WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR FEBRUARY 2024

Anniesquats100 · February 14

Rita
You probably tried jacket pockets. But if there's a hole in the pocket the watch might be down inside the lining. Just a thought!

No word on my aunt today.

Annie in Delaware

1948CWB · February 14

Heather, Pip, and Kylia ~ What wonderful Valentine Day surprises.

kevrit · February 14

Today is a busy day!.

sh0tzz99 · February 14

kevrit wrote: »

It is indeed frustrating, especially now that the battery on the watch is dead and my phone no longer can connect to it. The last report showed the low battery level, so I know it can’t be anywhere else but the RV b/c the phone connects by Bluetooth.

Thanks for the suggestions!

RVRita

This is indeed frustrating. I have found many misplaced items in the refrigerator. You mentioned groceries. Maybe it fell off when you were putting those away.

Tina in CA

Edit: Just read that you checked already.

Whidislander · February 14

Happy Valentine's ladies! We don't do anything for the most part. No worries he spoils me on other days.💖👍🏼🙏🤗
Today we are heading to an Asian restaurant for dinner. It has everything from sushi to ramen to rice bowls.
Welcome new members! This is a great band of fierce, funny, fantastic ladies. Some of us have been here since the dawn of time. Well maybe not that long but for me its been since around my husbands liver transplant which was 2014. Even before that! I mentally had you ladies in my back pocket as I drove from the Oregon coast to Portland for his doc appts. We really have been thru it together. Some weight related, and diet discussions sure, but the life that swirls around all that is just as important in my book.💖🤗
Hugs!
Rebecca
Whidbey
Wa

Snowflake1968 · February 14

Barbara - An IPP is an “Individualized Program Plan” they are also called IEP “Individualized Education Plan”. They are used for exceptional students or students that don’t learn in a traditional manner.
I’m happy your blues are lifted. They can really bring us down.

Heather - I hope they figure out what’s going on with your legs. Being in pain is so tiring and frustrating.
The antibiotics should kick in soon for John. We won’t be having presents here, either kind. 😉
Pretty cards.
Those are pretty glasses!
Thanks for the reminder about scissors. I need some new ones.

Annie - you are going through a lot with caregiver roles.
That’s quite dangerous for the car to be left running all night. Carbon monoxide can build up in the garage. Maybe you’ll have to check he’s turned it off before you go to bed. I feel for you it’s so difficult treading this path.

Lisa - I totally understand both your and Corey’s side in that dilemma. We grew up poor and my Dad would do the “keep it in case we need it”, my mother wouldn’t throw anything out without Dad’s “permission”. (He probably wouldn’t have cared). He at least kept it tidy. We lived near people with “yard art” and Dad didn’t like the looks of it, and in fairness to him he did use a lot of the stuff he brought home to help fix things for all the community.

Lanette- when we moved here we went from 1200 sq ft to 720 sq ft. One less bedroom and way less closet space! One thing I figured out was how much I didn’t really need. Some things I kept, “in case I needed them”, then I managed to get rid of more after we moved in. Last summer we actually went through two totes that I never even unpacked and got it down to one. I think it’s just something that changes all the time.
I found my kitchen and Christmas and craft stuff was the biggest and hardest things to go through. I was ruthless, but currently have a skillet on Marketplace that I moved and haven’t used since. It’s been 7 years!

My friend that visited last night was talking about wills. When she got married her father’s wedding gift to her was paying off her student loan debt. When her father died she found out that he had actually paid it off with a $5000 inheritance she was willed by her grandfather. I think an executor that will actually do what they are supposed to is key.
My grandmother never did a will. She signed everything over before she passed. She even had her bank account changed to my mother and brother as a joint account, she told my brother that he had received everything and the money in the bank account when she passed was to be split between Mom and I. That’s what he did. I am really dreading my MIL’s passing. It will be a fight for sure and she hasn’t done a will or POA.

Pip - you’re very lucky. I am jealous.

Kylia - that’s a wonderful gift. How cute is that bouquet.
3 at once! That will be nerve wracking for a bit.

Rita - I hope you find your watch. I think Annie had a great idea. I have had that happen before.

I just heard a song that Cletus T. Judd wrote for Toby Keith to the tune of Toby’s song “Don’t Let the Old Man In”. It’s beautiful.

I am at a loss today, I need to go to Costco but I don’t have anything else that “needs” done. I need to figure something out or I end up wasting my day.

Tracey in Edmonton

grandmallie · February 14

Hello again..
I went from a house to a condo with less than 800 sq ft,I left alot with Tom and bought stuff used and some new but over the last 7yrs ive collected alot of junk mostly papers.. im turning into my dad..
Will have to turn that around..
How wonderful ,to you lovebirds that got beautiful 💐, and breakfast ,and lovely presents..well deserved one and all..

dlfk202000 · February 14

Snowflake1968 wrote: »

Kylia - I only have carpet in one room here. I will probably get rid of it at some point. The next project here I hope is the levelling of one corner, when that’s done I need to do the bathroom and flooring.
What I’ll probably end up doing next is the living room. I have the plan, just need money and time to execute.

Debbie - he could do the laundry himself. I know if he’s like my husband he would go without first though.
I do laundry every Sunday. Usually 2 loads. I wash sheets and towels at some other point during the week.
What does DH buy everyday?

Well I went for my bone density scan today after class. Then my friend who just moved stopped in and we went to Walmart and grabbed junk food for supper.
She brought Jeb with her, as soon as Rodger left for work he got up on the couch with me and had a nap.
Tracey in Edmonton

I would love to replace all the carpets in the house. Our problem isn't the cost, it is the process. Having to remove all the furniture in every room. We have done the living room once, years ago, but it needs it again. We need to do all the bedrooms but those will be such a chore to clean out(especially my sewing room and dh's room-they are little rooms but SO much stuff in them)
We replaced the carpet with lamenent in the hall and have plans to do it in the other hall and kitchen. Maybe this summer(dh said that the past two summers)-had to do the one hall because one of the cats wouldn't stop peeing on it. We even changed the carpet, painting the wood underneath before putting the new carpet in but I guess he could still smell it.

Dh has done his own laundry a couple times-and has complained about it each time. Same with doing dishes. Usually I get laundry done every week, not sure what happened that I skipped it this week. Focusing on all the nebulizer treatments I guess, or just skipped my mind. Doing less pee pads, thankfully so maybe that is part of it too.

Dh shops for groceries for his mom almost daily. Thankfully the new Asian store right in town has most of the things she wants. She always seems to want something.
He also goes to Grocery Outlet-always looking for deals on cat food- Deals on cat stuff is online, in the stores, which ever ones we go in.
We go to Black Friday and Falling Prices now that they are local.
He shops online for his mom and for himself-lately stuff for the 3D printers, including another new one.
Hope he sells a lot at these next two shows.

Is the bone density test just a scan with a machine- I need to ask my doctor again for one for me.
I tried a few years ago but she said I wasn't old enough, even though both parents have/had Osteo.
Dad's was worse than moms. I will be 62 next month so should be able to get one now.

Debbie

barbiecat · February 14

Carol in GA I don't write down each individual item from the grocery store, Costco, or Walmart unless they fit into a special category like clothing or yard supplies or pet food or something with its own category. Everything else is "groceries/household" but because of that I can address all the "stuff" I buy. Just like eating junk food and having to log it in my food diary, buying "junk" at the store requires that I notice it and admit what I'm doing.

I used to do all the laundry until my spine surgery in 2016 when Jake had to do it because I couldn't be on my feet for long enough and we needed clean towels every day and clean sheets every other day. He found out he liked being in charge of "doing" the laundry but not the folding and putting away. Now he does the laundry and I fold and put things away. Nobody every runs out of clean underwear because we own enough for longer than a week. It's a simple solution.

Yesterday Annie, the puppy, chewed up two of Jake's paperback books from the bottom shelf in the bedroom bookcase so we solved the problem by moving all the books from the shelf to another location. We also found out that both the books are available in hardback from the library so the problem is solved.

Barbie in NW WA

Vickil57 · February 14

Welcome to the new ladies. You have come to a great place for fellowship and support.
Annie--So sorry about your Aunt being ill.
Lisa--Maybe plant some flowers in the boat?? Hope you have a great visit with DS.
Heather--Hope you and John are feeling better today. I have woke up several times a night this week with leg cramps.
Kylia-WOW!! He did good.
DH had my coco clock fixed. He bought it for me 43 years ago when my grand parents passed away. They had one and I had wanted it, but someone else got it. Anyway, glad to have it fixed and hanging on the wall.
Got the results from the CT scan I had yesterday. Said the nodules are stable and that they are several new ones. So they will redo the scan in 6 months. Doctor said not to worry, so doing the best I can with that.
Have church this evening and they are starting a finance class that sounds interesting. So be a late night.Blessings, Vicki GRAND ISLAND, NE

cityjaneLondon · February 14

I laid the table and we used our new glasses for the Manzanilla sherry we were having with the meal.

John's lamb dish. I loved it, but he left most of his chickpeas.

We are waiting until later for the dessert.
Nice chat over dinner about the vagaries of life chances and choices. I made lots of 'wrong'/'not wrong' choices in my life, but they have resulted in my glorious grandchildren. I can't regret anything. For John they are also the cherry, the icing, and the whole darn cake.
Bea on Friday afternoon. She says to John, ' You are not my real granddad, but I feel you are my real granddad. And I love you soooo much.'

Oh joy.

Love Heather UK xxxxxx

SophieRosieMom · February 14

Annie - sorry to hear about your Aunt. Regarding your dad leaving the car running in the garage - do you have carbon monoxide detectors? I think it's a law here in WA state but I don't have one

. Whenever I sell this house I'm sure I'll have to get one in place. I'll grab one next time I'm in town.

Debbie - the bone scan is simple. Takes maybe 15 minutes which includes them filling out the paperwork, asking standard questions. Wear sweats (no zippers or metal). As I recall, I lay down on a table with a support under my knees and they took a shot through my tummy with the X-ray machine. Then I think I had to kind of lay on my side and they took another shot or two. It's been nearly 2 years. Hope insurance pays for it, good to have a baseline.

Kylia - wow, beautiful flowers.

Pip - gorgeous breakfast and you get this every Sunday? Are you still pinching yourself at what a gem Kirby is? And yes, I'm jealous.

Vicki - I love those clocks.

Glad it's fixed and "coo-coo'ing" again. Also glad the doc said the nodules are nothing to worry about.

Heather - your meal looks great, the chickpeas turned out nice. Sounds like the lab will be running a lot of important tests for you. Glad you got that out of the way. BEA is such a little angel, I'm sure John loves her to pieces too.

Regarding houses: I recall when we bought this house, it was bigger than we really needed but we wanted the space for all of our STUFF. DH had made some furniture - a coffee table and desk, so that took up space. Antique kitchen queen I got for cheap and refinished when we were first married. Antique cedar chest and wardrobe from my side of the family. Large computer desks took up one bedroom. Large dining room table with 8 chairs. On and on.

I can already cut down my space needs by 2/3 by just not buying a place to put STUFF, most of which isn't important to me now.

But I'm just putting it out in the Universe - when the time is right, everything will come together for me to buy or build a smaller place. In the meantime, I am grateful I have a house to live in. And a place for my chickens!

Lanette

SW WA State

Anniesquats100 · February 14

I spent all morning trying to guess a good time to go visit my uncle by texting my cousins. Then I saw a vehicle marked ambulance, and I freaked thinking my uncle had fallen. So I called and it was my aunt coming home. They were busy and said they would call back but didn't. So I'm still thinking I should go over, but they are likely napping.

We do have carbon monoxide detectors in the house. We let the big garage door sit open for a bit to air it out.

So back to thinking of something to make for dinner. Probably chili.

I got very little accomplished today. Oh well.
Maybe I will read a book.

Annie in Delaware

Machka9 · February 14

SophieRosieMom wrote: »

Happy Valentine's Day

Debbie - that photo of the kitties curled up and sleeping is so peaceful. They are beautiful little companions.

Lisa - glad you reached an understanding with Corey about the "yard art." Talking about this stuff with spouses is hard at times but so worth it. Have fun with the visitors - how exciting to see them again.

Heather - were you able to see the doctor yesterday about your aching legs? Looks like you are getting a blood test. Hope whatever the cause is will be fixed quickly.

Allie - adorable photo of Smiles. Good luck to Tracy.

Had a nice walk with my neighbor yesterday and when I returned, Roger and Mrs. Roger were in their driveway so I caught up with them for a few minutes. Every time I think this house and property might be getting overwhelming, I think of my wonderful neighbors and neighborhood, and the good conversations I get to have with them.

I'm still spending time down the YouTube "living in a car" rabbit hole. Again, not because I have any desire to do that, but I'm fascinated by how well some folks can live with just the barest essentials. I look around my house and think.... what if I went from 1700 square feet to 600 or 800.... what would I take with me? What furniture, what appliances, clothing, etc.

I guess it's kind of a different way of looking at decluttering, and especially cleaning out drawers and cabinets. Mentally preparing for the eventual downsizing move which might happen in a year or ten.

Taking Rosie to the groomers tomorrow and have started a pile for the "Free" box. Things I don't care if someone snatches and puts on eBay. Worn but usable clothing of DH's that I found in the closet. Extra canned goods and pantry items. Things that hopefully will help hungry and low income families in that town.

Make it a great day.

Lanette
SW WA State

For 13 years, I lived in an 800 square ft apartment. When my ex husband was there, it was crowded, but the last 5 years there on my own were good ... I had ample room.

At the end of those 13 years, I downsized!

M in Oz

Machka9 · February 14

kevrit wrote: »

Machka9 wrote: »

Got new Hoka Challengers!

I bought my previous ones almost exactly 4 years ago, and they were well worn. It was time.

This time I went with the wide version of my size because of my bunions, and I chose black. I could have gone with a really light blue/white colour scheme, but I don't wear white shoes, especially not running shoes!!

Aside from the blister I got yesterday, my feet are happy again.

Machka in Oz

I also have a tailor bunion on my right foot along with a regular bunion. My left foot, I had the tailor bunion removed but still have a bunion near the big toe. So I looked up the HOKA challengers you have and found they are close to or over $200 American. I think they are worth it if they do last 4 years! I’ve been getting New Balance X-tra wide but they wear out within a year. I put a pair of these in my Save for Later list on Amazon.

RVrita

They are expensive but I have a lot of trouble finding comfortable shoes with my various feet issues and the Hoka Challengers are my most comfortable shoes. It's worth it to have one pair of shoes I know I can count on!

All my other shoes (dress shoes etc) are the type I can wear if I am mostly sitting at work or I wear them for short periods of time.

M in Oz

grandmallie · February 14

Hello All
I just had to talk Tracy down off the wall,she went for another ultra sound,heard the heartbeat but saw 2 forms in one sack... now she is freaking out...she told Kyle who is extremely pissed off👹and she said it one is much smaller than the other,and she needs to go back next week ,and that she wont be able to work and be put on bed rest and she is whirling out of control..
I told her first of all calm down ,just calm down..and don't liten to Kyle right now.. he is probably scared too. But thats not how to approach things..
I said take it a day at a time honey,1 day at a time.. don't worry about what we can't change,we will all get through it.. and if it truly is twins..then that cruise is definitely off.

1948CWB · February 14

margaretturk · February 15

Rita I know you said you looked in your car and checked seats. Did you look way under the seat? I have found glasses I thought were gone way under my car seat. I am saying a prayer to St. Anthony to help you find it.

margaretturk · February 15

I went to update my will with son today. Then we went out for a Valentine's lunch!

ginnytez · February 15

Kylia-I must say your DH out did himself!

Pip-Kirby is a gem.

Heather-You and John just seem so well suited!

Rita-the match would drive me crazy.

Annie-hoping your family finds peace for your aunt. I have no advice regarding your father.

Rebecca-enjoy meal with your guys!

Still busy at work (insanely so). So, after work instead of coming home and working-I went shopping at Marshalls for an hour. Found a couple of tops. Have meeting in another county tomorrow (Greene County Kylia then back home for meeting with a Senator's staff. Need to update them on local issues. Should pull together more material for meeting, but think I will get some steps in. I can think through points I want to make while doing that. Have food pantry tomorrow after work.

Take care all,

Ginny in Ohio

exermom · February 15

Did the Resistance Cord DVD then spent the day driving. For some reason, I REALLY had to go to the bathroom, and often at that. Maybe if I didn’t drink so much it would help. I just can’t help it. Must be the dry heat/ac

Wednesday here: did an incline interval workout, the plan for tomorrow is to do a Double Down DVD. It’s weird, there were a couple of people at the Y that I remembered. Of course, there were also new people. Boy, did I surprise Marge and her sister Margaret. Then went to Aldi to get some of the things in the condo. Then the Chamber of Commerce and the SPCA thrift store, Upscale Retail, and the Brevard County Charity thrift store since I know Jess isn’t interested in thrift stores. Got a few DVD’s and shorts and a shirt that I think is really pretty. Now getting dinner ready to microwave. Vince is talking about buying a new mattress.

Lisa – you can blame me for the puzzle addiction, but I blame Colby because he gave me one and during the pandemic I was so bored I put it together and fell in love with puzzles. Good job!

Claire – welcome (back)

Speaking of cookies -I was very surprised how many cookies/cupcakes were at the Y!

Annie – chocolate makes a wonderful friend at any time. So sorry to hear about your aunt

Debbie – awwww that pic. Vince got upset with me last night when we got to the condo. I moved my car as he wanted but I didn’t put it 4 spaces to the left like he wanted. What’s the big deal? Oh, he was probably just tired from all the driving.

You would be amazed at how many things get lost in this condo. It’s smaller than the house, too

Mags – how far west are you in NC

Tracey – congrats on that wonderful grade

heather – your food sounds so delish

Allie – if it IS twins, that’s twice the blessing.

Michele NC now FL

kymarai · February 15

Ginny You will be around the corner. Unfortunately I have dentist at 8 and heart Dr at 10. Sounds like you will be on another tight schedule too.

I too am crazy busy at work, but getting things done. So I reckon that is good. Cooked Bison burgers. DH liked! Laundry going. Now resting brain while DH walks backwards. I am really proud of the changes he has been making.

More later.

Kylia relaxing and laundry in Ohio

pipcd34 · February 15

Stats for the day-

Walk w/family- 2hrs 5min 46sec, 119elev, 2.94ap, 99ahr, 156mhr, 6.22mi= 597c
Strava app = 763c
Zwift home spin bike- strava stats- 39.34min, 427elev, 116aw, 16.9amph, 46arpm, gear41, 97ahr, 116mhr, 11.16mi= 227c
Strava app= 262c
Zwift stats- 39.35min, 427elev, 116aw, 46arpm, 16.98amph, 11.2mi= 262c

Total cal 824

pipcd34 · February 15

SophieRosieMom wrote: »

Annie - sorry to hear about your Aunt. Regarding your dad leaving the car running in the garage - do you have carbon monoxide detectors? I think it's a law here in WA state but I don't have one . Whenever I sell this house I'm sure I'll have to get one in place. I'll grab one next time I'm in town.

Debbie - the bone scan is simple. Takes maybe 15 minutes which includes them filling out the paperwork, asking standard questions. Wear sweats (no zippers or metal). As I recall, I lay down on a table with a support under my knees and they took a shot through my tummy with the X-ray machine. Then I think I had to kind of lay on my side and they took another shot or two. It's been nearly 2 years. Hope insurance pays for it, good to have a baseline.

Kylia - wow, beautiful flowers.

Pip - gorgeous breakfast and you get this every Sunday? Are you still pinching yourself at what a gem Kirby is? And yes, I'm jealous.

Vicki - I love those clocks. Glad it's fixed and "coo-coo'ing" again. Also glad the doc said the nodules are nothing to worry about.

Heather - your meal looks great, the chickpeas turned out nice. Sounds like the lab will be running a lot of important tests for you. Glad you got that out of the way. BEA is such a little angel, I'm sure John loves her to pieces too.

Regarding houses: I recall when we bought this house, it was bigger than we really needed but we wanted the space for all of our STUFF. DH had made some furniture - a coffee table and desk, so that took up space. Antique kitchen queen I got for cheap and refinished when we were first married. Antique cedar chest and wardrobe from my side of the family. Large computer desks took up one bedroom. Large dining room table with 8 chairs. On and on.

I can already cut down my space needs by 2/3 by just not buying a place to put STUFF, most of which isn't important to me now.

But I'm just putting it out in the Universe - when the time is right, everything will come together for me to buy or build a smaller place. In the meantime, I am grateful I have a house to live in. And a place for my chickens!

Lanette
SW WA State

Yup, every Sunday, I am blessed that’s for sure

Paz922 · February 15

Hello all, I am 54 and gained 10 lbs in 6 months. I started a challenge during the pandemic and lost 12 lbs. I felt great. I need so much support now. I've tried to lose weight on my own without success. It would be great to lose 10- 15 lbs. My main issue is sugar and nuts. I am better controlling the nuts. I have health issues that get worse when I gain weight.

I currently have the flu and feeling terrible, however, my husband gave me chocolates for valentines and ate them all. Not even the flu can stopped me from eating sweets

Ideally, I would like to forget about the number in the scale and live a healthy life which will result in weight loss.

skuehn48 · February 15

anmlmzdiet · February 15

@Paz922

I'm sorry you're not feeling well. I too have been ill for a few days now. I'm coming through okay now, though. I hope you are feeling better soon. It certainly does not work to be dieting and not feel well. I always try to make myself feel better by eating or drinking something I shouldn't. So, I put myself on a sick diet. I mentioned it before, but it's several pages back now, so I'll mention it again. I went on the BRAT diet: bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. It's what the pediatrician always told me to feed my kids when they were sick. On my own I add a serving or two a day of yogurt, just because I'm a big girl and not a little girl. Those are all foods I can keep down when I'm sick. Maybe this can keep you from going for that chocolate.

My hubby bought me some chocolate for Valentine's Day, but I couldn't eat it today, not because I'm sick (which I am,) but because it's Ash Wednesday, lol. What timing, huh?

Happy Valentine's Day everyone and a joyous beginning of lent.

Michelle in NV

Paz922 · February 15

@anmlmzdiet

Thank you for your words of encouragement! I have yogurt, bananas and applesauce at home. I will get some applesauce now.

My husband went to church and got his ashes. He also fasted. I had fever until 3:00pm so I guess I did not know what to eat. He made his first chicken soup for me and it was very good! (it was for dinner after the chocolates).

Have a wonderful evening!

Paz

anmlmzdiet · February 15

A couple of people asked for the soup recipes, so here they are:

Creamy Garbanzo and Cabbage Soup

I always double this recipe, and I have made a few changes to the original.

1small onion, chopped
4 1/2 cups stock
1 garlic clove, crushed (I use more.)
115-oz can of tomatoes with juice
2 cups finely chopped cabbage
2 small red potatoes diced
1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
2 cans garbanzo beans with juice
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt

In a large pot, braise the onion in 1/2 cup stock until soft. Add remaining ingredients and simmer until potato and cabbage are tender, about 15minutes

Ladle approximately 3 cups of soup into blender and blend until smooth, being sure to hold the lid tightly and to start the blender on low speed. Return to the pot, sir to mix, and serve. Alternatively, use an immersion blender, but be careful not to over blend. The mix should have some whole vegetables and beans.

Original Recipe; Food for Life; Dr. Neil Barnard (substitutions and suggestions have been made)

Tomato Bisque

1small onion, Chopped
3 stalks celery, sliced
1 28-oz can tomatoes
2 1/2 teaspoons raw sugar or other sweetener
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons flour
2 cups water or stock
1/2 teaspoon salt

Place onion, celery, tomatoes, and seasonings in a pot and simmer 15 minutes. Using a blender (or alternatively an immersion blender,) puree until smooth. Do this in small batches using low speed. Hold the lid on the blender tightly to prevent the contents from exploding out the top.

At this point, you may strain the soup or not, depending on your taste. Left unstrained, it will contain some small chunks of onion and celery as well as tomato seeds. If you want a perfectly smooth soup, use a strainer.

In the original pot, whisk the oil and flour together. Cook 30 seconds, then whisk in 2 cups of stock or water until smooth. Stir in the blended tomato mixture, add salt to taste, and simmer until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.

Original Recipe; Food for Life; Dr. Neil Barnard

Minestrone

I always double this recipe.

1 small onion, chopped
3 1/2 cups water or broth
3 cups tomato juice (V8 works)
1 garlic clove (I use much more.)
2 medium carrots, diced
1 stalk celery, diced
2 medium potatoes diced (I use 4 small red potatoes.)
1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley (I use more.)
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 medium zucchini, diced
1/2 cup of small pasta shells
1 cup cooked kidney beans, or 1 15-oz can, drained
2 1/2 cups of chopped greens (spinach, collard, kale) (I use kale.)
Salt to taste

Heat 1/2 cup in a large pot. Add the onion and cook over medium high heat, stirring frequently, until the onion is soft. Add the tomato juice, remaining water, garlic, carrots, celery, potatoes, parsley, and basil. Bring to a simmer. then cover and cook 20 minutes.

Add remaining ingredients except salt, then cover and simmer an additional 20 to 30 minutes. Additional tomato juice or water may be added if the soup is to thick. Add salt to taste.

Original Recipe; Food for Life; Dr. Neil Barnard (substitutions and suggestions have been made)

Michelle's Potato Soup

3 large Celery Stalks
3 large Carrots peeled
2 Onions
10lbs Russet Potatoes peeled and quartered
10 cups Chicken Stock or Vegetable Broth
5 cups Milk whole or 2%
1 ½ tsp Salt
1 tsp Fresh Ground Pepper
Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Coarsely chop Celery, Carrots, and Onions. Place in food processor till chunks are gone. Sauté mixture in an extra-large pot till translucent. Add Potatoes and Chicken Stock cover and simmer till potatoes are soft enough to press with a spoon.

In a blender, blend potatoes and broth till just smooth but not sticky. An immersion blender can be uses, but be careful not to over blend. Return to pot. Add Milk, Salt, and Pepper. Warm soup till it returns to a simmer.

Serve in bowls with a topping of cheddar cheese to taste.

Three of these recipes come from a book written by Dr. Neil Barnard. I think it is out of print now, but you might be able to find it aftermarket. He has two great books with killer recipes in them, and the dietary content is eye opening. That said, I should add that he is a proponent of veganism. (I was vegan, Until I had some serious medical issues, and I support those who do, I just can't anymore.) Anyway, I am all for as many vegan meals that I can get. Why? Because they are usually low in calories and fat and I can add meat if I want. Now, you can make anything fattening if you try, but the key is not to overdo it.

We know that vegetarian meals are not always low fat or low calorie. We can add cheese, sour cream, ice cream, you get the point. So don't turn up your nose at a vegan meal. You just might like it.

Recipes from:

Food for Life by Dr. Neil Barnard
and
Turn off the Fat Genes by Dr. Neil Barnard

(The potato recipe is mine. I don't like bacon, so there is none in the recipe, but there is nothing stopping you from adding it.

Enjoy,

Michelle in NV

Machka9 · February 15

Anniesquats100 wrote: »

Well my aunt is in the hospital with pneumonia.
Annie in Delaware

Sorry about your aunt!

dlfk202000 wrote: »

I would love to replace all the carpets in the house. Our problem isn't the cost, it is the process. Having to remove all the furniture in every room. We have done the living room once, years ago, but it needs it again. We need to do all the bedrooms but those will be such a chore to clean out(especially my sewing room and dh's room-they are little rooms but SO much stuff in them)
We replaced the carpet with lamenent in the hall and have plans to do it in the other hall and kitchen. Maybe this summer(dh said that the past two summers)-had to do the one hall because one of the cats wouldn't stop peeing on it. We even changed the carpet, painting the wood underneath before putting the new carpet in but I guess he could still smell it.

Is the bone density test just a scan with a machine- I need to ask my doctor again for one for me.
I tried a few years ago but she said I wasn't old enough, even though both parents have/had Osteo.
Dad's was worse than moms. I will be 62 next month so should be able to get one now.

Debbie

The bone density scan is really simple ... just a scan with a machine.

If we owned our current place, I'd replace all the carpet with hard surface flooring. I'm not a fan of carpet.

SophieRosieMom wrote: »

I'm still spending time down the YouTube "living in a car" rabbit hole. Again, not because I have any desire to do that, but I'm fascinated by how well some folks can live with just the barest essentials. I look around my house and think.... what if I went from 1700 square feet to 600 or 800.... what would I take with me? What furniture, what appliances, clothing, etc.

I guess it's kind of a different way of looking at decluttering, and especially cleaning out drawers and cabinets. Mentally preparing for the eventual downsizing move which might happen in a year or ten.

Lanette
SW WA State

As an adult, I've lived in a lot of small places. The 800 sq ft apartment was one of the bigger places!

Let's see ...
- small 1-bed apartment
- small mobile home
- a room in a house for 3 months
- the 800 sq ft apartment
- my bicycle and part of a tent for 3 months
- 2 rooms in a basement
- a bit of time in a bed in a hostel and on a mattress in someone's sewing room
- 1 decent sized room with a little kitchenette for 4 months
- about 1/3 of a basement for a month
- a 580 sq ft cabin in the bush with no electricity or running water for a year. Truly off the grid!
- a massive 990 sq ft duplex with a great closet and a whole heap of mice for a couple years
- my bicycle and part of a tent for about 8 months
- a room in a house for 3 months
- a house that was probably a little over 1000 sq ft for about 6 months
- another 990 sq ft townhouse for about a year
- and finally our current absolutely enormous 1100 sq ft house!! Best of all, this place has some useable space under the house too.

Twice, my both my husband and I did a major declutter.

When I moved out of the 800 sq ft apartment, I got rid of about 1/3 of my stuff.
Before I moved into the 580 sq ft cabin in the bush off the grid, I got rid of about 1/3 of my stuff.

My husband voluntarily got rid of a whole bunch of his stuff at one point, then about 5 years later, he lost a lot of what was left (including what he had gotten for me in anticipation of me moving to Australia) in a bushfire.

I've enjoyed the times when it was just me, my cycling partner and our bicycles.

Home Sweet Home!

Machka in Oz

WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR FEBRUARY 2024

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