WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR JUNE 2020

Hello everyone! I am not new to this site, infact it has been with me for a few years. My job(s) have taken me for some adventurous spins; leaving me short on time and energy deficient. Nothing much has changed with my body though, struggling still to keep it healthy. COVID 19 seems to be a translucent blessing, at least I have a steady amount of hours at work. Some people have woken up to see how much we take for granted. I will be checking in on the weekends only, as my daylight hours are at work. To continue my workouts I have to get up early in the night, thus bedtime is before supper. I have three pets (from 7) whom are getting old and need special care these days. Thank goodness the housework is also less. Take care

Chrissy and Loumarberts, welcome! Glad to have you here. Feel free to drop into the converation wherever you feel comfortable, no need to respond to every single person.

Tracey - I very nearly bought those same chairs and for the same reason. I don't want to have to take cushions in and out every time I sit outside--because I know eventually I will forget, or I'll just get lazy, and they'll get ruined. They're lovely, by the way, as is your whole deck area.

Machka - so beautiful. Always odd to know, as we get hotter and hotter here, your weather is going the opposite direction.

For Corey and I, it appears our next major project will probably be a covered, screened patio, and I'm going to get someone in to give us a bid. That way we'll know if it's worth doing it ourselves or having someone else do it. I've decided not to buy any furniture until that's built, whether it's us building the structure or someone else--with a covered patio, I can put cushioned furniture out without them getting ruined. It also means, though, that it will be months before I get any outside furniture.

Having a good month, weight-wise. At the moment, the weight is falling off, but it's always easy at the beginning--and I started tracking my weight and exercise again on March 23, and then began tracking my calories on April 24. Not restricting, you'll notice, just tracking. Twenty days after I began tracking (May 14), I hit my highest weight in 15 years, 219.6 lbs. It was a wake-up call.

As of this morning (June 14), my weight is at 207.6, so I've lost 12 pounds in one month. I'm pleased with that, while knowing full well it won't continue at that rate... It's actually faster than I should lose, and I'm betting my body will push back soon. Nevertheless, it's a tremendous psychological boost. I've averaged 1760 calories a day, which tells you how much of the weight loss is from exercise of all kinds.

I also have begun to realize that same exercise level, especially when working outside, are how my mother kept her weight off the last 12 years of her life... she was exactly the age I am now when she was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. She kept it controlled with diet, exercise and medication.

So, for now, I'll channel my mother and continue to stay moving at much higher levels than I could when I was working. I've also promised myself that, while I can't seem to keep myself from weighing, the "official" weight for each week will be Sunday mornings.

Later, y'all,
Love,
Lisa in AR

Hello everyone.

It has been a few days. We are certainly one busy group. All is well here. Between work and personal life I have been quite busy. I am also attempting to reduce my screen time. Working in front of a computer for an average of 9 hours a day is certainly not healthy. And, even though I take breaks throughout the day to make sure I move every hour or so it still does not do any of us any good. I keep telling myself retirement is right around the corner!

Worked through my taxes this morning and although I knew what I owed it is also surprising seeing the numbers on the tax form. Thank goodness we were given a break and do not need to submit our returns until July 15th. I will be able to scrape up some of what I owe – the rest can be done through a payment plan. I will need to strategically get more taxes taken out of my salary and the plan was to take my “raise and promotion” increase to do that, but as you all know all of that is on hold. So payment plan it is!

Kate – I am so sorry you and your family were not able to keep with your family’s tradition after your BIL’s passing.

Barbie – Oh, those kitchen gadgets. Everyone I know who owns an IP loves it. I thought it was amusing Jake was too busy watching IP clips to make the promised lunch. Isn’t it funny we are still like the children we were – imagining all of the things we can do and the fun we will have with our new “toy”.

Meatballs – I really cannot eat frozen/prepared meatballs. Many years ago I started baking in the oven. Less mess and fuss and I can still make them well done prior to putting in to the sauce. I typically make 2 pounds of them and freeze some for future use. I also make bacon in the oven for the same reason – it’s cleaner and much easier.

Karen – The Moonstruck petunia is gorgeous. Absolutely love it!

Carol – So happy for you spending time with your college mates. We can socialize we just have to be careful.

Rebecca – Love the new do. I used to cut my own hair but the back is always a challenge and takes such a long time to cut while using 2 or 3 mirrors. I keep thinking I may just shave my head my first official day of retirement. Who knows I may start a fashion trend!

Lisa – The lilies are thriving. It sounds like you are really adapting and enjoying not working. So happy for you. Oh, and I wrote my little tangent about covid-life before reading your commentary. We are thinking the same things. Congratulations on the weight loss. We are all works in progress.

General Opening Up Commentary – We are moving in to Phase 2 and cases have been up in SFL too. I think it is due primarily to people slipping with good practices such as washing hands, wiping things down, staying away from strangers and those we are not “sure” about. I think we have to come to the realization with the number of mutations out there and how this virus is adapting we are in it for the long haul. With the number of mutations we will not have a vaccine any time soon, if ever. So we will have to always play it safe which we should have been doing all along (maybe not the masks, but other good practices such as staying home when not feeling 100%, frequently washing/sanitizing our hands, and keeping our darn hands away from our faces). Sorry if this is depressing but I think we have to come to terms, sooner versus later, of our new normal.

Beth – I must be especially challenging to hear people talk through masks. Hoping the Sono is clear and all is well with your health.

Machka – Maybe you can speak with your direct manager and work something out where you can work remote one or two days a week. This time has proven the work gets done whether you are in the office or remote. Congratulations on getting those courses completed. If I recall you only have one more semester? Countdown on!!!! I was so thrilled when I started to realize I was almost done!

Tracey – With hubby’s skills why not build chairs with storage underneath for the cushions? I think he would be able to come up with something really cool and purposeful. Happy Anniversary!! Just got to the post where you posted the pic of the chairs. That type is very popular in Florida where it can rain at any given time during rainy season.

Terri – Congratulations to your grandson completing his Masters.

Lanette – Unless the sneeze shield fully covers a person under their chin and is tight against the head it offers little to no protection as the sneezes, coughs, etc. can just fly under the shield where there is no coverage. I believe most use them to keep eyes protected from spray and health regulations require the use of a mask while using a shield. I have seen masks with a see through panel around the mouth area.

Rita – Love your sewing set up. Very creative!

Bananas – Yes, one can buy super cheap Formica in cost and quality. The bureau was extremely well made. That said I got it to the curb and it was gone a few hours later. When I was out eating dinner I met a couple and one of them was a “scraper”. He was the one who took it and promptly made $40 for it. I do not post things where people must come to my home because I am single and it is obvious. So I am glad I got it to the curb and someone put it to profit!

A general question to the group….I completely understand when we put certain covid-related posts in spoilers especially when the post may touch on political topics. But, I am having a hard time understanding why we are “hiding” our new normal. I know there are some here having a hard time adapting, but this is our new reality. The sooner we adapt, the sooner we can move forward. And, I am not heartless because I sympathize with those having a hard time. I understand depression, feelings of uncertainty, etc. But, this is going to be our new normal and probably not the last covid-XX we see in our futures. I will be more than happy to “hid”, if it is the general consensus of the group. I just do not feel it is in any of our best interests. Enough said.

Hugs to all and prayers for those in need.
SuziQ – SFL

Rhody ...


Kitty Album: https://www.flickr.com/photos/machka-bb/albums/72157602327324354/page3

Machka in Oz

Allie- Sorry to hear about Faith. Definitely a hospital bed. A camera set up in her room would be inexpensive and easy to monitor her. Is she confused and trying to "go" somewhere? My mother in law always thought she was somewhere else (usually her childhood home) and she would get up to look for her mom, her sister, her friends, etc. I wonder what Faith is looking for...

I use my IP all the time, almost every day, and it sits on my surface. In our previous house I had it in the utility room. We eat a lot of wet food, stews, curries, tagines, soups, broth etc plus I pre cook eggs and potatoes and, of course, yoghurt, twice a week. I love it because I don't have to watch it. It switches itself off and keeps the food warm. The secret is to use the minimum of liquid. It also makes a great cheesecake, but I've only done it once, to great acclaim. I've sprouted beans, I've made paneer, I've risen bread, I've made egg bites, our favourite cabbage, sauerkraut and polish sausage dish, and there are a myriad other things you can do. Cooking beans, chickpeas and grains from scratch is another. Brown rice. No watching.

Love Heather UK xxxxxxxx

Early winter weather in Tasmania ... although it is actually windier out there right now than what this indicates. We're getting some decent gusts along with several reasonably heavy showers.

"Get to do"s and "chose well"s
C-19 responses
Karen in VA, I’m intrigued by those ovarian cancer tests. Haven’t had a pap smear in decades and a pelvic exam since 2017. Guess I’m just gonna have to find a female NP/woman’s healthcare provider, wouldn’t be comfy with young Dr. Patel investigating. Oh yes! to the corner cabinet with pullout shelves. Have been coveting since first seen on HGTV.
Heather “never again” ditto. My last permanent (with a shag cut in the mid 70s) left me calling into work in tears wailing “I can’t come in!!!” Sympathetic but needy boss said, please put a hat on and come in. We’ll let you out early to get it fixed. Never NEVER again.
Tracey a very Happy Anniversary weekend to you and Rodger. Lovely new chairs!
Machka C-19 changes Glad you succumbed to the magic sofa, think the restorative rest was both needed and deserved. About blood thinners, Pics of Rhody and your outings make me smile, relax my breathing and slow my heart rate. Please keep ‘em coming!
Katla glad you enjoyed your work party. Please send them here, the blackberries, thimbleberries, and salmonberries are winning
Rita your resourcefulness!
Barbie I made the mistake of buying a deep fryer last year to make apple cider donuts and fried chicken tenders. It’s going in the donation pile. Don’t need to be eating those things, and on those rare occasions when I will, my cast iron Dutch oven holds the heat better and uses less oil. Hmm. Maybe I need to buy a mini Dutch oven, just large enough to fry one donut…
Oh Carol, Please take care!
Kate well done!
Amber sounds like an IP would be a big help to you, Heather says it turns itself down and doesn’t need watching… unlike JR
Allie Brava for getting Faith showered/cleaned up, know that isn’t easy. So sad to hear she fell again. Twice! Please try very hard to insist Jean get a hospital bed with rails and Hoyer lift. Surely the trustee would approve the expense.
Michele good for you for insisting on the sunscreen. Vince wouldn’t like it if your skin was all cut up from removing skin cancers. I think your idea of the social distancing pics is hilarious, sure to bring smiles. Kinda like Machka’s social distancing service animal. My suncscreen (Garnier Ombrelle SPF 60) goes on as lotion but absorbs quickly and doesn’t feel greasy… at least to me
Julie hope the gradual opening eases your mood, and that you’ll try a different sidewalk café or at least a different waiter
Rebecca glad your son’s communicating better. Must ease your heart.
Pip Whew, thanks!
Welcome @ChrissyChickie in MD, of course you belong here. Welcome!
Welcome @Loumarberts! Checking in on weekends you’ll find many MANY pages of posts. Just skim or you’ll get overwhelmed.
Lisa a covered, screened patio seems like it would be a necessity, is it buggy where you are? Sounds like you know how to manage your unmanageable self Well done! “… so hard I just saw my brain…” Truth.
SuziQ C-19 spoilers KJ Hooray for the grant! Fingers, toes and eyes Xd for the group childcare home application. Your community’s parents need you! Thought the same about nesting those pots, but had to go back and look at the pot lid handles. Quite tall, do you think that was to distance hands from heat? Don’t have Netflix but will look for Crip Camp on Spectrum Demand or Amazon Video.
Barbie Good compromises and happy endings. your story of Jake enjoying his new toy, and sharing that joy with his DD.

Rats, just realized the Post Office Box Lobby is closed today (to prevent the homeless from sleeping over) so I can’t pick up Joe’s birthday toy (a survival pen with fire starter kit, compass, cordage, glass breaker, whistle, wrench, “fishing tool”, and bottle opener), Last month, he got Broadbent’s bacon and a picnic table for his Birthday gifts. He’s asked I no longer get him cards, “they don’t mean that much to me.” So now there’s nothing on hand for his birthday morning. Might have to pull up my big girl panties and bake or cook him something.

Lighter, lovelies!
Barbara, the Southern Oregon Coastie AHMOD