WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR MAY 2020

barbiecat · May 2020

I saw a sign that said that 2020 was an unusual leap year---February lasted 29 days, March 100 days, and April 5 months.

This has been a challenging time for all of us on top of our usual challenge of seeking and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It has been so helpful to me to face this challenge with all of you.

A new month is a good time to re-evaluate goals and resolutions and possibly create some new habits and discard others that haven't served us well.

I read this thread over breakfast every morning as part of a morning routine that starts at the same time, has the same breakfast, and includes the same healthy practices.

Don't forget to bookmark this page so you can find it again.

Please sign your post with a name or nickname and a location, specific or general.

Barbie from NW WA

My word for 2020 is "flexible". Who knew just how much it would apply to the life we have right now.

GodMomKim · May 2020

Thanks for getting us started, Barbie!

Kim in N. California

SuziQ113 · May 2020

Thank you Barbie. Looking forward to May...

linder4866 · May 2020

❤️🌷❤️

exermom · May 2020

Skyped with Denise. Really, the main reason was because she wanted to thank us for the carseat. What do I have to do? Send her something expensive for PJ every time I want to see him? I didn’t realize just how much he’d grown. Remember, I haven’t seen him since Sept. He’s walking and crawling. I couldn’t help it, but seeing him I started to cry.

Oh Allie and katla – that’s when we first got Lexi, many years ago. She now even does a very pathetic “meow”. She’s happy. But this gives you an idea of how much was bandaged. And we never once had to wash her after taking the bandage off.

Michele NC

Luckee_me · May 2020

Thanks for starting us off.
My plan for May is I’m gong to start dancing around my house to burn calories. This was very successful for me the first time I lost this 200 pounds. Hopefully I’ll have success with it again.
Flexible is a great word for 2020.
Glenda Las Vegas NV

csofled · May 2020

😊🤗🙂

evie1958 · May 2020

Pip, love the pink "snow"! Ours is pretty much gone now but the arbutus trees will start with their flowers soon.
Barbie, thanks for getting us started for May.
Barbara, I think it was you that ran into your friend in Costco and so managed to get a second case of dog food, that's awesome!
Lisa it was me that questioned the mailing costs, but I did have it wrong. I realize now that was to be able to mail stuff out to the girls, not to submit the grant.
Michele, Lexi is a beauty! Regarding milk, I bought four 1 gal jugs (actually 4x4lt, but close enough) for hubby 10 days ago. I have no intention of going for groceries until Monday, which will be 2 full weeks. The milk has a best before date of May 7, which is still 1 week away. Hubby will be thru most of it by then, so no need to worry about keeping it. Worst case scenario I can make some pudding or something else that uses milk. Also, just because the best before date is May 7, I know it will be fine for up to a week after that, but it will be used up by then. I am sorry that you have so little contact with PJ, I know how much I miss my grandbabies, haven't seen them since the end of Feb but they at least live in the same town as we do. Hopefully soon.....
Not much else I can remember, I'm on my tablet so it's trickier, have to rely on my memory which is really never that good an idea! lol
Today went well, rode my bike to work and back, my fitbit says I burned just over 800 cal. I really enjoy the calorie burn, but it can be hard work! Going to work isn't too bad, lots of downhill. Unfortunately that translates into lots of uphill heading home. There's only a few patches of steepish hills, but there's quite a bit of long steady climbs. Oh well, maybe it will get easier some day! I was very active at work today too, which I like, hate just sitting there, too boring! Well I've prattled on long enough. Hugs to those needing them, congrats to those celebrating and welcome to any newbies!
Evelyn, Vancouver Island

JRsLateInLifeMom · May 2020

Diary from a young woman during the Spanish Flu..Now the family member who inherited the book an old woman with her family reading it during this virus so much similarity between us now y then

Always hope in this world.

Amber Tx

Still healing the left leg so calorie watching. Like a hawk got to watch myself lol I need a fridge mooing cow jar.. lol who remembers those!! I do lol 😂 used to open the fridge to hear it. Oldie but goodie .Feeling nastalgic

Hoping tomorrow meal plans go good.Got a recipe in mind will see

Snowflake1968 · May 2020

Rebecca - my daughter used an app for tracking water intake that even my Grandchildren use now. It has a daily plant and you have to drink and log your water for your plant to thrive.

Flea - here in Canada there is a real fear on meat supply right now. The largest outbreak here is in a meat packaging plant which supplies 75% of the beef to all of Canada. The price of a 5lb pack of ground beef went up by about $10.00 last week, I am fearful what will happen next week when I go shopping.
I have a theory on the yeast. Here locally we couldn’t find bread in the first week or two. I think us older people thought well I’ll just bake some, but the surprise to me is all of the young people I see making bread. I think a lot of the younger generation is getting a chance to be at home a bit and are using the opportunity to learn how to bake and try new things. I’m quite impressed by it all actually.

Heather - I personally never had cramps like that but my best friend did. I could cal her and hear her say Hello and I knew she had started. She suffered until they were doing and dye test to find out what was causing her fertility issues and they found several cysts that they felt she had had for about 10 years.

We had a shocking news brief yesterday when without notice our Chief Medical Office for the province declared that long term care facilities could start allowing outside visits with residents and two family members as long as there were precautions. The homes were not given any notice to get the staff in place, a location, so many questions and major concerns.

It has given the workers, who have fought so hard to keep these residents safe and healthy, a big kick in the teeth. It is inconceivable that they are allowing this when our numbers are what they are. Legally we have to follow their new rules.

Needless to say it was a terrible day at work and we questioned why we’ve done all of this and kept the virus out if they were just going to open to that risk so fast.

Barbie - thanks for the new month.

Anyhow, have a good night everyone
Tracey in Edmonton

auntiebk · May 2020

"Get to do"s and "chose well"s

Chose well: invest 10 mins cleaning Kitchen/Laundry
Bonus: 20 mins vacuuming, mopping, stroll with Joe and the dogs down the drive
Get to do: recycling, mat work, firehouse mtg minutes, invest 10 mins cleaning bedrooms, carry over 10 mins Dining Rm, Living Rm, Guest Bth, finish weeding drive, continue weeding flower bed, mulch flowerbed, prep potato bed for snow peas, dig up snow pea bed for potatoes and greens, prep raised bed for carrots, parsley root, parsnips, radishes, transplant herbs, finish cleaning and start de-rusting Aunt Elsie’s stove, Freddie’s for complete series TDAP <$48, get Shingrix vaccine.
Reward: inventory seeds, plan garden, order replenishments.

Michele glad the bridge coming out didn’t hurt. Beautiful Lexi hope she feels better soon.
Lanette the dogs bark at the wind blowing weeds around, anything that we’ve moved or changed, even me when I’m knocking around the laundry room, but NOT the late night BOOMs. And as for Joe, nary a flutter, sleeps sweetly on. There’s a long story about his ability to sleep through loud noises, involving me coming home to our home in West Oakland very late from work without a key, triggering the extremely loud alarm mounted to the wall just outside our bedroom. When the police finally arrived I was sure Joe had been taken hostage inside or worse and the alarm continued to clang. After they ascertained that yes we had a big dog and yes we had a gun, they put me in front when they punched out a pane in the door so we could reach in and turn the knob….and yes, that is when he woke up and came out hollering What the #3LL Is going on? So nope, BOOMs don’t wake the sleeping beauty. That having been said, I woke up Tumble laughing at your dog’s braids. Brilliant!. If I could do it, it would sure cut down on the mud and spruce needles she brings in.
Karen in VA yes please the “no children will die” story.
Barbie “…an unusual leap year” Sure seems that way! Thanks for the May thread link.
Rita lucky turtle!
Pip

the pink snow, that’s my favorite kind!
Evelyn sure wish your commute was the opposite, UP hill to work when you’re fresh and down hill home when you’re tired.
Tracey what poor planning and communication from the provincial government. Trust your care facility will interpret “precautions” strictly, and only allowing visitors when they have enough gowns, caps, gloves and masks for them.

April summary and May intentions to follow.

Lighter, lovelies!

Barbara, the Southern Oregon Coastie AHMOD

April: better than March.
daily: steps=3238 vits=29.5 log=30 CI<CO=23 CI<250<CO=12 Tumble & Shadow 5=23 mfp=30 clean 10 mins=30 outside=23 up hill=28
wkly: BB&B x3=0 rx=4 dance=4.75
mnthly: board mtg=1 grant=0 review 20for20=0
bonus: AF=19 play=0 sew=0

skuehn48 · May 2020

evie1958 · May 2020

Barbara, yes, I wish my commute was the opposite also! Oh well, it is what it is. But when I got home after work today, then made dinner (cheated, took a bunch of stuff out of boxes and cans! - but it was good!) and had an early shower - it felt so good! So had a pamper me evening, used my nylon pouffe and exfoliated, then smeared SSS Gelled Body Oil on all over, my hair is still a fright, but the rest of me is awesome! lol
Having a shower early in the evening also meant that I brushed my teeth early, so no after dinner snacking! A win-win night!
Barbie, yes most definitely a most unusual leap year!
Tracey, sorry to hear that AB's powers that be are kind of throwing facilities off the cliff! My sincerest hope that all goes well and visitors act properly.
Grateful that my province is acting slowly to open things up, but sure wish I could see my podiatrist soon. I have badly ingrown toenails that he was going to take care of for me, but that got cancelled - twice - so now we wait and see. Sigh. Oh well, could be worse, our neighbour was supposed to go in for hip replacement, that is now on hold indefinitely as well.
Hope everyone has a great night/day/evening!
Evelyn, Vancouver Island

cityjaneLondon · May 2020

Tracey - I'm sorry to hear that. This is probably the most dangerous time for the old and vulnerable.

Brighton and Hove haven't had any CV hospital deaths since the 22nd April and very few hospital admissions. That doesn't mean it's not out in the community and we know care homes are still suffering.
However, cautious optimism for now. Most hospitalised infections and deaths have been from the outer ring of the city. As always, it's the poor who suffer the most.
I anticipate having to be very careful in this next phase. There will be a lot of undetectable transmission and they are still not testing the symptom free. That's what I would like. My difficult friend, who used to work for WHO as an epidemiologist, actually stopped an outbreak of some virus in Bangladesh by sample testing whole blocks of the population so they could see how it was transmitting and where.
I am waiting for info from the big testing site at the football stadium.

Thanks Barbie!

I'm sure I would have found all this a great deal harder without you all.

It has been like seeing friends every day! And YES you had the right answer. 50 ×101. (I + 100 = 101, 2 + 99 = 101 and so on) Max had obviously seen the answer somewhere in one of his science magazines, but he was amazed when I said Gauss worked it out all by himself at the age of 8 in a school class. In the 1700s.

By the way, Machka hasn't posted for a couple of days. I hope nothing's wrong.

Should be a quiet day today. I think it might be be fish tonight. Cod in the freezer. Zucchini in the fridge. Tomatoes. Lemon. Yummo! Friday is wine night, so a nice bottle of something white or pink looks likely.

Love Heather UK xxxxxxxx

Katla49 · May 2020

Barbie: Thank you for setting us up for another month of friendship, encouragement and support.

I love the poster, “Gratitude Turns What We Have Into Enough.” It is a brilliant truth and a great guiding star to follow into the future.

Amber: The diaries are remarkable. Thank you for sharing. :flowerforyou:

Tracy: I am sorry for the meat worries. The Covid19 outbreak in a meat packaging plant could create a horrible risk for the Canadian people, and for the safety of your frail & elderly patients. Can your facility require that visitors come in wearing suitable masks and sanitize their hands just as soon as they come through the doors? Would that help minimize risk to your patients? :huh:

DH and I had the opportunity to have a video conference call with our son as he worked on setting up a beautiful set of stereo speakers that have been in our family for nearly 40 years. We purchased the speakers when he was only a toddler. He grew up with them in our home and has always loved music. The speakers were the highest quality back in the 1970’s, and he’s restored them to their former glory. He’s done wonders with adapting them to more modern systems and preserving their fabulous sound quality. It was a great video call and a treat for us both.

Katla in Beautiful NW Oregon

SuziQ113 · May 2020

Hello everyone.

I have been keeping up with everyone and have not had time to make many comments. I seem to be busier now than I was pre-covid19. The to-do list is certainly shrinking and more things are being added as time moves forward. The house is really shaping up and it is becoming more and more of a sanctuary for me.

Pip – I love your snow picture! Beautiful.

Milk – Lots of milk conversations. I purchase the shelf-stable milk and always, always keep a few cans of evaporated milk in the pantry. I only use milk in my coffee or tea and an occasional bowl of cereal and I find the shelf-stable milk lasts a lot longer than the “fresh” (ha) milk we purchase. And, for the times I totally forget to pick up milk and/or during a hurricane the evaporated milk tastes fine in a cup of coffee. Also, water can be added to it for recipes and/or cereal. I always dislike the taste of dry milk – blechhhhh.

Meats/Chicken/Pork/Food – I do not have to eat meat every day but do enjoy it when I want it. Being single I do not have to have a large supply. And, with the start of hurricane season right around the corner I want to be sure I have variety but not so much that I cannot eat it all, if we lose power. I do have two very decent coolers but there is only so much meat one can eat! All of that said while people were going crazy over TP and I could not locate any I started picking up packages of chicken, beef, fish, bacon, etc. I am set for at least three, if not more months. I also started picking up beans, rice, tuna, etc. because my thought was…….why are people going crazy over TP…..if they do not have food how are they going to use all of that TP! And, let’s face it – we can find workarounds for TP, but not food!!

Kaylia – I hope and pray for you and your family during this difficult time. Sending strength to your DH.

Tracey – I think it’s erroneous of all governments for some of the decisions being made. That said, can your facility not follow the new guidelines? I know healthcare is somewhat different in Canada than here in the US so maybe it is not an option.

Barbara – Oh my, your Joe story cracked me up! It so reminded me of Charlie who accidently set the indoor trash can on fire, set off our alarm (TG not hooked up to a central station), and did not awaken until I had every light and fan on in the house and had put out the fire and tossed out the trash can. His response was the same, what are you doing at this hour. Me being me, said WTF Charlie you almost set the damn house on fire. Response, oh…….and he promptly went back to bed.

Heather – I have been wondering about Machka too as it is so not like her not to post something. Is anyone friends with her??

Katla – You obviously instilled great values in your son. To take something old and make it new is not a usual trait in today’s society. Nor is keeping something for the memories sake.

For those of you who are new here is a rather long-winded bio. It is in a spoiler because it just goes on and on. For those of you who are getting back on the horse and detest exercise there are some tricks I used to get back on track.

I am SuziQ and I reside in sunny South Florida. I am 55 years old and have decided I must do something now, if I want an active and happy retirement. I am a former WW and have found myself losing the same 40-50 pounds every 10 years or so.

I am a widow (almost 11 years now). We had a beautiful relationship and I missed him every day. I was very fortunate to find the one and am thankful for the time we had together.

I have had one major relationship since my husband’s passing. My boyfriend died in January 2018 after we ended the relationship. He had many issues mostly being an alcoholic which he hid very well. I was there for him for the first two “falling off the wagon” situations and when the third happened realized I was not going to make him better, he needed to make himself better.

As for my current status I am single and live alone. I find this makes my get back to healthy changes much easier since I do not have to have temptation foods in the house.

I am in good health and although the body is starting to show its age I feel I am young at heart. I love to mix and mingle with people of all ages and backgrounds.

I am currently employed and work in a decent environment. The hours and demands can be quite stressful but since I am in a continuous learning environment and feel appreciated I am quite happy with my current situation. As with most I have some complaints, but also realize there is no perfect employer.

I have been finding we can lose weight like we did in our 20s, 30s, and 40s. Again, I am very fortunate to be healthy and do not take any medications or have any major health issues. TG! What I have found, for me, is it took me a lot longer to get motivated to do something. I basically sat on the couch for two years and just the thought of getting back in to shape was overwhelming.

I started to realize I was terribly out of shape and needed to do something now, if I wanted to remain in good health. The fates would not be kind to me, if I continued on the path I was on.

I do not like the word exercise. I love the word activity. My challenge in the beginning was getting active. Since I was out of shape I started walking in place doing mundane chores such as washing the dishes, during commercials, and folding and putting away laundry. I made a rule that I could only put away one type of clothing at a time (short-sleeved shirts, panties, dress pants, etc.). When I started tracking it was amazing I was actually getting between 1000-2000 steps in just stepping in place. I started to add a morning walk (I am a very early riser) every other day and incorporated some light weights.

I started right off the bat with my diet. As a former WW (Weight Watcher) I already knew the benefits of recording my intake and pre-planning my meals. I plan my breakfasts and lunches for a week with dinners I am a little flexible, but stay within my calorie goal. I do not eat my exercise calories, except for special events. My diet is mostly plant based, but I am not a vegetarian.

Tips

Record everything. Every taste, every sip, every slip. In your notes write your mood and/or the situations you met throughout your day. Remember (this is my favorite WW coaches saying) nothing tastes as good as thin feels.
Start slow. Baby steps work. When we set too high of a goal we overwhelm ourselves. We think OMG I will never hit that mark. Celebrate every pound, it’s OK to pat ourselves on the back.
Step in place as often as you can. Conference calls, brushing your teeth, folding laundry, etc.
This process is about loving yourself. As women we want to nurture everyone around us, but we almost never nurture ourselves. We must wrap our arms around ourselves and love us at the level we want to be loved.
If you live with your family have “me” shelves in the pantry, refrigerator, and freezer. Put your food in those areas. If you know where your food lives and only concentrate on those areas it’s easier to avoid culling through those areas when you find you are hungry.
Prep your food. Wash and prep the fruits and vegetables so they are ready when you find you want to graze.
Keep those measuring cups and spoons on the counter and use them. Our eyes seem to underestimate how much we are actually putting on our plates.
Keep a list of non-food related rewards for when you hit some of your goals. Some ideas include a new top, going to a concert, meeting a friend at a new park, or taking a painting class. EDIT: Yes, we are now under corona-19 watch restrictions. My new non-food related rewards are mostly home-based. I have been rewarding myself with ordering a new pair of sneakers, hitting one of my to-do list items, calling a friend, doing a facial, and a host of other “me” things.

As I am sharing this it is a reminder to me of the things I have incorporated and must continue to practice as I move in to a healthier life. I have been slipping in some areas which I think is due to the holiday blues. EDIT: This was written around Thanksgiving 2019. I have gone through the “fire” and am in a much better state of mind.

Goal Update – I have hit my initial maintenance goal! Total lost = 40 pounds. I am so happy and excited and officially fit in to a size 10 which I have not seen in years!!!! I am toying with the idea of losing another 5 pounds in order to have some play room. I will ponder that this month. While pondering I will probably eat most of my exercise calories instead of moving my MFP’s status to maintenance. Also as a result of covid19 I have been accomplishing many of the goals I had written down at the beginning of the year such as paying off my student loan, catching up and staying current with all of my bills, doubling up all credit card payments, paying off an additional credit card (only two more to go!!!!), organizing and downsizing my home, and starting to work upon getting the upstairs ready for a new coat of paint.

Well must run for now. I have the day off and am making the most of it with getting ahead of the weekly chores so I can completely enjoy Saturday and Sunday.

SuziQ – SFL

ginnytez · May 2020

Happy May Day and Happy Friday.

Made it through another week. Like many, am nervous about what opening up means, especially since our county is just now seeing growth in cases (due to limited testing). Working today on creating a navigator type position to assist those who need to stay in due to quarantine (think people from different countries who live here). It is important to provide community support to them so they don't feel they must go out and continue the spread.

Tracey- I understand your concern about the nursing home. It is better if we are at least given advanced notice. I hope the visitors follow guidelines.

My church is, this month, going to set up a drive through Food Pantry. I will get masked and gloved to help with that. Contact and duration of it will be minimal. I do have a few N95 masks (the kind you use for woodworking and stuff, not medical). I will wear one of them for that event.

Going to run into office later this am to double check a floor plan. Have a phone conference and then web meeting before I do that.

Stay save everyone,

Ginny in Ohio

LisaInAR · May 2020

Barbie - Thank you, as always - you are our rock, and I look forward to each month's clean slate beginning.

Welcome to all who are new - lots of good advice, and a clean start with each month's beginning. Jump into the conversation wherever you choose.

SuziQ - Congratulations on reaching goal weight! It's a huge accomplishment!

Heather, you're right, @Machka9 has been absent since about the 27th, after a long run of posting almost daily. Hope all is well in Oz and that she's just busy.

I've worked out of my home office for seven out of the last eight years, and the current video conferencing means I've seen more people I work with in the last two months than I've seen in those seven years combined, hands down.

Am wondering how many of the innovations that are happening now will remain after the great return to work process begins. Right now, the team is feeling very much like a single organization, rather than five offices separated by a hundred miles or so--they will miss these virtual calls, and the camaraderie that's developed when they go back to their separate offices once more. I hope some of it is kept intact, but that the volume of video calls drops somewhat. It's quite distracting right now--to the point where I turn on my "Busy" red dot most of the time in order to focus.

Happy May to every one - Goals and performance against them for April.

🌞 Goals for April - Get through it without the plague or major financial or emotional losses, just weight loss.

I did not get the plague - 👍
I did not go through major financial loss - 👍
While my cheese did not slip off my cracker completely, it definitely was about halfway off this last week. I have firmly reseated it squarely on my round cracker, and it will be fine. 😊
I left April at .3 lbs. above where I began April. I'm taking that as a win. 👍

🌞 Goals for May

🤞 Survive the re-opening of my state without getting cooties.
💵 Continue to entrench and extend our financial position.
⚖ Be lighter going out than I am going in.

Cheers to another month, clean slates, and a cleaner world in the process!
Love,
Lisa in AR

pipcd34 · May 2020

bbb

wizzywig · May 2020

Thanks Barbie

(April did seem to last 5 months

)

Just got back from a trip to Asda, the queue to get in was long

I think I'll give it a miss for a few weeks and just shop local. It was mainly for my mum, although I did get a few things for myself. I'm sure she'll understand. I feel as if I am pushing my luck being in a crowd, even with social distancing. Plus it seems such a waste of time, when I can get most things locally.

Amber The diaries from the Spanish Flu could have been written by someone last week.

Heather I've been quite lucky with very light period pains, my daughter on the other hand (also called Heather

) suffers terrible back pains/stomach cramps every month. Sometimes they make her feel quite sick too.

Well I have a dog looking at me telling me it is time for her lunchtime walk. We walk her early on the morning before DD goes to work, I take her for a quick walk at lunchtime, she goes on her long walk with both of us late afternoon or early evening depending on how many people are about

. We used to go to Strensall common so she could have a good run about but now we stay closer to home, unfortunately she doesn't get as much off lead time. At least it is not raining now, we got soaked this morning.

Love to all
Viv UK

TerriRichardson112 · May 2020

Barbie: Thanks for the new thread. Your intro gives much pause for thought.
Welcome to returnees and newcomers.

Word for 2020: DEPTH
For those who may not know me:

I’m Terri (AKA ☘️ Irish Terri ) from Northern Ireland, and I am working on improving my fitness and health.
DH and I will celebrate our 54th wedding anniversary next July.
We have 2 daughters, 3 grandkids. And live in a town on the coast near Belfast.

May Update:

Achieved Revised Goal for 2019 and have maintained <150lbs since early January.

Just a few details on my personal journey to health and fitness.
Aim for 2020 ~ maintain <150
Ultimate Aim for each month ~ Weigh less at the end than I did at the beginning ✅

Age: 73; Height 5’2”; Female
SW: 227lbs (Mar 2014)
CW: 148.8
(78.2lbs Discarded:- not lost, not looking for them 😂 😂 😂)
LW: 146.2: 11 April 2020

Some background info:

I use CI/CO and a variety exercise for extra calories.
Logic would suggest that I have found a natural comfortable weight, and, according to modern BMI calculation, I am in the upper range of normal for my age and height. However, logic doesn't always dictate our desires and feelings. 😂

WHAT I HAVE DISCOVERED

Getting and staying healthy and fit requires the development of a permanent lifestyle reset.
Replacing unhelpful habits with more useful ones is key to to the process.
Losing weight is only one of the elements.
Eating healthy and staying actively is not OPTIONAL, but an ABSOLUTE ESSENTIAL.

THERE ARE NO QUICK FIXES OR SHORTCUTS to achieving permanent change.

REMINDERS One or two thoughts on weight which might give heart to some of you.

Daily weight fluctuations are normal, and can be several lbs a day for no apparent reason.
A general downward trend is what we are looking for.
Eating out can cause apparent weight gain because of high sodium levels, but usually goes quickly. Drinking extra water helps with this.
The human body does not react instantly to what we do to it. Sometimes it can take several days to see results.
Plateaus are a normal part of the process. The body is consolidating and adapting to your new way of eating/exercising.
The closer you get to your goal weight, the more difficult it becomes to lose weight, as your body becomes more efficient at using what you feed it.
When you exercise you build muscle, which takes up less space than fat, so use measurements as well as weight to assess your progress.
Getting/Staying fit and healthy requires a permanent lifestyle change for most people.

Stick with the process. It DOES work! But it does take time, effort, and most of all, patience!

☘️ Irish Terri

KJLaMore · May 2020

Barbie- Thanks for bringing us into May!

I have been reading and trying to keep up with everyone! Loved all of the pics and news of the grands, the fur babies, and the artwork/handiwork. It was lovely to see a pic of Josephine, Karen VA! Her face! She looked so thrilled to be home and walking around! Was that a visit from grandpa?

Rita- I am loving all of our wildlife pics! Re: turtles: If you find one in the middle of the road the best thing to do is just take it to the side of the road (the side it is headed to) and let him be on his way. Turtles have a "domain" that they live and travel in. Was that scorpion on one of your towels?!

Michele- You got to skype with Denise and PJ!! That is awesome! I know they grow and change so quickly and I know it is hard being a "far away" grandma. The only thing that makes it bearable for me is knowing that my grandsons are walking the same earth, looking at the same moon, and loving (and being loved by) the same people (mama and daddy) as I am.

Things have been moving right along, here. I, currently, have five kiddos here full time. In two weeks, one of my families that has been furloughed will return to work; her daughter will make six kiddos. By June, I will have two (possibly three) more kids joining us. One child was in my care, but has a parent that is currently furloughed, another child is a newborn that I already agreed to care for (back in December), the third is a little guy in need of two-three days a week. SO...it looks like I am on my way to becoming a group home. Tim has agreed to be my assistant (finally)! He has taken all of the classes/training that he needs. Now we just wait for zoning approval and licensing to come check us out. I also found out about a couple of grants available to home providers. I put in applications for those and hopefully those will come through (because it will really help with getting the "extras" that we will need with the extra kids here.

So! That has been my week. Lots of news. The majority of it good. Kids will be arriving soon, so off I go...ttfn xoxoxo KJ (Kelly)

KJLaMore · May 2020

Oooooh! I made a big batch of butternut squash and pear soup last night; so I am having soup for breakfast! It is almost better than having a second cup of coffee!

KetoneKaren · May 2020

Barbie Thank you so much for May's thread.

>>>

Heather & Barbie LOL!!! Obviously my math skills are a bit rusty…I was thinking when we got to the last pair, that 50 would be standing alone, but of course that's not logical since we started with 100, an even number. Oh well.

>>>

Tracy

That IS shocking.
You should still have some control, though, about how many outsiders are allowed in at a time, how many visitors per resident, & the precautions they have to take before being allowed in (20 seconds or more of hand washing, acceptable face mask firmly over nose and mouth, cautioned not to touch their faces, explain that social distancing is the rule, no kissing, hugging, hand-shaking, etc.)
You can take temperature, ask questions of each visitor about symptoms (such as cough, sneeze, fever, diarrhea, fatigue, weakness, loss of sense of smell or taste, etc.), and refuse entry for an entire week to those who are suspect. I don't think anyone can prevent you from controlling things at the door, but it will require having only one door admitting visitors, and probably two employees dedicated to monitoring and controlling the door each shift. You may have to have a separate entrance for deliveries. Of course, if you have a locked visitors' door with an intercom, you won't have to have employees just sitting at the door doing nothing while waiting for visitors to come, which would be much better. Visiting hours can be limited, and the length of time people can stay can be limited. You can restrict residents leaving the facility except for certain reasons. People can't just be allowed in & out without you having any control over it.
I am so sorry for you & your facility & your residents. (In Virginia, we have had a shocking number of deaths in longterm care facilities. And Sweden has essentially sacrificed their elders. The "healthy & optimistic" dooming the vulnerable.)

>>>

Working a looo-o-o-ong shift online starting at 9 EST today, my longest so far. In fact, working 30 hours over the next 3 days! I'll check in each day, & if I have the energy, I will post something.

>>>

Birthday cards for Tom Moore, a 100-year-old war veteran, are displayed at the Bedford School in Bedford, England, on Tuesday, April 28. He has raised nearly $40 million for the NHS. Justin Tallis/AFP/Getty Images

>>>

And this charming photo: Gala, 7, speaks with her friend Oliver, 6, from their courtyard in Barcelona, Spain, on Wednesday, April 29. Emilio Morenatti/AP

>>>

Karen in Virginia
.
.

TerriRichardson112 · May 2020

SuziQ: 👍🏻Congrats on reaching goal.
Heather: We are fortunate that NI also has so far had minimal cases and deaths. However, am ever aware that that could change in an instant, so not complacent re precautions etc.
I hope things are okay with Machka. Not like her at all!
Tracey: Shocking news re care homes. I hope your manager uses the utmost discretion re precautions.

We are coping well, and I am determined to stay on track, and build on all the progress I have worked so hard to achieve.
Milk: I drink soy milk, which doesn’t need refrigerated before opening, and doesn’t last long enough to go bad after opening. DH drinks semi skimmed and we buy enough for a week.

☘️ Irish Terri

bananasandoranges · May 2020

@Barbie thanks for starting us off.
@Suzi @Terri thanks for your intros and tips.

KetoneKaren · May 2020

Kelly That's Josephine's dad. They had kids (Josephine & her brother) later in life. It's fortunate for Josephine, because they have money and time and patience and wisdom they wouldn't have had in their younger years.

And I am willing to bet this will give your husband a new lease on life. Partnering with you, problem-solving, being part of a team, engaging with parents and children…could be just what the doctor ordered to get his mind off his woes.
So happy for you! and will be good for the pocketbook!

Karen in Virginia

SophieRosieMom · May 2020

Hey hey, it's the first of May!

Today is outdoor (making love) day! Behave yourselves, Pip & Kirby.

Barbie - thanks for getting us going in a new month. Your continual wisdom is much appreciated.

I was up at 3:30 and noticed the outdoor temp was 34. Our greenhouse is drafty and I instantly thought of my tomatoes out there where it's normally a few degrees colder than the temperature up at the house. So they are now safe and warm I hope under 2 layers of floating row cover draped over them, snug in their little crates.

Folks who planted their tomatoes already might be in for a nasty surprise this morning. Some areas close to me have 30 degrees right now.

For any of you with time to kill and still on Facebook, I ran across a neat site called "A Bohemian Seeking Rhapsody". Just a great blend of neat photos, quotes. That's where I found the braided dog, by the way, with the caption "For God's sake, Karen, when are you going back to work?" lol.

Was that meant for OUR Karen in VA? What have you been up to??

Speaking of braided dogs, I messaged our groomer yesterday morning and asked when she is reopening as several in the area have, using the curbside service like Katla mentioned in Oregon. Groomer replied she wasn't aware of it and thought she had to abide by hair salon rules. and she'll check it out. I told her she could provide curbside service but hair and nail salons couldn't provide similar since authorities frowned on removing people's heads and fingers to take into the shop and work on.

So we'll see.

Maybe the other groomers are bending the rules, I wouldn't want her to jeopardize her license, tho our sheriff and prosecutor announced they are going to be pretty lax on enforcing restrictions and long as people are using safe practices.

Meat stuff:

The county south of us has a large Foster Farms chicken processing plant; a few employees were diagnosed with glitter last week. The plant did not shut down, is still running and they've been testing on a regular basis. I appreciated their latest report, "only 11 out of 200 tested positive" and they are working diligently with the health department to keep the plant up and running.

Only 11 out of 200 instead of the world coming to an end and overreacting and slamming the doors shut. I'm going to buy some Foster Farms chicken if there's any on the shelf when I go shopping tomorrow, even if it is overpriced.

Barbara and SuziQ - thanks for the giggle about spouses sleeping through the commotion! I think mine would do the same.

Make it a great day

Lanette
Chilly SW WA State

cityjaneLondon · May 2020

I haven't lost any weight this week, but I haven't put any on either.

That must be a win?

KJ - Sounds like a busy, but interesting time ahead. Like Karen thinks, this might be just what Tim needs. Nothing like being useful to change your mood.

DH's tests are going down a storm with the grandchildren.

He is delighted and it keeps him busy working them all out.

Been writing in my memoir about a car accident my father had in 1964. Like Pip had once, it detached his collar bone, but he never had it put back.

Cleaner coming this afternoon,. We will be on a different floor to her. She wears gloves and a mask.

Machka - Hope things are ok. Getting concerned.

Love Heather UK xxxxxxxx

KetoneKaren · May 2020

SuziQ Congratulations on reaching your goal! I am envious but so happy for you! Yay!

>>>

Machka

Hope you are fine. I remember you were going to be busy, but that usually doesn't keep you from posting.

>>>

Barbara

Since you are the only one requesting the "no children will die" story, I'll put it in a spoiler. I have posted it before, but I think it was before you joined us. A Catholic bishop from Calcutta, India was in trouble with the Catholic Church for advocating for birth control for women in India. He was in real danger of being defrocked. He maintained an uncanny calm through it all, and when asked by a reporter how he was able to remain so serene, he gestured to the streets of Calcutta, with its orphans, child prostitutes, and other homeless desperate people, and then to his Catholic garb, and said, "No children will die." - meaning if he was defrocked, no children would die, but if birth control was denied to women, many children would die. My mother was profoundly moved by this story and would put things in perspective for herself and others when something that seemed disastrous, but actually wasn't, occurred.

>>>

Karen in Virginia, off to prepare for working upstairs in my lovely office

margaretturk · May 2020

Love the tree Pip

Our governor raves about how well we are doing and our stats. The few times I go into stores some are doing great others not so great and I still run into too many who are not keeping distance and or not wearing masks. We are not testing enough for me to believe these stats. He is also easing some restrictions without enough testing. I wish he would make masks mandatory like California and Texas. I am afraid we are in for some big spikes once we go to 5000 tests a day. It makes me want to be even more careful because there are too many who still do not get how serious this illness is I afraid they won't get it until they or one of their loved ones gets a serious version and then it will be too late for them.

WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR MAY 2020

Replies

Categories