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Jul 12
I’m back at home with DSL service–finally! Starbucks was fun, but inconvenient, too. It’s great to write from my own desk and make coffee in my own kitchen. I’m so glad to be free of hours long phone calls with AT&T “customer service” rep’s. Going through that much drama, just to transfer service from one house to another, is enough to make any sane person cave in to crazy!
I need to review some of the topics I wrote about in previous posts and get this blog up and running again. I apologize for my inconsistencies and my slow posts.
~We moved to a home with no stairs, ease of entry, and no trees! Now don’t get me wrong. We love trees, but needed to lessen the workload that comes with a yard full of trees. We now enjoy a great view, fresh backberries along the fence line, and other people’s trees and horses. Nirvana!
~I am writing the blog as a WP50 (well-past 50) woman, who often feels misunderstood in this youth oriented society. As I mentioned before, it’s odd to feel “eternally 30,” while facing aging related challenges. This blog is my place to record my experiences, interests, and perceptions as I advance through my senior years.
~Health is a big concern for an aging population. The goal is to remain strong and healthy for as long as possible.
~My health challenges: I have Celiac disease, an inherited autoimmune disorder. I am unable to digest the storage protein (commonly called “gluten”) in wheat, barley, and rye. I am also allergic to dairy products and corn. That means I can’t eat the majority of foods in the supermarket! I consume almost all fresh food and very little sugar. I still need to lose weight, keep cholesterol and blood sugar levels down, and maintain a healthy blood pressure. Diet and exercise are the ticket.
~I do not trust pharmaceutical companies. My goal is to stay off medicines as long as possible. So far, I do not take any medicine. I hope to keep it that way. I have been reading The Truth About Beauty, by Kat James. I have incorporated many of her suggestions, including replacing toxic health and beauty products with natural, health promoting ones, eating organic as much as possible, and avoiding blood-sugar spikes. The book is about health; true beauty comes from good health. I’m noticing that others are now agreeing with Kat: Oprah’s trainer, Bob Greene, has a new book out with similar recommendations. Nutri-Systems has joined the low-glycemic band wagon, as well. I will write about my quest for “true beauty” and health, on a regular basis.
~I use Sparkpeople.com to help me stay on track with my diet. I am able to record what I eat and receive feedback on nutrient levels and carbohydrate, fat, and protein ratios. Sparkpeople has a library of superb articles on health and fitness. They also have great recipes. Check them out! It’s free.
~ I love to reminisce about the past or to write articles about interesting family members or friends. For example, my husband’s Grandmother, Minnie, collected salt and pepper shakers. In childhood, Mike spent hours admiring her colorful shakers.
He and I decided to start a collection for OUR grandchildren. Looking for unique shakers brings us a lot of joy. We try to buy ones that are especially humorous or that have special meaning. We have alligators from a trip to Georgia, a pair of aging beachcombers from Florida, Minnie and Mickey, in honor of our 1st granddaughter, Kristen (she loves them!), and many more. One of my sisters sent an adorable set of barrel cacti from Arizona. In Texas, we found a horny toad wearing boots with spurs, a bandanna, and a hat. An antique grandma, sitting in a rocking chair, symbolizes the reason for the collection.
My great grandmother, Mabel, and her sisters played with the tea set on the lowest shelf.
Did you know that the world’s largest salt and pepper museum is in Gatlinburg,Tennessee?
I’m thinking that I’ll dub Friday “Fun Friday,” and reminisce about people, places, or times that I’ve known.
Wow! I’m whopped. I’ve got to get the writing muscles back in shape. It’s a pleasure to be back. Do you have interesting tales from your childhood? Silly question, huh? Who doesn’t? Feel free to comment! Have a great afternoon!
Tags: Age, aging, AT&T, celiac disease, moving, sparkpeople.com, Starbucks, sutoimmune disease, The Truth About Beauty, WP50
Jul 07
I love new beginnings, whether the beginning of a year, a month, a week, or even a day. Today is Tuesday, June 1st, and it’s the date to re-start this blog. My life has been a whirlwind for the past few months. The chaos isn’t going away anytime soon. In 2 weeks, we are closing on our new home. It’s both an exciting and a challenging time.
Mike and I have more to do than we have time. I think we’re both a little burned out from all the work OR we’re feeling the effects of aging! We sure aren’t as fast as we once were. We decided to move out of our current house before we put it on the market. Living in the house, packing our belongings, and showing the house, all at the same time, is a stretch for us old folks! (We actually don’t feel old at all until the aches and pains set in or we look in the mirror!)
My cute husband. We both can think of better ways to spend Memorial Day weekend!
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I started this post a month and a half ago! Great things have happened since then. We finally emptied our old house and moved into the new one. We’re experiencing a few complications: Our new refrigerator is on back-order at Lowe’s; we’re eating from an ice chest; we’re watching an old TV with rabbit ears, while waiting for Direct TV to get us hooked up, and AT&T is taking forever to transfer our DSL service.
According to AT&T customer service, our number is “lost in the system.” They say, until it surfaces, there’s nothing they can do about it. I’ve talked to at least 15 AT&T customer service rep’s and am no better off than when I started. This morning they told me to watch my modem and to call them when a green DSL light comes on. I thought modern technology was supposed to make things happen faster! AT&T seems to be be stuck in the stone ages…
Starbucks is my salvation. At least I can use their WiFi until AT&T gets it together. It’s actually very relaxing here at Starbucks. I love the music and the interesting people that hang out here.
I have all kinds of things I want to write about on this blog: health concerns that come with advancing age (I’ve actually dropped a few pounds since I was last on), spiritual growth, marriage and family (I have a new granddaughter arriving in August), books I’m reading, great food and recipes, and anything else that I think is interesting. I hope you’ll join me.
I’ve been in Starbucks far too long! Good-bye for today. Stay cool, and have a great evening. 
Tags: aging, AT&T, AT&T customer service, moving, Starbucks
Apr 21
I am so excited! It’s not because my new house now has bricks and wallboard and windows. That thrills me, but it’s not number one. It’s not because we have most everything finished to put this house on the market, either. It’s not even because I am about to have MORE time to do the things that I really want to do, like write this blog. What excites me tonight is the discovery of several positive comments, from people like you, who have read my blog! These comments were automatically sent to a spam folder that I didn’t know to check. So, if you’ve left me a comment and received no response back, I apologize! I covet every comment, and appreciate so much readers taking the time to respond to what I’ve written. Thank you.
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I’ve got to share something that I witnessed yesterday. I can’t get it out of my mind. I know all about the food chain and how all things are created for a reason, but sometimes I feel too sensitive for the realities of this world.
The other day,when Mike mowed the lawn, he saw a rabbit hole lined in white fur and filled with babies! He said they were cute little gray bunnies, and they looked pretty big–about the size of the one in this picture.
Yesterday morning, Mike noticed the mama rabbit guarding the hole. He told me to come watch. Apparently, it was time for the youngsters to leave the nest. You know how real estate agents always stress location, location, location? Well, this mama rabbit missed the mark. She made the nest in the middle of our yard, between 2 apple trees. When her babies came out of the hole, they were totally exposed.
In the trees around her lurked 2 huge crows. They cawed back and forth in a frenzy–a feeding frenzy.  One of them kept flying toward the babies; the mama rabbit repeatedly chased it away. She made a valiant effort, but the crows out-smarted her. We heard more loud cawing, and then one crow flew in to distract the mama, while the other crow nabbed a bunny and flew over the fence. Mama rabbit chased after them, to no avail. The crows were off to breakfast on her baby.
I’m really not a softy for rabbits. They can be pests, but I couldn’t help but sympathize with this mama rabbit. She tried so hard to protect her babies! Watching her lose the fight was a sad scene that I won’t soon forget. It reminds me too much of how the strong exploit the weak, whether animals or human beings. I long for a kinder, gentler world.
My Updates~
My daughter, Tiffany, and granddaughter, Kristen, are coming this weekend for a visit. We can’t wait to see them. Here’s a picture of Kristen whispering a secret to her younger cousin, Elizabeth.
This morning, on the Martha Stewart Show, a guest made an adorable rainbow layer cake. Kristen loves rainbows, so I want to make the cake for her. I went to Michael’s after the show and bought the Wilton food coloring needed to tint the batter vibrant colors. I can’t wait to try it. I’ll be sure to get pictures.
I’m still reading The Truth About Beauty, by Kat James. I’ve bought some great new health-promoting products. I’ll be writing more later about my quest for better health. Also, it’s almost the 1st anniversary of my dad’s passing. I want to write a bit about Pop.
For now, though, it’s time to call it a day, to snuggle in, and to catch some z’s. Buenas noches!
Tags: baby rabbits, bunnies, comments, Kat James, Martha Stewart Show, positive comments, rabbits, rainbow layer cake, The Truth About Beauty
Apr 12
If you’ve never been to George West, Texas, you really ought to go–NOW! Due to heavy rains, Texas wildflowers this year are thick and brilliant in South Texas. Mike and I just spent 4 days there. We were amazed by the seemingly never-ending beauty of Texas wildflowers.
We were there to attend a funeral for one of Mike’s beloved uncles. I say a funeral, but a “Celebration of a Life Well Lived” is a better way to put it. Uncle Wayne was an incredible Christian man, who positively impacted those fortunate enough to be part of his life. He died a little over a month after his 86th birthday.
The day after the services, a few members of the family decided to go to Clegg, Texas, to visit the house where Uncle Wayne’s mother, Minnie, raised her 9 children. We drove on dirt roads bordered by all types and colors of Texas wild flowers. It’s amazing to see such delicate beauty in such rugged country. This longhorn actually posed for a picture!
We stopped the cars many times along the way to look at the flowers close-up and to try to capture them in photographs.
Here’s Mike and his Uncle George, who is Mike’s last surviving uncle. They favor one another, don’t they?
We found Minnie's house in ruins, but still there!
We spent a wonderful 4 days in George West and Clegg, Texas. It’s therapeutic to be with a loving family and to pay respects to those who came before us.
Though loved ones grieve the loss of Uncle Wayne, there’s comfort in knowing where he is. He literally inhabits the best of both worlds! His spirit lives on in heaven; his remains lie amidst Texas wildflowers. It doesn’t get any better than that.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:6
Tags: Clegg, family, George West, Texas, Texas wildflowers
Mar 30
Last week I spent a beautiful afternoon planting pansies around our Bird Girl statue. My husband, Mike, and I bought the statue after an inspiring trip to Savannah. I’ve decided to leave her here when the house sells. Our family loves her, but she seems to belong here. Normally, herbs grew around her. They were looking ragged, so I pulled them up to make room for prettier flowers.
While digging the the flower bed, my mind traveled back to an afternoon of planting in 1997. On that day, I made an impromptu decision to skip a work-related meeting, to buy a flat of pink petunias, and to go home and plant them. I sat on our brick walkway, in a suit and heels, and dug out spots in the garden for each plant. Tears flowed down my cheeks throughout the process. My beautiful mother lay dying many states away. I couldn’t physically be with her, but I felt a connection to her through the flowers. In summertime, mom always decorated our back patio with huge pots of cascading pink petunias.They became her hallmark.
Fortunately, I was able to travel a couple weeks later to see her. A month after that I traveled again to be with her, and my family, when she died of emphysema. The pink petunias in my garden thrived all summer and were a comfort during those sad days.
My thoughts moved from mom to how much life we’ve experienced in the 18 years that we’ve lived in this house. Our daughters went from public school to college, careers, marriages, and motherhood! We joyfully became “Gigi and Papa” to three beautiful little girls. We have a 4th grandchild due in August. We experienced a long lay-off in the 90’s and survived, without losing our sanity, our marriage, or this house!
We’re getting closer to putting the house on the market. Our old dining room wallpaper is ripped down; today is paint day. I can’t wait to see its fresh new look! I can picture a black wrought iron chandelier in there, but I have to remember this house will no longer be ours!
Mikey spent all Sunday afternoon in the shower–not enjoying a warm spray of water, but sweating through a more than irritating grouting job. He swears he’s going to combat the beast!
Thomas Edison said, “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.” I married a genius!
Anyone have any grouting tips for him?
Tags: Bird girl, bird girl statue, pink petunias
Mar 17
Meet my Irish great-grandfather, Henry Holland. He’s holding my father and is surrounded by his wife, daughter and granddaughter. My father loved his Grandpa Holland. I wish I could have known him. I can see from the picture that I inherited his eyes. I learned later in life that I inherited more than that from him.
5 or 6 years ago, after years of searching, I was diagnosed, as were 2 of my sisters, with Celiac disease (CD). CD is an inherited genetic disease that originated in Northern Europe, i.e. Ireland. CD inhibits the small intestine’s ability to absorb nutrients and can lead to all kinds of unsavory secondary diseases, such lupus, arthritis, diabetes and a whole host of other diseases. The only known cure for CD is life-long adherence to a gluten-free diet. That translates to a diet excluding wheat, barley, and rye.
I’ve adapted well to the diet. I’m healthier and better fed. My husband agrees. We eat more whole food and enjoy cooking so much more than in the past. I feel worlds better. So, great-grandpa, it’s all good. I’m glad to be Irish!
But then, a few months ago, more of my Irish inheritance revealed itself. I noticed a hard knot in the palm of my hand. I didn’t give it much thought, until it started growing and itching. On a lark one day, I googled, “lump in the palm of hand.” In my wildest dreams, I didn’t expect a disease to pop up! Not only that, but another one courtesy of great-grandfather!
This disease is called Dupuytren Disease. It originated in Northern Europe–Ireland–and Vikings! How exciting, until I kept reading. The knot is an abnormal thickening of tissue beneath the palm. It is located directly below the ring finger and is centered between the creases of the hand. Bingo! In some people, cords develop leading to the fingers and these cords can cause the fingers to curl! The ring finger and pinky are the prime curlers…
Sounds fun, huh?
I emailed my brother, asked him if he had a knot, and described exactly where to look for it. He wrote back: “affirmative.” I wrote back, “It’s a sign you’re Irish, and maybe a descendant of Vikings! There’s a drawback, though. It can make your fingers curl.” He wrote back something to the tune of “it could be worse!”
I don’t know if my great-grandfather suffered with these diseases. Maybe he was just a carrier. It doesn’t matter; I’m glad to have my Irish roots, even though they take my bread and may make my fingers curl.
Next google search: The pot of gold!
Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!
I know both diseases can be very serious. This is not meant to minimize peoples’ experiences with either of them.
Tags: celiac disease, dupuytren disease, gluten, Ireland, Irish, Saint Patrick's Day
Mar 12
I can’t believe what suckers most of us are! I’ll speak for myself here, but I know I’m not alone. Let’s say I’m watching TV or reading a magazine, see an attractive ad for some skin-care product, and just have to have it. By the next day, I’ll have made a trip to the drugstore and paid $10-$20 to try it out. I’d rarely check what’s in the products. I’m a great ingredient checker for foods, but oh, so trusting when it comes to skin-care products. I usually picked products based on advertising, name brand, smell, texture, and the promises on the bottle. I naively thought “Recommended by Dermatologists” meant they were effective AND safe.
I’d heard about parabens and other toxins found in skin-care products, but hadn’t paid much attention. When I began reading Kat James book, The Truth About Beauty, a light bulb went off in my head. You don’t have to eat something to internalize it. What we put on the outside of our bodies soaks in and either does good or does harm, depending on the product.
Parabens may cause rashes, cancer, disrupt hormone levels, remain in tissues, and increase UVB-mediated DNA damage. Kat James warns that parabens and other toxins reek havoc on many aspects of health, like WEIGHT CONTROL. That hit home. I headed for the bathroom cabinets to read bottles.
I couldn’t believe the number of paraben-containing name-brand products I found. Take a look. As I was going through the many bottles. I realized how
foolish I’d been. How many skin care products does a girl need? I rarely used most of what I had, though it took up an entire shelf in the linen closet. Suddenly, I felt disadvantaged to have them and naive to have wasted money on them. Throwing them out made me feel wasteful, too. I thought about giving some of them away, but if I don’t think they’re good enough for me, why would I give them to someone else? l want to replace them with a few basic products that are toxin- free. The fewer bottles I have, the better I’ll feel! That’s my idea of privileged.
So, in the next few weeks I’ll be looking for health-promoting skin-care products. Anybody have any recommendations?
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Tonight I have a date with my husband to see Crazy Hearts. I’m so happy Jeff Bridges won Best Actor for his part in this movie. I hope we like it as much as I think we will! The rest of the weekend, it’s back to the old grind of working on the house. I can’t wait for it to sell and for us to get settled in our new home.
Here’s a link to a great song about feeling like a kid even when getting older. Cute! Do you remember your 1st letter from AARP? I do. It arrived when I was 48. I felt indignant! I\'m a 50 Year Old Kid, by John Fern
Enjoy!
Have a great weekend!
Note: I have not been compensated or asked to endorse any of the products or services mentioned in this post.
Tags: healthy skin-care products, Kat James, paraben, parabens, skin care products, The Truth About Beauty, WEIGHT CONTROL
Mar 10
In yesterday’s post, I said I wouldn’t be interested in taking a pill that would end aging and aging related diseases. I didn’t say that I wouldn’t do all that I can to stay as vibrant and beautiful as possible in my golden years! I am currently working at dropping some weight and adding more strength training and cardio exercises to my daily round.
I use an incredible site called Sparkpeople.com to keep track of calories, nutrient intake, and fitness. I highly recommend this site! There’s helpful information, such as exercise demo’s, recipes, educational and motivational articles, and a ton (no pun intended!) of people ready and willing to be a friend.
Counting calories isn’t too hard for me. I am allotted plenty of calories to satisfy my hunger. Due to an autoimmune disease called Celiac disease, I can’t eat anything containing the gluten found in wheat, barley, and rye. That eliminates most processed food. I’m also lactose intolerant, so dairy is out,too! That leaves lots of calories for delicious whole foods.
Consistently exercising is difficult for me. I’m better at putting it off than doing it! Sparkpeople helps keep me motivated. They suggest a group of 6 strength training exercises that take only 11 minutes to do! I like to do them first thing in the morning after getting out of bed. That way, I don’t have to think about them all day long.
I actually enjoy walking. I reserve my iPod music for when I walk and play all my favorite songs. One time I walked an extra lap around the neighborhood just because of the music.
(Off the subject, but anyone else love American Idol? What a talented group is competing this year! Who are you rooting for?)
It’s not easy dropping weight at this age. Actually, my daughters find it difficult, as well. I’ve been wondering what other factors lead to weight gain. I’m reading a very interesting book, by Kat James, called The Truth About Beauty. I’m just a chapter
or 2 into the book, but have already learned so much. James explains that the many toxins, that daily assault our bodies, keep us from being healthy and fit. She teaches a systematic way of replacing toxic substances with healthful ones. Today I am cleaning out the toiletries I use that are toxic. I plan to replace them with a few excellent natural products. I’ll write more about this as I go through the book.
How have you solved health or weight problems?
That’s all for now! Have a great day!
“Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art.”
~Eleanor Roosevelt
Note: I have not been compensated or asked to endorse any of the products or services mentioned in this post.
Tags: aging, aging related diseases, aging women, autoimmune disease, celiac disease, gluten, lactose intolerant Kat James, sparkpeople.com, The Truth About Beauty
Mar 09
Last week I read an article by Kyle Munkittrick , titled “Why Do We Accept Aging?” The author described a thought provoking exercise that he experienced in an undergraduate class. His professor asked students to raise their hands if they’d be willing to take one pill, on the spot, that would end aging and age-related diseases. According to the professor, dying could come through other causes, but not as a result of aging. Munkittrick was the only student to raise a hand.
According to Munkittrick, the professor’s point was not that people want to age and die, but that we naturally distrust such offers. They sound too good to be true. Our minds are programmed to believe there must be some sort of attached cost.
So true! The cost of taking the pill would be too great for me.
(1) I don’t trust pharmaceutical companies, so I wouldn’t be inclined to take any pill, on the spot, based on hyped-up promises. Besides, I recently watched a C-rated movie (in my opinion) called, The Box. A couple in that movie accepted a hard to believe offer and, as a result, suffered unforeseen tragic consequences!
(2) I believe in God and look forward to life after this one. Who says life on earth is the best there is? Heaven forbid. I’m grieved by human suffering that goes on all over the world, especially at the hands of other humans.
(3) I’d be bored if life here went on and on and on! Economically, it would be a disaster. We don’t have enough jobs for people now–can you imagine everyone living endlessly? We wouldn’t have to age; we’d all starve.
(4) I believe there’s a purpose for everything, even if I don’t fully understand it. I do not view aging is a “mistake of nature.”
(4) As scary as aging can be, I want to experience every part of life.
(5) I had the privilege of being with both my mother and father when they passed away. It was obvious to me and my family that unseen forces were with us throughout those difficult days. I look forward to seeing loved ones again and I especially look forward to meeting my creator in person!
I don’t want to live endlessly on earth. What’s your opinion? Would you take the pill?
On a lighter side~
The other day I saw a well-past 50 (WP50) woman at the post office, dressed stylishly in crisp jeans, a tailored jacket, turtleneck, and boots. She looked pretty conventional until I noticed a big pin on her lapel that read, “IN DOG YEARS I’D BE DEAD!” I don’t know what prompted her to wear the pin, but I sure appreciated the laugh!
On another errand, to the supermarket, I noticed another WP50 woman who wore a huge message on the back of her sweatshirt. It read, “IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I CAN POSSIBLY DO FOR YOU?” Who can’t relate to that one? So many WP50’s have incredible humor, capabilities, confidence, and ATTITUDE. I’m proud to be one of ‘em!
Have a great day! Burn that bra! Life really does go full circle! 
Tags: Kyle Munkittrick, The Box, Why do we accept aging?
Mar 01
I’m having difficulty getting to this blog because my husband and I are in the process of moving out of the house we’ve lived in for the past 17 years. We’ve been sifting through our “stuff” and have been passing the last of our daughters’ childhood treasures back to them. Yesterday, I opened a trunk and found 5 or 6 of their Cabbage Patch kids. They looked pretty dirty, so I told one of my sons-in-law, who was graciously helping us, to throw them away. He told me he wouldn’t to do it, because his wife would never forgive him! Apparently, Sarah tells him “all the time” how much she loved her Cabbage Patch kids!
I tossed the dolls into washing machine, added soap, clicked the “on” switch, and let them take their chances. They looked hilarious bobbing up and down in the water, as if having a play date at a community pool. Amazingly, they came out whole, clean and dried quickly.
In the same bag was a pink “Poochie.” My youngest daughter, Megan, received Poochie after receiving a shot of antibiotics. I always told my kids that it was ok to cry when they got a shot, but if they didn’t throw a fit they’d get a surprise. I swear, I think they sometimes hoped for a shot! They loved the shopping trip afterward. Poochie washed up beautifully, too, and brought a big smile to Megan’s adult face. Some things just shouldn’t be thrown away!
They appear delighted to have escaped not only the trunk, but also the dump! The cutest of the bunch, of course, is my adorable granddaughter, Lizzie!
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Moving from this house is a big milestone. Sometimes it’s hard to let go of life as we knew it. On the other hand, we can’t wait to move to the new house. It will be so much less work. Our current house is 2-story on an acre with some 40 trees. We have 2 pecan trees, apple trees, cherry trees, dogwoods lining the property, and a huge oak tree that shades the house. That’s all great, but the work is unbelievable. Trees have to be trimmed, fruit picked, and they shed their leaves every Fall–a beautiful time, but cleaning up the leaves is a mountain of work.
Our yard is bordered by a pasture with horses, donkeys, and sometimes even a fainting goat or 2! These animals constantly entertain us. Our new rancher is being built at the other end of the same pasture. We’ll still have the animals to enjoy AND our new property won’t have trees in the yard! Trees will be all around us, but on other peoples’ property! Get my drift? We’re learning to appreciate surrogates–whether animals or trees! Since we won’t have as much work to do, we’ll sit outside with our feet up, sip cool drinks, and enjoy our neighbors’ responsibilities! I’ve lived long enough to know life isn’t usually that simple, but it’s sure fun to dream!
That’s it for today. Today’s my day to clean out the bathroom cabinets and get them ready to paint. Oh, joy! Anybody have any suggestions for staging a house?
” It’s important to have a twinkle in your wrinkle.” ~Author unknown
Tags: cabbage patch kids, moving, staging a house
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