WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR DECEMBER 2018

Michelle--I love Tran-Siberian Orchestra! I saw them last year here in Texas. Our seats put us beside the stage, almost behind them, so it was like getting to see backstage. It was loud, but I'm losing my hearing so I didn't mind.

Heather--You do look young for your age. You'd look young for my age, and I'm 16 years behind you. That tricolor salad sounds yummy....maybe even worth the calories.

Barbara--Good job not overeating the sourdough. Filling up on veggies is a new experience for me. I'm also one of those who stresses about a clean house when company comes over. I've got a list posted to the fridge of all the cleaning, storing, moving, finishing, and prepping I've to to do before Christmas. Some things have to wait, because I don't want to do them more than once--like mopping all the floors. I'm not a neat freak, but I really want that first impression to be an 'aaah,' not an 'uh-oh.'

Tracy--your ornaments are so pretty together. They seem to set each other off, like a collection.

Pip--love all the pictures. They're a good reminder that I need to get out and do more memorable things.

Yvonne--I can relate to the plants in the bathroom. I've got a pink mandevilla and a yellow hibiscus taking up my bathtub. On plant stands they can get close to the frosted window for light. The stands are leaving rust marks in the tub, but I don't have anywhere else to put them and I'm not willing to let them die. I'm probably going to lose the mandevilla anyway, unless we have a short winter. The hibiscus is blooming and mostly happy. I've also got a lemon tree I grew from a seed, but it's got a home near the kitchen window. As much as I'd love a greenhouse, the HOA would probably give me grief over one.

Barbie--I really need to find a dance class of some sort near me. I used to do Dance-it, but I couldn't locate one here. Dancing is my favorite exercise, but the ones I've found when I google them seem to be geared to younger bodies.

Michelle--Ah, the serious, life-threatening, panic-worthy prospects of snow in NC; I remember it well. I'm sure you've got your bread, milk, and gas. I grew up in Ohio, so I never understood the panic. Ice is a different beast--as has been explained to me many times. But it doesn't matter if it's ice or snow, the panic is the same. I hope your snow days are warm and stress-free--not power-free.

I remember when we brought a new cat home after having the first for a couple years. Loki was still barely a kitten, but Osiris wanted nothing to do with him. Loki hid in the bathroom for days, and Osiris would hiss every time he got too close. Well, Loki clearly remembered the bullying, because as soon as he was older, bigger, and more mature, they had it out and Loki took the dominant position in the house. They got along fine, but Osiris was never top cat again.

Kim--So sorry to hear about the funerals, and your mom and brother's health issues. Prayers for more peace this holiday season.

Katla--I don't have an empty nest just yet, but I've already resolved to invite people when it is. There are so many who spend holidays alone; I will be happy to host (kidnap or abduct) those who don't have family nearby.

I'm still three pages behind, but I'm going to post this anyway, and try to catch up later. I love all the holiday preparations, the pictures, and the stories of daily life on here. I'm excited my son is coming home for about a week. Part of me hopes he likes Texas and wants to come and stay. Part of me worries about the same. He's 26 and should be living his life on his own. I'd love it if he were closer, but...he has a way of finding drama. I'm hoping for a peaceful visit, a chance to spoil him like he's not used to, and enough time to talk and have my worries put to rest.

I keep checking things off my list, but then I have more to add. I finished my wreath today--it was a lot more work than I anticipated. It looks beautiful on the front door.

Cari in chilly N. Texas

Saturday ornament

Monday ornament

So not in the Christmas spirit. I have never liked Christmas and have not one thing out in my house to show the season.
At home for a few days to house clean and babysit sons dogs. Must get rest of shopping done then to other grandkids school for grandparents day on wed. Back to my daughters on wed to help with her three little ones. At bedtime it sometimes takes 3 of us to get them all to settle for the night!
Trying to move forward but drank too much rye tonight and went over calories. Grrr
Stay strong.

Karen in BC

Hoping for a peaceful Christmas.

Heather~ stunning picture.... ahhh that is one of my dreams to live near the sea.... don't think it will ever happen but one can sure dream...
today will be a busy day for me, have to really deep clean and get ready for guests tomorrow night..
like I told you our office manager is like Heather and a fabulous cook, so she plans on making dinner for us all..
she will prep it tonight I am guessing and drop it off at my house tomorrow before work... and then will finish it off after work.. Mary will not be coming.. as my grandfather used to say she is biting off her nose to spite her face...and holds a grudge, she hasn't spoken to me or even payed me the slightest bit of attention..
I sort of feel sorry for her but after 12 years I spoke my mind and she knew she did wrong,but will never admit it..
Oh Well..
have to drop paperwork off at attorneys office.. and then will feed DFIL and then stop at the dollar store to pick up a few things and then come home and clean like a crazy woman.. housekeeping was never a strong suit

cityjaneLondon wrote: »

I was awake for two hours in the night, partly because of company coming and partly because I don't like being out of sorts with DH . I migrated up to the top floor and read for a while and slept in the bed I'd made up for my son. Sssshhh, don't tell him.
Came back with a cup of tea in the morning and DH hadn't slept either! He then apologised for being grumpy and irritable yesterday. He blamed it on feeling sad about people who he had to cross off his Christmas card list because they had died , but he admitted he had started the day in a bad mood. I think he gets tense about people "invading his space" when we have visitors, especially men. He is largely unconscious of this, but didn't disagree when I suggested it. He also doesn't like his routines messed up.
Anyway, we are best friends again.

I'm with him!!

I don't mind going out to dinner with friends or whatever now and then, but I'm not fond of people coming to stay in my house.

M in Oz

Heather - Yeah for you getting your run in early. I'm glad you and hubs are back on happy ground.

Okie

Mushroom

KetoneKaren wrote: »

pipcd34 wrote: »

Saturday ornament

Pip what is this???

I decided if I waited until I caught up, I wouldn’t ever post. So. Had four parties last week all involved meals. I am ready to just chill in my house but DH wants to go to Costco.
Janetr- very interested in your eye situation. Sending prayers for good results. I go next Wednesday to see my retina specialist.
Bb later
SueBDew
Ps lov the pic of Joaquin and his tree.

Pip I thought so...the mushroom ornament you have might represent Amanita muscaria. Highly poisonous.

Karen BC & Barbie Many people succumb to the pressure of their own or others' expectations at holiday time. Recognizing and honoring what is best for you is liberating. Last year my stepson & wife wanted to be away from all family, so they planned a romantic trip! To each his own!

Beth I had this lovely, smart mother. She taught me that once I had done everything within reason to get the outcome I wanted, I could let go of the outcome. Just let it go. Easier said than done.

Heather It made me a little teary to think of you and your husband both sleepless in separate parts of the house. My partner & I are fortunate, I think, because most of our houseguests are autonomous & don't expect to be entertained every minute. They fend for themselves, but we also get together for planned meals & outings. Less disruptive to everyone's routines. Plus we have a large enough house that people can retreat when they need to.
How many guests are you having? I'm in awe that you are welcoming guests so soon after your move.

________

My grandson was supposed to have online school yesterday & today but his mom & sister are home for snow days, so he has done his 1-hour live classroom each day & is not doing any other work. His mom was in charge yesterday, but asked me to come over for a couple of hours this morning. The secondary roads were not horrible, so I went over & sat with him while he participated in Civics live classroom. He started out grumpy but got over it. He has worked ahead in all of his classes, so he can miss a few days without falling behind (except for the live classrooms, which are required).

Karen in Virginia, off for the rest of the day!