on, take a deep breath and it would start. I flatly refuse to have another ‘pill’ Rx’d for me. Doesn’t seem like I can go off any of the ones I have to take. I do take all my ‘bipolar’ meds at night because they make me really sleepy and I cannot function if I take them in the AM (or even ½ of them in the AM).

If you have back pain, I would suggest investing in a ‘mattress warmer’. Like an electric blanket but from the backside up. Surprisingly, you cannot feel the wires that go through it. Best darn thing I have purchased in a long time. My Mother had one on her bed.

Today, the weather here was beautiful. I probably could have worn shorts! Crazy, because 2 days ago it was rainy and cold.

I told my lung MD the last time I went to see him, after getting the reading out of C-pap to send to Medicare, that ‘if’ I ever had to go through another ‘sleep study’ that he would have to give me an order to have it done at the ‘sleep study place for the hospital’. He asked me why and I told him that the beds there were adjustable and his beds were like trying to sleep on a slab of marble. Pillows were even worse. He just laughed. I meant it!


Barbie – I still have my pulley over my 2nd bedroom door. Sometimes doing that makes my shoulder feel so much better. I’ve done ‘exactly’ what the OrthoMD told me to do, both times, and I have not had any trouble. I think when you get to our age, we need to keep those parts moving or else they will freeze up … and then ‘rust’.


DH just called and I ‘fell apart’ over the phone, because of not being able to start his truck a 2nd time after taking out the key. He said I’d probably have to jiggle the thing, could not do it, he’ll just have to do it tomorrow himself. I HATE that damn truck!

I ate a hamburger patty tonight; and some lima beans. But, I had to walk 25 minutes on the treadmill to work my daily food intake ‘off’. I don’t like ‘eating back my calories’ … I prefer to stay within my daily CI.

Tonight I will watch the news from the bed. Right now watching the Ninja Warrior show. I tense up every time they jump over something. I think I get tired doing that. HA! HA! HA!

Lenora

katla I've got a suggestion for your soup pasta---par cook a batch separate from the soup (al dente) and store it in the fridge. Add it to each batch of soup when you hear it up, won't swell up and tastes great. I LOVE SOUP

Lisa sorry for your blues, this too shall pass. Send us a pic of your tablet quilt.

Well the lamb roast wasn't so terrific, there is plenty left and will look up some recipes to figure out how transform into something better- shepherds pie perhaps?

Have to get to the gym first thing and prep for DD homecoming Wednesday. Should be an easier week only one evening concert and two very simple caroling events with the kids-heres hoping

Pushing the cookies away, NYKAREN

(((Lisa)))

(((Lenora)))

I see students having a more difficult time this time of year, too. I think it is a combination of the Holiday Stress, the shorter days, more candy and cookies, and this week because of our sub zero temps not getting out for recess. Once winter hits which it has up here everything takes longer too. Getting ready and out the door, driving, shopping because of the holidays.

I made up my mind many years ago to pace what I do for the holidays. I only make one kind of bar and perhaps caramels if I I have time. I divide theses and give out small batches as gifts.

Margaret

Good morning ladies. Haven't checked in for a week but I have been logging most of my food. Keeping very busy. Looking for friends that log their food on mfp. Please add me. Time for breakfast, steel cut oats with apples, cinnamon, pineapple, raw almonds and strawberries today. Need to go shopping to get more blueberries and bananas. Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. Have a wonderful day.

Barbie: I love your snowman. I'd never thought of putting spaghetti sauce over cauliflower. It sounds good.

Sue: It is great to see that you're enjoying your trip. :bigsmle:

NYKaren: The partially cooked pasta in the fridge is a great soup idea. We tried orzo last night and it is destined to go down in history as a once in a lifetime event. Neither of us liked it. :noway: We like lamb rare and also like lamb stew. Most of our lamb is tiny T-bones and we grill them on the BBQ. :bigsmile:

Heather: We got Hairy Bikers programs from our previous TV provider but their shows aren't offered by our current TV provider. :ohwell:

Rita: I love soup and that is what we had last night. As previously mentioned, I didn't love orzo. :noway:


The day has started with a call from my son that was welcome, and a quarrel with DH that wasn't welcome. I think we have cabin fever from being cooped up. I vote for getting out of the house for a while. I may take the dog for a walk, drag DH out to lunch, or both.


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

Good Morning! Wet and chilly here!

Cheri ~ I can well imagine what you have been through if your husband has been diagnosed with Asperger's. I remember some of the 5th graders I taught and how self-absorbed they were. You have been so supportive and i commend you for all you have done to make your marriage work.

Ladies ~ It seems like so many of you are venting this weekend about DH's. Hugs for all of you. I know exactly how you feel...47 yrs of marriage you go through a lot. My DH is so easily set off and rants/raves whenever he feels like it without regards to the feelings of others. He has not always been like this so I attribute it to age.

Carol

Good morning all,

I have been reading your posts but not commenting too much. Glad I am not getting behind. It sounds like so many of you are struggling with holiday stress. Sending you hugs and prayers.

I had an evaluation at work Friday. My supervisor said he thought my main strength was that I was genuine. This seems so ironic because my public persona is not at all how I am truly feeling. I never let others see the real side of me. Maybe that is why I am so service oriented. I can use helping/serving others as a good way to hide the real me. Hmm - deep thoughts for a sleepy, gray day.

Well, off to get ready for work

Toni in Tennessee

margaretturk wrote: »

(((Heather)))
(((Gayle))) Mary mentioned getting together again. I know we have talked about it. I know you have been busy with your mom. The last few months with my mom's passing, DS still testing the limits, and other (neighbor, refrigerator, working) has made it difficult for me to follow through. The next time Mary is in town let's plan something.

Margaret

Sounds good!!! Need a break from reality!