WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR FEBRUARY 2020

Machka9 · February 2020

Posted by a Lyndal Yelavich yesterday on FB ... that pretty much sums up summer in Australia.

https://www.dorotheamackellar.com.au/archive/mycountry.htm

My Country

The love of field and coppice
Of green and shaded lanes,
Of ordered woods and gardens
Is running in your veins.
Strong love of grey-blue distance,
Brown streams and soft, dim skies
I know, but cannot share it,
My love is otherwise.

I love a sunburnt country,
A land of sweeping plains,
Of ragged mountain ranges,
Of droughts and flooding rains.
I love her far horizons,
I love her jewel-sea,
Her beauty and her terror
The wide brown land for me!

The stark white ring-barked forests,
All tragic to the moon,
The sapphire-misted mountains,
The hot gold hush of noon,
Green tangle of the brushes
Where lithe lianas coil,
And orchids deck the tree-tops,
And ferns the warm dark soil.

Core of my heart, my country!
Her pitiless blue sky,
When, sick at heart, around us
We see the cattle die
But then the grey clouds gather,
And we can bless again
The drumming of an army,
The steady soaking rain.

Core of my heart, my country!
Land of the rainbow gold,
For flood and fire and famine
She pays us back threefold.
Over the thirsty paddocks,
Watch, after many days,
The filmy veil of greenness
That thickens as we gaze ...

An opal-hearted country,
A wilful, lavish land
All you who have not loved her,
You will not understand
though Earth holds many splendours,
Wherever I may die,
I know to what brown country
My homing thoughts will fly.

**
Dorothea Mackeller
Written in 1904, published 1911

Yes, if you hadn't guessed, after months of raging bushfires, mainly along the east coast of mainland Australia, most or perhaps all are out because there have been torrential, flooding rains for the last few days to the point of closed roads, power lost and evacuations. It happens like that here.

Machka in Oz

exermom · February 2020

I've noticed at GS cookies don't upset Vince's stomach.......

Michele who is off to exercise

terewilliams · February 2020

Hello All! Just popping by! I've missed you all! I'm working full time again. I was blessed to fall into a position doing what I love with a twist, with a wonderful manager, and outstanding team mates.

I've managed to get back on the wagon with weight loss and healthy eating. DH and I are doing a low carb diet now. We are laughing through our adjustments of no breads, potatoes, pasta, and of course desserts although we have decided to treat ourselves to one dessert on Sundays. Next on the list is reviving my exercise routine - it has kinda fallen by the wayside although DH goes religiously 5 times a week. I'll just have to see!

Tere in RVA

KetoneKaren · February 2020

Machka9 wrote: »

auntiebk wrote: »

Home made sweet and spicy pecans might be my go-to. Paleo and keto friendly, gluten free.

I like this idea ... as long as the person was OK with tree nuts.

I have a mild tree nut allergy but do love pecans! And I don't react as badly to them as I do to cashews or even almonds.

It is actually really hard to know what to bring if someone were to invite us to dinner!

Do they drink alcohol? No? OK then, no wine or other alcohol.
Yes? What kind? Some people are very particular about what they drink.
Peanuts? No ... that's not a good choice unless you're sure the person doesn't have an allergy.
Tree nuts? Maybe ... but again, good to check on allergies.
Fruit? What if the person is restricting sugar and including fruit in that?
Bread? Oops ... gluten.
Anything remotely dairy? Lactose intolerance.
Something sweet? What if they're diabetic?
Tea? That's something else people are particular about.
Coffee? Some people don't drink it.
Something with meat? What if they're vegan?

I think I would go with the box of chocolate or something which they could easily re-gift or bring to work or something.

But send me those pecans!

Machka in Oz

>>>

Food for thought (

) if you don't know your host or hostess well enough to bring something they will enjoy.

Karen in Virginia

SophieRosieMom · February 2020

It's Monday ladies! Valentine's Day coming up this Friday!

Cathy from Arlington TX - great to see you back on here, what fun to have a gentleman friend to attend dances with. I remember a while back you showed a photo of a keto birthday cake for your mom.

Teri and Heather and Viv - that storm is something else! I also read this morning that a spot in California set a new record - 209 mph for high winds. I still get an unsettling feeling when high winds hit here in the Pacific Northwest, having been through some major storms with trees down over roads, no electricity for days, roofs blown off, etc. Hope no major damage for your homes.

Loved seeing the photos of all the kids! Kelly's charges, Olivia, Athena, JR, Bea -- too many to mention.

Drinking water - I used to beat myself up when I was on WW and simply couldn't chug all of the water they suggested in addition to coffee, tea, etc. which was 8 glasses as I recall. Endless running to the restroom, lol. I think they have since changed their tune and include other beverages in the overall total.

OK ladies, make it a great week!

Lanette
SW WA State

klanders30 · February 2020

Pickled red onions: really tons of recipes out there for this, I tend to tweak any recipe I find, but here's the one I used yesterday, tasty!

1 large red onion sliced thinly, blanch in boiling water for around 30 seconds, should wilt but not lose their color
3/4 cup of your nicest clear vinegar (not distilled white vinegar, too sharp) I used champagne white vinegar
1 tsp sugar (i use a bit more to taste)
1 tsp kosher salt (I use a bit more to taste)
1 clove of garlic smashed but left pretty whole
a few pepper corns or a dried chili to taste

Dissolve the sugar, salt in the vinegar and add the garlic and peppercorns/chili. Drain the onions and place in the vinegar solution, make sure it is completely covered by the vinegar, store in a glass jar, will keep for weeks, but ready to eat after about an hour!. Quite tasty with fatty foods like pulled pork or on top of tacos.

I just scored a 2-drawer metal filing cabinet that work was gonna throw away, score! I love free-repurposed things, DH has outgrown his filing cabinet and I told him not to buy a new one--but to start shredding, this is a decent compromise.

NYKAREN

KetoneKaren · February 2020

NYKAREN Yummo! I am going to try that pickled red onion recipe. Delish!

KetoneKaren · February 2020

NYKAREN I love repurposed things too. My biggest score from work was a commercial paper shredder. My work got crosscut shredders so this beast was up for grabs. It sat there for a few days, so I went around and asked everyone if they would like to have it. No takers (too big). So it came home with me and sits in my garage and it's WONDERFUL. After I get the mail, I separate it in the garage, shred & recycle as needed, and bring the rest into the house to be dealt with. Dealing with the piles of mail still isn't perfect, but it's better than it used to be!

pipcd34 · February 2020

}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

cityjaneLondon · February 2020

The fence on the neighbour's side is leaning over since the storm. It's her responsibility. We will mention it nicely, but I would think the fencing companies are having a field day! She isn't well off either.

We went out shopping in a high wind. My trolley was blown along like a ship in full sail. For the first time I took a container to the healthy deli to buy french lentils loose. I have used their dispensers before, but always used their paper bags. I had to ask how to do it, but now I know.

Feel very virtuous. I was watching a Spanish language Utube video this morning about plastic which inspired me.

We have offered to have Edie for a 1 to 1 at the weekend, early lunch, then 3-4 hours with her. My son said yes, but he didn't specify which day. I think he means Sunday. She loves doing 'projects' so it's fun. We might get to do a bit more to her decoupage rabbit I bought her for Christmas.

I did 500 words of my memoir this morning. Writing about a camping holiday when I was 13. St Tropez. My mother was very adventurous and loved organizing her holidays. You can see where I got it from!

Love Heather UK xxxxxxxx

kymarai · February 2020

cityjaneLondon · February 2020

In case anybody thinks I spend all my time giving dinner parties, or going out to dinner with acquaintances, most of the time it is relatives who I'm socialising with , like my brother and his wife, or DH's sister and her boyfriend. Or even my son and wife. Friends occasionally if they are staying over. I just love to sit at a nicely decorated table and serve delicious food, carefully chosen to suit the occasion and the recipient. I would always ask about allergies, fads, preferences etc.. My yoga friend is always on some crazy food fad or other, so I always ask and enjoy the challenge! DH's sister's boyfriend is vegetarian and allergic to fish. My DDIL doesn't like lamb and was vegan for January along with my son. My old yoga friend can't eat anything spicy, so I usually do a pick and mix type meal for her.
My son is staying for a sleepover in April with the kids, to get out of the house for DDIL's 40th birthday girly all nighter, so I will feed the kids early, get them to bed and then cook him some lovely slow roasted lamb shoulder with spicy beans etc. Then Christmas (plum) pudding.

We were all too full up to eat it at Christmas time, but I know he loves it.

Nibbles first while DH is telling them stories. :laugh:

I haven't hosted or been to a dinner party with people I don't know really well in ages. I just, like Kim, love to cook and entertain. For me, the important thing is to be a great hostess, so I am to have most of it prepared before hand and make it all look effortless. I never let people wash up, unless they are staying more than one night.

Love Heather UK xxxxxxxx

Workoutahloic50 · February 2020

Karen in Va-we do a lot of whole house clean outs and ended up with a fairly new shredder.I take all of our old and junk mail,shred and use for starting fires in the wood stove.We can’t technically have Anything until it goes to the curb,then everything is up for grabs.
Debby in Va

Katla49 · February 2020

Rebecca: Congrats on getting rid of nighttime heartburn!!!!

Heather: The photo of the wave from Brighton Marina is stunning and powerful. WOW!

Machka & Karen: We haven’t had dinner at someone else’s house in a long while due to DH’s dietary restrictions. We have occasionally gone out to a restaurant with friends and that works out very well if the restaurant has gluten free options. :flowerforyou:

Lanette: Thanks for the Valentine’s Day reminder. :bigsmile:

Yoga today!!! Yay!!! I also have a doctor appointment later in the day. She wants to see all of my vitamin supplements. I have them tucked into a tidy carrier and look forward to finding out what she things is useful and what is a waste of money.

Katla in Beautiful NW Oregon

1948Peachy · February 2020

Heather ~ For many, many years I hosted every holiday and a lot of summer cookouts. Mostly just for family and some of my son's friends. It had gotten to the point that I got very anxious about getting the house cleaned and thinking of what I shall cook. Used to use the fine china, polish the sterling, and put table cloths on the table. Now, I am happy to turn it over to my son's family and his mother-in-law. My mom did a lot of entertaining until her late 70's. I am glad to put it to rest.

Weather in Georgia has been very topsy-turvy! One day it feels like Spring, another it is freezing and snowing, and now raining for most of the week.

Carol

JRsLateInLifeMom · February 2020

Rainy day but finally exercised .Gained a pound or two got to rework them off (ovulating so hormones).

Amber Tx

Barbara- Yes my Aunt a bitter Wiman who hates to see her sons happy too

cityjaneLondon · February 2020

Tere - Nice to see you! I bet you didn't just fall into that job.

It took talent and hard work, plus a lot of determination.

I've done well so far today on the eating front. AF as well. I have space for one chocolate truffle.

Love Heather UK xxxxxxxx

TerriRichardson112 · February 2020

Barbie: Can I come watch ice skating with you? ⛸ found my old boots when I was clearing out some cupboards last month.

DH is my best friend. He puts up with all my little foibles, and treats me like a princess. We have had our moments, but after almost 54 years together, it still gladdens my heart to wake up beside him every morning.

We mostly entertain with family. Mostly birthdays and other celebrations. At Christmas everyone contributed something to the feast. I do socialise, but mostly at cafes/restaurants. So no gift expected.

Ciara is still raging. We had high winds and snow flurries most of the day, but not enough snow to lie. Not much damage where we live, but we have had a few lights flickering tonight, so hopefully the electricity won’t go out.

Stay safe fellow Brits! It’ll soon pass!

coastalgosgal · February 2020

So this is how I get 1200 calories in during my eating window of 12 noon to 3pm.

Soup, a cucumber salad and avocado/salmon toast.
💖Rebecca

coastalgosgal · February 2020

Ok my soup and toast was filling enough, put the cucumber with 1 T. Dressing in frig for tomorrow.👍

AprilMasson · February 2020

I'm reading through all your posts and this seems like such a lovely, active group. I really need accountability friends. I've been miserable for ages, finding it extremely difficult to motivate myslef. I'm 47 this year...can I please join? 🙏
April in Scotland

cityjaneLondon · February 2020

Hi April! Welcome from down south in Hove.

Still windy, but not as bad as yesterday. Good job I didn't try running!

Love Heather UK xxxxxxxx

grandmallie · February 2020

Afternoon ladies
This vacation cant come fast ,another day of holy HE double toothpicks...the stress is all through my shoulders...we have the new program starting weds and we cannot help each other learn...I'm working alone Saterday and I am already freaking out about it

LisaInAR · February 2020

April - please do join and welcome. We're a chatty bunch!

Interesting weekend, shuffling vehicles around, as the company he works for gave my husband a company truck. Not an insubstantial raise, as they pay for the gas, too... He's happy. But suddenly we have two trucks and two cars and a carport that used to seem quite large. It doesn't anymore!

No problem getting time off to spend with the grandkids when my daughter's here. Look forward to that, only four weeks away!

TerriRichardson112 · February 2020

☘️

KetoneKaren · February 2020

April Yes! and Welcome Aboard.

Karen in Virginia

sh0tzz99 · February 2020

So all your talk of dancing and I just bought tickets to "Viva Las Vegas" in April. They call it a Rockabilly Weekend. Swing dancing, line dancing, music, classic car show, and all kinds of other stuff I probably won't care about. A friend loves this event and I thought it sounded fun, so off we go for girl weekend. Here' a link if you care to see. https://www.vivalasvegas.net/

Sounds like the UK is having quite the storm. Another friend's flight from London to Amsterdam was cancelled twice and delayed at least 2 days. Hope you're all faring well.

Property sale is due to close Friday. I hope it does. I need the stress of that to be gone.

Tina in CA

skuehn48 · February 2020

Had a lovely morning and afternoon yesterday but can't say much for the evening. I went to church and a ukulele lesson in the morning. Then to the symphony in the afternoon. When I got home I could hear water running under the house. Our water heater bit the dust. There was water on the floor inside but apparently a lot of it went through the floor to the cement beneath. Plumber came this morning and of course the water heater in this manufactured home is not standard. Replacement will cost a great deal extra. He recommended a stainless steel electric water heater with a lifetime warranty but we will need to get an electrician out to make sure we have the right electrical service to support it. the old one is propane which also contributes to the problem of cost. The electric one is less money.This is not a good start to the week. I feel like it is one thing after another with the roof and now this.

Well spring is coming, my hyacinths are coming up and the sun shown today.

Everyone take care, Sue in WA

JRsLateInLifeMom · February 2020

For both meals had

1.unsweetened Apple juice 60cal per glass (1)
2.Bag of microwave broccoli medaly (cauliflower broccoli carrots) 30cal servings
3. Spaghetti 🍝 Squash flavored noodles 200cal per serving (makes 6 per box), pepper5cal,1/2 can unsalted corn 60cal per serving ,1-2servings of Prego sauce 90cal each serving mixed it up in Tupperware get a serving for 6 meals.

Exercise band y walking today.

Amber Tx

ginnytez · February 2020

Not a bad day today. Got some tedious work things done. Good workout at gym. Checked to see what you all have going on. Heading off to read some of book for a book study for wellness points (we get discount on what we pay for our insurance by doing some simple stuff). I get bloodwork/annual physical this Saturday along with echocardiogram (monitor an aortic aneurism I have had for years, stays the same). That gets some of the points, dental visit gets some, get points for steps and going to gym, so I'm basically done with it after I complete book study. In group reading Urban Meyer's "Above the Line." Folks who have already read it say it is pretty good.

Take care all,

Ginny in Ohio

WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR FEBRUARY 2020

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