WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR JUNE 2017

Just finished an hour doing Yoga with my daughter Jessica on FaceTime! She's pushing me really hard, but I feel really good now!! My right hip has been hurting but I think it will loosen up! Next Yoga class is Monday at 1:00 pm.

Then I made DH a blueberry pie from yesterday's picking. It looks great, pictures later!

Dana in Arkansas

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(((((Toni))))) it is so hard to break that cycle. We can't tell you what to do, but we can surely be here for you regardless of your decision.

Beth, tell me more about this "ultra" stuff. You mentioned extended expiration dates. It makes me wonder if our half-and-half fits into that category. I guess it's time to read the label. I sure hope not, I love that stuff!

No more time. Peace to all....

Sarah

evening ladies~
back from Aunt Marys house, the cousins had the whole family and friends down to her house with a big spread.. she would love it, Mary was quite the entertainer.. so having a houseful would make her so happy..she passed away on there wedding anniversary, And I can picture her husband with arms outstretched to welcome her home..the aunts and uncles dont know whats going on between Tom and I ,but the cousins do..
The wake is Tuesday night and I will leave work early and go on my own, because Tom has an appt with his attorney.. we will go together to the funeral on weds.... just to much to try and take DFIL , and it might upset him to much so we have decided it best if he stayed where he is..
I did have a glass of white wine, so now I am ready for bed..

Allie – You go, girl! Taking care of in-laws even when you are going through what you are, shows that you have a ‘huge’ heart. TomCat is only ‘out for his pleasure’ and ‘what has become important to him’. Besides, God doesn’t like ‘ugly’; and, Karma is waiting around the corner and I bet she’ll have a ‘field day’ with him. But, don’t look for vengeance because that is for God!

TomCat is not ‘pushing’ for anything because he ‘thinks’ he has the best of 2 worlds. Stop doing his laundry and see how quickly he goes into a ‘panic’. Just saying, there are a few things that ‘if’ a man has to do them when he has always had a ‘wife’ to do it … makes them ‘think’ a ‘wee bit’; not that you should ever consider taking him back. I am sure that “Kissy Poo” doesn’t want to do his laundry. That will take all the ‘charm’ out of ‘their’ relationship.

Dana – While I don’t expect your husband to do something a younger person could do; but, when my sister was having a problem with her Brittany Spaniel ‘dragging her’. She went to a ‘dog obedience class’ and the ‘former Marine/dog handler’ told her when she does that turn around and head in the opposite direction as fast as you can; if she continues, turn back around. Eight to ten weeks in his class, she was able to walk her ‘off a leash’ on a busy highway and know she’d heel all the time. Margaret said that was the best $$$ she had ever spend on one of her pets. I know remember the name of her ‘jigsaw puzzle Heinz 57’ dog she had – it was “Sister”. I think someone gave her to her because the ‘mama’ had gotten out and was ‘slutting’ around. She was literally so ugly, she was cute.

Blueberries look wonderful. I bought strawberries yesterday from Publix, and I have never had any that were so sweet you did not have to put sugar on them.

Dolly is a lot ‘bigger’ dog than I had imagined.

My BF’s youngest son and 3 grandchildren leave in Hot Springs, I ‘think’.

Karen in Virginia – Setting TomCat’s phone to forward all messages from kissy poo to her attorney would be ‘classic’ get back. RITFLMAO!

I got a pressure cooker; but it isn’t an “Instant Pot” (if that is the maker of it); but, it has a lot of features.

It is Saturday; and, have we have NOT gotten any of the wood that we were promised to get it stained so they can come back and replace the raw wood and warping wood. I am NOT a happy camper!

Toni – I pre-track my food for the day; and, them make ‘changes’ when necessary. When we go out on a ‘date night’ and I ‘might’ have some wine or a mixed drink; I don’t eat in the afternoons; and, because it falls on a weekend; we don’t normally eat but 2 meals a day with a snack of fruit or celery with hummus or guacamole. I find that although I do not ‘eat my calories’ back; it gives me an idea of what my exercise will be. Normally, I take Sunday’s off from exercise; but, I think I will do it today instead.

Jenn – Don’t beat yourself up about coming home and snacking. Walking and other exercise usually does make us hungry. Did you eat while y’all were out checking out the boutiques? Maybe that had something to do with it. I ate potato chips with supper tonight and I can’t tell you how long it has been since I have. Over a year, at least. But, thankfully, just a small bag that DH brought home after feeding DOS’ lab. That helps me with portion control. Getting a good set of measuring cups, spoons, and a food scale is also something I have and use consistently. If you try to ‘eyeball’ a serving of something, especially when first starting out, you can find that you overeat. I also put most of my meals on a salad plate and put my fork down while I chew. Now that is a habit that is hard to establish..

Becca – Walking (especially at a good clip) is so much better than the constant pounding your knees take by jogging. I have a small trampoline for when I want to ‘jog’. Now, another thing for Louis and Trey to put it together. Because it will take two to get it set up. I’ve tried it by myself and not getting anywhere fast.

TNToni – A lot of people who live or grow up in a home with a heavy drinker or an alcoholic, see a lot of ‘enabling’ and ‘co-dependency’. I don’t know if you are going to a ‘psychologist’ as your counselor or if you belong to the “Family Group” of AA. I’ve had 2 friends who went through it, even when their husbands did not go (because they did not think they had a ‘drinking problem’). Both of the learned how to stop being ‘co-dependent’ and an ‘enabler’. Sometimes this step, even ‘asking’ the spouse if they would come, too; is something that it takes a while for a person to wrap their heads around. I love my DH; and, for the most part we’ve had a good and loving relationship. He went through a lot with me when at the age of 38 or 39, I was diagnosed with being ‘bipolar’ (but that doesn’t define the person/woman I am). I got help and with that and the proper medication I have been a lot better to live with and it is also a lot easier on me as well. I have seizures; but, they too, are controlled by medication. My Dad was a ‘heavy drinker’; but because of his profession, it was like a ‘binge’ type of drinker. Mother would make ‘excuses’ for him, which in turn make the 3 of us do just about anything NOT to be ‘enablers’. Mother was a ‘strong woman’; but, she did not want Daddy’s behavior to embarrass him later. We had to keep him ‘off the phone’ because when he was drinking things would pop into his head and then he felt it was necessary to get it ‘off his chest’. When I got into my teens that seemed to have fallen to me, to do it. Mother busied herself with being involved in Women’s Clubs for the entire state, therefore she was gone a lot. The 12 step programs for alcoholics and drug addicts and other ‘addicts’ have one for the person or people having or trying to live with them.

Allie – See … you are already getting a LOT BETTER and TomCat isn’t even ‘out of the picture’ yet. Well, maybe he is … you made that ‘hard’ decision to make an unhappy time in your life turn into something you are looking forward to and that means showing yourself just how ‘strong you really are’. No, we don’t have to depend on a man. Mine has allowed me the room I need and gently brought me back in to a safe place for me. So many ‘other’ men would have ‘tucked tail and run as fast as they could’ when I first became sick. Having a ‘mental illness’ is like getting ‘old’ … it is NOT for sissies. But, I don’t think I could ever picture myself ‘loving’ another man like I have ‘this’ one for nearly 45 years. He was a ‘keeper’ and, apparently he thought the same about me. As my DYS told our DOGD, ‘go to school, go to school, go to school, get a job and make your own money before you get married and start having children, so that ‘if’ you ever have to … you’ll be able to do it’. My ‘sage’ advice is ‘don’t jump back into a new relationship; be proud of what YOU can do and that you CAN DO it without a man. That doesn’t mean to stay home and not enjoy the company of a man. Go out to eat, go to a movie, watch others, and you might find that someone at a museum might have the same taste in art or music that you do, or whatever else you like to do. Join a place where you can learn to dance or play card games … just socialize and ‘enjoy’ it. TomCat’s ‘honey’ might not seem near as intriguing when he realizes it will no longer be a ‘cat and mouse’ game. He has probably enjoyed that ‘chase’ and when you divorce him … he won’t be doing something that is ‘under the table’. LOL!!!!!

Dana – Your daughter is certainly in fantastic shape. I could do stuff like this when I was a cheerleader in HS; but … that was way too many years ago, too.

DJ – I could NEVER fry chicken … black lady that worked for my family could make the BEST fried chicken, chicken & dumplings, and homemade biscuits. Mother's homemade biscuits were hard and flat. Paint the black and you could use them as a 'hockey puck'. So she'd made a double batch so that on Sunday mornings we could split them, put butter on them and toast them. I don’t eat fried foods any longer, so I don’t miss the ‘chicken’ … but, I sure love skinless hot wings and drumsticks. Cracker Barrel’s chicken & dumplings were just like hers, so when I get it in my mind that I want some, I go there and frozen Pillsbury Grands makes good ‘biscuits’. I look for ‘easy’! But, all 3 are somewhat off my weekly menus.

My Mother made the BEST baked beans; that she learned from ‘trial and error’ after having some that a woman in her hometown made. When she asked for her recipe, she hesitated, then wrote it out; but, let out a couple of ingredients and it did not take long for Mother to figure it out. After that, she was told she HAD to bring a pot of them to every family reunion. She cooked them in a Boston Bean Pot; and, it was surprising how many people could be served out of that pot.

Let your DH and DD settle their own issues; that way … you ‘aren’t’ in the middle. But, I will tell you this … right or wrong … if forced to choose sides; Louis comes first and the boys come over their wives. But, I am quick to tell them 'how I think they are wrong' about something. As for my DGDs, they have parents … so I don’t need to get ‘involved’ in disputes between them. I'll listen to them and sometimes they come down to just 'let off steam'. It can get pretty 'testy' down there from time-to-time. But, Jenn being on medication has certainly helped.

Getting their finances into a manageable condition has also helped. Their moods have 'greatly improved'!!!!!

Lenora

Did an hour of a Classic Firm DVD today. The plan for tomorrow is to do a Fit Body Yoga DVD.

Jess came down last night. We have an appt at the vet for her cat and one of ours. I think I'm going to take the cookies, cake and dog biscuits to the Newcomer guy whose wife is in the hospital. I won't stay at all, we have to get home to get the cats home. I'll call him when we get home.

Allie - I agree with everything Joyce wrote. You are one classy lady. Maybe Tom doesn't want so much to be with Elana -- he just wants his cake and eat it, too.Good for you ordering something for yourself. You deserve it

Earnie - I'm so sorry for your loss and so glad you found us.

Exercised, then went in the pool, church tonight where I lectored and was Eucharistic Minister, I made a lasagna for us to have tonight but Jess didn't want lasagna so I baked it and cut it up for Vince and to take some to Bob (the Newcomer). His sons left today. Then we went out to dinner at NY Hibachi. I didn't realize that you can pick certain foods and they grill it for you. The second time I went I asked for little to no butter. The first time only a little butter. I couldn't believe how much butter they used! Then we went to Academy Sports (in the same shopping center as NY Hibachi), now home.

Bob's sons left so one lady in Newcomers has asked for volunteers to walk his dog and a few other things. I told her that I can do it Mon night. If she confirms with me that she wants me to, since this is a one-time (probably) deal, I'll skip mahjongg, stay at ceramics longer and then go walk the dog.

Had most veges and fish at Hibachi, only water to drink. I admit, I did have a bite of cheesecake, and a bite of what I thought was a brownie but it tasted really weird so I didn't eat it, mostly fruit (their cantaloupe isn't bad at all and I got some pineapple, not crazy about how they have the oranges cut up, the watermelon was good just wish it was in a bigger piece).

Been trying to look for a clock for outside by the pool. My requirements are: it has to be a minimum of 18" in diameter, have all 12 numerals, needs to be indoor/outdoor clock, I would like a background with a pool/beach theme, not a boring plain clock. Anything so far that I've seen has been for indoor use only.

Toni - I can't help thinking of Allie and how she's taking charge of herself right now. You can do it!!!

Dana - your daughter never ceases to amaze me. I could never do some of the poses that she does. She must be in really really good shape

Lenora - were you able to ask Louis for me??? What did he say????

Michele in NC

Take care ladies. Hugs to all.

Paula Y.

Well husband and I had a wonderful afternoon! First, the gal that used to check husband in at the Transplant office called and her, her fiancé, and fiancés 13 yr old son were coming out to the coast from Portland, and stopped by. I think when she worked there, she saw a lot of sad situations, so we were kind of a success story, in that husband got a liver. When we were downgraded to just check ups then we would meet her for dinner etc. She had transferred to another department by then so no conflict of interest etc... So she's now met this guy, and she is due in September. They did not waste any time making babies! She has the cutest, hugest, basset hound, named Merlin! He's like 2 feet long! We visited and had ice cream! Then after we said so long with them we drove home and one of my husbands high school friends and her husband came for a visit! She was photographing a wedding in Long Beach WA, and decided to stay up the street at the KOA campgrounds. So we all 4 went to a Chinese restaurant we recommended. We chatted for 3 hours! Her husband has had health scares so we both have leaned on each other. Like she said to me, that I get it, I understand. When her husband was paying the tab, (it was their treat), she took me aside, and said that she is making good money now, and they give to the church monthly, but this month she wanted to give it to us. I cried of course, and said I can't take it, but she said it was a gift. Some of my friends are priceless. Irreplaceable! I told her it would be put towards going and seeing Owain graduate from boot camp!

So we ate family style so many plates, and many take out boxes. My refrigerator will smell like the restaurant!

Hugs
Becca
Oregon

Love the smiling pic of rori , what a great lady

Lenora your tips about portion control are exactly what worked for me.

I often have a great social day, and my eating choices are spot on, I come home and go completely bonkers out of control . I now plan for this so I can put the brakes on being sidetracked like that! Portion control or a planned snack waiting for me at home can do just that. I'm not perfect, it doesn't always work but recognizing my pattern totally helps. I guess I'm kind of like a kid who has been good as gold at school--and go berserk at home- remember those kind of students, teachers??

Planning to spend the morning cleaning up my neglected side garden.

NYKAREN

Rori love the picture.

Joyce hope you sore heals without a doctor visit. I know with diabetes you are not taking it lightly.

DH and are are going on a garden tour today.

Margarret

Good morning all! Happy Sunday! It is finally the week before my DD's visit and YES, DJ, I am over the moon excited to see my grandson again! (For you new girls, I am a new grandma of three month old Joaquin, and they live over 1000 miles away in Burleson, TX) One of my daycare families is letting me borrow her infant car seat and base for their visit and another family is letting me borrow her vibrating bouncy seat! I have all of the other stuff he will need. (Pack n plays, bassinette, bumbo seat, exersaucer, booster seat with tray, etc). I have everything ready for the family/friends potluck dinner on Sunday the 2nd. I mowed the lawn yesterday, dead-headed my rose bushes and fed all of my plants, bought hanging plants, but the tag just read "premium hanging baskets". I didn't notice that until I got home. Any of you know what kind of plant I bought? (I will post picture at the end of my post). It was kind of a disappointing plant shopping experience. I was looking for the purple and hot pink fuscia and all they had was the pale pink and white , I was looking for Sunpatiens for my planter box and they weren't carrying them this year . So...for my planter box, I figured I would just do a mix and match box this year and plant a couple of perennials that I can replant in my yard at the end of the summer. I got a couple of small hosta plants, and a couple of pale pink balloon flowers (platycodon grandiflorus). I also planted some hot pink dipladenia (annuals) in with them for a splash of color. I think as they grow and spread/bloom, they will look very nice in the box. Part of yesterday's fun included watching my DH and DYS cut down a dead tree in the back yard. I say fun; but I lingered and watched ready to jump in as a first responder in case of injury due to chainsaw accident or tree falling on some one. It was amusing, but nerve-wracking.
On my to do list today is powerwashing the exterior of the house and doing the windows. I will also get the stair well done and stained one evening this week. I woke up early and have my meal prep already done for the week AND it is a short week for me as I have Friday through next Wednesday off! Woo-hoo! My revamping of the interior of my house will have to wait until August or September (weekend warrior stuff). That gives me the whole month of July with only the "have-to-dos". Like mowing, house work, daycare activity planning... It will be nice to have the break from extra work.
Welcome newbies!-This IS a very verbose group of women, but I really enjoy just popping on here and seeing what every one else is doing to keep busy, keep active and involved and the support from these ladies is phenomenal. We all know how important logging, moving, and making healthy choices is; but the mental support these ladies give is of equal, if not more, value to me! Love them all! Watch for Barbie's post at the end of this week; she will give us the link to take us into July! Remember to bookmark it once you get there!
Allie- tiny house living appeals to me, also. IF this is the route you end up taking when this is all over, I will be very interested in how that pans out! Some how, living with less, is very appealing.
Heather, Karen- I spend about $12/week on yogurt. I eat about a cup or cup and a half a day. Is making your own more cost effective? Also, do you know how much protein is in home made yogurt? I like the Fage, because it has 23g of protein per cup. But if I can make it in large quantities for less $$ and not lose that protein...?
Tere Happy belated anniversary! I enjoy hearing about you and your DH and how much you seem to enjoy the time you spend together and with your family!
Beth- Hurray for your gym success! You are an inspiration to me!
Toni- Hang in there! Be strong! Do what you need to do to take care of YOU! Sending lots of warm hugs your way!

Here is the photo of the hanging basket. Any one know what kind of plant this is? The blossoms grow and bloom on spike like stems. They remind me of fireworks. As I was examining them and dead heading and feeding them, before hanging; I started singing the Katy Perry, Firework song. My DYS said "Mom. Please. Stop." Ah, I feel the love.