WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR DECEMBER 2024

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  • grandmallie
    grandmallie Posts: 10,136 Member
    Hi all
    I have to relax ,I did get the kids presents wrapped,but Miles Birthday is the 7th of January,Dans 40th is the 2nd of January ,and Delias Christening is the 19th of January,then Somehow I have to figure how to squeeze my son into this small place..
    Yes its 55 and over but only 1 person has to be over 55 ,I have a small den type room off the living dining kitchen area I can make into a bedroom..
    Im watching Meet me in St Louis
  • pipcd34
    pipcd34 Posts: 17,344 Member
    Snowflake1968 wrote: »
    Debbie - I think I would be tempted to just go stay at my Mom’s in your shoes. His mother is terrible.

    Lisa - the supplies for the Cricut are pricy. I only buy when I’m working on a specific project.
    Truthfully, I was never very interested in one. The only reason I have it is because we wanted to make things for Kaitlyn’s wedding. It probably paid for itself in that process. Since then it doesn’t get used nearly as often.

    I love the afghan. One of the young lady’s at work today was talking about the price of yarn. What used to be economical ways to dress yourself or have hobbies has gotten to be so trendy that it’s hard to continue to do for a reasonable cost.

    Barbie - I feel for you. I’m also in awe of you. I can’t imagine saying no to Rodger if he wanted to stop for takeout, I would be all for it! I really dislike cooking, especially after having my day disrupted.

    Carol - I need to think more like you and out the ups and downs of marriage, I think this has been a down year here too. We aren’t fighting or anything. It’s the “or anything” that’s getting me down.
    That’s been a lot in the last couple of years. I hope it settles soon.

    Pip - is this the new trailer you’ve been working on? It’s beautiful.

    Rita - I missed having family around at Christmas, I think for some it’s that sense of nostalgia that makes it a stressful time. I personally miss that feeling of wonder we get as children at Christmas and we keeping looking for it over and over, but now what we as adults have to do all the work of it, we can’t get that feeling back.

    Costco - we live about 10 minutes from Costco but I don’t buy a lot there. I find their packaging so big, I do buy my butter, water, cream, bacon and eggs there about once a month.

    I didn’t do anything this evening for the first time in two weeks. I took a bath and then watched “The Merry Gentlemen” on Netflix. It’s a fun little movie.

    I’m doing shows tomorrow and Sunday. And have a lot to get done in the next week and half for Christmas.

    Tracey in Edmonton

    Kirby had never stopped looking for the perfect trailer to fit our needs so we were always talking about what we wanted as far as improvements., this new one was it.
  • pipcd34
    pipcd34 Posts: 17,344 Member
    The new MFP upgraded format lacks one thing that I use every day. The exercise notes section.

    Stats for the day-
    Walk w/family = 467c
    Zwift home spin bike = 297c
    Housecleaning etc = 250c
    Walk to stores and back = 214c

    Total cal 1228c

    713713
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 25,681 Member
    grandmallie wrote: »
    Well just got a phone call shocker
    My son just called and the guy he rents from sold the building so he wants to move in with me 😳

    If it were me, I would laugh like he had just made a joke, and would say, "No".

    Then I would ask him what places he has looked at to move to already, and if he has any viewings set up for next week.

  • grandmallie
    grandmallie Posts: 10,136 Member
    Nice Machka
    I just cant do that.. and on top of that Tracy cant get a straight answer from the daycare lady on if she can watch Delia or not even for the 2 days.so I might be watching her all week plus having Dan living here.. my once quiet life will be thrown for a loop.though Dan is quiet.but very needy for a 40 yr old
    Im going to try and get some sleep,while I still can..Alfie still over at his vacation home ..will probably go grocery shopping in the am and then come home.
  • Whidislander
    Whidislander Posts: 3,873 Member
    Machka9 wrote: »
    Snowflake1968 wrote: »
    Rita - I missed having family around at Christmas, I think for some it’s that sense of nostalgia that makes it a stressful time. I personally miss that feeling of wonder we get as children at Christmas and we keeping looking for it over and over, but now what we as adults have to do all the work of it, we can’t get that feeling back.

    Tracey in Edmonton

    After I moved to Australia, I struggled with the Christmas feeling for a while because things are different here. It's the Southern Hemisphere, so it's warm and summer at Christmas, and while some traditions are much the same (based on British traditions), it has a different feeling. And I also miss the childlike Christmas wonder.

    But then I started thinking about my favourite parts of Christmas when I was young ... younger.

    Presents? No. The presents were nice, of course, but they don't stand out for me. My family gave up the whole Christmas present thing a while back because we live so far apart and we don't need anything. I think we're all trying to get rid of stuff.

    Food? No. I tie certain foods and Christmas together like mandarin oranges, mixed nuts, mince tarts, shortbread, fruitcake, and halva. So I'll have a few more of those things in December ... just something a bit different from the usual. Although one of the things that changed for me in Australia is that mandarin oranges disappear about the end of November. Mangos and cherries are the Christmas fruits. Fortunately, I love mangos!!

    Family? Not really. Our family is so scattered and has been for years. Family members have changed. Some are gone. Yes, I've got wonderful memories of Christmases with my family and I'm happy about that. But now my family is my husband and our cat, and there's no Christmas pressure from either of them.

    Decorations? Yes! Especially the lights. I must have been a moth in another life ... I am so attracted to lights. When I lived on my own, I had clear twinkle lights in all my plants and draped everywhere. Even now, I have clear twinkle lights in jars which I bring out in the middle of winter.

    Music? Yes! Christmas music relaxes me.


    One of my favourite memories as a child was this ...
    On Sunday afternoons (and probably all afternoons when I was quite young), I took a nap. At Christmas time, my mother would fold a blanket under the Christmas tree for a mattress, and then turn on the Christmas lights. I'd get my pillow and blanket and lie there looking at the lights until I fell asleep. Then later, I'd wake up and lie there looking at the lights for a while. Often my mother would have put on Christmas music too. I loved it. So yes, Christmas lights and music are a part of my Christmas

    Another favourite memory is listening to my father read the Christmas story. I make sure to do that myself at Christmas now. My husband and I will usually go to a community carols or carols service at some point during the Christmas season as well.

    Another favourite memory is the time off school and work ... and relaxing. Days of sleeping in. Lots of reading. Going cross-country skiing with my mother and brother. Doing puzzles and playing games with my father. Most Christmases, I attempt to recapture something of that and this coming Christmas season is no different.

    It has already started with this weekend. We have this weekend off from all the things. This is our first weekend with nothing planned since the end of August!! 3.5 months!!

    Today, I slept in, listened to Christmas music, spent a couple hours in the garden, did some more decorating, and coloured. :):)


    Machka in Oz

    Lights are the thing for me too. We had turned on our Christmas lights in the window, on the tree, and my jewelry tree, when we had gone out to get our take and bake pizzas. I made husband back up after we pulled out of our driveway so I could see them.💖

    I have had many nights of lights on, Classic Christmas music playing on my Pandora, and a non music Yule log burning and crackling on the tv. Then something nice to sip. That's my happy place right there.

    My friend here asked me once how its fun eating like a treat by myself when I was telling her about my peppermint ice cream and peppermint vodka. I struck me as odd, because I have never felt like "oh I should be sharing this with someone to actually have fun with this". I am perfectly content by myself and wouldn't even think about dragging my husband into it, in order to have fun. Maybe its the military wife in me, but I found it an interesting thing.
    Rebecca
    Whidbey
    Wa
  • Whidislander
    Whidislander Posts: 3,873 Member
    Machka9 wrote: »
    Taken from my living room chair:

    wopfr53ojdpv.png

    So pretty!
    Rebecca
    Whidbey
    Wa
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 25,681 Member
    edited December 15
    grandmallie wrote: »
    Nice Machka
    I just cant do that.. and on top of that Tracy cant get a straight answer from the daycare lady on if she can watch Delia or not even for the 2 days.so I might be watching her all week plus having Dan living here.. my once quiet life will be thrown for a loop.though Dan is quiet.but very needy for a 40 yr old
    Im going to try and get some sleep,while I still can..Alfie still over at his vacation home ..will probably go grocery shopping in the am and then come home.

    Like the others have said ... you don't have to rescue everyone.

    No one has the right to announce they are going to move into your house. If someone did that to me, that would guarantee a "NO!" response.

    Why not teach him how to find a storage unit for his stuff and a place to stay so that he can do it entirely by himself next time?
  • Rosemarie2972
    Rosemarie2972 Posts: 500 Member
    Rebecca: I enjoy my own company as well. I am trying to stay in 3 days a week.

    Machka: Wonderful view! Your house is a great find!

    Grandmallie: If he is needy, maybe you should tell him 30 days. There may be short term lease places near by. There are here. Maybe he should go to a short term lease place while he looks for a place. and not even move into your place. Are you afraid he won't leave? That he will get too comfortable. Maybe you should not cook for him! Maybe he should just rent a room from someone until he finds a new place. You could store some of his stuff at your apartment in the extra room.

    Best,
    Rosemarie from GA
  • Whidislander
    Whidislander Posts: 3,873 Member
    Rosemarie2972 wrote: »
    Rebecca: I enjoy my own company as well. I am trying to stay in 3 days a week.

    Machka: Wonderful view! Your house is a great find!

    Grandmallie: If he is needy, maybe you should tell him 30 days. There may be short term lease places near by. There are here. Maybe he should go to a short term lease place while he looks for a place. and not even move into your place. Are you afraid he won't leave? That he will get too comfortable. Maybe you should not cook for him! Maybe he should just rent a room from someone until he finds a new place. You could store some of his stuff at your apartment in the extra room.

    Best,
    Rosemarie from GA

    We are happy home buddies for the most part. We go out and about 2 times maybe a week, but our places are predictable. I did buy from an Asian food cart last week, and ended up eating half of the wrap for lunch, and the other half for dinner. Also go to the Dollar store or bookstore once a week too. Husband uses his weekly allotment of free printing services from our local library for all of his games. It saves our ink, and paper.😁
    Next week husband put on the menu that he was taking me out to dinner, dress appropriately. Its to the burger joint on base in the bowling alley! Lol!😂. Dress appropriately, ha!
    Rebecca
    Whidbey
    Wa
  • Rosemarie2972
    Rosemarie2972 Posts: 500 Member
    Grandmallie: Has he ever lived in a studio apartment? I lived in a studio apt in Boston and here in GA. It is fine and enabled me to be in a little better neighborhood. I lived in the Back Bay 5 blocks from the Commons. Maybe he should rent a room temporarily and look for a studio apt. I am not sure I ever adjusted to living in the house. I was use to living small.

    Rosemarie from GA
  • dlfk202000
    dlfk202000 Posts: 3,241 Member
    LisaInArkansas wrote: »
    Hey guys,

    [
    Tracey - [/b]Yarn is terribly expensive if you want anything with any softness that isn't harsh to the touch. I love the yarn I've used for these last three afghans, but figured it out in my head, and between the yarn and the shipping for the last two, it cost me $125 for each afghan. That doesn't even account for the countless hours spent crocheting them. Fabric is also not cheap, which is why I go to the thrift store and buy sheets and curtains and other fabrics that are a tenth of what I'd pay for them in a store new. So for anyone buying anything handmade, don't forget that the crafter is paying much more for materials than six years ago.

    Regarding husbands: I'm so sorry so many have had a tough year. It hasn't been completely shiny for me and Corey, though it doesn't sound like much to someone else, I'm sure. I had to remind him a month or so ago that I need to hear "I love you" from him, and he had stopped saying it. I know he feels it, but hearing it MATTERS to me. And since it does, I make sure to let him know that it does...

    I'm not asking him to say something that he doesn't feel, just to express what he does feel. He was genuinely surprised that he had stopped. However, the man defaults to silence over sound at all times, perhaps because his job is so noisy almost every minute of the day. I prefer sound over silence, and need the words. I am literally not the type of person to "suffer in silence," so I say so. He can't read my mind, so I tell him.

    Rainy outside and chilly, but not freezing, thank goodness. I've been stopping and writing a few words here and there for two hours now, so this, as usual, went on longer than expected. The dryer is bumping and clanking with jeans and dryer balls.

    Probably kind of sad, the triumph I feel when all nine dryer balls are still in the dryer after I've pulled out the clothes. And yes, I do have nine, as I didn't feel like storing half of them. And yes, I do count them every time. Even weirder, they were made with wool from sheep from Machka's part of the world, where they seldom have dryers in their houses! 😽😹😂

    Love y'all,
    Lisa in AR, swimming around in domestic bliss 👀🤷🏻‍♀️😃



    I started buying sheets at the thrift store during covid and I needed fabric to make masks. Not only is it so much cheaper but so much wider than the store bought fabric. I got some really super soft sheets that I used to make a long skirt for my dad's memorial service. Cost me less than $5 for two full sets- one black and one white with little black flowers.

    The craft fair today was pretty much a bust and dh had to make sure and remind me that he told me it would. We were in the back hall and very few customers came all the way back. There weren't a lot of customers to start with- It was in an assisted living home- tables up and down all the halls. Most customers were either elderly that lived there or the staff. I think we made $100(one person spent $60 of that). We did get to see my mom. Dh and her talked most of the time. We had a late lunch/early dinner with her before heading home. Previously they had gave us lunch at the rest home- not this time. Was pretty hungry beings I didn't eat before we left here early this morning. Didn't even have time for a cup of tea. No wonder I was feeling so tired all day.

    Dh dropped me off here at the house and went to his mom's to check on her beings he didn't go over this morning. She actually thanked him. Lets see how she is tomorrow. While I fed all the cats and cleaned up from them.

    Going to finish some decaf tea and then go to bed early. DH has the tv on here in the living room which is fine but he is also watching videos on his phone-both with the volumn up. One or the other is fine but both is hard concentrate. I will finish reading here then go where it is quiet.

    Debbie
    Napa Valley
    Ca
  • pipcd34
    pipcd34 Posts: 17,344 Member
    713713
  • skuehn48
    skuehn48 Posts: 3,067 Member
    <3
  • cityjaneLondon
    cityjaneLondon Posts: 12,774 Member
    edited December 15
    Carol - This is the recipe I used for the stuffing balls. Normally, I would just use fresh white breadcrumbs, but I had to make them gluten free for my son and Edie.
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/gluten-free_stuffing_57943
    They are intended to go with turkey, or chicken.
    I am sending everything over to my son's the day before, when he comes to pick the kids up after the pancake orgy. It will be all frozen, apart from the Christmas pudding. How he manages it all after that is up to him. I will also give him the kids' presents then. On Christmas morning, we walk down to the beach to see the swimmers. It's like an open air party, so I don't want to carry anything. I hope I will get a lift back to their place, but I will discuss it with them. He usually leaves the turkey in the oven to come to the beach.

    Edie today! She wants to finish her painting for her mum and dad.
    For lunch I'm making mashed avocado on toast, with a fried egg and bacon. Her favourite thing.
    We are having meatballs and tomato sauce with tagliatelle for dinner. It's all prepared. Just have to heat it up with some peas in the sauce. Grated Parmesan. Might find a veg or salad.

    I've been awake since 4.30, but I did get 20 minutes exercises done. Just a few more glute ones to do after I've washed my hair. Then I might try to drift off for half an hour before she arrives. I didn’t go to sleep until nearly midnight. If I have to retire at some point, she will be happy on my tablet. Bea has a playdate today, so isn't toooooo jealous!

    Love Heather UK xxxxxxxx
  • SophieRosieMom
    SophieRosieMom Posts: 3,694 Member
    edited December 15
    Good morning ladies!

    Lost power for a couple hours yesterday morning thanks to the wind. Of course it came back on just as I started a fire in the woodstove.

    I ran across this YouTube earlier in the week and was going to post it then, but several of us here were dealing with cranky spouses so decided to hold off. Didn't want to instigate anything! :p

    Joe Dispenza - "Why Women Who Live Alone Are The Happiest People You'll Ever Meet"
    I'm not sure we ladies who live alone are the happiest people you'll ever meet, since it comes with hassles and changes especially after the loss of a spouse. But some of what he said made sense to me as to why I really prefer living alone and seldom feel lonely. It's fascinating that research shows how we direct positive "vibes" to others. And lots more. Anyhow, if interested, here's the video (more of an online lesson, really). 33 minutes.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cg_MLxapDUE

    Reminder that Weekly Check-in is tomorrow for those of you participating.

    Lanette B)
    SW WA State
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 25,681 Member
    Another couple hours in the garden today doing what I could while protecting a bad left wrist.

    I think I might have gotten a little overheated under the blazing sunshine.

    Inside, it was all about laundry and another Christmas movie.

    M in Oz
  • LisaInArkansas
    LisaInArkansas Posts: 2,941 Member
    Morning, kiddos,

    Sitting here listing to Lanette's video after reading all the posts and thinking about a lot of things.

    We can stop poking Allie to say "No" to her kids, y'all. If you haven't figured it out by what Allie says about her every single day's actions, she feels most fulfilled and happy when she is being useful to others. Between Doris and Tracy and her son and her grandkids, she is now feeling very, very needed, and very, very loved. Since I've known her here, she has always happily put her own needs to the side for these other people she loves. Urging her not to do so is part of what we believe is right for us, and not what Allie thinks is right for herself.

    That said - Allie - While you are doing all this for Dan and Tracy, please don't forget to be good to yourself, especially about your health issues. Rest as much as you can! You landing in the hospital won't help anyone.

    Regarding the video, which really does have some echoes for me: I genuinely have the best of both worlds. I have every day of the workweek living alone, choosing my pathways, doing what I wish and being able to satisfy only my own wishes. Achieving what Dr. Joe calls "calm authority" regarding my day's actions and my life actions makes me tremendously happy. I choose to spend my evenings and weekends with Corey, but I come into that calm, not in need. Probably because I have the days alone.

    Before I make yet another one of these posts novel-length, I'll cut it here. Still a few bits and bobs to finish on one project, then a tiny one, to clear the decks for my week to come. Hope it's a lovely peaceful Sunday for you.

    Love,
    Lisa in AR
  • kymarai
    kymarai Posts: 3,723 Member
    Good morning!

    Allie Ground rules are important. Along with sticking to them. Tough love is hard and necessary. I had to do that with my DYD years ago.

    Time to prep to head back home. I do miss my kittens, but have thoroughly enjoyed our time away.

    Enjoy your day!

    Much love,
    Kylia shortly on way back to Ohio
  • margaretturk
    margaretturk Posts: 5,287 Member
    edited December 15
    Allie What would your son do if you couldn't have him live with you? Part of becoming an adult is figuring out your problems and standing on your own two feet. That was part of the message in mesponsible that I posted not too long ago. In becoming mesponsible it gives you something you cannot buy pride and confidence that you are able to weather life storms. Did your son even try to find another place to live before asking you or was asking you the easy way out for him? Easy is not always the best in the long run. As a teacher we try to teach children to learn to take care of themselves. I have told this story before I watched a teacher tell her student she had to get her own snow pants on she would not help her. It took the student longer than if she helped her. The teacher was losing some of her lunch time and the student was losing some of her recess. What the student gained was she knew she had to do this on her own and knew she had to either start earlier or learn how to put the snow pants on in a faster rate. Sometimes it is better to let our children pull up their own pants and be the cheer leaders as they do! Now if your son was injured or ill that is different. One way to put it to your son is what woman that he is interested in is going to be interested in going out with him if he is living with mom. Yes I am saying NOOO to you for your own good! If a woman is interested I would question is this the right kind of women for my son.
  • 1948CWB
    1948CWB Posts: 1,648 Member
    Allie ~ I think the others have given you some good advice regarding your brother. Does he even have a job that would help support him? As I remember, he doesn't have a car for transport and has/had a court date for some reason. I know you said he had problems with his vision due to some sort of eye problem. All of that makes his life complicated but it would also make your life complicated. I hope you will think hard about what advise you have been given.

    Tracey and Debbie ~ You are both to be congratulated for your efforts. Sorry that Debbie's show was a bust but happy that Tracey did well. It takes a lot of courage to get out there and try to sell your goods. Debbie, I'm not sure exactly what you are selling. Are these things that you made or that your husband made?

    Heather ~ Thank you so much for the recipe. I am bookmarking it and may try to make it soon.

    Rosemarie ~ I hope the pup doesn't get ink on your rug. I am so glad that you are finding new things to do and wish I could just make myself get out of the house and try new things.

    Love to you all,
    Carol in Georgia
  • pipcd34
    pipcd34 Posts: 17,344 Member
    714714
  • kevrit
    kevrit Posts: 4,374 Member
    Today is:

    dchq2d7wknqp.jpeg

    RVRita

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