WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR APRIL 2023

Pip - the cabinets look amazing. It's exactly what I want when we get ours redone. Couple years off, still, but a girl can dream.

Annie - Sounds like a couple of tough days. Glad you're working with the PT folks.

Heather - Johnny is a saint among men. What a charming picture.

Got through the test with minimal trauma this morning - they're always less disturbing than I predict when I'm dreading them. Had to bolt a quart of contrast, which just tasted like stale water, wait an hour, lay on a sort of mini-MRI table, with just a donut at one end. They put an IV in for another contrast, fed that in at the ten-minute mark, ten more minutes of sliding in and out of the donut, and I was done. Talking to the PCP tomorrow over the phone. At least I don't have to go anywhere, or fast beforehand.
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More cold and rainy all day tomorrow and Thursday, too.

Later, my lovelies,
Lisa in AR

I’m up and had a shower at 6:43 am. I am in a comfortable chair and have a sunny view of a lovely farmhouse across the road.

Machka—I love the photos you took at the botanical gardens. They’re beautiful!

Last night I watched Gun-smoke with DH. I gave him a kiss good night and came up to my place and watched TV. I enjoyed several shows set in Alaska.

Katla

Ooof! Spring yard work. I am taking it bit by bit (30 minutes at a time) and my glutes are feeling it! This past weekend was mainly "clean-up" of branches and pulled a few weeds in the flower beds. But yeah, hello muscles I haven't used in a year! I am down a couple of pounds! Yea! I also got a phone call yesterday from my "secret keeper" friend. She lives in NM so we don't see each other often; and only communicate about four times a year. But it was nice to hear her voice. Yesterday morning, as I sat drinking my coffee, it started snowing. At first I was really irritated, because the warmer temps have been really nice. But the snowflakes were so big and fluffy, I changed my mind and decided they were beautiful. So...I ran downstairs and grabbed my two pre-lit trees; brought them up and plugged them in. We had hot cocoa and marshmallows, sang Christmas songs, and decorated our craft (caterpillars) with Christmas craft supplies. The temps rose and the snow was gone by noon. It was a great day!
Pip - Love the cupboards! I have been rethinking mine. We really haven't done any remodeling of our home since we moved in. Just a fresh coat of paint here and there, over the years. I have noticed that my DH has been having trouble getting into some of the cupboards; so definitely need to think about alternative storage solutions.
Michele- we have made the yogurt pops before. One frozen treat that we make/eat more often is this: Fill a small waffle cone with layers of yogurt, blueberries, strawberry or raspberry puree, and top with a few mini chocolate chips. Then wrap them in foil and freeze them. The kids call them Supercones; because I told them the fruits we used are "superfoods" and very, very, good for them. lol
Katiebug- Wow! So busy with the talks! I wish I were there to hear them! I am sure you will do well!
Heather- I love that Edie can express herself to you! It sounds as if she recognizes that "soulmate/soulsister" in you, her grandmother. What a special bond to have! And can I just say, your DH is amazing and wonderful the way he interacts with the kids. It takes a special man to walk down the street in a bow and rainbow backpack! lol Just wonderful!
Karen- The services and friendship within your community is fantastic! I love to hear all of the things you do.
Cremation vs Burial- I was 26 when my parents passed away; my youngest sibling was 22 and in the army. My parents wished to be cremated, but had no wishes on what to do with the ashes. My youngest sibling wanted a place to visit them, so we bought a plot in the local cemetery and had a stone put in for both my parents. Their ashes went to my sister's place. Urns were never bought as the intention was to scatter the ashes at a time when all six of us kids were together. So...mom and dad stayed in their original "containers/boxes" and took up residence in a closet. They eventually made the move to Florida with my sister. Because my family has a twisted sense of humor, we would comment about "mom and dad retired in Florida" and make other weird comments that we thought were absolutely hilarious in our own irreverent way. lol (my parents would have found it funny as well). Anyway, their ashes were finally scattered, many years later, when my younger sister passed away and wanted her ashes scattered on family property up north. So, the day after my younger sister's memorial service, four of us (one brother couldn't make it) took the three hour drive north and scattered the ashes of all three. It felt wonderfully fulfilling. We spent some time walking along the hillside and talked and gathered wintergreen. As we were heading back to our car, we found eight heart shaped wooden buttons. We took that as a sign. There were five of us siblings left, plus the three children of my late sister. We all got a button from the spot where their ashes were scattered. My kids know that I wish to be cremated. Ideally I would like me sent into the atmosphere so my ashes can travel to all corners of the world. BUT...(weird sense of humor coming) I also told my kids I would be just as happy in the dumpster behind my favorite chinese restaurant. If they want to feel close to me and talk to me, turn their face to the sun and breathe in deeply. Or look up at the moon and know that I walked this earth and breathed this same air.
Wow! long post. I have to scoot. Breakfast is over and the kids are ready to get outside. It is going to be high 50s today! Crazy Michigan weather! ttfn xoxoxo KJ (Kelly)