WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR APRIL 2024

margaretturk · April 29

Went to a Bells Concert at my church with a friend yesterday. They ringers were outstanding. She had never been to one and it was on her list to experience it. Wonderful time.

She had just watched a documentary on Netflix on the gut. I had just listened to Robert Lustig on The Quit Sugar Summit so much of our chronic disease is related to our guts and the food (non food as in many over processed foods) we ingest. He might be one of my modern day heroes. Because getting a medical degree he also studied law so he could understand law language. He worked to see that real food was brought back into schools. In 1971 the food service was handed over to corporations like McDonald's to bring food to our children. His group Eat Real.org worked to change that and bring real not processed food into our schools. He is also working with those in charge of SNAP to take soda pop off the menu. Pop right now can be bought with snap vouchers.

My friend and I had such a great discussion...both her video and the Robert Lustig interview discussed what sugar, grain, and processed foods do to the gut.

According to Robert if you are low in energy eating sugar will make it worse...the fructose in sugar inhibits your mitochondria (they are your power source) It also contributes to what he called browning reaction ie aging. If you have a steady diet of a high sugar diet it will age you 7X faster. Fructose also hits your reward center in your brain which leads to addiction. The food industry knows this and uses this to their advantage. He did talk about fruit because it is high in fructose. The difference is it is high in fiber which protects you from the fructose. Your good gut bacteria also needs the fiber for food. Juice on the other hand without the fiber the fructose becomes a problem.

His big three for health is protect your liver with fiber no toxins (fructose, alcohol, heavy metals), Feed your gut fiber, and support your brain (no fructose and omega threes reduce omega six(oils like corn.)

Tracey love the painting!!!

LisaInArkansas · April 29

cityjaneLondon wrote: »

Lisa - the cc cream I am using feels like nothing at all on the face. Amazing technology! A small colourless blob, massaged in, evens out all my blobs and blots, and gives me a hint of a tint. Makeup has moved on! For me, a blusher is something I would take to a desert island as my cheeks are grey. I really do look sick. My new blusher requires a pinpoint of pigment. I'm amazed. The old days of foundation and powder are past. You should just look healthily glowing.
I've always envied those with colouring and those who do not need to wear makeup. But I inherited my half-dead look from my mother, along with her horrible cellulite. I hate looking in the mirror and seeing her sad, old, tired face and eyes. Hence the lift to my spirits when I make the effort.

My new steamer worked beautifully. I now have two pristine t shirts . Just like being on a cruise!
We should be just rounding the coast of France right now.

Love Heather UK xxxxxx

Thanks for the info - I might have to try it - I'm seeing more and more blotches on my face as I get older, and since most of the CC creams contain sunscreen and I'm outside a lot, it certainly wouldn't hurt! I too see my mother's face when I'm tired or hurting, which tells me how much she was doing both of those things at this age. My skin tends toward olive unless I have a tan. Her skin was much paler than mine, nearly a red-head's skin, even though she was a brunette, with freckles galore on her arms, but never on her face. She never tanned, only sunburned. The olive tint in mine means that when I wear light greens or yellows, I look like I died three days ago. Very sallow.

I also inherited her leg shape and construction, unfortunately. Thankfully, I didn't get the varicose veins and spider veins until just the last few years, but now it seems I'm seeing new ones all the time. The compression stockings are really helping those, both the pain and the swelling around them... and I never show my legs anyway. Between the chunky little calves that I kept from my days where I weighed 300 pounds and the varicose and spider veins, I just stay in pants year round.

In fact, the last dress I wore was my wedding dress, and it was floor-length. While I may be half the old weight, the skin on my thighs never recovered. While they're not nearly as huge as they once were, it left me with drapey skin all over the upper part of my legs. My arms aren't quite so bad, but they're very happy. (In other words, they keep waving at people long after I stop!

) I have no idea whether these are part of getting older, part of losing weight, or genetic, so I just blame it on whatever's handy.

Stopped in between chores...
Later, babies,
Lisa in AR

auntiebk · April 29

Today’s gratitude: Joe taking Tumble for a Harris Beach Campground walk by herself. He’s been taking Shadow and leaving Tumble heartbroken. It’s way past her turn. When he came back he commented on not smelling any bacon or coffee. Not many campfires. Lots of big, fancy, expensive rigs. Hmm.
Margaret

your painting and wow, you’re looking GOOD!
Rori ((hugs)) for Mars. Do you take him with when you travel?
Teri had to google the Dawn Chorus walk. Do you identify the birds or just immerse yourself in the sounds?
Heather, Max in that hat, handsome! Hope your son has a baseball bat . . .
Tracey so much for you to be proud of, completing your practicum, Kaitlyn’s spokesperson opportunity. Very well done!
KJ ((hugs)) and prayers for your sister, Sister in law, friend but most of all your grand neice. So glad your Son in law is coming. Sounds like they’re planning to move before he secures a job there? Whooshing good vibes for the interview.
Lisa and others to KJ but especially Rebecca about lending an ear, not avoiding a person with an illness. Inspiring.
Lanette “Josephine the plumber” :laugh: You are an inspiration!
Allie ((hugs)) and prayers continue.
Michele ((hugs held extra long)) Such a hard time for your friend, her family and you. ((hugs))
Flea you are an inspiration! I have no debilitating issues and can’t even make myself disturb the accumulated dust. Annie sorry your back’s sore. Motion is lotion ;}
Lisa thanks for the info on images in mfp. It sure is a pain, but I’m relieved it’s not due to recent updates on my laptop :devil: Will check out the support forums later. Egg’s shower made me giggle, sorry Egg!
Whew, caught up. Time to get back to PT exercises in far too long.

Later, lighter, lovelies!
Barbara, the Southern Oregon Coastie AHMOD

April: Move more than yesterday, fuel better than yesterday, live NOW.
Open heart and mind before mouth.
2024: Strengthen: body, mind, heart-connections.

kevrit · April 29

I had planned on finishing the story yesterday, but, got busy working at the park then didn’t do anything at all in the evening. I will finish it today so it can be posted before the new month starts. I’m saving the story so if anyone wants a copy can just PM me.

I’ve been out of it this month so weight has gone up. I don’t know why as I as having fun with the story. Just a bad month for me. April and May, have seen too many of my close relatives die. They also had their birthdays during these two months, so blaming my subconscious grieving. Slept late today so need to get moving.

Love to you all,
RVRita in Roswell, NM

kevrit · April 29

Today is a good day to have Shrimp Scampi. Well, we don’t have any shrimp so DH is making tomato sauce with tuna fish over pasta. Close as I’m gonna get!!

RVRita, NM

barbiecat · April 29

Greetings from beautiful NW WA where yesterday it was cold enough for me to consider asking Jake to build a fire in the wood stove but instead chose to raise the temperature on the thermostat up 2 degrees to remove the chill inside the house. The indoor temperature is complicated by the fact that Bessie likes to have the front door ajar so she can enjoy the cool air and look outside. The door is next to my exercise bike so I get the effects of the open door and even wearing two knitted hats in addition to my already warm clothing isn't enough.

The carpet cleaner is coming this afternoon, She came before when we only had one pet. It was easy for us to sit in the kitchen with Bessie while the carpet was being cleaned but Annie will be a different story. I can get out the back door without stepping on the carpet so I hope to keep Annie outside on a walk during much of the time the carpet is being cleaned. Jake has moved all the small furniture to the dance room and we're not fussy about moving the bigger pieces so it will work well. The cleaner will be the same woman who did the carpets before and Jake liked her enough to give her a big tip.

Today it is sunny but still not warm but it will be nice for taking Annie for a walk. The first iris blossoms are starting to show their colors and I've seen black, purple, and yellow.

I am fortunate to be able to detach not only from the need to have a super clean house but from being overwhelmed by what's happening around me. Gratitude is a major ingredient.

Hugs to all, Barbie in NW WA

grandmallie · April 29

Afternoon all
Took Doris out to run errands today..
Tracy will be seeing her OB on Thursday.so we shall see what goes on from there and then the testing and all on the 8th.

kevrit · April 29

MFP Timeless Tale of Treachery and Treason in a Kingdom Far, Far Away”

Part 1.

Our MFP Murder Mystery characters and players so far:

Fairy Godmother [b/]- Rita (Still doting over the disappearance of her goddaughter, Felicity continues to hope that Cinderella will reappear and everyone will live happily ever after.)
Jinn ——————-Vicki (Jinn wants to get out of her lamp forever and become human. Perhaps her friendship to Rita is causing some mischief?)
Dwarf (Herbbette) ———Tracey (Like a sister to Sleeping Beauty, Allie’s dependence on Herbbette is endearing to some an annoying to others.)
Red’s Gran ———Barbara AHMOD (having escaped from the Wolf, Barbara is plotting something, but what or who will be affected?
Red ——————-Kylia (Red came to the Ball with her Gran. Unaware that she is plotting something. Red suspects something is wrong, but what?)
Rapunzel (Princess)————-Machka (Depserate to get out of her tower, this trapped temptress may have more than one offer on the table… the question is which one will she pick?)
Pixie ——————Rebecca (Pixie is flitting around the Ball everywhere. She is gathering information about each party guest to report back to??)
Nosey——————Michele (Nosey is walking from one group of guests to another. Not staying in any one place for very long. What’s this? She stops and writes notes in a notebook between each group. For what purpose??)
Sleeping Beauty——Allie (With hopes of moving out of the bed, this princess hopes to soon be known not as the daughter of an evil queen, but as the wife of prince that is charming.)
Cinderella ———-Lisa in AR (After being missing for a month, Cinderella shows up at the ball, dirty, tired, and ready to confront her kidnapper(s). She simply wants to rest first, but the Ball has disoriented her.)
Jasmoor———Heather (Heather thought that Jinn was her friend and would help her through anything. But now, she is questioning this friendship..)
[b/]Belle——Joy (Having tamed the ‘Beast’, Joy is happily going about her life. But no one knows her true motives…)
Grettel—- Linda (Wandering the woods and destroying the evil witch, Linda is becoming more confident and independent. But will that lead her to her goals?)
Griselda (Cinderella’s Stepsister)——Rusty (After years of animosity, Griselda has earned Cinderella’s trust and her place in the castle. Now that Cinderella is gone, will Griselda be next to disappear mysteriously?)

Prince Charming——Terri. (I (Prince Charming) am having second thoughts about looking for a new bride. Cinders is just to difficult to get out of my heart. I wish I knew where she has gone. I’m lying low for a bit 😝)
Aladdin————-Ginny
Hansel———-Lanette

“MFP Timeless Tale of Treachery and Treason in a Kingdom Far, Far Away”

“After the mysterious disappearance of Cinderella, Prince Charming is throwing a fancy dress ball to find a new bride. Some of the kingdom residents question how the prince could move on so quickly, while others are jumping at the chance to earn their spot as the new princess in the castle. No one has seen the Prince since Cinderella disappeared and the rumors are rampant!”

During the ball, as the dancing and rumors escalate, someone dies in the palace. Who died? Where? When? Why? How long was the victim dead? How did the victim die? What is happening?????

RVRita (Fairy Godmother) from the Kingdom of Roswell…….

Part 2:

The Ball has begun and people are arriving in droves. The entire MFP Women’s 50 plus group have arrived. The band has begun with background quiet music to welcome the guests. The servers are wandering among the guests with low carb, low calorie snacks, water, flavored waters, wine and diet drinks.

Fairy Godmother stands at the entrance welcoming the guests. Look! Here comes Jinn, Dwarf, Red’s Gran, Red, Rapunzel, Pixie, and Nosey! No one has seen Prince Charming. When will he arrive? The party is for him to choose a new bride. The crowd talks about the missing Cinderella and what they feel the Prince is rushing the search for a new bride.

The night progresses with more questions as it is near Midnight now, but the Prince has not shown up for his own Ball. Questions are floating among the guests as the band plays on.

The guest gasps in shock as Sleeping Beauty has just shown up with Cinderella!!

Prince Charming = Terri. To Fairy Godmother “ (I am having second thoughts about looking for a new bride. Cinders is just too difficult to get out of my heart. I wish I knew where she has gone. I’m lying low for a bit…)

Fairy Godmother = RVRita To Prince Charming “ I will cover for you until Cinders is found. Please reconsider. Oh, my dear!!!! Cinders is at the door with Sleeping Beauty! I have to see what happened to her!!) {In her mind, she thinks ‘I need to do something more with her! My plan is not working!!}

Cinderella = Lisa in AR
Sleeping Beauty = Allie
Nosey==Michelle
Red’s Gran = Barbara AHMOD
Red === Kylia
Rapunzel == Machka
Pixie==Rebecca
Jasmoor= Heather
Aladdin == Ginny
Belle= Joy
Grettel == Linda
Hansel == Lanette
BabaYaga= KJ
Griselda== Rusty
Jinn = Vickie
Dwarf (Herbbette) = Tracey

PART 3

Cinderella (AKA Lisa in AR) turns to Sleeping Beauty (AKA Allie) at the door, "Look, SleeBea, I REALLY am not up for this. Look at all these people dressed to the nines!" She gestures to her feet, which are in some seriously dirty white Crocs, with weeds and dirt scattering from the holes. "You know how the Prince feels about shoes, he can't see me in these..." and gesturing to the rest of her tattered, filthy ballgown, with a few shiny bits showing through the dirt here and there, "And I look like I've been rode hard and put away wet." Sleeping Beauty, who's hoping the Prince will finally see her at her best standing next to a bedraggled, less-than-spiffy Cinderella, drags her further into the ballroom. There they bump slap up against the Fairy Godmother, who had been greeting the rest of the guests, but looks completely shocked to see the two of them...

At the same time, Nosy and Pixie are working around the crowd gathering the gossip and any hints about where or when Prince Charming will appear, and what happened to Cinderella. Pixie is flying around and Nosy is walking around the talking groups. They plan on joining up and sharing what they found out to try to work out what is REALLY happening.

(Earlier, before the guests started to arrive), I don't know why Fairy God mother is so unaware that Aladdin swung by on his carpet to get is BF Prince C away for awhile so he could think things out. Aladdin thought introducing him so some of Jasmine's friend might help him realize the possibilities he has.

The Prince thinks: {I was quite pleased with Aladdin sweeping by with his carpet, and helping me to escape from the palace for a while. And then he goes and starts trying to pair me up with Jasmine’s friends. That’s a dead liberty! I’m perfectly capable of making up my own mind.}

Red is overwhelmed with all the people and conversations going on. She is curious as she notices all the note taking and flitting about. She is ready to jump to help Cinderella get presentable for the ball, but grandma is holding her back.

Meanwhile, Rapunzel is standing on the stage singing (because we all know she attracts her suitors with her lovely singing voice) and watching everything going on.

When she sees Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty come in, Rapunzel goes into a rousing rendition of "Do you believe in life after love?" Then Rapunzel slides into "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair" and then into a female version of Elvis Presley's - "I'm Moving On" with Grettel showing her stuff on the piano.

By the time Rapunzel breaks into "I Will Survive", Grettel begins to think something's up.

BabaYaga has shown up, much to Hansel and Grettel’s dismay. She has brought sweets to pass around to the guests. Nosy and Pixie are right there greeting her, then begin to follow her around.

Cinderella elbows Sleeping Beauty, and whispers, so the Godmother can't hear, "Are you listening to what Zel's singing? You think she's right? I need to just wash the Prince right out of my hair? I thought he was my destiny, but after this last business, when he didn't even show up to rescue me, I just don't know." Sleeping Beauty looks at her with wild speculation in her eyes. Could Drilly FINALLY be releasing her hooks from the Prince? Or was she just joshing her? Did Sleeping Beauty finally have a chance for her own one true love that didn't just go around waking people up for a living? Human alarm clocks were just sooo 1540s... and annoying.

In a corner of the ball room, we find the Jinn, BabaYaga, Red’s Gran, Herbbette, and Fairy Godmother with bent heads talking suspiciously.

Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty make their way through the crowd and up the back stairs to Cinderella’s room to get cleaned up. On their way up, they pass the kitchen to find all the servants bent over looking at……. A dead body!!! Cindy and Sleeping Beauty scream. The piano and singing play on…..

PART 4

Jinn is beginning to think being in the bottle is the only safe place while others are missing, but who does she want to keep her company??

Gretel is sipping some wine when she notices BabaYaga walk in. She suggests to Hansel that since BabaYaga is here, this would be the perfect time to go to her house and eat it. They decide to sneak out the back so Fairy Godmother doesn’t see them. As they pass the kitchen, they notice Cindy, SB, and THE BODY!

Cindy and SB look down at what is very definitely a dead body, and Sleeping Beauty slaps her hands over eyes and starts screaming. So Cindy started screaming. Then she caught herself, and caught her friend by both shoulders. "Stop it, girl, stop screaming!" She gestured to the body in what looked like a pool of old red wine... "Screaming won't do them any good, now will it!" She turned, and saw Hansel and Gretel peeking at them, googly-eyed, "Go get the Godmother, you two! Someone's been murdered!" Sleeping Beauty, peeking between her fingers, said, "How do you know it's murder?" Cinderella opened her mouth, and as she began to speak, a voice interrupted...

At the screams, Jinn retreats to her bottle, Fairy Godmother, pops in by Cinderella, Red’s Gran and Herbette run into the kitchen to see what the fuss is about. BabaYaga takes her time walking to the kitchen to join the others. The rest of the guests begin to crowd into the hallway to the kitchen.

In the kitchen, Sleeping Beauty drags Cindy out of the kitchen and pushes her up the stairs to her room to calm down and clean up. Aladdin has returned with the Prince to everyone’s surprise. They run to the kitchen just in time to spot Cindy and Beauty going up the stairs, but stay to help with the dead body. No one recognizes this body, and Aladdin discovers no visible reason for the person to be dead. Everyone is suspecting Jinn, but Jinn in is the bottle shaking in fear. Pixie and Nosey go to the kitchen with Pixie shrinking and flitting around the body to see what she can find out. Nosey is roaming about the crowd to see if there are any clues. The Prince makes everyone leave the scene and he covers the body until more can be discovered. The kitchen is now closed with the servents joining the guests in the Ballroom.

Fairy Godmother who is WHERE??????

Part 5

Meanwhile, back at the castle, up in one of the many bedrooms, Sleeping Beauty finishes combing the bits of tree trash out of Cinderella's hair. Cindy is oblivious to the yanks and mild curses, simply smoothing the same gown the Fairy Godmother made her what seemed like a hundred years ago, and saying as much to Sleeping Beauty. "Don't even TALK to me about a hundred years until you've slept that long," said SB. Finishing Cindy's hair with one last yank, she lays the ornate hairbrush on the dresser, and they both head for the door of the room and then down the stairs once more. There, the Prince is just coming out of the kitchen, looking harried and worried.

"Who is it," Cindy asks, "And what happened?"

"I don't know," the Prince said, and in a low voice, "But whoever, or whatever, did the killing, they may still be here in the castle." And then, realizing who he's talking to, "And where have you been?"

Zel and Gretel have taken a break from the stage and passed the singing onto Pixie (Rebecca). Pixie, has taken a break from gathering information and has opted to watch the crowd from the stage while entertaining them with a popular selection of opera favourites.

Zel slips over to Griselda (Rusty), and asks her if she knows where Cindy was and why she looks so dirty. Why did Cindy look like she had been digging? Griselda notices that Zel seems quite edgy ... almost nervous.

"She better not have been digging around my tower", mutters Zel as she moves off to try to find Fairy Godmother who doesn't appear to be in the ballroom.

"Everyone is disappearing around here!" complains Zel. "Who would know what Cindy was up to? Pixie? She's singing. Oh, maybe Nosey (Michele). Nosey seems to know everything."

Zel rushes up and grabs Nosey by the shoulder, "Nosey ... you must know what's going on. What happened to Cindy? Where was she?"

Nosey shakes her (his?) head to indicate she (he?) doesn't know then says, "But someone saw a light on in your tower window this evening while you were here. Did you leave the light on?"

Zel looked horrified for a moment and then ran out of the ballroom.

On her way to the tower:\
Zel tied her hair around her waist and sprinted across the drawbridge and down the road, through the wood and into the meadow ... then disappeared from view.

A few minutes later, she sprinted up the winding stairs to her tower floor.

Sure enough.

There stood the old witch herself, Dame Gothel.

"How did you get out? The door at the bottom is sealed!", screamed the old witch, "Where have you been?"

"How did you get in?", asked Zel

"They have created ladders, little girl. I had to go and get a ladder! And now I am going to cut your hair off and close you in this tower forever!

As Gothel lunged for Zel, a hand reached out, grabbed Zel's hand and pulled her down the stairs and into Zel's secret tunnel.

Gothel ran after the pair, but lost her footing and tumbled down the stairs before she could see where they had gone.

The couple popped up in the meadow and ran into the wood, then stopped to catch their breaths behind a tree.

"Won't everyone be surprised to see YOU!", cried Zel.

Outside the castle:

Spotting BabaYaga in the now crowded kitchen, Gretel grabs Hansel and heads for the front door of the castle. At least the dead body has provided a distraction for them to leave to party and look for BabaYaga’s delicious house.
They push through the large wooden doors into the cool night air. As they are descending the castle steps, they spot a cloaked figure lurking at the bottom of the steps. They tip toe as far as they can along the opposite side of the large stone steps. When they get to the bottom, they turn onto the pathway leading away from the castle and to the main road. Just when they think they are in the clear, a hand harshly grabs Hansel’s shoulder. He yells. Gretel turns to see the cloaked figure grabbing Hansel. She body slams the figure to the ground, pushes back the hood of the cloak to see that it is….

In the ballroom, the servants, some with trays, some without are mulling around nervously. Suddenly, one of them drops his tray and faints. Coming too, he mumbles that he saw the body fall out of the larder when he went to get more snacks. “The body fell knocking the wine bottle out of my hand and scaring the life out of me!” He didn’t want to say anything but “I was scared they would blame me for the death! I swear I didn’t do it!”

In the kitchen, before he covered the body, The Prince took a look at the face and recognized the body! He hurriedly put the face back down and covered the body. He is stumped as to what happened to his friend. He orders the servants to lock all the doors and windows and not let anyone else in or out. Too late for Hansel, Gretel, and Zel who are also in trouble now…

NEW CHARATERS TO USE:
Gothel —Witch
Shrek—-Friendly Ogre
Fiona—-Shrek’s Ogre wife
The Beast—Belle’s partner

Part 6

Fairy Godmother magically pops into the kitchen to see what she can do. She gets there before everyone leaves, looks around and examines the body from afar. She then pops out and into Cinderella’s room. She sees that Sleeping Beauty is helping her and offers to help speed up Cindy’s cleanup. (And while she’s at it, sprucing up Sleeping Beauty a little as well).

Nosy, standing near the front door, tries to stop anyone who is leaving to ask if they know anything. There is a rumor going around the Ball now that there is a hole dug out behind Zel’s tower. The rumor is that Cindy was found out there. The servants shut and lock the doors, pushing Nosy back into the hall. He rushes over to Pixie to exchange notes with her. What have they found out?? They are keeping it all to themselves.

Outside, Hansel and Grettle have been found by Shrek, who questions them about why they are outside and running away from the Ball. Zel, has run into Fiona in the tunnel. (Unbeknownst to anyone, Shrek and Fiona had been hired to guard the Ball and any ‘secret’ means of entering and leaving.

Herbette, the dwarf (Tracey) had been helping Zel with digging the tunnel. The hole dug out behind Zel’s tower looks like a grave. Hebette helped with digging that too, but has kept quiet thus far. She knows far more than Nosy or Pixie, but is keeping quiet for now.

Gretel realizes the cloaked figure is their good friend, Shrek. She quickly apologizes as she and Hansel help Shrek up to his feet. They explain they were just trying to take the opportunity to go munch on BabaYaga’s house while she was otherwise occupied. Shrek can certainly understand, but tells them this is not the time to be out roaming through the woods with a killer on the loose. Gretel concedes that she is thirsty and would love some more of the Prince’s wine. The trio is chatting while walking back to the castle when suddenly Hansel falls into the deep hole in the ground. While Gretel calls down into the hole to see if Hansel is alright, Shrek notices their proximity to Zel’s tower. He knows Fiona was around here. He sees the hole, but no sign of his love. “FIOOOOONNNNAA,” he yells.

Fiona jogs up to Shrek dragging someone along who is limping badly and protesting loudly.

"Guess who I found in Zel's tunnel", announces Fiona, "Dame Gothel!"

Gothel shrieks when she sees Shrek, and then screams, "I am going to cut her hair and lock her in the tower forever! She's a wicked, wicked girl! After all I've done for her, she ran off with him!"

Shrek and Fiona quickly look at Gothel, "What happened? Zel ran off with who?"

"I'm sure she's been seeing him on the sly. That's why she dug that tunnel! I figured she'd go to the ball tonight to see him again. Sure enough, she wasn't in her tower tonight and I had to haul a ladder to the tower to get in!" grumbled Gothel while stretching her neck and shoulders. "Hurt my shoulder!"

Shrek urged Gothel on, "OK but what happened then?"

"Zel, that ungrateful brat, came in from underneath the tower and up the stairs. Just when I was reaching out to her, he grabbed her and they ran down the stairs! They tripped me, I'm sure of it, and I fell on the stairs." complained Gothel, rubbing her leg.

"Who grabbed her?" said Shrek and Fiona in unison.

Gothel straightened up, "Prince Charming, of course."

"What???" shouted Shrek, Fiona, Hansel and Gretel.

Gothel gestured impatiently, "Prince Charming ... him!", she pointed to the figure at the top of the castle stairs, "HIM!" Gothel turned to face Prince Charming, "YOU! How did you get here so quickly? Where is Zel?"

Prince Charming looked confused.

Hearing the noise outside, Nosy and Pixie quietly stepped out the castle door to listen in and take notes.

Prince Charming shook his head and made a dismissive gesture, "Crazy old woman! Take her inside. The servants are setting up tables and chairs in the ballroom for everyone and we're about to serve a light meal. Shrek ... make sure no one leaves the ballroom."

Shrek, Fiona, Hansel, Gretel and Gothel all went inside. Fiona still had a grip on Gothel's arm not wanting to give her the opportunity to dash outside. Shrek took up his post next to the ballroom door. No one saw Nosy and Pixie taking notes.

Conclusion

Prince Charming herded Nosy and Pixie into the ballroom and then took a count of who was there.

Once everyone was seated and fed, Nosy and Pixie got up on stage and announced, “We know who the victim and killers are! Please stay seated and listen to what we have discovered!” Everyone jumped up at first and began murmuring between each other. Once Nosy and Pixie got everyone to sit back down and quiet, they began their tale. Belle’s beau Beast had just come in and Nosy waved him over. Nosy whispering, told Beast to stand by the killer and hold them until Prince’s guards get there. No magic can be done with Beast’s hand on them.

Jinn (Vicki), came out of her bottle for this. She was no longer scared as the King’s guards had arrived outside, and went sit by Jasmine (Heather) Prince Charming (Terri), Nosy (Tracey) and Pixie (Rebecca) were standing on stage. Red’s Gran (Barbara), Dwarf Herbette (Tracey), and Red (Kylia) were huddled together at the same table. Cinderella (Lisa) and Sleeping Beauty (Allie) had snuck down the stairs to a table in an attempt to hide as much as possible from the guests to avoid questions. Aladdin, Jasmine (Heather), Belle (Joy), Rapunzel (Machka), Hansel (Lanette), and Grettel (Linda) were together at another table. Baba Yaga, Gothel, and Fairy Godmother (Rita) were being held at the door by, Fiona, Beast, and Shrek who were also guarding the doors. Where is Griselda (Rusty)?

As everyone gathered in the ballroom and sat down at the tables to wait, Zel and her friend ran to the castle.

Just then, Zel and friend ran up the castle stairs and into the ballroom.

Everyone stared, gasped, and started whispering.

Prince Charming couldn't believe his eyes! Zel's friend was himself! It was like looking into a mirror!

Zel laughed at the stunned reactions.

"You all didn't think the women in this Kingdom would fall for the same Prince Charming, did you?"

"This is Prince Richard Charming, twin of the Prince Charming you already know, Prince William Charming. They were separated at birth by an evil witch."

The room roared with questions...

Nosy begins speaking: “I took notes from the very beginning of this evening. Pixie shrunk down and flitted around throughout the ballroom gathering information which I added to my notes. She also followed Cindy and Sleeping Beauty up to Cindy’s room, and followed the Prince. Please stay with me as I run through the story: A month ago, Cinderella disappeared. The Prince hid from public eyes during that time. Zel, Red, Sleeping Beauty, and Griselda were all trying for the Prince’s favor when Aladdin swept Prince away on his carpet for a reprieve.

Sleeping Beauty had gone for a walk to get some fresh air and wake up a little when she bumped into Cinderella by Zel’s tower. She was climbing out of a hole. She told Sleeping Beauty that she had been kidnapped and put in the tunnel below Rapunzel’s tower. One branch leads back to the castle, the other to a hole dug for a grave. Cindy was trying to climb out of the hole to escape when Sleeping Beauty came upon her. The two girls stumbled back to the castle to clean up where they found the dead body in the kitchen. They rushed passed it to go up the back stairs before anyone saw them. Meanwhile, Aladdin had brought the Prince back and they all ran to the kitchen upon hearing the scream. A servant had found the body hidden in the larder, when he went to get more snacks and wine. The prince found Griselda (Rusty) dead on the floor. He covered her up so no one else would see her when he contacted his father’s soldiers to investigate.

Prince William Charming questioned Prince Richard to find out that their father’s soldiers had confronted Gothel, who pointed out Fairy Godmother (Rita). The hole by Zel’s tower had been magically formed by Godmother who had intended to bury Griselda, but the hole revealed the tunnel. Zel had found the tunnel earlier to escape and bumped into Prince Richard, her true love, who was investigating the tunnel for the Prince’s father.

Nosy continues: Godmother had poisoned Griselda to keep her from speaking the truth about Princes William, and Richard. She was there at their birth and planned on keeping Cinderella out of the palace to allow Zel and William to inherit the castle and rule on their own. Baba Yaga had kidnapped Cinderella and put her in the tunnel to prevent her from going back to the wrong Prince. She was helping Godmother to set up Zel to go into power. Godmother had given Prince Richard to Gothel to hide. Gothel hid him and locked up Zel, who was also trying for Prince William believing him to be Richard. Gothel was trying to keep them apart.

The Prince’s father, who was outside guarding the castle came in and ordered Shrek, Fiona, and the Beast to lock up Gothel, Baba Yaga, and Fairy Godmother in a magic-proof room located in the dungeon to be fed and cared for, but locked up, for the rest of their lives. Or until both princes agree to let them go again.

Zel had been released from the tower by the King’s men and brought to the castle where she was reunited with Prince Richard. The two princes, Cinderella, and Zell met with the King who ordered them to rule as a group. The King returned to his own castle and the Mysterious Kingdom of Roswell prospered during the reign of the 4 best rulers they ever had.

The End…… or is it?????

Written by the women of MyFitnessPal community for Women 50+

kevrit · April 29

Perhaps we can do another one next month with a different theme? Or not. I enjoyed doing this and all the help I got from you ladies (especially Machka) prompted my imagination to keep it going. We shall see about next month.

I am truly sorry for all the anxiety inducing things in this groups lives this month. I do hope the story helped to cheer some. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Laters, lovelies,
RVRita in Roswell, NM

kevrit · April 29

Ps… I did not edit the conclusion or much of the story, so I apologize in advance for any mistakes in grammar or spelling…..

RVRita

SophieRosieMom · April 29

MFP Weekly Check-in 4-29-24

Debbie in Napa Valley, CA - 151.4 this morning. Nice to see it going down 2 lbs since last time. Thought it was going to be up a bit or the same because of all the salty food at dinner last night. Plus, walked a bit less this week.

Sue in WA State - It has been a pretty good week. I was able to maintain my weight at 220. I made it to water exercise 2 times and have been keeping up with yoga and strength and balance exercises. I want to concentrate on getting more fiber into my diet this next week and keep trying to get more water daily.

Rita in Roswell, NM - Up from last week. Getting serious as of today. Just been blah about caring for myself lately. No reason, just yucky. Might be the wine I added to my diet per the ER docs suggestion.

Lanette in SW WA State - Celebrating weight holding steady in lower end of range, loss of inch in my waist. Navigating walking without reinjuring foot, and incorporating some walking with weights again. Example- slow Farmer’s walk with 8# in each hand.

Anniesquats100 · April 29

Hello ladies.

My Dad is getting exhausted mowing the lawn. I've tried talking to him, but he just laughs and forgets. I see these options: 1 hire the whole thing out. 2. Buy dad a riding mower. 3. Buy a little electric mower that I could handle and either I mow or we split the work.

But he is going to have a heat stroke if he continues this way. He won't drink water. And the summer heat is coming.

The lawn is maybe a third of an acre, no hills. Several bushes and trees to mow around. Both of our neighbors have riding mowers. Dad bags the grass but I would prefer to mulch.

I have never mowed a lawn in my life. I hate the noise. And I don't think either of us could handle those Zero turn things. But I need to do something before June when it gets hot. That gives me some time to think.

Annie in Delaware

dlfk202000 · April 29

Hope everyone had a good weekend.
The show in Vacaville went better than expected. Started out a bit rocky. Dh stood around, on his phone, feeding the cats, piddling around while he watched me load everything into the car. When I was done he just got in the car and sat waiting for me.
We had very low expectations for the show- Mr. Pessimist didn't think we would sell even $100 for the 5 hrs. I was a little more optomistic and hoped for $200- ended up just over $300. Last year we were selling just his vintage toys(all new in the box) and we had one customer and sold $100.

Did chores around here after I got home from church- all the ones that I am the only one that does them.

Today, went and walked MIL's dog- they got into another fight so he was yelling at her and cussing, she was being her normal witchy self. All this because last week she fell down her front stairs because she wanted to pick up some veggies a neighbor left(not sure who is doing it)-we have told her to leave them and we will get them when we get there. Dh is there at 10Am and 4PM every single day. She said she didn't know when he was coming so tried to get them. He tried to take her to the dr that day but she said no, she didn't need to. NOW she is mad because he didn't take her and there are no appointments with her dr and she doesn't want to see urgent care doctors. Part of this is because neither of us went over there on Saturday so this is pay back- happens every time he misses one day. Normally I go over but I went to the show to help.

We came home and he went to his room, still in a bad mood so I went outside to work in the front in my green house- I wanted the quiet- about 15 min later, here he comes, wants to know if I want to go shopping at Black Friday(we were supposed to go after his mom's but he didn't want to go-totally fine with me)-told him no. He goes and gets the weed eater and starts doing the lawn, right next to me-. Gave him a dirty look when I was getting hit in the face and arm with the stuff from it. He got mad. Seriously- He does this when we do his mom's yard too. He doesn't seem to notice or care that I am getting hit and covered with dirt/grass/rocks etc..

Anyways. I stayed outside and got the last of my starts moved from my kitchen table to in my little green house. It is HOT in there- had to come inside.

Now need to figure out lunch. 1:30PM and I have had 2 cups of tea so far.

Glad I have class tonight.

Debbie
Napa Valley,Ca

Whidislander · April 29

Annie in Delaware, in regards to your Dad mowing when he really shouldn't, if it were me, I would hire a service. Ask them if they want the mower you have now as well. If your Dad doesn't have access to a mower, then he can't mow. Less stress for everyone.
Rebecca
Whidbey
Wa

pipcd34 · April 29

Stats for the day-

Walk w/family- 2hrs 3min 31sec, 3.0 ap, 71elev, 80ahr, 108mhr, 6.13mi= 618c
Strava app = 752c
Walk home to gym- 11.24min, .52mi= 56c
Strava app = 65c
Treadmill jog- 33.06min, 5.4sp, 6.4sp on choruses, 147ahr, 171mhr, 5k= 340c
Spin bike at gym- 26min, 12-13gear, 130ahr, 146mhr, 6.5mi= 265c
Walk gym to store then home- 17.54min, .82mi= 90c
Strava app= 101c

Total cal 1369

1st full 5k this year, its been awhile

454454

grandmallie · April 29

Debbie- I don't know how you put up with it all..
Got the laundry done,,and tomorrow just chilling out.
It was close to 80 today.. got my tax bill for state taxes 988.00 ugh..have to come up with that somehow.
Hair appt on Thursday.

1948CWB · April 29

Machka9 · April 29

So sorry for the health concerns many of you have for yourselves, your family and friends.

M in Oz

exermom · April 30

Worked then we had our end-of-season bowling party. I know that I overate, especially some of the desserts. Brought my own veggie burger, put tomatoes and onions on it along with the mustard. Fruit and cheese with that. But I did have some of the cakes, unfortunately, most were store bought (which I really don’t care for). Picked up the dog crate, ceramics tonight

Allie – we have one of those aluminum collapsible drying racks at the condo. For home I got one that is a wood frame.

Thank you, everyone, for your sympathies for my friend. It’s so sad to realize that the last time I will ever see her was at the time of Bryan’s wedding and we stopped there.

Looks like I’ll need to make another macaroni and cheese casserole for the ceramics birthdays tomorrow. So I grated the cheese and unwrapped the Velveeta.

Rita – you kept me on the edge of my seat! Fantastic story. You are such a great writer

Debbie – good haul selling those things

Michele NC

SophieRosieMom · April 30

Okie - I'm just catching up on the news. Hope you weren't affected by the tornadoes in Oklahoma. What a wild weather weekend (and even into today I guess.)

Flea - so very good to hear you are a boring patient.

Annie - I have a battery operated Stihl mower that I push, and the battery drives the blade. I use it to get under bushes and mow small patches I can't get to with the zero turn mower. I can either bag or mulch with it. They also make them self-propelled, so no pushing. It wasn't cheap but I'm glad I bought the little thing, love that it's battery so no messing with or storing gas. My next door neighbor John has a lawn service come to his place. Sometimes they let his grass grow terribly long before they take care of it, which might drive your dad nuts. John couldn't stand it last week so got his old riding mower going and mowed the high patches. Naturally, his lawn service showed up the next day.

Rori - sorry to hear about Mars, sounds like his medical problem is under control. Bet you'll have a good time seeing your new friend again.

Barbie - I agree, it seemed really COLD today! It will be nice to get your carpet cleaned and that done for the summer.

Lots of chilly rain here, I managed to get a few things outside. Rotten Rosie disappeared this afternoon and would not come when I whistled and called her name like she normally does. I walked through the trees to the back fence under the power line - she had scooted beneath the fence where the rabbits had dug a depression. She was investigating the back of my new neighbor's garage. Rotten Rosie. She did come over when I called and we eventually found the hole and she came back through.

When the weather clears up I need to drive to the next street and introduce myself, hopefully they will let me walk the back fence to look for more escape holes to plug. The property on my side of the fence is hard to get through with the blackberries.

Lanette

SW WA State

WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR APRIL 2024

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