WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR DECEMBER 2024

LisaInArkansas · December 2

Heather - I have to admit, though I said Christmas was done, I did order one more thing online for delivery. Today is Cyber Monday here, and I was able to find a Ryobi battery-operated power tool combo kit for a really good price, and ordered it. Perhaps there is something John wants, but doesn't want to buy for himself, so he's asking you? 😽 Just a thought.

Kylia - Really glad to see you posting. Healthy attitude on your part to your daughter not showing up for the holiday. Hard with these grown kids, isn't it.

Vicki - Always good to see you posting, too.

Barbie - Thank you. There are so many layers to gift giving at the best of times, but I also know she will get over it, because, well, she will. She couldn't resist texting me to tell me how my holiday fabric gift bags were a hit with the soldiers in her unit, so I know she will soon be back to her normal self. She'll talk about it when she's ready.

And, my Christmas present came in today! Already knew it was coming, as Corey told me in advance. He ordered me a presentation copy of all the Calvin and Hobbes books, hardbound into three volumes. So pleased. 🥰 The author doesn't plan to bring them back, and I loved the whole series, which Corey knew. Bloom County and Calvin and Hobbes are some of my fondest memories BC (Before Corey...

). And honestly, don't have just scads of fond memories years prior to the last 15 with him, so the ones I do have are precious.

All the Monday chores are done except folding laundry, and now that we've swapped the living room around, I have a coffee table to fold laundry on!

Later, my dears,
Love,
Lisa in AR

grandmallie · December 2

Hello all
Michelle- Miles was making those at home with Tracy.
Jennifer in Ct - what part are you in? Im in Portland, smack dab in the middle of the state
.Ran some errands today and stopped at Sonic...that will never happen again.. so sick and i took a couple of bites of the burger..contacted Sonic and told them of my disatisfaction. And got 10.00 in credit..
Anyway.. im home with Alfie..he enjoyed himself..

pipcd34 · December 2

Stats for the day-

Walk w/family- 1hr 42min 6sec, 50elev, 2.99ap, 11740steps, 81ahr, 110mhr, 5.12mi= 474c
Strava app= 620c
Zwift home spin bike- strava stats- 1hr 12min 33sec, 807elev, 127aw, 17.5amph, 97ahr, 114mhr, gear30, 21.13mi= 413c
Strava app= 528c
Zwift stats- 1hr 12min 36sec, 810elev, 127aw, 56arpm, 17.44amph, 21.1mi= 528c

Total cal 887

I posted 3 pots/saucepans to sell, was going to sell for 5 bucks for the 3 and donate the other 3. These are like new. I thought they didn’t have lids so my post said no lids. I had OVER 30 people asking if they were available, holy farts!!!! No one came by yesterday, got too late. I double checked and they do have lids and I was going to give whoever bought them the rest instead donating them. We bought a new set that has removable handles so they stack easily. A guy promised he is on his way (he’s 2 hours away.). Also posted our shark vacuum. A quick $50 with 3 attachments. I cleaned it up good.

693693

pipcd34 · December 2

My shirt came ad a gift for raising the $1000 for the MS Ride. Now just waiting for my t-shirt, medal and jersey!

cityjaneLondon · December 2

The TV cable between the recorder and the TV has been on the blink. This evening, it finally gave up the ghost halfway through one of our favourite recordings. After fruitlessly fiddling, John found a new cable in his study that came with the TV in there, and it solved the problem!

We were able to happily finish watching. I hope it holds when I push the TV and recorder box back into position.

We didn't dare move it!
So, two problems solved (we hope) in one day. He is pleased with himself.

Bea pick up tomorrow. My son will still be in the US, and can't give us a lift home, so we will treat ourselves to a date night, go to the boutique brewery, and the Persian restaurant. Then the bus home. It's going to be chilly.

Love Heather UK xxxxxxxx

exermom · December 3

Kylia – why do you hate your air fryer? I have a lid for my IP that is an air fryer lid. Works quite well. Only thing is, you can’t make a whole lot at any one time, but you can make enough for 2 people. The other thing that’s real good in the IP is rice. It comes out so fluffy. Mashed potatoes are another thing that’s good in it. I haven’t gotten brave enough to make meats. Hard boiled eggs come out real good, too. And easy to peel. If I need to make a lot of something that would be in the air fryer, I put it on “convection” in the oven

I bought an IP for the condo and Vince wanted to know why I don’t just leave it on the counter because I use it so much. And I don’t even have the air fryer attachment for it!!!

Just got back from ceramics. I almost have Miss Piggy done so I took Kermit the Frog in to clear glaze the insides

Allie – My body is so used to not a lot of fat, that when I do have it, I am feel terrible. Like I recently found out that Wayback burger deep fries their veggie burger! No wonder I was feeling bad the time I went there! I think our bodies get used to eating decently. It may just have been your body's response to full fat foods.

COLD here tonight.

Michele NC

pipcd34 · December 3

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mcmillonmail · December 3

Thanks, Barbie, for bringing us into December. I was a little apprehensive about not finding you all again. I accidentally took my bookmark off in November, so I had to start in October to find my way back.
I had a good week at work. I had one kid I named Snorkles because he snored so loudly we could hear him down the hall. He needs a sleep study. I had to wake him because he stopped breathing. I had some cute babies. One boy had greenish-grey eyes with long eyelashes but was unhappy with me or any other medical person. I had a little girl who wasn't pleased with me either. Mom didn't believe me when I told her that her daughter had a high fever. So, I recommended swabbing to the doctor. Mom apologized and told me I was correct, that her daughter had RSV. So she wanted me back. She told me that she still didn't like the room I chose for them. I told her it was slim pickings. I finally convinced Mom to let us work on her respiratory issues so her daughter could breathe, and when she saw the difference, she was amazed.
I played with Rose today and let her do her advent calendar. She loved today's treat. She is still working on yesterday's treat.
The mom's tree that I ordered from Lowes was delivered today. I will decorate her room and put it up tomorrow. I will get the Christmas CDs, and we can sing while decorating her Christmas tree. Maybe I will get her some sweet treats.

JoAnn, Welcome to our group. I hope you will find our group inspiring as I do. We learn a lot from each other as well.

How is the decluttering process going?

Pip- You have quite an entourage of pups ready to get their steps in. They are so cute. Yogi is looking good. I wonder if Rose would let me dress her.

Kyla- I let my DS know right away that I wasn't cooking for Thanksgiving.and not to waste his money to come out for a few days only. I am sorry about your youngest daughter. Me and my daughter are not speaking and I was beginning to warm up to reaching out to her, for DH's sake, but I see how she manipulates and lies to him, so I decided for my mental health to leave her alone. I have 75 more pounds to lose so that is my focus. So, I agree that we need to focus on ourselves, because we only have one life before we close our eyes forever. I am so glad to hear from you.

Rori- I want to be like you and travel. I am going to Florida in 11 more days but who is counting.:)

Margaret- I love your flowers and the nature that surrounds you in most of your post.

Soon I will post a picture of my next decluttering project. It is a doosey. Stay tuned. I hope you guys had a fun Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Stay safe and take care.
XO,
Mo in Mississippi

P.S. Barbie, your penguin makes me happy with his smile.

defiant63 · December 3

Successful Day1 (again) here’s hoping tomorrow is successful as well

Karen in BC

Whidislander · December 3

Hello ladies! Happy December! Thank you Barbie for starting us out.💖👍🏼
I am back from my trip. It was a whirlwind of activity, and my eldest sister was grateful for my help for Thanksgiving on the 30th!
Last Monday I took a bus/train 11:30 am to 7:45 pm to my sisters.
Tuesday was lefse making!

Wednesday was traveling to see our middle sister. She the tallest of us three, in a flowered dress.💖
She stood up from her wheelchair.👍🏼

Thursday was holiday baking ALL day. 2 pans of fudge, 2 gallon bags of "cowboy" fudge with peanuts and marshmallows, 2 gallon bags of nuddy buddies which are Chex cereal with chocolate and powdered sugar, 2 pans of lemon squares, and 2 pans of Christmas crack. Long day!
Friday was cleaning her 1875 home, for 14 people to come the next day!
Saturday was so nice because my middle son,wife and grandkids came. Also had my neice, nephew and his family, and ex husband and his wife. I applauded everyone as there was nothing but a nice visit with everyone.

So today was a long day one train and bus. My only snafu was hitting my hand on a metal handle in the tricky place between train cars. I tried to grab, as the train lurched.

Excuse this long post ladies!
I have missed you all!
Hugs
Rebecca
Whidbey
Wa

Snowflake1968 · December 3

Kylia - that is a powerful question. I feel like I put myself in a victim role sometimes and I know it’s not the truth, I could change things but it’s not what I want.
The cards are my entertainment really. Sometimes my chore, I would prefer to do that than watch tv. I also have a lot of hours to find things to do.

I put off buying an air fryer for a long time. I didn’t think it would be useful. The one that I eventually got is the Pampered Chef rack style. It gets used almost daily here. I don’t think it saves a lot of time except waiting for the oven to preheat and I can’t see how it’s useful for large families, but I do use it.

Heather - printers are the most finicky things. I’ve learned from some of my crafting sites that they need to be ran at least weekly to keep working properly. I find that useless since I don’t need to print that often.

Barbie - I would never want wood heat as my only source of heat anymore. I grew up cold and I have absolutely no interest in being cold again.

Lisa - I understand why you and Corey wouldn’t want to do the books. It makes sense since you have a biography that she read that, I would definitely read the questions before sending the book to someone!
Nice gift!

Carol and Margaret- the prices here for cable and internet are crazy too.

Heather - I’m not wanting to really do anything for Christmas for ourselves this year. I would rather just have some time together.

Debbie - what a nice picture of your son and mom on the hearth.
We woke up many mornings growing up when it was so cold you could see your breath. I remember many many mornings putting my clothes in bed with me to warm them up before putting them on and then getting dressed under the blankets. If we were lucky Dad would have started a fire and mom got up to keep it going but most times that wasn’t the case.

Rebecca - you sure can tell you and your sisters are related. Athena fits right in. What wonderful pictures!

Today is my MIL’s 80th birthday. I love her so much but I miss when I could call and talk to her without hearing her version of how my mother is doing. I can’t do anything to help with my Mom. I am 3500 miles away and not her POA. I can’t force my brother to go see her, and I can’t do anything to stop what is the natural progression of Alzheimer’s. Unfortunately, my MIL’s sister in law is in the same home as my mom so she visits both of them almost weekly. I am thankful she sees her I just wish I wasn’t hearing all the negative about the visit. It makes me anxious and guilty when I already feel that way myself most of the time.

I came home tonight and started another card. Didn’t get it completed though.

Off to bed
Tracey in Edmonton

skuehn48 · December 3

cityjaneLondon · December 3

I use my IP all the time, but we eat a lot of 'wet food', like curries, stews, and chillis.. I use it for eggs, potatoes, yoghurt, brown rice, beans, porridge etc. I probably use it almost every day.
I don't have an air fryer because I have two ovens, and the top one is a small convector/grill. I mainly use it when we have frittata, to grill the top, or to warm up ciabatta and focaccia. Otherwise I use my main convection oven.

Thanks for that info on the printers, Tracey. We use ours so rarely! John has ordered a new black cartridge. But why are printers so difficult to use? We just want something simple, and the companies seem to make everything so difficult. Once upon a time, you just joined it up with a wire and printed!
I grew up in the cold, with the water freezing in the glass beside my bed. Jack Frost on the window panes, and steam from your breath. It was the first thing you did in the morning, puff to see your breath! We just had a coal fire in the living room. Ugh! I hate being cold.

Great photos, Rebecca!

Love to all, Heather UK xxxxxxxx

cityjaneLondon · December 3

Read this!

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/dec/03/over-60s-who-live-apart-from-partners-have-better-wellbeing-study-finds

Love Heather UK xxxxxxxx

Machka9 · December 3

Whidislander wrote: »

My only snafu was hitting my hand on a metal handle in the tricky place between train cars. I tried to grab, as the train lurched.

Excuse this long post ladies!
I have missed you all!
Hugs
Rebecca
Whidbey
Wa

Ouch!

Bad time for hands ... I am pretty sure I've sprained my left hand.

My husband and I were digging the Christmas decorations out of our storage unit when he told me to move back. I took a step back and a package of heavy wood bed slats and a heavy wood box fell from above. I immediately and reflexively put up my left hand to try to catch them, and one or the other or both slammed into my hand.

I have scrapes on the palm of my hand and the whole area around my thumb, back and front, are quite sore. My forearm also aches.

Machka in Oz

kymarai · December 3

Debbie and others

The reasons I don't like my air fryer....The little plastic tab on the basket must slide exactly onto plastic tab on base. If I pull it out it has taken as many as 15 times to get things to line back up correctly to continue. It doesn't seem to cook correctly. Everything sticks!
I never thought of using the insta-pot for rice and potatoes. I know the meat I cook doesn't have enough fat in it and never turns out correctly.
I will look for alternatives to the air fryer as my toaster oven is on its way out due to age (almost 30 yo). I like a smaller size as I don't like things on the counter. The only things on my counter are knife block, cutting boards, utensils (only because I don't have enough drawers), Keurig, and coffee pot. The only "small" appliance I use regularly is the microwave. I can cook complete meals in it! I do have 3 crockpots of different shapes and sizes which I use often as well.

Heather UK I have always said that at this stage in my life if something were to happen to my DH, I wouldn't be opposed to companionship, but they would have their own place and I would have mine. I have cohabited with two men and have no desire to do so again. So I find that study enlightening.

Rebecca Looks like a wonderful time!

Tracey Yes, it is a hard question....do I want to change, to what expense, to what degree... All good questions? Is change actually in my power?

Karen in BC Yay on Day one!

Mo Thank you! DYD says she doesn't come for her mental health which I respect. DOD has no idea what she may have done to piss off her sister. I just know that I can't let DYD's attitude effect mine.

Thank you ladies for sharing in the weigh in! I do know that I tend to eat more in the winter and move less. I call it getting ready for hibernation

Glad I am not alone. I just need to get to comfortable range.

So I drank more water yesterday than I have been. I walked 1k steps more than my average for last week. I remembered to log part of my food. So better than last week! 1% adds up! (Yes, I started reading "Atomic Habits")

Hunting this week. This means DH needs up early as we have to leave around the same time we normally get up. I was ready for bed at 730! 3 am wouldn't be so bad if I then didn't have to work from 9-5:30. He got home at 7 last night and asked if I was cooking dinner. Hmmm...no...I was ready for bed. He had cheerios. I was in bed at 8. His phone rang twice. I fell asleep around 830 while he was talking. I can get ready to leave in less than 30 mins. He needs over 2 hours!!!!! Craziness I say!

Machka and Rebecca Ouch! Healing thoughts!

May your day be active.
May your choices be the best they can be at the time.
May you know you are loved and thought of fondly!

TTYL,
Kylia in Ohio joining those that dislike being cold

Machka9 · December 3

cityjaneLondon wrote: »

Read this!
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/dec/03/over-60s-who-live-apart-from-partners-have-better-wellbeing-study-finds

Love Heather UK xxxxxxxx

I have no intention of leaving my husband, but if something were to happen to him, I imagine that I'll be the little old lady in a remote cottage with about a dozen cats.

Machka9 · December 3

We're starting to decorate!

This is our Christmas tree ... still naked. Rhody shows no interest in it whatsoever.

Lights!

Anniesquats100 · December 3

Good morning beautiful ladies!

Hello Karen in BC!

Rebecca sounds like a lovely trip with lots of family fun! Sorry about your hand!

And Machka sorry about your sprain! Sounds nasty.

Tracey yes dementia is scary and sad and and depressing. I try to keep my sister informed but it comes across as complaining. Hard to find a balance.

I really need to buy some Christmas gifts today. I feel like I haven't recovered from Thanksgiving yet. But time matches on!

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

Annie in Delaware

1948CWB · December 3

Rebecca ~ Sounds like you had a very busy TG week! Love all the photos of your family and agree that the family resemblance between you and your sisters is spot on! The two grands (Athena and Levi? [I can't remember his name]) are both two cuties. So glad that your younger sister was able to participate.

MO ~ Seems you run into a lot of parents that have no idea what is going on with their children. Glad the RSVP mom finally got it after you ministered to her child.

Today my DH turned 77 yrs young. He has been trying to lose weight and I am proud of his efforts. He has given up coffee, soft drinks, and very seldom has an alcoholic drink. But, must say he still likes his snacks mostly after dinner. Lost over 25 lbs so far. I'm hoping he will let me take him out for lunch!

Carol in GA

LisaInArkansas · December 3

Hey, kiddos,

Machka and Rebecca - sorry about the hand injuries! Those always seem so bad because of course, we use our hands with almost every movement we make.

Rebecca - Looks like a busy week - there is definitely a family resemblance, and it comes through in Athena, as well. Great pictures... love the one of you and your grandson especially. Exactly the same expression!

Regarding air fryers - So far, I've tried them three different ways - as a toaster-oven type, as a function on my microwave and the convection feature on my oven. Never wanted the basket types - they always struck me as not enough capacity, considering Corey still eats enough for two people. The microwave that also functioned as an air fryer was awful, I wouldn't advise buying it again, as it does neither one terribly well. It is an OK microwave and useless as an air fryer. The toaster-oven type was great as a toaster, but didn't do nearly as well as the oven for air frying things. Using the oven lets me put food on a regular pan and makes things very nicely crispy. Oven wins, hands down.

Carol - Happy birthday to your husband! You asked at the end of December whether the kids would have any support in Idaho if they move there. If you mean family or friends, no, there's no one in the area. They both receive VA disability, his SO gets 100 percent and my son is up near 90 percent or so, so their finances are supported. He will begin his BA in Creative Writing in January, wholly online, also paid for by the VA. Not sure what she will be doing, either work-wise or for school, if she does anything at all. She has much more severe health issues than John--his issues are mental and physical as well. Sorry, that was probably more than you wanted to know.

Mo - You're the exact kind of person I always wanted when I was in hospital and seldom got. Props to you, and same respect to you as to Kylia. Being able to recognize the reality of the relationship with your grown kids is hard, but healthiest for us in the end. I told my son a dozen times the same thing the psychiatrist had told him that finally got through. He could stop trying to please his dad by working with his hands, like mechanic work. He's not good at it, and hates getting dirty. Now he's decided to be a writer, and I worry (and told him) that he's just swapped from pleasing his dad to pleasing me. (I wrote for a living, and managed others, for the last 20 years of my working life.) He doesn't think so, but then, he didn't think I was right with the first assessment. When they don't listen, it's much like trying to teach a pig to sing - wastes your time and annoys the pig.

Oh my, that all got longer than I meant it to. It's stupid cold outside, but I just got my Kicks started and warming up. Need to get down to Walmart and get this TV mounting bracket returned. Corey expanded the mantel by using some old shelves from the bookshelf I got rid of when we moved the living room around.

I also need to pick up a needle that I need to finish weaving the ends in for this afghan.

Love y'all!
Later,
Lisa in AR

barbiecat · December 3

pipcd34 · December 3

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SophieRosieMom · December 3

Heather - very good article. That arrangement sounds ideal. A special friendship, someone to care about and vice versa without the laundry, daily cooking requirements, constant exposure to irritating habits like the TV on all the time, etc.

I thought about this yesterday, so your posting this article was timely. Glad your printer is working again.

Tracey - love those cards. What a great feeling being immersed in a hobby or craft so intently the rest of the world disappears.

Carol - your husband is doing a great job losing weight. Happy Birthday to him.

Rebecca - great photos of you and your sisters! Super smiles! You have wonderful genes - all three of you are just beautiful and look to me like you are in your 40's.

Athena and Eli are getting so big- I'm happy you got to see them. Sorry about the ouchie on your hand. Glad the train works to get you to Oregon and back.

Pip - good for you "rehoming" cookware and the shark vacuum. I don't have the patience to deal with buyers so things just get donated. When we had sheep, we dealt with many potential buyers who were "on their way" but never showed up as we waited all day for their arrival.

Postponing meals, not starting projects, etc. Aggravating and that's one of the reasons we switched from Shetland sheep with their beautiful colored wool to white fleeced crossbred market lambs. We could load them in the truck when WE were ready and haul them off to the auction.

Kylia - When I was working, I had every time saving appliance I could buy. If IP's and air fryers had been available back then, I'd have gotten them. Now that I'm retired and just cooking for myself, I'm back to "slow cooking." There's still a part of my brain, though, that thought the IP and air fryer would be good to have "just in case." No room in my kitchen cupboards for them (my kitchen is actually pretty small) and out in the garage, they are out of sight, out of mind. But not used. So I'll find homes for them. I use my crockpot and the egg cooker at least once a week.

The little woodstove did a great job warming up the living room yesterday. I got down on the floor and back up at least 20 times.

I don't have much firewood in the shed so I need to save what's left for very cold or "power out" events. DH and I always had a woodstove for heat ever since we moved out here to WA State, mostly for saving on the power bill and for backup in case of power outage. Plus there was a lot of firewood available and he loved to split and stack it. I have a darn good technique for starting the fire if I do say so myself.

I made great headway on Christmas cards yesterday. I think I was energized with everything spread out on the dining room table and the sun shining in.

Lanette

SW WA State

kevrit · December 3

I really liked the ‘baby grinch!’

It seems there are many of us going through the same things with our children and older relatives. I am thankful every day for the people on this thread. I talked to my psychiatrist about this thread in general and she even said it sounds like a great place for support for me. So thank you all ladies! You are my strength! I also noticed that many of us slipped in walking last week/month. Seems to be winter prep as set into our minds (hibernating???LOL)

PT went well yesterday and I found out that my insurance OK’d 15 visits in all! I was surprised at that, but glad for it.

All my Christmas shopping is done now, just cards to certain people and mailing them, probably next week. DH bought a speaker yesterday on Cyber Monday. Just a small one to use when he is at the ‘shop’. (i think it was a waste of money as we will be moving soon I think.)

RVRita 👽

kevrit · December 3

Today is . 3december???

RVRita 🛸

margaretturk · December 3

Furnace checked out okay. Turns out it was in the gas meter. They came out right away. I was told this is a common problem and more of a nuisance but no danger to the furnace or gas line. Relief. Now waiting on new Dish box.

One of my indoor decorations...

More sparkle!!!

A Santa in a bowl of poinsettias to start the day. The white doves card is from my sister Marian who passed in 2005. The card with Peace and white Dove from good friend Peggy who now lives in Texas! Santa was Fred's as a child. Backdrop is a Christmas Advent Tree given to me by my mom.

barbiecat · December 3

The annual scheduled furnace and heat pump maintenance happened this morning. We were lucky and were first on the list. I took Annie out walking during most the of the technician's visit so all went well. I love the furnace and heat pump. We got it installed when we bought the house in 2011 and have been grateful for it every day--heat in the winter and cool in the summer.

Jake's brother and son differ from him dramatically on many "hot" items and they've learned to have long phone conversations where they steer clear of any topics that could cause strife. It takes practice and intuition to stay away from those topics.

We bought nothing on Black Friday or Cyber Monday. When we buy something it is either consumable or "one in one out".

Barbie

grandmallie · December 3

Afternoon all
Sitting waiting for Doris's surgery to be over and then will pick up her McDonalds and get her home safely..

Vickil57 · December 3

This is my DDIL,Tammie and 2 granddaughters Jessica and Paytn

WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR DECEMBER 2024

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