WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR OCTOBER 2025

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Morning ladies!

This gym business is getting to be routine. It's weird to be sticking to it, as my normal response is to just not go. I do feel better once I am there, and chatting with Carol, the gal behind the counter is nice. She asked how my youngest was fairing. Another attendant that works at the gym, a young kid said he has Crohn's so I was telling him about my son's journey. This kid got diagnosed in high school. I said well when my son comes up after separating from the Navy I need to introduce him to you. He was like sure!

This morning I had a Kodiak thick and fluffy protein waffle with a tablespoon of peanut butter on it. Nice start to the day. Plus of course my coffee, and three Sunsweet "Ones" prunes. I consider them part of my vitamins. I also upped my calcium intake from one Nature's Bounty 500 msg calcium pill to 2 tablets. I figured getting in 1000 msg daily seemed a good thing.

When I arrived home from the gym,I tried putting Fair life Core Elite vanilla protein shake (bottle has 42 grams of protein) in my coffee as creamer. The coffee and the protein shake got along, and it was yummy! So my new thing is to splash an ounce in there. Low in sugar. Lower than normal creamer I have bought in the past.

Decorated for Halloween. Its sad little decorations but at least the kids will know we have candy. We have got kids on our street now.

Oh fun thing. Remember awhile ago when I was traveling and my middle son gave me Athena's old iphone? So I just finally added our homes wifi, it was just operating on Tracfone so no real access to apps,etc. Which was fine because I use my tablet anyways. Well I got an invite to my granddaughters new wrist locator deal. So they sent invite, I had to get a verification code to be one of her "guardians" and I can see where she is via a map, plus there's restricted access while she's in school, but evenings we can send little voice clips etc. Its sweet, and a wee bit more interaction with her on a daily basis. Its like being in her back pocket a bit. 💖

Rebecca Whidbey Wa

Good Afternoon, Ladies.

Yesterday, DH arranged for someone from our church to come by and get a mattress from us. Well, the garage's back door hasn't been opened for years. Mark was struggling. They went before the sun was completely down, but the bulb has not been changed. So it was dark. I found our emergency lights, and that worked, and then I found the key that worked on the back door. I convince them to look around. They took a table and chair set and a bookshelf for a little girl and a boy they are fostering. I was so happy with that. DH called this morning, and I told him I am in my happy place —don't disturb me. He understood and hung up. I am supposed to start my new temporary position on 1/4/2026, and it will run until April 5, 2026. Then I will officially retire and work PRN when I come and visit my mom. I am not putting in my notice until I get a job. There is a Clinical Educator in the NICU, but I don't know. I am with Margaret about boundaries, and that goes for DH. My time is mine. I get too overwhelmed when DH piles it on, and I have to call a time-out. I have to do that on vacation, too. I need my naps and quiet time. When you work with alarms constantly going off, quiet time is essential.

I made pumpkin protein muffins and Protein chocolate muffins, packaged them by serving size, and placed them in the freezer. Then I made egg bites, so when I get off, I can have something easy to eat.

Melanie, I plan to work as long as I can. I feel it is suitable for my mind. I hit the significant 6-0 this month, and I find it hard to believe that I am at that age. I am not ready for grandkids yet, unless they can pay for them.

Lanette, you are right, the entire process of relocating, caring for my mom, and working is a juggling act.

Heather, I love your artwork. Boy, you've got to do a lot. No, you are going to withdraw from the pampering of the cruise.

Carol, there is a support group here that is willing to listen and help you navigate your grief process. After my dad died, I continued to bargain and thought about what I should not have agreed to, and so on.

I love all of you. Take care.

Xo,

Mo in Mississippi

Not at all the same, but I could use some prayers. Just lost a very dear, sweet online friend yesterday. My lovely Tina succumbed to long CV and I'm just devastated. We didn't think it was quite that bad. We really thought she would eventually get better. She......... didn't. In the end, she just couldn't do anything anymore. Her husband is lost. Her son and granddaughter are inconsolable. We're all overwhelmed. We had a very close Marine Mom group online, Devil Dog Den, that sent care packages all over the world and collected funds for Marines when they ran into to issues. Now there's simply a huge void.

Then Freddy and I also have a dear friend whose husband is in the end stages of a dreadful cancer fight. They've sent him back home from the hospital from a nasty long weekend episode.

I'm just struggling with how unfair life is in general.

Love you all. Hug your family, kids, loved ones. We are not promised tomorrow.

Love and Blessings
Carla, in MN

Carla … we cross posted. So very sorry to hear of the losses and trials your friends are experiencing.

Food noise is fierce today! I want to eat! Listening to music, trying to use lots of distractions!

Then as I type this, I get this from my sister and cousin.

Wrench is working toward my goals, belt is tightening my belt, mask is seeing pfogress, and rooster is something to crow about! I will put on a necklace to wear. Sweet!

Rebecca Whidbey Wa

Carla - I’m sorry about the loss of your friend.Life sure is fragile.

Lisa - I hope tomorrow is a better day for you.

Tomorrow is 20 days since I returned with my MIL in tow and I don’t feel like I had a vacation at all.
Today we managed to get my SIL off of Mom’s NB Power account. I was able to print off bank statements since my FIL passed and I’m very scared now that the funeral home hasn’t been paid, even though there were government benefits paid out for that purpose.I also spoke to the lady regarding the reverse mortgage and she thinks it’s too late now to do anything to save her house.
I talked to my boss about it after my call, I told her I didn’t know how I was going to tell her that she probably has no home to go back to, my boss told me I should wait until tomorrow night. One reason is Brodey and Kaitlyn will be here and she trusts them and finds peace with them, also Brodey can keep an eye on her medically and may notice something that I would miss as I’m not trained.
It’s going to be a rough evening tomorrow. I may not get a chance to catch up, Thursday is ceramics so it may be a couple of days.

Thank you all for your support
Tracey in Edmonton

Hello Friends;

I went to bed early, like 8:45 pm. It has been hectic for me. I barely got to eat lunch when the people who want to buy my house came by hand, and had two contractors look around. The first two guys were so kind. I could talk to the second one with his wife all day. The lady who showed up didn't seem like a contractor, but someone who was coming to help the contractor by filming. Since she didn't talk to me, she didn't know what work needed to be done. At first, the office assistant told me she might need to send someone tomorrow, but the late person showed up, and I was glad. The contractor's visits were eating up my day off. After they all left, I got a call from my mom's nursing home, and they said my mom was belligerent and inappropriately touching again. So they told me to choose a Geri-psych place, and we decided on the institution where she gets her care. They called an ambulance and sent her to the hospital. They gave her Ativan and Zyprexa, and she told me that she would apologize and never do that again. She said that in front of the tech assigned to watch her(a man). When I got her back to the nursing home with her prescription doubled, she denied that she had to apologize (She forgot). Then she was walking away. I asked where she was going. She said that she needed to wake everyone up to let them know she was back. I told her that we are going to get her ready for bed. So, I washed her up, told her to wash up between her legs, and gave her a new depend.
Then helped her put on her pajamas. Then the nurse gave her melatonin and her latest Zyprexa dose. I hope they don't kick her out of the Nursing Home. I asked DH what would have happened if I were in Chicago? So, DS is the only one who could have driven to pick her up. Rose was with me the entire time. She helped me calm my mom down. On my way out, another lady asked me to stay and talk. Another man started screaming, and I told him that he was okay. He said, "I am?" I said yes. So he stopped crying. The nurse thanked me. I got my mom to stay in bed, so I didn't want him riling her up again.

I talked to DH on the phone, driving home. I hate driving at night, especially when it is dark and rainy. I could barely stay awake. Rose was exhausted, too. We got up at 12:30 am to relieve our bladders. She is out like a light now.

I want to say that you all truly inspire me to do better. Tomorrow, I need to get my lab work done and pick up prescriptions. If I have more energy, I will check out the new daycare for Rose.

Pip, I am so proud of you. You are an inspiration. To go through so much and remain so strong emotionally and physically healthy.

Michelle, tell me more about the bran muffins. Does Vince like them? What are the macros? Yesterday I baked pumpkin muffins with protein and Chocolate chip muffins with protein. I packaged them according to serving size and put them in the freezer. Then I made egg bites with two eggs, egg whites, spinach, onion, green pepper, mushrooms, salsa, bacon bits, and cheese. Then I sprayed the muffin cups and placed them in the oven. I may bake more egg bites today if I am energetic. When I get home from work, I am so tired, the last thing I want to do is cook breakfast. So, this will help.

Tracey, I am so sad that they did this to your MIL. I have no words. Sending hugs to you all.

Carol, you are on my mind. I wish I could fly out and help you through this. Talk to Barbie, we have been almost a year since her DH passed. It is hard, and you never get over it or him. It was so hard for me to lose my biggest fan, my dad. I still play over what I should have done to prevent everything. Time helps, but doesn't obliterate the loss. Just give it time, and lean on your family to organize the funeral, the affairs of the estate, and so forth.

Carla, we are all learning as we age that life is so fragile. I am so sorry for the loss of your friend and the horrible fight against cancer that your family friend is going through. The battle with cancer is challenging and atrocious.

Rebecca, you have your own personal cheering team. I love that it goes with those charms. Cherish them and your accomplishment.

Debbie, you have a lot on your plate, too. Now that all the stress with your MIL is over, it is time to protect your mom from the drama the siblings are throwing at her. You may need to look at what facility can take your sister. Find out if this is too much for your aunt to take on. Communication with the same people is the only key to making a viable plan. Hugs to you, too —this is unfortunately easier said than done.

Beth, I am glad the "Trunk or Treat" turned out well. You need fun in your life. How is the mattress issue? My DH was curious. He doesn't want you to settle.

Well, it is cold and rainy here in Mississippi, and I have my cup of tea—time for a good book. Lanette, the Kindle subscription is worth it!

Love, tight hugs to you all, including those not mentioned.

XO,

Mo in Mississippi

I remember one year in Red Deer when I was about 6 years old and had a lovely Japanese lady costume … my mother made me wear a snowsuit over it!! I was not happy!

Yes. And about 3 days later, you'll pee like crazy and let go of the water retention. 😁

Machka in Oz

Today I woke up to my weight being 203.8! After seeing nothing lower than 238 for YEARS it is just a weird feeling. The last time I was this weight was 2009! And it was just during the summer! Once I stopped eating what Jenny Craig told me, forking over $400 a month, I gained. I am sure to be in Onederland in the month of November.💖

I downloaded a simple notepad app so I could log in my blood pressure for the Doc in December. Hopefully I can stop taking Lisinopril, 20 mg, or at least hopefully lower it.

Rebecca Whidbey Wa

Land taxes due today. Cattle prices are dropping and we still have our calves. My son was irate with my husband yesterday as he and his sister wanted to sell a couple of weeks ago. Will hold on to them a little while longer hoping the markets recover. I hate this time of year. Imagine getting paid once a year and it being a crap shoot, completely determined by day traders of which you have no control. It's terrifying at times.
I had such a bad headache yesterday I had to cancel making dinner for everyone. My DH told me he read that it was happening to a lot of people from changing frequencies in the atmosphere. I don't know- sounds a little tin foil hat to me 🤷🏻‍♀️ Feeling better today.
I am going to do a full floor clean today. I have been putting it off as it gets dirty again so quickly. Everyone dragging stuff in from the outside 🙄

Lanette- my dad definitely has me learning how not to act as I age. The world does not "owe" me.

Carla- hugs to you 🩷

Pip- hope you have an enjoyable half and the weather is good. I do miss running. I always enjoyed having a goal and building up to it. Very satisfying.

Rebecca- what a thoughtful gift!

Debbie- your older sister sounds like she is spiralling. I can't imagine the stress that puts you through.

Tracey- I am hoping your night won't go too badly . What a mess you are in the middle of!

Mo- your description of your Mom and the others in her home is yet another reason we are lucky that my 94 year old father is of sound mind. Grumpy and obnoxious, but still lives on his own , drives, and has a circle of friends (he is very pleasant with them!). Your situation is so tough.

Machka- it really sucked when it was cold enough for full snowsuit gear!

Take care of yourselves 💕

Melanie. Alberta

Good Morning;

My breakfast was too big. I am so full. My eyes are bigger than my tummy. Rose benefited from it. I gave her the rest of my Canadian bacon. :) My friend sent me a message that if push comes to shove, I could put my mom in hospice. I need to think about what that would look like for us.

Lisa, it has to be cold in Arkansas, for I am freezing here in MS. What am I going to do in Chicago? I am a wimp. I love that you speak or type your mind. I just needed a break from politics for my mental health. I am googling some questions here and there, so my head isn't entirely in the sand. You remind me of my late aunt, who was multitalented in sewing, knitting, crochet, music, and whatever else interested her when she was younger. Then her schizophrenia took over, and she stopped creating. You are so intelligent, sane, and multitalented. I can not wait to see how the painting of the fridge turns out. On YouTube, the lady who painted hers says that she wishes that she had just purchased a new fridge. They are pretty expensive, so I disagree. Hers looked like new when she was done.

Melanie, hug your dad, even though he is driving with less-than-stellar vision. You may need to set up an indoor gym for yourself, too. Amazon has affordable walking pads that take up less space. Then there is that virtual dance workout that comes up on YouTube that is less than 30 minutes a month. There are many free ones, too. For my birthday/Christmas, I want a new bike and an iPad mini. Headaches, I agree with your husband. When the weather changes, my headaches get worse. It is funny, but during my Psych rotation in California, I had a patient with a tin foil hat. I knew then that psych was not for me. I couldn't stop laughing. Dealing with family members with mental health issues, on the other hand, is no walk in the park either.

Rebecca, I am so proud of you. You are doing a great job. I want to do as well as you and will go back to food journaling. Your gym dedication is excellent, too.

Machka, that is so true, but it is hard to see the numbers go up, so I stay away from the scale till I pee it out.

Xo,

Mo in MS

Mo and Heather and Margaret - I'm moving towards finishing my fridge mural (not technically a mural, but then again, I'll call it what I want 👀😍) and I find it is making me very happy to do a bit in the morning, when I have a clear vision in mind, and then walk away. It's one of the things I really like about working on a big canvas. One thing I have learned to do in this process is keep the remainder of each color in a small, covered container so I can go back and patch places later. Not every color, but quite a few of them. Keeps me from having to try to recreate a mixed color.

Melanie - I had a hard time when I was working in various places that paid once a MONTH, can't imagine trying to make a once a year payment try to stretch that far. Props to you and yours for keeping it going. On the headaches - I get some very clearly barometric headaches. In fact the only headaches I get are when a front is sweeping in. When my headaches aren't there, you can pretty much bet that there is no organized front coming, just chaotic weather, like right now.

Mo - Yep, it was 40 degrees when I got up this morning, and only 44 now at 11 a.m. In fact, I haven't been able to make the bed, because Egg has taken up residence, sleeping in my spot. She urrred at me when I turned the light on, so I decided to make the bed later… 🐈‍⬛🥰😂🐈‍⬛ I don't mind the cold, in all honesty - means it's a good time to be working on a big afghan! I'll have to start another once I get this one done.

Got my exercise in - six minutes on the rower, shoulder exercises for the rotator cuff, including weights, ten sit to stands, and another ten minutes of yoga. Not much, but still at the beginning of all these things. Will add both time and other exercises into the mix as I go. It's 20 minutes more than I did yesterday!

Later, babies,
Love,
Lisa in AR