WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR MAY 2017

Becca I couldn't see your album on Facebook. Could you help!

Machka I enjoyed your pictures of the Love Shack. My DH did too!

It's starting to storm so I'm going off now. Good evening!

Dana in Arkansas

Mary - thank you for telling us more about Lyme disease. I also have a schoolmate in Indiana who was stricken with it, quite ill for a while. I believe she’s in remission now. I am so happy for you – that you found the intermittent fasting is helping. I had how helpful fasting is for all kinds of reasons – am crossing fingers this gives you long-term relief. Hope you can meet up with Rori! I'm jealous!

Becca – love the kitchen photos, the flowers, everything. I checked out your FB – we share the same tastes in so many things! And the anarchists – I remember attending a sheep show in Eugene in the late 80’s – we were warned not to go downtown because of the anarchists. Even back then no one knew what they were rioting about. Youthful exuberance fueled by a little too much booze and weed? They can march all they want but damaging property is a crime, I don’t care what the “cause” is.

Lenora – you hit the nail on the head about changing what we can and accepting what we cannot. I believe prayer might not change things overnight but will give me strength faith to face whatever comes. Thank you for the reminder.

Renee from Chicagoland – hope the diabetes shot does the trick for you.

Heather – so happy the emergency cleaner did a good job for you! And great idea about putting a fuschia in front of the house – really adds a snazzy look, I’m sure. Once when we sold a house I made sure I had fresh flowers on the dining room table each day, I think it helped set the mood for potential buyers….plus I liked them too!

Karen in VA – how neat is that museum???? Bet your grandson (Mr. Cutie!) really enjoyed it. Very talented people out there. Gives a person a lot to think about in terms of caring for the environment and damage trash does to the ocean-dwellers.

WOW, I am loving all these “then” and “now” photos. All of you gals are really too gorgeous. So nice to link up faces with names. I really feel like we are long-time sorority sisters. And the stories about where you lived and what you did – Machka, Dana, Kelly, Helen, and many I’ve missed. They are all special and I enjoyed reading them.

GIRLS ONLY TALK HERE......On the topic of husbands and how their medical issues change them, my heart goes out to you. Lisa, Kelly, Becca, Beth – what saddens me is that their spirit becomes wounded as well. My DH was diagnosed with RA about 20 years ago and despite it, managed to keep active and it was always his goal to “do more than healthy men can who are half his age.” I knew he hurt but was not a complainer. That worked until he fell off the garage roof fixing shingles and broke his back – and other injuries that took a long time to heal. He’s now pretty fragile in body and spirit. I try to do what I can to cheer him up but when a person is so depressed…. I have found ways to “divert” his attention and try to bolster him as there’s no way he’d tell a doctor about it. But in other ways, he has become more understanding and mellow about things. I just hate to see him in pain and feeling bad that he’s so tired all the time and has become almost an agoraphobic – never leaving the house. I am grateful that we traveled a bit and did fun things when we were both healthy. In a way, I feel like I have a handicapped child here who I know won't get better. I hope he knows I love him no matter what and I am never disappointed that he's not superman. I need to remind him of that more.

Last thing…we got a nice letter from the IRS today saying we failed to pay taxes on over $40,000 of income in 2015 so please send us a check for $4,000. Plus interest. I nearly fell over. First, DH’s taxable social security income was calculated incorrectly, likely due to this next paragraph.

The bank where I had an IRA CD messed up – I switched it to another IRA so the 1099R should have said rollover and instead said distribution. I wheeled into the bank this afternoon and politely read them the riot act. I had noticed their error in early 2016 when I rec’d the 1099R, they said they’d fix it and even sent me a copy of the correction…. which was NOT marked correction and further, the amount was wrong- I hadn’t noticed it before! No wonder everything is flubbed up. I told them they were to give me a letter by early next week stating they messed up so I could send it to the IRS. I’m sure some heads got bonked after I left.

It’s not the end of the world, just a hassle that will get fixed. I am grateful I have the time to delve into it and kept reasonably good records…normally I am not that organized.

That’s it for now. Everyone have a good evening and thanks for listening to my “stuff”.

Lanette
SW WA State

Well, going to try to catch up. Probably won't be in for the next few days.

Wed. I did the South Beach Diet Super Charged DVD. Then we had a Newcomer general meeting, ceramics at night. Today I did a Kathy Smith Lift Weights to Lose Weight DVD. The plan for tomorrow is to do Kelly Coffee Meyers Shape Up DVD.

Volunteered at the Green Room today, then cut the grass.

Tomorrow I'm driving to VA, will stay with Jess, then we'll drive to PA for a bridesmaid dress shopping, then back to VA. I was planning to come home on Sun but Jess asked me to stay so I can see her horseback riding lesson. I'll borrow her weights, exercise, then come home.

Went to AC Moore tonight to go to a meeting where they help you with needlework, but there wasn't anyone there. Actually, that was a blessing in disguise so I'm making a pork roast for later in the week (something I won't need to rush to do when I get home), put water bottles in the car (for some reason I get so very thirsty in the car), got almost everything packed to take to Jess (just have a few refrigerated items for her), packed my food (I usually stop at rest areas to eat). Now I'm here trying to get caught up before I go to VA.

Oh, let me tell you about Pete's mother's newest thing. Denise called here to ask us if we thought Jess would like this robe that said "Maid of Honor" on it. We did, but before Denise could order it, Pete's mother bought 3 robes, all of them saying "bridesmaid". Well, Denise told her that Jess' had to say "Maid of Honor" so Denise ordered another one. She texted us a picture of both of them and they are so very very different. Denise said that Pete's mother said the place where she got the robes didn't have a Maid of Honor one. Really? You have to have at least one witness to a wedding, so the chances of having a Maid of Honor are greater. There's nothing that says you have to have a bridesmaid.

Anyway, Denise was going to ask his mother to return hers. While we were talking to Denise his mother called so Denise said she would call us back. When she did she said that she thought she'd keep the three that said "bridesmaid". After all (according to her, influenced I'm sure by Pete's mother) it's only one day and the writing is on the back, no one will see it. Vince was LIVID!!! Talk about a slap in the face to Jess.

Then his mother says that she doesn't think she can return them since she threw out the packing material. Come on! She got them from Amazon. If anyone is good about returns, it's Amazon.

This weekend should be very interesting. I understand that she asked Denise for Jess' phone number. My only guess would be that she's going to plan the bridal shower, and I know that this isn't going to sit well at all with Jess.

We shall see what happens. Stay tuned!!!!!

katla - her dogs also like the ribs from the head of cauliflower. Go figure!!!

I wanted to make the hosts for Denise's wedding, and I sent her a sample. However, the priest said that he couldn't be absolutely sure about the ingredients so he nixed the idea. Really, if I was a regular parishioner there, he probably would have made an exception. But he doesn't know me. At least Denise knows that I wanted to and was willing.

I did find this place in FL that would make the placq for me. Looks like we'll HAVE to go to FL (which is what I wanted to do anyway). Someone at the Green Room was saying that what they did for their daughter was take a big platter, everyone at the reception signed it, then she had someone go over the signature with black paint, had the platter glazed, fired, and gave it to the girl. When I go up this weekend, I'll run by Denise and ask her if she'd like me to do something like that. The gal at our ceramics place said that she'd write over the names. I told her that I'd pay her. At first she said "no" but I know it's very labor intensive.

Sharon - happy belated birthday!

It's a beautiful day today, but I understand that I'm going to be driving in the rain (boo).

Made homemade dog biscuits to give to Jess (she'll be watching a dog) and to Denise. Also have chocolate chip cookies for them. Made this chicken alfredo to take to Jess and a chicken stir fry. I know that with Colby out of work, money is tight for her. That's one of the reasons I think she wants me to come up, so we can use my car/gas. That's OK.

dana - doing a happy dance for you

Welcome everyone new

Lanette - I've gone to the shooting range with Vince. I tell you, by the time I get to pull the trigger, a robber would have come and gone.

Cheri - congrats on your weight!

Yvonne - happy belated birthday! Glad you enjoyed the yoga class even if it did kick your butt

dana - I'm sorry your mom won't talk to you

DJ - Jess likes the ribs on Romaine, too. It's just that this gal's dogs like them so much. If it weren't for that, I'd probably give Vince the ribs, too

Just got the quad cane that we have to loan to a friend who had a stroke and is recovering. We usually give her a ride to the Newcomer general and Board meetings. We asked her if she'd like a ride to the baseball game that they're going to have tomorrow (which might get rained out) but she said she'd drive herself. Maybe she feels funny going with just vince since I won't be there unless it is rained out. Then I can probably make it for the rain date.

barbie - I'm sorry to hear about the stress Jake is experiencing. I like Becca's idea of doing something funny when he gets stressed. It could very well change his demeanor

machka - loved reading about your place. So sorry you had DVT, glad your hubby got you to the Dr.

Allie and everyone else concerned about health insurance - remember that any bill goes thru the House and then the Senate. The Senate will propose their version which probably won't be anything like the one that went thru the House. It very well may take years before they come to something that both agree on, and it most likely won't look anything at all like what the House passed.

dana - gorgeous picture of you and your hubby. Stay safe

Lisa - so happy for Corey. I'm sure not being able to work drove him nuts (and you, too). I can totally understand your feeling. Vent anytime at all.

Michele in NC

danareel6615 wrote: »

Becca I couldn't see your album on Facebook. Could you help!

Machka I enjoyed your pictures of the Love Shack. My DH did too!

It's starting to storm so I'm going off now. Good evening!

Dana in Arkansas

I changed my security option, so hopefully now you can! Becca

Lanette: I'm sorry the bank messed things up for your taxes. Do you share the bank's name so that we can be sure not to open accounts there? :grumble:

Barbie: Hugs and good wishes for Jake. Could a visit to the doctor do anything to improve his situation?


I went in and picked up my new glasses today and I love them. I am having a bit of trouble with the computer screen just now. I wonder if my eyes are just tired because of the change in glasses. They're quite a bit different than the last pair & right now it feels like my eyes are working hard to adjust.

Katla in beautiful NW Oregon

"The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another." - William James

barbie - I'm so sorry Jake had such a scare (and so did you!). I can tell how I've slowed down in the last 5 or so years, and you know me -- always on the go. It's depressing. But I can hardly imagine the feelings Jake is going thru. This getting old stuff sure isn't for sissys. I do hope he gets some of his strength back asap

Michele in NC

Barbie- (((hugs))) I hope the situation with Kake improves.

Gayle - great! It will be fun to get together! I'm glad you are able to spend time with your mom.



Mary from Minnesota

BECCA - love the photo album of pics of your Mum, what a lovely way to celebrate Mothers Day

Kate UK

Hello everyone.
So sorry to hear of hubby problems. Barbie, Lisa, KJ, Katla, Beth, Joyce, Rori and so many of you. I think about you all a lot. Sending the (((((BIGGEST HUGS))))) ever! :flowerforyou:
Currently my DH is well, but as some of you know, he has an Achilles heel with occasional bouts of severe anxiety. He does work at it and he finds chatting to me a great help. His other weak point is terrible posture, which sometimes gives him backache at night. If it weren't for his maniacal exercise regime I'm sure he would be a physical wreck. Rowing on our machine has saved him, I think. We count ourselves extremely lucky to be fit at 71 and 67 respectively. Sometimes I think we are crazy to work so hard at our exercising every day, but it is absolutely, definitely worth it.
I still can't use the rower with my arm, but it continues to improve. I have a lot to do today with icing and decorating the birthday cake, cooking sausages and wrapping presents. With DH out at the cricket all day I think I won't do the grandkids room on my own - blackout blinds to put up, beds to drag out. I will lay the party table so I won't have to think about it tomorrow. I'm not going to do anything to hurt my arm as I am very pleased with its progress. I was a very grumpy bunny last week, being in pain and unable to do much, so I can quite understand the grumpy husbands. It definitely dominated my every thought.

The family are arriving 12.30 - 1, so we have a bit of time in the morning. I have a delivery at 10 - 11 with sandwiches, roulades etc. The party officially starts at 2 pm. I will have bread, cheese, salami on a separate table for the family if they are hungry before hand. They are bringing Bea's food.
I am a bit nervous as the guests include my ex-husband and his 15 year old daughter. I like both of them. , but neither of them have been to the house before, which I find a bit bothering for my exacting standards of house prideness. :laugh: I can imagine him looking round quizzically, as I would do if I went to his house.

Loving all the photos folks. Babies, weddings, houses.

Our viewers liked the house a lot. They live locally and haven't sold yet, so it's all still up in the air. Oh well.

Love Heather UK xxxxxxx

Barbie ~ How scary for you and Jake. I am glad you were there for him and helped him feel better. As Katla said, perhaps a doctor's visit is needed.

Heather ~ Happy that your party is coming together. I can see why you might feel stressed with your ex visiting for the first time.

Allie ~ Good luck and prayers for you today.

Carol

barbiecat wrote: »

Jake had a bunch of scary symptoms this morning...blood pressure and heart rate up and down, chest pain, and he fell at the grocery store. He called me and asked me to come home from walking the dogs early. I had him drink water and have an Isagenix shake and then check his symptoms before deciding to call 911. Food and water and comfort helped. He knows that he causes his own stress but seems unable to make the necessary changes. He knows that he should eat breakfast but he "forgets". I stayed home from line dance class in the morning and line dance practice for the Fair after lunch. He had originally planned to make marinara sauce and do part of the intensive carpet cleaning today. Instead he spent most of the day in the recliner watching TV. He, too, is discouraged about his loss of strength and his inability to do as much work as he used to.

Barbie

He's lucky to have u, hope he is feeling better

My husband is 75; I'm 66 (I've been retired/disabled from my now for nearly 20 years); it took me a good 3 years to 'accept and understand' why I couldn't work'. When my boss was in 'private practice' and I had to be out; he'd continue paying me and hired a first year college student to work in my place. He then hired her full time when I came back. I had been 'out' during the first 15+ years a couple of times; but, this last time ... my continue employment was 'out of his hands'; but, with 'donated leave time' I was able to be 'vetted' and get a retirement check and apply for SSD benefits. When we got the back pay from the time I became disabled until I started my application, Louis took the money to put a down payment on this land. We put our house on the market one night and the realtor called another one who had been looking for a house to move in; wanting one that was 'move in ready'. She came over, looked at the house and signed a contract on it; and we had 45 days to move out. I don't remember the packing up or the move. When we moved, we moved in with DOS and family. I never felt 'welcome' there and as soon as my studio was built, we moved into it, all the boxes that were in storage got moved in, too; stacked 2 deep and as high as possible; with only a king-sized bed, a coffee pot and toaster, and my porta-john right outside the door. I'd go over to my son's house to watch TV during the day. I had to have been taken over there when Louis left for word. Like I said, never felt welcome there. DDnL#1 accused me of 'snooping' through their things if I made their bed for them, loaded the dishwasher, and did some 'light' housework. I would 'attempt' to watch their TV but; when I changed the channel, it would mess up (they had 3 remotes) and they had to each be used in a certain order for it to change channels. I finally told Louis that we'd either have to stay in a motel or something or I would 'go crazy'. That is when we moved into the studio while our house was being finished.

The other night we met with our insurance agent; to find insurance that would cover Louis past the age of 80 and for 'hopefully' increasing mine. I got denied; but, had some with AARP; he bought some that will carry him until he dies. Quite expensive; but, it will cover the mortgage. Son wondered why we did it and of course, it was to cover the mortgage, if we can pay it down enough for the insurance to cover it (both of us). Of course, we'd have to have enough to pay for the funeral; past that - anything else would just have to be 'written off'. Or one that is left will have to pay it. Trey told me that 'if' there was not enough then our 'rich' son would have to supplement my income, because even after filing bankruptcy, they would not have any money. I told him that was fine; at least he'd be close enough to 'check in on me' which I knew he'd do. He got upset when I told him, that if I did not have enough to pay off the house & land, I would have to just sell it. Actually, he 'freaked'. But, now we know for sure that he has no desire to take over his Dad's business because he doesn't think he could find 2 other painters that would work and be dependable and honest. I told him, 'then, you need to start looking'. Of course, if he could go to technical college that would be a 2-year degree in something. But, I'm not going to pay anything towards it, I don't make enough.

DDnL#1 had an interview for another job yesterday. Don't know how it went, what it pays; but, I do know they have health insurance because it is large enough they have to pay for insurance. But, depending on how much it pays ... and how much she'd be bringing home will depend on whether she takes it or not, if it is offered to her. At least she has talked to him about it. I think she realized that it was important. And, they, together can make that decision together. She took a certain kind of insurance that they have to pay their deductible up front before a MD will see them. Trey was upset that she did not take a PPO or something else, that would have paid the MD and then they could pay the deductible on time. She needs a hernia repair surgery; but, if they change companies; they will probably see it as a pre-existing condition and they will lose what they have paid the surgeon (all but $250). I think she should have it now that she will be paid when she is out of work with her job now. Or hopefully the other company will pay. I think she hopefully has finally realized that her quitting her job, simply because she got mad and walked out (without ever calling Trey) and telling him that evening is what 'pushed them over the edge, financially'. They had a huge fight about it a few weeks ago and she was 'upset' that others thought that 'she was the reason'. Basically, she was; but, won't take 'ownership' of it.

I have been staying close to my caloric intake; but, not exercising daily. I just hope that I will still 'go down' and not the other way. Even 'if' I stay the same, I can handle that. Five more days to weigh-in. I also have an appointment to talk to my GP about my BP, which after he took me 'off' the medication because even after cutting it in half; my BP has been all over the place. Up and down. When the bottom number is less than 70; I feel worst that when it is above 85.

The 'window' man who has rescheduled twice and just not shown up (even though he swears he called for 2 days) is also scheduled for Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday afternoon. IF he reschedules, this time I will demand that I talk to the owner. I am NOT a happy camper and neither is my husband. We should have been allowed to stain all 4 sides of the outside strips and paint all 4 sides on the ones on the inside and not have it show on both sides. The installer 'swears' that he told the owner it wasn't going to do because it was 'raw wood' and it had not been treated or stained. Louis stained the outside within 2 days; when he started in the inside is when he noticed the 'raw wood' had been used and some of the strips were warped. They better do whatever it takes to make us happy with the installation because that should be a part of their lifetime guarantee. I certainly have no reason to pay extra on something they should have known would be unacceptable.

So much for venting! Other than that - not much happening. Hopefully, I will finish the book I have been reading, it has finally gotten really interesting. My reading has slowed down and it is aggravating me. Husband has been reading 2 or 3 books to my one in two weeks. But at least we can renew them twice before having them taken in to be 'checked in' and 'checked out' again (with 2 more renewals); provided they are not on a 'waiting list' anywhere in the State of Georgia. We were pleasantly surprised that they found all 5 books written by Bobby Cole. He is a good author of mystery book; 2 are stand alone and the other 3 are a series. Louis thinks, after reading the 3rd one that 'surely' he will write another one. Trey has the 3rd one; and hopefully he will finish it about the time I finish "Rented Mule".

Lenora