WOMEN AGES 50 + FOR NOVEMBER 2017

Michele, it definitely did! She looks very happy...

Michele ~ Great Video!

Michele - Love the video! I remember you went to dancing classes - well done. They do make a lovely couple.

Tere - Glad you are on the road to recovery. If I didn't have my DH I would definitely need a PT.

Lanette - It will be a while so they can tweak it. I'm sure I will be told when.

Been out for a food shop and took another 7 books to the charity shop. We have another viewing tomorrow after my yoga, so we will go to the pub for lunch. Today I'm cooking veal stew. With curly kale. I'm determined to use stuff from the freezers for a while so I make a bit of room. Both of them are bulging.

Much love, Heather UK xxxxxxx

Michele: The video works great. You and your DH were magnificent! Your daughter is a gorgeous bride!

Karen in VA: Thanks for your sympathy. I still don't know what is wrong with the baby & haven't heard anything new yet this morning. :ohwell: I plan to give DD's MIL a call tor an update. The two of us are building supportive connections with one another. I'm grateful for it.

Lanette: 100 sheep and lambs sounds like a high-energy hobby. We have a wind advisory today, too. :ohwell:

NOAA says, "WINDS...South to southwest 20 to 30 mph with gusts 40 to 50 mph. * TIMING...Late Monday morning until early evening, strongest in the afternoon. * IMPACTS...Strong winds may blow down limbs, trees, and power lines. Scattered power outages are possible."


We don't have any trees to worry about, but I plan to go down onto the dock and check the boat's mooring lines. We have a stone cliff behind us to the west and may be somewhat protected.

Katla in beautiful NW Oregon

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

ugh so frustrated. trying to install a new printer. weird thing is, our phones recognize it and we can print from our phones but not from our computers. colossal waste of time trying to figure it out.

Heather and Katla – I find that most people do not understand ANY kind of ‘mental illness’; and, like ‘cancer’ used to be – NOT a subject talked about. When friends and family members started to ‘share’ what they were going through or having had seen their friends of family members go through when having cancer, they started ‘talking’. That ‘talking’ started being heard and now we have a lot more ‘successful remissions and/or cures’ that we did not have back – 15 – 20 years ago. Therefore, I decided that I would be ‘honest’ about my own mental illness (Bipolar Disorder). Mainly, because I don’t like being ‘labeled’. Sure, it covers a wide range of what is considered mood swings. BUT, it should NOT be the ‘catch-all phrase’ for any ‘strange’ behavior. I’ve lost friends because they did not understand or I did or said something not realizing how it came across that was either embarrassing or hurtful. I don’t mean to ever do either. My mantra is: “I Don’t Suffer From Mental Illness; I Enjoy Every Minute of It” … I have Googled ‘Famous People With Bipolar Disorder’ and I would have to say that I’m far more ‘impressed’ by the things they have accomplished while going through their daily lives than any. Patty Duke is one such person and reading her books has made a big impact on me.

I am happy that my Daddy was not alive to ‘hear’ the diagnosis of his ‘baby’ with a disorder his Mother probably had after the death of her father and son in a train/car accident, and that of his own baby sister, who spent more time ‘institutionalized’ than not. However, I have often wondered if both my parents were not ‘also’ Bipolar.

Daddy drank pretty heavily (but not all the time) and Mother was ‘driven’ to be ‘successful’ by her own standards.

After a major wreck one Christmas Day, she would be in a neck brace that held her head ‘up’ in a 45° angle 24/7 for a year. She had to ‘give up teaching’ due to it. But, she worked as Daddy’s secretary until his death in 1985.

I firmly believe that once ‘mental illness’ in all its forms “Comes Out of the Closet” there will be a lot more opportunities opened, without the fear of being stigmatized. Just because I am ‘bipolar’ or have “Bipolar Disorder” does NOT define who I am as a person or the woman that I am. Being bipolar or any number of other mental disorders does NOT make one ‘stupid’. In fact, a lot of people with all forms of disorders packed in the class of “Mental Illness” are FAR FROM BEING STUPID. Many very successful men and women have these conditions and a lot more are controlled by proper medication and therapy. It would be 'too stressful' for me to be a 'spokesperson for mental illness' but, I do 'try' to tell people that it is far from a death sentence. I guess I 'like or love' myself way too much to ever get to the point to consider suicide - I'd be sitting on my psychiatrist's doorstep long before that happened. It's been very hard to understand why 2 HS classmates of mine did so. There just aren't any answers; but, I can't imagine do that to my family (or my friends). My bipolar swings are more to the 'manic' side and then back to what some MDs consider 'textbook theraupedic'. I've NEVER been happy when they have tried getting me there. In fact, the fact that a previous one trying to 'get me there' when I was taking Lithium caused me to get "Lithium Toxicity" and I almost died from it. I now take Seroquel and it does a great job of helping keep my 'swings' stable - along with 2 other meds. Add in 2 for seizure control, a small amount of BP, thyroid, and clorestoral plus various vitamins and supplements ... I look like a 'drug rep' every time I go see a MD. I've even been asked if I was one once. "Only IF it will get me in to see a doctor early."

Mary and Michelle – I have a bad ‘sway back’ and after trying to ‘hold a plank’ for a very short period of time, I ‘threw out my back’ and ended up having to go to the Orthopedist. I don’t think I will try that again, at least not for a while. Sometimes my spine feels like someone had stuck a hot poker in it, in several of the joints. I do not normally take any kind of pain medication; but, I do take muscle relaxants and go to bed with it. I do have an Rx for one and I know it is where I can put my hands on it, if I need it bad enough. I think exercise helps me … I just need to try to be more disciplined in doing it daily. This past 2 weeks, I am walking on the treadmill every day – whether I ‘want to or not’. I feel better … but, yesterday I took my BP/HR afterwards and realized what it really feels like to have it pumped up and then have it dropped significantly very quickly. Not a very good feeling.

Marcelyn – LOVE your pottery!!!! My Mother did a lot of ‘china painting’. I have her 2 kilns; but, I would really like to have access to a ‘wheel’.

Janetr OKC and Katla – My Mother was an HS English/Lit/Grammar teacher and I sometimes struggle with which spelling to use at times. Seems like English is probably the hardest language to master because of all the different spellings and meanings of words that sound alike. But, more than anything … I probably write out the ‘longest run-on sentences’ in the world. A friend of mine and I got into a ‘discussion’ through email. I responded with a long paragraph that if read, as written … you would have been ‘hyperventilating’ by the time you got to the end. He wrote back … “Uh, got your point …; but, ran out of breath! You're pretty knowledgeable about this, aren't you?” It was in response to a 'military' comment he made.

Michelle – Thanks for sharing the wedding via video. Looks like things went well. I did not get to see Will and Tami or Will and Mallory dance at their reception. They had gone by the house to pick up a change of clothes for later (2nd reception for family and close friends) and did it before I realized they were back. No videos of it; but, several still shots. Mallory stood on his feet and then he picked her up like he was carrying her. Mallory and Tami (especially Mallory) have been able to get Will to do things that he would have NEVER done before meeting them. I think it was the first Father’s Day after they married that they were at a restaurant and they asked for all Daddies to stand up and dance with their children on the tables. He was sitting there and Mallory got him to get up on the table and dance with her by telling him ‘it also included step-Dads’. Tami did send a video of it she had made. He looked like he was having fun. He goes to her ‘dance recitals’ … but HATES having to sit all the way through it because she might be in dance #5, #13, and the last of #30. Three-plus hours is ‘too long’ for a recital. I can remember sitting through a few myself and getting ‘butt-bone’ sore. Usually, they end up having younger siblings being taken out because they are so tired and crying. You see one little group of girls twirling the wrong way ... it might be cute once; but, 3 or 4 groups ... it does get a bit 'old'. I'm happy that I had boys. I could sit through hours of watching them play sports and did so. LOVED it! Will was my 'sports nuts'. Trey was my 'artistic' child. But, I have all granddaughters and all 4 of them have long, thick hair. Only Mallory will allow me to fiddle with her hair. She's the only one of them who is not tender-headed. Tami being in the 'hair' business and all. The first time they came over to visit with us (surprise visit Easter before last), she brought a brush to me and 'asked' if I would 'brush her hair'. It had been almost 20 years since I had been able to do that. We both loved it.

Enjoyed ALL the pictures and the video! Thanks for sharing. Welcome to you ‘new ladies’. Pip, you’re forgiven for not posting your exercise. We needed a rest … we get ‘tired’ physically just reading them. But, we are proud of you for working us out. Now I’ve got to go ‘rest up’. {{{{{HUG}}}}} for everyone needing one (or more). Pats on the backs to all y’all who met your goals. Encouragement to those who backed up or didn’t move – yeah for the NSVs.

Lenora

Hi Gals,

Marcelyn – beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If we were closer I’d do all my Christmas shopping with you.

Katla – sending good thoughts to your family

NYKaren - stress is a trigger for many so try to make good choices on what to let go and what to take in

Michele – great of the bride, but so fun that you and Vince danced in…



Smiles

Kim from N. California

Becca - I think your home cooking would be the best gift of all for these men who all love you dearly and miss you so very much. You're an incredibly creative cook.

Regards,
Lisa

margaretturk wrote: »

KetoneKaren wrote: »

ugh so frustrated. trying to install a new printer. weird thing is, our phones recognize it and we can print from our phones but not from our computers. colossal waste of time trying to figure it out.

We just had that problem too when we switched carriers. It is frustrating!!! DH figured it out after a few days and phone calls. Now today no internet or phone. They are coming tomorrow. Responding from a local restaurant.

Margaret

We got it connected to our computers but now we can't get it to scan, LOL! I'm so glad I get to go to work in a few minutes to escape this ordeal.

Karen in Virginia

One reason I pay for 'technical support' ... I wasn't allowed to 'touch' our computers at work (grounds for dismissal), if something went wrong, so I have never even 'tried' to figure out too much by myself. I'm afraid I would really mess it up. They have my security, back-up, and support. It started out as a very small company with a handful of technicians and they had 'support' 24/7 - buy their services and you could call anytime and often as you needed any sort of computer help. I've never had any trouble with them, but, there are a few technicians that I prefer, so I am happy when I get them. I feel like the 'know' me (not because of the # of times I call); but, I joke with them, too. They have a 'chat session' and 'remotely take over your computer' and they can work on it 'unattended' and they are ALL English-speaking, too. I'd get so frustrated with Dell's technical service and was so limited and trying to 'explain' to someone who doesn't speak English as their primary language ... well, I'd get very angry and ask for a supervisor. They did NOT want to transfer you.

I'm watching Vanilla Ice and his decorating show for the 1st time. I've never liked 'rap' music and therefore really did not have much use for 'rappers' ... but, this guy has some imagination!!!! The show I'm watching started off with them doing a pool, hot tub, outside kitchen on the Atlantic Ocean east of Orlando. MEGA BUCKS! Twenty pillions that are 4 stories deep ($50,000), decking - another ($15,000) and that was before the pool (which I did not hear the price). Now they are working on the inside. Gee, to be a 'multi-millionaire' for a few days, weeks, months, or years. Maybe even 'life'. His crew certainly looks like they are working hard; but, having so much fun doing so.

I can't believe it is almost 3:00PM. Got to get a move on it before Louis gets home. I am almost one more room down in my purge-cleaning. At least when you are standing at the back door you are not looking in on a desk that looks like it had been 'tossed by the police'. GEE, how did that trash machine, that my Daddy used to say lived under my bed, get to my house. I don't like that much clutter; but, it so quickly builds up. Since we 'down-sized' when we built here ... it isn't really possible to move 7 rooms of furniture into 1500 square feet. I've got 2 loads of laundry to fold now. Today, it will go 'in the drawers since I got them of Marie Kondo straight'.

Becca - It must have 'been in the air' ... Louis got up and then Trey called saying he had to 'take the girls to school, because "Precious" was sick'. Gee, I hope she doesn't start making a habit out of this. Headache (migraine); but, she did not stay at home all week-end. But, "Not my circus, not my monkey."

After a 'few' words this morning - Louis finally called someone to come see 'if the dishwasher' could be 'fixed'. We really cannot 'afford' one now. We've just gotten CC paid off and are living a 'cash-only' life. WOW! Took those things and froze them. They live at the back of our freezer.

Called Windows World and the 2 replacement windows that were cracked when they came to install them can't be put in for at least 2 weeks, which means it will be longer because of Thanksgiving; but, MY plan is that they will be replace BEFORE Christmas. This week all the installers are 'on vacation'. So ... we'll see.

I've been keeping up with my BP/HR since Friday (day of PT). He is of the opinion that I don't have true Vertigo and thinks it is my BP dropping (especially when I stand up). He has said to take it several times a day, sitting, standing, after exercise, and note what or how I am feeling. He told me to stretch before getting out of bed, wait a minute, take BP; then stand up slowly, stretch, wait a minute and take BP. It is definitely dropping and that is why I have been dizzy (probably); but, not since the 3rd or 4th time of going have I had the 'spinning feeling'. That's good. What I will tell him is that it is more like 'light-headed' feeling w/nausea and 'brick on the chest' ... which goes away within a few hours.

Klutz here, just walked past the sofa and the arm jumped out and hit me on the thigh and I fell 'flat on my face'. Thankfully arms were hit, and I softened the blow.

Lenora

Today is World Kindness Day!

“Kindness Day was born when a collection of humanitarian groups came together on November 13, 1997 and made a ‘Declaration of Kindness.’ Likewise, on Kindness Day everyone is encouraged to make a similar declaration. Donating books, food or clothes to your local community is a great way to celebrate. However, pledging to commit just one act of kindness is no less worthwhile: hold the door open for a stranger, compliment your neighbor on their collection of garden gnomes, let your partner have control of the TV remote for the evening.” You can never have too much kindness in your life!

Michele – Looks like a fun reception!

Lanette – Fiber arts do seem to be a hobby that will suck down as much money as you throw at it. On the other hand, I’d love to have a herd of goats! You get the satisfaction of caring for the animals, not to mention creating something with your own hands.

Becca – I understand about the gifts. I’m planning on doing some canning for Christmas gifts. I’ve had several ideas but I’m leaning toward sauces (BBQ sauce, cranberry sauce, chimichurri sauce, etc.).


It was another long, pleasant weekend at the river house, still trying to get Dad’s roman shades done. My nephew and my oldest niece drove down for the day Saturday so I had a good time hanging out with them, and I got the last two shades cut out and pinned. Then I couldn’t get my sewing machine to act right, so I brought it all home so I can get the machine serviced before trying again.

Came home to an email about my lab results from last week. They were OK, but the doctor says I’ve got to do something about cholesterol and triglycerides because both were elevated. She's giving me six months to work on it before we re-check.

Thinking of you all.

-Yvonne in TX

And then proceeded to eat some sugar babies Oy...