Over 60 and Still Working/New Year's Day

[maryenne]

Good morning friends,

We did make it to midnight, watching Sherlock and then the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame. Before that we drove to Bed Bath and Beyond and found new frying pans (Calphalon), went to Lowes, and then up to Thomasville, Georgia for dinner at the farmer's market diner. On the way back we stopped at the grocery store. So it was a pleasant day and evening overall.

I received an email from Michelynn, but I don't think she knew who I was as she responded with their Christmas letter. I'll write her again and be clear that I'm from the Over 60s group. The Christmas letter sounded very cheery though, so that's good.

Esther, I envy your visit to the yarn shop. But no more yarn for me until I actually finish something!

Lynn, I also like your idea of writing something positive every day. I picked up my journal again last night after neglecting it for several months.

Peg, I hope you enjoy the peace in your house today, although I know you'll miss your family.

Janice, are you finding enough to occupy yourself this long weekend or are you just taking it easy?

Joyce, I hope you are feeling better and that we hear from you and Joan soon.

A hearty, happy new year to each of you. I hope we can all feel productive and happy in the coming days.

Maryenne

[woofie]

Good morning everyone and Happy 2017,

DD's family left about an hour ago and yes, the house is quiet. I have started the laundry, sheets, towels, etc. I am going to wash all of the blankets as the DGSs had runny noses and coughs. My washer may not stop for a couple of days, LOL!! Back to normal eating too.

At dinner last night I told the boys about making resolutions and what they were meant for.....so everyone said something that they want to do better. It was cute as the two youngest chose something sports related....running faster, etc but the oldest one related to his own behavior. The adults also said something.....very thoughtful, especially from DSIL. Mine was to hit my step goal daily and for DH and myself to eat at home more...LOL, one of the pitfalls of retirement. We don't plan on changing our usual Sunday lunch out though.

I started taking my myeloma maintenance drug this morning.....keep your fingers crossed for me!! I know I have to but still a little apprehensive.

Glad to hear a little something from Michelynn. Joyce and Joan, missing your posts too.

Wishing everyone a great 2017! Virtual hugs to all,

Peg

[mooselady12]

Good morning!
We had a great day yesterday. We went for a long walk and I found a small yarn shop. The owner is from a small town just south of us in TI. I bought some yarn and a yarn bowl, it has openings for the yarn to go through so it doesn't get tangled. I have wanted one for a while, so I got it! We had a quiet dinner and went to see our friend play the piano. Tonight we have tickets for a concert by a jazz singer. Home tomorrow.
Joyce, I hope your mother and you are both healing. Prayers for you.
Maryenne, what frying pans did you end up getting? It sounds like you had a busy, productive day yesterday.
Esther, what is the name of the yarn shop in Northampton? Our house is about an hour from there and my niece works at Smith College. I can see a lunch visit combined with a yarn run in my future!
Happy New Year! May we continue our online friendship together!
Lynn

[mooselady12]

Should have been RI! I need to read before sending!

[maryenne]

Lynn, we bought a set of an 8" and 10" stainless steel with non-stick finish.

[nashville11]

Happy New Year everyone! Wishing you each the very best for 2017 and want to let each of you know how much I value our online friendship.

There's nothing uplifting to report from here, but we are forging ahead. I do think my mom's confusion has cleared up a little bit, which is a tremendous relief to me. And while she still has some pain, it is not nearly as much so grateful for that. My dad is trying so very hard, and he is stronger than he was when he first came home from rehab so that is another positive. As for my pinched nerve, the pain is no longer constant but it is still there so I expect an MRI is my short term future.

I don't think I have told you (or maybe I have, I seem to be getting forgetful lately--blaming it on stress.) We have decided to look into assisted living places for my mom and dad. They have been with us for almost 5 years now, but their needs are becoming greater all the time and for my own health (both physical and emotional) as well as for DH's health who is a full partner in this venture I believe it is time we seriously look into other arrangements. I know that is the best for all of us, but it is emotionally hard for me. I seem to have a permanent case of guilt and worry, always afraid that they will think I am "tossing" them away or something. Rationally I know that is not true, but sometimes my heart and my head don't cooperate very well together. I'm looking at places near us, so I will still be visiting with them daily, will still take care of all appointments, financial affairs, etc. I just will no longer have the 24/7 responsibility. So 2017 is looming with some big changes on the horizon for our household.

Best wishes for all of you!

[maryenne]

Joyce, so glad you reported in. It sounds like assisted living will be a good option. There will come a time when you just will not be able to care for them and better I think to get them accustomed to it sooner rather than later. Your reasoning is strong, YOU are strong, and this step just might save your own life as well as DH's.

Many warm hugs to you!

[smith835]

Happy New Year! Staying pretty busy for someone who had no plans but that means I am getting a few things done around the house and a nap here and there too.

I have the Calphalon skillets also. I have an 8, 10, and 12 inch. Have held up better than any non stick skillets I have ever had. I still have my old cast iron too which I pull out once in a while.

Peg your laundry sounds like a big job. Several years ago I got the high efficiency stacking units - it takes at least an hour for the washer to run a load which I find annoying but it does a good job. Folks tell me that the new ones don't take as long.

Hope you all have a good start to the new year.

Janice