Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
Comments
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RETIREMENT OPTIONS:
You can retire to Phoenix, Arizona where...
1.
You are willing to park 3 blocks away from your house because you found
shade.2.
You've experienced condensation on your ass from the hot water in the toilet
bowl.3.
You can drive for 4 hours in one direction and never leave
town.4.
You have over 100 recipes for Mexican food.5.
You know that "dry heat" is comparable to what hits you in the face when you
open your oven door.6.
The 4 seasons are: tolerable, hot, really hot, and ARE YOU KIDDING
ME??ORYou can retire to California
where...1.
You make over $450,000 and you still can't afford to buy a
house.2.
The fastest part of your commute is going down your
driveway.3.
You know how to eat an artichoke.4.
You drive your rented Mercedes to your neighborhood block
party.5.
When someone asks you how far something is, you tell them how long it will take
to get there rather than how many miles away it
is.6.
The 4 seasons are: Fire, Flood, Mud, and
Drought.ORYou can retire to New York City
where...1.
You say "the city" and expect everyone to know you mean Manhattan
....2.
You can get into a four-hour argument about how to get from Columbus Circle to
Battery Park, but can't find Wisconsin on a
map.3.
You think Central Park is "nature."4.
You believe that being able to swear at people in their own language makes you
multi-lingual.5.
You've worn out a car horn. (IF you have a
car).6.
You think eye contact is an act of
aggression.ORYou can retire to Minnesota
where...1.
You only have three spices: salt, pepper, and ketchup
..2.
Halloween costumes have to fit over parkas.3.
You have seventeen recipes for casserole.4.
Sexy lingerie is anything flannel with less than eight
buttons.5.
The four seasons are: almost winter, winter, still winter, and road
repair.6.
The highest level of criticism is "He is different, she is different or It was
different!ORYou can retire to The Deep South
where...1.
You can rent a movie and buy bait in the same
store.2.
"Y'all" is singular and "all y'all" is
plural.3.
"He needed killin" is a valid defense.4.
Everyone has 2 first names: Billy Bob, Jimmy Bob, Joe Bob, Betty Jean, Mary
Beth, etc.5.
Everywhere is either: "in yonder," "over yonder" or "out
yonder".ORYou can retire to Colorado
where...1.
You carry your $3,000 mountain bike atop your $500
car.2.
You tell your husband to pick up Granola on his way home, so he stops at the day
care center.3.
A pass does not involve a football or dating.4.
The top of your head is bald, but you still have a pony
tail.ORYou can retire to the Nebraska
where...1.
You've never met any celebrities, but the mayor knows your
name.2.
Your idea of a traffic jam is three cars waiting to pass a
tractor.3.
You have had to switch from "heat" to "A/C" on the same
day.4.
You end sentences with a preposition: "Where's my coat
at.ORFINALLY You can retire to Florida
where...1.
You eat dinner at 3:15 in the afternoon.2.
All purchases include a coupon of some kind -- even houses and
cars.3.
Everyone can recommend an excellent cardiologist, dermatologist, proctologist,
podiatrist, or orthopedist.4.
Road construction never ends anywhere in the
state.5.
Cars in front of you often appear to be driven by headless
people.0 -
Sometimes we do get a break and things go our way.
Lew's shoulder has been sore, the same kind of sore and motion limitations I had with my rotator cuff tear, and his primary care doc also thought he had a tear. Lew postponed seeing the ortho surgeon until after my chemo cuz we knew there'd be no way I could take care of him. Well, today he saw the surgeon, had his ultrasound, and NO TEAR! Just inflammation, so they gave him a steroid injection and he'll start physical therapy and see the doctor again in December. Too bad, if we'd known he wasn't going to need surgery he could have gotten his shot and started therapy weeks ago.
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Puff --I'm glad Lew is going to be on the mend really soon, but he chose to take care of you first and then worry about himself. Well, that is definitely the way I'd look at things. It is in fact, though a shame that he walked around for a fair amt. of time with some pain and disability. He will catch up.
We don't get so excited by Christmas anymore here either. Spiritually it is still to me a wonderful holiday, but other than what you may do for your children, I sometimes think it is just through the years become so very, very commercial. I would love to find a group who would be happy on Christmas Eve to go sing Christmas carols outside of people's houses or something. That would be a delightful thing. As for the rest though -- someone in the family usually has a Christmas dinner -- not sure how all this will come down this yr. We usually go to it. I worked last Thanksgiving -- not sure about this yr. and as my sister-in-law passed away right after Christmas this past yr. I may find myself needing to cook something for my brothers-in-laws. There are three of them as well as SIL's husband making four. All depends I guess.
Had a great day today. Most of the day I was gone. Went to feed the feral cats, then stopped at a friend's house. It was her birthday today -- so we went out and had lunch together and then did a small amt. of shopping, and to the milk store for her. Then I rushed home and changed my shirt ( had on a sweatshirt ) and back to town to the Rec Center to walk for 2 miles. Then....stopped at a beauty parlor and made an appt. to get my hair done on Thursday, and then to the bank to deposit a check and now back home.
Lots of running.
Jackie
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Chevy, that's funny! I grew up in St. Petersburg, Florida and you are right about cars being driven by headless people.
Puffin, what a nice surprise that Lew is going to be better soon. That's what's important. Hindsight isn't.
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Ha, Chevy. Funny.
This year I am doing Christmas like usual. Last year I had BMX just before so it was sparse and made me sad because I love to decorate for Christmas. Four trees and decorations in nearly every room. My husband draws the line at the study and our bedroom and bath but it's holiday everywhere else.
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Chevy - great summary. Thanks.
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None of the holidays r what they were when the kids were here n younger, i am an only child n parents r deceased. My kids do their thing 4 the holidays,, thanksgiving is football, dallas is always on n my oldest son usually comes if i cook, whick i cant mucg anymore. Christmas is just sad 4 me not fun the kids r gr8wn, i have no money 4 gifts, or a tree, have a little one in my room year round. Dinner twins go to grandparents n i usually go to son, but not very welcoming, dd2 has breakfast Christmas morning but not going anymore, person she married is abusive to her n verbally abusive 2 me, so made a decision, the twins dont want 2 go either.
Hope everyone is ok, took myself off predesone so am sleeping better, Will go back after i take a sleeping break.got a flu n pneumonia shot today got a nu primary.
Puff glad lew is better
Hi, chevy,sandra, teacher, jackie n others i forgot.
Happy Tuesday
Bbl
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I have enjoyed reading here...Jackie, your fall traditions sound like wonderful memories.
I spent Sunday in CT for my granddaughter's 9th birthday party. They had a DJ and dance leader for the girls. The weather was perfect and my DD from MA came down with the older granddaughter. I was happy!
I decided to stop procrastinating and will go to Disney with my daughter and 2 granddaughters. We will meet there in the airport. She has friends going and I will not be part of many of their activities - but it is a beautiful hotel and I get to see my granddaughters in a happy place. It's been stressful as DD moves forward with divorce.DD in MA wants to host Thanksgiving in her new (oversized) house. Sadly, it may be sold in divorce, and her DH who is still living there may not be there for Thanksgiving. But I will go and offer my support and keep the grandkids smiling. Christmas hasn't been decided yet. We are a big family and it is difficult for one person to host all. But I almost always have some of my sons here. I still make stockings for them.
We get no trick or treaters ... very dark cul de sac and no kids nearby. We buy candy then eat it.
Sandra, I am glad that you did not continue communicating with the offensive person. You have a lot to offer here and am glad you are part of this thread.
Mommarch, I hope you have accomplished all you set out to do on your trip. It is nice to spend time with family.
Carole, I am tired hearing about your 3 days of work. I think 3 hours is enough.
Chevy, I love the retirement options!
Blondie, love that tattoo!Anne, of course you are happy and relaxed...you are "home"! Great description of your travels!
New Yorkers don't usually visit the sights until they move away or have company.Time for lights out....
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Joan beyond jealous havent been since 2010, i want my ashes spread there although it is not allowed. What hotel, u will have so mch fun with the ggranddaughters
Thanksgiving right around the corner.
What is everyone doing 4 thanksgiving, plans yet, me not sure, of course dallas is on so dinner has always centered around that
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I continue to love recess. I have learned along the journey how important play is to our lives as long as it is our minor and not our major. We were designed to work and to work heartily. I don’t think there is any sweeter sleep than that which follows a diligent day’s work. But without respite, work will wear us to a frazzle. Recess keeps the dazzle in our footsteps.
Patsy Clairmont0 -
Jackie, I agree that recess is important. Unfortunately, my childhood family's chief recess was snacking while watching TV and eating large meals out. I am still at 71 fighting that habit.
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I could skip Thanksgiving and Christmas. I much prefer ordinary days to holidays. DH loves Thanksgiving and wants to go to his sister's house in Decatur, GA, again this year. So we will and with the travel and hotel stays, our Thanksgiving dinner will cost us at least $500. We usually bring fresh oysters for the oyster dressing which somehow became part of the menu some years back. There will also be the Midwestern bread dressing and two turkeys, one roasted and one deep-fried. Sweet potato casserole topped with melted marshmallows served in an antique serving bowl. Etc. and etc. The dinner will be ample and the table will be beautifully set with china and crystal, all to be hand-washed afterwards.
The thing I don't like about fall is that the holidays are just around the corner. I've done holidays and enjoyed them in the past. Now I can do without them.
Just call me Bah, Humbug!
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Hi All,
Carole, I feel your pain.
DGD asked me the other day if we would have a tree this year. I have not put up a tree in 2 years.
I asked if she would like to cut one from our acreage. We have pinion pine. She was so excited. Guess
we will have Christmas. I think I gave all the decortations to DD. Will figure out something. One of things I like to do is gather pine cones, dip them in shelac and sprinkle colored sugar or cookie decorations on them.
Trying to stay awake to meet DGD and friend who brings her to the mail box 8 miles away at 9:30 after band practice.
Today I made a pasta salad, a black bean and corn salad, and split pea soup, just to have on hand . Fixed pork tenderloin sandwiches for dinner. Also baked cookies. I will feel it tomorrow.
Hope all is well with everyone.
Hugs
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Teka, with you all the way -- I don't do shopping -- at least any more than I have to any time for anything and definitely not on those days. Love the cat picture.
Jackie
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Teka, love the orange and black kitties but what the hell has that woman done to her face? I did not recognize her at all.
Blondie and others thinking about tattoos...if I had the nerve, this is what I'd do. (Just kidding.)
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OMG Teka, that is RIGHT! I thought that just can't BE, but it IS!
http://www.slate.com/blogs/xx_factor/2014/10/21/re...
I looked her up, and that is just unbelievable! I always thought she was so "cute" before.... But now she looks like a totally different person! And it doesn't look good.
Carole, I laughed when I read your post.....! I used to do that stuff.... I mean I got ready for Thanksgiving Dinner for 3 days! You forgot the appropriate Autumn themed tablecloth and matching centerpiece.... Also the Napkins, which had multi-colored silk flower napkin rings around them, and then of course special silverware which was appropriately polished, and set.
Then there was the 3 different sides of vegetables, for who-ever didn't like what everyone ELSE did.... You needed 3 stoves for those dinners!
And the clean-up was the worst! I did this all one year the day after I had arthro-scopic surgery on my one knee... A torn medial meniscus, and I had a splint on my leg. But I wanted to do it, because I was the "Mom"..... Ha!
Sandra, I saw a lot of those pictures one time.... but some were really beautiful.... Even on woman who had just one breast! Some were coving their whole chest, and others had beautiful designs coving all of their scars....! I think whatever makes you happy!
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In learning to embrace your being, don’t look at your mistakes. It is a given that we will all make some mistakes in life. It is a given that you will make inappropriate choices for inappropriate reasons. They will in no way affect your worth. No matter what you say or do, nothing can minimize the worth of your being. Your worth is a gift from God. Your worth is a gift of grace.
Iyanla Vanzant0 -
I'm thinking this morning that it must be true. If you are a star -- you have to keep up. Keeping up is maybe going to mean doing things most of us would never dream of, want or need to do. We are just average and know we always will be. Just as Chevy's article seemed to indicate -- if you are a STAR it is expected that you will KEEP up and sometimes in order to do that, you are going to have "procedures". I'd rather look at someone pretty much as they are, but I know in my heart -- it won't sell. Hollywood and movies and idols are glamorous and mysterious and they ALWAYS look good.
I also think as Chevy's article pointed out -- what made Renee Zellweger who she was in the beginning was her fresh-faced poofy-cheeked look. Well, she is 18 yrs. older now and I think that would be difficult to get away with.....in looking at her though...I see crows' feet and other aging signs -- so even though she doesn't look like who she was -- I'm trying to decide if she looks more like WHO she has become with the passage of time -- meaning just looking mainly like the self she may have become which is not the 27 yr. old she used to be.
Well, it is getting complicated, eh !!!
Agreed !!! Holidays are big productions that often are ok to an extent, because we enjoy ( usually ) the time spent with family and the traditions that our own parents passed down to us -- but the fact is -- at our age, it is real work and we are not always up to the task. I think nothing smells greater than a cooked holiday meal totally from your own kitchen. But -- I'm to the point where I'd likely be ok with making the turkey and my own dressing -- and maybe the sweet potatoes and purchase a bunch of the other parts made elsewhere ( store deli ) and re-heated or added to -- whatever. There are even some purchased pies that for me could pass muster. So, if I do anything -- it will likely be a combo -- store bought and home made.
Beautiful day here which will warm a bit. Not a lot, but warmer is coming -- hmmm, will that be an early Indian summer. Not sure. Lots of work to do today.
See you all later.
Blessings
Jackie
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Hi everyone
The sightseeing has calmed down some, but now trying to see as much family as possible. Going to lunch with my cousin who is really more of a sister, then the mall for dinner with my sister and niece and her boys, who are very eager to spent time with me- unfortunately, I fear it is my iPad they want, not me.
Had to chime in about the holidays- used to love Christmas when the kids were young, except for the fighting over money spent. Thanksgiving was fun, but it was always just our immediate family, so it was a major dinner for the same people I cooked for every day.
Holidays really lost their joy for me when my son moved to NC 8 years ago. The table was incomplete. All I saw was the empty space, even though the table was full. The first year my husband passed, I think Tracy & I painted a room Thanksgiving day.
Now with children and grandchildren in 3 different states, I hate the holidays, and having to choose who to be with. Right now, I think I will spend Thanksgiving with Tracy in Fl, otherwise, she will be totally alone. On Christmas, I am actually thinking of spending Christmas morning in Fl with the 3 grandchildren there, because I think Victoria and Kayden are the best ages to watch open gifts, 9 & 5, then fly that day to SC, to see Lucia, then end up in Atlanta by New Years. Not exactly relaxing, but that's the way it is.
Anne
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Another wonderful fall day here. I played golf with the women's group at our club and had a delicious lunch afterwards. Then went to Sam's to pick up some food items. Then came home and sat in my chair and rested! I also watched some recorded cooking shows. It's so nice to be able to skip the commercials.
I am not going to let thoughts of the holidays crowd my mind. The holidays will come and they will pass. We always stay home for Christmas and I do quite a bit of cooking to contribute to the meal, which takes place at my sister Michelle's house. Presents are a minor part of the holiday. Everyone brings two presents for my mother because her birthday is the 27th. So she gets Christmas and birthday gifts. We also have gifts for any children who are there. If somebody feels in the mood, that somebody will bring a gift for everyone, probably home-made. DH and I usually decide to skip buying presents for each other.
One year I gave my sisters and brothers a framed picture of my mother. I took a small older photograph and had enlargements made. One year dh gave everybody a nice wooden caddy that he built. Last year my SIL Deanna made pretty embroidered dish towels and hot pads for all the women. She has one of those fancy embroidering machines that you program.
My mother always feels obligated to give a gift to each family. Guess who has to help her select and purchase this gift. Yes. Me. She can't afford to buy something expensive and she never feels satisfied with our selection. But that's all part of my Christmas experience! I look on the humorous side.
So what are some other Christmas experiences?
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I put up 4 trees-family and our son and the grandgirls. I've tried to give the girls' trees and ornaments to their parents but that hasn't worked yet. I think one more year and they can do their own in their room at home. Gifts for someone on an Angel Tree has always been important. The children's program at church is always fun and entertaining. This year, I am anticipating special performances from the grandgirls. The menu is different every year but I always make a chocolate pound cake in a special ribbon pan that was a gift years ago and we have fresh from the oven blueberry muffins first thing in the morning. Oh, Christmas music all day, then it is done til next year.
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If you look very very closely, I HAVE HAIR! It's about as long as a Canadian dollar is thick.
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Christmas for us is mainly a meal at someone's house -- whomever is not working and feels up to it. Most of anyone who joins in is more than willing to make a dish or two to bring along and usually will. We have all been responsible for many holiday meals and know what a chore it can be -- and how delightful it is if someone is willing to do salads, another a special side dish, and someone else the desserts. As much as the holiday it is a chance to get together with some of the family who work so much that we don't see them with any regularity at all, even though we live so close to them.
Sometimes Dh and I will choose something for each other -- but we are more in tune to just getting what we need when we need it. That might be a week before or even after Christmas. So, we finally grew up and stop focusing on the gifts and just learned to appreciate being able to share an afternoon with our big family and then come home tired and happy for it.
Jackie
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Sounds very nice, Jackie. And, Teacher, the individual trees sound special, too.
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Carole - 99.9% of my family has always lived elsewhere so it always meant mailing gifts. No little kids anywhere so I switched a number of years ago to sending each couple a "plant a tree" pewter ornament from the National Wildlife society or Plow & Hearth. You buy the ornament - they plant a tree so the cause is good. And the ornaments are flat & can be sent in a padded envelope which really helps w/mailing costs.
It's been a long time since anyone has been at my house for Christmas. I usually have a restaurant meal with my ex-husband and every 4 years or so I go to my son's in CA. I have tickets for several special performances. As for decorating, I have a Swedish Candle Tree that I put on my buffet & maybe hang a wreath. I went through all my 6 Christmas boxes earlier this year and got it down to one box. I donated most things to the Battered Women's group & will be sending a few ornaments to family members. Sad but I might as well sort the stuff as leave it sitting in the attic.
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I remember when I was little, when my folks were gone, my Brother and I would sneak in the front-room, and look at what presents were ours, and carefully unwrap one or two! Then put them back together again! We had so much fun! And then acting soooo excited on Christmas morning!!!
And yes... The whole family dinner thing! And that meant the women working so hard on that preparation and dinner, and everyone eating, and then the women cleaning everything up for HOURS, and the men getting drunk, and the women mad. Wasn't too much fun then, and still not fun thinking about it.... ha!
OUR Christmas's were the best... Just our family, and the house all decorated, and the girls flying in to open their presents! Christmas carols playing all day!
But then with the girls gone, I just put a few little trees around the house... I LOVE Christmas music, and I'll have Janie over for Brunch... I think I told you this before... But we open our presents, and then just relax....
I remember my Grandmother would set her little special ornaments, and nativity scene in a piece of Styrofoam she found somewhere, and hang lights, and enjoy Christmas Dinner with us.
MINUS! We just took a box to the Battered Women's store yesterday! They have a special place in my heart.... They have this thrift store, where they let women with children in to take what they need, but you can buy stuff there also... They also run a Children's home that use a lot of the donations.
We went there one time, to take a load of gifts for the kids... It was me and the gals from Coors... The kids are all from broken homes.... Sooooooo sad, when you see their little rooms.... But they are taken care of, until one of their Parents is able to care for them again.
Minus, I cleaned out my stuff about 10 years ago! That huge tree, and the ornaments.... Yes it IS sad, but just too much work for me to put up! And most of the family is out of town anyway.
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This is NOT my house!
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How will you use the years God gives you? Will you be remembered for being a fault-finder? Or will you be known for your quick smile, the laugh lines around your eyes, and the twinkle deep within? After all, the Lord gives you your face, but you provide the expression.
Barbara Johnson0 -
I remember as a kid, on Christmas, my parents would always block the view of the gifts with curtains until we finished breakfast. And the neighborhood moms would all get together so one year we would all get bikes, another year skates, another doll carriages etc. I remember the year of the doll carriages. My sister and I didn't get any, but as soon as we walked out of the bldg to go down the street to my grandmothers, the other 4girls were all outside with their new ones. We were so jealous! When we got to our grandma's, our doll carriages were there waiting for us- much nicer ones than any of the friends carriages. Years later, I learned that my parents simply could not afford them and my grandmother offered to get them for us, with the agreement that she could see our faces when we first saw them.
The other thing that stands out about gifts concerns my husband. He loved me, but hated shopping for anything, especially without me. The first Christmas, we had only been married a few months, and I tried to explain that the gift didn't matter- what mattered was that he made the effort to get me something. On Christmas Eve, he went to the local drug store and bought everything in sight, including perfume, which he hated me wearing. Years went by with awful gifts from him, or more often, no gift at all. He would always take me to pick my own gift if I mentioned something I might like. His excuse was he had no idea what I wanted. By the time Nancy was about 13, I had had it with the excuses, so I made him a list of reasonably priced gifts I would like, again stressing that for me it was the surprise that I really wanted. He gave the list to Nancy with money and had a friend of ours take her shopping. I got everything on the list. You live and learn, so after that,my list started with nail polish, and ended with a new car. I put some things I really wanted, like books I wanted to read, but also put in lots of stuff that either was too expensive or that he would have no clue where to get. Both of us were finally happy- he didn't have to think of a gift, and I got surprises ( to a degree). Once Nancy started driving, the lists stopped. He gave her money and she knew what I liked, so I was totally surprised.
Off to get my nails done with my sister and cousin...
Anne
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the last two days have been really miserable weather. Lots and lots and lots of rain. Hopefully it'll taper down tomorrow, as I am going to be out and about. Getting a pedicure, hair cut and a massage at three different locations. You'd think I could have lumped 'em up, but it would have cost about three times as much - so it's an out and about spa day for me.
Holidays are pretty laid back for us ever since my Dx. We may have a relative over, but generally it's just us - none of our grandkids are close, so we just send them presents - though this year, those presents may be gift cards so they can buy their own. Hubby likes turkey, so I generally roast one up. This year we are on a very limited diet - no dairy, sugar, grains, or potatoes, so no stuffing, mashed potatoes or pie. However, yams are good, and we eat lots of vegies. I also came up with a pumpkin "custard" using sugar pumpkins, eggs and coconut milk. Once we cut out sugar it's amazing how sweet things without it taste.
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