WOMEN AGES 50 + FOR NOVEMBER 2018

Rebecca, dear heart,

My heart goes out to you, as I know my mother went through the same thing in the years I was on the other side of the world... and I did as well when my son and daughter were in Germany and then as he went to Saudi Arabia. I've also struggled at times with my own homesickness. One thing that's helped me is something similar to what Kelly is talking about, but for me, it's the constellation of Orion. The three stars in his belt always center me, and help me remember that the stars, though they're in different areas of the night sky, always remain part of me, wherever I am, and they could see them too. You can click on Japan, and you can click on Whidbey Island here: https://www.globeatnight.org/observe_finder.html, and it will show you how he sees it and how you see it.

Whatever idea that can help you get through it, use it for all it's worth. My husband has a similar reaction to my inability to hear both him and what's happening on television, though it just makes him shake his head and laugh. Men can be goobers on occasion, even the best of them.

Much love, dear,
Lisa in AR

Why are there "hungrier" days? I am drinking my water, eating protein but I feel ravenous and restless and crabby. I am on day 3 of "diet" so maybe carb withdrawal, food withdrawal etc. Never know how to calm this. Know it goes away eventually but hate this part of re-gaining control. Any suggestions. I am going to exercise afterwork. Have my supper of shrimp and stirfried veggies planned and a snack of applesauce with yogurt. But I feel like chewing on my arm!!!!

Allie, so sorry to hear of the loss of your aunt.
Margaret, good for you for standing your ground! Definitely don't need to clean up other people's messes!
Rebecca, {{{HUGS}}}. My younger son is only 3 provinces away and I see him usually once per year, but it is hard when our babies aren't within touching distance.... He's been gone for almost 8 years now, so I'm getting used to it, but still get very excited when he talks about coming home! He was supposed to be coming back here, for good this time, this summer, but that didn't work out. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for next spring, really don't want him driving out this way in the winter, just too much unpredictability in driving conditions between there and here.
Lucy, I hear ya! I hate those hungrier days! Something that I have found is hot lemon water, gives me that full feeling, I just use realemon juice and either boiled water, or just hot from the tap, or even microwave a glass full. It does make me pee a lot tho, that's not always a bad thing either! lol
Willow, perhaps you could find a work out on line? There must be tons of stuff that you would still be able to do without having to leave your comfort zone. Baby steps is definitely the way to go!
Pip, love the photo of you and your brother! Also love Kirby and the pups, it must be treat time, they are being so attentive!
Machka, lovely photo of the botanical gardens, excellent work on the walking for both of you.
Penny, more lovely photos of your landscape. The starkness just provides a different level of beauty.
I'm sure there are others that I meant to comment on, but the memory is weak today!
Willpower is getting somewhat better, during the day anyway, the evenings are still a challenge. Really need to brush my teeth right after dinner! That really does work for me, not much else seems to. sigh.
Oh well, time to put on my big girl panties and get on with it!
Hugs to those needing them, congrats to those celebrating and welcome to the newbies!
Evelyn, Vancouver Island

Katla—This might sound crazy, but I looked online for doctors. My primary seems wonderful, and my obgyn is good as well. (I'm menopausal, but still need regular pap tests.) I looked at Yelp for reviews, and ratings. When more than one review said the office was poorly run, I looked elsewhere.

I crochet, so when I goof it's not as bad as when a stitch gets dropped in knitting. But I've torn out many rows to fix a mistake, so I know the frustration. I'm sure it will be beautiful.

Ann in WA—Moving is so tough! I thought when I moved from NC to Texas it would push me to take my health more seriously, and lose weight. Instead, I went downhill, and gained weight—lots of weight. Being cut off from all my supports was huge, and I'm only just now turning things around. I've also got a son who stayed behind, so that's hard as well. I imagine some day we'll have time to sit and talk, and he'll have lots of stories to tell. I'm looking forward to that day.

Pat and Allie—So sorry to hear about your losses.

Michelle in NC—I love butternut squash! It's a new discovery to me, since I never would have tried it if not for the diet. Acorn squash is another fave.

When my grandma stored her cookies, they were in chew-proof containers. Yeah, you wouldn't want to tempt the critters with cookies.

Margaret—Our first home had a radon issue. The rule in NC was that it had to be disclosed if they knew, but not remedied. We had a full, half-light basement, and my husband planned on spending a lot of time down there with his computers. To fix it, we hired a company that specialized in it. They drilled down through the foundation, and set up a pipe and fan to pull the radon from the basement, up through the house, and out the attic. The pipe was concealed in an upstairs closet, and there was a gauge to check to make sure the fan was working. It's all about ventilation.

Willow—Glad to meet you! I'm 53 this year, too, but I don't have the limitations you do. I can give you advice on losing weight without working out—if you like. (Ha! Look at me, suddenly acting like a weight loss expert, even though I've got 80 pounds more to go!)

I remember “Sweating to the Oldies,” but my favorite was “Jane Fonda's Lower Body Work-out.” I've tried some of the newer videos, but they move too fast for me.

Lisa in Arkansas—I loved the poem! Did you write it?

Heather—Ha! Love it when someone mistakes me for being younger; you do look like a spring chicken. I wish you could share some of your recipes. I've watched enough cooking shows to know that staples are very different outside the US.

Lanette—When you get that teleporter fixed, stop and pick me up too.

Kathy—Welcome! Some of us here are still struggling with our diet and exercise, and some have it licked. Feel free to talk about anything.

Gratitude Calendar—body: I'm making peace with my body. I've still got 80 more to lose, but I'm glad it's coming off. I feel like it's within my power. I'm grateful that this body has grown and birthed two kids. It's like a super-power to me. “You can fly, and you can read minds, but I created two new human beings—top that!”

I had a doctor visit today. She wanted to check my blood pressure, since I'm finally taking my meds. It's within normal limits. I need a larger BP cuff for my home machine. I never knew that would affect the readings.

I went with a friend to visit one of our choir members in the hospital. The poor dear had a surgery to repair some kind of hernia and fix her reflux. She's on a soft/liquid diet, and has trouble swallowing. As much as I like losing weight, I'm glad I don't have to deal with a serious health issue. After the hospital visit, we went to lunch at Red Hot and Blue, a barbecue place. She had a sandwich piled with beef, cole slaw, and sauce, with a side of potato salad. I had a plate of smoked turkey, with beans and steamed veggies. I gave her my corn muffin, and took half my food home. I feel good that I resisted the temptations.

Yesterday I made a big pot of chicken soup, with vegetables. No one else wants to touch it, so it's my go-to lunch and dinner until it's gone or turns. It's SO good! They don't know what they're missing.

Cari in N. Texas