WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR AUGUST 2019

Luci - thanks so much for the exercises. I will start those tonight.

Lisa - I marvel now at how things are going back to some of the things they got rid of when I was young. I remember when plastic bags came in, my grandparents had numerous discussions about how this wasn’t going to be good and they chose paper bags as long as they could. They also resisted margarine until their doctor told them it was better for them. Now I have switched back to butter after finding a tub of margarine in my Mom’s cupboard that was so old the writing had worn off the outside but the inside looked brand new. My brother, best friend and I all quit eating margarine that day.
I was thinking of Penny the other day when the tv was on in the background and they started talking about Svalard, I miss her stories and pictures too.

Lanette - my husband watches Alone. It’s quite an interesting show, I couldn’t do it but I am in awe of those that do.

Barbie - I used to drink 4 extra large double double coffees each day. Now I may have a coffee with two cream on the weekend but very rarely through the week. It helped me with my acid reflux and my weight loss. Not to mention my wallet.

Karen in VA - I bought my first pack of ziploc bags in probably 20 years the week my MIL was here for my daughter’s wedding, we needed them for the cookies for the cookie bar. I only use storage containers I have some glass ones and some of the Rubbermaid and Glad ones. I also try very hard not to cook too much and avoid leftovers all together they never seem to get eaten here.

Carol - here in Alberta the Walmart stores charge 5 cents a bag for their plastic bags so I buy their reusable ones and use those. They are easier to carry and I use them for so many other things too. My only issue with Walmart right now is the local one to me just installed 24 self checkouts. I have been completing the surveys to tell them how disappointed I am.

Shannon - I’ll check out the YouTube videos. Thanks for that info.

Ginny - I have learned in very short order that my husband would be lost without me too. I handle all financial stuff. He doesn’t even check his own bank account, he just asks me what he has to spend. My cousin that just passed had the same in her relationship, I feel very bad for her husband in so many ways.

Kim - that sounds like a lot to handle in one day, but I bet it’s an incredible place to work.

Barbara - that was a relief to read I bet!

Terri - lovely picture of you.

Pride Parades - they cancelled the Pride parade here in Edmonton this year due to the political climate and the fear for safety of the participants and the police who would have to maintain order. It’s a very sad state of affairs.

Pip - you amaze me. I love all of your pics but that one in the bikini is something else. I have never worn a bikini even in my teens.
I like that you admitted faking your confidence. I do that a lot too. It’s interesting, I never would have thought you lacked any confidence at all. I love your honesty and your stories of your struggles. I’m glad you found Kirby too.

Kelly - sometimes those arguments are needed and results in good changes moving forward, I hope he does do more to help himself.

Allie - Kelly has some great advice. I talked to the social worker at the manor I’m working at to ask how people get into companion work. He said it’s usually word of mouth through the administrator at the different nursing homes. The private ones here earn about $20.00/hour and ones through the agency charge the nursing homes $34.00/ hour so they try to go private more often. Maybe you should talk to the administrator at your DFIL’s nursing home. When you start with a couple residents word of mouth may grow your own business for you.
It would be great to set your own hours and be your own boss.

Machka - I love model trains. I knew a man that had one that took up his whole basement, I used to love going there to see it all in action.

Heather - beautiful picture of the two of you. You look so young and energetic.

Finally caught up. Rodger is working on our car replacing the spark plugs and wires. Last week it was the EGR valve, there is only one more part that it can be causing problems and it is the most expensive so we are trying things one at a time. I’m so thankful he can do these things and We don’t have to pay a mechanic.

Yesterday we had a team dinner and drinks after work to say goodbye to our social worker. He was a nice guy and I’m sure he will be missed. I’m not so sure about his replacement.
It was nice getting to know others from the leadership team outside of the office. On Thursday the health care aids had a potluck lunch for him, the Administrator and I sat together, when the Dietician arrived she joined us for a bit. The Administrator has asked her to come up with a weight loss challenge for the staff. I hope they follow through. They were going to talk to rehab about getting some exercise tips too.

It’s a long weekend here, I am keeping the Grands tomorrow afternoon. I think we may go find some yard sales, this is a favourite summer activity that we have not been able to enjoy yet this year. We may also go to the splash park if it is nice. It would be too cool today because of a breeze.
The yard sales will cost me around 10.00 as I give them money to spend, I love watching what they buy for their money and how they decide what to spend their money on.

Tonight I’m going to spoil Rodger and thank him for fixing the car. Once it’s going I’ll go buy a special treat for supper.

I still haven’t heard what happened to my cousin that passed. I think the unknown is the worse. Knowing won’t bring her back but it might help to understand.

Tracey In Edmonton

NY Karen - Lovely photo of Rachel!! What a smile What is Stormking? An art center? Love that serpentine wall as well, wow. Out here in WA State we have Storm King Peak with a fabulous view of Mt. Rainier if I remember right. It's not really a tourist sight. It's one of the highest spots in the county and the radio repeaters sit up there. When I was working for 911 I rode up there with the radio technician in his rickety county pickup. I can't stand heights and it was narrow switchbacks the whole way. Your Stormking looks a bit more civilized.

Heather and all - I'm another who will never wear white. I just bought a yellow polo shirt and wonder how long it will be before I spill something on it that stains . Great photo of you and your DH, glad the weather was nice.

Pip - hey girl, thank you so much for sharing your story (((HUGS))). You have matured into a happy, healthy woman and that's what counts. So neat that other folks (guys in this case) appreciate your hard work and understand what it takes to keep in good shape. And honestly compliment you! I think when Kirby met you, he must have seen today's Pip.

RVRita - great that you can start cutting back on your BP medicine!! Did I read that you are going to see the cardiologist after all? I just looked at your weather report.......too HOT! ARGHH!! We're going to hit the mid-90's tomorrow and Monday. I can look out any window and see plenty of green (evergreens, maples, oaks) so it doesn't seem so bad, and at least its not smoky this year. Do you miss the east coast (weren't you in New England?) during this hot summer?

Ok ladies, better wrap this up. Stay cool. Hugs to all who need them!

Lanette
SW WA State

Pip

Rita Well done getting off your meds! It's hard to find words to say how impressive that is. You did this.

Katla YAY that Arrow is recovered enough for you to start riding him again. Your llama story is hilarious, I have this picture in my mind of the llama curled up on the couch watching TV. They are crazy observant. I think that must be what makes them so good at guarding sheep.

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I have had an unexpectedly wonderful day. At the last minute my supervisor asked me to swap my scheduled shift for one next week, so I had a totally unplanned day off today. It was a gorgeous day weatherwise until it finally got too hot in the afternoon, so I was able to weed the garden & mow the lawn...then my 10 year old granddaughter called up to see if she could spend the afternoon with us. Yes!!!! We cut doggie toenails, bathed 2 doggies, she ate 2 hamburgers (swimmer - burns tons of calories) and said they were among the top 5 burgers she's ever eaten, then she played Garage Band on my iPad while I cleaned up the kitchen. My partner had worked hard (physical work) all morning, so decided to take a nap. Granddaughter asked if I'd take her to see Toy Story 4, so off we went. Such a heartwarming, delightful movie! I loved it so much, and my granddaughter is so dang fun to be with. This has been one of the best days ever! Now I'm home watching TV with my partner & getting caught up with all of you. Happy. Back to the grind in the morning (work) but this day has been a gift.

Karen in Virginia