WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR MAY 2025

Hello ladies;

I had a wonderful work week. This one baby had beautiful blue eyes and red hair. He had a nonaccidental trauma that had bruises on his face and was only 6 months old.

Needless to say, he will not be going home with his biological parents. This little guy had to have two shunts placed due to the internal bleeding of the brain. They did find a home for him, and I trained the foster moms who would care for him. He loved being held and loved on. I think he is blind from being a premie and on oxygen for so long. The next was a little girl whose mom was on drugs, and her grandma neglected her. She was healthy when she went home with grandma and came back to us emaciated. Now, she looks so good. She did well with what everyone calls a "Monique bath." The baby, on the other hand, was not a fan. I didn't know that he audibly cried until he had his bath. When I lotioned him up with lavender lotion, he forgave me. They told me that the girl slept all day with her Monique bath.
The last patient I had was a plastic case. They removed a bone from her leg and put it in her jaw on each side. They put a trach in that was stitched to her neck. Then, they had a doppler on each side of her carotid to monitor blood flow. Everything was fine until the morning of my last night. At 6 am, the right side of the doppler was not beating like before. So I was going to page plastics. They showed up before I could. On top of it all, the stitch to the trach broke when she coughed. So, I cleaned around the trach and secured it with ties loosely. Then they decided to do surgery and stitch it back on in her room. I told the next nurse that I would get the lidocaine, but he didn't feel comfortable applying it. The doctor said he will do it. I made it out by 8:00 am. She was 15 years old but had a great attitude. Denied pain, and everything was thumbs up.

DH says he is sad and embarrassed about his situation. He is applying, and I sent him some job posts from AARP. He is trying to rush me to Chicago, but to be honest, I am not ready yet. I love living alone with Rose. I thought about what Barbie said, and I agree. I love DH and enjoy his company, but I love being here, too. I love my job, even though the politics are terrible. Realistically, I know that as a married person, I should be with my husband. There are so many reasons why I am not in a hurry to leave. 1. Rose is a big girl and needs room to run. My backyard is 1/2 an acre. Rose doesn't like being outside too long, though. 2. The longer I stay, the more I get my personalized medical treatment with trustworthy doctors. 3. I love the solitude. I love conversing with him; looking out for each other is important. I don't want to get rushed. First, we had to move to Mississippi because of his job, and now again, we have to move back because of a job that is no longer an issue. Now, it is hard for him to support two households. So, I am willing to pay for my internet, car note, and insurance. He needs assistance with his expenses, too. When I stopped eating out, I lost weight and saved money. When I talked to DH, he was at McDonalds and BK. He said the calories are better there. I disagree. I hope he gets a job soon so that he can stop pushing me to go before the planned time. Until then, I will work on what I need to do. I ate some bad foods lately, like Sour Patch Kids. I love Nutella, too. DS is frustrated because he was granted $5,000 from school to intern in his craft and do his studies and other projects. His deadline is here, and he is still waiting on his prospects. Julia has been my good child lately. 😅

Sorry that I am so long-winded. It has been a while since I posted.

Allie, I am so glad you had fun at the Cape.

Flea, I grew up in suburbia and had garbage picked up on Mondays. I never used an outhouse.

Barbie, I completely understand what you are saying about living alone. The only caveat is that when I wasn't married, I had to rely on friends to take me home when I had a procedure done. For example, I need an EGD done now, but I have to wait until someone is in town to take me home. I would date if I weren't married, but they must understand I don't want to marry again or live together. As far as dogs are concerned, when Rose was a puppy, she ate a hole through our drywall, so I had to watch a video on how to repair it before DH got home. I did it, and DH never knew what happened until I confessed 2 years later. Rose can be destructive with her toys to get the squeaker, but that is it. She did get in the garbage and tore up a paper towel, but that is it. Lisa is right; you may need to create Annie or put her in a "safe place" when you are not home.

Rita, I, too, love your puppy.

Carol, you are doing a great job trying to get your DH's new lifestyle organized. Remember, you can lead a horse to water but not make him drink.

Beth, I didn't want a new phone until I couldn't charge it during an emergency; I didn't have a phone. So get yourself a new phone, a discounted Apple watch at a reasonable price at Best Buy, and something to protect the screen on the iPhone and the watch.

Pip, your kitchen looks great. I am impressed that you could go on your cruise and stay ahead of everyone by a large margin.

Rebecca, you are all set now. Did you notice how expensive it is to decrease the amount of carbs you eat?

Tracey, thank you for the well wishes. I, too, hope that DH gets something soon.

Heidi, welcome back. You have been through a lot. I hope you enjoy your time in Florida.

XO,

Mo in Mississippi

Curtains up! Bed made! I haven't got accessories and lamps in there yet, but I'm taking my time. I also put together a linen basket this morning and put the covers on the cushions.

The curtains were a nightmare. The old poles we were reusing were nigh impossible to fix, but we enlisted the help of the painter and his trusty drill. Between the three us, with me contributing some vital intellectual calculations, we managed to get them up, to everyone's relief!!! We couldn't have done it without the painter.

He's also finished the porch, which looks fabulous. I don't think we know ourselves! I will post a pic when I can shut the door, it's still wet.

The Oxford Blue is the colour of my door in London, when I was married to my ex. When John and I moved to Hampshire, we chose that blue without me realising it was the exact colour of my previous house. When I saw it, it gave me such a sense of deja vue!! I felt quite peculiar. This time I've chosen it because we both love it and I think it goes well with the stained glass.

So, I will sleep in there tonight! It will feel quite odd. Then I've got to find a place for all my bits and pieces. Not easy!

I have to stay in to guard the open front door, which gets me out of any running around. John has gone to pick up Bea and I can get the other things done another day. Dinner is falafel and hummus, with salad and pitta, so easy-peasy.

Phew!

Love Heather UK xxxxxxxx

Hello, my friends;

I hope all is wonderful with you all. I read the recent post while drinking my tea. I forgot the term Lisa used when your dialect changed from place to place. Many of my friends in Mississippi are not from Mississippi. My friend Bonnie is from Lincoln, Nebraska, and her ex-husband too. Yet, I hear a southern accent from her from time to time. She says Y'all, too. I, on the other hand, say, "You Guys". DH is from Omaha, NE, but he was in boarding school at Hotchkiss in Connecticut. He went to college at Oberlin and graduated from graduate school in Chicago. My friend Angela is from the DC area and didn't get the accent, nor did her kids. My son doesn't have an accent, and he is the youngest. When he moved to Mississippi, he was three, and Julia had a Southern accent. I have a friend from London, and her English accent has a southern twang. Her family teases her. DH says my "Torrance, CA" accent surrounds my Bestie, Baby Suko. Well, I'd better go; I am getting huffed. Miss Rose must need to go outside. Stay safe, everyone.

XO,

Mo in Mississippi

Good news on the tests, overall, the ulcers have healed with the Skyrizi. 👍 He wants to do a scope on my small intestine, though—an EGD, no prep, just nothing after midnight the previous night.

That's due to the iron issues still requiring supplements, as it may mean other internal bleeding problems.

During the colonoscopy, the usual tissues taken throughout, and one polyp removed for biopsy. I'll see him in June and get those lab results then unless there's something urgent.

Overall a good day, and the request is in to the VA for the next scope.

Glad it's done. Corey took me to breakfast after, Eggs Benedict, but with Shiitake mushrooms, and on a croissant. Something I won't make at home or even eat ordinarily, but it was awfully good. Hunger helps!

Chilling out at home while a plumber works on Corey's beautiful bathroom - developed a leak in the old copper pipes - bathroom sink hadn't been used in years and years, just old. Luckily, caught it before he finished the floor and new wall in the back bedroom. That's where the leak showed up.

Oh heck, Corey just came in and said the bill will be $1300. Grf. The visit alone is $100, even if he doesn't touch it. When it rains, it pours. But it always seems to happen with money going out, for some reason...😜

Later, my dears...Love, Lisa

Reading every post but catching up slowly, only through pg 11

Tracey neither will I agree with Michaela about the sweetness of snakes. Did she never hear the story of the woman who rescued a frozen snake? Tag line went something like “You knew I was a snake when you took me in.” 😬

Heather thanks for the advice, my GP puts me through a series of cognitive tests every annual, next one in June. Will tell him about this incident and the fact that I’m constantly reaching in the pantry for frozen goods, and in the freezer for dry goods. I just drew a very rough circle with numbers and clock hands in it but noticed the little hand wasn’t positioned correctly in view of the minute hand location.

Lanette and Beth your insight about DH’s anger being fear based rings true. Thanks!

BTW Beth, “Sometimes I was the bug; sometimes I was the windshield.” Made me snort my water, but best was your delight at being able to hear birds sing. ((hugs))

Machka I really appreciate your insights, and boundary encouragement… but almost fell off my chair laughing at the notion of Joe and email. Not gonna happen. ;)

Really had to laugh at your cycling pals not recognizing each other with their (non-cycling) clothes on. ;)

Rita same for texts. It’s always a surprise when he actually answers the phone at all ;}

Lisa cottonmouth water moccasin? [shudder] Can you institute a scorched earth policy for the tire area? Love the pink oxalis, they grow here under the redwoods, a surprising bit of color in the shade. Not being able to see Corey where he was never expected to be, ditto. If something is not where I expect it to be, I can look directly at it and not see it. I so envy you your finish carpenter skills. I’d love to be able to replace the trim in our doublewide but unwilling to handsaw it and would probably be too klutzy to make a straight clean cut with a table saw if we had one.

Barbie thanks again for the nine things, number 3 has been a big one for me.

Margaret yours to Debbie especially the phrases and actions to have at the ready. Truth.

Ginny, Flea, Kylia, Margaret and all thanks for your insights, reassurances and suggestions. Not sure if it’s because of that incident and the scare it gave him or not, but he’s making extra efforts to spend time with and talk to me. An unexpected bonus blessing!

Carol ((hugs)) and prayers.

Grants Pass/Medford/Jacksonville/Applegate valley trip went well. Lots of hugs, good memories and laughter visiting with BFF’s sister and niece. Dermatologist only had to zap one precancerous spot, good ‘til November. Walmart and TJ's a little restrained as I was there last month, but it will be 6 months before I see them again so couldn’t resist stocking up on some faves. Spent the night at the Wine Country Inn in Jacksonville, just right. Dinner down the street at Back Porch Bar and Grill, delicious barbecue brisket sandwich and Caesar salad, but wait, the best was they had Mac & Jack’s African Amber Ale. That is the magic potion that transformed me from a lifelong Budweiser gal to a fan of the less hoppy micro brews. Thanks M!

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

May focus: Just one thing from the OMG room
2025: Chose NOW: to move more than yesterday (5 sit to stands every potty break no excuses), fuel better than yesterday (hold that after dinner sweet down to two pieces of dark chocolate max), open heart and mind before mouth

The umbrella on the cantilever umbrella ripped over the winter so we got a new one and put it on. I really thought it would be harder to do. Since we had the large ladder out we took down the ceramics on the shelves we can’t reach. Each night I think I’ll put at least one out. We did put the ceramics on the pergola, tho. Just came in from playing mahjongg online. I really like it online, I can play when it works into my schedule. I know that they play on Tuesdays at 10, but I told them that we were having company (which wasn’t a lie) and I didn’t know what time they’d be leaving (which wasn’t a lie). The truth is that I took a sandwich from BK to the guy who had open heart surgery then came home. The guys had left but I honestly didn’t feel like going. Had too much to do at home. Vince gave me my new computer, now I have to get used to it. Finished Jess’ tissue box cover for Christmas now to work on the one for my friend in FL

Allie – what’s Carmine been up to?

Heather – nice looking bedroom

Lisa – fantastic news!

Barbara – one time this guy that I take the water aerobics saw me at the front desk checking in and he said “so that’s what you look like with your clothes on!” Then he realized what he’d said. We all had a good laugh

Off to a shower and bed. Am supposed to sub bowling tomorrow for a gal. She’s having a mastectomy.

Michele

Ginny - I watched American Idol infrequently during the Simon Cowell years. I did see some because my daughters watched. Then I’m 2010 my Dad, who never missed an episode insisted I watch Lauren Alaina and Scotty McReery they both one and are now both members of the Grand Ole Opry. I enjoy both of their music now and think of Dad every time I hear them.
I started watching regularly when it left Fox and was picked up by ABC. I really enjoy it.

Rori - our minds sure like to take us back to painful places, it just takes your breath away at times.

Barbie - I have one friend that is always insistent that I want sweets and treats and I really don’t. I am pretty firm about it. I also have people forever telling me I’ll like something and always makes me feel guilty about not eating things because I’m fussy. I wish people would just mind their own business about what I should choose to eat.

Beth - we had a resident that had a cochlear implant she heard more than she let on sometimes I think. I’m glad yours is working and hope it continues to improve.

Heather - can they not give you a preventative UTI prescription?
I can’t wait to see John’s and your rooms.

Lisa - Our local Walmart is actually small considering the area we are in. They used to have a much better selection than they do these days. Mind you, a lot of things are just not being replaced on the shelves right now too. That’s all I’ll say about that. 🤐
So happy the Skyrizi is working. Do you continue taking it now?

Ginny - My friend’s husband is currently on 5 weeks of vacation before his retirement. He goes back for 4 days in June and then he’s done.
It’s given his predecessor time to really do the job but have him available for any questions.

Allie - you’ve worked so hard! It’s nice to see you have something to celebrate.

Mo - if the job is no longer there, can’t your DH move back with you.?

Heather - I love your room. It looks so peaceful.

Lanette - my doctor told me that sometimes A1C is just luck of the gene pool and no matter what we do it’s hard to keep in check.

Allie - I know a couple people on prednisone, when they went off they lost weight quite quickly.

I fell asleep last night while I was catching up and watching tv.

Tonight I’m watching the Voice finale. I don’t know what I’ll watch all summer.

Tracey in Edmonton

Rita love love love Lucy. Yay DH!

Welcome back Heidi from NC, that mold exposure sounds scary, grateful you’re healing.

Lisa, Ancient peoples left trash piles too, archeologists call them “middens”. But as a fourth generation city gal I’m appalled at the sick-making ordeal you’ve been through.

Thursday was a stroll with T while Tumble was at the groomers, then chiropractor. Liz Taylor style emergency tidy (stuff everything behind closed doors and clean only the dining room where guests will sit and see). Veggie and charcuterie prep in time for K & N’s (work friends from Idaho) arrival. Good long chat, then collapsed when they left to check into their air bnb.

Through pg 13.

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

May focus: Just one thing from the OMG room
2025: Chose NOW: to move more than yesterday (5 sit to stands every potty break no excuses), fuel better than yesterday (hold that after dinner sweet down to two pieces of dark chocolate max), open heart and mind before mouth