Category Archives: Ageing Gracefully

Jul19

Healthy Aging

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One thing I seem to be dealing with is stiffness. Yes, I’m stiff almost all the time. If I sit for more than five minutes, drive for more than five minutes, I’m stiff! When I get up in the morning, I’m really stiff! I officially feel like the Tin Man!

I would bet you’re the same way. As we get older we seem to be chronically stiff! It isn’t so funny when it’s happening to you. Is it arthritis, or is it something else? I’m not sure. If you know, I’d like to know. Would it really make a difference to know?

There are all kinds of information on You Tube helping us stay upright, and healthy. Here are just a few.

It isn’t just stiffness, it’s a whole bunch of things we have to deal with. Balance is a huge issue, and we all deal with balance sooner or later.

Eating well is another way to stay healthy. I believe sometimes healthy foods are way too expensive, and cooking is another subject all together.

Are any of you tired of cooking like I am? After putting together meals for a family for more than sixty years, I’m most definitely over it. Standing at the stove for longer than five or ten minutes is a killer for me. How about you?

Do you love cooking? I use to, but not any longer. Are we even suppose to cook when we get older? Shouldn’t someone else be doing the cooking? Maybe the imaginary chef! Wouldn’t that be nice?

I hope you were able to get something out of today’s blog, we could go on talking about our aches, and pains for hours, but I don’t want to focus on the negative. We must push the negative aside, and find the positive pieces of aging. It is freeing, and I really do not care about what anyone thinks. Your comments, and thoughts are always welcome.

One last thing; I’m learning that people that live longer, and feel better are existing with a positive attitude, and do activities they love. That is the key to being happy in the “Golden Years!”

Thank you for stopping to read my blog. I’ll be back soon. Remember we need to stick together for support both mentally and physically. Together we stand! Karen

Jul5

Spring Has Sprung…

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As we speed through June, it suddenly occurred to me that we are more than half way through June, and are half way through the year. I have to say my life is flashing before my eyes. You might feel the same way.

I love the cool mornings that are soon to leave, and the cool afternoons. The days will get hotter and shorter at the same time. That doesn’t feel right to me. And yet I live in the perfect place, Southern California. Everywhere else is either too hot, or too cold, and I’m a Goldie Locks Girl. I get heat stroke in summer, and well I have to bundle up so I don’t stiffen up in winter.

But let’s get back to Spring! It is definitely time to plant flowers, and figure out just what color you want to splash in your garden. I love having those little faces blooming all over my yard. I even splash some yard art around for variety, and fun.

Because of our climate, and quality of soil I have grown to love succulents. It really seems like a waste of water to try and keep tropical plants thriving in our Mediterranean Climate. So we now have a healthy mix of plants that need less water, and attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and other garden creatures. It makes me happy to know that I’m contributing food for their little tables, and picnics. Yes, birds must have picnics, after all they have families too!

Plants, and their sometimes unusual colors give me joy, and happiness. My next trip will have to be to Home Depot, Lowe’s, or one of our many nurseries for a mix of six packs of little plants to stuff in-between rocks, and other larger plants.

Tell me, do you enjoy potting or gardening as well? Even one little planted pot can bring life, energy, and joy into your home.

I hope you will try a little planting soon. It always helps give me an uplift.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts and ideas. I’ll be back soon. Karen

Jun13

Just what is OLD?

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I ran across this short video on You Tube, and thought it was interesting. It brings up so many thoughts. So I thought I’d ask all of you a few questions related to perception, reality, thoughts, and ideas.

When I was much younger, I never thought I’d reach old age, not even middle age. I didn’t think I’d leave this planet, I guess I just never thought! Now I can’t imagine not realizing old age was imminent!

What’s worse is that I didn’t even think older people had anything to share. How immature I was! I wondered how old people could even think they had anything to share. It saddens me to think how naive I was, and how much young people miss by thinking that way.

We can be fun too! Just look at us toddling around the neighborhood doing all our old people things at old people speed. Is it any wonder everyone gets upset with us for driving our cars at 15-20 miles per hour to save on gas. After all bread was .25 a loaf when we were growing up, and gas was about .50 when we started driving. No wonder we think this way.

Did we raise our kids to be part of the throw away generation? Because that’s how they turned out! Who taught them that anyway?

I love reusing things, going thrifting, and sometimes nosing around garage sales. Many years ago, and I mean many, on trash night people would put out treasures for others to find, and find we did. It was not illegal in those days, and our homes were eclectic, and fun. My kids would never do this, they are the ones throwing away stuff. Sometimes we would find really good furniture, and turn it from trash to treasure making a little money on the side.

All the affluent neighborhoods would have the best pickings, and we picked, and picked ’till our hearts desire. The thought still excites me, but laws have changed around here, and people aren’t throwing away treasures like before.

There are times when I feel like old furniture, all embellished with nicks, scars, and pale skin. Waiting to see what’s next is the interesting part. We never know, and many times aren’t ready for it. I’m never ready for it!

One thing is for sure, we can only do our best. We are all in the same boat, dealing with the same problems, but we aren’t alone, we are never alone.

And the young people, well they too will have their day. One day they will be old, and wrinkled, they’ll waddle around wondering what happened to the last 50 years.

I guess the Botton line is, you are only as old as you feel. Some days I feel 100, some days I feel 50 again. Keep moving my friends, because we don’t want to walk around like the tin man all stiff and squeaky

Thank you for taking time to stop and read my blog. I hope you have a great day without squeaks, and waddles.

Remember united we stand. Karen

May3

Travel Adventure

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I recently took a mini vacation up north to visit my daughter, and her family. They have a small ranch, and live in a very rural area. I love it up there because I can sit in the middle of nature, and talk to all the animals.

I usually fly when I’m traveling alone, as I did this time. But things are different these days. The airlines have changed policies, and it’s a bit stressful trying to figure out exactly what is required of you. After watching many Youtube videos on the airline’s “New Rules,” I still wasn’t any further along than when I started.

I just didn’t want to get to the gate, and be turned away because my case was too large, or I had something inside that was the tiniest bit larger than they required. I’ve had my luggage gone through before, had things taken out and tossed. Some of it was my fault, I should have known better. Other times they pulled something that wasn’t too large and tossed it. That one really got to me!

All in all, because it was my daughter, there were many things that I didn’t need to bring because it was already up there. Lucky for me, the cary on’s that are required are really small now, and one has to be a really efficient packer to be able to get away with a mini cary-on.

The next thing was for me to mark my luggage so it would be easily identified. After spending hours selecting a bag that was just the proper fit at TJ Max, I then had to decide what to put on the side so it could be recognized. That took another day or so. After all it had to be my signature look!

Finally, after trying many different things, this is what I decided on. It took me about three days due to drying time. I’m happy with it, and it didn’t get scrapped up even after being thrown around by the people that love throwing baggage around.

I stayed twelve days, and had a very relaxing visit. My Granddaughter turned eighteen the 4th of April, and I love seeing her on her birthday. She picked a dinner place for us all to enjoy, and just to top it off, she had a very excellent place for the three of us girls to go for lunch the following day. It’s never an inexpensive trip, but it’s always a memorable trip.

How do all of you find these little get aways, or even big vacations? Do you get stressed out, or are you a chill traveler? Is it more stressful unpacking when you get home? If you are traveling with family, do you end up being host? My husband joyfully play host, and hostess every time. After all, what is Grandpa, and Grandma for?

I love going, but it’s really nice to get back to the comfort of my own home. Never do I feel unwelcome, but I am aware of the fact that my family needs to make me feel comfortable. I always feel relief when I can get on the plane, allowing my daughter and her family to take a deep breath, and get back to normal.

Thank you for stopping by and allowing me to share my little adventure with you. Until next time, “United we stand,” Karen

These are just a few pictures of the ranch, there are many more, and many more animals to be seen…

Mar29

Having Fun Too!

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Fun is different as we get older. Did you use to go to concerts, or big parties? I did, and loved the energy. I don’t know how you feel, but I really don’t like large crowds anymore, or the chaotic energy. Don’t get me wrong, I love people, and getting to know their culture, colors, or even the different music. But, I really don’t like large crowds or rallies, meetings, and gatherings. Well, that just about covers everything that involves people doesn’t it? Maybe you are much the same. It looks like I might be antisocial, but I’m really not!

I really enjoy my home, and maybe having a few friends in for tapas, and a glass of wine, or a beer. One might say I’m a home body. I guess I am now. It’s more comfortable to be in my own home curled up with a good movie, a book, or even a friend. However, I’m missing my furry companions, (not my husband, he’s not fury! and he is my life partner!) but my dog, and cat. They use to curl up with me especially when it was raining, or just cold.

You might feel the same way. Is it because we are tired, and don’t enjoy the effort it takes to get dressed up to go out, or are we past putting up with a bunch of people that many times feels a waste of time. Sometimes I just can’t justify socializing with people that either don’t have the same interests, or complain a lot.

I don’t happen to enjoy drinking like I used to. And, I particularly don’t like being around people that don’t know when to stop drinking! I’m not against drinking, just excessive drinking.

Maybe it is more about driving. I still enjoy driving, but many of my friends don’t enjoy driving at night, or even at all. I’ll get there I’m sure, but not yet! There are ways to get around not wanting to drive. How about Uber, or share a ride with a friend? Something like, you fly, I’ll buy!

If you like to play board games, I’m told they are a lot of fun. Card games can be fun also, try a simple game to start, and work up to something more complicated. I’d have to do that since I haven’t played cards or board games in years.

As I close this blog, I’m reminded that I have a beautiful back yard to enjoy. My chimes hang from almost every tree, and they are beautiful to listen to. When the weather gets warm, I sit on my patio, or in my garden and quietly listen to the birds singing, or the trees whispering in the breeze. I am very blessed!

Thank you for stopping to read my blog. I know many of you have been with me for a very long time, and I really appreciate that,

Remember we stand together, share issues, send out love, while always supporting each other.

Much love, Karen

Dec21

Fun, What’s That?

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Lady in a hat.

We all had fun years ago. Some more than others. Sure life isn’t always a bowl of chuckles, and it comes differently to each of us, but at one time or another we had real fun. I hope in our own way, we still do have fun.

Growing old isn’t always fun, and it definitely isn’t for the faint of heart! Since we can’t change any of the old age stuff, negativity is a waist of time. I’m not waisting my time being grumpy, and complaining. The flip side of that is always being positive. That isn’t always easy either. What I can tell you is that each time you have a negative thought, be it nasty or just plain down, if that thought is replaced with a positive thought it will go a long way. Of course, that’s difficult also. But, if you keep doing it, soon it will work. I’ll be the first to admit that the bad stuff doesn’t go away, but before you know it, those negative thoughts will be much less consuming.

Dr. Weil from the University of Arizona is a man I’ve listened to for years. He is progressive in the sense that he believes we can go a long way by thinking positive. He also believes in clean food, but that is an entirely different blog..

Since we are heading into the Holiday season, I’m keeping this short. As usual, these are my ideas and opinions, you don’t have to agree with me. I’m ok with that, I think we should all have our own opinions.

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and Happy Chanukah, and if you have a different holiday you celebrate, I wish for you a magical holiday. Much love.

Thank you for stopping to read my blog,

Together we Stand, Karen