WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR FEBRUARY 2020

Hi Gals,

Barbie – thanks for keeping us together and current!

Had a “surprise” visit from my nephew, he texted as he left college for the 3 hour drive down, that he’d like to stop for dinner. I was delighted! He has lost about 30 lbs, (the “poster” about men vs women losing weight made me smile) his weight lose system is riding his bike to college and back 2 times a day 5 days a week, it is just under 1 mile each way so he is riding 20 miles a week and loses 30 lbs in 3 months…. I suspect he is doing other things too and doesn’t realize it. His jeans were hanging on him gathered up by an ugly belt! So I introduced him to the thrift store after dinner. He knows his brands and is fashion aware. An almost new pair of $105 jeans for $16.60 he was delighted and I got them for him as a valentines Day gift early.

About 8-9 years ago, a older gardening client asked me to be a party angel for her superbowl party – putting out food, helping guests, doing cleanup – about 3 years into that it I started catering it too. They are a very conservative eating group of 20-30 folks the young ones in their 80’s the oldest this year will be 101. Nothing spicy (and ground black pepper is spicy) nothing not “American” yet a favorite and what I am making this year is Lasagna, garlic bread light garlic, and salad. It is pretty busy and I will miss most of the game, but am loved and well paid. This group is crazy 49er fans, and that is my team also, I will wear my 9er gear with an apron. They have 3 rooms set up for watching all with big (full wall) screen TVs and decorations to match the teams. But this year the hostess told me there would be only 49er decorations. LOL It is a huge house, last year in the about 6 hours I was there I walked 25,000 steps.. There are quite a few with walkers and so I fetch and carry drinks, food etc. as well as doing all the cooking. The guests bring the appetizers and desserts.

We have had a few days in a row with California cold nights and nice days, today 40 at 5am and 65 in the afternoon, I have been working in my garden for a couple of hours each afternoon. Still tons to do but getting there.


Kim from N. California

Already 5 pages behind, but catching up so here goes.

Ginny I know what you mean, you do lose social connections when you lose a partner. I know I'm not keen on going out with couples, I feel like a spare part, and feel envious of them. I'm lucky in that although most of my friends are married, we do a lot of girly stuff together on a regular basis. I really appreciate them. I have also joined a 'Ladies Who' group. It is a ladies only social group who meet up for lunch, latte & various other events to enjoy each other's company & form friendships. I must admit being an introvert this is outside my comfort zone, but I always enjoy myself when I attend outings. In fact we had a lovely afternoon tea last Thursday, and I am getting to know some of them now which helps. Maybe there is something similar where you are that you could join?

Heather Love the quote I'm gonna make the rest of my life, the best of my life. I'm trying!

Sue Belated Happy Birthday to you

Annie So sorry for the loss of Mickey

Barbie Thanks for keeping us going. Can't believe we are in February already.

Well I started January at 149lbs and I'm now back to 147lbs I've been eating too many Christmas goodies, but I am going to stop eating empty calories. I'm going to put Heather's quote up near the computer and in the kitchen near the biscuit tin. I'll start logging my food again as well, see if I can see a pattern for losing a few pounds and gaining them again. My aim is to be less than 147lb by the end of Feb.

My sister in law has heard from the oncologist and found that the cancer has spread to her brain. She is back on the tablets to help slow it down, I think she is on the right dosage now and hope it helps. Once this stops slowing the cancer, she can go onto another tablet, once that one stops helping, she can have chemotherapy. We/they are taking it a day at a time now, I'm praying that the cancer slows down so she has many more years with us. We may know a bit more next month when she will have more tests to see if the cancer has slowed or spread.

DS is having trouble laying the flooring in the kitchen, the ground is not level (even though it has had something put on it to level it off) he's had to take up a few of them because they were not going in straight. That was probably why hubby chose a square type pattern last time rather than wooden planks. (You couldn't tell whether they were in straight or not because the pattern had different shapes on it) I'm sure DS will get there in the end, it might take longer than we though it would though.

Better make a start on the dinner, if I can get into the kitchen!

Love to all
Viv UK

Attended a flower arranging class yesterday. The taller carnation sprays will be shortened once the lilies start to open.
Hugs to all.

Good morning all! Happy Sunday! As planned, I spent yesterday getting my shopping done, doing a bit of kitchen prep (getting yoghurt started, marinating and cooking up some chicken for meals later in the week, washing and cutting up some veg), then I started assembling my igloo. lol I am almost done, but am going to have to figure out something for the roof, because I am about twenty-thirty milk jugs short to enclose the entire thing. I have some clear contact paper. I am thinking I will attach some glow in the dark stars and a moon to it and stick it over the top (like a skylight). It might work. I will post a pic when I have it all finished.
My guys are all going to superbowl parties tonight, (my hubby included). Tim asked me if I wanted to go with him to watch the game at our oldest son's place. lol Ummm...that's a no. I am not a big sports fan. And weighing the option of watching sports or having time alone at home, I will always pick the latter.
Kim - Your superbowl party sounds wonderful! Enjoy your day!
Rebecca- Athena She is so sweet!
SuziQ- Your flower arrangement is very pretty! I love the colors!
Heather- How fun to just run into family as you are out and about! Your description of your first "dressed" salad reminds me of a salad I had at a local (no longer in business) restaurant. The dressing on the salad was fantastic. When I asked the owner what was in it she said, "only oil, lemon, garlic, salt and pepper." That was when I realized everything I was missing by not making my own dressing.
Karen VA- I am sorry you have had to go through the things that you have gone through in terms of bffs, family, church, etc., distancing themselves because of their feelings about you/your life choices. I have confessed in earlier posts, that I did the same when I was much younger (and still under the belief that my parents instilled in regards to homosexuality and alternative lifestyles). I am so glad I grew older, learned more, met and became friends with people from all walks of life. My thoughts on this have done a complete 180*. I have attempted to contact my friend, and have sent apologies, but have never heard back from her. I don't blame her for not wanting contact. It was a horrible thing I did to my best friend. BUT, I do take solace in the fact that she knows that I regret it and have changed. OH well, sorry so long and rambling. Sending big hugs to you and your partner.
Lanette- The Stand by Stephen King? That is one of my favorite books of his.
Congrats to all who are having weight loss/exercise gains/NSVs! A big shout of support and victory dance from me! We can do this!
Love and hugs to all who are dealing with family/fur baby loss! Sending virtual hugs, sending prayers, vibes of strength and support to you and yours! ((((hug))))
Welcome new girls! Don't forget to bookmark the page (click on the empty star on the line of the title; it will turn yellow) and come often, jump in when the spirit moves you! Don't forget to sign your post to let us know what to call you and add Where you are from (as vague as you want to be- country, state, region)! Nice to have you here!

I better scoot and get my yoghurt strained and get busy with my day. Today: Finish igloo, finish yoghurt, make pork taco in crock pot, inside out egg roll in IP, clean house, hit the library for Polar/Arctic/cold region books.
love and hugs to all! ttfn xoxoxo KJ (Kelly)

KJ - Mine is EV olive oil, a tiny smidge of red wine vinegar, a blob of real Dijon mustard, salt, fresh ground pepper, and I marinate a whole big clove of garlic in it for a couple of hours. I don't put the garlic on the salad. When I taste this I am transported back to that scruffy campsite restaurant in 1963.
Your Superbowl is in our TV late tonight. I will be in bed.

Didn't row, went food shopping on foot. I trundled a heavy trolley home. I still might row, but ........

Love Heather UK xxxxxxxx