WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR FEBRUARY 2024

Machka9 · February 26

On travel ...

I've been everywhere, man.
I've been everywhere, man.
Crossed the desert's bare, man.
I've breathed the mountain air, man.
Of travel I've a-had my share, man.
I've been everywhere.

No, not really. But I have been a few places.

Canada
British Columbia - lived, visited and cycled
Alberta - lived, visited and cycled
Saskatchewan - lived, visited and cycled
Manitoba - lived, visited and cycled
Ontario - visited and cycled
Quebec - visited

USA
Alabama - visited and cycled
Alaska -
Arizona - visited and cycled
Arkansas -
California - visited and cycled
Colorado - visited and cycled
Connecticut - visited and cycled
Delaware -
Florida - visited and cycled
Georgia -
Hawaii -
Idaho - visited and cycled
Illinois - visited and cycled
Indiana - visited
Iowa - visited and cycled
Kansas - visited and cycled
Kentucky -
Louisiana - visited and cycled
Maine - visited and cycled
Maryland -
Massachusetts - visited and cycled
Michigan - visited
Minnesota - visited and cycled
Mississippi - visited and cycled
Missouri - visited and cycled
Montana - visited and cycled
Nebraska - visited and cycled
Nevada - visited
New Hampshire - visited and cycled
New Jersey - visited
New Mexico - visited and cycled
New York - visited and cycled
North Carolina -
North Dakota - visited and cycled
Ohio - visited and cycled
Oklahoma - visited and cycled
Oregon - visited and cycled
Pennsylvania - visited and cycled
Rhode Island - visited and cycled
South Carolina -
South Dakota - visited
Tennessee -
Texas - visited and cycled
Utah -visited and cycled
Vermont - visited and cycled
Virginia -
Washington - visited and cycled
West Virginia - visited and cycled
Wisconsin - visited
Wyoming - visited and cycled

Australia
New South Wales - visited and cycled
Queensland - visited and cycled
South Australia - visited and cycled
Tasmania - lived, visited and cycled
Victoria - lived, visited and cycled
Western Australia - visited and cycled
Australian Capital Territory - visited and cycled
Northern Territory

UK (England, Wales, Scotland) - visited and cycled
France - visited and cycled
The Netherlands - visited and cycled
Germany - visited and cycled
Luxembourg - visited and cycled
Switzerland - visited and cycled

Hong Kong (including the mainland side) - visited
Taiwan - visited and cycled
Japan - visited and cycled
New Zealand - visited

When I was younger, my parents, brother and I travelled all over the western US and Canada. We also moved a lot! My parents instilled a love of travel in me and if I don't travel for a couple months, I'm climbing walls!! Already this year, we've travelled 3 times.

Most of my travels have been on or accompanied by bicycles. Just a bicycle. Bicycle and trains. Bicycle and buses. Bicycle and ferries. Bicycle and airplanes. Bicycle and cars.

Accommodation has been benches in airports (including LAX), train stations, doorways of shops or churches, grassy patches here or there (I spent my first night in France sleeping on a pile of leaves behind a hotel with a friend - I had arrived at my hotel too late), trains, buses, ferries (including on the deck of a ferry between Caen and Portsmouth in 2003 when Mars came closer to Earth than in the previous 60,000 years), airplanes, cars (slept overnight in a car right near the Parliament Building in Ottawa), tents, a tent trailer several times, a couple caravans, caravan park cabins, log cabins, motels, hotels, inns, B&Bs, AirBNBs, all sorts of different buildings, and with friends and family.

Toilet facilities? Everything from the high tech toilets in Japan to ... well ... just about anything can be a toilet. I've ducked behind haybales, behind trees, and nipped into culverts. I've even squatted in the meridian of a busy highway because I really had to go, and I figured the drivers would be going too fast to see anything. Oh, and I did figure out the standing toilets in Asia, but opted not to use the standing toilets in France.

And as for living ... I've lived in something like 24 or 25 different places, including periods of time where I wasn't really living anywhere. I was just travelling for several months or going to university and staying where I could.

I might have gypsy or nomadic genes.

Machka in Oz

ginnytez · February 26

Heather-with the pain shifting legs I suddenly wondered if it may have something to do with a nerve in your back. Years ago when I had a herniated disc (actually I have had two of them in my neck) I had arm pain and leg pain.

Chatted with kids today about different plans when they visit. They may stay in my house for a part of the time, we may get a cabin for a couple of days, son wants to take his son fishing. I'm just waiting with my check book. We will do something. My grand daughter thinks that a restaurant we go to in Plain City is Amish country . . . well not really even though it is an Amish restaurant. I suggested we do a day trip over to the east of Columbus and hit a couple of spots there-more authentic.

Need to get meatloaf and sweet potatoes I made for dinner in the fridge. My uni is swinging back in action. I start a Z pack Tuesday morning for 5 days for the dental work. I'm going to hold off and take that and see if that helps.

Busy week this week-but then they all are lately. Just realized I forgot to post this last night!

Will add to the travel discussion-Heather-your cruises sound wonderful. I have not been on any cruises but dream about Alaska. Traveled to a few places-Ohio (my home), Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, Massachusetts, Maine, New York, Florida several times, Georgia, Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri, Iowa,Arizona, Southern California (LA and San Diego). Out of US -Ottawa to London for Shakespeare festival and Niagara Falls, New Brunswick,England, Greece, day trips across border to Mexico. So not bad when I put it all together. One of my trips to Arizona I want to see the Grand Canyon and I would like to visit the Pacific Northwest.

Now that I am completely distracted, I still need to get ready for work today!

Take care all,

Ginny in Ohio

Machka9 · February 26

Lunch walk while trying to avoid the cruise ship masses!

Plus 14 flights of stairs!

M in Oz

Anniesquats100 · February 26

Someday I would like to take a boat from Seattle to Vancouver. Something smaller than a cruise boat, to see the wildlife and the water. Maybe if I go back to work I will have the money to do such a thing.

My dad "forgot" his pants again.

Annie in Delaware

kymarai · February 26

Good Monday,
I would love to load up my car and just drive to see US. DH dislikes travel. I have been to Quebec, Philippines, and the Dominican Republic. Really want to see England, Ireland, Scotland, and Italy. Most of my travels have been lower East coast, think Delaware to Florida to Indiana and Michigan. I am missing a lot of states though I have visited Texas, Arkansas, Utah, Iowa, and Southern California. One of these days.......

DH joined me on part of walk yesterday- happy dance!!! I didn't hit step goal, but did hit other 5 including the most important of exercise for 25 mins. It was a restful day.

Hugs!
Life is full of choices, make the best you can at the moment.
Healing thoughts!

Kylia in Ohio

Machka9 · February 26

Anniesquats100 · February 26

Now I've got cruises on my mind. Glorious cruises with no restroom issue distractions. Hmmm.

Annie in Delaware

teklawa1 · February 26

Betsy in NW WA

cityjaneLondon · February 26

This morning I finally got around to composing the text for the article about me in The Hovarian. The bold questions are the editor's. It had to be less than 400 words.

She will want a couple of photos.

Had a power cut last night. We had only a few seconds of it, but all the trains are affected by a longer cut. Lots of WIND! I woke up to my alarm clock flashing.

An old friend rang this morning about a meet up in March when they are nearby seeing their son. It will be just her, because her husband will be watching the rugby finals. She will be going for an open air swim,

then walking into Brighton to join us at our favourite restaurant for lunch. Petis Pois. I've just booked the table.

They live in Cornwall and we have swapped houses with them several times for holidays. The husband is a very old friend of my ex, and it's so lovely that they have kept in touch with me.

Love Heather UK xxxxxxxx

ATnowornever · February 26

SophieRosieMom wrote: »

Ladies - Sorry, I'm slow in reading and responding, I am skimming through lots of great posts from you all today. Hope to catch up later today and/or tomorrow!

This is a reminder about the weekly check-in, please get info to me today or tomorrow morning.

Hope everyone is having a good morning/afternoon/evening. Sending hugs and good thoughts.

Lanette
SW WA State

@SophieRosieMom I'm confused... Are we supposed to message you directly with our weekly weight loss Lanette?

LisaInArkansas · February 26

Good morning all, from another warm, sunny February day in Arkansas,

Record-breaking highs tomorrow, up around 84F (29C)!

Weight lifting: Got out and worked with Corey in the yard for real yesterday, and I can feel it in my loosey-goosey muscles today! I've decided, especially since the weather's so beautiful, that I'll either lift weights, which I hate, or go work in the yard, which I love, three days a week at minimum. Might do both, but can't skip both. Put it in my planner, so it's real, right?

Organ recital!

Full-body bone scan tomorrow, no prep necessary, thank goodness. They insert an IV and I lay on a table three different times. Once immediately after, once an hour later, then once again three hours later. Trying to stay quite calm about it, and mostly successful.

The "other people are touching me" part is pretty minimal, and I'm interested in the results. It should show whether there is any infection or issues around the five-year-old knee replacement, but it is also going to show every joint in my body, and I will bet money that arthritis will show up in every joint in my body with the possible exception of my hips. And I could be wrong about my hips.

I hope I am.

Wednesday is the gastroenterologist, and I will probably be put on Skyrizi, per my last conversation with her. The colon ulcers are in full flood, so it's time to try to turn the ship around. It's a self-injection once every three months, which sounds do-able. Hopefully the VA will approve. It is in their formulary, so there's a fair chance that they will. If they don't, it's a no-go - here's the cost at the discount website for each injection, and there would be five injections the first year:

Need to scat up to Walmart while they are slow this morning and get a few things. Waiting on my gut to slow down a little, and for Corey's good morning call, and then I'm off. Laundry in, and dishes clean and waiting to be put away. Plus I need to get my meds sorted for the week. Usual Monday morning-ness. Reassuring, that. Life always finds a way, no matter what else happens. Arkansas is good for reminding me of that, too, it's actually hard to kill plants here. Finally, a place where I don't kill plants! 👀😊😀

Oh - and I tested my $20 Walmart earbuds this weekend during a call with my sister, and I am SO pleased with them. I could hear her, she could hear me very clearly, and had a longer range than the old, expensive Samsung ones. Love it.

Love y'all,
Lisa in AR

margaretturk · February 26

Lisa I agree with you about the green tea.

Remembering that as I sift through the info I learned in the Vitality Summit that to take the info that rings true for me and leave the rest on the table.

They did say through the info given to not let it make you go the other way where you feel there are so many things that need fixing I just give up.

I am just glad they present possible solutions for making your environment a healthier place to live that the current systems we live under will not promote because it will hurt their bottom line.

One presenter discussed sometimes technology that has a potential for benefit does not make it because it does not have the funding for testing. His interest lies in PEMF technology. One use for it is to encourage bone growth. To get it okayed to be used for treating osteoporosis would take a billion dollars in funding to get the okay from the FDA. Some doctors are currently using it as a tool for pain.

He also warned that there are many companies who will sell you this technology but give you no support on how to use it.

He brings out a good point that when people get so ill they are desperate they are vulnerable to hype and people spend thousands of dollars on a treatment that does not help and or can even make them sicker.

I liked his approach you really are your own doctor for your body. I can give you a tool but you are the one who has to use it in the way that helps you best. If you are interested in this technology he has been using this in his practice for thirty years and could give you a place to start..William Pawluk. He at least would help you avoid the ones who just want to sell you something with no real support to use it.

One of my favorite presenters yesterday was Jill Carnahan. She said the quote do not let perfection be the enemy of good. One of the most powerful steps towards healing to get your body, mind, spirit in a state where you feel safe. If there are threats then create your own safe in your mind that nothing can break. She also suggested finding a purpose or faith that remains no matter what happens is another foundation you can build your healing upon.

She also suggested just pick two to three from this summit that are doable for you that will add you in living a healthier life...I like how she also suggested you put it in the form of answering the question Who am I? I am this. When stated like that this is who you become...

My three take aways..

I am one who will look for ways to reduce plastics in my life...
I am one who will look for foods that promote my health...
I am one who looks for people who share their glow and that I can share mine in our lives..

For the third one I am using the example of one of my fellow choir members...he shared his trip to Japan he took with his wife. I commented how the two of them just glowed. In one picture there was a young man who had his arm around them. He told me this happens to them often when they are out together. I told him it because their energy just glows from them, and they just want to be part of that.

Anniesquats100 · February 26

I did my bike for 10 minutes and 6 minutes walking. Yay! I will raise the times on Friday, March 1.

Annie in Delaware

grandmallie · February 26

Morning all
So far so good with Tracy.But her pregnancy is one in 10,000 it is called a Monoamniotic pregnancy,or a momo pregnancy and it is a very high risk twin pregnancy.. look it up..
Siri and I are hanging out.. Alfie is enjoying Uncle Tom and Auntie Elena.

Anniesquats100 · February 26

I ordered some pharmacy technician study books. Yay! I feel excited and tentative. I got this far and quit once before. I was overwhelmed by the amount of material. But this time I am expecting to study for a year or so. So bring it on!

I don't have to commit to a job just yet either. I'm just trying to keep that option open. The worst that can happen is I will learn a lot of health care, and not use it. There's also quite the possibility that my dad will somehow interrupt my studies. But if I don't do it, there's the possibility of a job hunt with no recent skills and a certain age. I can only control one of those factors.

Annie in Delaware

kevrit · February 26

cityjaneLondon wrote: »

April - I've been thinking everything under the sun. Liver, aneurysm, etc. I had liver bloods done last October, and they were normal. It's a lot better at the moment.
Legs are rubbish. I keep on doing my exercises. . Doing sit to stand whenever I remember. They hurt. This afternoon I couldn't climb the stairs without hands, but after a nap, I could. Strangely, the main pain has changed legs.
Our hospital doctors are on strike again. Even if I get a diagnosis, I may have to wait a very long time. I may have to sacrifice a cruise for private treatment. It's against all my principles, but I am of more use to the world as a healthy person who is not in pain. I have so much more to give.

Nothing compares to the sickness of a child.

Love Heather UK xxxxxxxx

Heather My upper stomach was doing that periodically. It seemed to have been my duodenum. I had GERD and food sensitivities which triggered this. Wine made it worse, wheat, sugar, and eggs too. Once I pretty much eliminated or lowered my intake of these, I haven’t had an issue with it for the last 6 years. It was also really active while I was in full CMC (collogenic, microscopic, colitis)which included pain, swelling and chronic diarrhea. There is no cure, just managing the swelling. Not every doctor will check for that during a colonoscopy, so you or your doctor need to request they check for it.

Do some research on MCC and see if those are the symptoms you are having. Treatable, but not curable.

Hope you feel better soon!

RVRita

SophieRosieMom · February 26

Terri - thank you for the tip on how to find posts. It's quick and easy. Sorry to hear about your DH's birdwatching friend. So thoughtful of your DH and his friend to take this fella out for the day.

Rita - have you decided what to do about going back east?

Margaret - thank you for sharing that interesting information presented in the Vitality Summit. We sure live in a different world now than when we were kids. I try to eat organically, and avoid ultra processed food as much as I can. Sometimes it's really hard with availability and expense, but I've settled on "80% clean" and not stress about it if I have the occasional sugary treat or salad dressing made with seed oils, another no-no according to some research.

I saw the harmful effects of many medications, and more medications prescribed to offset the side effects of the first round during my DH's health struggle. I'm pretty sure that and his junk food diet hastened his dementia and death. I'm trying hard not to go down that path. I agree that being around positive, happy and energetic people is very beneficial for our own health. I liked your list of what you can do to avoid things that can adversely affect our health. Being aware is the first step. Please keep sharing what you learn.

Annie - so sorry to hear about your aunt, and glad you are close by. Is she your dad's or your mom's sister? Good job on the bike and walking.

Debbie - wow, your DH had great sales at the convention, I can see why he was hyped up.

Might be good in the long run to help lift him out of his depression? Crossing fingers.

April - the "Weekly Check-in" is for anyone who wants to be included in a weekly post to document whatever they want to in a central place. Some like to report weight, and/or challenges they are dealing with. It's just a kind of bulletin board I guess. Not mandatory, some find it helpful to share their info once a week or less often. It's been expanded to include what we're celebrating and what we're navigating as far as health related topics if some want to use that route. To be added, you and I need to be "friends" then you can message me directly thru MFP. I just sent you a friend request in case you ever wish to be included.

Make it a wonderful week.

Lanette

SW WA State with a rain/snow mix falling right now. 34F.

Anniesquats100 · February 26

Lanette my Aunt D is my Mom's sister, so she is grieving the loss of my mom last December.

Annie in Delaware

bwcetc · February 26

Hello Ladies! ... I have been reading and commenting in my head, but by the time I get to public commenting, everything has already been said. I've been cheering, grieving and praying for all of you!

Evelyn ... February is not my favorite month either. Today marks 3 years since my son died. I'm ok. A friend shared this with me and I think it's fairly accurate (author unknown).

Allie ... praying for Tracey!

Spent 10 hours yesterday with my mom in the ER. She fell out of bed at her facility and we had to go through the process of scans and X-rays to make sure she was ok. Nothing happens fast in the ER and, fortunately, she was a low priority. Everything turned out fine except for a UTI and that's treatable. But today I have to meet with the facility as there are some concerns we need to deal with.

Just finished a zoom call (captioned) with the manufacturing rep for the cochlear implant. Very informative and sort of overwhelming. So many advancements in technology! I'll share more later for those interested.

Beth near Buffalo

SophieRosieMom · February 26

MFP Weekly Check-in February 26, 2024

Debbie in Napa Valley, CA - Down almost 2 lbs!! Finally moving in the right direction. Really helps track. Lost that and only had one zumba class this week(and will only have one this coming week). 152.4 this morning.

Sue from WA State -only onè day of water exercise this week but I managed to complete 30 minutes without ankle hurting. yoga 7/7. PT exercises 7/7. was able to maintain weight at 223 even with all of the stress of tenant from Hades. She is complaining about plumbing again. I think we have a broken septic pipe which will require digging up a great deal of the goat yard. She still refuses to pay rent or to move out. I need to work on equanimity.

Kylia in Ohio - Good Morning! I watched the scale this week move from 127.6 to 125 4 and settling on 127.3. So loss of .3 which I will take. I did great with 3 of 6 goals last week, but came together last 4 days. The "best" thing that happened this past week was my DH joining me on part of my walk yesterday! Have a great week and remember we are cheering you on!

Rita in Roswell, NM - Down 1/2 pound this past week. Celebrating cardiac meds finally beginning to work Navigating my allergies.

Lanette SW WA State – celebrating being able to stop eating in the afternoon by 4 pm and delay breakfast until 5 am the following day. No more reflux now that I finish supper at least 3 hours before I go to bed. High protein meal is helping curtail late night snacking. Navigating occasional foot and ankle pain. Still house walking but cutting back a little on carrying 5# weights, which might be part of the problem. I see the ortho doc next Monday, hoping he'll send me for new orthotics which will solve it.

WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR FEBRUARY 2024

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