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Good morning pups o’ fire. Last week I celebrated a birthday. I’m not going to tell you how old I am but suffice it to say that I’m well into middle age. I actually worked that day and I had three people offer to take me to lunch. I wound up getting enchiladas with one of the salespeople and a couple of rain checks. When we got back from lunch, there were three enormous posters behind my desk screaming “Happy Birthday Peggy!”, which nobody will admit to but made me feel incredibly appreciated. Today another salesperson brought in two birthday cakes and I’m gorging myself on the last piece of one of them while typing this, making my keyboard all choco-licious and sticky.
But this isn’t about my birthday, that’s just a segue into a subject that’s been on my mind lately: aging. I’ve always been incredibly, ridiculously healthy and robust. I still look like I’m in my late thirties or early forties, heck I don’t even have any grey hairs. But the reality is that middle age hit me suddenly and hard.
It seemed to start with a bout of the flu that I came down with around New Year, 2008. After I got over the flu, I started have urinary trouble which turned out to be a nasty and fairly chronic case of urethritis. Then I gained weight while being sedentary while I convalesced, (trust me, having to pee all the time really crimps your lifestyle!), I came down with symptoms of gout and began having early symptoms of diabetes. Belatedly, I took charge of my health and since then have worked very hard to regain a semblance on the kind of good health I used to take for granted.
Health issues aside, aging hasn’t been all bad or even overall bad. I’ve been around long enough to recognize a scam when I see one for example and I find that the older I get, the more likely people are to either treat me in a friendly, respectful manner or, better yet, just to leave me alone!
Considering some of the things I’ve been through and some of the crap I’ve put up with, that by itself makes having to work harder to maintain good health a fair exchange. My next promise to myself is that I’ll never be a “Get off my lawn” type of senior but I’ll have to wait a few more years for that.
What about it? I know there are a whole lot of middle aged folks who frequent this forum and many seniors and young people too. What are your perspectives on aging? Does the bad outweigh the good for you or are you, like me, finding it to be somewhat of a relief from the pressures we face in young adulthood?
164 Comments
I’ll play…I too always looked younger then I was old…;) Talking about some of this yesterday esp a couple of things: Being much less to put up with stuff (some things really do not matter, etc.) and a mixed blessing…being ignored more frequently, a sort of invisible feeling. Just seems to happen.
Good Morning All….It is a very interesting topic. Thanks, M.
Good morning pups! Something has come up so I’m with you for a bit but it looks like I’m going to have to go spend a couple of hours at work this morning.
“Time” by Pink Floyd is what got me to thinking about this subject. It never really held any meaning for me until a couple of years ago. I used to mouth the words when I was younger without thinking about the actual content. But when I was in my late forties there was one line that really stood out:
So very true in my case. I just never paid any attention to the fact that one day I would grow old. But I think I’ll skip the next line which goes:
I’m comfortable with aging. You only go around once and so far it’s been a hoot and a half.
Good morning, RevBev and pupses, thanks Margaret for a topic that many of us are feeling pretty keenly right now :)
LMAO! Yep, sure seems like we’re a buncha aging hippies sometimes, does it not?
Good Morning Margaret,
In the same boat needing to head out for a bit. Will check back later.
On the age thing, my long range plans are tightening up a bit, for sure.
I’m becoming more comfortable, but it’s a conscious effort. I don’t like that invisible feeling RevBev mentioned, and I could strangle checkout people who call me “dear” at Publix *g*
Good morning Margaret. But but, the get the f88k off my lawn part of getting to be a geezer is the most fun part, as long as you’re laughing under your breath on the inside.
With you on the long range thing. The future is already here :)
I think the shocker is what you describe…when you begin to feel the physical change. That was really late for me…Ive always worked, returned to school, etc. so my outlook and surroundings stayed pretty youthful and growing…But you can’t outrun the physical stuff forever. And that’s the truth….(Im working today also, M. About out.)
Good morning all.
The nice thing about being old, as opposed to aging, is that you don’t have to worry about your health anymore.
My SIL, who will turn 89 this August, said it best: When people ask me how I’m doing, I just say fine. People don’t really want to listen to how I’m really doing.
One of her best insights.
I think you have a handle on it. Laughter is key in this aging business, I’m sure.
Peggy! Or, Pegala.
(Late Many Happy Returns of the Day to you.)
I’ll share a little exchange I had with Molly the other day, as she is still on her choir trip to Florida. She said that when her son was younger, she had told him she wasn’t getting older, she was getting better. And, he told her No, you’re just getting better at getting older. Ha.
I’m sorry you have to go in to work, but, heh, sounds like you’re being treated well and respected too. So, that ain’t bad.
Same thing in this household. We starting to take a serious look at what we’re going to do in 5 years, and now we’re wondering if we shouldn’t just go ahead and make those plans happen sooner than later.
Me,too. Stayed busy on the inside as well as the outside. But even when you try to stay in good physical shape the body just doesn’t have the resilience it once had. Easier to hurt yourself even in little ways, and harder and longer to heal.
It has it’s upside. Feeling invisible sucks sure but I like being left alone some days.
Yep. I’ve certainly become more frangible. That’s really my only regret. You wouldn’t believe the amount of abuse I used to put myself through. Now I wouldn’t even consider putting myself in such a position.
Yes on the taking longer to heal reality. Did I tell you that I had a handle put on the wall of my bathtub? I like to put baby or preferably sesame oil in my bath water, as my skin is much drier these days, and I don’t want to slip and fall while in climbing in or out. Oh, the humiliation.
Spot on. Ya gotta laugh.
I’m not sure what you all mean by “invisible”. Can someone clarify or expand on that, please?
Personally I really resent having to exercise on my bike for 45 minutes to an hour every day just to maintain a reasonable level of health, when up until just a few years ago, I could pretty much be a potato on the sofa and stay in robust health. It could be worse though…MUCH worse.
Yeah, I can relate to the invisible stuff and “…that elderly gentleman…” references. As I told a friend recently, I’ve spent half my time wishing people would leave me alone and the other half wondering where everybody went.
Yeah, that’s just a social convention. Even when I was younger though, many people just move smoothly on to their next question/point without waiting for an answer.
I don’t know. I got old when I was 40 ( genetic movement disorder) and things have been going downhill since my hysterectomy in 2000.
There’s something about losing your hormones ( for a woman) that tells Nature to throw you on the scrap heap, no more possibility of babies!
Now I feel like an old car with the trim and bumpers falling off.
And I AM a “stay off my lawn” type. I hate it when people show up at my door uninvited; drives me nuts. I think it’s about feeling vulnerable as a woman living alone.
Now, my chiropractor nearly broke my back with a absolutely careless “adjustment”. God knows if that will mend. I did find someone who really seems to know what he’s doing and isn’t a cowboy or thinks he’s GOD but he’s old too
I used to be so pumped and healthy. I figure it was what saved me thru the tremendous pain of my genetic condition. Pain is very stressful. Be sure to take your B vitamins and maybe an adrenal supplement.
That is true. It can be an advantage sometimes. I want to reinvent myself though, in a thoroughly shallow, physical way, lol! One thing I loved about my mom, as she got older, was the way she dressed. Very simply. I always think of her in her white turtleneck, long black jumper and black boots.
LMAO! I’m still early enough into that second stage where I mostly enjoy being left alone.
Let’s not think of how much worse it could be, OK?
But, oh the good and forward thinking. Can you imagine the humiliation of having the EMTs arrive to find you trapped in the bathtub in your birthday suit? LOL!
Yep. No more expensive hairstyles, no more stuffing yourself into too tight jeans or too short skirts, no more primping in front of the mirror endlessly. I always look frightful when I get home because I refuse to touch up my make up. What I put on, (it takes less than five minutes), has to last me all day.
It’s a “youth culture” obviously older people have absolutely NOTHING to offer. they esp don’t want to hear about “the good ol’ days”
Deal. Besides, that’s not what this topic is about. :)
Me too
Another thing…I have so lost interest in clothes…Just happened and I have always really enjoyed clothes. Not esp shopping, just good looking attire. Not so much these day.
I don’t think anybody wants to think about that about anything…………..
That is so funny! Stealing it, with your permission!
That would be very, very bad. I guess I’ll stick with the humiliation of the handle over That kind of humiliation.
Oddly enough, older men seem to find me attractive. I guess the older women are all fixed up by now
I’ve decided that the “good ol’ days” are nothing more or less than the speaker yearning for the days of his/her youth and doesn’t really have anything to do with the socio-economic conditions of the time being regretted. I used to listen to older people talking about the good ol’ days which coincided with the Great Depression. They don’t want a return to those times, just a return to youth. Ain’t gonna happen though.
Great topic, M; I’ll check back….Cheers, All.;)
Exactly! I have a whole closet full of clothing I’ll never wear again. Shopping for me is no longer fun but a chore.
Peggy, we have an exercise bike in the garage, one with handles that go up and down. I never use it. Never. But, I know I should, and now you’ve got me thinking I should have it moved to the living room, so I can either watch something or listen to music. It’s not very attractive, but, I imagine the health benefits would over ride it’s ugly presence in the LR. I must be more practical. Maybe that’s one of the things I’m learning as I age.
Please do. Geezer solidarity.
ugg, was hoping to finally live blog my breakfast after a long respite but it’s so busy I haven’t the time to stick around
anyway, as always, just love margarettes posts, one comment then I am off till later
I also have been the picture of health, always in sports, competing hard, excelling in most sports I participate
I have discovered a dark dark truth;
we were raised believing the harder you played the more healthy you would be, that it would set you up for a longer healthier life
not so
the harder you played the more likely your joints will wear out, your ligaments have become loose, the more likely you had permanent injury
here I am, pretty darned young, had one hip resurfaced, going to have another at the end of this busy season, I will eventually need both knees
I played in a rock band and my hearing has suffered as well
it seems we have a tank of gas, you must use that gas to keep it from going stale but the tank runs dry if you use that gas to keep it from running dry
(that’s an analogy I just made up for this post as I typed, pretty happy with it and will use it in the future)
see all later
Part of that yearning or remembering an idyllic youth is simply wishing to shed the responsibilities we accrue as we grow older, I think.
I think my best year was age 28 :). But, actually, 55 was wonderful, too. I hope there will others, on down the line :)
Maybe so, but in sane societies they generally make use of the experience of their “elders” not that I fit that description quite yet. Although I do think having gone thru the hippie wars gives interesting herstorical perspective.
Heck, if they’re gonna listen to our music…ya know?
Have a good morning!
Yup. Those early injuries catch up with you later on….or not so later……
My exercise bike lives in the living room where it’s an eyesore and constantly in the way…and it’s not going anywhere. I’m no longer concerned about my weight but my health and it’s been well worth every penny I paid for it. I hate exercise. I hate the sweat, the effort, the sometimes pain involved. I resent the hour it takes out of my life every day. But I like the results. My doctor hasn’t griped at me in years!
LOL! Bumper sticker idea!
Well for me the only thing I’m missing is my youthful health. Some of the things I went through though still gives me cause to wonder how it is I’m here typing this sentence. I honestly never thought I’d ever get old enough to seriously discuss this issue in the first person.
Seconded!
Okay, I’m fully convinced. Gonna do it. Since it’s not fireplace weather anymore, I can shift a few things around and drag that eyesore in.
I hope you will have some time soon to do a breakfast live blog. Might make a good PUAC some Saturday.
I think your best choice was to be the Real You so you could have less stress in your life. So happy you did.
I’m 53 and will be 54 this year. I’m conflicted. I refuse to allow myself to believe the bad is outwieghing the good. At the same time, I made some big mistakes in my youth that fuck me up to this day and I find myself wishing I could go back for a do-over- Completely, 100% useless way to think, I know, but it’s there sometimes. I rarely admit this but I am VERY cognizant that I’m getting closer to my dirt nhap and that is not a good thought either. I’ll probably be working til I’m 70, swhould I still be around but hope I don’t have to. I think I’ll see the world get worse in every way, but everybody it seems. thimks that as they age. My parents did. Still, trying to build a post-divirce life. So, based on what I’ve said, it seems like middle age sucks. BUT my 4 kids are my world and will always more than balance out the suckiness.
“I honestly never thought I’d ever get old enough to seriously discuss this issue in the first person.”
You got that right. After all the damage done in the 60′s, 70′s, and 80′s…whoo boy. Let’s just say I scraped it down to the rind a few times.
Speaking of the hippie wars and thinking of TarheelDem, there is a certain freedom to aging. Sadly, the 99% have us where they want us. Younger and employed people take a huge risk in participating in demonstrations because of the very real possibility of losing one’s job and health benefits.
At least as we grow older there is less to lose in that respect.
Hiya, Beerfart. Doesn’t that 50 year old going through a divorce timing suck? Happened to me too. But, it also happened to the man I’m married to now. So, that worked out well for me. :)
Good morning all. Great topic, Peg.
Very much like you Margaret I have, until very recently enjoyed a life of excellenr health. Now at 56 things are beginning to go wrong. Aging sucks but I figure the best we can hope for is to do it gracefully.
Hey, you :). How did that appointment go?
I’ve been wondering about you too. (Been saying prayers, truly.)
You go gracefully. Me, I’ll take as pain free as possible, thank you.
Good morning. Nothing to report yet. Should know more in the next couple of days. (2 more specialists Monday morning)
That’s kinda the attitude I’ve got. Like Beerfart Liberal, I’m not comfortable thinking about the end yet but it’s not something I can do anything about. We can’t stop aging yet but there are many things we can do to allow us to do it as gracefully as possible. My parents became too sedentary and died relatively young. I wanna try to do something to avoid that.
Are you ill oldnslow? I miss everything these days!
Pain free is my favorite.
(I help my vicodin with beer or scotch)
I hear more and more stories of people I know who are finding partners in their 50s and 60s and beyond. Several friends who had been divorced or lost a spouse or partner are now staring new lives with either rediscovered friends from school or online or other chance meetings. Really exciting time in their lives and I’m so happy for them.
Also know people who are starting lives on their own for the very first time, and reveling in the freedom.
Still a lot to look forward to:)
Morning firepups. Thanks Margaret for the topic. Happy belated Birthday to you!
Aging.
Our sun always sets.
A slow walk toward our winter.
In the cold, we shine.
It’s a whole new life, with some of the benefits from my old life. Once my husband retires, we won’t be able to afford to stay here and so, we’ve been looking at property to buy, that we could plop one of those little homes on. Found a lot in Topanga Canyon in an old hippie conclave. Now, wouldn’t that be fun? Kinda like camping all the time. Now, we’re wondering if we should do it now instead of waiting until later. Forward thinking, as you say.
(PS – We met at Match.com, if you can believe it.)
And I adore codeine :).
Damn straight, as long as you don’t over do it.)
Good morning all,
I always said “the second half ain’t no fun so I hope you had fun in the first half.”
Friends getting sick, dying off, losing their jobs can get depressing after a while.
Kris! Was that your composition? It was beautiful.
Ha! Last week I was looking for something in my bedside table drawer and I found a pill that looked suspiciously like a Tylenol with Codein. I walked out of my room with it in my hand and my son asked me what it was. I said I don’t know, but I’m taking it. Later, I discovered the bottle it fell out of. Was a mucus relief pill. Oh well. :)
Couple of things going on. Don’t think it’s anything real bad but ignoring it has been ineffective.
It’s funny, before week before last I had not seen a Dr. in 7 years and have not had a complete physical in 15. A nurse yesterday could not understand why I couldn’t produce current blood work for her to look at. Finally I said “listen to me, I don’t go to the Doctor.” She left the room in a huff.
At least as we grow older there is less to lose in that respect.
I must respectfully disagree. The conservatives want to cut your SS and medicare/medicade to the point of no return. I stand behind all the TarheelDem people there are as they are fighting for your right to exist. Adding some mustard to a can of cat food for a sammitch is not what you’ve worked for fifty years to achieve, yet that is where many people are headed. Give them hell TarheelDem.
Easy for you say, youngster. :)
How’d that visit to corporate headquaters go? Did you get the promotion and nice raise? Hope so.
mcleod @ 22: huge grin & laugh at your comment; great way to start the day.
interesting topic, Margaret. I’m just very, extremely happy that my folks, sister and I have done and enjoyed every thing along the way rather than postponing “until . . .”
My memory bank is full of treasures; and I’m always on the look out to add more: in March, watched first dirt bike race at the track west of park, and last saturday nite, went to bullriding event at the local fairgrounds.
As far as aging goes, I’ve been extremely lucky; and with occasional pains, “been here before and it will pass” keeps me moving and very empathetic with people enduring so much that is, sadly, very imaginable. . .
You think so? I made it up just now. I had to look up ‘Haiku in English’ to confirm the syllable count.
I’m going on Tuesday, so not sure yet. Thank you for remembering, though :)
LMAO! Well you can perhaps afford to engage in sappy metaphors.
;)
I think you are smart to be thinking ahead, financially and emotionally. Why not go ahead? It is an adventure rather than a retreat. And now while you have the income you can make it the home that you will really love when you retire. Go for it.
*spew* !!!
Well hope everything turns out alright. I was out of work for so long that I got used to self treatment/management. I have kept up with my semi annual visits to my doctor though. He was great about knocking some money off my visits so I could continue to be able to afford them.
I don’t think they’re sappy metaphors! The experience that inherently accompanies aging is one of the most valuable assets on the planet.
That’s why I hang around with you old folks. For your wisdom ;)
It would be a downsize, that’s for sure, but, I think I’m ready for it. The thing is, it would be a real tricky financial deal, but if we can pull it off, the monthly output would be between 1/3 and 1/2 of what we’re spending now, so that’s be money to save that we can’t now. And, we could set the whole thing up with solar and wind power.
If nothing else, no one would come and live with us.
They might bring a tent over, though. Ha.
Hi everybody.
Happy Birthday Margaret.
Oh, spud, I’m with you in everything you said. I may not have made the point I intended, which was that today, working in the corporate world, if you go out to demonstrate against them stealing the future safety net out from under us, they can go ahead and and cut a hole in your present one, too.
Yes, TarheelDem knows he has my undying respect.
LMAO! On that note, this old folk has gotta get going. Sorry to post and run but I’ve got to sort something out and likely make some changes. Demi will you take over for me?
73 year old reaches summit of Mt. Everest.
Thanks Ellie and everybody else!
Make sure you get some young whipper-snapper to help you drag that thing in from the garage.
Msmolly is on to something with the bicycling. I enjoy rowing a small boat that is design to be propelled by oars or paddle. They actually move with measured effort. I have a (now dime a dozen) Nordic trac ski simulator which is a great and gentle walking motion for helping to practice your balance and stride. A set of 10 lb dumbbells are used frequently with some range of motion, slow exercises I do. I incorporate some yoga poses and moves related to abdominal strengthening, which I believe have helped me to avoid back trouble.
I haven’t purposely tried for a tan for 15 years or more, but do get a measured tan with swimming seasonally here. Long sleeves, gloves and a wide-brim hat in the garden or on a job site always.
Hi Elliot. Are you good? We’re having fun here.
I know how that goes! :-)
‘Morning, everyone!
Happy Birthday to you, precious Margaret. Coming off of two emergency surgeries and closing in on 61 later this month, I have nothing good to say about middle age at this point in time. ;-)
Have a good weekend Margaret. Thanks again for the post!
It’s a very heavy machine. I think it’ll take both guys to haul it.
As to the outside work, yes. You and I would look like twins standing next to each other.
I have to kneel on a pillow when I’m on my hands and knees these days. Like yesterday. But, it’s the only way to get those weeds up.
To age well an individual needs to make a commitment, in a substantive and persistent manner, to an endeavor that is future oriented.
I think in recognition of this many people take a deep interest in their grandchildren. But, if circumstances do not allow this, there are other meaningful ways to do this. For instance, a good friend of mine has become deeply involved in a small liberal arts college. Another friend has dedicated himself to preserving a prairie marsh for future generations to enjoy.
Giving up on the future is becoming old.
Good to see your fonts again RC! How are you feeling?
Humm…my thoughts on aging. This pretty much says it all, I think.
Off to start what looks to be a very busy day. Have a wonderfull weekend all.
Happy belated Birthday Margaret.
Mais of course. Have a good one. Overtime. Cha-Ching!
Maybe I’ll see you at Caterday tomorrow. Love ya.
We are all, every one of us, so very lucky to have these moments together. Very lucky indeed.
If my family genes are an indicator, my middle age is in the dust bins of history, so your planning what at age 120? ;)
I’m doing tai chi lessons twice a week, and can already tell that my balance and core strength have improved. Looking forward to the time when I can do the forms by myself. I plan to start every morning with them.
Bye Margaret! Thank you, and Happy Birt’day!
sorry, you’re EDIT
That is truth. Wish Ruth was around this morning. Is she doing an art post today, do you know?
Blessings Abound.
I’ve always been a half cup full instead of a half cup empty person.
And, as with most things in life, aging with a good attitude is everything.
Didn’t you get some knee pads for doing your floor? Weeding is so very much a meditative experience. (cough)
Thanks, buddy. I’m coming along, always been a decent healer. Not much pain now, just incredible weakness and lack of energy. I blame the age lol.
“Giving up on the future is becoming old.”
That sums it up, beautifully.
Phoenix Woman has her regularly scheduled Come Saturday Morning post up.
Yeah, but it’s already getting hot here, and they are kind of uncomfortable. The chair pad seems to work.
Weeding may not be meditative, but it is carthartic. You..out..you..out…
Don’t want to leave you guys, but I must :(
Thanks for an enjoyable and thoughtful morning, everyone.
Ohmmmm
Hey spud, we had a totally unnecessary and misdirected hot moment a few weeks ago. I regret it, and sincerely offer my virtual hand in peace.
Both my parents died at 68, so I try to live in the present moment as much as possible. ;-)
You can check out Ruth’s Gourd Art here.
Close behind ya, 60 in September. :)
Now truly *poof*
Ruth is currently walking around some farmers market in DC. Then she is going to some dragon boat races? with her son. Tomorrow she will be here with me and at that point, life begins anew.
Take good care of yourself, Om.
I feel bad all you people are aging. Just do like I do… forget about the birthdays and you never age:)
Watching you too makes my heart swell.
You two. Edit makes me lazy.
The prolific young lambs’s quarters get rinsed, spun dried and added to the salad. Doubly satisfying.
I made a guacamole yesterday and finished off my cilantro. Cut the little flowers off the top and arranged them around the big seed I placed in the middle of the bowl. Looked real purty.
No problem guy.
I know im old an in the way. Guess that’s why i should stand in the front lines of the protests. There is enough left to slow a bullet. And i feel soon it will come to that. I have though been fortunate in my health to this point….Dawg knows why, i was put away wet too many times.
Don’t watch. Heart swelling is not healthy. Hehehehe.
About twenty people in a really big canoe, sometimes paddling in unison.
That is so cool.
I just checked back in and saw your comment about Ruth, and it really touched my heart. So happy that you will have that time.
Welcome to the new faces who have showed up this morning.
Thanks Margaret, demi and pups,
I am off to check out a potential client and then over to the recycling place. I also need to set up a couple of drip lines in the raspberries for want of a good soaking rain which we have not had for almost two weeks.
Be well, Peace and resolve.
*waving!*
I’m good, thank you. I think you guys always have fun in the morning *g*
So I see, thanks for the link. The paddling in unison part seems to be optional. heh. I predict boat number two, though in the lead will be the first one under.
Have a great one, li’l bro. :)
Gosh, this was a very early start for a good topic this morning Margaret, and then already handed off to demi!
I feel like I look my age. . .which I am not happy about. I also feel healthy and in good shape because of my “active lifestyle.” But I am telling everyone that I am going to retire from working on swamp coolers when I turn 60 next year. I am getting tired of crouching on rooftops, climbing up and down the ladders and having the grease under my fingernails for a month every year.
I am working on an art project right now with wood, old wood I found in a dumpster a week or two ago. I had to get out my little table saw, and I love that thing, not a heavy duty one that has to stay in the shop but one I can put in the back of my car and haul around. I like it that I am handy with my tools. And the project is going great so far, and believe me, I am happy to have all my fingers still. I try to be very mindful of using the power tools, especially saws.
But I also have my 3rd appt in about 2 weeks next week, breast issue. Have to have a needle biopsy, which I understand is not too bad, and I don’t think it is anything to be losing sleep over, so I am not. But ya never know. My family gets colon cancer, in their 80s. So I think about that, but I don’t worry over it much.
I know I am aging, and I really do not like it. But what can I do? Eat right, stay active, try to keep a good sense of humor, and don’t complain. Several said it ahead of me, no one wants to listen.
Pretty much!
Hey, bg.
Sorry to hear about the breast issue. Just make sure that put enough dry ice on the tissue when it goes to the lab. In college, I worked in a medical lab in the frozen section and it broke my heart when I got a thawed sample because they would have to go through the procedure all over again.
Great to see you so early in the day.
As Elliot said, we have fun in the mornings.
Good, and thank you. I love to fight my natural enemies, but I hate to fight with my natural allies. I am quite sure you fall into the latter category. ;-)
Shite, that would be bad. The docs who run this clinic purport to be the best, and I sure hope that means no thawed sample! I def do not want to go through it again, I don’t care how innocuous the procedure is. But I will discuss the handling of it so they know I am paying attention to that! Thanks for the head’s up, demi.
It’s kind of funny that this is my right breast, and I also have a “baker’s cyst” behind my right knee. I have a couple of things going on on my right side, something a massage therapist noticed recently. I am left-handed. . .strange stuff.
You are welcome. It’s just one of the benefits of being part of this smart community. We all can’t know everything, so it’s good to be able to share information.
Yep, virtual friends are pretty dang close to the real thing, doncha think?
One of my jail-mates got arrested in Chicago yesterday, said he is out now and not charged with anything. A kid, 19. He’s pumped every day for the fight.
Did you read that tarheeldem got busted too?
Yellowsnapdragon did a diary about it yesterday.
Speaking of being sedintary, I must move my butt off this chair and get some work done around here.
It’s been a swell morning at the Lake, and on behalf of Peggy, I thank you all for joining in.
Safe travels to Molly and Ruth and any other pups who are on the road.
Helllooooo, EPUland.
I’ll be 69 in November and I still look like my profile picture, which is 5-6 years old. Actually lost a few pounds by cutting out sodas (biiiiggg Dr Pepper drinker).
Aging has it’s downsides but overall I figger if I wake up alive in the mornin’ everything on top of that is gravy.
Sorry I’m late to this great Sat. topic. And a Happy Birthday to Margaret!
Speaking of growing old, I was looking in the mirror the other morning and saw my Dad staring back at me. Scared the living bejeebus out of me.
Love the comments being shared today – makes me realize I’m not the only experiencing the onset of old age.
Good morning, all. I have to agree w/SD. When I get up any morning, it is a beautiful day. The weather is only a concern in how it will affect anything, for examples: driving or taking a walk.
One rainy, chilly morning I was at work when a young fellow said that he hated the weather that day. I said to him to think of it this way: he was young, nice looking (girls liked him), had a great job, his boss liked him, and was in great health; what more would a change in the weather give him? After he thought about it he told me I was right and went on feeling better. Age helped me with that perspective.
One answer I have for young people who make fun of older people is that if the young person speaking is fortunate, s/he will get to that age.
Hellooooo, Mr. Dragon.
Did you see nonquixote’s photo of Dragon Canoeing?
Thought of you.
That’s a wonderful story, Bear.
Lifting people up, that’s the way to go.
As the song goes…Accentuate the postive….
Or, sometimes I say Feed the good tree, starve the bad tree.
In for a break here demi and thought I would mention that the sport of dragon boat racing has taken off in parts of the country. Community groups get together to build a few of the boats, train together and race. I am not sure but I imagine age category specific (senior division) class races could be arranged. Maybe a special category for liberal, old hippie, Marxist, protester, home gardeners could be created. Maybe a canoe long enough for a tower of power, horn section and backup singers instead of just the drummer in the bow. OK, I knew there was a reason I came in from the heat.
I know that I am EPUland now, but I’ll add one more item. Some years ago, when I was still running in foot races, I usually would not embarass myself (sometimes I just wasn’t up to the challenge) and in local races I could win a medal in the *&^ to %^& age group. After one race was over I happened to be walking to my car at the same time as one of the top three males in the race. I complimented him on how well he did. He thanked me and said, “I hope that I am still running when I get to be your age.” I thanked him and suggested that he could be if he worked at it.
Good morning pups. I’m late to the party, but this is such a great topic I can’t resist. I turned 71 a week ago, and I don’t feel old. My mother is 97 and she doesn’t feel old, though she now uses a walker. I think one of the main things about aging is not to pretend you are young. I dance every day at the gym, but I am not pretending to do anything except improve my balance and coordination and maintain my aerobic capacity. I am still writing in the academic field in which I made my career, but am gradually pulling back from annual meetings and conferences to which I wasn’t specifically invited. It doesn’t seem worth the effort any more to try to impose my ideas by force of personality. At this point I am simply trying to put down in print what I think is right and hope for the best. It’s a good life. Time to re-read Proust in the original, possibly make it through Spenser’s Fairy Queen, and get my German back up to speed.
It’s nice to be doing these things for the fun of it rather than for a living..
Knut, if you’re still around, tell us what academic field you were working in.
Find some shade out there! Ha.
You’re doing such fine work out there, trying to recall Walker. And, you don’t look like Mr. Kock at all. Someone needs new glasses.
Thank you all for attending and thank you demi for taking over.
Helloooo pups from West Palm Beach! Sorry to miss such a fun PUAC and great topic!
Late to the party but can’t resist. I was looking up some health issue on the ‘net the other day. It something to the effect of “if you’re in your 40s or younger, don’t worry, but if you’re older, esp over 60, then commence to worrying…”
And I thought: oh, I’m fine since I’m still in my 40s…. And then I had to admit to myself that I fall into the second category! Whooops!
Very fortunate to enjoy excellent health; keep the weight down; exercise a LOT; think I do look a lot younger than I am.
Keep an optimistic attitude (tougher some days) and dress a tad younger than your age are some suggestions.
ROFLMAO
Msmolly!!! Woohoo!!!
I surely hope you’re having good weather in that beautiful spot….Enjoy.
I’m also late to the party and didn’t read all the comments. I do wonder what Margaret and everyone is defining as ‘middle age’ and ‘old’(or ‘senior’).
Having had a lifetime of debauchery and self-indulgence finally catch up with me bigtime, I can say that aging has both good and not so good aspects to it.
Like everything else in the universe, the entity one is is subject to entropy and there’s no escape from it.
What I do know is that we are ALL pretty fortunate in living in this ‘time’ given previous life expectancies before the 20th century.
So if you can, party like it’s 1999 and know that no one lives forever.
In for the evening, SD and with acknowledgement that my insightful teen would be advising you not to ever encourage him, I thought the additional attraction in the bow of the canoe might get the team all facing in the same direction, at least for the start of the race. Thank you sir.
Margaret I have found that 2 years ago losing 50 maybe more pounds working on a farm because of the bad economy has resulted in 2 years later keeping the weight off.
Sure I can afford to lose another 15 pounds sure 2 years later I sleep every night on the floor to help my back.
But aside from the nearly all white hair I look better than some guys 20 years younger than me and I know most folks 20 years younger than me would not last a week on a farm.
My body is good my mind well FDL keeps me sharp but my near total recall of facts I find interesting is fading a bit:(
A cute girl’s number I always had to write down the gist about warring states China that has faded a bit.
That worries me more than my not being able to drink beer all night then drink coffee all the next day and read.
I need at least 3 days to go from beer to coffee now.
Happy B-day get Mason or Spiderpaws to do your chart:)
Happy Birthday, Margaret!