WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR NOVEMBER 2023

KJLaMore · November 2023

Oh! Lynette! We did have a couple of days of lake effect snow. But the temps are back up to 40F and the snow is pretty much gone, again.

grandmallie · November 2023

Morning ladies
I will call Tom and check on him.he is the most sensitive when it comes to the dogs.
Alfie is under the covers..he loves the warmth.
Can't remember who asked.but what you were talking about is called a Cavitron ,that squirts water and helps break up plaque.
And with receding gums brush with a soft brush always in a circular motion gently and rinse with warm salt water rinse .it should help heal but #1 is don't brush hard and use a soft toothbrush.

barbiecat · November 2023

My well organized morning has changed. Waiting for Jake to wake up so I could take the dogs out was no problem for either the dogs or me, but my dog walking friend got up with an alarm and then had to wait until we were ready to come over for the walk. The time varied by an hour or more from day to day. She was a good sport about it but it was hard for her. So I changed the plan and starting yesterday we walked together at 5:30 PM with the dogs and then without them. Today she'll start waking up without her alarm and not walk with us and then we'll have a late afternoon or evening walk that will include seeing the lighted holiday decorations in the neighborhood. I feel much freer this morning not having to coordinate with her but knowing that we'll walk together later. She welcomed the idea. She said that without me, she might not walk at all. In the spring and summer she gets lots of exercise working in her garden but in the winter she could easily get no exercise at all without a planned walk with someone else.

It surprised me this morning that this is the last day of November. I'll be starting the new thread for December later today. I remembered to put it on my daily "to do" list so it will be get done.

Annie's new winter jacket arrived from Chewy. She outgrew the last one days after it arrived. The new one fits over her sweater so she can be extra warm.

Barbie in NW WA

LisaInArkansas · November 2023

Good morning from the gloomy, rainy chill of a late fall Arkansas morning... winter is just a few weeks away, and it feels like it!

Egg laid down in front of the fire that I hadn't lit yet, and stared at the cold fireplace for a while, then got up with an annoyed burble when I pulled out the phone to take a pic of her snit. She couldn't pass up a warm lap, though, so eventually made it over and pushed my lap around to make me comfortable. Cats (or at least this one) are not subtle.

Rita - I hope the CKD stage you're in is one where you can continue to modify your diet and get it to slow or even stop progression. I'm sorry, though, I know that "getting worse," is unnerving and frustrating to hear from a lab test. Fingers crossed the renal specialist can give you some concrete steps to take to improve matters.

Ginny - Holy crap that's a lot of diagnoses for one little foot! Hope there are some easy answers for you to relieve the pain and resolve the issue.

Annie - I'm with Ginny - I think the horseback riding is the best thing you could do for yourself this morning, something that is wholly and completely yours and gets you completely out of the rest that's going on for a little while. Proud of you for taking care of yourself.

Tracey - You're a good granny... and I'm glad your grandson is talking to his mom, too. They're so much more open and able to communicate over text than to talk face-to-face or to phone. My son is EXACTLY the same way about that, and I find it frustrating sometimes... I have to interpret his texts in light of what I know about him and in light of the shortcomings of text messages to be able to display emotion, so sometimes I have to sit with them for a while before I react at all.

Time for some breakfast I think. I'm only running on about six hours' sleep, but I used to deal with only four most days when I was working, so I'll be fine. Egg wants back on my lap, but is going to be disappointed. Ah, there she goes, back to stare at the fireplace. If I decide not to drive into town, I might make a fire. After I eat something. Poor pitiful kitty...

Love y'all,
Lisa

margaretturk · November 2023

Allie sorry to hear about Homer. He was lucky to have you care for him!

Off to have lunch with DS today! No snow and a sunny day! Great for driving!

Thinking of Beth and all the snow they have to deal with!

pipcd34 · November 2023

503503

OregonMother · November 2023

Oh, Annie. I'm sorry the diagnosis was confirmed. I was holding out hope that it would be otherwise.

The riding and fresh air will be great for you. Remember to put yourself as a priority in all of this as well.

Flea
Willamette Valley OR

bwcetc · November 2023

Lanette and Margaret ... Here is my yard Tuesday morning ... in total about 20 inches; 14 inches in a 6 hour period. The temperatures are rising, so it will be gone by next week.

Annie ... my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Hard days ahead...

Meg ... Welcome Back!!

Allie ... so sorry about Homer ... but what a grand life he lived!

Rori and Tina ... sorry to hear that your friends have passed ...

Rebecca ... the plushie ... of course it's a great gift. My husband is 65 and he's getting a stuffed "big foot" for Christmas for reasons I won't go into ...

Lisa ... the sunroom is coming along fabulously!!

Flea ... your husband's comments ... hugs ... just hugs

I've been reading and reading, but haven't taken good notes. So I know I've missed lots ...

Beth near Buffalo

SophieRosieMom · November 2023

Allie - (((Hugs to you and Tom))). I'm surprised at how much the cremation and wooden boxes are for pets these days. I wasn't given an option for Sophie's ashes to be returned cardboard box, like they did for other dogs in the past, just a nice sealed expensive wooden one for big $$.

At least that was the only option the vet assistant gave me. I should have waited around for Dr. Amanda to get her input but was ready to leave the facility.

Ginny - no wonder your foot hurt.

You must have a high pain tolerance to have been able to walk as much as you did. Glad they got you in for the CT scan and they were able to schedule you for a follow up appointment fairly quickly. Curious about that foreign object! Maybe an "alien implant?" That's in Rita from Roswell's category.

Rebecca - love that jewelry tree, what a great idea. And your gifts for the grands sound perfect. Sounds like Santa will bring plenty of "store bought" things for them. Something personal made by you is much better.

Rita - sorry to hear about your progressing kidney disease. At least it's been caught rather early in the whole scheme of things and crossing fingers the docs can help keep things under control for you. I remember last time I went in for blood tests, Dr. Lisa added that she wanted to test my kidney function so ordered a full blood panel. Not sure what she was looking at, maybe creatinine? Everything was in the normal range. She'd never mentioned kidneys before. Perhaps kidneys become problem as we get older and the docs want to make sure to have a baseline?

Beth - that's some impressive snow! I wondered how much you'd get. I read an article in Reader's Digest about the big snowstorm your area had last winter, how crippling it was. Hope you don't get a repeat this year.

Lisa - glad to see the roof on the sunroof is finished. Great thing to have done with winter around the corner.

Annie - so glad your sis is there helping to lighten the load your a few days.

Will be interesting to see how all of the options play out for your mom in the coming weeks. Hoping something works that is the least stressful for her, you and your sis, and your dad. Glad to hear you'll be able to get some horseback riding in today.

Joy - I remember when Evening Grosbeaks showed up at our feeder on the farm. I was surprised at how large they were. I think I've seen them once here. Hope your DH is feeling better. Love hearing about your organic farm and the new equipment you folks are getting.

Gina - that's an impressive treadmill workout. I haven't watched the video yet - I am guessing the treadmill is pre-programmed? Sounds like you had a good time on your vacation.

Tracey - hope the New Balance shoes work for you. I tended to wear supportive slippers in the house kind of like what Lisa showed then switch to my Muck shoes for outdoor things, but have started wearing my New Balance in the house most of the time and my feet are a lot happier.

I think having your son in law as your medical representative is a great idea. Thinking back to my mom, my dad was her medical power of attorney and finally reached his breaking point, couldn't even be with her in the hospital on her final day or think straight. He was 89. I bet that's why the nurse couldn't remove the IV but was able to turn it off - or at least way, way down at the insistence of me and my SIL since he wasn't there to give permission to remove it. Loved the nurses in that little community hospital.

Barbie - I've started to read "The Last Devil to Die" and I'm taking my time, every page has me laughing out loud. Now I want to reread the first two.

What a great series, thanks again for recommending it. Moving your walking with your friend sounds like a good idea. Are there streetlights in your neighborhood?

When I was at the library, I also picked up Stephen King's latest "Holly." King's "The Stand" and "The Green Mile" were two of my favorites. In fact, when the C-19 came on the scene in 2020, I half expected some people to head to Boulder for a show-down with evil.

Kylia - so interesting to read your and your DH's personality types. I should re-take the Myer's Brigg's and see if I've changed much. People normally don't unless they are going through severe stress. When I re-took it several years ago, I moved more into the Introvert category. I was barely into the Extrovert when I first took it. I think of those categories as how we process information and how it affects energy rather than not wanting to be around people v. wanting to go to big parties and be the last one to leave. That's generally how it plays out anyhow, but Introvert doesn't necessarily mean we're shy as much as we dwell in and get energy from being in our "inner world", lol.

Barbara - I started walking 10 minutes after most meals to burn glucose on October 23rd. I started carrying 2# weights on November 12th and gradually upped it to 3# weights a week later. I've been doing research and it looks like 3# weights are enough - any more, I risk injury to my shoulder and elbow joints when I've have trouble with in the past. I sometimes switch to 5# weights for one "lap" but just let them hang my side. When I looked up different videos on carrying weight while walking, most of them showed doing "sets" of arm exercises like Leslie Sansone does in some of her walking video. Nope, not doing all that, at least right now. Maybe as I get stronger. I see Dr. Matt in a few weeks and will bounce this off him, he works with athletes so he should have some good input.

A video came up in my YouTube feed yesterday about the benefits of walking even 5 minutes. Similar to benefits that high intensity interval training provides. Of course, the faster the pace the better, within safety limits. But every little bit helps in amazing ways.

Can't recall if I mentioned this, Ellen Langer said that we are much more active and get a lot more exercise during the day than we give ourselves credit for. She talked about a gal who needed to lose a bit of weight, felt like she was a failure because she couldn't make it to the gym or do the recommended exercise routine. Dr. Langer had her list her daily activities and I presume estimated calorie burn and it shed a new light for the gal. Once she realized it, the gal's perspective changed to gratitude and she actually lost a bit of weight without trying.

Walking with my neighbor didn't pan out yesterday, the thermometer barely rose over 33F all day. The road wasn't icy but I was so cold, even in the house in front of the woodstove, and couldn't get warm. D cancelled because she had other things to do and I was happy about that.

There are several of us in this group that really enjoy walking alone - at our own pace, at the time we want. Don't need to walk with someone else to provide conversation, although that's enjoyable at times. I wonder if we "lone walkers" fall more into the Introvert category - the fresh air and scenery gets our "processors" tuned up and we are able to think things through. As I've mentioned before, I call it "walking with the planning committee in my head."

OK, done talking, lol. Sorry for the epistle, finally a chance to get caught up. Make it a wonderful day!

Lanette

SW WA State

kevrit · November 2023

Already the end of November and almost end of the year! Goes by so fast! I was depressed yesterday from the diagnosis, but better today. I know it could have been worse and I can vow to do my best to control the decline. Thank all of you for being there!

2023 New Ways November

Word of the Year: appreciate—Today I appreciate the Friends of Bottomless Lakes group.

Meditation: daily. 18/30 (82%(started Feb)(94%,100%, 74%, 93%,100%,100%)
Feeling sick all month. Colitis crap!

Recommended exercise: cardio 5 days 30 min 15/23
Strength all muscles 2 x 0/8 a week
Flexible (yoga, stretching) /8 a week 10 min
Balance 5 days 10 min /20

1. cut back drinking and limit to 2 days a week. 0/8–(300%,100%,100%,100%).
96 days SOBER!
2. Average 7,000 steps a week. 6521,6471,5327, 5211, (7,700,100%-9851,100%-9526,100%-9,559,100%, -8347,100%—7465,100%—6328,90%—6059,87%—6458,92%,-6847,98%)
3. Update budget every 2 weeks 1/2 (10,00%)
4. Contact close family every week (4x) 220/208—(733%,100% My mom called me for a change.)
5. Contact Donat and sibs once a month (8x)98/96 100%)
6. Weigh less last day of month compared to first until I reach 140. Start at 178.6,176,174.2,173.4,175.4,174,175.6,173.4, 172.2, 173.2, 173.4 (600%)
7. Develop a journaling practice by aiming to journal at least 5 days a week. 15/23. (681%,100,100)
8. Read 12 books at least this year. 47/12
(100%)
9. Pay off credit card debt by January 2024 by making monthly payments to NDR/Reach Financial 11/12—(100%)
10. Continue building emergency fund at SLFCU (min$25 a month)$25+$25+$71+700+25+25 +25+25 (100%) I put the money in, but end up taking it out.
11. April started putting 4% on income in savings. 700,200,200, 107, 157,0,0,0
500%) This has stopped. Spending too much.

January Met —100%
February met —-90%
March met met —-90%
April met——86.36%
May met——-89%
June met—-99%
July met — met 81%
August met—met 99%
September met——99%
October met —90.7%
November met—
December met—

1. Make a list of new things you want to do this month. 1. Start Christmas shopping, 2. Work on my happiness, 3. Walk the mall at least once. 4. Read a new book
2. Respond to a difficult situation in a different way. I will see what comes up, but the daily readings I do have helped a lot already! Did this!
3. Get outside and observe the changes in nature around you..Supposed to be in the low 80’s (f) here today and the week to come so will have plenty of time to do this. Didn’t do this today, sick.
4. Sign up to join a new course, activity, or online community. I’ll have to look around for this. Thinking about something to do with MCC. I joined 2 new groups on FB.
5. Change your normal routine today and notice how you feel. Will do!
6. Try out a new way of being physically active. I will have to think about this. Maybe do a YouTube video. Did not do this.
7. Be creative. Cook, draw, write, paint, make or inspire. I will Zendoodle. I tried out my DH’s suggestion for mirror letters.
8. Plan a new idea or activity you want to try out this year. I have a water color set. I will experiment with that.
9. When you feel you can’t do something, add the word ‘yet’. I need to remember this.
10. Be curious, learn about a new topic or an inspiring idea. I learned about Alonon and downloaded their app and read through it.
11. Choose a different route and see what you notice on the way. I did this on my walk today.
12. Find out something new about someone you care about. Research time!
13. Do something playful outdoors - walk, run, explore, relax. Took a walk.
14. Find a new way to help or support a cause you care about. Have to think about this.
15. Build on new ideas by thinking “yes, and what if…” I will remember this!
16. Look at life at someone else’s eyes and see their perspective. According to my therapist, this is called empathy. I do this but not enough. Will try to do better.
17. Try a new way to practice self-care and be kind to yourself. Staying in bed and resting today.
18. Connect with someone from a different generation. I do this most days at the park.
19. Broaden your perspective: read a different paper, magazine, or site. Will do!
20. Make a meal using a recipe or ingredient you haven’t used before. My DH does this all the time! He does all the cooking.
21. Learn a new skill from a friend or share one of yours with them. Hmmmm Did not do this.
22. Find a new way to tell someone you appreciate them. I will!
23. Set aside a time to pursue an activity with your love.
24. Share with a friend something useful you learned recently. I do this on MFP
25. Use one of your strengths in a new and creative way. I will need to think about this.
26. Try out a different radio station or new TV show. Did this.
27. Join a friend doing a hobby and find out why they love it. I’m not sure who I will do this with, maybe my neighbor and not sure what to do yet. Thinking about it.

28. Discover your creative side. Design a friendly greeting card. Didn’t do this. No time then too stressed by dr. Report.
29. Enjoy new music today. Play, sing, dance or listen. time for new Christmas music!
30. Look for new reasons to be hopeful, even in tough times. I hope for a nice Christmas, I hope to visit my family in the near future, I hope my DH quits drinking, I hope my Son sobers as well.

RVRita in Roswell, NM

“When you detach from someone with love, you don't allow their problems to affect you emotionally. You allow them to experience the consequences of their choices without intervening, or feeling like you must “protect” them. Detaching with love helps you become more grounded, and secure in your own thoughts and emotions.”

exermom · November 2023

Lisa – fantastic roof

Sorry, not commenting on too much. Got a lot on my mind right now

Last night when we got home from bowling, saw an email from Bryan with pics of Leo. Ladies, you have no idea how much it hurts to know that I have a grandchild that I’ll never see, never hold, never kiss. And the other grandchild I can only see for about 3 days/year. My heart is just heavy right now. Guess I gotta go exercise some of this off.

Vince wants to go outside to do some more decorating.

Annie – HUG Go for that ride, it’ll help

Michele NC

LisaInArkansas · November 2023

For those of you who are interested in the whole ISTJ, ENFP, etc., personalities, https://www.16personalities.com/ is a free test, takes very little time, and I like it because it adds a 5th identity axis for turbulent vs. assertive, where I land on Assertive. I also like it because it's quite clear, like the discussion of empath vs. apath, that everything is a spectrum. I am a very definite introvert, but in the other personality traits, I tend to toward mid-range for each one. I am termed an "Assertive Logician," and that makes perfect sense to me. Please note, I have changed in the last ten years, from a "Turbulent Architect," because of the differences in my answers that moved me from Prospecting to Judging in my personality type, and from Turbulent to Assertive. Neither change surprises me, and both are analysts.

barbiecat · November 2023

There are lights like this in front of every house in my neighborhood. Houses are fairly close together. I carry a flashlight so walking in the dark either morning or evening is easy. There is almost no traffic, (may see 3-5 cars going 15mph in an hour's walk.

I've read all the Richard Osman books followed a few weeks later by listening to the audio book

New Balance shoes are what I wear. I've tried other brands and been disappointed

Barbie in NW WA 🧤👣🐾❤

cityjaneLondon · November 2023

It's my elder son's birthday today. I texted him this morning and got a reply.

He is going to Warhammer, for gaming, in the daytime, with his men mates, and the pub afterwards. He is not a good communicator, but all is fine. As soon as I've got some money together, I will go up to see him in Nottingham.
I'm used to seeing him on video blogs and podcasts, but it's not quite the same. He is how he is.

Went to my meeting. Great deal of laughter and camaraderie. I really enjoyed it. So nice to meet with people of like mind. We talked about the Canadian system, and I was able to tell them about Tracey's problem with finding a GP.

I went to the big pharmacy beforehand, and M&S afterwards. Got Edie's gluten free Millionaire Shortbread, and tonight's meal. Chunky Cod breadcrumbed fillets, prepared runner beans, and Pommes Dauphinous. The liqueur chocolates I bought for John last year were missing.

Came back on the bus and now relaxing with a Pernod.

Love you all, Heather UK xxxxxxxx

Whidislander · November 2023

dlfk202000 wrote: »

[quote="Whidislander;c-47806291"

I don't have a problem with being the practical grandma, and the other grandma can spend oogles of money.😂. Athena has SO many toys, I will either just get her money, books or arts and crafts stuff for and present.👍🏼💖🤗
Rebecca
Whidbey

I like your idea of books or arts and craft stuff- both will really be enjoyed. The craft things she can have fun with dad and mom or with you when you visit. Great fun and great memories

[/quote]

I am not fond of toys where the child is just a participant. A toy where they just watch is do stuff. They have to be the stuff! That's why it was so great being in the historical reenactment group when the sons were younger. They fought with padded sticks, explored the campsite, dug in the dirt, built with their castle blocks at the play pavilion, and were chivalrous to each other. It was magical to see them play well together, sleep deep, and eat hearty!
Rebecca
Whidbey
Wa

Whidislander · November 2023

1948CWB wrote: »

Rebecca ~ Your jewelry tree is beautiful.

Allie ~ I can feel the sadness of losing Homie. It is so hard to lose a beloved pet.

Joy ~ I had to look up Christmas Pierogi. I think I remember Michelle mentioning making them. It was interesting to see the recipes.

Meg ~ Glad to hear from you!

My quest today has been to learn how to use the Kroger grocery app to clip coupons! Finally got it done...Whee!

Carol in GA

Thanks Carol, I need to state what everything means, for the next generation on a piece of paper and put on the back.💖
Rebecca
Whidbey
Wa

ginadacat · November 2023

SophieRosieMom wrote: »

Gina - that's an impressive treadmill workout. I haven't watched the video yet - I am guessing the treadmill is pre-programmed? Sounds like you had a good time on your vacation.

Lanette
SW WA State

I wish it was pre-programmed! I just follow along with the video. She tells you when to increase and decrease your speed and incline.

Gina

ginadacat · November 2023

The little town I live in is changing into Whoville for Christmas. Here’s our tree!

Gina

bwcetc · November 2023

Michele ... I'm so sorry that your relationships with your children prevent you from seeing your grandchildren. I can only imagine how much it hurts. Hugs.

Rita ... I always try not to let the "diagnosis/terminology" get to me ... they're just labels/words... but I know it's hard. You will deal with this like you do all the circumstances in your life ... with determination and strength!

Rebecca ... meant to comment on your jewelry tree ... I love it and hope to do something similar with my grandmothers' jewelry!

Lanette ... last year at Thanksgiving we had over 6 feet of snow in one storm and then a huge blizzard over Christmas. We do not need a repeat this year!!

Off to the dentist. A crown popped off Tuesday night and the dentist was closed yesterday. He's closed tomorrow too so I'm glad I got an appointment today... He must be making good money working only 3 days a week!

Beth near Buffalo

OregonMother · November 2023

Gina -- That Who Tree is adorable!
Beth -- I am jealous of that snow. I lived in Syracuse for about four years, and I really grew to love those big snows.
Michele -- <hugs> I'm so sorry you're hurting and don't blame you bit for it.
Rita -- Sorry about your kidneys. My kidneys and I don't get along either. I just looked at the chart, and technically, I am 3b as well. (although sometimes my eGFR goes up enough to make me 3a) Drink lots of water. I know I don't drink enough. Just typing that reminded me that I haven't had any yet this morning, not even to take my morning pills, which I forgot to take! I've also been avoiding salt and red meat. If I eat something really salty, I can feel it within the hour -- just a horrible, dragging feeling.

I had my quarterly Xgeva shot on Tuesday and it really hit me hard this time. I made dinner for the guys last night, but I couldn't even sit with them while they ate it (which I sometimes do when I don't feel like eating myself), hubby tried to bring his upstairs to eat with me, and I told him, "You cannot eat that in here with me!" Still feeling a little off this morning, so I am working from home. I am hoping to feel better tomorrow. The upside is that I have to get the shot only quarterly -- it had been every month for the first year I was doing it, and the oncologist is talking about moving to every six months instead of every three, which would just be like women who take it for osteoporosis -- although I think it's called something different when it's for that? -- Looked it up -- Prolia. But the same thing.

My daughter and her partner are in Vegas for a few days. It's her partner's favorite place to go, and my daughter has never been there, so she's excited. Her partner confided in us some of the plans they have for them, and they are going to have such a great time. She is supposed to send me a picture of the two of them doing something especially exciting. Something tells me it will be the Drag Brunch.

Love to all --
Flea
Willamette Valley, OR

WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR NOVEMBER 2023

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