WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR JULY 2024

Yesterday our main line phone rang. I saw it was a home mobile, so I picked it up, for a change. It was an old colleague of John's, who I have never met, and who he hasn't seen for 25 years. I recognised her first name as the person who always writes a long screed on the Christmas card each year, and keeps promising to visit!
So, we are meeting at the café around the corner in 20 minutes! I have just steamed John's linen shirt, and I will be in toning colours.
John was awake a lot of the night with memories stirred up of his previous partner who died, as Maggie was her boss for a while. I asked if he wanted me there, but he was quite happy with it. She has to go off to catch a train, so it won't be a long visit.

Then this morning his sister rang, asking if she could visit at the weekend! So from having almost no social life we have an embarrassment of riches!

Must get off. Love Heather UK xxxxxxxx

Flea - Love your scenery!

Good morning beautiful ladies!

Machka no my books are all escapist fiction romance thrillers. My addiction.

I did find some good presents for my dad. His 90th birthday is the end of this month.

Ginny yes some days he is better, then other days worse. It's not a smooth ride.

Flea what a marvelous hike!

Tracey wonderful pictures!

Today Dad is getting a pedicure. He can't do his own nails anymore. I hate people messing with my feet - it tickles. So I will just wait. Then he is going out to lunch with a church friend, so I get time to work on things.

Allie you are right, this stage will pass. I need to get more paperwork done while he is still able to function in the general classes at the senior center.

The bill came for his adult day care class. I'm nervous about telling him because he probably forgot there's a fee. Hmm. Maybe I will tell him it's because he gets lunch. I guess I'm afraid he will want to quit, but he seems to like it.

The weather is good, so maybe I can drag this achy body out for a walk. I've been hanging out in my pajamas more because my clothes are tight. Time to reverse the trend.

Have a great day! May you all be happy, healthy, safe and free!

Annie in Delaware

Wednesday

- 27 flights of stairs up, 31 flights of stairs down.
- At least 1.8 km walking
- Getting up at just about every commercial break during the evening to put more stuff into bags and move it out to the living room.

I am slightly sore every day now from all the lifting and carrying, and I think I will have to see a chiropractor in a few weeks, but I do feel stronger.

You lose track of how much stuff you've got when you've been in a place for 10 years. I was going to try to get rid of a lot of it during this move, and some stuff has gone, but I think I'll do the purge once we're moved. At this point, we're just packing and moving one van-load at a time.

So, for example, once my bookshelves are in place, and I'm putting the books on the shelf in order, if there are duplicates, I'll get rid of one.

M in Oz

I walked a mile with my Dad. Yay! We took a five minute break midway.

Machka I read up on Alzheimer's when my mom was diagnosed about a year ago. But there's always more to learn. Thanks for the link!

Annie in Delaware

Good morning from the beginning of another scorchy day here in middle America...

Been up since about 2 a.m., but that's OK, I can lay down whenever... well, after I put the sheets back on the bed. They're in the dryer at the moment. 😜👀😁

Have finally cooled off from my one little foray outside for today... 33 minutes/186 calories - getting all the watering going for the garden, and cutting apart as much brush as I could drag from yesterday's tree felling and dragging it to the burn pit. At 81 degrees and 84% humidity, 🥵that left me running with sweat... which was fine! My objection to sweating kicks in when it's not my idea. 🤣 This morning was my idea. I think it probably qualifies for Machka's strength training, as well!

It's becoming more and more unlivable out there during the days. ♨️🔥Not complaining. This will pass; Autumn will come with Winter trailing behind. Sounds obvious, but I've not lived anywhere as an adult where I was this in tune with the seasons, and there's a reason why, beyond the whole being retired now. All these things, including the current heat, are just the engine that runs this garden we planted.

Yesterday afternoon, after Corey checked out the job to come with getting the tree cleaned up, he had to stand on the three-foot-high stump, hands on hips, master of all he surveyed. Of course. He's a guy, after all. But then, as he does every night, he walked his garden beds. Last night he picked a half-dozen carrots, and four large tomatoes to put on the window sill to finish. This heat makes that happen for him, and that smile rivals the brightness of the sunshine for me. 🥰🤗💖

All of this is in retrospect, of course... At the time, he was laughing because I tried to fling a weed out of the garden bed, totally missed, and it was draped dramatically over the side. Luckily, he didn't marry me for my throwing ability.

It's a good life, and I am terribly grateful to be living it.

On another note, got a call to schedule a CT scan for next Friday. The gastroenterologist wasn't happy with how ouchy I was on the right side. This is, of course, after she sank her stabby little fingers up to the wrist in that right side, which made me flinch, understandably. 🤷🏻‍♀️I'll get it done. There are worse things.

For now - time to make the bed, contemplate a nap and maybe read a little now that I've cooled down. Oh wait - I knew there was one more thing... Might dye my hair today. Been waiting for a couple days where I didn't have to see anyone else. 🤣👀 Well, except Egg. 🐈‍⬛😜

Later, y'all,
Love from the interior,
Lisa in AR

Miles passed out...
Tracy had drs appt.. with Fetal Monitor Dr
He says everything looks good,so he doesn't need to see her ,so she will be seeing her regular OB from here on out..
Alfie is all worn out from his adventures with Tom and Elena..
They will be going to Niagara falls and then to Lake George in August, sounds like a great time...
Got a nice thank you note for the baby gifts I got for a friends baby.
Now to watch the love boat...

Flea-beautiful scenery. So glad you are up to the hiking!

Annie-I know my brother is staged at 4 but when you read the descriptions he seems to be hitting some of the symptoms of later stages also. We will just take it a day at a time. Good job on the walk.

Rebecca-enjoy whoever shows up! And shopping for yourself is a good thing.

Barbie-you share some wonderful reminders!

Heather-hope the visit went well.

Machka-I think some of the "natural" strength training is very good for us-keep doing what we need to do. Farmer's carry can do alot for us!

Rosemarie-hope your have a good visit with son. If the carpets are ok shape I would jut clean occasionally. Whoever will putchase your house will have their own ideas.

Decent day today. Got some things done that needed it. More to do. Raining out right now so I am going to walk inside and do some stretches. When I went to use treadmill the other night I could not find safety key. Don't remember if we took it out when grandkids were here (to keep GS off) or if perhaps grandson just took it to play with (that sounds like him). Got on line and ordered a replacement-which means I should find old way a day or so after new one arrives!

Take care all,

Ginny in Ohio

Heather - I hope you enjoy your visit to the death cafe this evening. It’s great that your DIL knows you so well.
I wish we knew and really understood how important our health is when we’re young. Life just seems so endless then and the people telling us are all “old” at least 30. I hope your friend gets some answers.

Lisa - does that window tint cut down on the reflection on tv or glass? I need something for when my new sofa is here.
You have to watch the movie Sing. It’s about a pig singing. 😂
I watched the video of your tree being cut down. It made me homesick, it was a daily sound for me growing up.
Egg really is smart.

Annie - I bet moving the bike upstairs would be quite helpful. I haven’t read JD Robb either, I heard it was a futuristic series that she doesn’t and I’m not so much into that. Some of her trilogies got to be a bit much for me too, I didn’t like a couple of them because of shape-shifting and such.

Machka - hopefully the migraines cease now and the hairspray works.
Nora Roberts put a new trilogy and new stand alone out each year. I love most of the trilogies. I don’t have trouble finding her books though. Here her books list what are stand alone and what are trilogies at the front of each book.

Kim - there have banks that have gone down here occasionally it always brings up the need for cash. I do try to keep cash in hand, I find I don’t spend as much when I do.

Rita - it’s so good that you have a therapist you can connect with. It’s hard to build that relationship from my understanding.

Lanette - that is a wood cutout of a bison. It’s been there for years but for some reason last night I had forgotten about it being wood so Lauryn had a great laugh at my expense. A while later, close to the time I took the picture Michaela pointed it out to me and said “hey Grammie, did you see the buffalo?”. I thought she was teasing me but she hadn’t heard our conversation earlier so was being genuine. She is not one to tease either so I don’t know why I thought that. I swear I was sober.

I hope your ladies stay nice and cool.

Those temps in California are crazy! Stay safe and cool everyone.

Allie - how kind of your neighbour to call.
Woody and Buzz sure have had a long career.
When it originally came out on VHS my cousin’s 2 year old that I was babysitting thought that Woody said “you want a piece of meat” and went around saying it for months afterwards. We all still say it when we’re being silly.

Rebecca - I always feel bad for Rodger’s family, he never calls them or even cares to. I do call his Mom on a regular basis but unless I force it he doesn’t talk. His excuse is “I don’t like talking on the phone” it’s stupid ridiculousness.

Annie - I know you are very uncomfortable about keeping things from your Dad but at this point in time it might be better for him and certainly for you. I would just pay the bill and allow him to keep going. If he’s that advanced he won’t have it available for long.
What authors do you read?

Machka - I find it easier to move the stuff and get rid of it after myself. Trying to get to donation centres or dealing with selling stuff during a move is stressful.
When do you expect to be fully moved to the new house?

Lisa - I love the relationship I have with them too. I assume Jonah will soon be too old and cool to hang with Grammie, he’ll be 13 in September. I hope I’m wrong.
He’s such a sweetheart.

Ginny - has there been an update on your retirement home yet?

We went and bought a new to us dishwasher today. This is the 4th one we’ve had here the last one was brand new. I think the problem is how it’s plumbed so we’re going to change that a bit before we start using this one.

I have been applying for some jobs, I wish there was a better way of doing it. I don’t think I do well writing cover letters and promoting myself. Just give me a job and let me show you what I can do. It’s a frustrating, aggravating and depressing process for me.
If I had money I would hire someone to apply for them for me. 😂

I am going to ceramics tonight, class is over until September, so it’s drop in until then. I am working on a set of see, hear and speak no evil snowmen.

I may try to get back after ceramics.
Tracey in Edmonton

We enjoyed the meet up with John's old colleague. Unfortunately, after an hour, it started to rain quite heavily, (we were sitting outside, under an awning), so we retreated to our house, and she phoned her friends to come and pick her up for lunch. (I had offered). She seemed nice and quite open, and curious about John's life in the last 24 years since they met. She said she had been very happy to hear the news that he had met someone after his partner died. She went to her funeral. We both gave her one of our books to go away with. Her husband has COPD from smoking, and heart problems, so they spend some of the winter in Barbados! She used to be head of a school, and he was a drummer, so I think she has had to be very accommodating over the years. She would like to move north to be nearer her children, and grandchildren, but he can't stand the cold and damp.
Interesting to get the subtext of what people don't say.

I'm starting to worry about John's sister coming on Saturday. I think the other single bed is OK upstairs, but I must check. Then I'll have to clean the bathroom. Then ..... I know she just wants to come and be helpful, so I must not fret. Need to get John to shut the skylight properly. She will be bringing profiteroles!
There is an issue with John going to watch England playing. I have texted my son, but I haven't heard back.

Today is election day in the UK. We are expecting a change of government. I will totter round to the polling station ASAP this morning, as I have a meeting of My Death My Decision in town this afternoon, and I will need to rest, or nap beforehand. It's about a mile in total, there and back, to vote.

Happy 4th July to those in the US! I was married to my first husband on this day, 54 years ago.

Love Heather UK xxxxxxxx

Today’s gratitude: Coach Ken and the welcoming, supportive people in the Better Bones and Balance class.

Yup, I did it. First Better Bones and Balance class today. Just as I remembered, challenging but do-able with Coach’s encouragement and adaptations to each of our individual needs and abilities. So proud of myself for hanging in for the entire class, despite how far I’ve deteriorated since last taking the class in 2020.
And I got a shower!
AND made it to an hour of line dance class before massage. So will be snoozin’ soon
Still catching up on June but Belated happy birthday Allie and belated welcome to @planktonbye Sarah.
Likewise welcome @JeanCricket Jean in NJ. Prayers for your situation and Brava for laughing, enjoying life, cultivating a positive attitude and never giving up!
Barbie’s Fingers X’s for your July 9 extraction. While it wasn’t quite like being “…snatched by surprise with a chloroform cloth over my face and wake up later with the process over” I was chatting with the assistants before the extraction and then they were helping me out of the chair as they were all done. I was out before anyone had their fingers in my mouth. Hope yours goes as easily. The “humerus” t-shirt cracked me up too.
Michele ((hugs held extra long)) my heart aches for your loss.
Heather :Love: the pic of you joyful on bus. Also Bea and Edie by the sea. 0.9 mi with stops at shops? Bravissima!!!
Monique thanks for your concern but I can’t remember what I was recovering from, maybe the Mohs/skin cancer surgery or extraction?!? Whatever it was, Joe takes good care of me. Congratulations for taking off the two pounds while you recover. Good luck back at work Friday.
Tracey our neighbor the water guy hasn’t been back yet, but yes it will be a pricey repair. The pump alone will be $600, not counting all his labor, the $225 Joe invested in the submersible pump, galvanized bucket and hoses for refilling the cistern from the stream, and all the equipment the water guy will need for upgrading the filtration and treatment system. Expect it will be the final blow to our short term savings after the devastations of my dental adventures. the Canada Day pics of you and the grands. Hate to hear of your frustration, aggravation and depression with job applications. Does your school counseling department offer resume writing services or interview workshops?
Lisa funny, having hot showers and running water were among the top reasons we decided to do all our camping here on our property several years ago. I’m hopeful we will again… soon! “Andre Norton” takes me back too.
Annie Brava for getting better setting boundaries for your dad. ((hugs)) Hard diagnosis,. Bravissima for walking the mile with your dad.
Machka Gorgeous hair!
Margaret well done! Your insights into eating and practices to promote gut health are welcome and inspiring.
Ginny thanks for the cistern good wishes. Popcorn is one of my top favorite comfort foods
Flea wow what a hike! Well done! Thanks for the beautiful pics.
Rebecca I too find shopping for clothes a dismal experience. So excited for your planned visit. Whooshing pip’s boot to your middle son to get his family to see you at your sister’s place, it sounds magical. Well begun!
Lanette with my long hair there wouldn’t be enough H20 in a sunshower bag to rinse out the shampoo, much less the conditioner :laugh: Like the spritz idea for rinsing off after the washrag sponge bathing of trouble spots. Joe’s made as much headway as he could, now we’re dependent on our neighbor the water guy. Like Lisa’s Corey, Joe is philosophical about when he’ll show up. Like Lisa, I am less so. [sigh] Would the hens like to play in a sprinkler?

Whew, that’s enough for now.

Later, lighter, lovelies!
Barbara, the Southern Oregon Coastie AHMOD Move more than yesterday, fuel better than yesterday, live NOW.
Open heart and mind before mouth.
2024: Strengthen: body, mind, heart-connections.

Lovely day here for voting. I got to the polling station by 9 am. A good walk for me. Every one seemed very cheerful and I had at least four conversations with strangers.
One , an older woman in the short queue, about how our bus pass was our voter ID, and how good the buses are here. Two, a tease with the huge guy sitting behind a desk, doing nothing, while the women did the registration. I told him it was my anniversary. Three, a chat with the man standing outside in a hi vis jacket,who was holding people's dogs for them! And lastly a long chat with an older woman who was doing some unofficial weeding of the bindweed, which is taking over the gardens of the park. She had both knees replaced five years ago and was very sprightly.
Both ways the traffic stopped for me, as I had my stick.
I'm feeling pleased with myself for walking the distance, and I enjoyed the micro socialising to brighten up my day. John is about to make me a cup of coffee.

Love Heather UK xxxxxxxx